Our client invited Susan Van Meter Interiors to view their new-build home in progress. As designers, we work alongside some excellent developers, but the elements of good interior design are often missing. New builds can feel bland or maybe over-designed and lack the sophistication and luxury that the property deserves.
The Brief
To create a "quiet" luxurious contemporary interior for a family that had mostly flown the nest and as a London base.
The client hired Susan to create the luxury element missing in this contemporary and bland space. The project included redesigning compact bathrooms, creating new layouts, and specifying new tiling, brassware, furniture, soft furnishings, and lighting along with the garden. Here you can see the initial mood boards from the design phase.
What started as a design project only, soon expanded into full project management, as the client realized the amount of time and effort required to create a space to exacting standards. SVM was hired to oversee the entire build process, working closely with the developers to ensure the success of every detail.
Create a staircase statement
Although of modern design the plan was to install a traditional Victorian-style banister and staircase. A staircase can be more than just a way to move between floors—it can be a statement piece. We designed an elegant staircase with a bespoke recessed handrail to complement the herringbone floor.
The walls painted in a rich blue by Basalt @littlegreenepaintcompany, provide a dramatic and striking backdrop, while recessed lighting by @astrolighting illuminates each step with modern sophistication. Every detail is designed to blend functionality with aesthetic elegance, making this staircase a standout feature. Initially, the client hesitated about this bold colour choice, but our render sealed the deal, showcasing the stunning impact.
The staircase also posed a challenge with its narrow 80cm width—the minimum allowable for staircases and a handrail protruding into an already tight space. Our solution? We boxed out the handrail and recessed it into the wall, maintaining the width while delivering an aesthetic and functional design.
A luxury study to concealed cloakroom
To create an impact on entering the hallway, a bronze Crittall glass partition, meticulously designed and crafted for the project, was installed to separate the space between the hallway and the study.
The two-tone crafted desk enhances the modern aesthetic, while electric blinds ensure effortless control over lighting and privacy a perfect balance of luxury and functionality.
A concealed cloakroom, hidden behind a sleek pivot door with beautiful hand-finished bronze cast door handles from @philipwatts_design adds a luxurious, tactile element, embodying the finest of British craftsmanship. The combined warm lighting from @Jadamsandco with elegant taps from @crosswater_uk and the sophisticated wall textures from @artewalls, create texture and depth to ensure every aspect of the space is both functional and refined.
From bland basement to luxury Den
A lack of window light can often make a basement seem dark and lackluster. Susan transformed the den into a cozy haven for relaxation, reading, listening to music, and watching TV.
Bespoke built-in furniture, maintaining bronze finishes throughout the scheme, luxurious wallpaper by @artewalls, and Curated artwork create a warm, cohesive, and inviting atmosphere making this space perfect for unwinding after a long day, the basement has been transformed into a luxurious retreat designed for comfort and serenity.
Create your Master Bedroom Sanctuary
The master bedroom from our Blackheath project is the ultimate retreat, where luxury and comfort meet. The Super King-sized bed, accompanied by bedside tables from RH, anchors the room, while bespoke built-in wardrobes with a dressing table niche and bronze accents elevate both style and functionality. A stunning daybed by @domkapa introduces a touch of Portuguese sophistication, and electric curtains paired with warm lighting create a truly serene ambiance.
Every detail, from the textures to the tones, has been meticulously curated to ensure restful elegance in this sanctuary.
We Curate your artwork
Your personal collections are an important element in the overall design of your home and require consideration from the get-go. Art and design combine seamlessly in this project, where every room tells a unique story. The clients’ collection of artwork was thoughtfully curated to complement the home's overall design, blending harmoniously with bespoke built-in furniture and luxurious finishes. These carefully considered details add personality and depth, transforming the space into a warm and inviting home. From standout statement pieces to understated accents, every element reflects elegance and individuality.
Watch our short video walk through, click below.
Read our client email to Hamptons about our service:
"I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you following your very kind recommendation that Caroline and I meet with Susan Van Meter with regard to the design of our newly built property in Blackheath.
After meeting Susan, we had initially asked her to design the interiors of the house, however, she very quickly also became our de facto project manager liaising with developers on every aspect of the build. I can confidently say that the project would not have been completed without Susan's involvement.
The project is coming to its conclusion now and whilst it has been a challenging process to build and decorate the house, Susan’s involvement has meant that Caroline and I have managed to maintain our sanity whilst she expertly managed the contractors on our behalf.
Susan’s technical skills have meant she was able to design the bespoke furniture for the property whilst also being able to work with the developers to provide architectural improvements in the construction of the house.
Susan’s experience, flair, creativity, fastidious attention to detail, and refusal to accept sub-standard work have meant that we have a house that is both beautifully finished and a joy to live in.
Caroline and I would have no hesitation in recommending Susan’s services to any of your clients and would happily let you use the house as a local example of her work if required.
We are both absolutely delighted with the outcome of the project and wanted to thank you for the introduction to Susan"
If you would like to transform your new build or existing home into luxury elegance, don't hesitate to get in touch with Susan for a free consultation
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