London It Girl Matilda Goad Reveals How to Decorate Like a Brit

Matilda Goad, a 31-year-old designer and creative consultant, has become a prominent figure in the intersection of fashion and interiors. Her designs, characterized by eccentric flourishes, rainbow colors, scalloped edges, and cane detailing, are highly popular on platforms like Instagram, where she boasts over 62,000 followers. Goad has also established herself as a go-to homeware expert within the fashion industry, counting notable figures such as creative director Alex Eagle and designer Margherita Missoni among her admirers. Her strong connections to the fashion world are evident through her familial and social circles, including her cousin, Vogue journalist Plum Sykes, her best friend and Shrimps founder Hannah Weiland (whose 2018 wedding Goad styled), and her friend and neighbor, podcaster and author Pandora Sykes. During a tour of her recently renovated London home with her three-month-old baby, Domino, Goad emphasizes her keen attention to detail in her decorating approach. She explains that her decorating style mirrors her fashion sense, prioritizing detailing, accessories, textures, and colors. Examples of her meticulous design choices include vibrant red grout on white pantry tiles, cut-out cane diamond paneling in her bedroom wardrobes, and French bistro-style half-curtains by her breakfast table. Goad's journey into interiors was somewhat serendipitous. She began her career in fashion, working for Vogue Russia, Teen Vogue, and Wonderland magazine, and later assisting photographer and stylist Venetia Scott. Her transition to interiors occurred when she struggled to find an affordable lampshade with specific design elements. This led her to customize lampshades by adding braiding and eventually having them professionally made. This pursuit of visual perfection culminated in the launch of her eponymous brand in 2016. The brand, which initially featured a best-selling range of lampshades, has since expanded to include cutlery, napkins, planters, and other items, with prices ranging from £24 to £300. Her products are retailed at prominent stores like Liberty and Matchesfashion.com, and she also maintains a global customer base through her website. Goad is mindful of not overproducing, aiming for a concise collection where every item serves a strong purpose while also being aesthetically pleasing. In May 2019, Goad and her husband, Tom Corbett-Winder, moved into their three-story terrace house in northwest London. The renovation, which took four months, was managed by Tom's project management company. The outcome is a colorful and contemporary space that seamlessly blends practicality with style, embodying Goad's whimsical aesthetic while remaining a functional family home. The home features several clever design solutions: a reeded drawer cabinet in the sitting room, painted a vibrant betel-nut red with Beata Heuman bow handles, offers deep storage for children's toys. The denim-upholstered banquette in the kitchen incorporates hidden plug sockets and built-in storage. Japanese-style bar stools swing out from a reinforced breakfast bar to maximize space. While the design includes feminine touches, Goad ensures a balanced aesthetic by incorporating elements that add a subtle toughness, preventing the overall look from being overly sweet. For instance, her pink bedroom is balanced by scuffed wooden floorboards and a four-poster wooden bedframe, an eBay find that she personalized with blue rings using leftover tester pots. Goad draws inspiration from diverse sources, ranging from her mother's appreciation for chintz to the art of Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. She actively shares her design knowledge through her monthly newsletter, the Dispatch, where she recommends suppliers and sells vintage finds. Despite the polished appearance of her home, Goad considers it an ongoing project, constantly adding and adjusting elements, believing that a home evolves over time. She likens small changes, such as swapping a lampshade, to putting together a new outfit, emphasizing that these adjustments can refresh a room. Ultimately, she believes that the feeling a home evokes prepares one to engage with the outside world. Matilda also offers several practical tips for achieving a stylish home: repurpose luxurious fabrics for smaller impactful areas, use misspelt words or designer names in eBay searches for bargains, follow accounts like @haines_collection for affordable fabric offcuts, don't hesitate to use placeholder items until the perfect piece is found, and introduce unexpected furniture pieces into rooms to make them feel less sterile. She also recommends several antique dealers on Instagram: @oldalbion for vintage gems, @thehomebothy for decorative antiques, and @vintageonthevine for Goadesque chintzy pieces. #MatildaGoad #InteriorDesign #LondonHome #HomeDecor #FashionAndInteriors #DesignTips #ColorfulInteriors #Renovation #HomeStyling

