She was thus determined to “create a gloriously opulent and yet highly functional fantasy world,” and the brief was perfect for the designer, who quickly “fell in love” with the scale and grandeur of the property. Boronkay took inspiration from the Hollywood Regency style to create a home that is “cinematic, detailed, transportive, elegant and empowering.” This design vernacular has its origins from the 1920s to the 1950s, an era often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, and a time when lavish film sets were popularly constructed for the silver screen.

“I also took a lot of inspiration from the building itself, which has beautifully majestic proportions, huge windows with natural light pouring in, and some stunning architectural features that I intended to emphasise during the refurbishment,” explains Boronkay. “The aim here was to create sensual interiors, underpinned by rigorous research and a desire to elevate the everyday for our client.”

Chief among her key priorities was to simplify the spatial flow of the home, particularly in the areas that connected the most intimate spaces in the house: the primary bedroom, the bathrooms and the wardrobes. “It was essential for us to make it the most functional and practical place the house could be for the current owners. Once we unlocked the layouts, we could then turn our attention to the aesthetics,” she says.

To set the tone right, Boronkay incorporated new flooring throughout the residence to create a “classic but fresh look,” and used natural stone generously to create an utter sense of luxury. “I opted for five signature stones—Arabescato, Nero Marquina, Royal Blue, Fior di Bosco, and Nero Portoro—which became material ‘anchors’ throughout the space and gave it that feeling of coherence and fluidity,” she adds.

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A stunning vision greets guests upon entering the abode: in the entrance hall, a large vintage glass chandelier sourced in Los Angeles floats above the double staircase. Beyond this impressive space is the formal living room, where more stunning lighting fixtures catch the eye: a series of wall sconces, matched with a three-metre-tall chandelier, which was custom-made in Venice. When lit, these bring an enchanting glow to the room while highlighting the brass finish of the bespoke coffee table and bar counter. Curvy seats customised in a mix of leather, silk, velvet and other luxurious fabrics create a perfect spot for merry conversations.

This remarkable tableau easily reminds one of the plush environment of a speakeasy or members’ club; an archetype that Boronkay is certainly well-familiar with as the former design director of Soho House. “I loved designing the living room, and creating areas for entertaining is definitely our studio’s strength,” she adds.

More beautiful spaces beckon as guests make their way further into the abode. The dining room is one such stunner. It features a custom dining table crafted in Portugal, in a lozenge form inspired by surfboards. It’s paired with a dozen dining chairs upholstered in Pierre Frey fabrics and with contrast piping.

True to its references to the Hollywood Regency style, the meticulous attention to detail is evident in all of the rooms, including the study. This handsome space boasts wooden joinery in the style of a grand library, and parquet flooring that has been carefully restored. The curved desk continues the old-world charm, while conveniently concealing its integrated storage and power plugs.

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The husband’s wardrobe is similarly a gentleman’s dream enclave. The walnut joinery is done in a French polish to achieve an effect worthy of some of the most famous suit rooms seen on the silver screen. “The private rooms were incredibly fun because we could make them so specific to the two owners. One extremely feminine and the other very masculine, just like our clients,” adds Boronkay.

Overall, the home’s elaborate design is wonderful to behold, and an impressive feat given that it was a pandemic project that stretched over two-and-a-half years due to logistical challenges; the designer only managed to visit the site when she was installing the commissioned furnishings. Still, she made it work by collaborating closely with the clients over Zoom calls and WhatsApp, and a trusted local partner that could ensure the project was on track.

“To me, interior design is about creating a fantasy, a haven, and an unforgettable experience. It’s about how objects, colours and lights make you feel. It’s the emotional response to the physical world that excites me,” says Boronkay. The owners, of course, are thrilled with the result: “They really appreciated the attention to detail and the fact that the project was almost fully bespoke so it’s truly unique to this specific house!”

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