A London Apartment Designed for a Well-Traveled Collector

The July London Victoria, an apartment-hotel located across from Victoria Station, offers a unique blend of residential comfort and hospitality services, catering to both short-term guests and long-stay digital nomads. Situated in a prime London location, this 114-key "urban retreat" integrates public-facing hospitality spaces, including The Idler restaurant and an associated deli, designed to provide a calming environment amidst the city's fast pace. These establishments offer urbanites an opportunity to relax and connect. The hotel's interior design, a collaboration between an in-house design team, the London and Los Angeles-based firm Fettle, and architects Studio Moren, skillfully combines comfort with adaptability. The design aesthetic pays homage to the Art Deco architecture prevalent in the area, incorporating sea foam greens, pale pinks, salmony oranges, and burgundy reds across various surfaces such as tiled walls, intricate crown detailing, and two-tone walls. The public spaces, like The Idler, feature plush banquette seating, a distinctive ceiling mural within bold molding, and herringbone-pattern parquet flooring accented with tile trim. White and black marble slabs top curved-edge counters, which are clad in tambour pattern wood slatting, adding to the sophisticated ambiance. Specific design elements like painted glass sphere pendants and select fabric upholstery contribute to the overall refined aesthetic. Accommodation options include guest rooms, suites, and two Family Apartments with interconnected rooms, alongside a co-working space, all equipped to support various aspects of guests' lives, from relaxation to remote work. The layouts are thoughtfully designed to facilitate these diverse needs. In the guest rooms, custom oak joinery provides integrated wardrobes, kitchenettes, and storage solutions. Bespoke brass pendants and discrete bedside lights with fluted shades further enhance the personalized and functional design. This thoughtful approach ensures that guests have all the necessary amenities for an extended stay, whether for business or leisure. Sustainability is a core value for The July brand, and this commitment is reflected in the material choices and furnishing strategies employed throughout the hotel. A notable aspect of the interior furnishing involves the careful sourcing and refurbishment of vintage pieces, aligning with contemporary trends in architecture and design that prioritize environmental consciousness and unique, characterful aesthetics. This approach not only supports sustainable practices but also imbues the hotel with a distinct personality that resonates with its historical context and the modern traveler's desire for authenticity. The July London Victoria differentiates itself within the hospitality sector by fostering a balance between private living and social engagement, a strategy it aims to replicate in its expanding portfolio across Europe. Andy Goodwin, co-founder and creative director of Fettle, emphasized that the design concept was developed to reflect The July’s brand values and its narrative, which is deeply rooted in the local area's history. He highlighted the multifunctional nature of the apartment-hotel rooms, which needed to accommodate relaxation, dining, and work within each apartment, complemented by dedicated meeting, flexible, and wellness areas. This holistic design ensures that the hotel serves as a comprehensive urban retreat, offering a seamless experience for its varied clientele while maintaining a strong connection to its London setting and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. The hotel offers flexible accommodation options and shared facilities designed to create a vibrant community while still allowing for individual privacy. Its location near a major transportation hub makes it an ideal choice for a diverse range of travelers. Overall, The July London Victoria represents a contemporary solution for urban living, blending design, functionality, and sustainability to create a memorable stay experience. #apartmentHotel #LondonTravel #ArtDecoDesign #digitalNomad #sustainableDesign #interiorDesign #hospitality #urbanRetreat #fettleDesign

