“As a team, we approached this project as a restoration and we worked to capture the grand majesty of the original features. The apartment was already adorned with rich walnut panelling and intricately floral-carved door frames; I wanted to ensure our designs for this extraordinary space allowed the beautiful bones of the building to breathe and take centre stage.” explains Katharine.
Sculptural chandeliers by Sans Souci in hand-blown crystal, Murano glass, and patinated bronze and bespoke carpets from Rivere were created to reflect the cityscape beyond the terrace. As always the Studio commissioned work by Britain’s finest ateliers and artisans. This was realised by incorporating bespoke sculptures and hand-crafted embroidered textiles alongside tactile materials like alabaster, parchment, British wool, Italian silk, and cotton velvet.
The grandeur of the surroundings is highlighted by a thoughtful selection of antique pieces for the various case goods throughout the residence. Each room has been meticulously layered with treasures from the past and is complimented by bespoke pieces, created to fit the unique dimensions of specific spaces.
Hand-stitched silk wallcoverings by Fromental adorn the entryway walls with delicate beaded feathers. The design echoes the peacock motif that greets visitors from the building’s exterior façade and accompanies motifs of the individuals involved in the founding of the company. Another iteration of the building is realised in the delicate shade used in the Master Bedroom: the cosy and nostalgic teal grey of Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon.
The graceful master bedroom features many original details, including timber panelling and the stunning circular plaster ceiling with its fine cornicing and decorative motifs. The moulded ceiling soars to 17 feet and the timber columns are akin to those found in London’s historic palaces. Cotton-linen drapes hand-stitched in bronze thread adorn the four-poster bed.
To the east of the apartment lies the family kitchen where contemporary fitted units and an island offset the imposing architecture. These features contrast beautifully with the rich lustre of the original timber panelling on the walls.
With the tall ceiling came tall windows, and owing to the listing of the building, the team had to come up with innovative solutions to dress them. They settled on a Roman blind with an embroidered leading edge to pair with the light-and-airy drapes pressure-fixed mid-way. Meanwhile on the upper floor lie three en-suite bedrooms; the sage, pearl, and slate rooms respectively.
The 43ft colonnade terrace is accentuated by the apartment’s vast floor-to-ceiling glazing, with incredible light. There is also a wonderful sculptural addition. Standing alongside the existing representations of male scientists on 9 Millbank a sculpture of pioneering mathematician, Ada Lovelace, pays homage to the building’s scientific legacy. Designed by renowned London sculptors Mary and Etienne Millner, the work compliments the existing stone sculptures of Charles Sergeant Jagger and celebrates the woman’s ground-breaking work on the world’s first mechanical computer in the 1840s.
This unique project is just one of a handful of historical projects that Katharine Pooley London have undertaken. To see more of this Award Winning Interior Design House head to the link below.