Location: Chelsea, UK

Interior Designer: Joanna Wood

Photographer: Boz Gagovski

Joanna Wood International Interior Design has unveiled an extraordinary apartment that seamlessly blends historic Victorian architecture with modern living, creating a space that is both exciting and welcoming.

Tasked with the challenge of respecting the historic Victorian architecture while catering to contemporary living, Joanna Wood International Interior Design brought forth a design that met the client’s desire for an elegant, sophisticated space suitable for both intimate gatherings and large parties. The team focused on practicality and flexibility, ensuring ample provision for integrated storage and top-tier fixtures and fittings.

The apartment presented unique challenges, given its original constraints and the need to preserve historical features. Converting an early 20th Century school into a luxury home required a thoughtful approach to space planning and repurposing. The result is a space that retains the charm and character of the original building while providing a new, modern purpose.

The property’s mix of high and low ceilings, along with split levels creating wide-open spaces, demanded complex space planning. The outcome is a flowing design that offers a living experience unlike any other. One of the highlights is the installation of the striking Arizona Needle in ultramarine blue from Tom Faulkner, adding an artistic touch to the space.

Named The King’s Library, the apartment’s richly layered and inviting interiors provide a contemporary response to the building’s character and context. Situated in one of London’s most design-focused districts, the King’s Library Apartment not only respects the historical elements but also incorporates influences from the vibrant artisan and luxury brand community surrounding it.

Joanna Wood International Interior Design has successfully transformed a historic space into a modern masterpiece, where the past meets the present in a harmonious blend of sophistication and functionality. The King’s Library stands as a testament to the firm’s ability to celebrate architecture while meeting the demands of contemporary living.