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 details the transformation of an Edwardian apartment in London into a light-filled, functional home for its owners, who sought clever design ideas to maximize a small space. After a four-year search, the owners found an apartment with high ceilings and ample light, but it initially suffered from a 1930s configuration of small, often windowless rooms, which made it feel dark and gloomy. The renovation focused on opening up the living areas to create a vast sitting room and kitchen. Natural finishes, such as bespoke solid oak flooring from Ardeco Interier, were chosen for the walls and floors to impart an earthy, contemporary simplicity. The sitting room, a central feature of the redesigned apartment, is meticulously laid out to accommodate working, entertaining, and relaxing without the need for constant furniture rearrangement. A modular shelving and drawers system from Vitsoe serves both practical storage and decorative purposes, complementing a reclaimed timber dining table from Fiorirà un Giardino. The transformation involved significant structural changes, including enlarging the hall and removing bathroom walls to integrate the kitchen into this new, open expanse, eliminating under-utilized spaces. The kitchen itself features painted, 1940s-inspired cabinets with ventilated doors, paired with contemporary marble worktops, all designed to harmonize with the apartment's original period features. Specifically, a Southwold kitchen from Plain English, painted in Lead III oil eggshell from Paint & Paper Library, was installed. A new bedroom was ingeniously created at the rear of the apartment by enclosing one corner with purpose-built oak walls. This design ensures that the fine, original sash windows and plasterwork provide the desired aesthetic, with windows that can be raised to access a roof garden. The bedroom's oak walls also cleverly integrate a headboard, wall paneling, and a built-in wardrobe, featuring recessed handles to maintain a sleek, uninterrupted look. The doors to the bathroom and kitchen are flush with the wardrobe wall, creating a seamless appearance when closed. Space-saving solutions were critical, particularly in the bathroom, where a pocket door was installed to separate it from the bedroom. Plumbing is concealed within a tiled half-wall, which also functions as a shelf behind the sink. Mirror-fronted, wall-hung cabinets were used to enhance light in the windowless space, with bathroom fittings from Lefroy Brooks' 1930 Mackintosh collection and Architecture White Matt tiles from Fired Earth. Another pocket door within the narrow bathroom separates the shower area, lined with marble, from the sink, providing practicality for guests. Light is introduced into the shower through a strip of glass in the oak wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom. Additionally, a small glass-covered room off the communal staircase was converted into a cozy study, complete with a home office, reading chair, and television, featuring lighting from London Lighting and Vaughan. The apartment also boasts a favored roof terrace, designed by landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, who incorporated New Zealand ferns, wild grasses, jasmine, and ivy, creating an inviting outdoor dining and entertaining space with a vintage French marble table and a Weber Genesis BBQ. #EdwardianApartment #LondonLiving #SmallSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #RoofTerrace

The article presents a detailed tour of Leena Nasser's landmarked Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan, designed by Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. Leena, a social scientist, writer, artist, and dancer, sought to create a home that truly embodies her imaginative and free-spirited personality, a concept she refers to as her ‘creative womb’. The apartment, built in 1915, initially featured builder-grade finishes but possessed significant potential with its tall ceilings, exposed bricks, and a gorgeous terrace. The collaboration between Leena and Molly began during the closing of the apartment sale, fostering a strong connection from the outset. Leena's international lifestyle, with residences in New York, London, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia, influenced the design, as she frequently sent Molly ideas gathered from her travels. The design philosophy integrated a classic New York aesthetic with Parisian influences, culminating in a space tailored to Leena's unique tastes rather than being moderated for a broader audience. Molly highlighted the freedom of designing for an individual, allowing for a celebration of her client's identity. A significant aspect of the design involved incorporating Leena's interest in the divine feminine, the female form's strength, and her nature as a dreamer. An example of this is the mural in her bedroom, which was inspired by a dream she had about a waterfall cascading over a woman, brought to life to be a daily source of inspiration. This creative synergy enabled the realization of highly personalized elements throughout the apartment. The apartment is described as a 'feminine goddess sanctuary,' with each room possessing its own distinct 'magic' and feeling like a 'jewel.' Comfort and beauty were paramount, achieved through inviting elements like sheepskin armchairs and plump sofas, creating a soft and feminine ambiance. Live-edge wood shelving and terrace foliage were incorporated to bring natural elements indoors. The bathrooms feature zellige tiles, chosen for their unique textures and ability to evoke a spa-like, escapist atmosphere. Leena's passion for Arab history, forgotten Arab queens, and various cultures and fictional worlds also played a crucial role in the design. Historical elements are thoughtfully integrated throughout the apartment. A collection of her fairy tales, framed by Ilana Lobet, creates an arresting display on the exposed brick walls of the dining area, with over 75 unique pieces. The furniture in the main living space was specifically chosen to be light and movable, accommodating Leena's love for tango dancing and large-scale painting. The project not only resulted in a personalized sanctuary but also fostered a firm friendship between the client and the designer. Molly Torres Portnof shared insights into her design choices, highlighting the joy in Leena's appreciation for the apartment. She pointed to enlarging the terrace doors as a small change with a huge impact, significantly increasing light and life within the space. Her preferred color palette includes golden mustard with deep purples and greens, and she draws inspiration from Australian designers like Tali Roth and Flack Studio. Her favorite building, the Empire State Building, even influenced her company's name, 'Designing A Tiny Empire.' She also recommended the Demolition Depot in Harlem as a hidden gem for unique finds, emphasizing her attachment to her rug collection, which she views as 'pieces of art on our floors' that tell stories. #ManhattanApartment #InteriorDesign #ArtistHome #FeminineDesign #CustomInteriors #ExposedBrick #UpperWestSide #DATEInteriors #LeenaNasser

