Katharine Pooley: Unveiling the Ultimate Poker Den

Games rooms, wine cellars, music rooms, home cinemas or ten pin bowling alleys - this spring Katharine Pooley is seeing an increase in requests to create one-of-a-kind luxury spaces that are intimate, unique and individual to our clients personal passions. I think it is fair to say, enjoyment and relaxation at home has become a growing priority for many.

When my Studio was commissioned to redesign the interior of the Château de la Croix des Gardes, a 13,000 sq ft Château, overlooking the Bay of Cannes, we created an incredible, burgundy hued, subterranean games room for an English client with a passion for poker.

The generous space is located below the Château and is accessed through a vast antique bronze bank-vault door sourced specially from Canada. More than just an entrance, it is a talking point and creates an impressive welcome for guests. Passing through feels like stepping into a hidden world, leaving behind the formality of the historic Château, to discover a space entirely unexpected - intimate, inviting and infused with the owner's personal character and passions.

The Games Room is subtly divided into three areas. The first features a poker table and fully equipped bar, the central section is a formal conversation and lounging area, while the last boasts an emerald green snooker table with hand-painted wallpaper depicting a homage to the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'To Catch a Thief' which was filmed on the property.

The feature bar is positioned at one end of the space and was designed to accommodate both exclusive poker games and large lively gatherings. The masculine aesthetic strikes a balance between the warmth of a countryside club and the sophistication of a James Bond-style setting. The scheme plays with contrasts: bronze adds depth and richness while brass brings brightness. Classic and contemporary elements intertwine, giving the space an elusive quality that resists being tied to a single era or location.

At the heart of the bar, diamond-cut glass panels are set in custom joinery and accented with antique brass detailing. Flanking this centrepiece, tall cabinetry with antique mirrored panels create depth, while surrounding leather-inset panels add a tactile richness. Recessed antique brass handles with fluted metal detailing complement the fumed eucalyptus timber found across the room.

An oval-shaped chandelier hangs above and was crafted from solid glass to enhance its brilliance. Rather than more muted hollow glass, solid glass increases the surface area and allows light to refract and sparkle. Polished stainless steel rims frame the piece and add a sleek contrast. My choice of solid glass not only elevates the chandelier’s luminosity but also provides a richer, more luxurious presence. I commissioned each piece in the Czech Republic, using the best glassmakers in Europe and ensuring artisanal precision.

Luxurious umber-hued leather upholstery enriches the seating, while the deep navy pivot bar stools echo the undulating shapes and contrast piping of the poker table chairs. The rich leather wall panels pair beautifully with a striking marble surface and a grand quadrate chandelier, reinforcing the space’s opulence. Alabaster-domed lamps provide a final touch of warmth and refinement.

This design echoes the stepped chandeliers found in the rest of the room and ties the spaces together with a cohesive, atmospheric glow. Elsewhere, bespoke marquetry details heighten the drama, with starburst-patterned tabletops in blonde veneer framed by rich bronze accents. Deeply buttoned, ink-blue leather chesterfield sofas, velvet backed mid-century sculptural armchairs and soft Hermes throws create the ideal lounging space.

Finally, we enormously enjoyed designing the most unexpected space, reached through a discrete door beside the bar: a private ten pin bowling alley featuring custom lighting, accessories and audio system. We created an adjacent seating area perfect for lacing up bowling shoes. I can just imagine the memories that will be made in this space and the laughter shared with friends and family.

While game rooms are enjoying a renaissance, they reflect an age-old desire for play and togetherness. Many of the special, entertaining spaces my clients are requesting reflect their wish to have fun and be able to completely relax in the privacy and security of their own homes. There is a timelessness to our love of fun, and it is just as enjoyable to plan, construct and design these rooms for our clients. My talented team of architects and designers also created a separate but complimentary home cinema and powder room which are accessed through the main Games Room.

This spring my studio will complete the redesign of a striking and contemporary Parisian home as well as visiting our ongoing projects across the South of France. We are looking forward to forging new connections across the world in 2025, and it is set to be an especially exciting year for the design studio as we grow our team of architects and designers, and further strengthen our yacht, hospitality and art consultancy divisions. Please feel free to reach out to our team regarding any projects in France and beyond. Our team is on the ground and available for site meetings in the coming weeks.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a rustic and coastal holiday cottage design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, LWE Interiors.

