bohemian art house 'maison colbert' summons wes anderson's eclectic taste in london

Ilan Cohen, a finance professional and avid art collector, transformed his Manhattan Chelsea apartment into a museum-worthy space designed by the architecture and interiors studio BoND. Cohen's collecting journey began in 2009, evolving from buying any contemporary work to cultivating a distinct personal taste, influenced by artists like TM Davy. His collection, which includes over 45 pieces on the main salon wall and approximately 100 artworks throughout the apartment, features works by artists such as Nash Glynn, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Louis Fratino, and Mark McNight. BoND, founded by Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, had previously collaborated with Cohen on his modernist beach house in Fire Island. For the Chelsea loft, the challenge was to create a space that not only reflected Cohen's personal history and extensive art collection but also provided room for its continued growth and appreciation. Cohen was already familiar with the building's structure, having lived in another unit there in the early 2000s, and recognized the apartment's potential upon his initial viewing with Dvir and Rauchwerger. The project, which commenced in late 2021, involved reorienting the apartment's simple rectangular main living area to maximize natural light and integrate functional elements without compromising wall space dedicated to art. Inspired by Donald Judd's minimalist aesthetic, the designers implemented built-in furniture pieces and maintained a restrained material and color palette. A key design principle was to keep all furniture 36 inches tall or under, a deliberate choice by Rauchwerger to ensure that the eye level remained completely open, allowing unobstructed views of the artworks. The dining area, for instance, features a custom square dining table fabricated by Bill Zuerlein, complemented by Room & Board chairs, with artworks by Johnathan Lyndon Chase, Salman Toor, and Alex Olson adorning the walls. Cohen himself plays an active role in arranging his collection, often experimenting with multiple layouts before settling on a final display, stating that the fourth or fifth iteration typically sticks. This apartment serves as a testament to living with art, where the design thoughtfully supports and enhances a significant personal collection, transforming a residence into a dynamic gallery space. #ArtCollector #NewYorkLoft #BoNDArchitects #InteriorDesign #ArtCollectionDisplay #DonaldJuddInfluence #ChelseaApartment #ModernLiving #SpaceOptimization

This article describes the transformation of a London residence in the Marylebone area, located within a Grade I listed building at Park Crescent Gardens, by Bergman Design House. The project aimed to infuse warmth and a sense of 'hygge'—a Scandinavian concept of coziness—into the home of a British couple, reflecting the Swedish heritage of Albin Berglund, cofounder of Bergman Design House. Marie Soliman, cofounder and creative director, characterizes the design approach as embracing the concept of the flâneur and integrating wabi-sabi principles, which celebrate imperfection, impermanence, and the unconventional. The home spans 3,000 square feet across three levels, each designed with distinct character while maintaining overall cohesion. The entrance features a welcoming foyer and a den decorated in rich muddy teals, evoking the ambiance of a private member's club. In contrast, the first level hosts an airy and light-filled open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen. The top floor includes a study room with expansive views. The main suite is adorned with pale apricot tones, crushed linen walls, and a hand-painted de Gournay Wisteria silk wallcovering, adding a whimsical touch. Throughout the home, existing period details have been meticulously restored, creating a blend of historical charm and contemporary design. Chocolate herringbone floors and muted, oyster-colored walls contribute to a sense of grandeur and an inviting atmosphere. A central feature of the kitchen is a striking island-bar crafted from pale green marble with russet veins, which serves as the heart of the living space. Additionally, a whiskey corner offers a view, featuring rare exotic (four seasons) marble in jewelry-inspired colors. Soliman notes that these elements were chosen to bring the beauty of London's Regent’s Park landscapes indoors and introduce playful yet elegant details, resulting in glamorous yet understated spaces. The home also showcases an impressive art collection, central to the owners' passion for discovery and display. Notable art pieces include a vibrant installation by Zhuang Hong-yi in the main living area and "The Thinker," an eccentric astronaut sculpture by Joseph Klibansky, positioned near the staircase to spark conversation. Soliman emphasizes that the home's design thoughtfully complements the artworks, echoing their shapes and tones without overshadowing their beauty. This approach ensures the rooms exude balance and considered calm, highlighting the architectural strengths and treasured objects. Most of the furniture consists of bespoke pieces from Bergman Design House’s Black Berg Collection. The article also mentions specific design elements such as Gubi's Pacha chairs in green boucle in the living area and artworks by Marie Soliman above the mini-bar cabinets. #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #BergmanDesignHouse #LuxuryResidence #HyggeDesign #WabiSabi #ArtCollection #Marylebone #ResidentialDesign