British designer Matilda Goad, known for her distinctive cottagecore aesthetic, has launched her first collection with Anthropologie, making her designs accessible to the U.S. market. Previously, American customers had to contend with international shipping charges from her online shop, MG & Co., to acquire her unique pieces. The new collaboration, which officially launched on September 9, introduces Goad's signature style, characterized by quirky patterns, bold silhouettes, and a cozy, fairy-tale-like ambiance. The collection includes a range of home decor items, each reflecting Goad's celebrated design philosophy. One notable offering is the vintage-inspired barware, which features stemless wine glasses with a contrasting rim, drawing inspiration from traditional Murano glassware. The barware line also includes color-blocked bar utensils and a steel shaker with a hunter green cap. Goad emphasizes the importance of creating a dedicated drinks area, whether it's a shelf, bar, or cart, to add character to a living space. A standout piece in the collection is the fruit-forward cherry ice bucket, crafted from stainless steel with a woven handle. This design was inspired by a 1950s pear-shaped ice bucket from Goad's own home. The cherry ice bucket is designed to hold two bottles of wine, making it both stylish and functional for entertaining. Another significant item is the beloved dining chair, which marks Goad's inaugural venture into furniture design. Unlike typical Parisian bistro chairs, this rattan version features a heart-shaped backrest, adding a whimsical touch to dining spaces. The collection also introduces a whimsical table lamp, showcasing Goad's recurring scallop motif. The textured ceramic table lamp incorporates a unique squiggle print, which the designer hopes will become a recognizable signature of MG & Co. with a modern twist. Completing the initial offerings is the well-balanced armchair, known as the Delaney Chair. Goad employed an analog design process, creating paper cutout versions of her designs, including this armchair, to ensure the right proportions and patterns. This meticulous approach led to the decision to pair the armchair's graphic fabric with solid-colored velvet arms. The collection as a whole is designed to infuse spaces with Goad's distinctive cottagecore charm, previously a popular sell-out in its European Anthropologie debut. #MatildaGoad #Anthropologie #CottagecoreStyle #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignerCollaboration #Barware #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign

A 12-year-old girl named Evie, with the help of her mother Stacey Nield, 36, from Accrington, successfully transformed her bedroom into a chic and grown-up space for under £200 during the COVID-19 lockdown. The renovation project was initiated after the family's holiday plans were canceled, providing a focused activity for mother and daughter. Evie's previous bedroom, which was originally the dining room, had been left undecorated for two years as she covered the walls with posters. The transformation embraced a rose gold, pink, and grey color scheme, reflecting current trends. The renovation process began with wallpapering, where Evie chose a pink, grey, and rose gold wallpaper costing £13 per roll from Very. This was complemented by Dulux's 'Chic Shadow' paint, which cost £15 a tin and significantly brightened the room. Evie actively participated in the labor, helping to strip old wallpaper and paint the walls, making it a collaborative and bonding experience for her and her mother. Stacey, an assistant manager in a children's nursery, noted Evie's enthusiasm for selecting the decorative elements. The cost-effectiveness of the makeover was largely due to sourcing accessories from budget-friendly retailers such as B&M;, Home Bargains, and eBay. Key purchases included a £10 throw and a £15 hexagonal mirror from B&M;, a £2.99 bed tray from Home Bargains, and photo frames ranging from 99p to £2.99 from B&M; and Asda. The bed itself was from Bensons, but a significant saving was made by purchasing the headboard separately for only £30 on eBay. Evie also incorporated LED lights, an idea of her own, which were also bought from eBay, adding a modern touch to the room despite her mother's initial reservations about them. Evie's creative choices and resourcefulness allowed for the creation of stylish features, including a gallery wall, a bed tray, and coordinated wallpaper, throws, and cushions, all contributing to the sophisticated aesthetic. The project provided a positive outlet and a sense of accomplishment during the lockdown period, highlighting the benefits of DIY and smart shopping. Both Stacey and Evie expressed satisfaction with the final result, emphasizing the value of shopping around, utilizing existing items, and considering practical storage solutions, such as the divan bed with four drawers used to minimize clutter. Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commended Evie for her initiative and ability to achieve a stunning room within a tight budget. #BedroomMakeover #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetDecor #TeenBedroom #InteriorDesign #AffordableLiving #HomeRenovation #GalleryWall #LEDLights

