Project Elm Tree: A Contemporary African-Inspired Home by Adura Design

Adura Design is a high-end interior architecture and design studio known for crafting luxurious, bespoke spaces that reflect the unique lifestyles, cultures, and aspirations of its discerning clientele. For Project Elm Tree, a five-bedroom period home in St. John’s Wood, London, the studio was entrusted with designing the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), bringing warmth, cultural resonance, and modern elegance into the space.

With complete creative control, Adura Design was able to fuse contemporary aesthetics with subtle African influences, ensuring the home felt inviting, timeless, and deeply personal. The result is a beautifully curated space that not only reflects the homeowners' heritage but also prioritises comfort and functionality for multi-generational living.

A Design That Feels Like Home

While the clients had no strict design requirements, they envisioned a home that would feel welcoming and warm, balancing modern sophistication with a lived-in, cozy atmosphere. Given that extended family, including grandchildren, would be frequent visitors, the design needed to cater to different generations - with dedicated areas for children while maintaining an overall elegant and refined aesthetic.

Additionally, functionality was key - furniture choices were made with careful consideration for ease of use and comfort, ensuring that seating heights, table placements, and circulation within the space suited the clients' specific needs.

Materiality & Colour: A Subtle Nod to Heritage

Adura Design’s philosophy centres around storytelling through interiors, and for this project, they sought to subtly integrate elements that would honour the client’s African heritage while maintaining a neutral, contemporary aesthetic.

A Warm, Earthy Palette: Given the existing engineered wood flooring, the design team built upon this natural warmth, incorporating wood, antique brass, and textured fabrics to create a cohesive, inviting feel.

Heritage-Inspired Details: While keeping the overall palette understated, key FF&E pieces were chosen to introduce pattern, texture, and cultural depth.

Brass table lamps from Julian Chichester added a sense of timeless elegance.
Patterned stools from Liang & Eimil subtly referenced traditional African motifs, blending seamlessly into the modern setting.

Creating a Cozy & Functional Living Space

One of the standout features of Project Elm Tree was the clever reintroduction of a fireplace. The home had been renovated by previous owners, who had removed the original chimney breast, leaving the space feeling slightly incomplete. To restore a sense of warmth and focal interest, Adura Design incorporated a freestanding electric fireplace on the TV wall, enhancing both the ambience and visual appeal of the main living area.

Managing Tight Timelines with Precision

One of the greatest challenges faced during this project was the extremely tight timeline - just four weeks from start to finish. The clients were travelling and wanted to return to a fully completed home, making efficiency and adaptability essential.

Supplier Coordination: Due to the short timeframe, bespoke joinery - which is usually a hallmark of Adura Design’s work - was not a viable option. Instead, the team worked closely with suppliers to source high-quality, ready-to-install pieces that aligned with the design vision.
Fast-Tracked Deliveries: A standout moment in the project’s execution was the exceptional support from Onacara, who personally delivered a large custom cushion order to help meet the deadline - an act of generosity that played a key role in bringing the design to life on schedule.
Late Nights & Hands-On Execution: With limited flexibility on lead times, the team had to roll up their sleeves, work late nights, and push through logistical hurdles to ensure every detail was perfected before the clients’ return.

Final Thoughts: A Home That Tells a Story

Through thoughtful curation, cultural sensitivity, and impeccable execution, Adura Design transformed this St. John’s Wood period home into a sanctuary that reflects its owners’ heritage, lifestyle, and sense of comfort. Project Elm Tree stands as a testament to the studio’s ability to blend contemporary luxury with deeply personal narratives, proving that great design is not just about aesthetics - it’s about creating a home that feels truly lived in and loved.

This project showcases Adura Design’s signature approach - one that celebrates the fusion of culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance - while delivering a result that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Photography by Vigo Jansons

David is the Editor of Designers' Journal and Co-Founder of Business and Interiors, a platform designed to empower interior design professionals by providing valuable insights, industry connections, and strategic partnerships.

As an interior design marketing specialist, David curates compelling content and expert perspectives to help interior designers navigate the evolving landscape of design and entrepreneurship.

Project Elm Tree: A Contemporary African-Inspired Home by Adura Design

A Design That Feels Like Home

Materiality & Colour: A Subtle Nod to Heritage

Creating a Cozy & Functional Living Space

Managing Tight Timelines with Precision

Final Thoughts: A Home That Tells a Story

David Del Greco

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