An air of mystery shrouds the home of Gulu and Semiramis Lalvani. Ebony doors, shadowy corners and subtle colours throughout leave you in bewilderment. But there is little doubt about the aura of grandeur that encompasses this sumptuous apartment situated in Belgravia. If you notice a hint of Oriental elegance, it’s because Mrs. Lalvani is Turkish. Gulu Lalvani, the owner of Binatone Electronics, has two children (Dino and Divya) from his first marriage. The Lalvanis now have another son, Zohran (8 years).
The family lived in Hong Kong for four years before moving to London two years ago. “This was formerly the office of the Barbados Embassy,” discloses Mrs. Lalvani, who appointed Lady Victoria Waymouth as interior decorator for her new home. “Most of the ideas were mine,” she declares, though. And Lady Victoria, having spent a considerable amount of time in the Far East, knew exactly what her client wanted.
A sight to behold in this four-storied apartment (“We converted two duplex apartments,” Mrs. Lalvani tells me) is the main drawing-room. The colour scheme takes its cue from the 19th century Ziegler carpet, with its hues of ochre, blue, rust and green. “I prefer these colours. London is a very wintry city and I wanted something cosy,” confides Mrs. Lalvani. The walls, which are embellished with paintings by various artists, were stencilled by Carolyn Benson in different shades of yellow — lending it that very rich leather-like look. The colours for the upholstery and the curtains were carefully selected to match the wall. “I don’t like flashy colours,” adds Mrs. Lalvani. In front of the sofa is a Chinese opium bed, specially shipped.
The main bedroom has two red-lacquered Chinese cabinets (not seen). Between the teal green sofas are two Chinese trunks that serve as a mini-table.
The master bed, made of mahogany and ebony, is flanked by side tables. A leopard-skin rug is placed strategically on the floor.
The main bathroom on the second floor has a bathtub and wash basin in veined marble.
The unique study table in the shape of hard-bound books. The black wooden cabinet is offset by the light wall colour.
Upholstered in linen. A leopard-skin rug placed strategically on the floor adds to the cosy atmosphere. Lady Victoria Waymouth has interpreted the inclinations of her client with great dexterity to bring about a remarkable tranquillity that pervades this particular room.
Also on this level is the guest room with a 19th century Spanish bed in painted wood.
The study, with a centre table built in the shape of three hard-bound books, is located on the fourth floor. “This was specially shipped from Hong Kong,” reveals Mrs. Lalvani. Light yellow-hued walls brighten the room and are a perfect counterpart to the black wooden cabinet.
A home as magnificent as this one can hardly be maintained without the army of house-keepers that Mrs. Lalvani spends all her spare time supervising, when she is not ferrying her son to and from school. So we’re not surprised when she claims that her main occupation is that of a housewife. It’s a job that would keep anyone busy!
Text: Kevin Rego (London)
