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Inside Priscilla Kandasamy's Elegant Transformation of a Holland Park Apartment

  • Aug 12
  • 4 min read

Set within one of Holland Park's distinguished period buildings, this beautifully redesigned London apartment demonstrates how tailored interior design can transform a historic property without compromising its character. Designed by Priscilla Kandasamy, Co-founder of Stylish Friend, the home embraces the exceptional room sizes and architectural heritage of the original flat while introducing a contemporary layout centred around lighting, functionality and bespoke detailing.


DESIGNER

The Stylish Friend

TYPE

Family Residence

LOCATION

London, UK

SERVICES

Full feature on YouTube, IG, FB & TikTok

PRESENTED BY

Priscilla Kandasamy

Elegant white foyer ceiling with ornate molding, a bronze pendant light, arched black windows, and wall sconces in warm light
Polished cream marble floor corner with black border inlay beside white molding and a glass door, clean modern interior

An Elegant Introduction


The entrance hall instantly introduces the materials and craftsmanship that define the apartment. Bronze arched glass doorways frame each space, and chocolate-toned floor inlays, elegant wall panelling and restored period coving create a refined first impression. Rather than competing with the building's original architecture, every new intervention is carefully integrated. "We've kept some of the architectural details that are very significant with this listed property" Priscilla explains, highlighting how consistent bronze detailing and decorative lighting is applied throughout the home.


Elegant dining room with oval dark wood table, cream chairs, white paneled walls, gold pendant lights, and plants.

Elegant beige dining room with oval table, four chairs, fireplace, abstract gold art, large windows, and soft daylight.

An Open-Plan Living Area Filled with Natural Light


One of the home's biggest transformations was opening up what had once been a series of enclosed rooms. The redesigned living and dining spaces now allow daylight from the property's signature wraparound bay windows to travel through the apartment, creating an airy atmosphere ideal for everyday living and entertaining. 


Ornate white room ceiling and bay windows with cream curtains, looking out to green trees and a white building in bright daylight.

Hidden curtain tracks concealed within the restored coving, integrated LED lighting and bespoke wall panelling add subtle layers of sophistication supporting the original architecture. "Our task was to create an open plan design, allowing that natural light to really lend itself to the functionality of the space" says Priscilla.


Bright luxury open-plan kitchen with marble island, bar stools, pendant lights, and cream lounge by sunlit windows.
Modern kitchen with gray stone counters, brass sink, built-in ovens, and warm backlit cabinets, calm and elegant.
Modern kitchen with gray island, beige chairs, white flowers, figs, and an open cookbook in a bright, elegant home

A Kitchen That Makes Every Detail Count


Although the project required careful budgeting, the kitchen became the space where the design team chose to invest. A substantial island finished in leathered stone gives the room a strong visual focus, complemented by deep drawers, concealed storage and bronze fluted glass cabinetry crafted by a specialist joiner. Rich timber veneer introduces warmth while balancing the lighter palette used elsewhere. Priscilla says, "We wanted the kitchen to not only be elevated but also functional, which I think we achieved." Every storage solution has been planned out to maximise space while maintaining its sophisticated style.


Elegant beige living room with curved sofas, fireplace, wall art, shelves, and large windows; calm, airy, modern mood

Bright elegant living room with fireplace, abstract art, beige sofa, built-in shelves, and sunlit bay windows overlooking greenery.

Comfortable and Elegant Living Space


Equally suited to hosting guests and enjoying quiet days at home, the living room combines bespoke joinery with a curated mix of high-end and accessible furnishings. A working fireplace provides a natural focal point, while the bay window has been transformed into an intimate seating area overlooking the gardens. 


Two large abstract framed paintings on a white wall, with a blurred green plant in front and a glowing wall sconce to the right.

Throughout the room, dark timber accents are balanced by soft colours and layered textures, creating what Priscilla describes as "quite soothing yet quite unique."


Elegant home office with dark desk, tan chair, potted tree, artwork, and soft light through a window.

