Colour scheme: Peter Pilotto’s prismatic London townhouse takeover

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 transformation of a Victorian terrace in south London, where designer Laura Stephens reconfigured its layout to inject light and modern living while preserving its historical character. The project addressed the common dilemma of modernizing classic townhouses by integrating contemporary elements without compromising original features like paneling, plasterwork, and traditional layouts. Instead of extensive structural changes, Stephens focused on a less interventionist approach, retaining the 19th-century architecture and skillfully adapting the floor plan to suit a modern family. Key changes included relocating the sitting room to the back, moving the kitchen to the middle, and positioning the dining room, which also functions as a small home office, at the front of the house. To enhance natural light, a glazed screen was installed between the hallway and dining room, creating an effect similar to an old-fashioned office partition, which significantly brightened the front of the home. The design incorporated fresh colors, and natural textures like jute and seagrass, along with subtle architectural details to create a living space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The kitchen features periwinkle blue cabinetry designed to complement the high ceilings, contrasted with 'utilitarian' white metro tiles and bronze hardware, which adds a touch of aged elegance. In the sitting room, a new fireplace was installed, and half-paneling was introduced to balance the striped wallpaper. The designer also focused on sustainability and cost-effectiveness by recovering existing furniture pieces such as sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and an ottoman, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and repurposing items. The main bedroom underwent a significant transformation, with previously 'bleak' wardrobes being revitalized by glazed doors lined with gathered fabric. A gauzy pendant light was chosen for its sculptural quality, echoing the textured pink wallcovering that envelops the room. In the top-floor bathroom, an innovative solution was found when a shortage of mustard and white tiles led to the installation of a mirror panel. This not only extended the striped design but also visually expanded the cozy, eaves-tucked space. Laura Stephens also designed unique rugs in collaboration with Bombay Sprout, incorporating motifs based on antique passementerie and natural jute textures, reflecting the blend of past and present in the home's overall design. Laura Stephens shared her style inspiration, citing her satisfaction with the glazed wall, her preference for 'Spruce' by Paint & Paper Library as a go-to color, and drawing inspiration from interior design books, historical and contemporary, as well as her youngest daughter. She expressed admiration for architect Gil Schafer and the Chrysler Building in New York City. The project successfully created a bright, comfortable, and ageless living space that honors its Victorian roots while embracing modern functionality and aesthetics. #LondonTownhouse #VictorianRenovation #InteriorDesign #LauraStephens #HomeRedesign #ColorPalette #TextureMixing #NaturalLight #KitchenDesign #BedroomTransformation

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

Irene Gunter's inaugural large-scale project involved the interior architectural redesign of a family home in southwest London, a property that, despite its period-style facade, was only constructed in 2021. The design brief from the clients emphasized creating a home that was simultaneously family-friendly, comfortable, elegant, luxurious, fun, and informal. A key requirement was stylistic harmony throughout the residence, ensuring a cohesive flow between rooms while incorporating vibrancy and unexpected color in specific areas. The interior was intended to be uplifting and engaging, moving away from a bland, neutral aesthetic. Irene Gunter's approach centered on a carefully curated color palette predominantly featuring blues and greens, augmented by warmer tones. She stressed the importance of layering these colors to ensure they supported each other and maintained compatibility. Comfort was a paramount consideration, leading to meticulous selection and testing of furniture, such as dining chairs, to guarantee their suitability and durability. The designer collaborated with trusted craftsmen for custom pieces like sofas, relying on their proven track record. Among the standout spaces in the home is the formal sitting room, which features extensive paneling painted in a 'seductive light pink.' This choice was strategic, as the room is north-facing, and a simple white would have appeared flat. The pink hue was selected to imbue the space with warmth and comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and elegant. The use of curved sofas and a rounded ottoman in this room not only enhances circulation but also addresses practical concerns related to young children, eliminating sharp corners. In contrast to the serene sitting room, the kitchen introduces a bold punch of navy blue, adding a dramatic element to the design. The high ceilings of the house were leveraged to create a sense of grandeur while simultaneously making the expansive space feel intimate and cozy. The design incorporated a blend of materials, including stone, tiles, and wood, to introduce texture and visual interest. A robust quartz was chosen for the work surfaces, complemented by a wood finish on the island and larder unit. Kit kat tiles on the splashback were used to introduce a Japanese aesthetic, further enriching the material palette. Olive green bar stools were strategically placed to connect the interior with the garden views, maintaining the theme of harmony. Pale wood was used to link the island and the larder unit, which was designed to resemble a free-standing piece. Reeded details on the larder unit and island echoed the pattern of the tiles, creating subtle connections throughout the space. The overall effect is a home that is inviting and warm, achieved through layered textures, playful colors, and a distinct personality, reflecting the designer's vibrant, colorful, and sophisticated style. #InteriorDesign #HouseDesign #LondonHome #NewBuild #ColorPalette #InteriorArchitecture #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome #ElegantInteriors

