Surprise and delight by the river

Interiors by Angel O’Donnell

Overview

We were tasked with interior designing a large penthouse in The Dumont, on London’s Albert Embankment. 

As our owner loves art, colour, pattern and texture, we made sure that each room was treated to a fertile mix of tactile materials, handcrafted furniture and carefully curated art.

Everything from hand thrown ceramics to specially commissioned acrylics made it into our scheme – even an intricately beaded African ceremonial crown. 

Many standout pieces were designed in-house, including wool bouclé swivel chairs, jewel-toned velvet sofas, plushly padded upholstered walls and a bronze-clad fireplace. 

The Shards

We started with the principal bedroom. 

It needed to feel cosy and cocooning; a colourful sanctuary filled with warm throws, soothingly plump pillows and reassuringly heavy sheets. 

British oil painter Tate Gall inspired the rhomboidal shapes for the upholstered wall. 

In fact, his vibrant geometric shards – reminiscent of shattered stained-glass windows – prompted the bold and enlivening palette used throughout the apartment. 

Jewel tones

Next, we turned our attention to the show-stopping living room with its sweeping views of the city. 

Everything in this space, except for a glass and vellum coffee table by Julian Chichester, was designed by Angel O’Donnell and made by London-based artisans.

Curved forms join clean-lined bronze and glass finishes to faintly imitate the snaking River Thames and eclectic architecture outside.

The colour palette also works a subtle magic by mimicking the berry reds, sapphire blues and juniper greens found in nature. 

While vibrant, these organic colours exude a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing. 

Bold as brass

We opted for a subdued palette in the dining room. 

That way, the rippling brass pendant light, aqua-blue hand bowl and artwork would really pop.

The large oval dining table with its brushed bronze base and black-stained oak top was designed in-house – as were the dark grey linen dining chairs. 

Here, textures abound in all directions – from the grain of the wood to the shagreen leather of the drinks cabinet. 

Down to earth

In one corner of the kitchen, a blend of earthy pigments, calm neutrals and kaleidoscopically bright artwork is warm and smile-inducing. 

It just goes to show how impactful an unabashedly strong colour palette can be.

Art house

Water colours, ceramics, line drawings, limited edition prints and embossed graphics enliven what could have been a dark and narrow hallway.

The brushstroke effect wallpaper adds another layer of texture and artiness to the space. 

It’s an area that holds its own, encouraging anyone passing through to pause and take in its variety of art.

True blue

Colours, textures and patterns thrive in the guest bedroom. 

Elements include: the faceted wallpaper, whose irregular polygonal shapes give the illusion of relief; the deep-fluted, half-height upholstered wall; the geometrically patterned Christian Lacroix cushions; and the bright collages above the bed, by British artist Caroline Morgan. 

These elements coalesce to form a visually enticing whole, a little haven for friends and family to sequester themselves in.

Come full circle

In another guest bedroom, a bespoke headboard is evocative of a large pale moon or hazy sun sinking into a pillowy horizon. The cool tones of the eau de nil linen mingle with the warm, coppery tones of the Missoni throw for a calm and meditative space.

Textured terrace

The roof terrace is a gem – so we knew it had to be every bit as elegant and stylish as the interior. 

Barstools have long tapered legs, chairs have soft woven seats, and a large circular daybed is piled high with custom-made cushions, using fabrics from Zinc Textiles and Kirkby Design.

We even consulted plant specialists to advise on sustainable native trees, herbs, hedges, perennials and ornamental shrubs. 

These things, of course, add yet more shape, colour and texture to our designs, as well as a little inner-city biodiversity.

Wherever you turn, there’s something to catch your eye. 

Each space has a joyful and eclectic feel, like it’s been pieced together over many years. 

The result is a home that always surprises and delights.

Designed by: Angel O’Donnell

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: JP Banks