Alex Eagle's London loft, a 4,300-square-foot space, was recently showcased in a Zara Home editorial, drawing attention to her consistently evolving decor. Eagle, known for her concept shop in London, maintains a home where every corner is curated. Her design philosophy incorporates crisp linen textiles, a carefully chosen art collection based on personal appeal rather than strict rules, and unifying accents of blue and green, which she believes complement any shade. A prominent feature of Eagle's apartment, and a focal point of the Zara Home editorial, is her coffee table. This Axel Vervoordt-designed piece is recognized for its elaborate styling, featuring a large collection of books and decorative items. The article highlights three key styling tricks used by Eagle to achieve this look, which are adaptable for various home aesthetics. Firstly, the foundation of her coffee table display is a wide, low-profile table, providing ample surface area for arrangement. Eagle's preference for hardcovers is evident, with the table extensively covered by various titles ranging from photography books by Peter Lindbergh to design reference guides, reflecting a bookworm's aesthetic. Secondly, she integrates sculptural objects to add visual interest and texture. Her current trend preference leans towards organic and unusual silhouettes. Examples include totem-shaped candles and irregularly shaped wooden bowls, many of which are sourced from Zara Home and are budget-friendly. These objects contribute to the table's layered and sophisticated appearance. Finally, Eagle emphasizes the importance of incorporating a living accent, specifically a floral arrangement, as a 'pièce de résistance.' Her choice of hydrangeas, bundled in shades of blue and purple, not only introduces freshness but also adds vertical dimension, balancing the overall composition of the coffee table display. While not everyone may have access to an Axel Vervoordt original coffee table, the principles of layering books, adding sculptural elements, and including fresh flowers are universally applicable for enhancing coffee table decor. #CoffeeTableStyling #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #AlexEagle #ZaraHome #LondonLoft #DesignInspiration #DecorTricks #StylingTips

This article details the transformation of a 5,000-square-foot new-build house in southwest London, where interior designers James Arkoulis and Saskia Howard of Howark Design created a vibrant and family-friendly home. The homeowners, particularly their three children aged 7 to 11, drew inspiration from the whimsical interior of the kids' film Paddington Bear. This unconventional reference led to a design ethos focused on fun, color, and practicality for an active family life, moving away from the previous developer-grade finishes like glossy gray kitchen units and marble floors. The design process involved a deliberate shift towards a more colorful and energetic aesthetic. The designers had to navigate the homeowners' desire for brightness, sometimes even pushing for bolder hues than initially suggested. A key element was the extensive use of color, exemplified by the kitchen's bright yellow cabinets, painted with Farrow & Ball’s Babouche. This choice, while requiring convincing, ultimately achieved the desired warm and balanced effect. The kitchen, a large 30-foot space, was ingeniously divided into three distinct zones—an island, a dining setup, and a lounge area—using a bespoke glazed partition and strategic furniture placement, preventing it from feeling overly long and ensuring each section served a real purpose. Storage was a high priority and a significant investment. Bespoke solutions were implemented throughout the house, including a large media unit and library shelves in the basement playroom. This area, spanning the entire footprint beneath the kitchen, was designed with bold colors for the media unit to house board games and art supplies, while a ladder rail provided access to an expanding book collection. The designers also made clever cost-saving decisions, such as retaining the existing wardrobe boxes and updating them with new fronts to create a uniform, custom look. Artisan craftsmanship was incorporated, particularly in the principal en suite, where space was reallocated to expand the dressing room. This expansion included a unique upholstered niche for the children to relax in while their mother prepared. Hepzabeth from the Textile Wall Company created this cozy space, fully upholstered with batons for a soft and enveloping feel. Other impactful, albeit smaller, details included replacing harsh chrome hardware with antique brass in the bathrooms to align with the house’s classical proportions and swapping recessed lighting for softer wall sconces and flush mounts. Several design decisions, like the boldly colored stair runner spanning four levels, were considered risks at the time but ultimately contributed to the home's distinctive character. The project showcases how a creative and playful inspiration, combined with thoughtful design and material choices, can transform a standard new-build into a personalized, functional, and joyful living space tailored to a family's unique dynamics and aesthetic preferences. #HomeTour #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsInspiredDesign #BespokeFurniture #KitchenDesign #PlayroomDesign #StorageSolutions #TextileWall #Renovation

