THE CROMWELL APARTMENT
Versatile colour schemes and subtle textures mark the renewal of this modern apartment in London.
This once-tired rental is now a light, bright contemporary haven for its young
owner, who is able to update the sleek, neutral schemes with decorative additions when she feels like a change.
The Details
Who: A young international student, who’s parents wanted to both invest and have a place for their daughter to feel like home. She currently lives here with her best friend and small dog.
What: A contemporary upgrade of a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the 10th floor of a modern development.
Where: Cromwell Road London
The Brief
The client wanted a modern, practical upgrade to her apartment that would both add value to the property while reflecting her needs and personal style.
Although the client had a penchant for earthy colours, such as soothing sage green, it was decided that a neutral base would keep the appeal for future buyers, while allowing her to add pops of desired colours and textures through small accessories and wall art.
Before
Having previously been a rental property, the apartment was tired and worn, and didn’t reflect the client’s personal design preference.
A big area of contention was the kitchen space that was lacking in worktop space and had inefficient appliances for the client’s needs. Elsewhere, the dark, patterned floor in the open plan area made the room feel oppressive and unbalanced, while the carpets in the bedrooms were impractical for dogs.
How we achieved it
We worked with a minimal aesthetic throughout the apartment, applying an abundance of neutral yet warm tones.
The orientation of the open plan living space was rejigged, creating a dining space in front of the show stopping window and a TV area in a more practical position.
Bespoke solutions were then designed for these new areas to ensure versatility and functionality, including a dining bench with hidden storage and a wall hung media unit.
To maintain a light and airy ambience that flows from room to room, pale timbers were chosen as the hero material, such as light oak for the media unit, and warm teak for the bathroom vanities.
These cosy, tactile textures, thoughtfully-planned solutions and warm neutral tones combine to create an inviting home that ticks the modern day living box, and ensures continuing appeal to future buyers.
The design process
As the client was based in the Far East, she couldn’t be present for the entirety of the refurbishment, so she opted for our Premium Makeover packages, giving her a clear vision of the end result through detailed coloured floor plans and 2D elevations. Once the design was finalised, the client then chose our Takeover post-design package, which involved us managing the project, liaising on deliveries, uploading digital reports to keep her up to date, and ensuring the contractor delivered the design accurately.
The Cromwell Apartment by Studio Akiva is a refined interpretation of compact city living, where spatial efficiency and understated elegance come together to create a calm, highly functional home. Set within a central London context, the project reflects a design approach that prioritises clarity, flow, and a sense of quiet sophistication within a limited footprint.
At the core of the scheme is a disciplined, neutral palette that enhances both light and proportion. Soft tones and natural finishes are used to create a cohesive backdrop, allowing the space to feel open and visually continuous. Rather than introducing strong contrasts, the design relies on subtle shifts in texture and material to add depth, resulting in an interior that feels layered yet uncluttered.
Spatial planning plays a central role in the success of the apartment. Every element is carefully considered to maximise usability, with multi-functional zones and integrated storage ensuring that the space remains both practical and refined. The layout is designed to feel intuitive, supporting daily routines while maintaining a strong sense of order and balance.
The living area is approached with restraint, where clean-lined furniture and carefully selected pieces allow the architecture and proportions of the space to take precedence. This creates an environment that feels composed rather than crowded, an essential quality in a compact urban home.
In more private areas, the design shifts toward softness and comfort. Bedrooms are treated as calm retreats, with muted tones, tactile fabrics, and subtle detailing working together to create a sense of relaxation. Lighting throughout is layered and considered, enhancing both functionality and atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Ultimately, The Cromwell Apartment is a study in precision and restraint. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate a smaller footprint into a space that feels elegant, efficient, and effortlessly liveable perfectly attuned to modern city life.