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250 City Road by Berkeley – Show Home Room by Room

Posted 7 August 2019 by Helen Christie

WhatHouse? takes a tour of the stunning show home at Berkeley's landmark regeneration development, 250 City Road...

Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd’s landmark regeneration development, 250 City Road, is located within walking distance of both Old Street and Angel in London’s EC1. Upon completion, the 954-home scheme is set to deliver an optimum environment in which to live, work and socialise.

Within the 36 storey Valencia Tower, designed by Foster + Partners – sits a two-bedroom show apartment that mirrors the fashionable design trends emerging from Tech City and the lively canal, with its urban chic warehouses. Unlike other developers, Berkeley has an in-house team of dedicated interior designers, brought in to create their own distinct style that doesn’t age or date, which in turn creates an exceptional product for its purchasers.

Astria Panayiotou, interior designer at Berkeley talks us through her design, inspiration and process behind the show apartment at 250 City Road; from an immersive walking tour of the neighbourhood to pit-stops in local coffee shops.

Astria says: “We consider ourselves an extension of the sales team - our aim is to help realise the dream of 250 City Road, bringing to life its unique attributes. In order to do this, we first need to understand why people want to live at the development. It didn’t take long for me to see why it’s so popular amongst city – and Tech City professionals– the proximity to The City and Silicone Roundabout coupled with the array of leisure and entertainment opportunities is a real draw for many people.  

“Before designing the show apartment, I took myself on a walking tour of the area -– starting at Old Street and making my way down to Angel to get a real feel of the local area. I find that my inspiration comes from the authenticity of what’s already there; the heritage architecture, the long-standing local landmarks, the local shops, bars, pubs and restaurants. A local immersion always helps me to unpack the spirit of an area.”


250 City Road (Berkeley)Kitchen / Diner: “I took inspiration for the kitchen from nearby Clerkenwell and Hoxton Grind. I wanted to replicate the golden brass tones used in the café, and knew that by pairing bold black fixtures and fittings it would create a truly urban juxtaposition appealing to buyers in search of flair in their interiors. The dark metal look, which we have deployed throughout, is sophisticated yet contemporary, and has resonated well with our recent purchasers. It’s important to me, as an interior designer, and Berkeley, as a developer, to create spaces that are inspirational. This is often achieved by selecting items and materials that might, at first glance, seem unusual. By taking the time to immerse myself in the local landscape, it allowed me to emulate the essence and charm of the area, which reinforces why people are looking to move here. The handpicked stone topped kitchen island, features modern bespoke kitchen cabinets and low-hanging light fixtures to create a functional yet comfortable space, which feels as much like a neighbourhood speakeasy as it does as trendy Shoreditch cafe. The exposed shelving above the sink is enhanced by mood-lighting and carves out a space that is not only practical but offers a small display platform on which to display objet d’art, cookery books, or hanging plants. It acts as a mini art-gallery - it’s a concept that goes down really well!”


250 City Road (Berkeley)Living Room: “The luxurious interior design in the living area marks a tangible step change in look and feel to Berkeley’s more traditional style. The dark walls, contrast with bursts of forest green, royal blue and blush pink. The injections of colour have been carefully chosen not to distract, but rather enhance the industrial-chic look complete with black voile curtains and dark strip lighting. The resulting aesthetic has been designed to emulate the trendy bars in nearby Old Street, popular amongst city professional purchasers.” The artwork in the living room is bold, modern and playful. “If the development was located in a different part of London, the artwork might be completely different, however walking around Old Street you will find a wealth of original street art by young artists, creatives and innovators who help keep the area feeling very modern.”


250 City Road (Berkeley)Master Bedroom: “I took inspiration from the nearby ACE Hotel for both bedrooms. The feeling of a boutique hotel was paramount in the master bedroom, as the final product had to ooze luxury, as for many professionals, the bedroom is their sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The bespoke chesterfield style headboard rests upon a textured grey wallpaper that matches the bedding. Individuality is very important as homes should not be replicas of one another; instead, they should be places that people feel reflect their own unique personality.” Astria sourced the full-length, velvet curtains from a luxury supplier that specialises in high quality fabrics to ensure both privacy and style – two crucial aspects of the Berkeley development. The hanging bedside lamps match those in the kitchen-diner and were chosen specifically to create a cohesive flow throughout the apartment.


250 City Road (Berkeley)En-suite: “In the en-suite bathroom, the colour palette is the same as that used in the kitchen/diner. Marble-effect tiles frame the shower, finished with a Crittall-style shower screen. Dual mirrors, both with bright backlights, have been used to reflect the light colours and enhance the wellness credentials of the space. The fixtures and fittings, including the large shower head, taps and heated tower rail, are styled in black brushed metal to imbue attitude and further reflect the style used in local hotels and cafes. Meanwhile, the use of subway tiles adds an additional dimension to the en-suite bathroom’s interior design by consciously disrupting the direction of the eye."



Prices start from £915,000 for a one-bedroom apartment at 250 City Road. Please call Berkeley Homes North East London on 020 3642 2330 or visit 250cityroad.co.uk

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