The owner of a two-bedroom London maisonette, Gemma Edwards, who frequently travels for work with a government conservation agency, opted to hire interior designer Sean Symington to transform her home. Edwards sought a unique and non-standard interior, explaining her desire to avoid a “cookie-cutter” look and her focus on enjoyable aesthetic changes rather than extensive structural renovations. Symington, known for his adept use of color and pattern, was selected to invigorate the apartment. The living room, despite its inherent character, was previously described as dull and lacked a central feature. Symington addressed this by introducing a fireplace surround and incorporating alcove shelving, which served both as a focal point and provided display and storage options. A marble mantelpiece, sourced from a reclamation yard, enhances the room's coziness, particularly when candles are lit, despite not being a functional fireplace. The room features watermelon velvet sofas from Sofa.com and an armchair upholstered in an animal spot velvet. Edwards's existing Dashiki curtain fabric was adapted for the south-facing living room, with Sean lengthening them using an additional panel, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new curtains. The room also benefits from a small balcony, providing a pleasant outdoor space for morning coffee and a developing potted garden, accommodating Edwards's busy schedule that limits traditional gardening. In the kitchen and bathroom, the strategy focused on redecorating rather than replacing existing fixtures and appliances, which were of good quality, to avoid waste. Edwards prioritized investing in fabrics and furniture, elements she could potentially take with her if she were to move. The kitchen now boasts soft, earthy red walls contrasting with dark blue cupboards and a chequerboard floor. Radiators were painted to match the walls, a budget-friendly solution. A matching Roman blind and sink skirt introduce softness, and vintage dining chairs were reupholstered. The narrow hallway was not overlooked in the decorative scheme. One wall features a gallery of framed prints, each without a backing to expose the wall behind. The radiator is cleverly concealed by a fabric skirt and a shelf, providing both style and utility. The main bedroom showcases a vibrant palette of emerald and mustard, combined with natural materials. A half-tester over the bed creates a bold statement, complemented by a classic William Morris print wallpaper. Table lamps from Pooky and smaller reading lights with scalloped seagrass shades adorn wicker-topped bedside tables. Fitted wardrobes, painted in Bancha by Farrow & Ball to match the woodwork, include both panelled doors and open shelves, aiding in creating a sense of spaciousness, with Ikea baskets used for storage. The home office underwent a significant transformation from an unliked baby blue to a warmer Farrow & Ball India Yellow. This color provides a suitable backdrop for a painting and a kilim rug, a souvenir from Edwards's time working in Africa. An antique desk from Vinterior and practical shelves with decorative scalloped edging complete the space. Edwards expresses her satisfaction with the final result, highlighting how each room now possesses a distinct character and individual color scheme, attributing the elevated aesthetic to the paint colors and fabrics chosen with Symington's expertise. #LondonMaisonette #InteriorDesign #ColorfulHome #PatternedDecor #BudgetDecorating #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeOfficeIdeas #Renovation #SeanSymington

This article highlights the interior design philosophy and personal home of Kristin Paton, a designer who seamlessly blends European glamour with a fashion-forward sensibility in her 1892 Colonial Revival home in Cambridge. Paton, whose passion for design began with fashion magazines like Vogue, trained in New York, London, and Florence, ultimately choosing interiors as her field. She applies a layered approach to design, starting with the home's fundamental structure and adding period-appropriate elements such as coffered ceilings and molding in her family room addition. Paton and her husband became stewards of the historical house, originally built by Cabot, Everett & Mead, in 2009. Despite its age and the need for significant updates—including a 1940s kitchen and a large terrarium—they committed to honoring the home's original character while modernizing it for a young family. Her design choices reflect her experiences living in London and studying architecture in Florence, infusing the space with elegant continental style that is also welcoming and durable for her three children and two sheepdogs. She emphasizes a non-precious approach, allowing pets on furniture and integrating practical elements without sacrificing sophistication. The home’s aesthetic features a blend of Old World grace and contemporary touches. The entryway, enhanced with a new balustrade, leads to a paneled entrance hall showcasing an antique Macassar-ebony sideboard and Italian Empoli glass. The dining room is notable for its Fromental handpainted-silk wallpaper, which Paton discovered in Hong Kong, and a unique lighting arrangement of green bell jars instead of a traditional chandelier. This space, furnished with antique horsehair chairs and a Dessin Fournir rosewood table, evokes a surrealist salon atmosphere. Casual gatherings take place in the kitchen, which features a Calacatta marble countertop and Crate & Barrel barstools. Coffered ceilings connect the kitchen to a bistro-style dining nook inspired by Parisian weekends, furnished with chocolate-hued pleather banquettes, sleek mirrors, Biedermeier chairs, and antique lamps from a French flea market. Paton embraces mixing elements, combining fine pieces with more practical ones. French doors open to a spacious rear porch and backyard with a trellised terrace, complete with Philippe Starck chairs and an outdoor fireplace. The finished basement adds functionality with a wine room, a kid-friendly TV room, a gym, and a guest bedroom. Paton’s design showcases a strong understanding of fashion and function, creating a home that is both elegantly styled for guests and intelligently outfitted for her family. She describes her home's style using a fashion metaphor: “sleek enough for the runway, yet ready to wear,” indicating a design that is both sophisticated and livable. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CambridgeHome #KristinPaton #EuropeanGlamour #ColonialRevival #FashionForwardDesign #HistoricHomeRenovation

