Bespoke Mahogany Library

With its…

proximity to Buckingham Palace and Knightsbridge, Belgravia is one of London’s most elegant and luxurious areas. Three British prime ministers including Margaret Thatcher have resided in this neighborhood, a mark of distinction that is also embodied by Eaton Square, the largest and arguably the grandest garden square in the capital, noted for its striking architecture: a rectangle of Grade II-listed white stucco facades, fronting exclusive townhouses, many of which have been converted into upmarket apartments. This residence on the edge of the square is a real feast for the eyes, entirely renovated and still in its original three-level configuration, making it a bona fide British heritage spot, now modernized for future generations.

It has been given a new lease of life thanks to Child Studio, a young London-based practice that has been highly praised for its atmospheric and narrative- rich interiors, which have been featured in a myriad of esteemed international publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Wallpaper magazine.

Practice founders, Alexy Kos and Che Huang, set about balancing historical relevance with modern functionality, creating spaces that respect and preserve a sense of old-world wonder while embracing a fresh contemporary dynamism for a compelling fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation. On paper, their conceptual approach was simple: to turn each room into a sensory landscape where crafted elements such as bespoke cabinetry and custom-made marble come together to connect time, memory and imagination.

The living room…

illustrates this point perfectly, turning a storytelling element into a tangible form with the installation of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crafted from dark mahogany. These were made to measure and inspired by the extensive library of late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, a voracious reader who once famously said, “for every book you buy, you should buy the time to read it.” A cast iron spiral staircase leading to a new, sun lit mezzanine level that offers access to a roof garden, adds an extra touch of fairytale magic to this room, further shaping an ambiance of quietude and relaxation.

Using the concept of a personal library as a foundation for design investigation, the two partners explored the idea of escapism as a source of restoration and mood enhancement. They conceived a room that exudes quiet contemplation and intellectual curiosity, enriching this enveloping spatial experience with a sense of familiarity, warmth, and comfort. Beautiful antique and bespoke furniture pieces, along with textured elements, add character and personality to this earthy and organic composition—most notably in the form of a herringbone parquet floor made from reclaimed oak and a vintage hand-woven Tuareg rug in reed and leather from North Africa. Each piece is rare and meticulously crafted; yet the overall composition feels cohesive. Colors and textures blend effortlessly, establishing symmetry, harmony, and a seamless integration of function and style.

Furniture pieces also reflect the duo’s passion for Art Deco and Bauhaus creativity. Treasures include a rare pair of armchairs designed by Walter Gropius in the 1920s, now freshly upholstered in decadent Frey cream boucle wool, a mid-century Tabouret Berger stool designed by Charlotte Perriand and a vintage chair designed by Pierre Jeanneret in the 1960s for Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh project. The table lamp, low table, day bed and sofas are custom made by Child Studio, inspired by some of the duo’s favorite visionaries, including modernist architect and designer Luis Barragán and Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjort, who was a pioneering force in Scandi modernism in the 1920s. Objects, textures and treated surfaces serve to emphasize savoir faire, historical depth and a sense of permanence fostering a dynamic  interplay between design, locality, architectural heritage and creative expression.

Timelsse Bedroom

This sense…

of refined elegance continues into a main bedroom, where no more than a dozen key pieces instantly establish a design language connected to quality of craftsmanship, longevity and pragmatism.  The room’s focal point is a large abstract painting with a pattern that recalls raked soil or tapestry weaving, adding depth, interest, and a tactile quality to this otherwise minimalist space. Showcasing their creative versatility once again, the young design partners have subtly ‘sealed off’ the king’s size bed from the door thanks to a curving mahogany headboard that sleekly tucks in at the sides. The pair also designed the handsome day bed. Covered in thick cotton cloth by Pierre Frey, it is inspired by a vintage model created in the 1920s by French design icon Jules Leleu.

Child Studio Interior Design
Green Marble Bathroom

Tactile design…

triumphs in the main bathroom which is entirely clad in emerald marble known as Verde Guatemala. The designers drew inspiration from the architecture of early 20th-century European villas for their vision in green, lavishly augmenting the opulence to the extent that the color appears to have flooded the room for a spa like experience that’s utterly indulgent. The stonework was expertly cut and polished with precision thanks to the skilled hands of artisans working for a small workshop in Northern Italy. In fact, the bathtub and basin are carved from solid stone blocks, once again underscoring a sense of timeless tradition that pinpoints the dedication and ingenuity that Child Studio has applied to this project.

Dark Wood Paneled Room

We can only…

wonder about the logistics of this impressive installation, but this home is full of little mysteries that ignite curiosity and encourage the eye to look beyond what is visible. Although it may be an exclusive family home, this Belgravia abode is also a design project that promises to inspire others to spread their wings of invention.

Tap the look…

Design: Child Studio

Photography: Helen Cathcart