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

This article provides a detailed tour of a renovated mansion house apartment in west London, highlighting how its owners, Emily Maynard and Ron Totton, collaborated with interior designer Deborah Bass of Base Interior to merge Art-Deco elegance with modern functionality. The couple, who have three young daughters, purchased the property drawn by its character and the connection they felt with its previous owner. Their primary goal was to restore the apartment's Art-Deco essence while creating a welcoming and practical family home. Deborah Bass implemented a new floor plan that reconfigured the living spaces, creating a large L-shaped area encompassing dining, sitting, and kitchen zones. A key design element was the addition of a wall of paned glass to the formerly dark hallway, enhancing light circulation throughout the flat. A curved wall was introduced to soften the transition between the dining and sitting areas, adding an architectural grace note. The former kitchen space was ingeniously transformed into a bathroom, separate shower room, and utility room, while the new kitchen was relocated to a previous bedroom’s footprint. This extensive planning and execution, which involved navigating strict permission guidelines, took approximately six months for design and another six for completion. Emphasizing period details was crucial, leading to the incorporation of an octagonal ceiling detail that resonates with the building's Art-Deco heritage. In the long corridor, to mitigate low beams, a deep coffered ceiling and wall paneling were installed, effectively breaking up the space and preventing it from feeling like a 'runway.' The homeowners actively participated in the design process, providing inspiration from various hotels and stately homes. A significant priority for the family was creating a warm and restful environment, reflected in their insistence on working fireplaces, especially enjoyed during winter and Christmas. The apartment’s design facilitates both everyday living and entertaining. The dining area, featuring an oval table perfectly fitted into a window alcove, offers spectacular rooftop views and serves as a central hub for family meals and hosting. The kitchen is designed with a glass wall to maximize light in the adjacent hallway, complemented by an earthy Moleanos Blue polished stone countertop that extends as a splashback. Dramatic green hand-painted cabinetry with brass accents contributes to a chic aesthetic. The master bedroom showcases an eclectic mix of print and color, with hexagonal motifs in the pendant light and curtains echoing the main reception area’s ceiling design. A clever workspace was created in a nook within the master bedroom, serving as a dressing table and a functional office during lockdown. The girls' bedroom was designed with flexibility in mind, featuring a dividing wall of sliding panels that allows for both a large play space and individual privacy. The family bathroom exudes a luxurious, demure, hotel-like feel with dusky pink accents and Carrara marble. The overall design successfully blends the historical character of the mansion with the contemporary needs of a family home, making it a wonderful sanctuary in the heart of London. #LondonHome #MansionApartment #ArtDecoDesign #ModernInterior #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalDetails

