An interior designer puts her energy into her own space

"Like many interior designers, our home didn't reflect the quality of work we do," says Alex. "When we were redesigning our apartment we wanted to create a place we'd deliver for our clients but to live in ourselves."

The upper-storey apartment was reminiscent of homes they had seen abroad, and the pair thought they could re-create the look of a New York loft. "It was appropriate for our existing apartment," says Judith, the company's designer.

An integral part of the design was to add strapping to the walls. "It's plastering that's part of the wall and fixed to it," Alex explains. "We've been through feature walls now; that look went out long ago but the consumer market is slower.

"The strapping for our home is the feature," Alex continues. "We briefed the plaster company and they built the mould and installed it to our specifications."

"That's part of the look we wanted to achieve," Judith adds. "We streamlined the style, though. Now it has a contemporary feel with no flourishes."

To continue the theme, they chose a metallic silver-flecked charcoal carpet. From a distance, the floor creates a shimmering appeal.

"Normally you'd use charcoal timber floorboards, but we didn't think that was appropriate for our baby daughter," Judith says. "Instead we used a synthetic fibre that's actually softer and plusher than wool," Judith adds. 

For the walls, they decided to add warm greys and beige for a lighter look. "We then integrated lights and furniture from our collection that had simple, streamlined appeal. The 70s pieces mixed well with simple, low-line contemporary furniture," Judith says.

To add to the look, the pair chose to use curtains rather than blinds. "We have a charcoal grey for the sheer material and a silky, satin fabric with vertical lines in darker tones to complement."

Judith Najee

Fox and Mint

What were your thoughts when choosing the carpet?

Everyone is obsessed with wool carpets, but synthetic is very environmentally friendly. If you put it beside wool you'd be amazed by the quality and softness. 

What was the look you were searching for with your furnishings?

We wanted decorative highlights with contemporary furniture. So the couches are simple, streamlined jardin couches and they work well with the pieces from the 70s.

What did you do for lighting?

To complete our loft look we used decorative lights and chandeliers. The table lights have silver ceramic bases and look great with their big shades.

What else did you use to complete the look?

We chose American oak for some of the finishes, rather than a darker shade. The darker ones are a bit out now; lighter is more for the moment. We also needed the lighter wood to offset our charcoal tones. 

How does the home feel to live in now?

It's great. We all enjoy the space.

Alex Harratt

What makes the use of strapping such a unique idea?

Well generally consumers baulk at these kinds of extras. It's expensive, there's no doubt about it. But it gives a sense of depth and interest - it's not just a white wall. 

What do you like about the carpet?

Normally there's not enough difference or choice, and people don't tend to think of synthetics. But this carpet doesn't pill, so when you vacuum, you only vacuum dirt. 

What one detail stands out to you?

Well we have lots of big features - for example, we have a big, round dining table with commercial orange chairs that create atmosphere and spunk. Our theory is to use paintings or features like lights to create the colour. It's amazing what just a simple flower design will do for the room.

Were there any alterations to the floor plan?

We made alterations that really improved the floor plan. Where once there were big, awkward spaces, now we have defined rooms that contain the energy. I closed off the third bedroom that was attached to the living room and opened up the dining room and kitchen. I even created a sauna in the laundry!

What do you like about the refit?

Well we haven't observed the trends. It's not a trendy refit; it's high-end furnishings but not trendy. We wanted to create a space where we could spend time together as a family and we've definitely achieved that. It's not cold; it's not a kit home; it’s unique and tailored with form and function.