Atelier NM and Chatelaine Interiors Create a Whimsical Notting Hill Home

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a whimsical and vintage style residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Atelier NM and Chatelaine Interiors.

Tucked away on a storybook street in the heart of Notting Hill, this Victorian mews house was artfully reimagined for a client with a passion for vintage interiors and expressive design. Embodying a fearless "more is more" philosophy, the home unfolds in layers of rich colour, intricate patterns, and evocative textures. Every item was meticulously sourced from Britain’s most discerning dealers. Renowned textile houses infuse the rooms with vibrant energy, while bespoke upholstery and handcrafted furnishings weave a narrative thread. With its dramatic ceilings, luxurious textiles, and whimsical moments throughout, the home strikes a perfect balance of theatre and soul.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted a home that felt deeply personal and layered with character. They loved the eclectic nature of Victorian interiors and encouraged us to blend patterns, textures, and motifs without fear of excess. But they wanted that sense of history balanced with comfort. Each room needed to have its own distinct mood while still belonging to a coherent whole, reflecting their love of art, vintage finds, and tactile finishes.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration came from a blend of Victorian eclecticism and the client’s personality. Antique textiles, period-style wallpaper, and moody paint colours served as anchors, while playful injections—such as decorative objects, statement lamps, tapestry cushions, and whimsical wall art—kept the scheme from feeling too formal.

A major consideration was balancing the client’s desire for maximalist layering with the need for harmony and flow across the spaces.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was creating spaces that felt as though they had evolved organically over time rather than being designed in one sweep. Careful curation—deciding which pieces should take centre stage and which should provide quiet backdrops—was essential.

With bold wallpapers, patterned textiles, and gallery walls in nearly every room, the risk of visual overload was high, so thoughtful editing and placement were crucial.

We scoured antique markets and worked with specialist dealers across the UK to source rare finds that would enrich the scheme. Many 4 a.m. wake-ups were involved in the hunt, but the process of piecing everything together became one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my career.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the house come alive with antiques and vintage finds was the most rewarding part. The gallery walls, in particular, became a collaborative exercise—arranging tiny gilded frames, antique prints, and whimsical mirrors into striking compositions that now feel like the soul of the home.

Another highlight was the atmospheric living room, where a wallpapered ceiling and sculptural busts transformed a conventional sitting area into something truly transportive.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards represent excellence and innovation in interior design globally, and this project felt like the perfect candidate because of its daring mix of old and new. It is undeniably unique, and thinking outside the box is what design is all about.

Entering the awards provided an opportunity to showcase how interiors can embrace nostalgia, intimacy, and theatricality while remaining highly liveable.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Becoming a finalist has been both rewarding and inspiring. It affirms our belief that interiors can tell meaningful stories without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

For the business, it has elevated visibility, opened conversations with clients who share a passion for character-driven spaces, and reinforced Atelier NM’s positioning as a studio that seamlessly blends heritage with modern expression. We have been fortunate to win once before, and we would love to win it again.

Questions answered by Najwa Mroue, Founder of Atelier NM.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Chatelaine Interiors & Atelier NM.

Chatelaine Interiors & Atelier NM were commissioned to create a contemporary residence nestled in the prestigious enclave of Kensington for an international family. Embracing the spirit of sophistication, Atelier NM redeveloped the interior of the property. Their vision was to seamlessly blend modernity with timeless touches, as clean lines and neutral palettes intertwine with gilded accents to evoke a sense of opulence. Luxurious velvets and meticulously crafted furniture grace the interior, exuding bespoke elegance. This home showcases high-end living through its light-filled open spaces and wonderfully crafted soft furnishings by Chatelaine Interiors.

What was the client's brief? 

Chatelaine Interiors & Atelier NM were commissioned to create a contemporary residence nestled in the prestigious enclave of Kensington for an international family.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client’s amazing sense of style! She is sophisticated, adventurous and not afraid to take risks. She also wanted to pay homage to the amazing Victorian property with timeless interiors.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle would be trying to preserve the original features. The building is very tightly managed by a board, passionate about the existing fittings. Therefore, we had to be very careful to try and preserve them or recreate them when needed.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

How all the fabrics came together beautifully. Each room has a its own theme and the soft furnishing tells the story of the them elegantly and subtly.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We decided to enter the SBID awards specifically as our core values align very closely. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our creativity and design work. Within the industry the SBID awards hold a significant amount of recognition and being recognised is such an honour. Additionally, the idea of having experienced judges evaluate our work was a major draw for us. We wanted to tell our design stories in a way that resonate with people, stirring emotions and contributing to the evolution of interior design.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID award finalist is profoundly meaningful for both Chatelaine, Atelier NM and our respective teams. It validates our hard work, creativity, and commitment to exceptional design. It reinforces our vision, pushing us to strive for bespoke excellence. For our businesses, it enhances our credibility, attracts new clients, increases our media attention and motivates us.

Questions answered by Stephanie Douthwaite, Founder of Chatelaine Interiors, and Najwa Mroue, Founder of Atelier NM.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

The elements of my profession that I enjoy the most are the creative process of coming up with original and creative design concepts, and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from concept to completion.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

My most memorable career highlight from the past year was when we completed our biggest ever project to date in one of London’s most prestigious addresses in Belgravia. Seeing the client’s excitement and satisfaction with the final result was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed why I love what I do.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

My favourite types of projects to work on are ones that allows freedom in creativity, where I can push the boundaries and create something truly unique. I also enjoy projects that challenge me to problem-solve and think outside the box. I would love to get involved in a boutique hotel project one day.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

Some of the most challenging aspects of working in interior design include managing client expectations, staying within budget constraints, and navigating the complexities of construction and renovation projects.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

Before working in the field, I wish I knew more about the business side of interior design, including project management, and budgeting. These are all crucial skills that are essential for success in the industry.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

My tip for aspiring designers would be to never stop learning and honing your craft. Take advantage of opportunities for professional development, stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies, and don't be afraid to take risks and think outside the box.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

In the year ahead, I see the interior design industry continuing to evolve with a greater emphasis on sustainability, wellness-focused design, and the integration of AI technology into spaces. There will also likely be a continued shift towards more flexible and adaptable spaces in response to changing lifestyles and work patterns.

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer means a great deal to me personally. It's not just about meeting industry standards. It represents a milestone in my career journey, and a source of motivation, inspiring me to continually strive for excellence and to push the boundaries of creativity in my designs.

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