Bold, Beautiful & Balanced

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG | STORY MEGAN SMITH-HARRIS

As seen in the London Spring 2026 issue.

The contrast inside this new build in an established London neighbourhood is striking. A restrained exterior gives way to a bold, minimalist interior defined by clean lines, sculptural lighting and a palette of black, white and soft neutrals. What could feel austere is warmed by layered texture, refined detailing and inventive design – proof that minimalism, when executed with precision, can be both dramatic and livable.

According to London Kitchen Studio (LKS) owner Steve Hillman, who, along with designer Ashley Brown, designed and installed sleek custom cabinetry throughout the house, the homeowners’ vision was clear from the outset – “a modern, minimalistic home that felt both luxurious and effortlessly inviting.” That clarity, paired with strong collaboration, made the whole-house project not only successful but remarkably seamless.

The homeowners also worked with design stylist Simone Eccleton-Winder, an accomplished fashion buyer and online fashion entrepreneur whose eye for proportion, texture and bold choices translates naturally to interiors. “I took on this project because the homeowners are fun, have a strong point of view and are decisive. It was an easy, organic fit.”

That clarity of vision is immediately evident on the main floor, where bold floor-to-ceiling black cabinetry designed and installed by LKS establishes a striking visual rhythm. It defines the principal spaces and contrasts with crisp white finishes. Simple white countertops and fluted quartz detailing on both the kitchen island and living room fireplace add texture and refinement.

Warm wood flooring and subtle gold hardware accents reinforce a clean, cohesive aesthetic. The result is an effortless flow from room to room, with every element aligned. A quartz-clad range wall and expansive 10-foot island further elevate the light-filled space, thanks to large-scale windows overlooking the backyard pool.

The butler’s pantry discreetly conceals a secondary dishwasher, sink and stove, keeping the primary kitchen clutter-free. Adjacent living and dining spaces continue the sleek yet comfortable theme. Built-in cabinetry replaces open shelving, offering hidden storage for books, glassware and games. The arched bar niche with open shelving complements the home’s arches in the wine room and hallways.

At the front of the house, an airy corner room framed in metal and glass serves as a flexible gathering space. A sculptural white sofa designed by Andrew Moretti of RFP Design Group Inc, anchors the room beneath a contemporary bubble light fixture.

A mod blackand-white geometric rug and marble accent tables complete the space, which is ideal for reading, casual games or enjoying a cocktail.

The homeowners are avid wine enthusiasts, and their temperature-controlled wine room is one of the home’s most distinctive spaces. Here, fun and sophistication collide. Green-and-black geometric tile with a three-dimensional cube effect from Stone Tile injects colour, while striking custom metal framing and shelving from Mark Deren Custom Metal Design add practicality and an industrial edge. Integrated lighting brightens the space and creates a moody, loungelike atmosphere. Wood accents introduce warmth and balance.

The second floor is dedicated to family life, with children’s bedrooms, a hardworking laundry room and a whimsical playroom that Simone describes as “a pink Chanel purse – but in wallpaper.” The two youngest daughters’ rooms have subtle pale pink zebra and leopard wallpapers that extend across the ceilings and are anchored by playful circular bubble light fixtures. The rooms will adapt gracefully into their teenage years.

The palette moves to darker tones in their son’s room, with a nod to his love of basketball. A white oak bed is paired with charcoal linens and a custom charcoal tweed carpet from Sacwal Flooring Centres, resulting in a space that feels grounded, tailored and age-appropriate.

The primary suite maintains a minimalist calm with black furnishings. The en suite continues the clean, elevated aesthetic with a striking black-and-white geometric tile floor from Stone Tile, white cabinetry, oval gold mirrors, gold faucets from London Bath Centre, a makeup vanity and a tub room softened with white floor-to-ceiling drapery from Covers Designers’ Edge.

One deliberate departure from black and white appears in the walk-in closet, where cabinetry in a soft camel cashmere tone is accented with custom marble pulls from Lo & Co Interiors, sourced from Australia.

A small gallery niche showcases the homeowner’s handbag collection, while the remaining storage stays discreetly concealed.

Downstairs, a hangout space for the kids, a gym and a tricked-out media room anchor the lower level. Oversize chairs are upholstered in plush black bouclé accented with tweed-textured wallpaper and a dark tweed carpet from Sacwal Flooring Centres.

Integrated panelling conceals the media system, while a dedicated drinks and snack bar completes the cinematic experience.

Throughout the home, lighting plays a starring role. “Lighting is the jewelry of the house,” says Simone. Fixtures sourced from scherba & co. include the living room’s sculptural chandelier and many of the playful bubble lights, adding personality and polish.

The cumulative result is a home with the ambience of an elevated boutique hotel – sleek, organized and elegantly functional. “Everyone loves being here,” says Simone. “It’s the go-to house in the neighbourhood.” OH