Egerton Crescent By Katharine Pooley

The Perennial And Contemporary Crescent

Katharine Pooley shows how to effectively combine an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary styles to reinvigorate the timeless Egerton Crescent.

Revered as one of the most prime and prestigious addresses in Knightsbridge, London, the resplendent Egerton Crescent was originally designed by renowned English architect George Basevi in the 1830’s. Led by his immense admiration of neoclassical design, the Grade II listed house was built with distinct traditional bricks, an iconic pilastered doorway and an ornamental balcony on the first floor with palatial views over the private gardens of Egerton Crescent. With its white stucco-fronted facades, cherry blossom-dappled shared garden around which the terrace curves and extensive private rear gardens, the property remains one of the last remaining private havens located in the heart of London.

As one of the world’s most sought-after interior designers, Katharine Pooley and her team of architects and contractors were selected to transform the five-storey Egerton Crescent. With meticulous dedication to the most intricate details, Katharine applied a delightful combination of classic and contemporary stylings to reinvigorate the timeless 4,090 sqm property with a fresh and sophisticated look.

Utilizing an interior design concept that fully incorporates the antiquated details to reflect the property’s innate classical feel, Katharine and her team have managed to bring forth a design that exudes a warm, serene and welcoming ambience throughout the property. Katharine’s application of a peaceful, tonal design palette combining a frosted white Portland stone with soft dove grey marble, polished plaster and natural fabrics including linens, silk velvets and woven textures throughout the house, brings forth a refined yet exemplary classic feel.

With the classic stucco façade, a focal point to garner impressive first impressions of the property, Katharine improved and updated the vintage façade with a high gloss black front door and contemporary plants. To further inculcate her classic contemporary design for Egerton Crescent, Katharine’s eye for even the smallest details work wonders to link different rooms and spaces; including the property’s drawing-room, five bedrooms including a master suite with opulent fabrics, a family snug, two studies, a dining room, a kitchen plan, a breakfast room and a garden room.

The first floor places emphasis on making a statement. Katharine’s delicate combination of a lightly textured silk wallpaper with crystal wall lights and the beautiful Versailles Parquet wood flooring in the magnificent drawing room is a phenomenal touch. Spanning the full width of the house, and overlooking the private gardens in the Crescent, the magnificent drawing room creates an intrinsic sense of awe for visitors. Katharine completes the room with a guilt chinoiserie mirror from the homeowner’s private collection to tremendous effect.

“I like to balance an ornate antique piece, like the gilt chinoiserie mirror, with more modern and sculptural shapes,” says Katharine.

To further draw the eye and enhance the poise of the entire space, the master bedroom is emphasized by a silver handwoven linen fabric to the bed alongside exquisite antique twisted glass table lamps to achieve an extravagant feel. Symmetry and flow have a distinct prominence in the design of the walk-in closet, with Katharine’s sole focus on achieving a sleek and generous space. The bathroom features the Statuary Oro, a light veined marble used to create a dual impression of the both timeless and contemporary, and to ensure the optimal level of finish is achieved.

With the additional incorporation of products and accessories used to complement the design of Egerton Crescent, including the use of silk woof drapes for window treatments, cladded a chimney breast with mirror and added a sculptural chandelier in the dining room, Katharine has created a space that is elegant and vogue. Katherine completes the room with several deep and comfortable sofas to create a perfect balance, exuding comfort and class.

For the kitchen, Katharine paid special attention to the use of crystals and nickel pendants to amplify the glittering lighting, instantly illuminating the space. “I chose Farrow and Ball skimming stone for the cabinets to create an airy and serene feel,” adds Katharine.

Embracing the natural material of the building, Katharine paved a sandstone path to the back garden, mirroring the warmth of the property’s brick facade and elevating the garden area. The garden rooms are kept exclusive and minimal, with only a classic detail in shades of ivory, light grey and nickel.

“Successful design, as with life, is a delicate balance and one we seek to perfect daily,” says Katharine.

About Katharine Pooley

As a proud member of the International Design & Architecture Awards and Society of British and International Interior Design, Katharine Pooley and her studio, Katharine Pooley Ltd, have created mould-breaking interiors worldwide while combining unique visual flairs, appreciation of the best of British craftsmanship and an ever-evolving global design outlook. Overseeing her team of 47 interior designers and architects, Katharine’s personal approach ensures every detail of every project and product is exquisitely realised and impeccably finished.

“I adore the challenge of reinterpreting classical, very traditional architecture and detailing in a chic and contemporary way. When combined with the right balance of clean finishes and luxuriously modern detailing, the beauty and glamour of these ‘old world’ pieces is all the more obvious and inspiring.”

Katherine Pooley,
Founder, Katherine Pooley Design Studio.