THE HIDDEN PEARL

Project: The Hidden Pearl

What it is: 

A period flat last decorated in the ‘80s in need of TLC and a thoughtful approach to turn the space into a vibrant yet soothing oasis. 

The client: 

Anouska!

Background:

Similar in size and layout to Anouska’s previous Dulwich flat, the flat was an opportunity to experiment and rework beloved pieces in fresh ways.

Muses & motivations: 

Anouska’s personal style is influenced by the family home of her Singaporean grandma and Dutch grandfather where Chinoiserie (the East) blended with European mid-century pieces (the West) reflecting their respective heritages.

Keen to break from the past and explore new ideas Anouska opted to embrace a warmer, earthier colour palette to meld existing Asian antiques and chinoiserie pieces with new finds such as the Danish art deco sofa in the sitting room and cherry and poplar burr table in her bedroom for a fresh take on her beloved blend of East and West.

Heirloom pieces such as the opium table at the foot of her bed and rosewood bureau in her sitting room were previously in her grandparents’ home and sit alongside contemporary and vintage pieces sourced at home and on travels abroad.

It’s all in the details: 

One of the subtle quirks are the deliberately unpainted ceilings in the sitting room and dressing room. The mottled pink of the raw plastered ceilings in those two spaces adding a cosiness and exoticism to North facing rooms that seemed best to leave bare.

While most of the upholstery is antique or vintage, old pieces such as the bureau stool and dressing table chair were revived with fresh fabrics (a sprinkling of leopard print!) the exception being in the bedroom where Anouska pushed the boat out a little and created a bespoke arched headboard covered in jewel toned paisley fabric that was inspired by one of her favourite buildings, Brighton Pavilion.