A Home Office with Everyday Function in Mind


The home office demonstrates how even compact rooms can feel richly detailed. Decorative wall panelling remains the dominant architectural feature, intentionally left uninterrupted by fitted cabinetry, while bespoke furniture and accessories bring personality to the space. Natural light from the large window reinforces the connection to the outdoors, complemented by plants that softens the room. "Whenever I design a small space, I always try to find ways to add details to the wall, to the floor and to the general items that are in the space" Priscilla says.


Bright elegant bedroom with beige bed, blue throw, mirrored vanity, white flowers, and a window; calm, airy mood

Modern luxury bathroom with glass shower, marble wall, gold mirror and lights, vanity sink, wicker basket, and warm neutral tones

Elevating the Guest Experience


The guest accommodation is every bit as considered as the principal living spaces, combining refined finishes with practical design. The spacious shower, brass detailing and marble-effect porcelain tiles create a luxurious feel, while storage solutions and layered lighting improve everyday usability. In the bedroom, bespoke joinery combines open shelving with concealed cabinetry, alongside a dedicated vanity that allows the room to function beyond simply sleeping. As Priscilla explains, "I wanted to focus on a more functional aspect."


Dark navy bathroom with marble wall sink, toilet, mirror, and vase of greenery by a bright window.

A Powder Room That Introduces Bold Contrast


While much of the apartment follows a restrained palette, the powder room provides an opportunity for greater expression. Deep blue-green walls bring richness and intimacy, while bespoke marble surfaces and continued wall panelling maintain consistency with the wider design scheme. Affordable decorative accessories demonstrate that impactful interiors do not always require expensive finishing touches, highlighting the project's approach to luxury and value.


Elegant beige bedroom with a neatly made bed, lamps, abstract wall art, built-in wardrobe, and a magazine on the bench.

Elegant bedroom with a tufted bed, open magazine on a bench, decor tray, and white chairs by sunlit windows.

A Master Bedroom Rich in Texture and Detail


The master bedroom embraces comfort through layered textures, bespoke joinery and subtle detailing. Fluted wardrobe fronts, elongated brass handles and integrated storage keeps everyday essentials neatly out of sight. 


Elegant bedroom nook with bay windows, potted tree, two white chairs, and a black table beside a bed in soft beige tones.

"One of the features of Holland Park flats are these gorgeous wraparound bay windows, and we wanted to accentuate it by adding a little seating area that's very private to the master bedroom" Priscilla explains.


Luxury marble bathroom with glass shower, oval mirrors, gray vanity, white tub, and potted plant in a bright modern spa-like space

Luxurious marble bathroom with double sink, gold mirrors and fixtures, frosted shower doors, and neatly placed soap dispensers.

A Luxurious En Suite


The en suite bathroom reflects the project's broader philosophy of investing where it matters most. Large-format porcelain tiles recreate the appearance of luxurious marble, allowing the budget to be concentrated on bespoke brass-framed shower screens, fluted glass detailing and layered lighting. A freestanding bath completes the room, adding indulgence while maintaining the home's consistent palette of brass, stone and warm neutral finishes. "We managed the budget by using large format porcelain tiles but we splurged on the shower doors" says Priscilla, perfectly capturing the design decisions behind the project.


Green leaves frame ornate white townhouse facades under a clear blue sky, bright and serene.

A Heritage Home with a Contemporary Perspective


This Holland Park apartment demonstrates that a successful renovation is rarely about dramatic gestures. Instead, it is the accumulation of crafted finishes and details, from restored period features and bespoke joinery to intelligent storage and layered lighting, that gives the home its enduring appeal. By respecting the building's heritage while designing for contemporary lifestyles, Priscilla and her team have created interiors that are elegant, functional and unmistakably timeless.


Brown poster with white serif text reading the stylish friend centered on a dark brown background.

Project Information


This exceptional Holland Park apartment showcases how brilliant interior design can elevate a historic London property while remaining practical for modern living. Through bespoke joinery, layered lighting, selected materials and a balance of heritage and contemporary design,Priscilla Kandasamy and her team have transformed the apartment into a sophisticated home.


Interior Designer: Priscilla Kandasamy, Co-Founder, The Stylish Friend

Instagram: @the_stylish_friend


Developer: White Box London





 
 
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