This blog post explores how to incorporate the distinctive aesthetic of director Wes Anderson into home decor, offering eight practical and creative ideas for fans and design enthusiasts alike. The article draws inspiration from Anderson's films, known for their saturated colors, retro influences, quirky details, and symmetrical compositions. The author, a self-proclaimed fan, shares personal insights and product recommendations to help readers transform their living spaces, even small ones like a studio apartment, into a Wes Anderson-inspired world without a significant budget. The first suggestion focuses on using vintage accessories to evoke the timeless, often nostalgic, feel of Anderson's movies. Examples include decorative items like a pink vintage phone or functional pieces such as a vinyl player, aiming to transport the viewer to a bygone era, whether it's the 1960s vibe of *Moonrise Kingdom* or the early 1900s setting of *The Grand Budapest Hotel*. The second idea emphasizes the strategic use of pastel color schemes. A coat of paint is presented as a transformative tool, with advice to either paint an entire room or opt for feature walls, skirting boards, door frames, or ceilings. The article connects specific film aesthetics to color choices, such as *Fantastic Mr Fox* with mustard yellow, *The Darjeeling Limited* with jade green, and *The Grand Budapest Hotel* with pink and baby blue, drawing a parallel to the Mendl’s chocolate boxes from the film. The author even reveals a personal living room makeover inspired by the blue ceiling ribbon from the film. The third tip highlights the importance of symmetry, a hallmark of Wes Anderson's cinematic style. Readers are encouraged to arrange matching accessories in intentional, slightly unconventional ways to create a whimsical yet orderly look. Suggestions include placing two matching cushions on a sofa, two vases with single flowers on a shelf, or two identical picture frames in the center of a wall, moving away from common decorative patterns to achieve a unique, kooky aesthetic. The fourth idea delves into tablescaping as an accessible way to infuse Anderson's style without permanent changes. The focus is on playful details, such as scalloped edges or wavy patterns in dinnerware, complemented by bud vases with flowers and matching candles, making everyday dining an extraordinary experience. Adding an accent chair is the fifth recommendation, seen as an easy method to introduce a bold color or pattern. The article suggests sourcing retro and vintage armchairs from thrift stores for authenticity and affordability, aligning specific chair styles with different Anderson films, such as French bistro chairs for *The French Dispatch* or pink velvet for *The Grand Budapest Hotel*. The sixth point addresses lighting, stressing its crucial role in setting the mood. The advice is to avoid harsh overhead lighting in favor of soft, diffused illumination from multiple lamps. Vintage and retro-inspired lamps, like anglepoise desk lamps or 1960s dome lamps, are suggested to enhance the overall aesthetic. The seventh and eighth tips, which appear to be variations of the same theme of repetition and homage, encourage layering home accessories in unusual ways, such as arranging colorful books, matching vases, or cocktail glasses in a row to create a sense of quirky repetition. The article also suggests incorporating memorabilia, art prints, or books inspired by Wes Anderson's films to bring his magic into the home, especially before the release of new movies like *Asteroid City*. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #WesAndersonStyle #VintageDecor #PastelColorScheme #SymmetricalDesign #AccentFurniture #CreativeLighting #FilmInspiredHome

Albion Nord, an interior design firm, has unveiled a new bespoke furniture collection designed specifically for the Chelsea Barracks residential development in London. The collection, which reflects the history and values of the barracks, was created in collaboration with various British artisans and will be available for individual purchase. The Chelsea Barracks development, a project by Qatari Diar, a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, is a 12.8-acre site in the City of Westminster, London. The development includes several apartment blocks and 13 six-story townhouses designed by PDP London, two of which Albion Nord was commissioned to design as show homes. The design philosophy behind the furniture collection emphasizes craftsmanship, quality, and materiality. Ottalie Stride, Creative Director at Albion Nord, stated that the goal was to create a range of furniture, lighting, and accessories that showcase respect for context and tradition. The collaboration with "best-in-class British artisans" was crucial in blending historical elements with contemporary design, resulting in pieces that are intended to be timeless heirlooms. The collection features 11 distinct pieces, each incorporating unique historical references and high-quality materials. Five notable pieces from the collection have been highlighted. The Wellington Desk, a prominent item, draws inspiration from original campaign desks that would have been used in the barracks. It was created in partnership with Stride & Co and Collier Webb and is crafted from a single piece of English pippy oak, featuring an embossed leather top and lockable leather-lined drawers. Its design includes reeded timber details and collapsible legs with brass lion paw feet, mirroring the original campaign desk features. The Barracks Bench, also made from English pippy oak in collaboration with Stride & Co, is designed to be a timeless piece suitable for various interior styles. It features a turned frame, interlocking spindles, and a woven cane seat, with an optional loose seat cushion upholstered in Wren fabric. This fabric's textured print subtly references the architectural footprint of the Royal Chelsea Hospital, adding a layer of historical context to the design. The Elizabeth Side Table features a conical base made from green English oak and a pippy oak top, connecting it visually to other pieces in the collection. Developed with Stride & Co, this table references Britain's historical tea-drinking culture and is presented as an ideal accompaniment to a reading chair. The Radnor Tableware set, designed by Sally Marien, is named after the area's history of porcelain and the William Frend de Morgan pottery works. This porcelain set, consisting of a dinner plate, cereal bowl, side plate, soup bowl, and mug, features the distinctive Chelsea Barracks rose on each item. Finally, The Belgravia Lamp, a statement piece with a symmetrical and architectural silhouette, is handmade from Moleanos stone. This lamp, created in collaboration with David Turner and Concept Bespoke, is inspired by the classic architectural features found in many historic Chelsea buildings. Its design is set on a bronze plinth, offering versatility with various shade designs. The entire collection is available for viewing and purchase through the Albion Nord website, reinforcing the integration of luxury design with local heritage and expert craftsmanship. #AlbionNord #ChelseaBarracks #FurnitureCollection #InteriorDesign #BritishCraftsmanship #LuxuryHome #LondonProperty #HeirloomDesign

