We discover how Fornacelli Designs transformed a tired apartment in Notting Hill into a light-filled home…

Words Natalie Cencelli

Notting Hill is a very desirable part of London. The buildings dotted around the area are as beautiful as they are diverse. There are some handsome stucco-fronted properties like Arundel Gardens, grand terrace houses on Kensington Park Gardens, and then large villas around Pembridge Square. There are also large Grade II listed properties in Stanley Crescent. It was on Arundel Gardens, a stone’s throw from Portobello Road, where we had the opportunity to revamp this particular property.

Originally a very tired two bedroom apartment on the third floor, we completely reconfigured the property and created additional square footage with the extension of another floor, whilst retaining it as a two bed. It is now a maisonette apartment spread out over two and a half floors with views across London.

The Resident: Arundel Gardens, a stone’s throw from Portobello Road, gave them the opportunity to revampArundel Gardens, a stone’s throw from Portobello Road, gave them the opportunity to revamp

We focused on creating the stunning top floor reception and kitchen area with a good flow and unique features allowing it to be the perfect place for entertaining. The glass three-sided fireplace is one of these key elements that brings the two areas together, whilst allowing them to function independently. The use of different chandeliers in the reception room and kitchen help to highlight these areas too – large skylights let the light flood in and the beautiful crafted French doors on to the terrace make you feel as if you are in a truly special space.

The blue hues and tones, such as with the fabulous sofas, contrast to the rich walnut floor and the textured wallpaper to give the reception room a glamorous, but relaxed feel. The sofas are in a statement colour, but with so many great features in this room, it hasn’t over-powered the other pieces of furniture. If anything they have helped to create a cohesive scheme and tone in beautifully with the polished plastered fireplace and the upholstered dining chairs.

The Resident: The glass three-sided fireplace is one of these key elements that brings the two areas togetherThe glass three-sided fireplace is one of these key elements that brings the two areas together

Lighting is one of Fornacelli Designs’ signature styles. We avoid using only down lights in our properties and prefer adding interest with pendant lights and wall lights. We use a wide variety of suppliers including Tigermoth Lighting, Tom Dixon and Porta Romana. For the two bedrooms, we explored many different plans to come up with the ideal use of the space. We achieved the right balance without compromise, so both bedrooms have en-suites, plenty of wardrobe space and natural light. There was originally a wall where the walk-in wardrobe now is in the master bedroom. On one side was the original reception room and, on the other side, a bedroom.

Artwork creates another interest to the property and stops the walls from appearing bare and bland. We love supporting emerging art talent and the artists benefit as their pieces get wider exposure. In a great many instances people who purchase the property also buy the art.

The Resident: Artwork creates another interest to the property and stops the walls from appearing bare and blandArtwork creates another interest to the property and stops the walls from appearing bare and bland

Arundel Gardens is perfect for someone looking for a bolthole in London. With all the high-end finishes and unique details, it offers people a designer apartment in the heart of one of the most chic districts in London. It offers complete flexibility with an office for people to work from home, as well as, of course, a fantastic reception room for entertaining. The master bedroom with its luxury en-suite and walk-in wardrobe is a place of calm away from the pace of London. This is an apartment for people who truly want London on their doorstep.

Arundel Gardens W11 is currently on the market with Savills Notting Hill at a guide price of £2.595m. For more details, call 020 3430 6604