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Interior designer Brian Woulfe is no stranger to crafting layered, personality-filled homes for discerning clients. But when it came to redesigning his own Little Venice apartment, he faced his toughest brief yet - his own. “I was my own worst client,” he admits with a laugh. “Taking my own design brief was hell.”
The stunning result, however, speaks for itself. This period conversion, completely reimagined from the brickwork up, showcases Brian’s signature flair for unexpected colour, impeccable craftsmanship, and an effortless blending of old and new. Take the full video tour or shop the look to bring Brian’s refined style into your own home.
While the flat had potential, it was undeniably tired. Woulfe saw beyond the worn finishes and dark corners, instead envisioning a warm, inviting retreat designed for comfort, sociability, and a healthy dose of style. “It had to be a place where my friends could come, hang out, and feel completely at home,” he says.
An inviting transition framed in wood reveals a sunlit space of warmth, curves, and comfort, where design flows seamlessly from one room to the next. Nick Smith
The entrance hallway sets the tone for the entire home, featuring walls with a rich, bronzey depth. "It was really important to have a sense of arrival," Woulfe explains, "somewhere to put your bag down, your keys down, sit down, take your shoes off when you come home." Custom joinery provides ample storage while a concealed door cleverly hides the powder room - a space Brian designed to be memorable for guests with dark, rich red walls and striking stone elements.
Nick Smith
At the heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, a space that was designed with equal parts form and function in mind. “We entertain a lot, so it had to work for a crowd but still feel intimate on a quiet night in,” he says. Built around a large island, the kitchen showcases hand-applied pitted champagne liquid leaf cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances (including a steam oven, baking stone, and sous-vide drawer), and a powerful but discreet downdraft extraction system - “no big hoods hanging from the ceiling here.”
Three marbles, selected after countless hours spent in stoneyards, formed the foundation of the scheme, with their veins inspiring the palette throughout the home. Brass fixtures and rich timber tones bring an earthy elegance, while thoughtful storage solutions keep the space clutter-free.
Nick Smith
The living area, which features a bespoke sofa and swivel chair, is designed for lingering, lounging, and easy conversation. Deep velvets, patterned cushions, and tactile throws make it feel instantly inviting. “People are often afraid of going too big with furniture, but if you can seat ten for dinner, you should be able to seat ten in your lounge,” Brian quips. Functionality isn’t compromised either - pet-proofing comes courtesy of discreet waterproof liners beneath upholstery, a smart move in a home shared with two very spoiled dogs.
In the open-plan living space, a sculptural Sedilia sofa in deep currant velvet anchors the room, while the marble-clad kitchen and bespoke banquette dining area are bathed in natural light from expansive bay windows. Nick Smith
Flanking the marble fireplace is a fully stocked bar, elegantly framed by fluted cabinetry and antique accessories. “What respectable Irishman doesn’t have a bar?” Woulfe laughs. “It’s the first thing my guests gravitate to.” Vintage cocktail sets, personal mementos, and curated objects blend seamlessly, adding layers of history and personality.
Nick Smith
In the dining area, a bespoke banquette wraps snugly around a custom marble table, backed by garden views that soften the urban setting. A sculptural pendant light casts a golden glow over the space, reinforcing its relaxed, bistro-like charm. It’s a corner that effortlessly transitions from solo laptop work to candlelit dinners with friends.
The bay window dining nook features custom curved seating, a marble-topped table, and vintage-inspired chairs, creating an intimate gathering space bathed in natural light from the garden views beyond. Nick Smith
Woulfe’s instinct for balancing contemporary comfort with timeless detail is evident throughout the apartment. An antique pendant in the living room once lit the halls of a 1950s Italian hotel. The artwork above the fireplace? A last-minute ‘filler’ piece that now feels indispensable. “It was meant to be temporary,” Brian shrugs. “But I love it. It’s staying.”
His approach to styling is refreshingly grounded. “Don’t worry about trends,” he says. “Buy what resonates with you - books, objects, glassware - and use them.” Plants, art, and texture round out each room, bringing life and soul to every corner.
Artful contrasts define the living room, where a velvet sofa curves beneath a cascading chandelier. A commanding portrait introduces a note of intimacy and edge, while open shelving in richly grained wood adds depth and lived-in character. Nick Smith
In the north-facing principal bedroom, warmth was key. Yellows, golds, and soft wood stains give the space a welcoming glow, complemented by plush textiles and blackout acoustic-lined curtains that hush the outside world. A painting by Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere anchors the room above a bespoke vanity that doubles as a desk.
Integrated lighting highlights key zones, from wardrobes to bedside tables, creating a space that feels both restful and refined. “This room had to feel like a hug,” Woulfe explains. “It’s where I decompress.”
Woulfe's bedroom combines warm golden tones with richly textured fabrics and custom oak joinery, creating a serene retreat that feels luxurious yet deeply comfortable. Nick Smith
Nick Smith
The ensuite bathroom channels spa-day serenity with oversized limestone-effect tiles, seamless joinery, and generous, functional shelving. Deep cabinets offer practical storage, while fluted timber and natural stone echo the materials used elsewhere in the home. A careful balance of minimalism and luxury makes it a true escape – one that doesn’t sacrifice usability.
A minimalist walk-in shower delivers spa-like serenity, with integrated lighting, matte black fixtures, and warm, seamless surfaces designed to calm both the eye and the mind. Nick Smith
Ultimately, this Little Venice flat is more than just a beautiful space. It’s a personal reflection of Brian Woulfe - his love of craftsmanship, storytelling, entertaining, and, above all, comfort. “Every part of this home was designed to be lived in,” he says. “It’s practical, it’s personal, and it’s full of pieces that matter to me. That’s what makes it work.”
See more work from Brian Woulfe
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