In this refurbished townhouse in the heart of London, up-and-coming British designer Elnaz Namaki blends traditional elements with modern touches.
Designers face the challenge of injecting modernity into heritage without sacrificing one for the other across all fields.
With this part-art deco and part-art nouveau townhouse in Notting Hill, London, Elnaz Namaki rose to the challenge.
Who lives here Undisclosed
Home A 1919 apartment in Notting Hill, London
Size 2,590 sq ft
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_homegym_1-1024x768-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_homegym_1-1024x768-1.jpg)
The 1919 house was purchased by HVB Development in 2015 after not being renovated for 60 years.
Together with Elnaz, the company created a modern and sophisticated space while respecting its storied heritage.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_studyroom_1-762x1024-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_studyroom_1-762x1024-1.jpg)
To increase spatial flow and the use of natural light within the house, Elnaz took inspiration from the art deco elements of the house as well as the open-plan spaces of mid-century design.
To begin, they stripped the house down to its structural shell and determined the elements they would keep.
As an example, the house’s original smaller windows were enlarged to let more light in. This can be seen especially on the lower ground and ground floors, where the kitchen, foyer, gym, media room, and terrace are located.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_kitchen_1-1024x828-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_kitchen_1-1024x828-1.jpg)
The open-plan kitchen leads to a terrace, while the gym on the lower ground floor, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, faces a wall of greenery.
With Elnaz’s belief that natural light helps “nourish, stimulate, and inspire”, no doubt the house’s residents will be inclined to pump iron. The 2,690 sq ft and five levels of the house also provide ample opportunity for a daily workout.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_livingroom_2-1024x703-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_livingroom_2-1024x703-1.jpg)
The home is a blend of restrained elegance and modern touches. The lower ground floor showcases Elnaz’s playful nature by keeping the brick wall exposed to create an industrial-chic look influenced by New York lofts.
A juxtaposition of the raw and the futuristic, in the form of the neon words on the wall, is balanced by the lush textures of the plush emerald green and grey couches. Abstract artworks on the wall tie the space together, and the large, open windows let in plenty of natural light.
Elnaz has proven to be a master at balancing different design genres, themes, and elements with her refined and discerning touches.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_11-624x1024-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_11-624x1024-1.jpg)
The contrast in genres is evident throughout the house, as each room has a distinct personality. The dark, reclaimed oak wood floor with custom bevelled edges binds everything together, while thoughtfully chosen rugs and carpets add to each room’s character.
Read Also: Beach Blanket Babylon Restaurant in Notting Hill, London
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_stairway_1-783x1024-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_stairway_1-783x1024-1.jpg)
For instance, the foyer features a geometric pattern of white and gold that highlights a brown leather couch and a white two-seater.
While a quirky modern chandelier adds colour to the living room, the original fireplace is flanked by oak bookcases that heave with coffee table books, decor items and photo frames.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bedroom_1-1024x1010-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bedroom_1-1024x1010-1.jpg)
In the master bedroom, a teal rug adds a pop of colour to the monochromatic furnishings, and an open-plan wardrobe gives the impression of larger space. Featuring the designer’s eye for detail, the wooden frame of the ceiling fan fits seamlessly into the decor.
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_2-775x1024-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_2-775x1024-1.jpg)
![home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_1-546x1024-1 House Tour: Vibrant, contemporary apartment in the heart of Notting Hill, London (Photos Elnaz Namaki)](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/home-_-decor-house-tour-elnaz-namaki-eclectic-nitting-hill-apartment_bathroom_1-546x1024-1.jpg)
This recurring theme of melding old and new is further emphasised by the master bathroom, which blends two distinct design ideologies. It features a restored vintage claw-footed tub and Statuario marble with seamlessly invisible joints and bronze accents.
The overall effect is sophisticated and luxurious, much like the entire house itself.