ROYAL ARSENAL RIVERSIDE – A Conversation with Our Clients

Every home has a story, and the most meaningful ones are shaped through collaboration.

Following our recent look inside Royal Arsenal Riverside, we're handing the conversation over to the homeowners themselves, reflecting on the journey from an off-plan apartment to a bespoke riverside home. From the first ideas and creative decisions to the final reveal, they share their experience of working with the Vesta team to bring their vision to life.

THE VISION

Q: How did you feel about the space when you first saw it as a blank canvas, and how did you want it to feel once it became your home?

A: We bought the flat off spec, so we were hoping for something special, even though we could only visualise it on paper. Once we were able to gain access to the flat during mid-stages of construction, thanks in part to Vesta’s amazing integration with Berkeley Homes, we then began to see what the vision could be. We knew that being directly on the river would have a direct impact on the overall design, so that was an important consideration.

Q: What were your main goals and vision for your home?

A: We wanted something cool, bespoke, but ultimately comfortable. We didn’t want a show home; we wanted a personalised space we could make our home.

THE COLLABORATION

Q: What made you decide to work with an interior designer, and what were you hoping we would bring to the project?

A: Coming from our 3000 sq ft home in California, we knew that designing for such a smaller space would introduce its own challenges. We also weren’t familiar with the various trades that we knew would help in transforming the space. So, we started looking for an interior designer very early on. To our surprise, many firms that we reached out to said they could not really start on the design until we had our keys.

We’re very hands-on. And we’d like to think we have our own distinct style. Our goal was to find a firm that would be collaborative but also fun to work with. As luck would have it, the builder mentioned they worked with Vesta (among others) and recommended we check them out. This was the best suggestion ever!

After our initial conversation with them, we knew they were the right fit. For starters, they had a high level of integration with the builder that proved to be very beneficial. The team all had great personalities and just seemed like a fun group to work with. And most importantly, they had their own internal team of electricians, joinery and AV folks who would all be part of the process. We knew that keeping this all in-house would help keep the project on time and would elevate the overall design.

Ultimately, we wanted a turnkey delivery so we could show up with our luggage, and the flat would essentially be ready to move into. All we had to do was purchase some kitchen and bath items, and we’d be done.

THE PROCESS

Q: How did you find the experience of working together, and how did your confidence in the design develop as the project progressed?

A: We spent a good amount of time developing Pinterest pages and forwarding ideas so that the design team would understand our likes/dislikes. Honestly, we were blown away by the first presentation. While we ultimately finessed the design and specifics, the final project was very consistent with the very first ideas presented.

Q: Can you describe how the team helped refine your ideas or bring clarity to your design vision?

A: It was an amazing collaboration. They understood the vision and helped us to bring it to reality. Being hands-on ultimately helped the progress because it helped everyone make changes and offer fresh ideas very quickly.  Having a long runway also helped, as we were able to refine the details and make them perfect without being stressed about project timelines or builder delays in completion.

THE DESIGN

Q: What were the biggest challenges in designing a home from a completely blank space, and how did we help guide key decisions such as layout, materials, finishes and furniture?

A: Designing for a small space has its own inherent design challenges. We weren’t familiar with London-based furniture designers/shops, etc, so we relied on Vesta to help define the space with bespoke pieces that were made to fit the space perfectly. Our brief was clear at the beginning, too. We wanted furniture that fit, but we also wanted comfortable pieces, and a space that was filled with colour, textures and depth. We had multiple meetings, some in person, to “feel” the fabrics, wallpaper, and materials, which was super important to us. The flat needed to look great, but also feel great too.

Q: Did you have any specific sources of inspiration or themes in mind for the project?

A: Yes. We’re big fans of the London Underground. So right away, we mentioned that we wanted to include classic posters from the London Transport Museum as part of the design. We also wanted something that was completely different to our California home, and we wanted to maximise the river views as much as possible.

We also asked for a cool primary bedroom accent wall. This was probably the one design element that we had the most back and forth on. It’s hard to visualise colours and textures over a PDF. But we were able to communicate the vision, which Vesta then executed on. Beautifully and artistically, we should note!

THE LIFESTYLE

Q: How did we tailor the space to suit your lifestyle?

