The Whiteley, a historic building that used to be London's first department store, has been transformed into a residential and hospitality complex spanning over 1.1 million square feet.
Today, they have unveiled the first completed residence, which has been designed by New York City-based interior designer Kelly Behun. Behun has created an interior for the three-bedroom apartment that draws inspiration from the building's surroundings and history, seamlessly blending traditional charm with a contemporary feel.
The loft-style open plan apartment has been furnished by the renowned AD 100 interior designer, who has used a mix of rich golds, verdant greens, dusky roses, and lavenders in the colour palette. These colours have been chosen to reflect the proximity of The Whiteley to Hyde Park and have greatly contributed to the overall aesthetic of the space. The combination of these colours creates a warm and inviting yet modern atmosphere that complements the layout of the residence. Additionally, carefully selected plants have been placed throughout the apartment to establish a strong connection between the interior and the natural world outside.
The Whiteley's original architecture and façade are evident in the design of the residence. With impressive ceiling heights over four metres and heritage windows, the apartment is filled with natural light, giving it a grand and unique feel for a city location. The inclusion of fluted millwork columns and herringbone floors preserves the historic character of the home while incorporating a fresh and modern aesthetic.
Kelly Behun integrates bespoke and handmade furniture to highlight the artistry and distinctiveness of the residence. The guest bedroom showcases an exclusive wallpaper designed by Behun for Calico Wallpaper, evoking a surreal forest dreamscape. In the dining area, a custom walnut table by artist Benoit Viaene with an organic shape and hand-carved surface fosters a relaxed and informal dining atmosphere. The open plan dining/kitchen/living room space is anchored by a large painted mural, a collaboration between Behun's studio and scenic backdrop painter Sarah Oliphant, which reinforces the apartment's connection to nature through its pastoral theme and earthy tones.
Kelly Behun's interior design philosophy creates a tactile and inviting atmosphere in the apartment's living area, using natural fabrics and organic shapes. The room features a unique rug by fashion designer Mary Katrantzou for The Rug Company, designed with an offset sunburst pattern that catches the sun's glow through the original windows, creating a warm ambiance. Hand sculpted torchiere style sconces by artist Chris Wolston enhance the high ceilings and scale of the rooms. A dynamic painting by Kathleen Mullaniff captures the essence of an English garden. The kitchen, located at the heart of the home, is flanked by entertaining spaces and features an island with hand carved Bali stools and a custom wicker pendant fixture, providing a gathering space for entertaining.
First residents at The Whiteley will move in from Q1 2024, with the wider scheme due for completion in 2024. The Kelly Behun apartment is on the market for £12.5million.
Photo: Paul Raeside
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