David Collins Studio has been a pivotal force in interior design for four decades, creating glamorous and inviting spaces that have become iconic London establishments. The studio's influence spans from renowned restaurants and hotels to luxury fashion boutiques and residential projects. Its enduring success is attributed to its distinctive approach to design, which balances elegance with approachability, making spaces desirable to a diverse clientele. The studio's journey began with a significant partnership with chef Marco Pierre White in 1988, starting with Harvey's on Wandsworth Common. This collaboration expanded to include other notable restaurants like Mirabelle, Quo Vadis, and the Canteen, establishing David Collins Studio as a key player in London's vibrant dining scene. Iain Watson, the CEO of David Collins Studio, who joined in 1988, highlights the impact of these early projects, noting that White was a pioneer in fine dining at a grand scale. A landmark project for the studio in 1998 was the transformation of Claridge’s Bar. It evolved from a modest eatery into a premier destination with distinctive features such as red crocodile-print leather and Art Deco elements, alongside its own dedicated entrance. This redesign attracted a fashionable crowd, including celebrities like Kate Moss. Simon Rawlings, the chief creative officer, who joined in the same year, emphasizes how the bar successfully drew in non-hotel guests, a novel concept at the time. The studio subsequently modernized Claridge's sister hotels, the Berkeley and the Connaught, adopting a formula of chic bars and acclaimed restaurants with celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and Marcus Wareing, revitalizing these historic establishments. Another significant collaboration was with restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, known for their work with The Ivy and Le Caprice. Their first joint venture was the redesign of J Sheekey, an old London fish restaurant, which proved highly successful with its intimate booths and interconnected rooms. This led to further projects, including Colbert, the Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, and especially The Wolseley. The Wolseley, originally a car showroom and later a bank, was reimagined as a grand Viennese-style café, revolutionizing London's breakfast culture by making dining out for breakfast a lifestyle choice rather than just a meal. Rawlings recalls traveling to Vienna to study café culture, observing details such as the presentation of espresso with a glass of water, which influenced The Wolseley's unique appeal. Beyond hospitality, David Collins Studio also made its mark in luxury retail. It designed five Anglomania stores in Japan and a flagship store in New York for Vivienne Westwood. The studio faced creative challenges, such as creating flooring that mimicked hair, reflecting the designer's unique aesthetic. In 2012, the studio collaborated with Alexander McQueen, developing a global retail concept that incorporated traditional-looking panels revealing iconic McQueen motifs like flowers and butterflies, reproduced by local artisans worldwide. The studio’s extensive portfolio also includes residential projects for high-profile clients such as Madonna and Tom Ford, and nightclubs like Kabaret’s Prophecy. Even the widespread Café Rouge chain, which brought the relaxed bistro concept to the UK, benefited from the studio's design expertise, with each of its over 100 branches featuring authentic French artifacts. Although David Collins passed away in 2013, his vision is sustained by the 60-strong team, led by Watson and Rawlings, who continue to pursue diverse and challenging projects, ensuring the studio's legacy of designing memorable and lasting experiences. #DavidCollinsStudio #InteriorDesign #LondonHospitality #LuxuryRetailDesign #RestaurantDesign #HotelInteriors #ArchitecturalLegacy #BritishDesign #GlamorousInteriors

This article highlights the design philosophy of Sarah Corbett-Winder, a stylist and founder of the womenswear brand Kipper, as showcased in her maximalist Edwardian home in London. The residence, shared with her husband Ned and their three children, Lyon, Nancy, and Celeste, is characterized by a deliberate use of stripes to maintain a sense of order amidst a rich collection of art and personal artifacts. Sarah views anything meaningful as art, and her home is filled with framed paintings, splatter plates, and unique memorabilia, each contributing to a living gallery wall that captures moments and memories. Sarah's approach to home design stems from a past experience where she quickly grew tired of trendy, Pinterest-influenced blue and geometric patterns. For her current 2,700-square-foot Edwardian home, she aimed for a timeless yet personal aesthetic, opting for a classic backdrop of stripes. Various applications of stripes are evident throughout the house: wide blue stripes, hand-painted by artist Lucy Mahon, adorn a spare bedroom, while the couple's eaves bedroom features variegated wallpaper from Farrow & Ball, creating a cozy and nest-like atmosphere. The children's rooms also incorporate striped themes; Lyon's bedroom features extra-large, tent-like lines, evoking a funhouse or circus vibe, and Nancy's room combines pale pinks with florals, including a matching headboard, pelmets, and curtains that echo Sarah's childhood home. The maximalist design is carefully balanced to prevent it from appearing chaotic or overly busy. Sarah achieves this by using grounding, earthy colors such as mustard yellow and aubergine, which provide a cohesive palette across the different spaces. This consistent color scheme allows for flexibility in rearranging items and incorporating new elements without overwhelming the visual harmony. Practicality and resourcefulness are also key aspects of her design strategy. For example, leftover cabinet moldings from the kitchen were repurposed as handbag shelving in her closet, and a mismeasured marble sink intended for the kitchen was ingeniously transformed into a liquor-filled tray next to the pantry. This demonstrates Sarah's belief in utilizing surplus materials and finding new functions for existing objects. The sitting room exemplifies the couple's desire for a more grown-up feel, featuring new picture molding that adds grandeur to the walls. Botanical prints, acquired by Ned years ago, complement the room's proportions seamlessly. Sarah also shares a cost-effective trick for updating furniture: changing only the fabric on seat cushions of existing settees, rather than reupholstering entire frames, to give them a fresh look without significant expense. Visitors often comment on the immersive quality of the home, which is designed to be a retreat from the outside world. Despite being filled with numerous items like books, china fruits, and porcelain dogs, the house remains meticulously organized. Sarah emphasizes that every trinket has its designated place, avoiding clutter and ensuring a sense of order. Sarah views her home as a dynamic piece of art, constantly evolving through the addition or removal of elements and the creation of new vignettes. This continuous process of curation and rearrangement reflects her personal style and ensures that the space remains vibrant and reflective of her family's journey. The intentional use of stripes and a cohesive color palette, combined with thoughtful organization and a resourceful approach to materials, allows the maximalist aesthetic to thrive without becoming overwhelming, creating a home that is both expressive and inviting. #MaximalistDesign #EdwardianHome #StripedInteriors #LondonHomeTour #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SarahCorbettWinder #PatternPlay

