Designing this duplex apartment in Notting Hill was a joy from start to finish. Our client wanted a home with an eclectic feel — a place that worked just as well for two people as it did for ten, somewhere to escape the pace of city living while staying rooted in the charm and history of Notting Hill.
Preserving the character of the Victorian duplex was central to the brief, so we reconditioned sash windows, restored fireplaces and exposed brick, revived the original coving and skirting, and sanded and re-stained the oak floors.
Beyond architecture, the design also needed to weave in our client’s upbringing and strong family bonds. By integrating her family’s artwork, treasured accessories, and even inherited lighting, we created a space that felt immediately personal, connected, and full of meaning.
Celebrating Victorian Character
Brick arches, original fireplaces, and the striking dome ceiling gave us the perfect foundation. Rather than erase these quirks, we celebrated them, enhancing the home’s history while introducing a material palette of reclaimed timber, aged oak, and textural finishes. Rustic surfaces were balanced with bold colour and bespoke craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere that felt eclectic, grounding, and distinctly individual.
Challenges as Opportunities
What began as a cosmetic renovation soon revealed deeper challenges — from damp and uneven floors to a lack of lighting and electrics. We see every problem as an opportunity: rewiring allowed us to design a layered lighting scheme that brought drama and atmosphere, while repairing and re-staining the existing floors tied the home together beautifully. Even the unattractive inherited air-conditioning unit became an opportunity for creativity, transformed into a striking bespoke joinery piece in electric blue with brass detailing.
Bespoke Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship was at the heart of this project. Our team designed bespoke joinery that solved practical problems while adding striking design moments, such as the custom unit concealing air conditioning, or cabinetry that balanced discreet storage with character. Most rewarding of all were the bespoke armchairs we designed in rustic oak, soft linen, and smooth tanned leather, finished with brass buckles. These timeless pieces were crafted to be treasured for a lifetime and carried with our client to every future home.
Furniture, Colour & Eclectic Style
Our client’s love of bold colour was introduced through vibrant accents of blue, red, and yellow — carefully balanced through lighting, art, and soft furnishings so the palette felt joyful rather than overwhelming. Antique finds and artisan pieces were layered with bespoke furniture, creating a design language of age, depth, and connection. The result was a home that feels collected and lived-in, not over-designed — a hallmark of true luxury interiors.
Bedrooms & Personal Spaces
Upstairs, the principal bedroom was transformed into a calming retreat with bespoke oak and rattan wardrobes, artisan wall lights, and a palette inspired by a gifted artwork. The second bedroom, though smaller, became warm and inviting with textured finishes and floating storage. Even the compact box room was reimagined into a multifunctional snug — a cosy place to read, watch films, or host guests, maximising every inch of the home.
A Home that Inspires
The highlight for our team was watching this project evolve into a home that felt authentic, layered, and deeply personal. Repurposing the Victorian fabric allowed the history of the duplex to shine through, while bespoke design, reclaimed materials, and family treasures added soul and individuality. Walking into the finished space feels warm, eclectic, and uplifting — proof of how thoughtful design can transform not just a property, but the way our clients live within it.
✨ Nostalgic Notting Hill is a project we are immensely proud of — a home that blends Victorian charm, bespoke craftsmanship, and personal storytelling. Recognised as an SBID Award finalist, it reflects everything we stand for at Sadie Pizzey Interiors: design that is authentic, collaborative, and always created to inspire, enrich, and endure.
