Maya Salfati Designs transformed a house in Hampstead into an elegant and functional home with British and Indian influences.
Maya Salfati Designs was entrusted to design a 250 sqm three-floor detached home in the western region of Hampstead Heath, London. Harmoniously blending contemporary design with traditional British and Indian influences, the abode embodies the client’s desire for a destination that fuses functionality with elegance.
London-based interior designer Maya Salfati, Founder of the studio, won the commission after being recommend to the Hampstead homeowner by a former client. Maya says, “We arranged an on-site meeting whereby I discovered a blank canvas – the property stripped down to its brickwork – presenting a unique opportunity to design from scratch.”
Following the visit, the property’s overarching narrative unfurled through an engaging dialogue with the owners, ensuring their identity resonated within each zone. Bespoke features including a hand-painted mural – deeply inspired by Indian miniature paintings – and Chandigarh chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, subtly pay homage to the client’s heritage. Meanwhile, the embrace of natural materials and a palette pairing light and moody hues bring the tale to life – all mirroring founder Maya Salfati’s quintessence of coining interiors that meld beauty and comfort.
“To fuse long-established British and Indian influences while adhering to a contemporary scheme, I focused on harmoniously and finely integrating elements from both cultures,” says Maya. “Classic materials such as wood, marble and brass exhibit traditional British design – alongside bespoke architectural detailing through wall panelling and arches – whilst features including the dining room’s hand-painted mountain mural echoes celebrated Indian miniature paintings.
“Concurrently, modern shapes, a neutral colour palette with rusty dark green accents, and black and chrome metal finishes create a cohesive contemporary milieu. Injecting contrasting vintage pieces added authenticity and history, whilst smart lighting enhanced the ambiance and space functionality. The considered design fusion resulted in a harmoniously styled space that reflects the client’s cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyle.”
The larger of the two parlours exudes refined cosiness, boasting an Italian vintage coffee table sourced through Monument Store, a custom Andrew Martin Rodin armchair in Nobilis Laurus green fabric, and a Pooky roddy table lamp in brass and ivory dupion silk – the storied textile enjoying a modern revival – whilst complimentary custom cushioning nestles into the BoConcept sofa set. The secondary salon encompasses a Ligne Roset Togo sofa in Cordoue Artichaut, a Soho Home Lovett Armchair in antique rose velvet, an Atelier London footstool fusing function with panache, and a Liang & Eimil Odeon statement pendant, shaping a rejuvenating space embodying escapism and equipped with a peppering of Nordic Nest cushioning.
“I have a mental rolodex of treasured brands which account for over half of the items within the Hampstead abode, due to their reliability of consistently meeting my standards for quality and design,” says Maya. “Simultaneously, I always seek new suppliers to introduce custom items that honour each individual project and my vision. Pairing trusted sources with fresh, unique pieces enhances the overall aesthetic of a space.”
Meandering through to the kitchen meets dining zone, a Thibaud L Chandelier in antique brass towers over a Richmond Interiors Blackbone oval dining table, set on an Atlantic Venetian Dust rug by Floor Story; whilst antique brass pendants suspend over tan leather stools by Six the Residence, framing the milky Dekton island.
“The dining room is my favourite Hampstead space due to its elegance and cultural significance,” reveals Maya. “The hand-painted Indian-influenced mural behind the integrated bespoke bar – oozing sophistication whilst remaining functional – serves as a striking focal point, subtly integrating the client’s heritage. The zone’s Pierre Jeanneret chairs bring character, having originally been designed for a project in Chandigarh, the owner’s hometown. The marriage of contemporary furniture and the neutral palette welcomes harmony to a typically social space.”
An enchanting haven, the master boudoir’s Liang & Eimil Colma bed in Larson Sand fabric, Lewis & Wood wallpaper, and custom Rug Guru Persia piece in mocha ooze opulent ease, whilst the dressing room’s highly coveted custom Tutankhamun Leopard rug – inspired by the Zandra Rhodes archives of her Nile Collection – welcomes a daring dose of energy.
The hallway houses a Norfolk Luxury vogue matte black table beneath a contrasting Rick Tegelaar Meshmatics Chandelier – its transparency allows for a lyrical liberation of light. A bespoke Atelier London Giles pouffe in custom Casamance fabric – accentuating the hourglass silhouette – sits nearby for heightened warmth.
Graceful design is championed through considered statements dusting the four bedroom Hampstead home, including Pooky wall lights in opaline glass, a Ceraudo pomegranate Ilaria side table and House of Hackney wallpaper, amongst OKA and Matilda Goad gems injecting added flavour to the family residence.
“Pivotal project objectives were to design a home that exudes elegance and a deep personal touch; to seamlessly blend contemporary design with tradition; to reflect the owner’s lifestyle and heritage,” reflects Maya. “The intent was for the client to feel a profound sense of comfort and pride in their home. The Hampstead abode balances beauty and practicality, embodying a celebration of harmonious living.”
www.mayasalfati.com | IG: @mayasalfatidesigns
Photography by Kira Turnbull Creative