The Express–ionis Capsule

The Urban Expressionist Capsule is a compact new build London apartment reimagined for a dynamic young couple. At just 67 square metres, it proves that small-space interior design can be both functional and full of personality — a launchpad for life in the city’s creative currents.

Like many new builds, it came without architectural features to lean on, so decoration takes centre stage. Soft off-white walls set the scene for glossy black furniture, jolts of Yves Klein blue, and flashes of red — every detail a story, every piece of furniture a chapter in the couple’s journey.

Function is never far behind. Distinct zones carve out space for daily rituals, while clever storage keeps clutter at bay. The result? A bold, efficient interior that balances imagination with everyday life — proof that a small London apartment can punch well above its weight.

Looking to transform your own new build into something with soul? → Explore Rebel Room(s).

Playful and contemporary kitchen in London new build by Atelier Akuko, featuring cabinetry with oversized door handles for a characterful interior design.

In the open-plan living room, glossy builder-grade developer units were swapped for matte off-white finishes and oversized wooden handles — a bespoke twist that elevates standard new build kitchen design into something far more characterful.

Open-plan kitchen with matte off-white cabinets, oversized wooden handles, scalloped open shelving above a kitchen sink, inside a bespoke new build design, Atelier Akuko

Zellige tiles add texture in this new built kitchen transformation, while custom black-lacquer shelves display the couple’s crockery and tie the space into the bold open-plan design.

Bright, modern living room with large windows, various chairs, a glass dining table, decorative vases, artwork, and a brown detailed cabinet with a record player.

Vintage post-modern furniture mingles with contemporary designer pieces, each one adding a distinctive layer to this London apartment’s interior design.

Characterful bespoke cabinet with wiggly door, with cobalt blue internals, in London new build interior design.

London dining area by interior design studio Atelier Akuko, featuring a post-modern chairs and colourful art.

A De Sede DS-2011 sofa anchors the living space, while a set of asymmetrical 1980s Castelijn chairs — vintage dining furniture with a post-modern edge — gather around a Brutalist travertine table.

London new build interior design with characterful contemporary furniture, geometric rug, and quirky custom light fixture.

Living room with a brown detailed cabinet, decorative modern art deco lamp, framed artwork, a red armchair, and wall shelves with dishes and decorative items.

Interior view of a bed with patterned pillows against a dark, textured headboard. Behind the bed, there's a decorative shelf with a glass-encased light and a ceramic vase with dried white foliage, a mirror, and a partial view of a window with curtains.

To add character to a London new build, interior design studio Atelier Akuko crafts a layered bedroom aesthetic with patterns and a hand painted mural.

In this bedroom interior design, a custom hand-painted mural transforms the headboard wall into a statement feature, with organic brushstrokes easing the edges of its geometric motifs.

Bespoke burlwood bedroom storage bench in London new build interior design by Atelier Akuko.

A bedroom corner with a mirror, a modern table lamp on a textured white pedestal, and a white double-breasted blazer hanging on the wall. Part of a bed with a patterned beige and white bedspread is visible.

Organic patterns continue in the bedroom design with a burlwood-veneered sideboard repurposed as a bench. Upholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Grafitto fabric, it offers a bold twist on contrasting, organic motifs.

Interior design studio Atelier Akuko uses storytelling to create characterful textures for storage in a London new build office.

Close-up of a white textured storage with abstract geometric shapes, a green lighting fixture on a marble table, and a small stack of books.

White bespoke cabinet unit with a unique stone topped office desk and chair next to it. A structured pleated green lampshade, computer monitor and vase with foliage.

Time to talk transformation

Whether you’ve got Pinterest boards for days or no clue where to start, I design residential and commercial interiors that work hard, feel amazing, and surprise you with those magical “how-did-I-live-without-this?” details.

Book a free, no-strings discovery call, and we’ll explore your vision — and see if we’re a great fit.

You’ll leave with fresh ideas and clarity, whether we end up working together or not.

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From a featureless new build to a small-space sanctuary full of story, this apartment proves that personality has no square metre limit. → Looking to turn your own new build into something extraordinary? Discover Rebel Room(s).