Tucked away in the vibrant heart of London is a serene two-bedroom flat, home to a fashion lover, that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.
Camilla Clarke, the homeowner, was born in Bogota, Colombia, but grew up in London and Washington DC. Her busy lifestyle has her living and working in Silicon Valley, California, using this stylish London flat as her pied-à-terre.
“I’ve always been a citizen of the world, which is why the energy of London – and its sophisticated and international nature – has always appealed to me,” Clarke said.
A pied-à-terre, French for “foot on the ground”, is a compact living space, often located in a bustling metropolis, that acts as a temporary secondary residence rather than a primary home. These properties are often a convenient base of operations for its residents, used for part of the year or work week, distinct from a traditional vacation home.
When Clarke sought to transform her flat into a stunning second home, she turned to interior designer Olga Ashby, whose work she was familiar with. Trusting Ashby's keen eye, Clarke relied on her expertise to bring the petite space to life. Ashby's vision was to create a welcoming harbour to host friends and family. "As the flat is petite, we had an idea of a treasure box, safe and luxurious space in a craziness of London," the designer explained.
Upon entering, a custom marble console by Olga Ashby herself, and artwork by London-based artist Bianca Smith, sets the tone in the hallway. The living room features a statement sofa from B&B Italia, coffee tables from Gubi and original art from Bianca Smith, accessories like Menu candle holder and the designer's biggest joy: a beautiful “Step” rug from Ashby's collection with RIVIERE rugs which combines the texture of warm merino wool and smoothness of silk that curates a sensual experience similar to walking on a beach.
The kitchen boasts natural materials such as marble and travertine, while the bathroom features mandarin stone and muted brass accents. The guest room doubles as a flexible office space, adorned with green and blue hues, a double sofa bed, and a custom marble desk.
The main bedroom features a soft suede on the walls, a lot of beautiful fabrics from Dedar, and nine closets – a fashion lover such as Clarke’s dream come true.
A spiral staircase leads to a spacious roof terrace that was meticulously rebuilt by the team. This expansive open-plan space has been thoughtfully appointed with a B&B Italia sofa and Gubi marble table. The rooftop’s seclusion is ensured by its tall, hedge-lined walls and white chimneys, creating an intimate retreat for Clarke and her guests.
Photo credit: Vigo Jansons
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