LWE Interiors were asked to redesign an old cottage that had stood neglected for several years at the end of a street in Llandudno wales. The client wanted to use this old cottage as a holiday home for weekends away for family and friends. The budget was very strict and included a full refurbishment of the ground floor and bedrooms. They used salvage wood to create rustic elements as well as uncovering an original old wall which they transformed into a design feature, bringing in a holiday vibe and fresh new look.

What was the client's brief?

The clients brief on this project was to give the home a modern rustic feel adding subtle coastal accents as the property is walking distance to the beach, the old cottage was bought at auction with the intention to transform into a holiday home for family and friends.

What inspired the design of the project?

The cottage was very dilapidated and required everything internally taking out / rebuilding, the budget for the interiors was strict due to the building works the cottage needed, whilst the contractors stripped the building back to the bare bones we discovered an original wall over meter thick made in the traditional method of stone, rubble and mortar. I decided to keep this feature and build on the rustic elements as there were no original features in the cottage even before the strip out took place, then adding modern fittings against rustic elements, to give a modern feel but still incorporating the traditional building feature we found.

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

The budget was the toughest hurdle, the construction team also had issues at times with the building itself which chewed into the budget, threatening to reduce the interior budget further. Fortunately I found a great kitchen company who made the kitchen and installed the units and a local quartz / stone constitute supplier who installed the worktops at a great price. We were also resourceful with the interior design, we couldn’t move the meters or the boiler as it would have cost too much and they were so unsightly in the lounge area, so I designed a cupboard to house them with a log effect design which blends in with the rustic feel, blending away the unsightly meters from the lounge area.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project aside from discovering the original feature wall, was when the client asked to add an en-suite to the master bedroom, to close off an area of the bedroom would make the bedroom feel claustrophobic so I suggested we keep the en-suite open as a feature to the bedroom, which the client loved the idea so we added an open en-suite, a little cheeky but a great talking point, the toilet we found a small cubbyhole area which was perfect to hide the toilet in, then used a sliding barn door-for privacy.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I entered the SBID Awards as this is a prestigious international awards for interior designers, architects and suppliers in the property industry. It’s an award that gives credit as a notable designer to the finalists and winners.

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

We have added our finalist badge with pride to our website and we launched social media posts on all platforms celebrating and advertising our achievement which in turn created a lot of recognition and interest. It gives myself and my company credit and acknowledgment as an award winning and award finalist interior design practice with a leading international award which has brought us more attention when clients are looking for an interior designer for their project.

Questions answered by Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, Founder of LWE Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a harmonious blend of old and new in this residential house design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Barclay Interiors.

Barclay Interiors were commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture, soft furnishings, and accessories for this quintessential English retreat nestled amidst the serene countryside. This exquisite property embodies the charm and elegance of traditional British architecture while offering modern comforts and luxurious amenities. The Berkshire estate seamlessly marries traditional charm with modern sophistication, providing a timeless retreat for those seeking the epitome of British countryside living. Whether relaxing by the fireplace, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a meal in the gourmet kitchen, every moment spent here is imbued with luxury and tranquility.

What was the client's brief?

The project involved the renovation of a listed Berkshire estate with Elizabethan heritage, balancing historic preservation with modernisation. The renovation was completed in two phases: Phase 1 covered two cottages, multiple barns, a billiards room, gym, golf simulator, and outdoor areas; Phase 2 focused on the main house, wine cellar, vintage car storage, a bar and lounge, and a pool house with a Bulthaup kitchen. The client wanted to retain historical charm while incorporating modern conveniences, enhance lighting in darker areas, and create a space suited for both family living and entertaining.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was influenced by the estate’s historic character, with a focus on preserving original features while introducing modern elements. Hand-plastered walls, restored beams, and contemporary furnishings created a harmonious blend of old and new. Crittall windows and doors maximised natural light, opening the home to the surrounding gardens and pool. The integration of the client’s modern art collection further balanced tradition with contemporary sophistication.

