How we overcame the challenges of a new-build without any structural changes

Perched in a new high-rise with views across Turnham Green, this two-bedroom apartment offered location, natural light, and beautiful outlook — but also posed several design challenges. A large structural pillar interrupted the view in the living area; the master bedroom was tight on space; and the overall layout lacked flow and warmth.

Our brief was to elevate the space for a young couple — creating a calm, elegant home that also felt effortlessly liveable. With no structural changes allowed, the transformation was achieved entirely through colour, clever detailing, and furniture.

Maximising Space Through Visual Tricks and Proportion

In the living area, we turned the pillar from eyesore to asset by cladding it in bronze mirror — a reflective surface that catches the light and subtly expands the sense of space. A bespoke dining table with a precisely cut corner, which allows it to sit seamlessly against the pillar turned an obstacle into a standout detail that anchors the space.

In the bedroom, where square proportions and limited floor area called for restraint, we took a bold approach. The walls are painted in a rich, deep blue — a tone matched precisely to the upholstered bed, creating an enveloping, cocoon-like atmosphere. The bed conceals generous storage beneath the mattress, to balance the limited wardobe’s space.

Throughout, we selected furniture for its precise proportions: a low-profile sofa subtly zones the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge without blocking light. In the compact master bedroom, slim-legged bedside tables and a cantilevered shelf-turned-vanity preserve visual space. A round pouf doubles as a seat and tucks away neatly when not in use.

Clever Colour and Texture

Colour is our signature and here it was used strategically to enhance depth and character. In the master bedroom, the effect of the walls painted a deep, enveloping blue and the matching bed is cocooning and serene. In the second bedroom, a pumpkin orange feature wall brings warmth and energy to an otherwise neutral palette.

The materials are layered and textural: walnut panelling on the TV wall adds richness; bronze tones in the low storage units echo the mirrored pillar; metallic accents in pendants and coffee tables bring a subtle sheen. Textiles play a key role — a shaggy rug underfoot, a boucle wool fabric on the second bedroom’s compact but comfortable sofa bed, and simple linen upholstery in the sitting area. The table’s glossy surface bounces light, while ultra-matte wall finishes keep the overall feel grounded and calm.

A Calming Yet Youthful Mood

Circular shapes appear throughout to soften the apartment’s angular lines — from the dining table to the bedroom mirrors and lighting. These curves lend a quiet, more feminine balance to the square proportions, and gently reflect light from the large windows.