Callender Howorth is a distinguished property design and redesign service provider in London’s esteemed Kensington area. Renowned for delivering extraordinary quality, our Kensington-based interior architects have garnered a reputation for surpassing client expectations.
With extensive experience in Kensington, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington locales, we invite you to engage with us to explore your design aspirations.
One of only a handful of locations throughout the country that sports royal patronage in its title, the Royal Borough of Kensington is a regal setting, both by name and appearance. The area is home to some of the most exclusive addresses in London, with the broad streets and rows of gleaming private residences making the iconic area a favourite with the capital’s best interior architects.
Recently, Callender Howorth undertook an extensive renovation project in Kensington. We transformed a once run-down five-story residence into a luxurious family home. The renovation completely reconfigured the home’s layout to enhance space utilisation and room flow.
Our interior architects carefully selected custom-made furniture and lighting to harmonise with the beautifully preserved original features of the house. A highlight of the project was the commissioning of a chandelier that serves as a focal point on the main landing, blending with the custom-designed wrought-iron staircase.
Kensington boasts an array of listed buildings and some of the UK’s most impressive design marvels. While the exteriors of its residential streets may appear uniform, the interiors are often masterpieces of design crafted by skilled Kensington interior architects.
The borough’s core lies in Kensington Gardens, adjoining Hyde Park. This area is among London’s most picturesque and historically rich green spaces. Highlights include the Italian Gardens, the whimsical Peter Pan statue, the Speke Monument, the Albert Memorial, and the contemporary Serpentine Gallery.
Kensington Palace, once the residence of Princess Diana and designed by Christopher Wren, stands as a notable landmark. Today, it is the official home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
– Kensington Palace: Kensington Palace reminisces regal design. The palace, originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren, blends classic and contemporary interior aesthetics. Its staterooms and intimate private quarters offer a glimpse into royal living, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of sophisticated interior architecture.
– The Royal Albert Hall: This iconic concert hall, known for its Victorian-era design, features an awe-inspiring interior with mosaics and a stunning auditorium. The harmonious blend of grandeur and acoustical engineering makes it a pinnacle of functional yet elegant architectural design in Kensington.
– The Natural History Museum: Celebrated for its Romanesque architecture, it houses a breathtaking interior with a central hall. Its terracotta façade encloses a world of architectural wonders, including Hintze Hall, showcasing exemplary design and craftsmanship.
– The Design Museum: The Design Museum presents a sleek, contemporary design. Its interiors, characterised by minimalist elegance and cutting-edge exhibition spaces, reflect the museum’s focus on modern design and innovation, highlighting Kensington’s architectural landscape.
– Leighton House Museum: Former home of the Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, this museum is a hidden gem with its opulent Arab Hall adorned with Islamic tiles and a golden dome. The house’s blend of artistic styles creates a unique and enchanting interior, offering a distinct perspective on 19th-century design.
Kensington’s architectural landscape is rooted in European traditions, presenting styles that define this exclusive London area. The Royal Hospital Chelsea, a hallmark of classical architecture, was initially the vision of Sir Christopher Wren, with later contributions by Sir John Soane enhancing its elegance. This iconic structure epitomises the grandeur of traditional European design.
Nearby, Apsley House stands as a rare gem on Hyde Park Corner. Once the residence of the Dukes of Wellington, it represents one of the few remaining examples of English aristocratic townhouses from the neoclassical era. Its preservation offers a window into the early stages of Kensington’s interior architectural evolution.
Michelin House, the original UK headquarters of the famed tyre company, showcases an exquisite blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. This striking building is a testament to Kensington’s diverse architectural heritage, merging functionality with artistic flair in a way that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.
Kensington is a cultural hub of England, famed for its world-class museums. This area hosts the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Saatchi Gallery – pillars that have shaped British culture. Beyond visual arts and sciences, music thrives here with landmarks like the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal College of Music. Additionally, the Kensington Gardens offer a serene outdoor experience with various monuments, further cementing Kensington’s status as a centre of diverse cultural attractions.
Kensington offers a rich dining scene, from the Michelin-starred Kitchen W8 to inventive sushi at Yashin, set in quintessentially British interiors with dark wood panelling and atmospheric lighting. Nearby, Knightsbridge features upscale shopping, including the famous Harrods department store.
Kensington, favoured for family living, boasts a variety of international schools, ample green spaces, and museums. It’s home to a diverse community, including professionals in arts and finance, alongside celebrities like Stella McCartney and Rowan Atkinson. Notable residents include entrepreneurs like James Dyson and Sir Rocco Forte and billionaire heirs like Sir Evelyn de Rothschild.
Its prestigious educational institutions, including Imperial College and the Royal College of Music, enhance the area’s appeal. Additionally, it’s a hub for interior architecture, attracting affluent individuals seeking to customise their properties.
Please contact a member of the Callender Howorth team to discuss your interior architecture needs.