50 DIGS.NET
| 9.9.22
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P R O F I L E | M A R T I N K E M P
Each space within the townhouse's pains-
takingly put-together interior is absolutely
singular, a showcase of different shapes
and styles, all rubbing elbows, appearing
utterly seamless. "It's hard to say how we
do this; harmony is often about restraint,
but of course we've also had fun being
creative with the spaces," Kemp says.
"Ultimately we rely on the architecture
to 'speak' to us, hence we respect the
vernacular which precedes, and use such
details and colors to inspire."
When faced with such a remarkable
canvas—sky-high ceilings, rich wood
floors, stately fireplaces—less disciplined
designers may have taken the space to
a Versailles-like level of opulence. But in
deploying just the right amount of gilded
edges, stone surfaces, and Art Deco dash,
including some dazzling tiered chande-
liers, Kemp completed a work of obvious
grace but surprising understatement and
texture. Wallpapers are tasteful, window
treatments chic, and art both classical
and contemporary. The pool tiling makes
a memorable decorative statement and
is an element repeated in smaller details
elsewhere, such as in the cigar room
(which is very Edwardian). "We consid-
ered Edwardian tiles to be a feature of
many houses from that era, whether as
fireplace hearths or as wall finishes, so we
chose to use such finishes within the pool
and spa as decorative borders to the pool
itself, to 'wet' area architraves, changing
architraves, changing rooms, massage
rooms and so forth," Kemp says. "Even
the gym has tiled details to cabinetry, so
it's a finish about which we're enthusiastic."
Exceedingly chivalrous, both poised
and assiduously considered by Kemp,
St. James's Townhouse is to super-
prime taste, but warm and congenial too.
"There are many projects in the studio
which are tantalizing game-changers,
though unfortunately we're unable to
photograph and expose any of those due
to their private nature," Kemp says of his
repertoire. "However, St. James's Square,
we're hopeful, is right up there with the
more confidential schemes we execute
in terms of style, quality and scale." Up
there, elevated, the absolute height of
luxury design. martinkempdesign.com
