Blenheim Crescent II

Sitting among a row of colourful period townhouses, Blenheim Crescent’s historic exterior offers few hints as to what awaits inside. Once an artist’s studio, the apartment has been given an expectation defying transformation by interior designer Saskia Blyth-Collinson.

Vaulted ceilings and low-slung beams. Yellow-toned lime plaster and inky black walls: Blenheim Crescent is a lesson in contrasts. The second-floor reception room wraps around like a horseshoe, carving the palatial footprint into a series of seamlessly interlinked spaces.

A pair of double height windows that reach up into the eaves bathe the floor in natural light. In the kitchen, a monolithic Boffi island feels more like a work of sculpture than a piece of furniture. Its smooth marble surface is matched with dark grained wood that adds a moodier accent to the more rustic finishes found elsewhere.

Dark transitions to light in the dining area, where subtly mottled walls reflect the sunshine. Flowing through into the living room, an open fire provides a striking centrepiece, crowned by a chimney that stretches all the way to the ceiling. The lofty, cathedral-like proportions are tempered by a cosier snug with exposed beams that ground the space.

Materials and furniture have been thoughtfully curated throughout, from the Parquet de Versailles wooden flooring sourced in Belgium to the sumptuous upholstery by R.Kightley & Son. Attention has been paid to the very last detail – down to the matt black Dornbracht taps in the bathrooms.

Both bedrooms come with en suites, ensuring ultimate privacy and relaxation. In the guest room, blush plaster walls, a hessian carpet and access to a balcony set a soothing tone, while integrated storage ensures the space remains clutter free.

The same pared-back palette is adopted in the principal suite. The stone-toned, skylit bathroom with its walk-in shower and trough sink has a spa-like quality. The sleeping quarters are similarly tranquil – note the four-poster bed draped with soft cream linens – while the vaulted ceiling adds to the impressive sense of volume and scale. From here, step out of the double doors onto the balcony to gaze over the rooftops of Notting Hill.