Clive Christian Interiors unveils landmark London townhouse
Signalling the next era for style-defining ultra luxe joinery brand, Clive Christian Interiors – the originators of the statement kitchen – unveils its landmark London Townhouse at No1. Sydney Place. Occupying the entire corner of Sydney Place with direct access to the iconic Fulham Road, where interior brands and couture fashion houses pepper the neighbourhood, the London Townhouse is an embodiment of the 40-year-old brand. Fully fitted with exquisite examples of Clive Christian Interiors’ design prowess, the townhouse occupies three floors, as well as an integrated drinks cellar, private cinema and full-sized garden kitchen in the townhouse’s own slice of eden.
Operating an open-door policy, the townhouse welcomes clients and design connoisseurs throughout the week. Styled on a real-life home, No1. Sydney Place reflects the design philosophy and world-leading craftsmanship that Clive Christian Interiors are known for globally. Once the home of a bank, the listed property has been designed meticulously and offers a new kind of client experience, one that is completely immersive and intended to replicate a real-life environment.
On arrival, clients are presented with two Clive Christian Interiors kitchens. The recently launched OPUS in ‘Ethereal’, which is the first iteration of this new kitchen in Europe, welcomes design connoisseurs and dazzles them with its four-metre island, swirling Cosentino stonework and exquisite inlay marquetry. Miele appliances and Kaleo units are seamlessly integrated within the functioning kitchen, which is finished with Blum Hardware and Joseph Giles ironmongery, providing a contemporary backdrop for cookery demonstrations and future events.
Walking through the archway doors, a second, and contrasting kitchen, can be found. A full-sized version of the cultlike ‘Architectural’ Kitchen – the original statement kitchen from the brand – is an exquisite example of the brand’s heritage roots. Equipped with Sub Zero & Wolf appliances, Havwood flooring, Yarwood leathers and Cosentino marbles, the kitchen will become the heart of the townhouse, frequently hosting events throughout the calendar year, from chef-led demonstrations to panel discussions with design specialists.
Completing the ground floor is the Senate Bar Lounge, which comprises a fully-panelled library and a working bar with Sub Zero & Wolf utilities. Playing on the original architecture of the building, the double-tiered library shelves are crafted from smoked walnut, lined with soft leather and used to display both books and iconic Clive Christian Perfumes from the archives. This space offers comfort and relaxation thanks to Dorya furniture and ambient lighting. Clive Christian Interiors have showcased their acute attention to detail throughout this space with the statement bar top which features a diamond pattern set within walnut burr and a quartersawn walnut surround: the very finest in marquetry techniques.
Known for partnering with the best brands over the world, it’s hard to miss the sheer number of statement Baccarat chandeliers that dress the ceilings of the ground floor. A partner of the Clive Christian Interior brand, Baccarat glassware, home accessories and of course iconic lighting pieces can now be purchased via the showroom.
Descending to the lower-ground floor, which is due to open February 2024, is further amenities and hospitality spaces: a fully-equipped boot room, perfectly illustrating how Clive Christian Interiors cabinets can be used not just in the kitchen and library, but also within a high-use space such as a laundry room and boot room. Future-proof design has been demonstrated within these spaces including pulley systems to access heavy washing baskets with ease.
Two stand-out spaces on the lower ground floor are the wine-tasting carriage – a unique design concept which has been styled on the grand train carriages of the 1920s – and a state-of-the-art cinema screen by Pulse Cinemas, complete with surround sound, chaise longue-style seating by Dorya and a full bar. Both these areas provide spaces in which to entertain clients, members of the media and brand partners, enabling Clive Christian Interiors to fully communicate the brand and values.
Intended to mimic a classical townhouse layout, the first floor, which again will open from February 2024, is a master bedroom with accompanying bathroom suite and two his and hers dressing rooms, all designed in partnership with Fromental. Elegantly translating Clive Christian Interiors’ acute attention to detail, the complementing dressing rooms are a symphony of Architectural frosted maple wood panelling, inset with soft blush faux leather in the ladies’ and the bold Metro Deco style crafted from black walnut with steel inlay in the men’s.
For the men’s dressing room, a feature item is the integrated safe system by Buben and Zorweg, an impressive leather upholstered fronted safe with a hand-turned mechanism. Made from solid steel, this state-of-the-art safe has the ability to store multiple watches, amongst other treasures, with the added ability of having them safely and accurately wound within.
A further study for private client consultations and a Fromental-finished bathroom suite can be found on the first floor, both rooms showcasing further Clive Christian Interiors joinery and the brand’s sensitive handling of listed buildings, retaining the true essence of a historic property. The bathroom suite features a statement free-standing V&A bathtub which frames the original full-height windows offering views down to the street below. Perrin & Rowe taps are included alongside Sub Zero & Wolf warming drawers for towels and robes.
Epitomising modern luxury and bespoke detailing in the home, No1. Sydney Place will be a constantly-in-use event and experience space. Firmly cementing Clive Christian Interiors’ position as the authority and finest supplier of kitchens and bespoke cabinetry for the home.