Homepolish designer Tali Roth offers practical advice for renters looking to personalize their temporary living spaces, emphasizing that a rental unit's potential should not be wasted due to its temporary nature. She asserts that individuals often reside in rentals longer than anticipated, making it essential to create a comfortable and personalized environment rather than living in a state of limbo. Roth's own Chelsea loft serves as a prime example of how to infuse personal style into a rental without undertaking extensive, permanent renovations that could jeopardize a security deposit. Roth suggests focusing on easily modifiable elements within a rental. Lighting and window treatments are identified as key areas for impactful changes. For instance, an existing, generic light fixture can be replaced with a more aesthetically pleasing one. In her dining room, Roth replaced an IKEA light with a Synapse chandelier by Apparatus Studio, which helped to make the space feel cozier by lowering the ceiling's visual height. For those hesitant to alter existing wiring, sculptural wall lamps that plug into outlets and can be mounted high are presented as a viable alternative. Installing blinds and full-length curtains is also recommended to add warmth, texture, and privacy, with Roth opting for gray Belgian flax linen curtains to complement her home's modern color scheme. The article highlights Roth's innovative approach to customizing furniture, particularly her collaboration with Semihandmade to transform standard IKEA cabinet systems. Through this, she added custom taupe doors, a counter, and brass hardware to her units, demonstrating how affordable, modular furniture can be elevated to appear bespoke. One of the most significant transformations in Roth's loft was the application of faux concrete to a large wall by i faux. This technique was used to address the challenge of vast, white rental walls, adding significant texture and depth to prevent the space from feeling like a stark, empty box. Roth's design philosophy embraces geometric patterns and chunky forms, which she refers to as a "Flintstones aesthetic," influenced by her appreciation for modernism. This theme is consistently applied throughout her home, evident in sculptural vases, Hubble Wall Sconces by Pietro Russo for Baxter in the living room, and terrazzo wallpaper in the bathroom. While Roth chose traditional wallpaper, the article also suggests removable wallpaper options for renters seeking less commitment. The process of designing each rental space is also presented as a learning opportunity, allowing individuals to refine their tastes and understand what works best for their lifestyle, including considerations for living with young children. Roth shares a personal insight regarding her velvet couch, noting that its susceptibility to watermarks might lead her to choose a different material in future rentals, at least until her son is older. Ultimately, Roth emphasizes that customizing a rental is a common practice, particularly in cities like New York, where landlords generally expect tenants to personalize their living spaces. She reassures renters that most lease agreements simply require the unit to be returned to its original state, detailing her plans to reverse her changes, such as reinstalling the original light fixture, deconstructing the faux concrete, removing wallpaper, and repainting walls white, before moving out. #RentalDesign #LoftLiving #InteriorDecor #HomepolishDesigner #TaliRoth #DIYDecor #ApartmentRenovation #ModernAesthetic #IKEAHacks

The article details the seven-year-long decorating process of interior designer Emma Grant's London apartment in Primrose Hill. Grant, who transitioned from a fashion career to interior design, has used her home as a personal laboratory for her unique finds and design experiments. The apartment, a two-bedroom unit in an 1870s row house, features high ceilings and a front terrace overlooking Primrose Hill and the London Zoo, offering an unusual green view for London. The living space is south-facing, providing ample natural light throughout the day, which influenced the apartment's color scheme. Grant’s approach to decorating is unhurried, reflecting a passion for collecting unique pieces rather than adhering to trends. Her finds include a 19th-century wavy marble bistro table, bathroom shelves made from Verde marble fragments sourced from Tate Britain, an antique Suzani blanket that inspired her bedroom's color palette, and gold sconces acquired at auction. Before moving in, the apartment already boasted desirable features. Grant's initial renovations included restaining the oak floors and commissioning a custom ceiling rose to complement the existing vine cornicing in the dining room. A significant design choice was to abandon the previous owners' blue and turquoise walls in favor of a new color palette that transitions from light to dark, moving from the front of the apartment towards the back. The narrow hallway serves as a neutral bridge, painted in Edward Bulmer's Eau de Nile, a color made with natural, eco-friendly pigments. In the main bedroom at the rear, a pale blue, reminiscent of the former color scheme, is accented with pops of cherry red, creating a striking contrast. The kitchen, located at the front, was brightened by salvaging and refreshing the existing cabinets. Grant replaced bulky upper cabinets with reclaimed wood veneer shelving and reduced an imposing black backsplash to a thin border, opting to display her glassware and ceramics. The lower cupboards were painted in Farrow & Ball's School House White and fitted with vintage brass hardware. The flooring features wavy tiles, inspired by a trip to Sierra Leone, which is also referenced by raffia-skirted chairs in the living room that her fiancé brought back from Freetown. The living room, predominantly white, is layered with vintage mirrors, terracotta vases, and a ruby red velvet sofa, which was a secondhand Harrods purchase. The extra-deep sofa, too large for the staircase, required hoisting through the French doors. Grant also incorporates seashells collected from her travels, displayed on chair rails, adding a personal and whimsical touch. Recent projects include remodeling two bathrooms, one with a custom wavy marble sink and another with a $25 blue-bordered sink salvaged from another renovation, requiring the sacrifice of wardrobe space for an enlarged shower stall. Her latest addition is a 19th-century Shaker-style four-poster bed for the second bedroom, reflecting her ongoing joy in curating a unique and evolving home. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LondonApartment #ColorPalette #VintageFinds #Renovation #UniquePieces #EclecticStyle #HomeTour

