In the exclusive enclave of Mayfair, where London’s storied past meets its cosmopolitan present, a townhouse has been transformed into a sanctuary that bridges continents and cultures. This 8,000-square-foot residence, reimagined for a prominent Indian film and entertainment family, is a harmonious fusion of neo-classical grandeur and contemporary minimalism.
The project, spanning four distinct yet cohesive apartments, presented a unique challenge to the designers. Their brief was crystal clear from the get-go: create a townhouse in London that not only meets the functional requirements of a multi-generational family but also exudes luxury, curation, and high design. The result is a space that feels both international in its approach and deeply rooted in the clients’ cultural heritage.
Editor’s Note: “In Mayfair’s elegant embrace, a townhouse blossoms into a bridge between continents and cultures. This 8,000-square-foot marvel harmonizes neo-classical splendor with modern minimalism, reflecting both London’s grandeur and an Indian film family’s heritage. Its seamless blend of opulent detail and cultural warmth crafts a sanctuary of timeless luxury and sophistication.” ~Simran Khare
This Townhouse in London Reflects The Rich Heritage of an Indian Film Family | Quirk Studio
As one steps into the entrance foyer of the first apartment, it sets the tone immediately. A statement Rococo-style mirror, paired with an elegant chandelier, creates an atmosphere of drama and luxury. This grand welcome is balanced by the designers’ thoughtful approach to circulation, ensuring the space remains uncluttered and fluid.
Moving through to the living and dining areas, one comes across the clever use of antique mirror panelling. This design choice adds depth and dimension to the room and amplifies the natural light – a crucial consideration given London’s often gloomy weather. The layout here is intimate yet versatile, with two distinct seating arrangements complemented by a well-positioned dining table.
The powder room here is elevated to a work of art. A statement basin counter with brass fittings from Gessi’s Goccia collection takes centre stage, while the exotic moss-green marble and Seletti’s quirky Tetris Mirror add elements of surprise and delight. Perhaps the most coveted space in the home is the living room, which offers breathtaking views over the lush lanes of Mayfair and Hyde Park. It’s easy to imagine the family gathering here, the room bathed in natural light, as they take in the iconic London landscape beyond their windows.
Throughout the home, the designers have employed a strategy of fluidity, creating a natural flow between floors and apartments. This continuity is achieved through consistent design elements: engineered wood floors, grey-panelled doors, and carefully considered moulding and cornice details. The colour palette, dominated by neutral tones of grey, beige, and ivory, is punctuated by pops of colour and the warmth of wood, creating a backdrop that is at once sophisticated and welcoming.
The material palette is a study in luxurious restraint. Engineered wooden floors provide a warm foundation, while lacquer PU finishes add a contemporary sheen. Marble, mixed metals, and tinted mirrors introduce texture and visual interest. Rich, plush upholstery and textured wallpapers complete the sensory experience, inviting touch as well as admiration.
Art plays a crucial role in personalizing the space. Carefully curated pieces from the client’s personal collection in India adorn the walls, serving as a constant reminder of home and heritage. These artworks not only add visual interest but also infuse the London townhouse with the vibrant energy of Indian culture.
The kitchens, while prioritizing functionality, do not skimp on style. Bright and white, they feature easy-to-maintain materials like marble tiles and Caesar stone countertops. In one apartment, a beautiful skylight detail in the ceiling ensures the space is flooded with natural light.
The bedrooms continue the theme of drama and warmth established in the public spaces. Custom upholstered beds and textured wallpapers create inviting backdrops, while clever planning ensures ample storage without compromising on aesthetics.
The en-suite bathrooms are studies in monochromatic luxury, with white marble complemented by bronze or brass fittings. The sourcing process for this project spanned London, Dubai, and Italy, with the designers working with an impressive roster of luxury brands.
Gessi, Tom Dixon, Flexform, Seletti, Jonathan Adler, Anthropologie, Conran Shop, and Cole & Sons are just a few of the names that have contributed to the home’s curated aesthetic.
Designing and executing this project during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, particularly given its long-distance nature. A capable on-site team brought the designers’ vision to life with flair.
In the end, what emerges is more than just a home away from home. It’s a space that honours its London setting while celebrating its owners’ Indian heritage.
It’s a testament to the power of design to bridge cultures, creating a haven that is at once grounded in tradition and thoroughly contemporary.
In the heart of Mayfair, this townhouse stands as a cinematic masterpiece – a fitting abode for a family that has dedicated their lives to the magic of film.
Fact File
Designed by: Quirk Studio
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: Dunraven House
Location: London, United Kingdom
Year Built: July 2023
Project Size: 8000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Disha Bhavsar & Shivani Ajmera
Photography Credits: Juliet Murphy
Firm’s Website Link: Quirk Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Quirk Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Quirk Studio
For Similar Projects >>A Mumbai Apartment that Aims to Create a Visually Stunning and Inviting Space
Project Guru Prasad began with a simple yet nuanced brief — to design a home inspired by Japanese aesthetics while maintaining a minimal and grounded sensibility. The 3BHK apartment, spread across 1350 sq. ft. of carpet area, became an exploration of form, material, and composition. Inside the 3bhk Apartment Where Japanese Aesthetics Meet the Quiet […]
Some homes are designed around a view. This home is designed around a fleeting evening moment, when the Arabian Sea sky turns saffron, rust and plum. That daily transition shapes Sea Between Stories, a 3,500-square-foot Bandra West apartment by The Concreate Story for Shantanu Powle and Saily Lad. Arabian Sea Apartment in Bandra Frames Moments […]
In the Bustling neighbourhood of Oberoi Sky City, Borivali, Mumbai, Quiet Opulence unfolds as a refined 1,100 sq. ft. residence that celebrates the beauty of Understated luxury. A Square Designs created the home as an exploration of contemporary Sophistication enriched by timeless classical influences. The design brings together elegant, inviting, and deeply personal interiors. Rather […]
Project 774 House is a thoughtful exploration of how compact spaces can feel layered, immersive, and deeply personal. Designed as a seamless blend of warmth, functionality, and character, the home balances aesthetics with practicality while ensuring every space carries its own identity within a cohesive design language. The Compact Spaces In This Home Are Designed […]
In the pulsating heart of Gujarat, India, where the shimmer of the ‘Diamond City’ meets the rich tapestry of the ‘Silk City’, Surat has preserved its legacy of craftsmanship across generations. Amidst the precision of diamond cutters and the rhythmic hum of textile looms, the homeowners’ story began. They were not merely entrepreneurs but inheritors […]
Perched on the ninth floor of a high-rise apartment in Pune, this 1,600 sq. ft. apartment opens to sweeping views of the city’s tekdi, the tree-lined hills that define its horizon. For its owners, a lawyer couple with demanding careers and a shared love for travel, the view was the home’s greatest luxury. For the […]
This home is a thoughtful expression of the modern interior design style, infused with creative and personalised touches that make it both distinctive and inviting. Every material, colour, and finish has been carefully curated to achieve a sense of timelessness, with a clear emphasis on balance and harmony. The muted colour palette seamlessly extended across […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]