Timekeeper’s Lounge
A space to pause
LONDON, UK
MARCH 2025
COMPLETED
OFFICE
Located on the 37th floor of One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, this 40 m² office project redefines what a consultation space can be. Originally a stark white industrial shell, the interior has been transformed into a refined, softly lit lounge tailored for private viewings of high-end watches including Patek Philippe and Rolex. The client experience begins the moment they walk in: this isn’t an office, it’s a sanctuary of craftsmanship. Taking cues from the iconic AP House, the design leans into rich wood finishes, warm neutral tones, and subtle detailing creating an atmosphere that is calm, elevated, and entirely discreet.
To complete the lounge, two matching armchairs are placed facing one another across a circular wooden coffee table. This symmetry offers a natural gathering zone for informal conversations or quiet reflection while the client explores the watch selection. Materials were chosen to enhance tactility soft fabrics, curved timber, and stone all reinforcing the lounge’s balance between elegance and intimacy.
At the centre of the space, a plush oversized armchair serves as the visual and emotional anchor of the room. Framed purposefully within the entrance axis, it immediately captures attention, offering both comfort and sculptural presence. This isn’t traditional furniture it’s a statement. Positioned opposite the main feature wall, the chair draws the visitor into a setting that is soft yet structured, inviting yet reserved.
Every surface has been curated for harmony. Flanking the plush armchair is a petite marble side table, crafted from the same stone and by the same brand as the larger informal coffee table nearby. The intent was not just aesthetic continuity, but material storytelling bringing together distinct furniture elements into a single language of texture and tone. These dual tables, though different in scale, offer subtle functionality while reinforcing the spatial rhythm.
Toward the rear of the room, the functional workspace is anchored by a long timber desk flanked by two upholstered chairs. Behind it, a bespoke safe is built discreetly into the joinery, alongside a mini fridge and drinks trolley that echo the refined palette. This area is where consultations are formalised paperwork handled, clients served yet it remains stylistically consistent with the rest of the room. The drinks trolley offers both practical service and a touch of old-world charm, mobile enough to move throughout the space as needed.
The lighting scheme was developed with a strong focus on ambience. There is no central overhead light instead, pools of soft glow are created through table lamps, floor lamps, and indirect lighting. This intentional low-level lighting allows the space to transition effortlessly from day to evening, bringing warmth, intimacy, and clarity of focus. The soft contrast also enhances material depth, while the wall-mounted television and surrounding furniture are visually grounded in this quieter nighttime setting.
One of the defining architectural gestures in the room is the feature wall behind the TV clad in a deep, chocolate toned wood finish. Acting as both backdrop and focal point, this wall introduces a darker contrast that subtly defines the main seating area. By visually anchoring the TV in a material of warmth and sophistication, the space balances technology with tone, function with form.
Throughout the space, a consistent material palette ensures a cohesive experience. Warm wooden tones, soft leathers, and neutral textiles flow seamlessly from one zone to the next. All the furniture was carefully selected or customised to remain within this curated palette a “mix and match” approach, yet always harmonious. Even the floor received bespoke attention: we worked with a specialist contractor to install high-quality Airborne wooden flooring, adding to the grounded, tactile character of the space.