Interior designer Charlie Ferrer's new Greenwich Village apartment in New York City is a testament to his evolving aesthetic, moving from a "spare masculine" midcentury modernism to a more eclectic, colorful, and "granny feminine vibe." Ferrer sought a pre-war building with a working fireplace in the West Village, a combination he found in a 1931 Bing & Bing condominium on Christopher Street, directly above the Stonewall Inn. This location, described as a "dynamic little intersection of energies," offered a livelier environment than his previous Chelsea residences. His stylistic shift mirrors a personal transformation, having grown up in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a "heteronormative white preppy" aesthetic. After moving to Los Angeles, coming out, and entering the furniture business, his design preferences naturally broadened. As a largely self-taught interior designer, Ferrer has expanded his studio to include luxury condominium model apartments and a vintage furniture collaboration with CB2. He notes that different projects and evolving interests taught him to integrate pattern and color into his designs. The apartment's inherent pre-war character, with its solid proportions and charming details like entry vestibule railings, facilitated this transition towards a layered and collected look. Ferrer, who also operates his own vintage design gallery, furnished the apartment by hand-picking pieces from his inventory. He describes his approach as "iterative or incremental, based on discoveries," rather than a pre-conceived "full vision." This method involved customizing chosen items to ensure they complemented each other. Examples of his unique customization include a sofa with added pleats, cast-bronze animal claw feet, and magenta piping. A swiveling "Elda" chair by Joe Colombo, selected for its "weirdness quotient," was reupholstered in a dark green alpaca-hair fabric. Striking molded acrylic dining chairs were given chartreuse-hued textile cushions to contrast with their rosy-amber bases, a design choice Ferrer playfully admits few clients would approve. These chairs pair with an antique wooden table featuring a figurative bronze sculpture by French artist César. In the bedroom, a 1930s archival print from French textile house Le Manach covers the bed, which Ferrer affectionately calls "grandma, but I think it’s super sexy." Above the bed hangs a collection of small crosses from a Parisian estate sale, recontextualized by Ferrer as an "aesthetic gesture" rather than a religious symbol. Unexpected details also appear in the kitchen, where the cabinet interiors are finished in Hermès-orange, contrasting with a wall lined in textured grasscloth. Ferrer justified the choice of absorbent grasscloth due to his minimal cooking habits. Ferrer continuously refines the apartment's details, even installing a new fireplace mantel just before the photo shoot. This collector's approach to interior design has created a personal sanctuary that balances the vibrant energy of the neighborhood with a distinctively curated aesthetic. The apartment serves as a compelling example of how personal narrative, playful experimentation, and a passion for vintage finds can converge to create a truly unique and evolving living space, demonstrating that personality and character can triumph over larger, more conventional layouts. #InteriorDesign #CharlieFerrer #NewYorkApartment #VintageFurniture #EclecticDecor #PreWarBuilding #DesignEvolution #CustomInteriors #GreenwichVillage

