This inviting apartment is proof that compact does not have to mean cluttered, even if the rooms are packed to the rafters with collections. The antique bell jar on top of a vintage Cuban chest of drawers may seem an improbable showcase for a silk scarf, but not for the owner. 'I love to surprise people,' he says. Another passion is antique globes, one of which he found in London's Portobello Road.
1/13 Similar armillary sphere
2/13 Living room
As an inveterate collector who lives in a compact space, the owner has had to find economical ways to exhibit his favourite objects. 'I wanted to create a mini museum of the things I love,' he says. True to his word, the apartment abounds with subtle, whimsical and very personal touches.
3/13 Living room collections
The living room is decorated with selective groupings of photographs and stacked displays in glass bell jars, which can easily be updated with new finds. The jars serve two purposes: to draw attention to the owner's prized treasures and, perhaps more importantly, to act as a means of controlling the displays.
Bell jars
Riviera Maison at Concept East Coast
4/13 Living room corner
Wandering around the apartment today, it is hard to believe that when the owner first saw it 15 years ago, it was a dated, tea-stained nightmare. 'Absolutely everything was brown,' he says. Within a month of moving in, he had stripped away the drab colours and created the New England-inspired home that he craved - despite the fact that the apartment lies on the tenth floor of a 1970s tower block.
5/13 Living room panelling
To complement the half-wall panelling, and to transform the apartment into a space reminiscent of a 1920s yacht, the owner lined the ceilings of the main rooms with narrow wood strips, which he also painted white to maximise the light.
Similar cabinet
Oka
6/13 Living room sofa cushions
Suede, leather and casual linen, together with a cool palette of slate grey, biscuit and glossy white, add texture and interest.
Similar fake fur cushion
Baker and Stonehouse
7/13 Kitchen-dining room
Given the apartment's small size, the owner opted for a square oak dining table, which, when laid with colourful roses, candles and antique silver cutlery, becomes a comfortable hub for dinner parties.
Dining table
Riviera Maison at Concept East Coast
8/13 Living room opening into the bedroom
With just one bedroom and so many treasures, the apartment could very easily have appeared cluttered, but instead it exudes the air of a breezy American east coast beach house. 'The painting was the biggest challenge because there is so much woodwork,' says the owner. 'But it was worth it. By the time I had finished, the apartment looked crisp, white and new.'
9/13 Bedroom
Running a shelf at cornice level around the bedroom, which is directly off the living room, has made the compact space seem higher, while also creating storage space.
Similar upholstered headboard
Feather & Black
10/13 Bedroom shutters
New England-style shutters continue the New England theme. Clever touches from room to room include repeating design ideas, such as small cake stands for displaying items in the bedroom and bathroom.
Similar cake stands
Occa-Home
11/13 Bedroom lighting
Carefully placed lamps brighten up dark corners in the bedroom.
Similar bedside lamp
Online Lighting
12/13 Bathroom
To create a New England effect, the owner used cream-painted tongue-and-groove panelling in the bathroom. Accents of black in the picture frames add a hint of drama.
Similar picture frames
Habitat
13/13 Designer bedroom drawers
The designs for these chests of drawers, incorporating reclaimed wood with leather handles, were inspired by old-fashioned trunks.
If you liked this, find more inspiring ideas on the Homes & Gardens website.
