Neutral Canvas: A St John’s Wood Home Built Around Art.

A serendipitous meeting at a birthday party sparked the collaboration between London-based designer Ilya Gulyants and contemporary art advisor Agne Skopaite, resulting in this transformation of a St John’s Wood apartment that balances art display with sophisticated living.

The Victorian-era home presented an exciting canvas for Gulyants, founder of El Born Studio, who embraced Skopaite’s vision for a space that would celebrate her art collection while maintaining strong connections to natural materials and vintage pieces. “Agne’s request was simple yet elegant: a neutral environment that would allow her art collection to shine, while incorporating natural materials and vintage elements,” explains Gulyants.

The design approach artfully merges contemporary interventions with mid-century elements, paying homage to the building’s Victorian heritage. Oak timber and marble emerge as principal materials throughout the space, creating a refined foundation that complements rather than overwhelms the art collection.

In the living area, considered pieces create compelling visual dialogue—a contemporary side table converses with a vintage floor lamp and an antique coffee table. This mix of periods adds richness while maintaining visual harmony. The neutral palette serves as a stage for bold artistic statements, including a striking ink-on-paper work by Fausto Gilberti.

Smart space planning defines the kitchen renovation, where a parallel layout maximises lower storage while keeping upper shelves open for glassware display and artwork. This strategy maintains visual lightness without compromising functionality. Built-in wardrobes in the bedroom and hallway integrate seamlessly, preserving the apartment’s sense of spaciousness.

The hallway gallery showcases watercolours by Harriet Gillet alongside an acrylic canvas by Franklin Evans, while the bedroom features a specially commissioned painting by Zarina Groevaya. Each artwork finds its perfect position within the thoughtfully crafted spaces.

Every element received precise attention—from door handles to lighting fixtures—ensuring a cohesive design language. The result is a space that feels both serene and stimulating, where contemporary art, natural materials, and vintage pieces achieve a perfect equilibrium.

This collaboration between designer and client illustrates how clear vision, executed with restraint and precision, creates spaces that are both personal and aesthetically refined. The apartment now functions as a peaceful retreat and a dynamic gallery space, representing a beautiful intersection of art and design.

[Images courtesy of Ilya Gulyants. Editorial styling by Katya Yakovleva. Photography by Dmitrii Tsyrenshchiko.]