In the heart of Notting Hill, a compact apartment has been transformed into a haven of warmth and discovery, thanks to the creative vision of interior designer Claire Sá and her husband Max de Rosée, founders of De Rosee Sa. This space, designed for a European fashion creative, is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the art of collecting. The brief was to create a layered interior that combined comfort with the sense of occasion of a boutique hotel, while also catering to the owner's love of collecting and the area's unique energy.
One of the key challenges was the apartment's dated condition, having been through various transformations over the years. Originally built as two separate houses in the 19th century, it became a hotel, suffered fire damage, and was eventually redeveloped as flats in the 1970s. With no notable features to preserve, the design team had the opportunity to introduce a unique character and a sense of discovery that reflects the owner's passion for collecting.
The design philosophy revolves around spatial flow and the art of layering. By adjusting ceiling heights, improving sightlines, and introducing clever bespoke joinery, the studio has reinvented the way rooms relate to one another. The journey begins in the entrance hall, which has been expanded to form a clear threshold, with a large wall mirror and a slender console to instil a sense of arrival. The previously disconnected kitchen and living room were united via a glazed timber screen, drawing light further into the apartment and creating a sense of openness.
The living room showcases a range of space-saving feats, such as recessed bookshelves that double as display units for artworks. Brass rails at the top of the bookshelves allow for additional storage, while sliding pocket doors keep floors clear for easy movement. The use of mirrors, such as mirrored splashbacks in the kitchen and bedrooms, creates lengthened perspectives and adds a sense of depth.
The main bedroom is a tranquil oasis, with soft curves accentuating the mood. Curved joinery hides the entrance to the en suite bathroom, creating a seamless and composed space. The use of patterned textiles, such as a bespoke headboard in Yarn Collective's Odessa linen and a bolster cushion in Braquenié fabric, adds gentle contrast and a sense of warmth.
The guest bedroom doubles as a home office, with an antique desk positioned to take advantage of natural light. Bespoke cabinets with curved edges create a sense of space and efficiency. The use of textiles, such as a bolster cushion in a bolder pattern from Braquenié, adds a touch of personality.
Colour plays a subtle yet significant role in the design. The palette shifts from cosy browns and powdery blues to the soft greenish yellow of the kitchen cabinets, painted in Paint & Paper Library's Paper V. Rooms are given different moods according to their intended use, with a focus on balancing colour, texture, and pattern.
What makes this design particularly fascinating is the way it combines comfort with a sense of occasion. The use of bespoke joinery, mirrors, and textiles creates a layered interior that unfolds gradually, making the space feel larger and more inviting. The attention to detail, from the recessed bookshelves to the curved joinery, showcases the studio's expertise in creating a sense of connection with the outdoors, even in a compact urban setting.
In my opinion, this design raises a deeper question about the relationship between space and experience. How can we create environments that feel both comfortable and exciting, that invite us to explore and discover? The answer lies in the art of layering and the thoughtful use of space, as demonstrated by Claire Sá and Max de Rosée in this captivating Notting Hill apartment.
