Influencer Edits
Interior Design Service: Creating a minimalist yet cosy London apartment for a Northamptonshire couple
As lovers of clean lines, comfort and considered design, David and Anne have brought the same care to their London flat as they do to their Northamptonshire farm. So how did this “minimalist but cosy” duo work with Heal’s Interior Design Service to transform a compact city apartment into a stylish and inviting home? We caught up with David, Anne and Helen from Heal’s Interior Design Service team to hear about the collaborative process, their favourite pieces and how the space works for both everyday life and entertaining.
David, can you tell us a little about your family and the home you live in, and how you use the space day to day?
We live on a farm in Northamptonshire but have always kept a London flat for work and culture. Anne, my wife and a countryside lover, spent little time in the city - but that’s changing now we have two grandchildren here. When I worked full time, the flat was a functional overnight space, but now we enjoy spending more time in it - and hosting friends. Our plans included adding a second bathroom, a more open-plan living area with workspace, a functional kitchen and areas to sit and relax.
How would you describe your interior style?
In the city, our style is a bit more minimalist but always comfortable. In the kitchen area, Anne would naturally gravitate towards a country-kitchen feel, but neither of us wanted to feel like we were sitting in a kitchen. Overall though, comfort is key - beds, blackout blinds and clever storage. I’m the one obsessing over hidden cables and lighting, while Anne makes the space warm and welcoming.
Can you talk us through the design process with your dedicated consultant, from initial planning to completion? How collaborative did it feel?
We made an appointment with Helen and, honestly, thought the project might be too small to get much attention. From the start, she was incredibly helpful. After explaining our flat plans, she took us around the store to gauge our reactions to different pieces - a much smarter approach than just asking our design preferences. Despite the flat’s size, constraints were fewer than expected. We started furnishing discussions early, allowing small carpentry tweaks for chosen pieces, especially in the bedrooms. The process was iterative: a second meeting to resolve loose ends, a session with a bedding specialist and a final meeting to choose fabrics. Helen was with us every step of the way and was even onsite when everything was delivered - she made the whole process feel truly collaborative and put us at ease.
Are there any pieces that you’re especially drawn to now, and what makes them special to you?
The Ligne Roset Istrana console table is a simple piece that fits the space perfectly, paired with an architectural painting by Arturo di Stefano - together they embody a “less is more” approach. On it sits a doll from a friend in Ukraine, a daily reminder of how lucky we are.
How does the finished space feel to live in now?
It feels exactly as we planned - minimalist but comfortable.
What would you say to anyone considering working with our Interior Design Service team on their home?
Don’t be too fixed in your views but be clear about what you really don’t like - and listen. In hindsight, we worried too much about matching different shades of oak across carpentry, parquet and furniture, but Helen kept reassuring us: “wood goes with wood.” She was right, and we never thought about it again.
Helen, can you tell us about the brief?
As this is a compact central London apartment, the brief focused on creating a home that felt calm, refined and generous, despite the footprint. Furniture needed to be streamlined and space-efficient so the overall look never felt heavy or cluttered. A key priority was ensuring David and Anne’s extensive art collection took centre stage - the pieces act as a quiet framework, enhancing rather than competing with the artwork.
With a full renovation underway, including rewiring, removing some walls and relocating others, as well as installing new bathrooms, a kitchen and flooring, I was determined to deliver value with every choice. Every piece needed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, combining quality and longevity while keeping the wider renovation in mind.
How would you describe David and Anne's taste?
David and Anne gravitate towards modern, clean lines and a sense of order. For their London home, they wanted a space that felt uncluttered yet inviting - a true “home away from home” where they could relax and entertain with ease.
We focused on refined silhouettes and carefully considered colour choices that complement rather than dominate. The aim was a calm, elegant backdrop with warmth and depth, letting the overall scheme feel balanced and welcoming.
Can you talk us through how you collaborated with them throughout the project?
We began at the Heal’s Tottenham Court Road showroom, exploring pieces and discussing materials and finishes in person.
From there, the process was very collaborative. With David and Anne based in Northamptonshire, much of our communication was via email as we refined the selection of pieces, finishes and fabrics. With the apartment renovation evolving at the same time, flexibility and open communication were essential. It felt very much like a partnership, with a shared goal of creating a considered and personal home.
Can you pull a few key pieces you chose for the scheme?
The scheme focused on lightness, comfort and flexibility, ensuring the apartment felt both stylish and practical. In the living room, the elegant Matera sofa with slender arms and elevated legs keeps the floor visible, giving a sense of airiness. A matching ottoman provides the same relaxed feel as a chaise but with greater versatility. The rich olive-green wool complements the burnt-orange kitchen joinery, adding warmth and depth.
Dining chairs and the bespoke Oslo table and bench move easily between spaces, offering adaptable seating for everyday life or entertaining. In the bedrooms, upholstered beds bring warmth and comfort, with discreet storage drawers maximising space. The principal bedroom features a Vispring Helios headboard with a divan base, while the guest room has a Heal’s Newman headboard in COM fabric, adding bespoke detail and practicality with a dual-tone weave and Easyclean finish.
How would you describe the finished result?
The finished scheme is timeless and cohesive, creating a calm, contemporary home that feels layered and personal. Furniture complements the architecture without overwhelming it, and every choice - from fabrics to finishes - makes the space inviting and considered. Finally. what would you say to those considering working with your team on their home? We’re here to help. Whether it’s a single room or a full home, we collaborate to bring your vision to life. Our Interior Design Service offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring your final design scheme feels balanced, harmonious and even better than you expected.
