Kensington Family Penthouse
by Taylor Howes

Overlooking Kensington Palace Gardens, this exclusive penthouse was comprehensively renovated to create a refined yet highly personal London residence for a family of five. The brief called for a contemporary home that could elegantly showcase the clients’ significant art collection, while incorporating one-of-a-kind statement pieces. It was important that each child’s bedroom expressed an individual identity, reflecting their personalities within a cohesive design narrative.

The project involved a full renovation, including extensive planning of the formal and family living spaces, the replacement of all ceilings and flooring, and the complete redesign of the kitchen and bathrooms. Every decision was carefully considered to balance sophistication with comfort, resulting in a home that is highly functional and visually distinctive, with meticulous
detailing throughout. The penthouse’s exceptional views across Kensington Gardens and the tree-lined path to the palace became a defining source of inspiration.

This connection to landscape informed several key commissions, most notably a bespoke six-metre ‘ribbon’ dining table created in collaboration with Based Upon. The sculptural piece references the sinuous form of the Serpentine, with delicately impressed leaf motifs and winding pathways drawn from the surrounding area. These elements were embedded within the surface, crafted from Corian, steel, bronze, timber, and liquid metal.

Avian forms were introduced as a subtle recurring theme; lighting fixtures take inspiration from birds in flight, while handcrafted glass birds traverse a feature mirror in one of the children’s bedrooms, bringing movement and a sense of playfulness. The result is a carefully curated residence that harmonises art, craftsmanship, and landscape – a contemporary family home defined by individuality, material richness, and a strong sense of place.