The article explores the design lessons learned from a visit to Paddington Bear's home, recreated by Airbnb to celebrate the upcoming film 'Paddington in Peru'. The Primrose Hill townhouse is characterized by its bold, maximalist, and personality-filled English country decor. The author, Sophie Edwards, highlights five key design takeaways from the space, which blend historical elements with cozy aesthetics. The first lesson emphasizes the importance of books as decor, showcasing how ceiling-high bookshelves can introduce color and a sense of hominess. The article notes the 'bookshelf wealth' trend and how antique books can add warmth to unexpected corners, drawing inspiration from Paddington's living room. The second lesson focuses on the abundant use of wallpaper, particularly a bright, patterned wallpaper in the Browns' bedroom. This design choice encourages the integration of various shapes, textures, and colors within a room, demonstrating that patterns should not be shied away from but rather embraced and complemented by small details, such as glossy shells in a fireplace. Third, the article advocates for the strategic use of gallery walls, especially in often-overlooked spaces like hallways and staircases. These eclectic arrangements, incorporating plates, frames, photographs, and paintings, serve as a collage of personal history and elevate the overall interior design. Fourth, the article discusses the concept of 'artful clutter' and its role in making a space feel lived-in and personalized. By displaying decorative objects, colorful textiles, and eye-catching garlands, as seen in Paddington's bedroom and the Browns' bathroom, rooms gain character and avoid a sterile appearance. This approach encourages a re-evaluation of clutter, viewing it as a means to create a soulful environment rather than visual overwhelm. Finally, the article highlights the significance of small details in interior design, using the blue and yellow kitchen as an example. While bright countertops and vertical storage are prominent, it is the red accents, such as retro Smeg appliances and Le Creuset pots, that inject unique personality into the space. The author recommends specific products, like the Smeg Retro Electric Kettle and a Le Creuset Dutch Oven, to achieve a similar aesthetic. Overall, the article suggests that incorporating these British design principles—such as embracing patterns, books, and intentional clutter—can help create a cozy and historical feel in any home. #BritishDesign #EnglishCountryDecor #PaddingtonBearHome #InteriorDesignLessons #WallpaperTrends #GalleryWalls #ArtfulClutter #HomeDecor #AirbnbDesign

This article offers a detailed house tour of Agi Dmochowska's Victorian end-of-terrace home in Portsmouth city center, UK. Agi, her husband Bart, and their two children, Hanna (6) and Leon (5), reside in the 1,184-square-foot house, which they have owned for nine years. The family has redecorated the home twice and undertaken structural work to open up the downstairs space, aiming for a family-friendly layout. The decor is described as eclectic, colorful, and comfy, achieved on a limited budget, yet effectively reflecting the family's personalities. Key features of the home include a cozy living room with a gray armchair, patterned rug, cactus, framed art, and string lights, showcasing a blend of textures and decorative elements. Another living area features dark walls, a wooden dresser, a blue chair, various plants, and gold hanging decor, contributing to the eclectic aesthetic. A bedroom is adorned with a pink bedspread, pink pillows, and pink floral wallpaper, highlighting a playful and personalized touch. The modern kitchen features dark teal walls, wooden countertops, a hanging light, a cactus, and a neon sign that reads "make cakes not war," demonstrating a unique and whimsical approach to design. Agi's favorite room is the downstairs living/dining area, chosen for its versatility and family-friendly atmosphere, which resulted from knocking down walls to create a more open-plan layout. If she could change one thing, Agi would move the kitchen to the back of the property and install large bi-fold doors to enhance access to the garden. The most recent addition to their home decor is an olive green velvet sofa from Sofa.com, a long-desired item that adds a touch of luxury and comfort. When asked which fictional character would feel most at home in their space, Agi suggested the Mad Hatter, describing their house as fun and a bit wacky, indicating a vibrant and unconventional style. Agi's advice for creating a beloved home is to be bold and brave, emphasizing that the home should be a comfortable space that its occupants love. She also highlights the importance of utilizing wall space for decoration, noting its often-neglected potential.

