The clients were a couple in Los Angeles with two daughters in their 20s who wanted a chic canvas to showcase their growing collection of contemporary art. Painterly London Home is a two-bedroom flat in a 1920s building in London's Marylebone neighbourhood, full of period details such as original lines and parquet floors.

Scott Maddux, an architect, has been specialising in interior design since moving to London nearly 30 years ago. What they use has some amazing features that provide a sense of timelessness and character to the home. The floors of the two floors are polished to a glossy finish, and the Haussman-style panel lines give a Parisian feel. Because homeowners are so adventurous, they are open to more artistic ideas.

In fact, creative solutions abound in this place far from home. Michael Sinclair collaborated with Joanna Le Gleud on the Painterly London Home. Joanna Le Gleud started her career as a textile designer and later turned interior designer. In the main hall, which contains the sitting and dining areas, she cleverly combined colors to create layered shapes over existing wall paneling. Inspired by artist Ben Nicholson and his way of layering colours, it takes a minute for people to realise that there is a gradual transition around the room. And because it's not so obvious, homeowners don't get tired of it.

Maddux and Le Gleud tried another color trick in the adjacent library, which can be separated from the main living space by sliding glass doors. In this cozy living room, three different shades of green highlight the original wall lines. In decorating the apartments, the designers were careful not to make the rooms too full and complicate the space, so that it could match any recent art purchases by clients.