This article details a distinctive Florida vacation home designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) in collaboration with interior designer Ellie Cullman. The project marks a significant departure from Stern's traditional classicist reputation, embracing tropical modernism with mid-20th-century regionalism. The 12,000-square-foot, two-story oceanfront property, located north of Miami, was conceived for art-collecting homeowners who sought a serene, simple ambiance reminiscent of a St. Bart's villa. The design, led by RAMSA partner Roger H. Seifter, drew inspiration from Hawaiian modernism pioneers Vladimir Ossipoff and Charles William Dickey, as well as California architect William Wilson Wurster, focusing on open plans, natural materials, and site integration. The house features bleached walnut walls, pecky cypress ceilings, and reclaimed limestone and antique oak floors, emphasizing tactile quality. The centerpiece is a top-floor great room that opens onto a loggia with retractable doors, creating expansive spaces. Cullman's role was to infuse warmth and livability, bridging her traditional background with a more modern approach. She introduced textiles in solids, checks, and circles, adding a graphic tension to the organic landscape. The color palette is predominantly neutral, subtly accented with ocean blue, pistachio green, and pale yellow. Longtime decorator John Gilmer assisted with the final touches. A crucial aspect of the home is its integration with the homeowners' extensive blue-chip art collection, which includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Alice Neel, Stanley Whitney, and Pat Steir, curated with advisor Nancy Rosen. The art pieces were largely acquired specifically for the house, with their large proportions dictated by the architectural scale. Examples include a Harry Bertoia sculpture echoing the verticality of a two-story window and a Joan Mitchell painting serving as a focal point above the living room fireplace. In the game room, a Jennifer Bartlett painting mirrors the outdoor landscape's colors. Ultimately, the architecture provides a sophisticated frame for the artworks, which in turn animate the building. This collaborative effort resulted in a home that is both relaxed and layered, refined yet comfortable. The project is described as a liberating experience for both RAMSA and Cullman, successfully blending historical design principles with contemporary aesthetics to create a unique and timeless residence. This report originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Elle Decor. #RobertAMStern #EllieCullman #TropicalModernism #ArchitecturalDesign #ArtCollection #FloridaArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #ModernClassicism

Caleb Racicot and Daniel Vasquez's 1902 West End home, a Queen Anne architectural style residence, received an Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission in 2018 following extensive renovations. The couple purchased the 2,308-square-foot home, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, in 2015. Despite initial impressions where Vasquez, a horror movie fan, saw a quintessential haunted house, Racicot was drawn to the home's historic nature and late Victorian design elements, particularly the fireplaces and woodwork. The renovation process, which spanned three years, focused on restoring the home's original character while updating it for modern living. A significant discovery was an abstract stained glass window that, upon removal of paint layers, was found to complement the colors of the entry hall and fireplace tile. This unexpected finding helped guide the interior design, emphasizing a cohesive flow throughout the house rather than distinct, individually decorated rooms. The couple aimed to reflect their unique styles within a period-appropriate framework, using references from catalogues like the 1902 Sears Roebuck catalogue for ideas on historical appropriateness. Structural renovations included reinforcing the foundation, rebuilding damaged portions of the decking, and repairing or replacing rotten shingles and original gas lines. Three of the home's six fireplaces were restored, and asbestos was removed. The kitchen, which had been stripped of historic elements by previous owners, was redesigned with white cabinets, a granite island, and a Whirlpool refrigerator. Walls were painted in Benjamin Moore's Concord Ivory, part of their Historic Colour collection, contributing to the authentic feel. Throughout the home, original architectural elements were preserved, such as unpainted pocket doors with Russell & Erwin pulls and locks, and wainscoting. The couple chose to retain picture rails in every room for both their historic charm and practical use in displaying art. Vasquez, a retired performance artist and music critic, integrated his passion for opera into the decor, featuring opera-related items, century-old player pianos, and books. The home also showcases modern art created by Vasquez alongside antique furniture. The exterior of the home, including the iron gate and the front porch, was also a focus of the renovation. The front porch, in particular, became a favorite spot for the couple, who enjoy gardening and socializing with neighbors. The home's design incorporates late Victorian and Edwardian influences, reflecting a unique blend of historical accuracy and personal artistic expression, earning it recognition for its thoughtful preservation and design choices. #HistoricPreservation #QueenAnneArchitecture #WestEndAtlanta #HomeRenovation #StainedGlass #VictorianDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #PeriodAppropriateDecor

The article details the collaboration between interior designer Lynn Biase and mixed media artist Jenn Lewis to transform Lewis' new West Harrison home into a vibrant, family-friendly space that seamlessly integrates her distinctive artwork. Lewis, known for her bold, graffiti-style paintings and collages, sought Biase's expertise to create a fun and comfortable environment for herself, her two teenagers, and for hosting social gatherings. Biase had previously worked with Lewis on her former residence, indicating a pre-existing professional relationship built on trust and a shared aesthetic understanding. The design approach prioritized integrating Lewis's artwork, which the artist noted felt organic due to Biase's color choices throughout the home. The house's open layout, high ceilings, and large windows were naturally conducive to displaying art, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Biase employed a 'high/low' design philosophy, combining custom-made elements with existing features and sourced items to achieve a cohesive yet unique look. An example of this is seen in the foyer, where the existing natural grass cloth wallpaper was complemented by a custom graphic stair runner that extends to the upstairs landing, establishing a striking entrance. The upstairs landing was transformed into a dedicated family area, featuring a game table with a built-in chess board to accommodate Lewis's son's hobby. Sculptural accessories from Current Home further adorned the shelving in this space, adding visual interest. In a previously neutral powder room off the foyer, Biase introduced an arched Arteriors mirror and patterned wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler, significantly enhancing its character. The kitchen saw minor yet impactful updates, including a black and brass faucet, modern black hardware, and pendant lights over the island, all contributing to a contemporary feel. Biase also introduced a pop of color with bright yellow chairs in the kitchen's breakfast area, a departure from Lewis's usual preference for grays. This sunny hue was echoed in the adjoining family room through throw pillows, connecting the spaces visually. For comfort, a custom coffee table with a fabric center was designed to match a large cream-colored sofa from RH, fulfilling Lewis's desire for a soft place to relax. The dining room features watercolor-inspired wallpaper from Emma Hayes, which harmonizes with the gray tones of the dining table and light fixture, while Arhaus dining chairs with antique brass accents add a touch of sparkle. The living room's design began with another bold wallpaper selection, complemented by a rust-colored sectional for visual contrast. In Lewis's office, Biase opted for a cool gray paint, providing an ideal backdrop for the artist's work and highlighting the walnut desk and wool patterned rug. A sitting room adjacent to the primary bedroom showcases one of Lewis's paintings of a bookshelf, seemingly custom-made for the space. The overall design successfully brought Lewis's artistic vision into her living environment, creating a home that feels both fresh and welcoming, according to the artist.

