High-end design in Hampstead: arty townhouses launch in former college with interiors inspired by famous literary works

Using lighting as artwork, bold colours and lavish textiles, these luxury show homes's glamorous interiors are nailing key design trends tipped for 2019. 
David Spittles4 February 2019

High-end interior design firm Taylor Howes says 2019 trends include lighting as artwork, bespoke furniture, bold colours and lavish textiles, many of which are in evidence in the show home at Hampstead Manor.

At the former college, now being turned into 156 homes spread across 13 buildings of which five are listed, developer Mount Anvil has drawn inspiration from the work of famous literary figures with links to the area for the new show home.

Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca is a design motif for one bedroom, with romantic, lacquered black finishes being a nod to the novel’s 1940 film adaptation.

The colour scheme of the main living space, “informed” by Keats’s Ode to a Nightingale, reflects nature, while the country estate-style entrance hall with its timber parquet floor evokes John Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga.

The entire development has the feel of a cloistered Oxbridge college with a magnificent Edwardian-era library converted into a single residence.

As well as conversions, new in-keeping townhouses and subterranean duplex homes are being built. Prices from £740,000. Call 020 3582 5461.

From £740,000: 156 homes across 13 buildings at the former college, Hampstead Manor