London based design studio 33 interiors has recently completed the interior design for a new luxury residential development in central Paddington, owned by Taylor Wimpey Central London.
33 Interiors was appointed while working with Taylor Wimpey Central London on London residential development St Dunstan’s Court, and has now completed the design of 123 apartments, penthouses, and communal areas. In addition, 33 interiors designed the interiors of the residents’ lounge – providing a library, a lounge area, and informal and formal meeting spaces.
Located in the heart of Paddington and within close proximity to the train station, the brief was to invoke the romance of the railways, referencing the art deco period. With the development located in a prestigious part of London, 33 interiors wanted the design to reflect its setting and created its own contemporary twist on the classic art deco style of the early 20th Century.
The experience is designed to begin as residents approach the development, with a crossed chevron patterned stone leading to the entrance. The pattern continues internally, becoming a dynamic focal point for the lobby area and introducing cream and slate blue as the base palette. Vertical polished plaster detailing accentuates the double height lobby, leading the eye to brass detailing announcing ‘Paddington Exchange’. A series of black and bronze pendant lights descend from the ceiling in a crossed pattern to mirror the chevron flooring. The central concierge desk has curves drawn from art deco architecture, as well as train and automobile design.
On the upper living floors, residents step out on to a bespoke designed slate blue chevron carpet. Walnut doors and side panels are accentuated with a linear strip of light running from the ceiling, highlighting the apartment numbers.
The interior palette for the apartments offers residents a choice of light, medium and dark finishes, covering woodwork, flooring, and kitchen design, with elevated specifications for the penthouse apartments.
The residents’ lounge continues with the theme of art deco glamour, focusing on ‘machine age’ styling that features streamline curves, polished metal work, and spherical light fittings. Geometric shapes, angles and patterns feature heavily in the design through dressing items such as cushions, lamp shades and textured wallpaper. Dressing items are inspired by industry, including cogwheel-like glasses in the bar, candle stick holders that look like a set of stacked cogwheels, decorative chrome trays, and steel lighting pendants.
A key focal point in the lounge is the bar, positioned in the line of sight as residents enter. The bar takes influence from art deco cocktail cabinets, which are shaped in a curve to match the appearance of train carriages and cars from this period. The backdrop to the bar is an iconic sun burst motif which was a hugely prominent design feature in the 1920s.
Individually considered bespoke pieces of furniture draw inspiration from designers and makers of the art deco era, with curved upholstery and cylindrical armchairs creating a contemporary yet dynamic lounge area.
Finally, the room is dressed with a variety of early 20th Century abstract art pieces including the works of Russian artist Kandinsky, and Futurist El Lissitzky.
Mathew Freeman, Creative Director at 33 interiors, said: “We designed the apartments and communal areas with the residents in mind, but also as a nod to the development’s proximity to Paddington Station – a station that is still celebrated for its modern architectural style.
“We wanted to design an environment where residents would feel comfortable and the strategic use of a light base palette reflects both the glamour of art deco but also creates the right tone and setting for residents to enjoy and relax.
“The key challenge was sourcing high quality, materials to reflect the character of the development, such as bespoke wall panelling and interesting metalwork. Applying a cross-sector approach, we’ve delivered a full conceptual design that is sure to inspire the residents.”
Darren McCormack, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey Central London, added:
“We’re incredibly proud of the finish that has been achieved at Paddington Exchange thanks to 33 Interiors. Paddington Exchange is a significant scheme for this fast-changing and important part of London, and its interior design is sympathetic to the history and creativity of Paddington, while ensuring a contemporary feel throughout.”
The development, now complete, is over 90% sold and recently welcomed its first residents.