This article provides a detailed tour of celebrity chef, event planner, and lifestyle expert Travis London's Brooklyn apartment, highlighting his unique approach to interior design and budget-friendly decorating. London describes his apartment as a "love letter to himself," reflecting his vibrant personality and diverse experiences living in Paris and Milan. Unlike his previous residences, which were distinctly French or modern, his New York apartment is a blend of cultures and styles, mirroring the city's diversity. Each room in his two-bedroom apartment by Level One Holdings is designed to represent a different aspect of his persona. The bedroom, for instance, draws inspiration from Los Angeles with masculine, clean lines and features a personal photo. The combined office/guest room is characterized by its bright, white, and simple aesthetic, which London states reflects his straightforward and meticulous work ethic. The living room, his favorite space, embraces a maximalist philosophy inspired by European design, where bold fabrics and prints are mixed to create a cohesive yet vibrant environment. London encourages mixing seemingly disparate elements, citing his living room's black and white wallpaper, blue and white patterned rug, pink chairs, and green sofa as an example of how contrasting elements can work together harmoniously. The apartment was brand new when London moved in, requiring minimal renovation beyond the introduction of color. He initiated the design process by acquiring a green velvet couch, which served as a foundational piece around which the rest of the apartment's decor was built. London is also adept at mixing and matching prints, offering advice on how to combine wallpaper patterns effectively—suggesting the pairing of a print with a pattern rather than two prints to avoid clashes. His bathroom features Beverly Hills Hotel-inspired wallpaper next to a hallway wallpaper with blue dots, demonstrating this principle. A significant aspect of London’s decorating philosophy revolves around achieving a stylish look on a budget. He emphasizes that many of his seemingly luxurious items are surprisingly affordable and practical. London advocates for online shopping for affordable decor, noting that many companies offer returns or setup services, mitigating the risk of online purchases. He suggests ordering fabric swatches beforehand to ensure satisfaction. His budget-friendly tips include opting for matte over glossy hardware, using decanters to elevate the appearance of beverages, and incorporating fresh flowers regularly. He frequently shops at online retailers such as CB2, Wayfair, Overstock, West Elm, and Spoonflower for custom fabrics and wallpaper. London also shares a crucial shopping secret: being wary of drop-shipped items, particularly from large companies that may significantly mark up prices. He advises searching for alternative retailers for non-exclusive, drop-shipped products to find better deals. Furthermore, he prioritizes practicality in his fabric choices, selecting versatile, easily washable materials to accommodate his two dogs. For example, his office's white couch is made of washable micro-suede, which he finds to be a lifesaver for easy cleaning. This pragmatic approach underscores his belief that decorating should be inclusive and adaptable to everyday life, allowing for beautiful, yet functional, spaces without the fear of damage being financially crippling. #CelebrityHome #ApartmentTour #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecorating #BoldDecor #MaximalistDesign #TravisLondon #HomeStyling #NewYorkApartment

Angel O'Donnell, an interior design firm led by co-founders Richard Angel and Ed O’Donnell, has unveiled a new interior concept for apartments at One Crown Place in London. This innovative approach aims to redefine urban living by integrating light, color, and playfulness into the residences located in the heart of the City of London. The designs are implemented in one- and three-bedroom apartments situated on the 25th and 21st storeys of the mixed-use development, which also features a hotel and private residences. The broader complex includes 246 apartments and penthouses spread across two high-rise structures. The design philosophy by Angel O'Donnell subtly acknowledges the overarching architectural vision of the building, crafted by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), and the comprehensive amenities developed by Studio Ashby for residents. This integration results in living spaces that are not only cheerful and engaging but also incorporate significant design pieces and art, imbuing each interior with distinct character. A notable aspect of the project is the prevalence of bespoke design elements, carefully adapted to complement the building's unique angular forms. Ed O'Donnell articulates that the design team's objective was to capitalize on the inherent strengths of One Crown Place. These strengths include the expansive views and abundant natural light available in the apartments, alongside the architectural blend of 18th, 20th, and 21st-century styles present in the development. He also highlighted the unusual juxtaposition of traditional craft techniques with modern engineering, evident in the glazed terracotta facades and steel skeleton structures. O'Donnell emphasizes a desire to construct upon these inspirations with dynamic and youthful designs that reflect the diverse culture, creativity, and fashion prevalent in the area. Each apartment is conceived to narrate a distinct facet of the One Crown Place story, characterized by warmth, individuality, and art sourced locally, contributing to a vibrant and personalized living experience. #LondonArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ApartmentLiving #AngelODonnell #OneCrownPlace #CityLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanInteriors #BespokeDesign

