A Sleek New-Build

One of my best friends recently bought a flat in South Woodford and, being the interior stylist in the friendship group, I was enlisted to help with the all important finishing touches…

Design Statement

My design for this new build flat leveraged its strong foundations - a neutral canvas with freshly painted walls and sleek finishes. 

The proposed aesthetic was grown-up, modern and minimalist, stripping back any clutter to emphasise the beauty of the space. 

The essence was one of quiet luxury, steering clear of glitz or crushed velvet, instead investing in high-quality, timeless pieces. There was thoughtful curation, sourcing items that ‘completed’ the design and added a personal touch. 

Colour Palette

As Kelly Hoppen (the queen of modern neutrals) notes, it is essential to know the difference between sands and taupes - the two types of neutrals. Sands have yellow undertones, whilst taupes have grey or purple undertones and they rarely feel comfortable together. 

Here, the colour palette focused on the taupe neutrals, harmonising with the existing finishes. However, when purchasing items, I suggested taking a trial and error approach - if possible, ordering samples online to test them in different lights and see what worked well together. 

With a neutral palette, I also flagged the importance of layering textures to bring depth and visual interest, as well as to add a sense of warmth. 

Moodboards

For each room, I presented some inspiration images as well as a moodboard (with links!).

Living Room:

Kitchen:

Master Bedroom:

Bathrooms:

I loved the overall vibe of this one, as it’s rare that I steer clear of colour and am very excited to see the finish product!