Inside Christian Bense's Warm and Layered Mayfair Apartment

There is a quiet confidence to the apartment at 60 Curzon, the kind that doesn’t announce itself, but rather unfolds gradually, room by room. Designed by Christian Bense as part of a wider residential development, the space resists the predictable gloss of a show home, opting instead for something more compelling: a narrative-led interior that feels collected, considered and entirely individual.

“Unlike a typical residential project, we had the luxury of seeing how the other apartments had been designed,” says Bense. “Our brief was to do something different – to lean into what makes the studio unique and create a one-off result. That sense of distinction is evident from the outset. While many show apartments aim for broad appeal, often at the expense of personality, Bense takes a more nuanced approach. “If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up with something bland,” he explains. “It’s important to have a point of view – something with character – while still being accessible.”

The building itself, designed by Thierry Despont, provides a strong architectural foundation rooted in Art Deco elegance. Rather than adhering strictly to that language, Bense uses it as a springboard. “We wanted to respect the Art Deco bones, but not be confined by them,” he says. “Instead, we created a layered journey through the decades that followed.”

The result is an interior that moves fluidly between eras, from the tailored precision of the 1920s to the softer sensibilities of mid-century design. Slubby linens, worn timbers and natural stone introduce an organic counterpoint, softening the building’s inherent formality while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

Spanning a single, expansive floor, the apartment offers both opportunity and challenge. Bense approaches the layout with a focus on creating distinct yet cohesive zones. “With a space of this size, it’s important that each room has its own identity and purpose,” he notes. This is most evident in the open-plan living area, where zoning becomes both practical and aesthetic.

A formal sitting area, a relaxed games corner and a generous dining space coexist seamlessly, each defined without disrupting flow. “Zoning allowed us to break up what could otherwise feel overwhelming,” says Bense. “It adds depth and ensures no space is wasted.”

A snug, tucked discreetly alongside the library, offers a more intimate counterpoint, reinforcing a broader rhythm between openness and retreat. This interplay is echoed in the palette. Soft pinks, powder blues and creams create a gentle atmosphere in the main living areas, while deeper tones in the bedrooms and snug introduce a more cocooning quality.

Dark-toned flooring anchors the scheme, offsetting the lighter hues. For Bense, this warmth is central to his definition of luxury. “Luxury isn’t about sparse, museum-like spaces,” he says. “There’s nothing un-luxurious about a home that feels layered and inviting.”

Materiality plays a key role in achieving this balance. Marble, brass, lacquer and silk are offset by finishes that feel handmade and tactile. “We wanted the apartment to feel effortless and liveable, not just visually impressive.” This philosophy extends to the furniture and objects within the space. Bespoke pieces sit alongside antiques and global finds, creating a dialogue between past and present. Lamps sourced from as far afield as Australia sit alongside work by British artisans, resulting in a quiet eclecticism.

Art is integral to the narrative. Bense’s South African roots find expression in bespoke commissions, including a mohair tapestry from the Karoo and large abstract works inspired by water lilies. These sit alongside contemporary photography and sculptural works, forming a layered collection. Even the corridors are treated as gallery spaces. “We didn’t want them to detract from the story, instead, we filled them with artworks that correspond to the adjacent rooms.” Despite the diversity of influences, the apartment remains cohesive. “It comes down to ensuring each piece speaks a similar language,” Bense explains.

Ultimately, the imagined resident is as layered as the space itself: well-travelled, culturally curious and attuned to craftsmanship. It’s a vision that feels entirely fitting for Mayfair, elevating this apartment beyond the expected into something more enduring.

Credits

Text by Lynette Botha

Images: Supplied