Alma-nac, a London-based architecture firm, undertook the renovation of Basing Street Rooms, a four-storey Victorian end-terrace house, transforming it into a long-stay hotel comprising guest suites for a record label. The design drew inspiration from the history of the recording studio across the street, abstracting elements from four specific record labels: Island Records, Stiff Records, ZTT, and Sarm. Instead of creating a direct archive, the architects aimed to distill the identity of each label into an abstract visual language, reinterpreting it within the context of the building's history and the functional requirements of the apartments. This approach resulted in a series of unique spaces, each associated with a particular label, while maintaining a common design thread throughout the hotel. Each of the four apartments, situated on separate floors, features a distinct colour theme influenced by record sleeve designs from the nearby studio's archive. All apartments share a similar layout, incorporating a combined living room and kitchen, a spacious bedroom, and a compact bathroom. Extensive rebuilding was necessitated by damage sustained during the Second World War, including the installation of a central plywood staircase, assembled off-site, on the ground floor. The lower-ground floor apartment is adorned with a navy, pale blue, and orange theme. The apartment on the floor above showcases herringbone patterns in shades of yellow, orange, and red in the hallway, extending through the front door. The kitchen in this unit features white cabinetry with red accents, and the wooden cupboards in the bedroom have bright orange-painted interiors. The orange and red herringbone pattern from the floor continues up the wall, encompassing the window seat. A red painted staircase leads to the first floor, with white lettering on each riser gradually spelling out song lyrics from top to bottom. A lighting installation consisting of clear glass bulbs suspended on red electrical cords hangs above this staircase. The first-floor apartment is characterized by shades of pink and red, featuring a glossy black kitchen unit, a dark chandelier, and a pink neon lighting installation on the living room wall. The top floor is decorated with a vibrant palette of bright yellow, white, blue, green, and pink. This apartment includes a yellow kitchen unit in the living space and a yellow lightning bolt tiled into the bathroom's shower wall. Externally, the building's brick frontage is painted blue with a red door and coloured window frames. A large mural on the external side wall depicts various artists who have recorded at the adjacent studio. The project utilized engineered parquet flooring, stained and arranged in detailed plans to define key activity areas within each apartment. Identifiable symbols and words from the record labels were abstracted and integrated into the design; for instance, the Stiff 'S' was reinterpreted as a pixelated lightning bolt, and the multiple misspellings of 'zang tumb tumb' formed a scrabble-board-like tile pattern in a bathroom. Alma-nac collaborated closely with the client and artists, incorporating a mural on the building's side and artwork directly onto internal walls, further embedding the studio's spirit into the hotel. The project successfully combined the building's historical context with a vibrant, music-inspired aesthetic, creating a unique and functional living space for visiting musicians. #ApartmentRenovation #LondonInteriors #HerringbonePatterns #ColourfulDesign #VictorianArchitecture #MusicInspiredDesign #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #AlmaNac

Wes Anderson's films are renowned for their distinctive visual style, characterized by striking symmetry, bold color palettes, and whimsical aesthetics. This unique approach extends to his meticulously designed interiors, which contribute significantly to the overall charm and character of his cinematic works. Anderson's precise attention to detail in set design is so profound that it has inspired numerous parodies and social media trends, with production designer Adam Stockhausen noting the director's exacting standards. Anderson himself has expressed a childhood ambition to be an architect, a desire he believes fuels his passion for creating 'fantasy locations' through film. Despite a consistent stylistic signature, each of Anderson's films possesses its own unique interior design identity, making them a source of inspiration for interior designers. This article ranks some of the most notable interiors from his filmography, inspired by his latest work, 'The Phoenician Scheme.' Starting with 'Asteroid City' (2023), the production team constructed an entire 1950s-style town, complete with a motel, diner, and gas station, all set against a red dirt desert landscape. While the interiors are painstakingly detailed, the desert environment is arguably the film's primary visual draw. 'Moonrise Kingdom' (2012), set on the fictional island of New Penzance, features charming 1960s-style buildings. The Bishop family house, with its coastal decor and checkerboard floors, and Suzy's orange lighthouse hideaway, contribute to the film's escapist fantasy. In contrast, 'The Darjeeling Limited' (2007) immerses viewers in a vibrant visual experience aboard a train traveling across India. The train carriages, co-designed by Anderson and set designer Mark Friedberg, are a riot of clashing patterns and oversaturated hues, including sunset oranges, cerulean blues, and rich yellows. Anderson’s most recent film, 'The Phoenician Scheme' (2025), deviates from the vibrant palettes of previous works, adopting a cooler and darker visual tone. The interiors of ruthless business tycoon Zsa-zsa Korda's palazzo are a grand and eclectic mix, featuring medieval artwork, mid-century furniture, ancient Egyptian iconography, marble columns, wall murals, and striking tiled floors, reflecting the complex character of Korda himself. 'The French Dispatch' (2021) offers a nostalgic glimpse into the offices of an American newspaper in France. Shot partly in black and white and partly in color, the film's interiors are filled with antique and thrifted furniture, set against a warm mid-century palette, creating a picturesque and purposeful aesthetic that is distinctly Wes Anderson. 'The Royal Tenenbaums' (2001) presents a more lived-in, whimsical version of a 1970s New York house. The Tenenbaum home, with its ballroom, library, and boardgame-filled closet, was designed to evoke a strong sense of family history, with every corner seemingly holding a story. Finally, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014) is highlighted as Anderson's most opulent visual masterpiece. Inspired by the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, and its Belle Époque architecture, the film features a rich color palette ranging from soft pastels to bold purples and reds. This creates a sumptuous and dreamlike quality in the sets, showcasing Anderson at his most visually extravagant. #WesAnderson #MovieInteriors #FilmProductionDesign #AestheticRanking #GrandBudapestHotel #RoyalTenenbaums #FrenchDispatch #PhoenicianScheme #DarjeelingLimited #MoonriseKingdom #AsteroidCity #SetDesign #InteriorInspiration

