Caroline Legrand

Notting Hill Chic

When an interior lacks dramatic architectural features I try to create excitement and dynamism through edgy furniture and graphic forms.

When she moved from Paris to London a young, high powered, French executive commissioned me to create an intimate identity for her Notting Hill home - a compact apartment on three floors. This resulted in a stylish and sophisticated interior that is both practical and comfortable while effortlessly chic.

My client wanted the apartment to be cozy, elegant and chic but, above all, she wanted to keep it spacious and make good use of the abundance of natural light.

Caroline Legrand Caroline Legrand

The maisonette had been newly renovated but our first task was to replace the newly laid country oak flooring throughout with a stylish herringbone dark wood and adding terrazzo in the kitchen. This immediately gave the whole space more refinement. I removed the existing mantelpiece in the living room and wrapped the chimney breast in a stunning travertine stone which added some architectural texture and colour in what was previously a fairly dull space.

Caroline Legrand Caroline Legrand

These changes created the perfect canvas for the stunning classic and contemporary furnishings I sourced for the apartment including a 1960's Pierre Cardin bar in the living room and a classic 1970's glass table and beautiful metal chairs in the dining area. When it comes to reupholstering classic furniture I aim to keep to the original fabric or hues which are what usually attracts me to the piece in the first place. I accomplished a very important mission when I managed to find the exact matching pistachio green velvet to to re-upholster these stunning chairs.

Caroline Legrand Caroline Legrand

I always feel that an entrance should be inviting and give you a taste of what is still to come - it's like the business card of the interior - and this narrow hallway needed a 'wow factor'. I used smoked glass mirror walls on both sides to add glamour and create a fun trompe-l'oeil effect, adding a row of Birgit Israel gold pendant lights which added elegance without being invasive. A Missoni like print runner ties the whole space together and adds to the graphic effect of the Bisazza tiles.

The master bedroom is particularly glam and sexy with accents of bubblegum pink - a paramount request of my client. I chose to only use that specific pink on the Rougier chair and dresser stool and opted for an unusual fabric, towelling, to add more fun and texture to that tricky color. The silver seagrass Arte wallpaper's luxurious feel and cream furnishing accents gave the backdrop for this very feminine and chic room.

Caroline Legrand
Caroline Legrand Caroline Legrand

As for the guest bedroom, my client wanted a green and tropical feel and we fell in love with the vintage feel of Pierre Frey 'Mauritius' wallpaper and I chose matching vintage looking Pierre Frey fabrics for the headboard and valance. A stunning 1970's vintage dresser from Nicky Haslam's adds the finishing touch.

Caroline Legrand Caroline Legrand

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