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

The biggest challenge was preserving the estate’s historical integrity while modernising functionality. Retaining original wooden beams and architectural details required careful planning. Enhancing lighting and technology without compromising the period character was a priority, tackled through collaborations with heritage consultants and John Cullen Lighting. The project also required coordinating multiple specialists, ensuring a seamless renovation across the estate’s extensive spaces.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the transformation of seven barns into beautifully designed, functional spaces, which significantly enhanced the estate’s versatility. Beyond the individual spaces, the project’s greatest success was the harmonious integration of historical character with contemporary luxury, ensuring that each element of the estate felt authentic, functional, and perfectly suited to the client’s lifestyle.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The team at Barclay Interiors saw the awards as an opportunity to highlight their expertise in working with listed properties, demonstrating their ability to respect architectural heritage while delivering interiors that are both stylish and highly functional.

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

Being an SBID Award Finalist has reinforced Barclay Interiors’ position in high-end interior design, validating the studio’s expertise in working with listed properties.

Questions answered by Sarah Barclay, Founder of Barclay Interiors.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

There are so many aspects of interior design that I find rewarding, but mainly it's the variety - curating bespoke spaces, rather than copy and pasting a strict studio style. I love sourcing exceptional pieces, whether it’s unique antiques from dealers that I’ve met in London or custom-made furniture designed specifically for a client’s home. Every project is an opportunity to create something special, and I find immense satisfaction in working closely with trusted artisans, craftsmen, and suppliers who share my passion for quality and attention to detail. On that point - I also love the collaborative nature of this industry—each project involves working closely with tradespeople and the clients themselves.

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

Over the past year, we have worked on some incredible projects, but one that stands out was the completion of a beautifully restored listed townhouse in Barnes. The project was particularly special as it required a delicate balance between preserving the building’s historic charm and introducing modern luxuries. We carefully reinstated period details such as a mosaic tiled floor, sourced exquisite antique pieces and layered in contemporary design elements.

Another highlight has been expanding our work in the Cotswolds, where we have had the opportunity to design a number of countryside retreats. There’s something very rewarding about creating a sanctuary away from city life—spaces that embrace nature and craftsmanship. Each home has its own unique stye, which is important to me.

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

We have recently been asked to design more commercial projects over the last year or so, this is an exciting challenge for the studio and winning a Restaurant and Bar Design Award shows that we’re on the right track!

I also enjoy designing residential projects that allow for a high level of personalisation. Luxury is not just about grandeur—it’s about comfort, warmth, and creating an environment that feels truly personal.

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

One of the biggest challenges in interior design is managing expectations while ensuring that every detail is executed to the highest standard. This means working with meticulous attention to detail, coordinating with multiple suppliers, and ensuring that craftsmanship and finishes are impeccable, whilst a timeline is adhered to.

Timelines and logistics can be complex, particularly when working on international projects or listed buildings with strict regulations. We handle a lot in house, such as planning permissions, so are able to control these timelines to an extent. However, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the process so rewarding.

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

I am always learning! Although, I wish I had known just how much of interior design is about project management. Creativity and strong vision are important of course and sit at the heart of what we do, but delivering a high-end project requires exceptional organisation. From working with builders and suppliers to managing budgets and timelines, a successful designer needs to be a great project manager too.

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

Develop your eye and your taste, then trust in them. Interior design is about refining your sense of style. I’m inspired by my travels, trade shows, galleries and even books. Immerse yourself in design!

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

The industry is shifting towards a more conscious, considered approach to luxury. Sustainability and biophilic design, which integrates nature into interiors through materials, lighting, and greenery, will continue to gain momentum, as people seek homes that promote wellness and tranquillity.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a combination of modernsim and organic shapes in this show flat design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Angel O'Donnell.

Angel O’Donnell’s design story is rooted in Centre Point’s brutalist precision, strong geometry and arresting silhouettes. The team designed upholstered bedroom walls with zigzag patterns and honeycomb-shaped pillars to echo the building’s iconic façade. Curated totemic sculptures of carved wood, built a room divider comprising polygonal panes of coloured glass, and sourced vintage pieces that date back to the time of Centre Point’s construction. They painted a ceiling mural that captures the fiery hues of the sunrises and sunsets that can be seen from the east and west facing windows, and assembled a gorgeous mix of materials, from honed marble to oxidised steel.

What was the client's brief?

Our client wanted a last hurrah! A newsworthy interior that would celebrate Centre Point’s brutalist architecture, jaw-dropping views, and decade-long story of regeneration since building works began.

