Ever wondered what the mastermind behind France’s most chic hotels calls home? Prepare to be inspired. Vanina Kovarski, the creative force shaping the identity of Perseus, an independent hotel group, has turned her London residence into a masterpiece of refined taste. But here’s where it gets fascinating: her home isn’t just a showcase of luxury—it’s a deeply personal narrative woven with memories, meaning, and a touch of controversy. Could her approach to design challenge everything you thought you knew about curating a space?
In her professional life, Kovarski is the orchestrator of sensory experiences. As the head of brand and communication for Perseus, she collaborates with a diverse team of experts—from perfumers to mixologists, interior designers to photographers—to transform concepts into immersive identities. ‘I oversee everything visual and experiential,’ she explains. ‘That includes crafting a signature scent or designing staff uniforms. What captivates me about hotels is their ability to encapsulate an entire world within their walls.’
Her portfolio speaks volumes: Kovarski played a pivotal role in developing the award-winning Les Roches Rouges in Saint Raphaël and the vibrant Le Pigalle in Paris. Perseus’s latest triumph, Hôtel du Couvent in Nice, opened in 2024 after a decade-long, £84-million restoration of a former convent. In October, it was hailed as one of the 50 best hotels globally—a testament to her visionary touch.
But let’s step inside her own sanctuary. Nestled in Highgate, north London, Kovarski’s home—shared with her French financier husband and their three sons (aged 16, 14, and 12)—is a study in understated elegance. The Grade II-listed, early 19th-century stucco property boasts lofty, whitewashed rooms adorned with curated artworks and design classics. Take, for instance, the living room’s Flexform Groundpiece sofa, a 20-year-old companion reupholstered to suit the renovated space, with its inviting 120cm-deep seats.
Yet, this haven wasn’t always so serene. The house’s history is as layered as its design. Once part of a grand dwelling, it served as a religious retreat, a convent, a nursing home, and by the 1950s, council-owned bedsits. By the early 2000s, it lay vacant and decaying—until developers transformed it into three distinct homes. Kovarski initially rented one in 2020, envisioning its potential beyond the glossy porcelain floors and a jarring glass-and-steel staircase. ‘It was imposing and space-consuming,’ she recalls. After purchasing the property, she enlisted TR Studio’s founder, Tom Rutt, to perform what he dubbed ‘spatial gymnastics,’ fulfilling a wish list that included a pantry, expanded utility room, and a spacious primary suite—all without extending the footprint.
And this is the part most people miss: The staircase, now a seamless timber ribbon with a plaster handrail, is a marvel of engineering, installed by craftsmen in nearly a month. Its streamlined design freed up space for a walk-in pantry, a luxurious en suite, and ample storage. The attic ceiling was lowered to create a quirky bedroom for the eldest son, accessible via a spiral staircase—a playful touch in an otherwise refined space.
Decorating was where Kovarski’s philosophy truly shone. Unlike her hotel projects, where precision reigns, her home is a celebration of sentimentality. ‘Every piece should evoke a memory or bring joy,’ she says. ‘Not everything has to match—it just has to mean something.’ Bold statement or timeless wisdom? You decide.
European freshness meets English charm in her design choices. The deVol kitchen, with its classic Shaker style and Perrin & Rowe taps, anchors the space, while Belgian blue limestone countertops and warm-toned chevron parquet (crafted from 200-year-old French beams) nod to her heritage. Even the bathrooms surprise with stripy tile formations and Zellige tiles, adding a touch of whimsy.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era of hyper-curation, Kovarski’s approach feels almost rebellious. Is her emphasis on meaning over aesthetics a refreshing return to authenticity, or a missed opportunity for visual cohesion? Weigh in below.
As someone who juggled this renovation while completing Le Couvent, Kovarski found unexpected synergy in her work travels. Over dinners with Festen, the Parisian design team behind the hotel, she’d pull out fabric swatches and debate tile choices—a testament to her collaborative spirit. Yet, her guiding principle remains unshakable: ‘If it has meaning, that’s the thread.’
So, as you reflect on your own space, ask yourself: Does your home tell your story? Or is it just a collection of curated pieces? Kovarski’s Highgate haven challenges us to rethink design—not as a display, but as a deeply personal narrative. What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation.