This article details the refurbishment of a five-bedroom Victorian home in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, by architect McLaren.Excell. The property, spanning four levels, maintains a traditional facade from the front, akin to other bay-windowed Victorians on its street. However, the rear reveals a distinctive and modern transformation. A key feature of the renovation is the bold, weathered Corten-steel-clad extension, which seamlessly integrates with interlocking concrete panels in the garden. McLaren.Excell’s design approach skillfully juxtaposes the robust, 'monolithic' qualities of concrete and Corten steel with the original 19th-century brickwork of the house. Complementing these strong materials, softer natural elements like Grey Elm and Douglas Fir are incorporated into the new loft extension, creating a deliberate contrast. The interior design fosters a continuous interplay between the old and the new, blending period features with modern interventions. In the living room, the original Victorian fireplace is preserved, flanked by alcoves thoughtfully lined with bookshelves. New parquet flooring extends into an adjacent, cozy second lounge, which also features floor-to-ceiling library shelves. This flooring leads into the newly constructed kitchen extension, which is clad in rusted steel, reflecting the industrial aesthetic seen from the exterior. The kitchen's central element is a monumental concrete island, designed with a stepped surface that transitions from a food preparation area to a dining table, accompanied by matching concrete benches. To introduce warmth into the space, bespoke timber cabinetry is used. The kitchen’s design also incorporates exposed rafters and a skylight, which collectively enhance the room’s verticality and natural light. Steel-framed glass doors provide access to the garden, where a complementary concrete bench is situated on large concrete slabs, bordered by Corten steel planters filled with native flora. While the downstairs areas are characterized by rugged materials and a patinated finish, the upstairs rooms adopt a more vibrant and lighthearted aesthetic. The main bedroom is decorated in a cheerful yellow hue, with bold accents provided by intricately patterned wardrobes and a fiery orange mantelpiece. The children’s bedrooms, though more subdued, feature soft pastel tones, contributing to a lively and colorful ambiance within the private quarters. A sense of calm is restored in the loft suite, where a palette of pale wood, white walls, and patinated brickwork establishes a serene and tranquil environment, with windows offering peaceful views of the garden, sky, and trees. The West London home is currently listed for sale with The Modern House at £1.75 million. #VictorianArchitecture #WestLondonProperty #McLarenExcell #CortenSteel #ConcreteDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #HomeInterior #ShepherdsBush #ModernHouse

Boston, with its historical architecture, including red brick brownstones and Georgian-style structures, offers a rich source of inspiration for design enthusiasts. The Beacon Hill neighborhood, particularly known for its Federal-style rowhouses and cobblestone streets, is highlighted as a prime example of the city's architectural charm. This area is home to unique home décor shops and accommodations that blend old-world charm with modern aesthetics. One notable destination is Koo de Kir, a home décor shop on Chestnut Street. The shop's name, a phonetic play on the French "Coup de Coeur," signifies an item that captivates. The owner curates a selection of unique items, aiming to offer products that are distinctive and memorable. Among the favored items mentioned are the Lotus Nesting Bowls, which are popular during wedding season, indicating their appeal as gifts or household additions. Adjacent to Koo de Kir is another recommended shop, Good, which offers a broader range of lifestyle accessories, encompassing both fashion and home goods. Its inventory includes antiques, works of art, and vintage accessories, suggesting a focus on curated and unique finds for those seeking distinctive pieces for their personal style or living spaces. For an immersive experience in Beacon Hill, the Charles Street Inn is suggested as a lodging option. This inn is characterized by its quiet and cozy ambiance, combined with an old-world flair. Each room is individually named after historical Beacon Hill residents, such as John Singer Sargent or Ralph Waldo Emerson, adding a historical touch. A key feature of the inn is the presence of authentic 1860 marble working fireplaces in every room, contributing to its charm and historical authenticity. Beyond traditional design, the article explores the contemporary design integration seen at the Liberty Hotel, located at the periphery of Beacon Hill. This hotel exemplifies how Boston marries its historical heritage with modern design and an energetic nightlife. Originally the Charles Street Jail, completed in 1851, the hotel's recent renovation respectfully incorporated elements of the original structure and its former purpose, creating an innovative and modern space. Its nightclub, Alibi, and restaurant, Clink, are highlighted as popular venues, partly due to their interior design, which creatively reinterprets the building's history. The article concludes by emphasizing Boston's ability to offer an exciting and inspiring experience for design aficionados, challenging any perception of the city as overly traditional or "stuffy." It showcases Boston as a city where historical elegance and contemporary design coexist and inspire. #BostonInteriorDesign #BeaconHill #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalInspiration #BoutiqueShopping #LuxuryTravel #HistoricalRenovation #LifestyleAccessories