The blog post presents a curated guide to London's most inspiring design shopping destinations, emphasizing the experiential nature of browsing through the city's varied streets and shops. It details a suggested itinerary for a full day of design-focused exploration, starting with a morning routine. The morning begins in Fitzrovia with coffee at Kaffeine, followed by a visit to Pentreath & Hall, known for its marbled lampshades and ceramic candlesticks. The itinerary then moves south towards Covent Garden, recommending a stop at Choosing Keeping for Italian notebooks and Japanese pens, and a second coffee break at Monmouth Coffee for a croissant. These early stops focus on unique decorative items and stationery, setting a tone for discovery. Midday shifts to the east, recommending a visit to Clerkenwell and Holborn to explore Present & Correct for stationery. Further east in Shoreditch, the guide highlights Labour and Wait, a store recognized for enamelware and striped dishcloths, with a suggestion to explore its vintage-inspired perfumes and bath accessories. Lunch is recommended at the Old Spitalfields Market, keeping it simple to allow for a more indulgent afternoon of shopping. The afternoon segment suggests a leisurely visit to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond or Covent Garden, depending on one's energy, for garden accoutrements and a glass of rosé. This is followed by a visit to 8 Holland Street, which offers a gallery-meets-home shopping experience, and Collins & Green Art for antique and vintage artworks, available by appointment. Nearby, Penny Morrison and Guy Goodfellow are recommended for their textiles, antiques, and home decor, underscoring their importance in a design shopping tour. The evening portion of the guide leads to Straw London for playful pieces made from natural materials, including baskets and ceramic serving items. The day concludes with a retreat to The Mandrake Hotel, described as a bohemian anchor with a dream-like design, lush fabrics, and surreal art, creating an opulent yet intimate atmosphere. The suggestion is to order a dirty martini in its courtyard garden. The article concludes by emphasizing that London's design shopping is not just about purchases but about the experience of discovery through its streets, coffee stops, and unexpected treasures, suggesting that true engagement with the city involves bringing home unique, hand-carried items as mementos. #LondonDesign #ShoppingGuide #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Antiques #Textiles #Stationery #BoutiqueHotels #Travel

British housewares designer Matilda Goad offers her expert opinion on kitchen cabinet hardware, ahead of her new Hardware Store pop-up in London’s Notting Hill. She identifies a trend she finds uninspired: the use of dull wood knobs painted to match the joinery. Goad views this as a missed opportunity to inject character through color or material. Instead, Goad advocates for a more distinctive approach, revealing her current design preference: combining star-shaped brass backplates with matching metal knobs. She describes this as a fresh take on a monochromatic aesthetic, believing it significantly enhances the appearance of a door or piece of joinery. Goad specifically highlights the visual impact of brass on brass, noting its ability to 'pop' against any cabinet color. While Goad considers hardware to be like jewelry for the home, she emphasizes that functionality should always be the primary consideration. She advises designers to evaluate whether a bar handle might be more suitable than a knob for a particular application and to consider the appropriate length. Goad encourages creative thinking and a departure from rigid design rules, but stresses the importance of aligning the hardware style with the overall piece and its surroundings. Beyond hardware choices, Goad offers insights into incorporating British style into a kitchen. She explains that in the U.K., interior designers are less frequently employed, leading to a more 'make do and mend' approach. This often involves blending new purchases, like a dining table, with inherited pieces such as a dresser. Goad suggests introducing unexpected elements into the kitchen to add character, citing the placement of lamps on countertops as an essential detail. Finally, she recommends hanging paintings and mirrors as an effective way to personalize the space, soften its appearance, and prevent it from feeling sterile. #MatildaGoad #KitchenHardware #CabinetKnobs #BrassHardware #BritishStyle #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #DesignTips