A North Carolina-based couple, Bill and Sue, who share a long-standing affection for London, enlisted the expertise of local design firm Salvesen Graham to decorate their three-bedroom pied-à-terre overlooking Hyde Park. Having celebrated their engagement, numerous holidays, and even their wedding in the city, London holds significant personal meaning for them, and their 9-year-old daughter Josie has also grown accustomed to navigating its streets. The couple sought a design that encapsulated a cozy, quintessentially British style, a departure from the more neutral aesthetic of their Greensboro home. Designers Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham of Salvesen Graham were tasked with creating an interior that reflected this British sensibility through soft paint colors, floral trims, and patinated hardware. The couple, initially accustomed to a different style, embraced the designers' vision, even agreeing to upholster all the walls in the guest bedroom with a green fabric that matched the Roman shades. Despite initial concerns about the pattern being overwhelming, the result was a calming and cocooning atmosphere. Josie's bedroom received a similar treatment, complemented by a built-in daybed that serves as a spot for entertainment and accommodates extra guests. The kitchen, previously a galley, was seamlessly integrated with the dining and living areas. Given its high visibility and the couple's preference for dining out, Salvesen Graham designed it as a decorative backdrop rather than a central functional space. Brass grill cabinet fronts discreetly conceal dishes, and the marble backsplash features intricate carvings, creating an inviting environment for drinks or breakfast. The adjacent pantry-slash-coatroom also received attention, with a custom metal and glass panel ceiling and a beaded door to hide electrical access. For outdoor dining and entertainment, the terrace upstairs is a favored spot, weather permitting. Equipped with outdoor speakers, it provides a lively atmosphere for evenings, with Sue occasionally taking on the role of DJ. When concerts are playing in Hyde Park, the music is lowered to enjoy the live performances from artists like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. The primary bedroom stands out as a particular favorite, enveloped in a de Gournay print that extends across all surfaces, cleverly disguising closet doors and creating a hidden primary bathroom entrance. The primary bathroom itself offers a unique detail: a selection of books within easy reach from the tub, a thoughtful surprise from the designers. To further enrich the London experience, Salvesen Graham connected Bill and Sue with art consultant Rebecca Gordon, who curated a collection of works by various artists including Chris Levine, Lorna Robertson, James Hart Dyke, Kate Giles, and Hunt and Hope. The bathroom's marble, featuring intricate curves and cuts, mirrors the shapes of the mirrors above, adding a touch of sophisticated detail throughout the apartment, contributing to a sense of being well-cared for within the home's design. The design approach prioritizes bespoke elements and a luxurious, comforting aesthetic, transforming the flat into a true London retreat. #LondonFlat #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #BritishStyle #SalvesenGraham #LuxuryLiving #PiedATerre #CustomDesign #Wallpaper