This would be the last in a long line of show residences, so it was essential we created a different look from previous designs – particularly the scrupulously pared back, mid-century-modern interiors by Conran + Partners, and the glossy-luxe interiors by Morpheus & Co.

By creating a whole new look and feel, we could demonstrate the versatility of these spacious and smartly planned residences.

What inspired the design of the project?

Centre Point’s brutalist architecture provided us with a bottomless well of inspiration. Everything from the building’s rippling rhythms of precast concrete to the beautiful light that pours in through the east- and west-facing windows informed our designs.

We took the spirit of modernism – its optimism and freedom of expression – and made it our own, mixing rectilinear forms with organic shapes, bright rich colours with soft pale neutrals, smooth surfaces with strong textures, and subtle patterns with bold motifs. This ebb and flow of binary styles creates a lovely rhythm as you journey from room to room, from morning till night.

We instinctively wanted colour-soaked interiors that contradict the cool white-grey exterior of the building. Each colour was carefully selected to elicit a different emotional response. The embracing warmth of terracotta in the principal bedroom. The respective palettes of soothing pink and positive green in the guest bedrooms. And the healing energy of copper in the dining area. These colours are designed to calm and balance, energise and uplift, and in turn enhance the experience of living up high with all of London laid out before you.

As for materials, we incorporated as many as we could to honour the concrete, steel, glass, limestone and wood present in the building. We chose walnut, rattan, marble, leather, bronze, ceramic, resin, oxidised steel, bamboo silk, velvet – a panoply of noble and other quality materials that look, feel and smell reassuringly luxurious. Their veins, grains, colours, textures and aromatic properties add to the rich sensory experience throughout.

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

It was finding a smart and subtle way to zone the 33ft-long living area without carving it up and making it feel small. In our minds, zoning was critical to reimagining the space and opening prospective buyers’ eyes to all the things you could do with it. So, we opted for low-slung furniture to keep the focus on the views over Mayfair and Hyde Park. Then we used a giant L-shape sofa to create an island of tranquillity with easy-to-reach coffee tables and spot tables, deep-seated lounge chairs, and a silky-soft rug. By resisting a traditional layout of two sofas facing each other, we enhanced the flow between the living, dining and study areas.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The room divider was immensely satisfying to design and build. We love to work with craftspeople whose workshops we visit to stress-test materials and prototype constructions – and this piece certainly put us through our paces.

We experimented with different frames – both free-standing and fixed – as well as a variety of shapes ranging from the regimentally geometric to the varied and polygonal. We also tested various burner boxes and fuel reservoirs for the bioethanol fireplace.

Working through multiple iterations is the only way to guarantee an excellent product, in this case, a new focal feature that will remain functional and fabulous for years to come.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Angel O’Donnell won its very first gong at the SBID Awards in 2019 – and we’ve loved them ever since. The SBID is such a supportive organisation, the team is terrific to work with, always attentive, and the awards themselves are a joyful celebration of design and craftsmanship. For these reasons, we enjoy entering the awards and being a part of the SBID family.

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

It’s a lovely thing to share with our clients. They’ve put all this trust in us to deliver a showstopping scheme – one that will help the developer to sell units – and when you can top this with an industry-recognised nod, it’s something everyone can feel proud of.

Questions answered by Ed O’Donnell, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Angel O’Donnell.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an airy and monochromatic apartment design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Dots & Points.

Architectural and interior design studio Dots & Points developed a turnkey project "Creme Brulee" from concept to completion. It is a two-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room combined with an open kitchen. The idea was to develop a harmonic space - an emotional shelter from a dynamic urban life. It is filled with light and warmth of sun. This atmosphere is achieved by painting the whole apartment into the creme brulee colour. The homogeneous colour integrates the apartment making the journey smooth and relaxed. Mirrors and polished surfaces reflect light, smooth-shaped furniture invite to endulge as a real "dolce vita".

What was the client's brief?

We were tasked with creating a turnkey project, from concept to completion, for a family with one child. This was our second project with the same family; we previously worked together in 2018 when they didn’t have a child. The new apartment is located in a modern building in the heart of Moscow, purchased as a blank concrete shell, so we began by developing the floor plans. The client requested a two-bedroom apartment with a spacious living room combined with an open-plan kitchen. They desired a relaxed, modern design with a light color palette. The space was intended to serve as a cosy retreat from the fast-paced city life and demanding office work.

