A Defining Project: Designing the Penthouse

When I was asked to design the interiors for this penthouse, I saw an opportunity not just to create a beautiful home, but to tell a story. From the outset, my goal was to craft a space that felt layered and entirely unique.

This project marked a pivotal moment in my design journey. It came during the earlier years, when I was still shaping my point of view, and in many ways, it became a testing ground for ideas and instincts that continue to inform our work today. Looking back, I see the threads of what would become a consistent language: a play on scale, a respect for materials, and a desire to create spaces that feel both unexpected and deeply personal.

A Dialogue of Contrast and Craft

A lot of what you see in the penthouse was designed specifically for it; nothing off the shelf. The Murano glass chandeliers in the main living space were made for the dramatic double-height ceiling; we worked closely with the glassblowers to get the shape and scale just right. I love how they hang above the curved velvet sofa. They feel like they’ve always belonged there, casting a soft, flattering light that really brings the room together.

I worked with some of the finest artisans and ateliers, drawing on a rich vocabulary of materials, finishes, and forms to create a cohesive environment that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels lived-in, and thoughtfully considered. We worked with refined natural finishes and crafted each piece with a sense of purpose, from the stitching on a custom chair to the subtle sheen of a hand-applied patina. It’s that attention to detail that, to me, elevates a space from something designed to something felt.

The Language of Materials and Form

Stylistically, the design leans into a warm palette and atmosphere. Natural materials and sculptural silhouettes define the core of the visual language here. I drew on references that have long inspired me. The media room began as a quiet nod to Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Paris apartment, designed by Christian Bernard. The palette of burnt orange and aubergine gives the room a warm, moody feel. We wrapped the walls in faux suede for softness, and the deep velvet sofa was made to be properly sunk into. I’ve always believed that contrast is what gives a space life. Where a clean, mid-century form can sit next to something decorative, and neither feels out of place. It’s about harmony, not matching. In this penthouse, that dialogue between materials and eras unfolds harmoniously.

I loved playing with contrast between her study and his: hers is all soft curves and warm tones with an original design parchment desk that brings a quiet elegance to the room. His is anchored by a weighty brass desk. Solid, bold, and architectural. The interplay between the two spaces, through both form and material, is threaded throughout the apartment, and a personal favourite feature of the project. 

It’s a rare privilege to see so many of these pieces now being offered to collectors through this special auction. Each item carries with it the spirit of its creation; a story of collaboration, artistry, and vision. Whether it’s a custom-upholstered armchair, a one-off lighting piece, or a meticulously sourced antique, these are objects that were made to be treasured.

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Auction Details

Auction:
Wednesday 13 August, 10.30am BST
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK
Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK

Thursday 7 August: 10am-4pm
Friday 8 August: 10am-4pm
Monday 11 August: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 12 August: 10am-4pm

Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | interiors@dreweatts.com
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