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

This article details the interior design project undertaken by Rachael Gowdridge for a London townhouse owner. The client possessed an eclectic collection of auction-bought furniture but lacked the confidence to integrate it cohesively. Gowdridge's primary task involved transforming a second-floor office with city green square views back into a lounge, moving away from a purely traditional antique-filled aesthetic by incorporating mid-century pieces for a fresh appeal. The Georgian-era townhouse, over 200 years old, presented challenges with its tall, narrow structure and idiosyncratic nooks. Gowdridge embraced these architectural quirks as opportunities, rather than attempting to perfect them. An example of this approach is the conversion of a top-floor landing into a functional floating desk area for the owner's visiting sister. The designer emphasizes utilizing these unique spaces effectively. In the kitchen, characterized by low ceilings and a naturally dim ambiance, Gowdridge aimed to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This was achieved by introducing a rug under the dining table and layering various lighting sources, including wall lights and a quirky table lamp on the worktop. A significant cost-saving measure involved substituting an expensive Calacatta Verde marble backsplash and shelf with a more affordable crown-cut wooden shelf found on Etsy, which still complemented the green cabinetry. The bedroom was designed as a sanctuary, considering the client's regular work-from-home schedule. The chosen Pinch Moreau headboard and base, upholstered in Yarn Collective’s Mila recycled linen blend, contributed to a relaxed aesthetic. A notable design risk was the use of a bright green (Boxington by Little Greene) for the principal bedroom's built-ins, given the client's slight color aversion. However, this vibrant shade was balanced with a rusty dark velvet ottoman, a neutral rug, and textured curtains to mitigate its intensity. Custom-made pieces were a significant investment, reflecting the client's preference for ethical and small-scale suppliers over mass-produced items. This included a bespoke sideboard by Alfred Newall for the living room, designed with a reeded front and bobbin side, offering functionality as both a drinks cabinet and a TV unit with cable management. Innovative storage solutions included floating tables in forgotten corners, transforming them into theatrical display areas for ceramics. To honor the client's Irish heritage, Gowdridge incorporated local textiles, sourcing woolen fabrics from Mourne Textiles in County Down for lounge curtains and the guest bed headboard. Pure Irish linen from Moygashel was also used for the kitchen curtains. In the bathroom, a pre-existing statement tub, originally an outdoor planter, was integrated by softening the space with artwork, textures, and a washable Berber-style rug from Lorena Canals, adding coziness underfoot. #LondonTownhouse #InteriorDesign #RachaelGowdridge #HomeTour #GeorgianArchitecture #EclecticStyle #SmallSpaceSolutions #CustomFurniture #SustainableDesign #TextileSourcing

This article offers an exclusive tour of Caroline Flack's stylish London residence, showcasing her distinctive interior design choices. The TV presenter's home, which she moved into in 2016, reflects her personal style: a blend of retro, modern, and quirky elements. The kitchen features a prominent candy pink Smeg fridge, a classic retro accessory that injects a vibrant splash of color, contrasted with black and white geometric tiles, creating a modern aesthetic. A statement rug, identified as a high-end Diane von Furstenberg design for The Rug Company, is also a notable element in her kitchen, demonstrating a willingness to incorporate luxurious textiles into unexpected spaces. Caroline’s living spaces are characterized by eclectic furniture, including a striking blue velvet sofa that adds a touch of sophistication and comfort. Her home is also shared with her pets, Ruby the dog and Waffles the cat, who are frequently featured in her Instagram posts and are integrated into the home's lively atmosphere. Waffles, in particular, is noted for having his own agent, highlighting the playful and personalized nature of her space. The interior design showcases high ceilings, herringbone flooring, and an open staircase that leads to the upper levels, contributing to a spacious and airy feel. While the overall color palette is largely minimal, Caroline strategically employs bold color accents to enhance different areas. Examples include bright red cushions placed on the staircase and a vase of feathers, adding visual interest and personal flair. Her ability to incorporate unique details is evident through the use of various prints, carefully selected furniture, and reflective mirrors. The layout of her home is split-level, featuring a mezzanine overlooking the downstairs area and several cubby holes that open into the hallway from a seating space, demonstrating an innovative use of vertical and horizontal space. Art plays a significant role in her decor, with a bold “It’s Rude To Stare” sign and a vintage poster adorning the walls, reflecting her audacious personality. Shades of pink appear throughout the home, from the iconic kitchen fridge to an artistic piece and even her vibrant front door, indicating a consistent thematic color choice. Skylights are strategically placed to maximize natural light, contributing to the bright and inviting ambiance. The article illustrates how Caroline Flack’s residence is a testament to her unique taste, blending functional design with an artistic and personal touch, making it a true reflection of her public persona. #CarolineFlack #LondonPad #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityHome #TrendyDesign #PinkFridge #QuirkyPrints #OpenStaircase