We created a floor plan that not only maximises every inch of space and fulfills the client's brief but also offers ergonomic comfort and aesthetic satisfaction. The design includes a master bedroom with an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe, a children's room, a living area with a kitchen and dining space, a guest bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe in the entry hall, with the wardrobe concealed by coloured mirror panels. Additionally, the client requested a small office space, which was incorporated into the master bedroom near the window.

What inspired the design of the project?

Being located in Moscow the apartment enjoys rare natural light, and we aimed to capture and enhance this by using warm, creamy "creme brulee" tones for the walls throughout. We named the concept La Dolce Vita, inspired by the idea that life in this apartment would evoke indulgence, relaxation, harmony, and love. Sometimes our dynamic urban life absorbs us completely. And it is important to pause for a while, to look around and to find comfort and love in small things and moments. To live here and now and enjoy the real life around us. The apartment looks like a welcoming harbour which gives you love, relaxation and indulgence. The warm cream brûlée colour of walls embraces you and you get the pleasure and good mood we miss so much in our day-to-day life.

The furniture’s light tones and smooth, rounded shapes invite relaxation. Accents are provided by vibrant artwork, dynamic patterns on the living room rug, and freestanding furniture pieces such as the entry console, bedroom armchair, and TV unit. The built-in furniture—like the kitchen and wardrobes—blends with the walls, creating an elevated feel by making the ceilings appear higher and the rooms more spacious. Mirrored and polished surfaces reflect the light beautifully, adding to the open, airy atmosphere. The monochromatic colour scheme remains engaging and playful rather than monotonous.

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

One of the most challenging aspects was the installation of the coloured mirrors along the entire corridor wall, which not only visually expanded the space but also concealed the entry to the walk-in wardrobe. The mirrors, in yellow, pink, and grey, brought vibrancy and uniqueness to the hallway, becoming a defining feature. However, the both manufacturing and installation process of 3m height mirrors was complicated, the mirrors spanned from floor to ceiling. Additionally, we introduced very narrow pink strips of mirrors (just 50mm wide) on the wardrobe doors. Finding a supplier capable of executing this vision was a challenge, but the final result exceeded expectations. We're proud that we persisted with this idea despite the difficulties.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most rewarding moment for any designer is seeing the client's satisfaction and knowing that the final result has surpassed their expectations. Witnessing their happiness with the project was incredibly motivating for our entire team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Participating in an international award of this calibre is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work and gain recognition from the expert community. Given that this was an overseas project, entering an international competition was particularly exciting. We believed that the project stood out not only for its creative concept but also for the high level of execution. Additionally, the client’s enthusiasm and support in entering the awards further motivated us to participate.

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

Being selected as an Award Finalist has been incredibly motivating for the entire team. It has inspired us to tackle new projects and challenges with renewed energy and determination.

Questions answered by Irina Kireeva, Owner of Dots and Points Interior Design Studio. The Interior designer: Anna Piskun. The photographer: Evgeny Kulibaba. The Stylist: Kira Prokhorova.

The Katharine Pooley Design Studio is currently working on several large-scale residences in St Tropez, Monaco and Cannes for their network of private clients from around the world. The transformation of the 25,000 sq ft Château de la Croix des Gardes perfectly illustrates Katharine’s personal love of timeless, beautifully detailed, serenely elegant interiors, which wonderfully suits the architecture and landscape of the French Riviera.

The Château de la Croix des Gardes is one of the largest remaining estates on the Cote D'Azur. This legendary Château is unparalleled in the beauty of its architecture, its sublime mediterranean views and the scale of its surrounding gardens. The LA based English client and his young family asked Katharine and her team of experienced designers to spearhead the Châteaus complete redesign over three years, and the captivating splendour of the blue and white hued Ballroom is now the perfect backdrop for formal entertaining with family and friends.

In 1919, Swiss industrialist Paul Girod purchased the property and built a Florentine style villa, surrounded by 25 acres of gardens. These iconic gardens define the estate, and were the inspiration for Katharine’s design for the new Ballroom, which is situated within one wing of the property. The inspiration is most clearly seen in the detailing of the majestic botanical themed bar and hand-painted wall panelling that depicts the garden views on all sides of the property.

