House Tour: A Chinese food blogger's Grade I listed house by Regent's Park, London
It's hard to tell from that looks of this light-filled modern home, that it is located within a residential complex with a 201-year history.
By Young Lim -
Built in 1820, the breathtaking Regent's Crescent in central London was formerly created by John Nash as part of the new palace development commissioned by King George IV.
Over the years, this historic crescent-shaped complex evolved into a series of ultra luxury homes for London's elite. Today, it boasts 67 apartment residences and 9 Garden Villas.
The owner of this apartment at Regent's Crescent is a food blogger from China who lives in London and loves vintage and contemporary art. Most of the items were purchased from galleries in London and Paris.
Home A Grade I listed apartment at Regent's Crescent, London with three bedrooms
Size 1,938 sq ft (or 184 sqm)
Who Lives Here A Chinese food blogger, her four year-old son and a poodle
Interior Designer Olga Ashby Interiors
Regent's Crescent by Regent's Park, London
The homeowner fell in love with the breathtaking crescent-shaped facade of the complex conceived by John Nash, as well as the illustrious history behind the establishment.
Some of the noted residents at Regent's Crescent include Earl of Derby, Lord Houstoun-Boswall, and Count Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte – Napoléon’s older brother.
Living Room Chandelier
A chandelier with natural crystal from Wired Custom Lighting grades the ceiling in the main living area.
Tasteful, Artful Interior Design
The interior reflects the cheerful character of the owner, who is captured dancing with fans and a glass of champagne in a painting by the British artist Bianca Smith.
Olga Ashby’s friend introduced her to Josephine, a charming Chinese woman who became the proud owner of a gorgeous space in a newly renovated mansion near Regent's Park.
Olga Ashby: “The apartment was sold with a fine finish - white walls, a finished kitchen. Traditionally for London, there is a drawing room, the ceiling height is four meters, light is pouring from the huge French windows. The bedrooms and there are three of them in the apartment, are intimate and cosy. "
Crystal Geode Coffee Table
The coffee table is actually a crystal geode filled with quartz crystals. These agate tables, which had to be tracked a long time and then transported from America, were to become a key element.
Moving the tables, which weigh 700 kg, was difficult, but the decorator coped with it.
All Black Kitchen Design
In contrast to the cream palette running throughout the rest of the home, the kitchen features dark hues with the cabinetry and countertops in matte black.
Four Meter High Ceilings
Olga Ashby: “The project turned out to be very personalised, independent of British traditions. It looks like a dollhouse for a carefree Oriental princess, receiving guests and having fun until dawn."
According to Olga, the project went smoothly and at times it sparkled like champagne, with which the customer and the designer celebrated every purchase.
The spirit of hedonism hovered under the four-meter ceilings.
For the first time Olga did not have to think about easy cleaning and durability of furniture, despite the fact that Josephine has a four-year-old son and a miniature poodle.
Black Marble Bathroom
The black marble countertop in the bathroom pairs beautifully with the white walls.
Homeowner's Private Art Collection
“Art did not come right away either. A photo of David Yarrow at Maddox Gallery (above) was bought before it officially went on sale. The gallery secretly showed a selection of the photographer's new works for a close circle of people," explains Olga.
For the bedroom, British artist Bianca Smith also painted a portrait of the client called “Josephine Dancing in Heels with Fans and a Glass of Champagne. Mark Quinn's spectacular round work for the living room was bought from a private collector.
Designer Dining Table Set
The dining table was designed by Carlo Scarpa; chairs, Gallotti & Radice, in fabric from Dedar; bar stools, by Crea; table lamps designed by Kelly Weirstler for Visual Comfort & Co.; vases designed by Jean-Louis Deniot for Baker.
Designer Furniture Aplenty
Armchair by Liang & Eimil; side table Elude; on the wall is Bianca Smith's “Josephine Dancing with Fans and a Glass of Champagne”; curtains by Mark Alexander.
Serene Master Bedroom
The master bedroom is bathed in shades of white, evoking a restful and comforting ambience.
The dressing table sits by the window in the master bedroom, looking out into the picturesque view of central London.