The brief for this Chelsea townhouse was to design a neutral and timeless interior scheme in soft shades of grey and blue. The palette was chosen not only for its calming and sophisticated appeal, but also for its versatility – allowing the space to evolve as the family’s needs and personal style developed. The property is a family home for a young couple with two small children, so it was essential that the interiors felt welcoming, functional, and family-friendly while still maintaining a strong sense of style.
One of the client’s key goals was to create a serene backdrop that would allow their growing art collection to take centre stage. This meant carefully balancing clean lines and subtle finishes with thoughtful touches of character, texture, and light. The result is an interior that feels personal yet restrained, elegant yet practical – a home that supports busy family life without compromising on aesthetic appeal. A strong emphasis was placed on longevity: rather than following passing trends, the design needed to feel enduring and adaptable, ensuring the family could continue to enjoy and grow into the space over time.
DESIGN
The design phase of the project was a full-scale collaboration with architects Pike and Partners, resulting in the complete refurbishment of this elegant three-storey townhouse in the heart of Chelsea. Every element of the home was reimagined – from the internal layout to the finer details of materials and finishes. All existing bathrooms, kitchens, and joinery were stripped out and replaced with a cohesive, thoughtfully considered design that reflects both form and function.
A key consideration throughout was creating a space that was not only beautiful but also child friendly. This was achieved with rounded forms, soft edges, and wipe-clean finishes. For example, the dining table was designed with an oval ceramic top – stain-resistant, durable, and free of sharp corners – paired with faux leather stools and kitchen chairs for easy maintenance and longevity. These subtle, practical design choices ensured the home could comfortably support daily family life without sacrificing visual impact.
Sustainability was also woven into the project, with an emphasis on natural materials and ethical sourcing. One standout detail is the rug in the master bedroom, which is crafted from recycled fishing nets – proof that sustainable choices can still deliver on comfort and luxury.
CHALLENGES
One of the main challenges of this project was coordinating a wide range of stakeholders – including architects, contractors, trades, and suppliers – while ensuring the original design intent remained consistent from start to finish. Clear communication and close collaboration were essential to keep everyone aligned and working toward the same vision.
As with any residential project, there’s also the deeply personal nature of creating a home. Clients are emotionally invested in the outcome, and understandably so – it’s where they live their lives. That can add pressure, but it’s also what makes the process so rewarding. When everything comes together and we deliver a home that truly reflects the client’s personality and needs, it’s incredibly fulfilling.
THE OUTCOME
The finished home was delivered on time and within budget – an achievement in itself when working with multiple moving parts. Most importantly, the client was thrilled with the result. The house is now a calm, stylish, and practical space tailored to their daily lives. It also has the flexibility to grow and evolve over time, especially as the family’s art collection expands. The interiors were designed with this in mind: a timeless backdrop that can accommodate new pieces and personal touches as they emerge. The project has created a home that not only functions beautifully but continues to inspire and reflect the people who live in it.
Interior Design: K’Arte Design
Architects: Pike & Partners
Photography: Nick Smith
