I am thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of Andrea Benedettini’s latest masterpiece, Hampstead II. In a compelling conversation with The Interior Guide, Andrea shares the creative process behind this exquisite family home, offering insights into his design philosophy and artistic inspirations that drive his distinctive approach.
Designing a Sculptural Sanctuary in Hampstead
For Andrea Benedettini’s Hampstead II project, his clients envisioned a fluid design scheme with a “wow” factor, incorporating numerous sculptural elements while integrating nature into the space. To realise this vision, Andrea incorporated tactile velvets throughout the project, adding richness and sophistication. Highlights include the Tobacco Larsen Mohair velvet used on the curved sofa in the family room and the practical chocolate velvet by Perennials featured on the dining chairs. Additionally, he utilised a range of specialist finishes for bespoke case goods, introducing high-gloss vellums, bronze liquid metals, and unique textured plaster finishes. A standout feature is the family room’s double-height space, adorned with a double-tier chandelier from Tatiana Tafur, which Andrea describes as feeling “monumental, as though it was an integral part of the home from when the house was built in the late ’60s.” The room also showcases curated layers of sculptures, dishes, and vessels sourced from various art galleries across London, including a Paul Philp vessel displayed on a plinth to highlight its uniqueness and artistic presence.
The Artistic Vision Behind the Design
Andrea Benedettini’s path to interior design is a blend of his Tuscan upbringing and early dedication to ballet. Immersed in Tuscany’s rich artistic traditions, he was captivated by the grandeur of Florence’s Medici palazzos and the masterpieces housed in the Uffizi Gallery. At eight, Andrea began ballet training under Marina Van Hooke, a former Paris Opera dancer, instilling in him a commitment to precision and discipline. This foundation transitioned into his design career, where he honed his skills at esteemed studios such as Laura Hammett Interiors and Cocovara Interiors. In 2019, Andrea established his own design studio, quickly earning a place within London’s esteemed design community. Throughout his evolution, he has remained true to blending classical influences with contemporary aesthetics to create timeless, elegant interiors.
Harmonizing Diverse Styles with Sustainable Elegance
Andrea Benedettini is renowned for seamlessly blending classical and contemporary design elements to craft elegant, personalized, and unique interiors. He tailors each project to its specific context, ensuring that the balance between traditional and modern aspects aligns with the space’s inherent character. In heritage-listed buildings, he preserves and enhances architectural features by incorporating fitted furniture that combines classical detailing with contemporary design, bridging the historical backdrop with modern furnishings and decorative lighting. This approach results in balanced, serene, and timeless compositions. Emphasizing that luxury and comfort are not mutually exclusive, Andrea focuses on layers of detail and subtle sophistication rather than ostentatious elements. Collaborating with top manufacturers, he ensures each piece of furniture is both exceptionally comfortable and elegant, tailored to fit the project’s specific needs and reflecting his design ethos.
Andrea’s participation in the WOW!House exhibition showcased his ability to create spaces that are both theatrical and intimate. Drawing inspiration from his ballet background, particularly Swan Lake, he designed a library featuring subtle nods to the ballet, with stylized forest details on the ceiling and wall drapery reminiscent of theater curtains. The room was draped in soft suede curtains, a nod to the velvet stage curtains of the opera, and the ceiling featured a stylized forest design, created in collaboration with Fromental, adding to the room’s sense of fluidity and movement. Every piece of furniture was curved, and the armchairs swiveled, mimicking the graceful “dance” he once practiced. This space truly captured his vision and brought it to life.
Sustainability is a growing focus in Andrea’s work. He advocates starting small and gradually incorporating more sustainable practices into the workflow. In his studio, they are mindful when ordering samples, minimizing waste, and offering unused samples to design students. They also recycle diligently and prioritize fabrics made from natural fibers. In projects, they work more with existing pieces, whether reupholstering a client’s furniture or sourcing vintage pieces from antique shops, bringing a unique, layered character to their designs.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Andrea’s studio. They’ve recently relocated to a new design studio in Chelsea, providing more space to grow the business and team organically. Currently, they are working on incredible projects, including the full design and build of a Georgian house in Dulwich, a complete renovation of a townhouse in Hyde Park, a full refurbishment of a villa in the South of France, and a couple of family homes in Hampstead. Andrea is also eager to explore projects in the U.S., perhaps in New York or Los Angeles, reflecting his ambition to expand his design approach to new regions and themes. Andrea’s steadfast commitment to excellence continues to propel his studio toward new and exciting opportunities.
Desinger: Andrea Benedettini Photography: Julian Abrams
