A Japandi Sanctuary by the Thames
Project Location: Fulham, London
Service: Bespoke Design
Property Type: New Build
Rooms Designed: Entire Property
Style: Moody Japandi
Completed: May 2024
Photographer: Kate Allamby
Located in Fulham, London, this three-bedroom flat on the River Thames was reimagined by Studio Heim through a full bespoke interior design. The clients were drawn to the calm, understated elegance of Japandi style, seeking a home that felt simple, clean, and effortlessly inviting - all achieved within a considered budget and a tight timeline.
Although the property was relatively new, some areas were beginning to feel tired. Curtains and general furnishings lacked cohesion, and the space as a whole didn’t yet feel like home. As the clients shared, “It’s a newish build, and we struggled to bring everything together in a way that felt warm and inviting.”
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Design Approach
The design approach carefully balanced aesthetics with practicality. With a short lead time, Studio Heim sourced furniture and finishes available within 4–6 weeks, ensuring the project stayed on schedule without compromising on quality. Clean-lined HAY sofas, a minimal coffee table, and Japanese-inspired furniture pieces established a calm, grounded aesthetic, while bespoke elements were introduced where needed. A custom media unit in the living space provides generous storage while discreetly concealing cables, creating a seamless focal point within the open-plan layout. The kitchen was also thoughtfully refreshed, with updated doors and worktops transforming the space without the need for a full replacement.
Natural materials and a soft, neutral palette run throughout the home, creating a sense of cohesion and calm. Light wood, wool, and linen add warmth and texture, while subtle colour is introduced through deep grey-green and plaster-toned hues in the guest bedrooms. In the primary bedroom, limewashed walls bring a gentle, spa-like quality, layered with deeper earthy tones to add contrast and depth. Double-layered curtains - sheer linen paired with blackout fabric - provide both softness and practicality, allowing light to filter through while maintaining privacy.
“A clean, simple space that’s easy to live in — basically our dream home.”
Key Features
Functionality was central to the design. The open-plan living and dining area was arranged to encourage conversation and connection, with seating designed to comfortably host guests while maintaining a relaxed, uncluttered feel. Every element was considered to ensure the home was easy to live in, reflecting the clients’ desire for a space that felt both beautiful and effortless. “A clean, simple space that’s easy to live in - basically our dream home,” they noted.
Final Thoughts
The result is a home that feels calm, cohesive, and deeply inviting. Each room has been carefully considered, balancing practicality with a refined aesthetic that reflects the clients’ lifestyle. The living room and primary bedroom have become particular favourites - spaces designed for rest, comfort, and everyday living. As the clients describe, “It truly feels like home now. Even after being away for a couple of weeks, it’s a joy to come back to.”
For those considering working with an interior designer, their advice is simple: “Genuinely one of the best decisions we made.”
Interested in a similar transformation?
If you’re dreaming of a home that feels calm, considered and deeply personal, we’d love to hear about your space. Our design services are tailored to your lifestyle, your home and your pace - guiding you from first ideas through to a finished sanctuary.