INTRODUCING
THE OWO RESIDENCES _
PROJECTS | August 2026
Some homes are designed for everyday routines. Others are designed for moments in between.
Our latest interior design project at The OWO transforms a one-bedroom apartment within one of London's most celebrated historic buildings, into a quiet retreat from the pace of the capital. Designed as a pied-à-terre for a client who spends only a few days each week in the city, the brief centred on creating a home that feels calm, welcoming and effortlessly refined.
Rather than competing with the building's remarkable heritage, we sought to complement it. Through warm natural materials, layered textures and carefully considered furnishings, we created an interior that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its architectural setting. The result is a home that offers a sense of stillness from the moment you step inside.
“…a home that offers a sense of stillness from the moment you step inside....”
Designing a Sanctuary in the Heart of London
The OWO occupies one of London's most recognisable addresses, rich with history and surrounded by the energy of Whitehall.
For our client, the apartment needed to offer the opposite experience.
The space wasn't intended as a full-time residence, but as somewhere to arrive after a busy day, recharge between meetings and entertain guests with ease. Every design decision was guided by this lifestyle, creating a space that feels restorative rather than formal, luxurious without excess and timeless rather than trend-led.
The apartment is deliberately understated. It encourages a slower pace, allowing the outside world to fade into the background.
Working With History, Not Against It
Designing within a Grade II* listed landmark requires careful consideration.
The apartment already possessed remarkable architectural qualities, from its generous ceiling heights and decorative cornicing, to the striking dark timber windows that frame each room. Rather than introducing unnecessary contrast, we focused on softening these existing features through materiality and proportion.
Relaxed linen Roman blinds and full-height pleated curtains gently filter natural light, reducing the visual weight of the windows while drawing attention to the apartment's impressive scale. Throughout the interior, linen wallcoverings introduce warmth, texture and improved acoustics, creating an atmosphere that immediately feels more intimate.
By respecting the building's original character, the contemporary elements feel entirely at home.
“Designing within The OWO was a unique opportunity because the building already had such an incredible sense of character. Our role was to soften the existing architecture rather than compete with it, introducing warmth through texture, natural materials and carefully layered furnishings. Every decision was made to create a home that feels calm, timeless and completely personal to our client."
Edward Bishop
Interior Designer
A Palette of Warmth and Texture
Materiality became one of the defining elements of the design.
The colour palette is intentionally restrained, built around rich browns, soft caramels, warm golds and natural stone. Rather than relying on bold statements, the interior gains depth through the layering of tactile finishes and carefully selected materials.
Travertine, linen, velvet, silk, cashmere and handcrafted ceramics each contribute their own character while remaining part of a cohesive whole. A velvet headboard is paired with silk cushions, natural stone sits alongside bronze detailing and textured wallcoverings provide a subtle backdrop that allows every piece to feel considered.
The result is an interior that feels welcoming in every season and quietly luxurious without overwhelming the architecture.
Celebrating Place Through Thoughtful Details
Throughout this apartment, carefully chosen objects establish a quiet dialogue with the building's remarkable setting. Sculptural ceramics, natural stone accessories and contemporary artwork add personality without overwhelming the calm palette.
One particularly meaningful detail is the bronze horse head sculpture, a subtle reference to the nearby Horse Guards Parade. Rather than making a literal statement, it gently reinforces the apartment's connection to one of London's most historic neighbourhoods.
These carefully considered touches give the home its own identity while remaining rooted in its surroundings.
“Being entrusted to design a home within such an iconic building is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our ambition was never to overshadow the original qualities, but to complement them, creating an interior that feels truly welcoming and personal to our client.”
Rachel Clark
Senior Director
A Contemporary Interpretation of Heritage
The success of this project lies in its balance.
Traditional furniture sits comfortably alongside contemporary pieces. Historic architectural features provide the backdrop for modern craftsmanship. Soft textiles temper the strength of stone, timber and bronze.
Nothing competes for attention. Instead, every layer works together to create an atmosphere that feels effortless and enduring.
The result is a pied-à-terre that offers everything our client was seeking. A place to arrive, pause and reconnect before stepping back into the rhythm of London.
A Hidden Retreat Within a Historic Landmark
The OWO already carries an extraordinary sense of history. Our role was to create interiors that honour that legacy while offering something quietly contemporary in return. Through thoughtful spatial planning, carefully layered materials and a restrained palette, the apartment has become far more than a London residence.
It is a place to pause amid one of the world's busiest cities. A home that balances heritage with modern living, creating a calm and welcoming sanctuary within one of London's most iconic addresses.
Whether you are furnishing a London pied-à-terre, restoring a historic property or creating a forever home, our interior design team works closely with every client to shape spaces that reflect the way they want to live. The result is never simply a finished interior, but a home with lasting meaning.
To book an appointment with the studio or to discover more about the process behind our Interior Design services, contact a member of our team.