Duck & Shed have woven their expertise and design magic to transform the fabric of a first-floor apartment in the Grade 2 listed, Venice House Yard, situated in the iconic St John’s Smith Square, Westminster. This transformation is a testament to their master craftsmanship which has breathed new life into the space, blending historical charm with contemporary elegance.
Envisioned as a sanctuary for a discerning art collector, the apartment’s renovation was guided by a desire to create something truly unique. The result is a stunning metamorphosis that marries the contemporary with the classic, blending a bold material palette with architectural finesse. The apartment retains a nod to its history with a perfectly square panelled reception room, concealed behind a sleek liquid metal door. Within this space lies a hidden gold bar, artfully integrated behind the bespoke panelling—a symbol of both luxury and thoughtful design. A more playful moment is the floating square corner that echoes the elegance of Versailles flooring beneath, peeking out from under the entrance to the reception room.
The history of Venice House Yard, once a repository for books destined to cross the Venetian waters, is subtly honoured in this modern reimagining. The decision to select ‘Pavimentodi Venezia’, colloquially known as terrazzo, serves as a poetic reminder of the building’s origins as a Venetian book repository. Marble-clad drawers, finished in a triple book-matched Calacatta, perfectly complement the charcoal-washed maple veneer cabinetry. Even down to the bronze trims that adorn the edges of the stone wainscotting, every aspect of the apartment has been considered with the utmost precision and each element exudes understated luxury. A laid back luxe.
In the bedrooms, the attention to detail continues with a 3.6-meter wardrobe finished in high-gloss lacquer and smoked oak veneer, accented by bronze trims. Inside, the drawers feature sand leather and flocked shelves, adding a touch of luxury to the drawers. A 3.2-meter sliding panel with a liquid metal finish leads to the ensuite, exemplifying the apartment’s blend of contemporary sophistication and timeless design. But it is not all serious, Erfan Azadi injects some humour through the tall glazed panel on the end of the bath that allows the resident to enjoy the beautifully crafted (and extremely expensive) tap-ware.
Duck & Shed’s commitment to excellence is evident in every facet of this project, reflecting their deep understanding of materials and design precision. Their current ventures, which include high-end residences across Notting Hill Gate, the Boltons, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, and Kensington, continue to showcase their passion for creating spaces that are both innovative and enduring.
In Duck & Shed’s hands, every project is a harmonious blend of history and modernity, creating environments that are as beautifully crafted as they are unforgettable.
All built in furniture, joinery, kitchens and stonework including bespoke terrazzo basins designed by Erfan Azadi.
Tapware by The Watermark Collection
Joinery by Carpentry Division
Masonry by G Micolli & Sons
Terrazzo by In opera