This article delves into the holiday home of prominent gallerists Kadee Robbins, director of the Michael Werner Gallery in London, and Stefan Ratibor, director of the Gagosian in London. Their residence is a 17th-century baroque manor in the Danube valley, about half an hour from Vienna, Austria. The property, initially found and purchased by Ratibor in 2005, became a shared project and a labor of love after he and Robbins began their relationship. The manor was once owned by an "aged and reclusive opera singer" and had fallen into disrepair, described as being hidden in a forest and overrun with flora. With the assistance of architect Annabelle Selldorf, a friend of the couple known for her work on projects like the Frick Collection extension in New York, the manor underwent a comprehensive restoration. The renovation focused on removing clutter both inside and outside the structure and simplifying its layout to create a more relaxed and airy living space. The goal was to transform the historical property into a comfortable family home, suitable for the couple and their three young children. The family typically uses the home for holidays during Christmas, Easter, and a summer period. A central feature of the home is its extensive collection of contemporary art, carefully curated by Robbins and Ratibor. The collection includes pieces by artists they have collaborated with, befriended, or admired, such as Ed Ruscha, Peter Doig, Franz West, and Jeff Koons. Robbins emphasizes that this collection was assembled organically over time, rather than through a predefined grand plan. Despite the high value of the artworks, she maintains a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that the house is a living space for children. She notes that while the pieces are lovingly cared for, the family remains philosophical about potential wear and tear, joking about a Carsten Höller yellow rhino sculpture in the upstairs hall that has likely been sat upon by the children. The article highlights several specific artworks and design elements within the home. For instance, the master bedroom features a picture by American artist Aaron Young, created from motorcyclists driving across primed panels, leaving skid marks. This room also contains 1960s Italian chairs and a carpet from Azerbaijan. A photograph by Douglas Gordon is flanked by baroque chairs inherited from Ratibor’s great-aunt, with a 1960s French lamp. A neon artwork by Tracey Emin is displayed above a 19th-century sofa, which is a Ratibor family heirloom. The guest bedroom showcases works by Glenn Brown and Ed Ruscha, with an Iranian carpet and a chocolate velvet chaise longue from Robbins's previous life in New York. The first-floor sitting room includes sofas by 20th-century Italian designer Guglielmo Ulrich, a mirror by Jeff Koons, a sculpture by Franz West, and a painting by Adam McEwen, all set against an original mantelpiece. In the garden, there is a sculpture by the late Franz West, an Austrian artist and close friend of the owners. These details illustrate the blend of historical architecture, contemporary art, and personal touches that define the couple's unique holiday home. #HolidayHome #BaroqueManor #ContemporaryArt #InteriorDesign #AustrianArchitecture #ArtCollection #GalleristHome #AnnabelleSelldorf #FamilyHome

A Connecticut-based couple, seeking to move closer to family, acquired several acres of farmland in Concord in 2017 with the intention of building their permanent residence. Their primary design challenge was to create a home that could accommodate their extensive contemporary art collection while still allowing for abundant natural light and an open connection to the outdoors. After reviewing multiple portfolios, the couple selected Hutker Architects, impressed by the firm's ability to design homes that harmoniously integrate with their surroundings, particularly important given Concord's historical significance. A critical requirement for the project was its completion by the following year, coinciding with their daughter's entry into 11th grade. Jim Cappuccino, a principal at Hutker Architects, and his associate Erin Levin, initiated the design process by first understanding the couple's lifestyle in their previous Connecticut home. They then collaboratively walked the Concord property with the clients, visualizing the new structure and meticulously documenting the couple's desires. A top priority for the homeowners was sufficient space to display their significant collection of contemporary art, acquired during their travels and from the husband's sister, who operates an art gallery in Barcelona. Concurrently, they wished for numerous windows and the ability to seamlessly open the house to the exterior. The challenge for the architectural team was to reconcile the need for ample wall space for art with the desire for a bright home featuring large windows. Hutker Architects responded to this challenge with a design for a sprawling, single-story dwelling oriented southward across a meadow. The central feature was a barn-like structure housing the living and dining areas, flanked by wings for bedrooms and workspaces. The couple expressed immediate admiration for these initial drawings, noting their alignment with their vision. The completed house integrates subtly into the meadow, which is adorned with mature trees. Upon entering, a gallery corridor extends across the central living area, providing extensive surfaces for art display. Beyond this, a combined living and dining room features vaulted ceilings and dormered windows, ensuring ample natural light. The adjacent kitchen is also well-lit, boasting a large skylight and twin quartz-topped islands, a space where the wife frequently hosts informal gatherings. The kitchen's design also incorporates unique features catering to the wife's preferences. During initial discussions, she conveyed missing the sound of lapping water from her previous oceanfront home. In response, the architects integrated two reflecting pools into the design: one positioned outside the kitchen and another adjacent to the den off the living room. This allows the family to enjoy the sound of trickling water by opening the kitchen's sliding glass doors. The layout provides distinct zones for family members; the children's wing, located to the left of the main living area, offers bedrooms with adjoining sitting rooms, personalized by the children. Their teenage daughter created a makeup room, while their son, a college student, requested a secret bookcase door for his sitting room. The master suite, along with the garage, mudroom, an art studio, and two offices, is situated on the opposite side of the living area. The wife appreciates the flexibility of being able to 'shrink the house' by closing off the children's wing when they are not home, ensuring comfort for both just the couple or for larger family gatherings and guests. The homeowners expressed complete satisfaction with the final result, particularly enjoying the dedicated spaces for their art collection, which previously had to be stored. They also reflected positively on the construction process, noting its unexpected lack of stress and enjoyable nature, despite a tight timeline and an interstate move. #ArchitecturalDesign #ContemporaryArtCollection #CustomHome #HutkerArchitects #ConcordMassachusetts #ResidentialArchitecture #ArtIntegration #NaturalLighting #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

