Inspiration of the Week: a Marylebone apartment of rare refinement

There’s much to admire in this first-floor flat on Weymouth Mews, which came on the market this week. It’s location, for starters, is extraordinary: on a cobbled street in villagey Marylebone, just a short walk from both Oxford Circus and Regent’s Park, it offers quietude amid the central London buzz. Its footprint is fantastic too, with room for two bedrooms and a vast living area in the sizeable 842sq ft floorplan, while its high ceilings and sash windows are to die for. But the jewel in its crown is, undoubtedly, the palette that’s been splashed across its palatial spaces.

When gemmologists inspect precious stones, they’ll always look at colour and clarity. Both are in abundance here, where paint, art, textiles and tiling have all been chosen with intelligence and verve. In the sitting room, this finds expression in the clever interplay of inky paint with accents of citrine in lamps, vases and curtains. It’s far from two-tone, however, thanks in part to the kaleidoscopic paintings that hang at either end of the room, which makes every other colour sing, from the peridot of the sofa to the carnelian of the table.

In the bijou kitchen, aquamarine and ruby meet in a savvily clashing scheme. We love the way the current owner clearly isn’t afraid of using a smaller space to make an impact. Here, in a show of true commitment to the cause, even the oven has been matched into the mix, as has a cleverly chosen lampshade. The brilliant bathroom has been conceived in a similar vein too, taking solely turquoise as its theme and instead using a medley of different tiles to bring textural interest.

Naturally, the peaceful bedrooms are somewhat quieter, though no less rich and considered. Here, a a sense of calm is communicated through less zingy hues – amethyst, rose quartz, garnet – chosen for headboards, bedspreads and beautiful bashed-up furniture as well as walls.

Of course, we know full well that someone may buy this and paint it white. And why not? This flat is a rare and precious find regardless.