Hatherley Grove W2

This one-bedroom apartment in Notting Hill showcases innovative spatial design and timeless interiors.

Refurbished by Italian architecture firm Archiplan Studio, the raised ground-floor apartment was designed with meticulous detail and consideration. The result was a contemporary home with high ceilings and heaps of natural light. With the assistance of architect Diego Cisi, who the owner had worked with on a restaurant project in Italy, the design concept was to create something dynamic and modern in function. It was a different picture when the Italian-born owner purchased the apartment. Back then it was, in his words, “old, anonymous and claustrophobic. At first sight it had zero attractiveness; the only appealing features were the high ceilings and huge windows.”

Complementing the home further were the custom-made fixtures and fittings, made mostly from oak. “The furnishings were designed by an artisan based in Italy,” says the owner. “The furniture develops the idea of tailored space, avoiding the general understanding of iconic design brands and giving the apartment a strong character and personality.”

The west-facing reception room included a lounge space and bespoke kitchen with sliding doors which could be concealed when desired or left open plan and in view. A designated dining area took full advantage of the bay window at the front. The peaceful double bedroom to the rear was elevated, so to create a hierarchy between the sleeping and living areas, leading through to the shower room. An entire wall of beautiful and well-designed wardrobes helped maximise the space.