This article highlights the interior design of a five-floor, mid-terrace townhouse in London by designer Lara Bates, focusing on how color and pattern are used to create a cohesive, sophisticated, yet relaxed family home. The owner's desire for a home suitable for entertaining and impressing guests influenced the design, leading to a mood board centered on sumptuous materials, jewel colors, abundant patterns, and a theatrical aesthetic. The primary challenge in designing such a tall building with multiple levels and diverse patterns was maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the residence. Lara Bates addressed this by employing color as a unifying element, particularly evident in the transition areas and half-landings. A key design choice was the installation of a terracotta carpet that extends up the stairs, linking different spaces, such as the ground-level sitting room and the main bedroom. The two-tone nature of the carpet, with its burnt-orange flecks, was selected for both practical reasons, like concealing dirt, and for its ability to soften the overall hue. The designer also deviated from conventional white skirting boards, opting to paint them in unexpected colors that complement the adjacent rooms, emphasizing that "the devil is in the details" and such touches elevate the spaces with a fresh and sophisticated feel. Examples include powder blue skirting and cornicing paired with buttery yellow walls in a child’s bedroom, and red-tinged brown wood trim against floral wallpaper in the cloakroom. The dining room features a striking mural, framed by green skirting and sky-blue cornicing, which seamlessly integrates with the tropical garden motif, demonstrating how color choices can enhance and highlight focal points. Lara Bates explained that paneling was considered but rejected for the dining room to avoid interrupting the mural. Instead, the colored woodwork at the bottom and top ensured the wallpaper remained the central feature, while a crystal chandelier added sparkle without detracting from the motif, reinforcing the "more is more" approach. Throughout the home, various elements contribute to a sense of plush luxury. In the main bedroom, an emperor-sized four-poster bed creates an impressive focal point. The bathroom vanity features a 15-centimeter-thick marble top, a detail chosen not only for its luxurious appearance but also for its practical function of concealing undermounted basins. In the living room, efforts were made to subtly integrate the television within the T-shaped layout. By placing it low in an alcove and positioning a larger artwork opposite, the TV's prominence was diminished, allowing other design elements to draw attention. The dark painting above the sofa, for instance, provided a strong contrast and an alternative focal point. The overall design strategy for this London townhouse creates a sophisticated environment that balances grandeur with comfort, employing meticulous color coordination and luxurious details to achieve a cohesive and inviting living space. #LondonTownhouse #InteriorDesign #LaraBates #ColorCoordination #PatternIntegration #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDesign #SophisticatedLiving #ElegantHome #TransitionalDesign