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

The article showcases a unique Bengaluru apartment designed by Jonathan Sylvester and Jay Mandania of Studio Sylus. This home, nestled in Peninsula Heights, Bengaluru, was crafted for an elderly couple seeking a retirement community home that reflected their distinct personalities. The designers embraced a blend of classic and modern aesthetics, focusing on Indian interior design within a contemporary framework. Initially a furnished model apartment, the space required significant reconfiguration to align with the new owners' lifestyle. Key structural changes included converting a secluded family room into a state-of-the-art media room. Additionally, a small powder room was merged with the master bathroom to create a more spacious en-suite for the master bedroom. Recognizing the importance of a functional and visually appealing kitchen, the designers integrated the previously ill-lit kitchen into the main living area by removing walls, allowing natural light to flood the space. A clever design element incorporated into the apartment was the use of inconspicuous storage units and hidden doors to maintain a seamless aesthetic. A notable aspect of the design was the extensive sourcing of furniture and decor from across India. Pieces like a mother-of-pearl inlay console from Kanpur, rugs from Delhi, a swing from Gujarat, and a table from Chennai were meticulously selected and integrated to create a cohesive and eclectic narrative. Curated art pieces were strategically placed in a corridor, cleverly concealing access points to the bedrooms. The apartment's design also emphasizes the use of local and natural materials. Sadarahalli granite, Kota stone, and solid teak wood were incorporated, maintaining their earthy and raw essence while being refined to perfection. This blend of old-age materials with modern design elements creates a dialogue throughout the apartment. The entryway, for instance, features a large mirror with an intricately carved walnut frame set against Sabyasachi wallpaper, establishing a distinctive mood. The dining area boasts a large, monolithic table crafted from Sadarahalli and Kadappa stone, shaped with contemporary curves. To introduce color, the designers adopted a unique approach: they first selected rugs for each room and then built the corresponding color palettes around them. This project by Studio Sylus exemplifies a successful fusion of eclectic elements and locally sourced materials to create a characterful and modern living space. #BengaluruHomes #EclecticDesign #IndianInteriorDesign #StudioSylus #HomeRenovation #LocalMaterials #ModernClassic #InteriorDecorating

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

The home of Jason and Jenny Rose MacLean in Camberwell, South London, is featured in an excerpt from Alexander Breeze's new book, 'The Life Eclectic.' This residence, designed in the 1970s by architect Martin Crowley, served as his personal dwelling and was constructed on the site of two former garages. The MacLeans were drawn to the house's unique character and its potential to echo the aesthetic of the Eames House in California, valuing a diverse and bold approach to interior design. Their home showcases a distinct eclectic style characterized by color-blocking, strong patterns, and a thoughtful integration of various furniture eras. Central to the MacLeans' design philosophy is the emphasis on effective storage solutions. Jason MacLean highlights the importance of concealed storage, asserting that the home maintains a consistently tidy appearance due to the ample drawers, cabinets, and original built-in overhead storage. This design choice allows for the orderly containment of everyday items, maintaining clean lines and a streamlined look while enabling the display of carefully curated objects. In their son Stanley’s room, for instance, dyed MDF wardrobes incorporate hidden storage, neon baskets for toys, and a niche for cherished playthings and natural mementos. The house's existing structure and materials played a significant role in dictating the couple's decor choices. The exposed structural supports with painted metal and the breeze-block walls, with their contrasting textures, provided a strong foundation for their sympathetic furnishing and decoration. The couple's collection of 1970s German modular storage in the office and living room, alongside pieces like Allan Gould’s string chair, seamlessly integrate with the space, set against vibrant backdrops. This organic evolution of their collection allowed the house to grow with their tastes and needs. Bold patterns are strategically used to draw attention and enhance the aesthetic. In the kitchen, a bright yellow space with concealed strip lighting, a pattern by Eley Kishimoto adorns the cupboards and wall, effectively distracting from the wall-mounted oven. This pattern is subtly echoed in punched metal grilles between the office and hallway, creating intriguing light effects. While the MacLeans appreciate a clean aesthetic, their home also embraces the gentle wear of lived-in spaces, seen in the soft distress of their leather sofa and the marks on the office desk, adding character and warmth. The MacLeans' display strategy involves color-blocking and grouping similar items for visual impact. A shelving system in the kitchen-living area primarily holds books but also features a collection of vintage toolboxes. Artwork, such as original test prints from Mac Fisheries supermarkets from the 1930s to 1970s, adds vibrant color and historical depth. The home also includes unique design elements like the pale blue en suite bathroom, which was a rushed project completed before their wedding, featuring swirling linear tiling inspired by German U-Bahn stations. This blend of intentional design and personal history reflects a dynamic and evolving living space, even as the MacLeans recently transitioned to a new, older property in rural Gloucestershire, hinting at a new design challenge while maintaining their core aesthetic principles. #EclecticDesign #ColorBlocking #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #LondonHome #StorageSolutions #MidCenturyModern #PatternPlay