The article details the renovation of Mary Portas's London home, a project undertaken by the interior design firm Space A, founded by architects Amelia Hunter and Anna Drakes. Portas, known for her advocacy for British high streets and, more recently, her book 'Work Like a Woman,' sought to create a living space that reflected her values of collaboration, care, and respect, moving beyond conventional notions of profit and growth. This ethos guided the entire design process, emphasizing the support of talented young business owners and embodying a more conscious approach to living. The collaboration between Portas and Space A was significant, leading to the establishment of Space A itself, born from Project OO, a collective studio that Portas initially approached. Portas highlights the importance of supporting businesses that prioritize values beyond mere financial gain, especially in a post-pandemic world, where empathy and understanding the implications of design choices are paramount. This philosophy is also central to her new book, 'Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy.' A key aspect of the renovation involved integrating the property's original and pre-loved features. Portas incorporated old church tiles she had collected, as well as those found within the house, to decorate the fireplaces and utility room. The vintage sink in the powder room was retained and given a modern twist with vibrant orange paint and House of Hackney wallpaper, creating a contemporary yet eclectic feel. The design elements throughout the home blend timeless quality with bold contemporary touches. The basement features English oak paneling, herringbone flooring, and custom joinery, contributing to a classic kitchen aesthetic. Upstairs, the two open-plan reception rooms are distinctively divided by color—one side in Dulux’s ‘Olive Grove’ and the other in ‘Powder Pink’—creating visual interest and defining separate zones within a fluid space. Consistent with Portas's persona, the home prominently features British brands and artists, such as Grayson Perry's 'Britain is Best' tapestry, which finds a natural place in the decor. When selecting furniture with interior decorator Louise Donald, Portas prioritized collaborating with individuals who demonstrated kindness, honesty, and genuine passion for their products, rather than just the brands themselves. This focus on the human element and the emotional connection to objects aligns with Amelia Hunter's concept of 'five a day for your space,' equating well-chosen design elements to 'metaphorical vitamins and minerals' for psychological well-being. Ultimately, Portas views her home as an extension of her spirit, a place filled with color, character, and warmth, serving as a sanctuary where she can be her authentic self. The project's success is attributed to working with people who understood her needs as a woman, fostering a sense of nurturing and belonging within her living environment. #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #MaryPortas #SpaceA #FemaleEntrepreneurship #SustainableDesign #KindnessEconomy #BritishDesigners #HomeRenovation

Meghan Markle offered a rare glimpse into her home, specifically her son Archie’s nursery, through a Father's Day Instagram post dedicated to Prince Harry. The social media post, a montage of family home videos set to Jason Mraz's "Have It All," included a clip of Harry reading to Archie in the nursery. This peek revealed a calm and neutral aesthetic, consistent with the Sussexes' known design preferences. The nursery features light beige walls, complemented by a darker beige upholstered sofa that serves as the primary seating area. This sofa is adorned with textured throw pillows and a light blue throw blanket, which includes fringe detailing, adding a subtle element of visual interest. Above the sofa, a minimalist children's gallery wall is arranged with three framed artworks, one of which appears to be an elephant illustration and another a quote, further contributing to the room's serene and thoughtful design. For those inspired by this understated yet elegant nursery style, several key elements can be replicated. The foundation of the look is the wall color, emphasizing warm, neutral tones such as beige or soft taupe. Markle has previously indicated a preference for vegan, non-toxic paints infused with essential oils for her nursery walls, specifically mentioning The Organic & Natural Paint Co. for its calming and memory-boosting blends. In regions like the United States, comparable low-VOC, child-safe paint options are available to achieve a similar healthy and serene environment. Seating plays a crucial role in the nursery's comfort and style. A streamlined sofa or daybed that harmonizes with the wall color is recommended. Furniture pieces with clean lines and removable covers are practical choices for ease of maintenance in a child's room. Complementing the seating, textiles such as throw blankets and pillows in cream, off-white, or pale blue, especially those with fringe trim, introduce visual texture while maintaining a soft and inviting atmosphere. The art display is another significant component of the nursery's design. A minimalist gallery wall, featuring coordinating prints in light frames positioned above the seating area, creates an engaging yet uncluttered focal point. Finally, the overall aesthetic is completed with minimal finishing touches. This involves carefully selected accessories like a few books, simple lighting fixtures, and the incorporation of natural textures, all contributing to an uncluttered and tranquil space. #MeghanMarkle #NurseryDecor #HomeDesign #NeutralPalette #InteriorStyle #CelebrityHome #UnderstatedElegance #DIYHomeDecor

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