Blending old and new in a contemporary setting

A new, three-bedroom show residence at Triptych Bankside

When we designed our fourth apartment at Triptych Bankside, our goal was to showcase just how adaptable these modern, light-filled spaces truly are.

We chose to move away from the glossy, fashion-forward vibe of our previous scheme and, instead, embrace a transitional approach – blending old and new, the eclectic and the custom-made.

Together, these elements create a soft rhythm between ornate and understated – showing how even the most modern home can be transformed with a little imagination.

Triptych Bankside 2 | Living area with period interior design details | South Bank

Life’s rich tapestry

In the living room, traditional wood beading lines the main wall, paired with woven tapestries: one depicting a Basque coat of arms circa 1550, the other a French royal palace. These nods to history contrast with a bold modern abstract painting and a handcrafted contemporary console.

To this we added an intricately patterned Arts & Crafts rug, a flame-stitch footstool (a favourite motif from the 17th and 18th centuries), a demi lune console in fine leather, and a capsule-shaped marble coffee table with conical wooden legs.

Triptych Bankside 2 | Period interior design details | South Bank

Triptych Bankside 2 | Colourful and welcoming primary bedroom | South Bank

Down to earth

For the principal bedroom, we chose an earthy Bauwerk Colour limewash for its rich tonal variations – warm, dynamic, and ever-changing with the light. Its perennial appeal is lustrous in summer, toasty in winter, and enduringly beautiful across the seasons.

Triptych Bankside 2 | Spacious primary bedroom with floor to ceiling windows | South Bank

Time to reflect

We mirrored the large column opposite the bed to catch the light, capture the views, and gently dissolve the structure into its surroundings. The integrated shelf turns this feature into a discreet dressing area – both practical and quietly elegant.

Under the arches

We took inspiration from the elaborate headboards at a boutique hotel just off the Fondamenta delle Zaffere in Venice. The tiered arches carry a Romanesque quality, while the spiral wood beading adds a touch of theatricality, framing the Air Force Blue paint and striped upholstery.

Triptych Bankside 2 | Bedside details | South Bank

Triptych Bankside 2 | Pistachio wallpaper with triptych artwork | South Bank

Nuts about pistachio

Bespoke details define the third bedroom, where an ivory-hued headboard – upholstered in merino wool and plum velvet – sits within a frame of chocolate-brown wood and pistachio-coloured wallpaper. Slender Art Deco bedsides in golden burr walnut introduce swirling, organic patterns that play against the regimented lines of the joinery.