https://www.studio29architects.co.uk/mornings-are-grey This redesign of a small top floor penthouse flat in Chelsea was all about maximising natural light. Our client purchased this mansion block apartment as a pied-à-terre. It enjoys beautiful views across South London, receiving continuously changing light throughout the day. Initially the layout was uninspiring, with the kitchen at the rear of the property, overlooking a dark courtyard and one of the two south-facing rooms as a closed-off bedroom blocking the best light, and the view, from the rest of the property. We reorganised the layout, joining the two south-facing rooms to create an open plan kitchen, dining and sitting area, then created a small bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe at the rear of the building, away from the busy road. When decorating the space, we selected rich materials and textures, as we knew our client is too busy to want to add many decorative or personal objects to his second home. Our choices of materials and finishes - including two types of marble, brushed brass, oiled oak, faceted and bronzed mirrors, leather and double toned boucle wool - forms an elegant and masculine palette which plays with the ever-changing light. We dressed all windows with textured and sheer fabrics to filter the light and beautify the spaces with a golden glow. A small selection of contemporary classic furniture pieces is complemented with a few iconic lamps.