London Townhouse

Location

Notting Hill, London

Year

2019

Type

Residential

Client

Private commission

Area

600 sqm

Photo credits

Helenio Barbetta

Notting Hill is one of the most vibrant residential neighborhoods in London. Ladbroke Square, however, is a quiet square with Georgian-style terraced houses overlooking a large private garden, one of the many communal gardens that dot the English capital.

This house, conservative on the outside, hides behind its entrance a white, diaphanous, elegant, and essential shell that catapults us into a contemporary art museum. Spread over four levels, totaling about 600 square meters, the house belongs to a couple of Italian entrepreneurs who are passionate about art and the excellences of Italy.

Opening the door of the Ladbroke Square house feels like stepping into the installations of American artist James Turrell, who explores the perception of light and space.

Alberto Nespoli

“We wanted a neutral and minimal shell to highlight the chromatic elements. On the walls, we used a blush-colored resin that resembles silk wallpaper. The furniture is enhanced with oak trims, while the floor is also resin in sandy hues.”

Against this monochrome backdrop, the vividly colored furnishings, contemporary paintings, blue staircase, and the magnificent chandeliers by Barovier&Toso, the legendary Murano glass company active since 1295, stand out.

The owners, true connoisseurs of Murano chandeliers, commissioned customized pieces for the London house, giving the project a strong Italian character.

The kitchen and dining area overlook the private green space, topped by a glass ceiling that enhances the natural light. The impression is that the boundaries between “inside” and “outside” are more blurred than ever.

The custom-designed dining table features a stunning Roman mosaic, while the walls display still lifes by Flemish painters, providing a surprise effect comparable to the initial impact of this project.

Ascending through the four living levels, the first floor features two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, while the master bedroom, adorned with silk wallpaper, occupies the entire slightly attic-like second floor.

Here too, a majestic purple Murano glass chandelier dominates the scene, contrasting with the white walls that seem to reflect the trees of the garden outside.

The blue staircase ends at the attic floor of the house, where the site-specific blue chandelier by Barovier&Toso serves as the final accent of this color. The floor features large planks of natural oak parquet, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.

The view of the austere facades of Ladbroke Square in central London showcases terraced houses overlooking communal gardens. These homes feature light brick facades with large windows framed in white and entrances adorned with classic details.

The imposing facades contribute to the distinctive and historical charm of the area, characterizing one of London’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods.

Publications

Marie Claire Maisons – April 2024