Taking residence for the first time in London, Italian design gallery Artemest has unveiled a fully furnished penthouse with its interiors conceived by acclaimed designer Róisín Lafferty
Photography by Ben Anders, The interior of this recently completed penthouse in Embassy Gardens is a result of a collaboration between Róisín Lafferty and Artemest
Words by Roddy Clarke
Looking out directly onto the new US Embassy in Nine Elms, this sweeping penthouse apartment is split across the 17th and 18th floors of Embassy Gardens boasting panoramic views of the river and London’s dynamic skyline. For Irish designer Róisín Lafferty, who was commissioned to design the apartment’s interiors, she says the concept was to reimagine it as a true sanctuary above the city, giving new life to a space that had previously felt under-considered. Standing in the living area, looking out over the neighbouring developments and the expanse of the UK capital, I feel calm and centred, most likely thanks to the soothing colour palette and combination of organic materials and soft sculptural curves that surround me.
Photography by Ben Anders, With panoramic views across the city, the apartment directly overlooks the striking architectural statement that is the new US Embassy
Known for her clever use of colour and meticulous curatorial eye, Lafferty has worked closely with Artemest, styling the space with pieces selected from the Italian gallery’s platform. ‘While the focus was on warmth, comfort and improving flow, we chose to collaborate with Artemest as a way of elevating the brief through craftsmanship and narrative,’ she explains. ‘It has allowed us to access a world of exceptional makers and artisans, many of whom are not widely represented, helping to bring that depth of craft into the project.’
Photography by Ben Anders, The sculptural curves of the each piece, coupled with an earthy palette and organic tactility exudes a sensorial tranquility throughout the apartment
A result of Lafferty’s own collection of colours with Fleetwood Paints, the earthy backdrop allows the pieces to take centre stage while also drawing the eye to the striking views over London. ‘It was important that the interiors didn’t compete with the views,’ she comments. ‘Our approach was to create a sense of calm and grounding within the space, allowing both the architecture and the city beyond to breathe.’ Focusing on depth and materiality, the curation of sculptural pieces has been introduced with restraint and intention, helping to anchor each zone over the two floors. ‘Stronger, more masculine materials are softened through rose-tinted tones and organic forms, creating a gentle balance between strength and softness,’ she continues. ‘Natural light was treated as a material in its own right, shifting throughout the day, animating surfaces and strengthening the connection between the interiors and skyline. The result is a space that frames the views while still feeling cocooned and deeply liveable.’
Photography by Ben Anders, The palette draws inspiration from the shifting colours of the sky and the city’s ever-changing light, flowing effortlessly from room to room
From a master suite with an adjoining dressing room and study to an expansive entertainment area on the second floor, Lafferty’s approach has injected a distinct intimacy into the space, using the furniture to cleverly zone areas within the open plan environments. It is the sense of narrative and provenance behind each piece, however, that enhances this ambiance. And, thanks to platforms such as Artemest, such pieces are becoming easier to source. ‘It offers access to exceptional craftsmanship that might otherwise be difficult to reach,’ Lafferty says. ‘While helping to preserve skills and crafts that could easily be lost, it also allows interiors to feel layered and meaningful, where every object contributes to a wider narrative. That depth is increasingly important to clients, and it fundamentally enriches the way we design.’
Photography by Barbara Corsico, Irish designer Róisín Lafferty who has designed the interiors of the apartment
For Artemest, the penthouse has provided the perfect opportunity to not only showcase their unique finds, but also to present how Italian craftsmanship can shape an entire way of living. ‘These spaces become tangible experiences of our philosophy,’ say the company’s CEO, Marco Credendino, ‘demonstrating how artisanal excellence translates into contemporary luxury.’ Marking an important milestone in Artemest’s mission to bring the excellence of Italian craft to the world, it also provides an example of how such activations can be another connection point for the brand and its global audience.
Photography by Ben Anders, The master suite of the penthouse apartment includes a dressing room and study within it
‘Working with Róisín was as always, an inspiring process,’ Credendino says. ‘She approached us with a clear vision for the penthouse, rooted in atmosphere, materiality and emotional impact and the platform became the framework through which that vision could fully come to life, giving her access to the breadth and depth of Italian craftsmanship.’ From furniture to lighting, finishes and décor, it truly offers a sense of the wide selection found through the Artemest platform. ‘She has masterfully translated the soul of Italian craftsmanship into a distinctly London setting,’ he continues. ‘Through a refined palette, sculptural forms and a deep attention to texture and light, she has allowed the materials and techniques of Italian artisans to speak in a contemporary, urban language. The result feels both rooted and global, where Murano glass, travertine marble and rich timbers coexist effortlessly with the city’s skyline and rhythm. She has captured the magic not by replicating tradition, but by reinterpreting it in a way that feels relevant, sophisticated, and perfectly attuned to London’s cosmopolitan spirit.’
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