In some ways, a show apartment offers an interior designer an exciting blank canvas to work on, but it can also be a challenge, with few references to spark design inspiration. For Christian Bense, things were further complicated by the fact he had not one, but two apartments in the 60 Curzon development to work his creative magic on.
Other design studios such as Elicyon have also designed apartments in the deco-inspired building, which is the only private residential building in Europe designed by the French architect who died in 2023.
Christian explains his approach to designing show apartments, saying, ‘one really needs to balance the notion of trying to cater for everyone and then risking appealing to no one,’ he says, explaining how his studio wanted to ensure each apartment had a unique point of view, without potentially alienating future occupants.
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‘The style in the end may not be to everyone’s tastes and that is ok, but anyone viewing the property should be able to acknowledge that it’s been laid out and considered at its best.’
While acknowledging that Mayfair is ‘synonymous with high quality and the best of London and international style,’ Christian has observed the neighbourhood taking on a more intimate feel for residents moving back in; ‘we have had several clients relocate to the area in recent years, and we wanted to ensure that our design choices reflected that these were liveable homes, and not just highly polished, dressed apartments,’ he says.
‘Whilst designing, we made sure we were able to balance the ideas of high concept and practical living, ensuring we matched both sides of Mayfair: the smart and the homely.’
The two apartments – one a four-bed, the other a one-bed – were completely empty and didn’t require any structural changes. While the bulk of the work was focused on furnishings and better-considered lighting, they added what was needed to rationalise rooms and make the most of the spaces; this included library-style joinery in the snug, the dressing room in the main bedroom and wall panelling in the entrance hall.
‘We wanted to pay respect to the art deco bones of the property, but didn’t want to feel as if we were inspired by only that,’ Christian says, adding ‘instead, we wanted to create a layered journey through the decades which followed.’
For the larger apartment, their inspiration included subtle references ranging all the way from the 1920s to the 60s, creating a chic family home which felt collected over time.
While he wanted a feeling of luxury – deploying marble, brass, lacquer and silks to achieve that aim – Christian also took care to ensure the spaces felt effortless. ‘Those finishes also include a sense of life and intrinsic depth to them. Where possible, things feel handmade and crafted, balancing luxury with everyday practicality.’ A gentle layering of organic and relaxed materials such as slubby linens, worn timbers and natural stone helps to soften some of the lines.
The main bedroom in the larger apartment is one of his favourite spaces. ‘The unique curved window and wallpaper creates a really lovely room which feels light and airy, and enveloping and soft at the same time,’ he says.
Christian’s considered approach has paid off; the mix of antiques, bespoke pieces and contemporary furniture, layered with carefully curated art, textured fabrics and rich tones results in an interior that feels as if it has evolved slowly over time and making Mayfair feel like home. christianbense.com
