TXTURED’s award-winning Manchester penthouse redefines urban sanctuary, blending tactile luxury with narrative-rich design by Simon Mayhew and his team. Honoured at the International Property Awards, this duplex unites timeless elegance and contemporary comfort—each bespoke detail curated to create a haven of warmth, light, and artistry amid the vibrant city.
TXTURED has been honoured at the distinguished International Property Awards, for The Penthouse—a remarkable residential creation that elegantly reframes contemporary city living in Manchester. The duplex apartment, crafted under the design direction of Simon Mayhew and the TXTURED team, stands as an exemplar of their design philosophy: layered luxury, tactile richness and a palpable sense of story woven into every detail.
The commission called for a ‘timeless sky-high sanctuary’ for a client making Manchester home after years in London, seeking restorative calm without sacrificing the pulse of urban life. Measuring a spacious 1,452 square feet, the home has been transformed through deliberate design choices to maximise light, warmth and seamless flow. What began as a fragmented floor plan is now a harmonious and inviting haven—elevated in every sense.
Above: Details include a bespoke veneer panel behind the TV (left) and soft curtains to divide the dining from the living space, as desired (right).
“As designers, this project became a study in connection and atmosphere,” reflects Simon Mayhew, Founder and Creative Director at TXTURED. “Each material and curve has been selected to foster an easy rhythm across the apartment. Our intention was to create something perennial, yet intimately personal.”
Kitchen: Understated Elegance
In the kitchen, refinement and serenity take centre stage. Bespoke cabinetry, wrapped in softly textured 3M finishes, offers rich tactility that subtly changes with the shifting Manchester light. White granite surfaces, with their delicate grey veining, add quiet grandeur, while warm overhead lighting from Soho Home imbues the space with gentle radiance.
Bouclé bar stools from Six The Residence contribute pleasing contrast and comfort. The decision to retain the original flooring grounds the design in its architectural roots, lending a sense of permanence and provenance.
Above: The open-plan dining-living area is a beautiful example of TXTURED’s layered luxury.
Living and Dining: Layered Luxury Brought to Life
The open-plan living and dining area is a masterclass in TXTURED’s approach to layered luxury. A plush Restoration Hardware sofa and armchair establish a relaxed lounging zone, enhanced by sculptural side tables from Six The Residence and artistic shelving by Libra. The television wall, softened with custom wood veneer in a marble effect, becomes a striking yet welcoming focal point.
Soft, sheer curtains from Simon Boyd in Knutsford elegantly partition the space, allowing for both convivial gatherings and moments of quiet retreat. Walls painted in COAT’s Mindful create a comforting backdrop, complemented by Dior throws and an irresistibly cosy Huggable rug. Contemporary dining furniture from Ziba Homes offers modern elegance, perfectly attuned to the penthouse’s calm sophistication.
A whimsical touch emerges via a statement sideboard from Olivia’s, its bold presence set against Graham & Brown’s classic Balloon Race mural. This archival design, revived in vibrant colour, brings warmth, history and a playful spirit to the living area.
Above: The scheme in the main bedroom is calm, comfortable and softly luxurious; Below right: Dark accents throughout the apartment give definition to the warm neutral colour palette.
Bedroom: A Haven of Tranquillity
The principal bedroom exudes comfort, craftsmanship and peace. Soho Home’s bed and headboard form the room’s centrepiece, paired with luxurious textiles and softly glowing lamps. Rich hues on the walls, courtesy of COAT’s Cold Brew, introduce warmth and understated depth, while tailored curtains by Simon Boyd frame sweeping city views—ensuring restful light filters in from dawn to dusk. Every aspect of the bedroom underscores TXTURED’s philosophy that true luxury is defined by comfort and emotional resonance, not mere display.
An Award-Winning Vision
From first sketch to final touch, The Penthouse is a unified expression of design intent—a home that feels thoughtfully gathered rather than simply installed. “We’re absolutely delighted that the vision and artistry behind this Manchester penthouse have been acknowledged with an International Property Award,” Simon shares. “This is a tremendous milestone for TXTURED. It recognises our passion for narrative-led design and our signature blend of effortless city sophistication.”
Images copyright of TXTURED.
Above: The Graham & Brown wallpaper makes a feature behind the sideboard, while open shelving is layered with stylish finds and keepsakes.
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