The devil is in the details, so the saying goes, and details are something that Kensington-based interior design studio Elicyon excels at. Founded by Delhi-born Charu Gandhi in 2014, the innovative studio has, over the past 10 years, cemented its reputation for creating luxurious interiors that meld Charu’s passion for decorative craft with the rigours of her formal architectural training. It was this reputation that charmed the owners of this handsome Grade II-listed, four-bedroom, five-storey property a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park, who had relocated to the capital with their two teenage children in 2021, having previously lived in both New York and Mumbai.

‘The first time we saw the house, our clients were just in the process of buying it, but were keen to start the design conversation,’ says Charu. ‘At that point, the previous owners were in residence, so it was interesting to see the house while it was still occupied. They’d been there for years and it was a well-loved but dated home that hadn’t been touched for a decade. We soon realised there was work to be done to maintain the building, as well as to update the lighting, heating and ventilation systems. We had to help our clients understand that, though the house was liveable, it needed a lot of attention.’

Ksenia Dermenzhi’s striking artwork Vase with Mangoes, 2022, hangs over a Pinnock Upholstery bespoke chaise in ‘Velluto Stretto’ velvet from Designers Guild. Custom ‘Sugar’ chairs by Julian Chichester in Lelièvre’s ‘Altitude in crépuscule echo the style of a coffee table by Anka Bespoke. The glass ‘Zelda’ table lamp in kelp is from Porta Romana.

Michael Sinclair

Beyond the fundamental work needed to ensure that the property functioned efficiently, enhancing period features was a key part of the renovation – and one that the Elicyon team relished. ‘We are quite tech driven and use 3D modelling software to virtually scoop out spaces to create a clean, open flow,’ says Charu. ‘After that, we can step back and assess what to retain, which, of course, is a priority.’

In the hall, the floorboards were sanded and stained in a lighter finish and the balustrades were touched up to match the original colour, while the beaded panelling is a new addition that echoes the Regency period of the building. ‘We modelled so many variations, but now it really flows,’ says Charu. Much time was spent designing a bespoke walnut armoire for this area to accommodate the owners’ needs. Inside, it has space for hats, keys, dog leads and more. The exterior, however, is inspired by the art deco period, with a mix of mirror finishes set into the scalloped detail,’ she notes. ‘It feels completely at home in the scheme, but, at the same time, it is incredibly practical.’

In the sitting room, a bespoke sofa by Pinnock Upholstery in Zimmer + Rode’s ‘Pamir RE’ and a custom Ben Whistler chair in a Miles de Lange fabric are arranged around an Aden Furnitura coffee table set on a bespoke rug by Riviere. Moooi’s ‘Coppélia’ pendant light picks up on an ‘Inox Cloud’ mirror from Mint.

Michael Sinclair