from empty off-plan penthouse to dream home

Building Trust Through Vision

"I need someone I can hand the reins to completely," John explained during our first meeting. As a senior executive with international responsibilities, his diary left little room for the multitude of decisions that accompany a comprehensive design project. His lifestyle demanded a team that could execute with confidence, even when he was on another continent.

This level of trust doesn't come automatically - it's earned. We began by deeply understanding not just John's aesthetic preferences through our in-depth Colour Psychology and Style assessment, but his daily rhythms and personal story. Recently divorced and beginning a new relationship, he was balancing professional demands with a desire to create meaningful spaces for his adult children to visit, while also carving out areas that honoured his personal passions and told his story. John was keen to embrace colour in his new home, and with our guidance, he embraced much bolder palettes than he would have initially considered.

Designing for a Life in Motion

The blueprint we developed wasn't just about luxury finishes or statement pieces. It was a thoughtful response to a life in transition. The fluid open plan space was designed with entertaining in mind - perfect for the dinner parties John enjoyed hosting. Yet we incorporated cosy sofas where more personal connections could flourish and a quiet reading nook where he could indulge in his love of reading.

One of our favourite elements was creating a dedicated space for John's Peloton bike. Rather than relegating his fitness passion to a spare bedroom, we designed a purpose-built exercise area with inspiring views. An important acknowledgment of what brings him joy.

Technology as the Invisible Butler

For someone with John's full schedule, convenience wasn't a luxury - it was a necessity. As an avid tech enthusiast, John eagerly embraced our recommendation of a comprehensive smart home system that seamlessly orchestrates everything from lighting scenes to curtain movements, to music throughout the apartment. The technology disappears into the background, responding to his needs almost before he's aware of them. "I want my home to feel warm and welcoming the minute I walk in, to anticipate me," John had said. Now, when he returns from a late-night flight, his apartment welcomes him with warm, dimmed lights that guide his way and his favourite jazz album playing softly.

Personal Touches That Tell His Story

Bespoke elements were essential to making this more than just another luxury apartment. The curved, hand-made leather banquette at the end of the kitchen island was a very important element to John, as it became the natural gathering point during social evenings. The bookcase in his reading area houses his carefully curated collection while concealing a secret plant room where the tech for his apartment is housed.

In the principal suite, John requested mirrored wardrobes that would both visually expand the space and create an atmosphere of intimate luxury. This thoughtful detail reflects our understanding that a truly personal sanctuary should cater to all aspects of adult life, combining practical storage with elements that enhance private moments and deeper intimacy. The result is a bedroom that feels both elegant and sensuously inviting with its deep aubergine colour palette.

Looking at all these carefully curated elements throughout the home, from the social gathering spaces to the most private retreats, it’s clear that these aren’t simply design flourishes, but manifestations of John's personality in physical form - thoughtful, sophisticated, with an appreciation for both functionality and the unexpected delight of discovery.