Large windows run parallel along the length of the room creating a harmony between the outdoors and in. A feature of each room at the Château are the hand-stitched embroideries and hand-woven fabrics. The leading edges of the Ballroom curtains were embroidered, with delicate bamboo shoots crafted with metallic yarns, silk threads and fine glass beads.

The bespoke chandeliers hanging overhead were uniquely designed by the Katharine Pooley team and inspired by local, traditional craftsmanship. They were painstakingly crafted from artisanal antique glass makers in the French countryside, with metalwork completed in Provence.

An intricately crafted marquetry bar was designed by Katharine and her team to create an eye-catching centrepoint to the entertaining space. Individually crafted marquetry leaves and petals span its five meter length and take inspiration from the shapes of botanical specimens found in the surrounding gardens. The walls of the Ballroom feature exquisite hand-painted moon-gold parchment wall paneling, showing the original Japanese garden and family of peacocks found on the grounds.

The Katharine Pooley Design Studio expertly managed every aspect of the design, procurement and installation of this extraordinary residence, overseeing the transformation of the Château. This included spatial planning, schematic designs and architectural concepts. Katharine ensured every small detail embodied the finest European craftsmanship, with 265 artisans contributing to the remarkable finished result.

This spring, the Katharine Pooley Design Studio will complete the redesign of a striking and contemporary Parisian home and visit our ongoing projects in development in the South of France. Katharine is looking forward to forging new connections across the world. 2025 is set to be an especially exciting year for the design studio as we grow our team of architects and designers, and further strengthen our yacht, hospitality and art consultancy divisions.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious and bespoke apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Rive Gauche London.

Rive Gauche London were commissioned to design and deliver the interior design for a large family apartment at the prestigious address of 1 Grosvenor Square, London. Their work included unique architectural interventions, luxurious specialist finishes and truly bespoke furniture and accessories.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to design and deliver interiors to befit the property’s prestigious location, complement the existing architecture and provide a strong connection to the local context. Rive Gauche were asked to go above and beyond with our design to create a unique residence that combined historical grandeur with modern flair, with the client’s love of art a driving force behind the design.

What inspired the design of the project?

Central to our approach was the desire to create spaces that truly reflected the clients’ taste and personalities. The entire design process, from concept to final touches, involved close collaboration with the client to achieve this. To connect the design with the local landscape, we drew inspiration from Grosvenor Square’s treetops, influencing the colour palette. Fresh use of colour, combined with natural materials like rare marbles and onyx highlighted with gold tones, created a soft yet vibrant ambiance. The dining room, with its subtle homage to Mayfair’s history through panelling and ombre blue lacquer inspired by gallery artwork, became a hidden gem that seamlessly blended the old and new.

The client’s private art collection was also a key point of inspiration. This was strategically incorporated throughout the property. The design team used the existing apartment architecture to help guide and influence the positioning of the artwork, with two large hallways naturally transforming into extraordinary gallery spaces. Thoughtful lighting arrangements were designed to showcase key art pieces.

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

We had a very specialist finish for the dining room panelling where we created an ombre effect within the paintwork. Due to the nature of the effect required, this had to be done by hand, on site, by specialist decorators. It was a painstaking process and involved multiple attempts to get the quality just right. The result however was very impressive and well worth the pain.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The feature, bespoke light fittings where amazing statement pieces within the design. Chandeliers were carefully designed to complement the furniture, soften the space, and serve as focal points. In the dining area, the crystal drop chandelier simulated rainfall by combining large rock crystal chunks with delicately carved small crystals at different levels. This piece was one of our favourites.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We were immensely proud of this project. Especially as it was so well received by our client. It was something we wanted to share with the wider design community and the SBID Awards seemed the perfect platform to do this.

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

From a personal point of view, it has been great for the team to receive such high industry recognition of our work. It has helped cement our growing reputation in this sector and given new clients reassurance in terms of the quality they can come to expect from us.

Questions answered by Nicolas Roux, Founder of Rive Gauche London.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious and modern penthouse design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, SHH.

SHH was invited by Developer Henigman to transform an empty shell space into a modern slick penthouse with interiors that amplify the luxurious nature of the private gated London development where the penthouse apartment is located. The design team drew inspiration from the penthouse’s leafy location, the best of British craftsmanship and London’s culture in creating an ultimate living and entertainment pad. Smart technology which controls everything from light to sound and a combination of carefully selected and unique, bespoke designed pieces of furniture, lighting and artwork contributed to creating stylish interiors tailored to entertaining guests.

