The Feminine Mystique: Model Lizzie Bowden's Notting Hill Apartment

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When model Lizzie Bowden decided to renovate her gracious duplex apartment with views of Ladbroke Gardens in Notting Hill, she knew just the designer to tap: a rising, risk-taking London-based tastemaker who just happens to also be her cousin, Hollie Bowden. Not only did they have shared family history, but the two actually lived together years ago, when they first moved to London.

While almost everything for the project was newly sourced, “there are some relics in the mix from when Lizzie and I lived together,” says Hollie. In general, “the whole project was very led by her. It’s very different from the rest of my portfolio. She wanted a girly, romantic, and eclectic space that felt Old-Worldly.” (Hollie’s work tends to be edgier.)

Lizzie’s main priority, though, was to create a haven for her six-year-old daughter. “I wanted it to feel lived-in, comfortable, and girly while being truly functional,” says Lizzie. “I wanted to be able to use this home properly to enjoy time with my little girl.”

Ready for a tour of her refined, girl-forward home?

Photography by Genevieve Lutkin, courtesy of Hollie Bowden.

perfect symmetry in the living room thanks to a pair of sofas, upholstered in p 17 — Above: Perfect symmetry in the living room thanks to a pair of sofas, upholstered in pale green linen, from Lorfords. A flea market rug thrown over a coffee table is a bohemian touch in this otherwise traditional room.

the interior color scheme—muted jade and pale pink—was inspired b 18 — Above: The interior color scheme—muted jade and pale pink—was inspired by the 18th century fireplace sourced in Belgium. “The palette works brilliantly with with its mottled marble,” says Hollie. An antique architect’s model of a spiraling staircase sits next to it.

the dining room is just beyond the living room. ten &#8\2\20;japanese stenc 19 — Above: The dining room is just beyond the living room. Ten “Japanese stencils from the ’50s that have aged wonderfully,” says Hollie, form an arresting gallery wall. The fern artfully draped over the pendant light is leftover Christmas decoration that continues to look great.

the chairs are russel woodard from the &#8\2\17;70s. 20 — Above: The chairs are Russel Woodard from the ’70s.

lizzie, in front of a tapestry from london&#8\2\17;s lillie road. &#8\2 21 — Above: Lizzie, in front of a tapestry from London’s Lillie Road. “The green lends itself so well to the green of Ladbroke Gardens just outside the window,” she says of the dominant color in her home.

the pink and green palette continues in the kitchen. &#8\2\20;we painted th 22 — Above: The pink and green palette continues in the kitchen. “We painted the floor in Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball which gives the space light feel,” says Hollie. Bottle Stone counters sourced from a supplier in London.

a fun leopard print carpet from stark in a hallway. 23 — Above: A fun leopard print carpet from Stark in a hallway.

lizzie hollie bowden ladbroke gardens notting hill apartment detail

lizzie hollie bowden ladbroke gardens notting hill apartment detail1 25

Above: Some examples of the eclectic art throughout the home. “The artworks in this project comprise a really bonkers mix of folk art, tapestries, and small pieces picked up at markets in different styles and with different textures.” says Hollie.

re configuring the downstairs section was the most challenging part of the proj 26 — Above: Re-configuring the downstairs section was the most challenging part of the project, says Hollie. “We carved out space for an incredible utility room [pictured here] by taking out one of the staircases—originally there were two!”

the centerpiece of the soothing master bedroom is this custom bed. &#8\2\20 27 — Above: The centerpiece of the soothing master bedroom is this custom bed. “It was inspired by a hotel we once stayed in. I found a historical reference for a similar bed and the mix of these two influences helped bring this unique bed to life,” shares Hollie.

both bedside lights are from schmid mcdonagh, one of hollie&#8\2\17;s favor 28 — Above: Both bedside lights are from Schmid McDonagh, one of Hollie’s favorite stores. (Yes, the face mask on the right is a light, designed by Garouste & Bonetti.)

a suzani from istanbul and a dusky rose upholstered armchair add to the softnes 29 — Above: A suzani from Istanbul and a dusky rose upholstered armchair add to the softness in the room.

For more London townhouses we love, see:

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