A: Comfortable furniture was key. And this was a big leap of faith for us as we couldn’t actually “test” the sofas before they were created. We were able to try out other elements, such as the dining room chairs, by visiting showrooms, but the sofas were such an integral aspect, as we wanted them to look great but also be comfy enough to take an afternoon nap.

Q: Which parts of the design feel most “you”?

A: We love the hallway with the London Underground pics. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into the space and helps ground the entire flat. The primary bedroom wall, too, since it’s the one key element that was discussed/debated the most.

THE DETAILS

Q: Are there any bespoke or custom elements that stand out to you?

A: The primary bedroom accent wall, with the wood mosaic, is a work of art. It’s stunningly beautiful and is perfect for the space. The two sofas (one in the main living space, the other in the 3^rd bedroom/game room) are extremely comfortable and fit the space perfectly.

We would also be remiss not to point out the Connor Brothers artwork in the dining room. This was a Vesta suggestion, and we loved it immediately. We love how it grounds the entire living area. It’s gorgeous.

Q: What is your favourite space or feature and why, or was there a particular room or area in the home that you were most excited to see transformed?

A: The main living area, with the massive windows and the river views, is exquisitely designed. But honestly, the entire space is warm, welcoming, and comfortable. On a personal level, we were very excited to see how the primary bedroom wooden wall turned out, as it was the one element that went through many levels of animated discussion, primarily related to the colour scheme and staggered/checkerboard effect.

We also greatly appreciate the level of electrical work Vesta did for us. Moving connection points to different walls, adding in electronic drapes and curtains, and changing out faceplates and outlets for additional colour cohesion have really helped make the place our home.

Q: Were there any elements that made a bigger impact than you expected?

A: We were pleasantly surprised by how big the space feels. Vesta really hit it out of the ballpark with creating a design that fits the dimensions of the flat perfectly. The colours and textures in the overall space are breathtaking. It’s wonderful to sit down in any of the rooms and let your eyes gaze over the various features, including the bespoke furniture pieces, the paint colours, the wallpaper and fabrics. While each room has its own attitude and personality, they all fit together to form a colourful and cohesive space, full of texture and character.

THE REVEAL

Q: What was your first reaction when you saw the finished apartment?

A: Wow. Followed by more “wows” and “holy cow, this looks amazing!”

THE EXPERIENCE

Q: How would you describe your experience working with the design team throughout the project?

A: It was great! We wanted to work with a design team that would be collaborative, appreciate our feedback, and make changes based on that. They mentioned several times that they loved working with clients who provide feedback and direction, because it makes what they do extra special. Everyone was so receptive, and we all worked in unison to finalise the artistic direction. It’s an amazing feat to be sitting in a space and realise that the Vesta design that you’ve been looking at for months has now literally jumped off the page into reality. It’s an astonishing accomplishment.

Design is art.  And it was so much fun throughout the entire process working with everyone who contributed to the project.

Q: Were there any moments when the design team surprised you with ideas or solutions you hadn't thought of?

A: Yeah, right from the start. The initial proposal was amazing, and it only got better from there. Their attention to detail was off the charts. From the paint techniques on the wall to the textured elements throughout the space, everything was carefully considered for the space. And some of their furniture features, including the unique dining room curved table base, the reeded glass and stone top for the media cabinet, and the textured drawers in the bedroom 3 desk, were things we never would have considered ourselves. We couldn’t be any happier with the outcome, honestly.

Vesta achieved the design brief but elevated it to the highest degree possible.

THE FEELING

Q: How does the finished design compare to what you originally imagined?

A: It far exceeds our expectations. It embodies everything we could have possibly hoped for and then some.

Q: Does it feel like home now, and how does it make you feel when you come back to the space?

A: It makes us feel warm and snuggly! The combination of the river views and the cool colours, textures, and comfort of the space is truly inviting. We can’t wait to invite friends and family to experience it for themselves. It really is that stunning.

Projects like Royal Arsenal Riverside are a reminder that the most successful interiors are those created in partnership. Hearing our clients reflect on the journey, the creative process, and the finished result has been a privilege, and we're delighted to have helped bring their vision of home to life.

Designer: Tori Antoniou

Photography: Chris Snook

To see more of this project, visit the portfolio below.

ROYAL ARSENAL RIVERSIDE

yal Arsenal Rivers