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 annual WOW!house at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, showcases 22 immersive spaces designed by a mix of established and emerging talents. This year's exhibition, on view from June 2 to July 3, offers a comprehensive look at current design trends, featuring contributions from designers like Alessandra Branca, Chad Dorsey, and Peter Mikic. The showhouse serves as a source of inspiration for both full-scale redesigns and minor refreshes, highlighting innovative approaches to spatial planning, color palettes, and luxurious yet livable layering. The following outlines key design ideas observed at the showhouse. The entrance hall, designed by Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact, creates a theatrical ambiance reminiscent of a country château. Davar raised the ceiling to five meters and installed a floating staircase, an antique stone floor, and traditional joinery. The space is adorned with an 18th-century Norwegian table and Pierre Forsell candleholders. A spiraling ‘Oak Leaf’ chandelier by Cox London serves as a dramatic focal point, emphasizing the impact of nature-inspired, large-scale pieces in an entryway. Chad Dorsey’s Fromental Drawing Room combines American and British Arts and Crafts influences. The room features a bespoke Strike fireplace, Alexander Lamont’s ‘Kita’ lamp, Kyle Bunting’s custom leather chequerboard rug, and Romo’s cinnamon chevron textiles. Fromental’s hand-painted ‘Kiku’ wallcovering extends across the walls, ceiling, and door casings, creating an immersive, atmospheric effect. Tommaso Franchi of Tomèf Design created a Venetian-inspired primary bedroom and sitting room, showcasing Italian craftsmanship. Franchi blended modern and historic elements using Fortuny textiles, Bonacina’s handwoven rattan, and Barovier&Toso;’s Murano glass. Draped fabric panels on the walls and upholstered doors add softness, warmth, and a cinematic quality to the space. Ben Pentreath Studio’s unfitted kitchen presents a Greco-Gothic fantasy with bold colors, eccentric details, and a focus on craft. Designed by Rupert Cunningham, Leo Kary, and Alice Montgomery, the kitchen features delicate wooden storage shelving from Lopen Joinery, allowing the architectural background and wall color to show through, blending practicality with poetic design. Alessandra Branca’s bedroom features a canopy bed wrapped in Casa Branca’s patterned linens, inspired by Mongiardino and David Hicks. The design combines classical references with sculptural pieces by Timothy Schreiber and Francis Sultana. ‘Paisley’ walls and striped drapery, alongside antiques from Rose Uniacke and Hawker Antiques, create a soft, luxurious, and hospitable environment. Alex Dauley’s media room, in collaboration with Nucleus, is a warm, cocoon-like space. Fully upholstered walls, ceilings, and a fitted custom rug in amber and walnut shades create an enveloping atmosphere. Hidden smart sound and lighting technology from Nucleus, along with handcrafted walnut and bronze shelving and sculptural lighting, add sophistication. The room also highlights pieces by Black artisans, including Darren Appiagyei’s raw wood vessels and Danielle McKinney’s giclée print. Emma Sims-Hilditch’s courtyard room, a boot room and dog snug, demonstrates that functional spaces can be stylish. It incorporates a marble sink for muddy vegetables and an elegant dog shower. Layered with antiques, bespoke craft, and hand-painted Delft tiles by Marlborough Tiles, this space highlights a modern trend of dedicating comfortable areas for pets. Daniel Slowik’s chartreuse morning room, designed with Treasure House Fair, emphasizes romantic restraint. The walls are covered in hand screen-printed cotton poplin with a trompe-l’œil pattern. Notably, large, ruffled frilled cushions made from Nuthall Temple fabrics add a witty and indulgent contrast to the room's unique antiques and art. Nicola Harding’s powder room, created with Drummonds, features a tented aubergine silk ceiling, transforming the small space into a magical retreat. Layers of patterned fabric, glossy tiles, and brass and mirrored finishes create a sensory experience. Harding’s bespoke rug-covered cabinetry and playful furnishings, combined with Drummonds’ elegant fittings, show how small spaces can achieve significant dramatic impact. Pirajean Lees’ circular sanctuary, wrapped in Dedar fabrics, is a sensory experience inspired by music, particularly jazz. Wool satin curtains, wild silk, and velvet mohair cover custom bookcases and a desk, with case designs referencing musical instrument trunks. A curving bespoke sofa, a custom Jennifer Manners rug, and a sculptural “Record” chair invite deep listening and pause. Peter Mikic’s dining room is a vibrant celebration of color, featuring Benjamin Moore’s ‘Broadway Lights’ yellow. The room includes an atomic chandelier, a bespoke dining table by Kaizen inlaid with semi-precious stones, and hand-painted trompe l’oeil panels. Billy Metcalfe’s abstract mural electrifies the back wall with sweeping strokes of green, blue, and red, creating a full-color feast. #DesignTrends #ShowhouseDesign #InteriorDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ColorPalettes #CustomFurnishings #ArchitecturalDetails #LondonDesign #HomeStyling

This article explores various residential projects that effectively incorporate vibrant colours into their architectural and interior designs, moving beyond subtle accents to create impactful and transformative spaces. It showcases how architects leverage colour to enhance functionality, express individuality, and redefine living environments. The featured projects demonstrate a range of approaches to colour integration, from bold exterior statements to carefully curated interior palettes, highlighting both new builds and renovations across different geographical locations. The Maryland House in East London, designed by Remi Connolly-Taylor, exemplifies a contemporary approach to colour blocking. This live/work space, built on a previously derelict lot, utilizes London stock brick for its exterior, echoing the local Victorian and post-war housing. Despite its compact 100 sq m footprint, the interior is a "jewel box" of efficiency and minimalist aesthetics, with colour strategically used to define spaces. Similarly, Studio Ben Allen’s House Recast, a winner of London's 'Don’t Move, Improve' competition, stands out for its playfully colourful architecture, pushing boundaries in domestic design. Office S&M;'s Mo-tel House in Islington transformed a Victorian townhouse's lower ground floor into a vibrant space through bold colours and shapes. Block-coloured surfaces and tinted mirrors create a dynamic interior that visually expands the space, featuring bespoke joinery like blue kitchen cabinets, a pink and dark blue dining bench, and a light green ceiling. Alexander Owen Architecture's project on Amott Road further illustrates this trend in London's home improvements, demonstrating how unexpected designs and a sense of lightness are being brought to everyday living spaces. Moving to bolder applications, Villa Nilon in Zurich, a 1923 villa, was revitalized by Swiss studio ILAI with yellow and pink hues in bathrooms and hallways, complemented by monochrome patterned tiles. A green joinery kitchen and original stained glass windows contribute to a playful character, with architects also opening up spaces for natural light and generosity. The Blue Building by LOT in Bushwick, Brooklyn, makes a striking statement with its entirely blue exterior, inspired by the studio's previous design work. Inside, translucent panels and walls in white, light pink, and green balance the exterior's boldness. Isla Architects' Lover's House in Mallorca features a warm terracotta-pink concrete exterior, reminiscent of Luis Barragán's work, which deeply connects the structure to its natural landscape while maintaining a graphic, contemporary feel. CAN Architects' Mountain View House in South London, home to practice founder Mat Barnes, showcases a radical makeover with bold colours, unusual details, and a staged mountain scenery roofline, drawing inspiration from diverse sources like Hi-Tech style and fashion shows. The Andi in Boston, reimagined by Patrick Planeta, uses bold coloured fabrics and saffron-coloured lighting to add character to a minimalist concrete apartment, with drapes creating intimate "pods" and curated artworks enhancing the space's concept. Project Hereward by Studio VA in London demonstrates how a compact renovation can achieve impactful design through the right blend of colour, sleek lines, and industrial materials, balancing old and new elements. In the realm of pastels, Dedraft's AR Residence in Walthamstow features an avocado green extension for an illustrator and librarian, with a matte green aluminium panelled addition housing interiors with muted tones and pops of brighter colours in specific areas. Jonathan Tuckey Design’s Upper Wimpole project in central London integrates refined, craft-rich joinery elements in varying colours to differentiate rooms while maintaining a coherent design. Lastly, Jerome Byron’s Monon Guesthouse in Los Angeles, a wooden structure nestled in a hillside garden, and Barlow & Barlow’s Albion Street project in London, blending Swedish and English heritage with a chic pastel palette, further highlight the diverse applications of colour in residential architecture. #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ColourfulHomes #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #LondonArchitecture #ModernLiving #SpaceTransformation #PastelInteriors