Jody Jaeger and Travis Cook, seeking a new home in Wilmington that offered urban living without the burden of maintenance, found their ideal residence in a 3,000-square-foot penthouse condo overlooking the Brandywine River. Their decision to combine households prompted a collaborative approach to design, merging Jaeger’s preference for luxurious, shimmering Art Deco aesthetics with Cook’s inclination towards streamlined, futuristic, and masculine settings. The couple appreciated the condo's substantial concrete construction and existing architectural features, including a black-and-white marble foyer and an elegant staircase with wrought iron balusters and a brass railing, which immediately suggested an Art Deco influence. The expansive gathering space, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass and city skyline views, further cemented its appeal. Recognizing that simply combining their existing furniture and decor wouldn't create the harmonious environment they desired, Jaeger and Cook enlisted the expertise of designer Mike Dodson, known as "MD the Design Doctor." Dodson coined the term "Art Techo" to describe the fusion of Art Deco and cutting-edge styles that would define their home. A key design element introduced by Dodson was a recurring circle motif, evident in everything from art depicting Saturn’s rings to Carrera marble disc inlays in the master bath. The most striking application of this motif is a 16-foot diameter ceiling medallion in the gathering space, crafted from custom wood and painted with six coats of metallic gold to create the illusion of a recess. The condo’s large gathering space was divided into two distinct seating areas: a casual section with a tailored sofa and a more formal area anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and a charcoal velvet Chesterfield sofa. Streamlined end tables were custom-painted and paired with battery-operated lamps for versatile placement. The entry foyer makes a dramatic first impression with black-and-white Fornasetti cloud-patterned wallpaper, crystal baton sconces, and a gilded pier mirror. The dining area, featuring a round table from Travis's previous home, incorporates the circular theme, with Chinese fractured latticework chairs updated with metallic silver flamestitch upholstery. A guest room showcases Jody’s vintage pieces and her extensive collection of goat-themed art and books. The overall color palette is a sophisticated blend of Benjamin Moore neutrals, including Brandy Cream, Ashley Gray, and Black Jack. A bold accent of burgundy, inspired by Jody’s KitchenAid mixer, was incorporated through five coats of lacquer on a Deco-inspired back bar in the kitchen, which was previously a pantry. This transformation, spearheaded by Dodson, involved converting the pantry into a stylish bar and painting the existing kitchen cabinets gray and black, accented with contemporary brass hardware. Erica Swalheim of ES Drapery created a luminous silk Roman shade for the sink area. Personal touches are woven throughout the design, reflecting the homeowners' interests. A black-and-white rendering of ports of call, sourced from an artist met on a cruise, adorns the gathering room. Travis’s workspace features a silvery metal desk resembling an airplane wing, complete with binoculars for observing wildlife on the Brandywine. In the Art Deco-infused powder room, a black-and-white portrait of Rudolph Valentino and whimsical stacks of old books add character. The design principles applied throughout the condo—including geometric themes, dramatic accents, investing in classics, strategic shopping, and the transformative power of paint—culminate in a home that perfectly balances the couple’s diverse tastes while offering a sophisticated, low-maintenance urban retreat. #WilmingtonCondo #ArtDeco #CuttingEdgeStyle #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #UrbanLiving #MikeDodson #ArtTecho #LuxuryInteriors

British designer Bethan Laura Wood resides in a 575-square-foot apartment in a 1925 Art Deco building in East London, reflecting her vibrant and unconventional design aesthetic. Her home is an extension of her professional work, which is characterized by a bold use of color, texture, and a blend of industrial materials with artistic references. The apartment features powder pink stairwells, mint green window frames, and baby blue accents, providing an appropriate backdrop for her colorful creations. Inside, Wood’s living space is a dynamic display of peach, pistachio, and mauve walls, complemented by geometric rugs and a collection of unique objects. These include Pyrex lamps shaped like floral bouquets, a side table made from extruded pastel plastic, and various pieces she has designed or acquired. Wood emphasizes color as her primary language for interpreting places, drawing inspiration from regional palettes such as London's earthy grays and Venice's saturated blues. Her work often incorporates industrial materials like laminate, manipulating them to imitate other substances and exploring themes of globalism and authenticity through design history. Her current exhibition, "Ornate," at Milan’s Nilufar Gallery, draws inspiration from diverse sources including Japanese kimono fabrics, Victorian boudoirs, and insect anatomy. The exhibition features pieces like scalloped aluminum cabinets, glass light fixtures resembling hard candies, and an aluminum and brass headboard with shimmering gold and purple squiggles. Wood's living room is a visual feast, showcasing both her own designs and works by other artists and designers. Notable pieces include the Royal Daybed by Nathalie Du Pasquier and George Sowden, and a circular, jellyfish-like green, yellow, and blue resin lamp by Gaetano Pesce. A woven jacquard tapestry, designed by Wood and inspired by stained-glass windows in Mexico City, covers an entire wall, alongside an earth-toned laminate dining table with geology-inspired marquetry and a totemic light fixture made of stacked beaker-esque forms, produced with Italian glassblower Pietro Viero. Collaboration is central to Wood's practice, and many items in her home are products of partnerships or exchanges. Her collection extends into a narrow hallway adorned with hats and handbags hanging on Murano glass hooks, and artworks covering the walls. Her bedroom features an Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass and a neon glass light by Jochen Holz, illuminating a 1970s floral textile acquired during a trip to Brazil. A small, sunny library, dubbed her "room for dreaming," houses art books, animal figurines, glass sculptures, and wooden busts, including a birthday card from her mentor, Martino Gamper. Throughout the apartment, Wood masterfully combines high design with evocative everyday objects found during her travels or at London flea markets. She deliberately positions pieces to create dialogues, such as a multicolored rope mask by Bertjan Pot near a painting of a knight in psychedelic swirls. She also notes the connection between a jar of "pickled" balloons by Saelia Aparicio and a poster by Scottish Pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi, whose motifs she frequently references. Wood's passion for collecting and creating began in childhood, influenced by her mother's accumulation of eclectic items. While her minimalist father preferred these objects to be hidden, Wood's home openly displays her collections, which she views as a material record of her life's experiences, travels, and relationships. Living surrounded by pieces from friends and fellow makers provides her with comfort and connection, especially during times of isolation. #BethanLauraWood #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorfulInteriors #ArtDeco #DesignerHome #ContemporaryDesign #LondonDesign #ArtisticLiving