Fashioning a Creative Family Space That Focuses on Art
When collectors choose to move art into the family home, they are often seeking to provide something much more than mere conversation starters for dinner party guests. A client approached us with a vision to create a home atmosphere that would inspire creativity and promote harmony among the family members visiting from Indonesia. Ani M were tasked with marrying the post-industrial gravitas of the host apartment: in this case, The Powerhouse, with some exquisitely vibrant paintings and objects d’art. Impressive proportions and plenty of natural light make this high-rise Chelsea property a natural gallery space. Still, our team proposed a wealth of design ideas that would add both value and individuality.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Appealing to Discerning Renters
The client’s family planned to visit London intermittently, which meant that the apartment could be let out for a substantial part of the year. This would require the design and refurbishment to be flexible enough to attract a broad enough tenant base while still remaining true to the owner’s aesthetic. Other considerations were the challenging logistics involved in moving large high-value items into a high-rise riverside property. Skill, ingenuity and forward planning would be required in equal measure, which is why Ani M, as proven experts in the field, was chosen as a trusted and capable collaborator.
Celebrating Art in a Clutter-Free Environment
The art collection was always going to be a well of inspiration from which we could draw, yet creating a welcoming home would also involve pragmatic decisions. Storage solutions would be pivotal as they needed to be both discreet and elegant. The design team decided not to commit to a set arrangement right away but rather to install bespoke units as the project progressed. A colour palette that heavily leans towards warm neutrality was settled on, as it would not divert attention from the paintings but would still calm the senses.
Bold Images and Soothing Backdrops
More conviviality is provided by the presence of a generously proportioned sofa in the living room. Matched with an asymmetrically curved coffee table, its sage green tones provide a visual framework for an outsized, multicoloured image of a vintage bookshelf. This bold image overlooks an exquisite Italian dining table, and the whole open-plan space benefits from the way the reflective surfaces disperse the colours. The hallway entrance provides another stunning focal point: a wall-sized image of a Golden Langur, one of Nature’s most photogenic animals. A vision of red, black and gold, the photograph is superbly complemented by warm decorative tones and discreet lighting.
Imaginative Use of Light Allows Images to Stand Out
Taking their cue from modern gallery spaces, the design team were determined to make the best use of natural light as possible. In order to do this, special attention was focused on window dressing and mirror placement. Each main window constitutes a work of art in itself with layered curtains and artfully arranged drapery. Strategically positioned mirrors and lighting ensure that the paintings are neither overshadowed nor overexposed. This theme continues on into the bedrooms, where streamlined headboards and unobtrusive light fittings give the spaces an air of understated luxury.
Professional Installation with Maximum Attention to Detail
The installation process was meticulously scheduled and carried out with minimum disruption. This feat was all the more impressive given the artwork’s large size and high value. Even the most professional team of craftspeople can run into difficulties if work is not clearly and concisely planned. Still, the Ani M philosophy of managing all processes under one roof ensured the project was completely frictionless. As the client was based overseas, they were happy for our teams to follow their instincts and intuition. Nevertheless, in keeping with our established work processes, we maintained clear, open lines of communication – always ready to provide solutions and offer advice.
