St James is excited to unveil its latest show apartment at Bow Green, designed to reflect the identity and creative spirit of East London, along with the profile of prospective buyers – social, independent, young professionals highly attuned to their surroundings.
The space has been designed to both inspire and tell a story – a stylish, considered reflection of the East London lifestyle, brought to life through bespoke interiors and a standout collaboration with a local artist.
Interior designer, Emily Bateson-Roseberry, Burbeck Interiors, explains: "I imagined future residents grabbing a coffee from a neighbourhood favourite, spending Sunday mornings at Columbia Road Flower Market, or potentially searching for their first home – that vision shaped everything."
The result is a timeless yet dynamic aesthetic – one that feels inherently East London. Linen-effect wallpaper runs throughout the apartment, giving a tactile softness to each room. In the reception space, a rattan and aged brass floor lamp complements a travertine side table, grounded by an Indian kilim rug layered for warmth and texture. The centrepiece is a striking, abstract painting by local artist, Juanjo Barreda Aznar, its rich tones echoed by the deep burgundy of the sofa.
In the principal bedroom, the artistic narrative continues with a vertically hung pair of works, mounted and framed to complement the room’s craftsmanship-led design. Every decision – from custom-designed burl wood headboards to subtly off-white mounts – was made with intent, building an atmosphere that balances mid-century influences with modern, youthful energy.
But it’s the inclusion of artist Juanjo Barreda Aznar’s work that brings a truly personal layer to the apartment. "Collaborating with a local East London artist wasn’t just a design decision – it was a deliberate way to reflect the identity and creative spirit of the area," the designer explained. "Their work doesn’t just decorate the walls, it roots the apartment in its location and creates a sense of belonging."
The abstract artwork, chosen for its ability to intrigue without overwhelming, reinforces the apartment’s mission: to offer a space that feels both contemporary and enduring, luxurious yet connected to the local community.
With this new show apartment, Bow Green isn’t just offering a place to live, it’s offering a way of life shaped by creativity, connection, and a deep understanding of what makes East London special.
Juanjo Barreda is a Spanish visual artist. Originally trained as an engineer in Madrid and Paris, he moved to New York in 1996 to study painting at the School of Visual Arts. After completing degrees in graphic design and illustration in Madrid, he worked as a designer and launched an urban clothing brand collaborating with street artists. Since moving to London in 2013, he has focused on abstract painting and portraits, while also exploring performance and textile work. He had his first solo show at The Print Club London in 2022 and has exhibited in several group shows since.
Juanjo Barreda concludes: "I was thrilled when Burbeck Interiors got in touch. As an emerging artist, it’s a real honour to be invited to contribute to a design project for such a high-profile East End development like Bow Green, in partnership with St James. I really enjoyed the project, it was collaborative, easy, and full of creative exchange. It genuinely felt like a joint project, not just a commission."