In this blog I wanted to touch on the inspiration/ thoughts behind one of my case studies which can be seen on my website https://katharinepooley.com/studio/portfolio/west-bay/
In the main entrance hall, I wanted to create a sculptural and contemporary staircase. The double-height space was the perfect blank canvas for an impressive design. The final detail showed the intricate interlaced metalwork, curved balustrade and beautiful calacatta oro marble of the final design.
The graceful lines of the feature staircase spiral around a deconstructed tiered chandelier of crystal rods. A modern reinterpretation of a design classic.
I specified pearlised polished plaster to the walls of the entrance and internal hallways, its subtle warmth balances the pure white base of the marble flooring and skirting beautifully.
The joinery throughout the villa was made bespoke in English workshops and installed by my talented team on site. The doors were particularly exquisite.
In the main living room, I introduced a celadon silk velvet to the armchair upholstery. This is such an elegant colour that I often return to as it partners beautifully with bronze and gold tones.
I adore the hand-painted eglomise panels behind each of the banquette sofas. The metal leaf softly Ombres from copper through silver to gunmetal. The artistry and craftsmanship behind such work are simply breathtaking to behold. I used detailed stitch work combined with long silk tassels and jade beading to the sofa cushions.
One of my favourite features was a sideboard clad with moon gold leaf. I love to combine an opulent finish with the clean lines of a contemporary piece of furniture.
The powder room was probably one of the most opulent rooms in the property. The combination of Saint Laurent marble slab and burnished gold is spectacular: masculine and very chic.
In the secondary living room, gold accents sit against a dark chevron parquet floor and petrol blue upholstery. I adore the cubist form of the bronze and glass chandelier – it was inspired by the work of Giacometti.
The chandelier above the dining table was inspired by a wisteria tree in my garden in England. The flowers and leaves tendril so elegantly. My design studio worked to capture its effortless grace in cut crystal.
I love to create an unexpected feature on dining chair backs. In this project we hand stitched burnished silver baguette-cut crystals in an abstract pattern – a small but luxurious additional detail and especially pretty in candlelight.
My client asked me to design a luxurious and fun games room. I added a touch of deep claret to the black gold bronze and grey palate. The joinery is ebonised timber, grey shagreen and brass with recessed mirror panelling. The eye is naturally drawn to the central feature of the room: a bespoke billiards table made by a small and incredibly talented English workshop who specialize in one of a kind commissions.
Many of the joinery pieces throughout the property have simple linear bronze and brass inlays. When working with rich finishes ‘less’ is often ‘more’ and a careful balance of space with luxurious detailing is key.
Creating an incredible design for a client is only half the story. I am passionate about ensuring an unparalleled level of quality too. I believe that beauty that does not stand the test of time has no value. My experienced and talented team of British and European makers, craftsmen and artists all ensure every detail is exquisitely realised.
For more information please contact me enquiries@katharinepooley.com
