Cochrane Design was enlisted for the interior design and conversion of three penthouse apartments into one luxury penthouse. The client wanted a home which was luxurious and timeless as well as bold and dramatic, meaning all the elements intentionally discover their own language, yet each is understood by the other to sustain this vigorous performance.
Personalised service with a professionally creative attitude and tenacious commitment results in prestigious awards for London-based design studio, Cochrane Design. This penthouse project in Liverpool was shortlisted for The International Design & Architecture Awards in 2019 in The Interior Design Scheme and Residential £2.5-5 Million categories.
As Cochrane Design was required to join three existing apartments, it was crucial to create flow from one to another for the transition to be seamless. The main living space was pinpointed as the heart of this home, so the design process is rooted there.
The space already had dramatic floor to ceiling windows which curved round the room, so the initial focus was to enhance this existing feature and echo this drama throughout the rest of the design.
Luxurious bespoke velvet wrapped curved sofas and an oversized dark leather ottoman become the central point for a large living space. The flow of curves from the surrounding windows that give a panoramic view of the city is repeated in the furniture lines and the structural columns. The gold from the expansive circular pendant is in dialogue with the brass inlay of the floor.
There were three key aspects for this project, the first was the hammered brass wall which plays with the light pouring through the double height windows. The second was the polished nickel spindles which frame the bespoke staircase; and the third was the double height columns wrapped at the base with nickel collars – these columns existed and couldn’t be removed, so tying them into the design was non-negotiable and a success.
The project features bespoke joinery and carpentry and a lot of bespoke metal work, which adds an extra layer of depth to the scheme. The staircase required special attention to detail in order to combine the wooden treads with the integrated lighting and carpet runner, and the nickel spindles were made specifically for this project. Cochrane Design feels the interiors achieve their goals in balancing bold finishes, such as hard metals and deep paint colours, with warmth exuding from the natural walnut flooring and warm lighting details.
The formal dining area takes a bold stand by setting a dramatic and highly luxurious stage filled with a determined collection of art and materials: bespoke upholstered dining chairs with modern legs; the black and gold lighting fixture; and of course the walnut parquet flooring with brass inlay as a statement that runs throughout the penthouse.
The hallway has a patterned recessed LED strip lighting design for a modern spin. The blue shaker style door has polished chrome circular details added to it as part of its design with polished chrome door handles.
A walnut wardrobe with polished chrome inlays characterises his dressing room. LED strip lighting has been implemented on the mirrors, the shoe shelf internals and on the top and bottom of the wardrobe joinery along with the ceiling. Glass doors open to showcase the shoe shelves with polished chrome door knobs matching the polished chrome inlays. Her dressing room mirrors installations and materials from his. White leather drawer fronts match the bespoke fabric-wrapped chair.
This light filled bathroom projects freshness and luxury with its most precise attention to detail. All the design elements complement each other, from the polished chrome wall lights, sink taps, and vanity unit knobs, to the black mirror frames and the black painted vanity unit with nero marquina worktop. The calacatta marble walls balance the intensity of the other dark materials creating harmony.
The signature Cochrane Design bedroom features rectangular patterned leather panels as a headboard and the built-in walnut is coupled with polished chrome detailing around the mirror frames. Art deco type skirting runs throughout the room painted a grey farrow and ball colour with the walls. The bedside tables are made of a dark wood finish with polished chrome handles.
A cosy velvet sofa is placed at the end of the bed beside to the minimalist marble fireplace.
Founded in 2004, Cochrane Design provides a comprehensive design, architecture and development service for private clients, developers, hoteliers and investors throughout the UK and abroad. The practice specialises in exclusive high-end properties and CEO and Creative Director, Sean Cochrane and the dedicated team of talented designers, handle every carefully considered detail; from space planning to lighting, bespoke joinery and cabinetry, furniture and soft furnishings.
Cochrane Design projects are known for their innovative use of space and light and their modern, fresh approach to colour and texture. Sean’s work is infused with influences from his travels – bringing inspiration from South Africa, where he lived for two years, as well as from Asia. It is creative vision, attention to detail and exacting standards which are the driving force of the company.