What was the client's brief? 

Our brief was to transform an apartment from ‘shell and core’ into a modern slick penthouse with interiors that amplify the luxurious nature of the private gated development where the penthouse apartment is located. Our interior design effort focused on shaping a unique lateral space with balance and a subtle feel of luxury for modern living. A careful selection of unique, bespoke designed pieces of furniture, lighting and artwork helped us create a stylish living and entertainment pad.

What inspired the design of the project?

We drew inspiration from the penthouse’s leafy location, the best of British craftmanship and London’s culture. By introducing artisans such as Anka for bespoke bronze panels with leaf imprints, we created unique moments throughout the property and links between the interior and the beautiful exterior surrounding.

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

It was unknown if the property would be sold or offered to the rental market. We had to be mindful to design beautiful interiors that would appeal to a client purchasing the property but also finishes that would withstand the rental market.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the key aspects of this project is the creation of contrast between the different zones of the apartment. We wanted to introduce the feeling of a private members’ club to the interior of the living space. The living areas of the penthouse are shared between the top floor and the lower ground portion of the building which hosts a multi-purpose entertainment space including a games and dining room, a private screening room, a pool table and bar as well as a dance studio and yoga room.

On the upper level SHH’s interior design effort was focused on shaping a unique lateral space to bring balance and a subtle feel of luxury for modern living. The upper floor benefits from ample light coming through the wrap around glazing and a large outdoor terrace which circles around the entire apartment. The terrace offers an ideal space for entertaining guests with 360° views to the gardens. The Lower Ground space sits in a complete contrast to the upper level and features warm and deep tones around the furniture and walls which are enriched by details of bronze, marble and glass.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

By showcasing our work alongside other talented designers, we contribute to the collective innovation and evolution of the field. And in the end, the most fulfilling aspect is seeing the positive impact our designs have on people's lives, making all the effort put into these awards truly worthwhile.

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

Being a Finalist isn't just about business accolades—it's a commitment to raising the standard of interior design as a whole. The decision to enter professional awards isn't just about recognition, but about pushing the boundaries of our creativity and expertise. These awards serve as a great platform to showcase the culmination of hard work, innovative design solutions, and meticulous attention to detail that goes into every project we work on.

Questions answered by Bethany Prince, Associate Interior Designer at SHH.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bold and magical apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Mane Design.

Bright colours and pied-de-poule prints, interesting architecture and the design of the duplex apartment immediately evoke memories of the heroine of the book by Lewis Carroll. The height of the ceilings in some places reaches 6 metres, the huge windows in the kitchen/living room area let in a lot of light. And of course, a spacious dressing room in the master area with a window in the ceiling, makes you fantasise… The second floor is allocated for a child’s room. It is made in a discreet style, in the spirit of classic English cabinet interiors.

What was the client's brief? 

The apartment belongs to the designer of our studio. Since the designer had seen many different apartments thanks to her work, she chose an apartment with interesting and unusual planning for herself, but the most interesting thing is that it was difficult to understand what the designer would like for herself in terms of design, as we always work with a client and enter mentally into his project, she never thought about what she would like for herself. As a result, it turned out that many details of designs that we previously had done for clients came together and created such a non-standard interior.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by the apartment itself and, of course, complete freedom of action. Here we could unleash our creative potential without restrictions and let ourselves to have fun. It was only necessary to remember about the limited budget. The interior became so unusual and cozy that an association with the book Alice in Wonderland was soon born. We are sure that Alice would live in such a magical and bold interior.

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

The designer wanted not only unique and unusual combinations in the interior, but also unique sanitary ware, wallpaper, door handles etc that were not used in other projects.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Main highlights I have already described above, and of course also it was to find a balance in mixing bright colours, prints, styles.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Our interior design studio has been participating in the SBID Awards for the fourth year and we reach the final every year. It is important for our studio to see the view to our projects from the outside and we are very happy receive high reviews. Last year, our sport club project was awarded the Grand Prix.

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

Of course international recognition expands the possibilities of the studio. We proudly announce our achievements to the World.

Questions answered by Mane Mehrabyan, Founder of Mane Design.