Design firm Uncanny Studio has successfully renovated a 1930s penthouse apartment in London, creating better flow between rooms while incorporating high-end materials like marble and walnut wood. The Primrose Apartment, located on the top floor of an Art Deco building overlooking Regent's Park in central London, has been transformed from a series of cluttered, constricted spaces into a cohesive luxury residence designed for entertaining and family gatherings.
Prior to the renovation, the apartment's generous floor plan was undermined by poor space utilization and dated decor that failed to take advantage of the property's potential. However, the studio identified one key asset that would guide their design approach. "What stood out was the extraordinary natural light – a soft, constant presence that we chose to preserve as the guiding thread between the 'before' and 'after'," Uncanny Studio explained.
The client provided an open brief but emphasized two key requirements: the use of "natural, tactile materials of the highest quality" and a layout more conducive to hosting guests. The renovation was intended to create "a home for gathering, a place for a large family scattered across the world to come together and reconnect," according to the studio. The interiors needed to feel "both eclectic and timeless, blending refined details with an ease that encourages conversation and shared moments."
To improve connectivity between spaces, the studio installed a series of glass doors framed in varnished walnut wood throughout the apartment. These doors can remain open to create one continuous flowing space across the common areas, or be closed when privacy is desired. This flexible approach allows the apartment to adapt to different social situations and family needs.
The living room received a complete reconfiguration, being divided into two interconnecting lounges that offer "different atmospheres within a shared landscape." One lounge features a large terracotta-colored sectional sofa designed for relaxation, while the other maintains a more formal atmosphere centered around a fireplace, accompanied by a curved sofa and a sculptural coffee table crafted from travertine.
In the adjacent dining room, two distinctive orb-shaped pendant lights were suspended above the dining table, while a custom-designed wine storage unit was created to serve the client's entertaining needs. The kitchen renovation included custom-made walnut wood cabinetry topped with quartzite countertops, centered around a striking island clad in a special aluminum laminate with a brass-like finish. A cozy breakfast nook with cushioned seating was added in one corner of the kitchen space.
The studio made thoughtful updates to the entrance hallway, including a creative solution for an unsightly metal structural column. Rather than concealing the column through extensive structural work, the designers chose to celebrate its presence by cladding it in wood and encircling it with sculptural wooden rings. This transformed the column into what the studio describes as "a symbolic feature – a visual metaphor for the family's interconnectedness and the way this home brings them together."
The apartment's bedrooms feature richly patterned rugs and headboards that add visual interest and comfort to the private spaces. The bathrooms showcase the luxury materials theme with veiny marble used for both sinks and bathtubs, creating spa-like environments throughout the residence.
Additional functional spaces were created off the main hallway, including a powder room for guests and a flexible den that can serve as a third bedroom when needed. This adaptability ensures the apartment can accommodate varying numbers of family members and visitors.
The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor a building's Art Deco heritage while creating modern functionality for contemporary living. By prioritizing natural light, high-quality materials, and flexible spaces, Uncanny Studio has created a penthouse that successfully balances elegance with the practical needs of a multi-generational family seeking a London gathering place.
