Interiors inspiration: Bella Freud and Maria Speake on designing London's Helios penthouse

The living area

All images courtesy of Michael Sinclair

Housed in Television Centre, the iconic circular building that once formed the BBC's headquarters in White City, Helios is one of the most exciting residential developments happening in London right now. Part of The Architects Series - five apartments designed by architects Piercy&Company - Helios 710 is a duplex penthouse with two bedrooms and airy living spaces for which developer Stanhope enlisted the skills of fashioner designer Bella Freud and interior designer Maria Speake. Here the pair share their vintage-inspired interior design vision and, should you like what you see, the apartment is available to purchase fully furnished for £3,295,000.

The living area

For the interiors, we wanted to captivate the spirit and freedom of the 1970s – vibrant block colours such as the Angelica Green carpet with its stylish black trim have been used to frame reclaimed mid-century pieces including a Wily Rizzo coffee table, vintage lacquer seating and Cesca chairs by Marcel Breuer.

The snug

A beaded curtain hangs at the door of the snug, creating a pocket of privacy on the main living level. We have created a cosy atmosphere through the careful layering of animal print cushions, a sheepskin rug and this three-seater sofa reupholstered in mustard corduroy.

The kitchen

Centred in the middle of the open kitchen stands a timber-panelled island unit and fluted-marble splashback made by interior architects, Piercy&Company. Floor to ceiling panelling makes a brilliant backdrop for art, objects or your favourite plants.

The hallway

Rugs needn’t be limited to the floor. In the hallway, we have hung special edition rugs on the wall (seen beyond staircase). The rugs are inspired by the playful wording on my sweaters and are made in collaboration with The Rug Company. We have also supported young South London artist, Eliza Hopewell, who has created the sexy and subversive ceramics which are featured throughout the apartment.

Jimmy's room

The material palette echoes that of my fashion label, for instance, corduroy is a great texture and has become part of the overall signature for the interiors. For Jimmy’s Room, we have reupholstered the classic Thonet armchair in white corduroy.

The bathroom

The fluted-marble wall and black fittings have been made in collaboration with the interior architects, Piercy&Company. The Bella Freud ‘Leopard Dog’ rug from the Rug Company and Jacob Wolff’s op-art prints inject further character into the space.

Bella's bedroom

If you have a favourite colour use it as an anchor, the more of one colour you have within one room, the more it becomes almost neutral. Inspired by the glamour of the 1970s, colours like ruby red and burnt orange work especially well in smaller bedrooms.

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