bijou
beauty
WInner Homes & Garden Design Awards 2025
“Best Small Space”
A compact Grade II listed apartment in Notting Hill, W2
This full turnkey renovation restored a Grade II listed Victorian apartment within a Notting Hill mansion block, transforming a compact studio into a refined one-bedroom pied-à-terre with intuitive storage, space to entertain and a more energy-efficient interior.
The brief: Add to and protect the home’s period character, enhance its three-metre-high ceilings, introduce colour without clutter, and create an elegant London base. Bijou Beauty won Best Small Space at the Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025, Recognised for its cleverly designed, highly considered approach to compact living.
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THE POWER OF SCALE
To make the compact footprint feel more generous, Studio L London worked with scale rather than against it. Inspired by Michael Taylor’s belief that larger, more sculptural pieces can give small rooms greater presence, the design uses confident proportions to make the apartment feel intentional, graceful and expansive.
The brief began with “no vintage, please.” But as the design evolved, carefully chosen antique and vintage pieces brought warmth, character and softness to the newly restored space. By completion, around 60% of the furnishings were vintage or antique — a quiet reversal that gave this small home much of its personality.
“Laura immediately took control of the situation… expertly managing the permissions process. She skilfully project-managed the build, specified all the finishes, and ultimately delivered a beautifully detailed, turnkey space. Although the flat is just 475 ft², it now lives much larger thanks to her clever planning, smart storage solutions, and refined design sensibility… I felt I had a trusted partner throughout.”
— Project Client
PROJECT DETAILS
SIZE
476 sq ft
PROJECT TYPE
Private Client. Full turnkey interior design with project management. A gut renovation, restoration and decor of a grade II listed studio apartment within a Victorian mansion block.
LOCATION
Notting Hill, London W2
ACCOLADES
Winner, “Best Small Space” Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025
ROLE
Interior design
Interior architecture
Project management and procurement
Furniture and soft furnishing design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Nick Rochowski, Studio Rochowski
STYLING
Laura Marino, Studio L London