Design maverick Kit Kemp, co-founder of Firmdale Hotels and the Kit Kemp Design Studio, and her husband Tim Kemp, have significantly renovated their 1930s central London townhouse twice over two decades. The initial renovation was inspired by fellow designer Robert Kime's advice to make the kitchen the best room in the house. This led Kit to convert their large, barrel-shaped dining room, which overlooks the garden, into a kitchen that has since become the central living space. The bespoke cabinetry in the kitchen has undergone multiple color transformations over the years, and Kit has incorporated unique elements like beaded lampshades crafted from colorful Kurdi aprons. Following the kitchen transformation, a conservatory was added off the kitchen to serve as a dining area, featuring a Tord Boontje chandelier that creates intricate shadows at night. More recently, as their three daughters have grown and left home, the Kemps undertook a second major renovation. This involved knocking down a formerly unused front room to create an open-plan layout connecting it to the living room and subsequently to the kitchen. This new configuration provides the living space with abundant east-west light. In this bright living room, Kit combined an oversized One Way geometric linen with an exuberant botanical print, balancing these bold designs with a subtle paisley pattern. The vibrant patterns are complemented by antique pieces, including an 18th-century Spanish chest, above which hangs a portrait by Duncan Grant. Kit notes that the home's design is a collaboration with her husband, driven by their shared appreciation for Bloomsbury art. The walls display a collection of works by prominent Bloomsbury artists, chosen for their suitability to the London light. The redesign also involved moving the front door and enlarging the hallway. Kit began the redecoration of the entire house with this space, emphasizing the importance of giving character to 'in-between spaces' like hallways and landings to make a house feel more expansive. She adorned the hallway with her repeat 'Mythical Land' wallpaper design, creating an enchanting backdrop for an eclectic mix of objects, such as a Swedish wedding clock and an old beehive. A chair upholstered in an embroidered textile from Kazakhstan further enhances the unique aesthetic. On the first floor, one of the four bedrooms was converted into a walk-through music room, accommodating their grand piano. Kit humorously explains that placing the piano in this dedicated space was a practical choice, and lining the area with bookshelves may have inadvertently improved the acoustics. Upstairs, the main bedroom, nestled under the eaves, features a grand half-tester bed that accentuates the room's interesting architectural volumes. Kit has been meticulous in reusing and reupholstering existing pieces, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability by donating fabrics to charities and using offcuts for toys. Another bedroom showcases pieces from a showroom set she designed, including armchairs originally created for a Blithfield stand. A fantastical headboard, also designed by Kit for a showroom display, is complemented by a lamp base that serendipitously aligns with its aquatic theme. Creativity is central to Kit's design philosophy, a theme further explored in her latest book written during the pandemic, highlighting the increasing desire for personalized interiors and the move away from reliance on big designer names towards unique, custom-driven home decor. #InteriorDesign #KitKemp #LondonTownhouse #HomeRenovation #ColorAndPattern #BloomsburyArt #EclecticDecor #DesignPhilosophy #KitchenDesign

The article recounts an immersive experience at 'An Evening of Style' hosted at Timothy Oulton’s flagship interiors store in Chelsea, London. This event served as a showcase for Timothy Oulton’s distinctive furniture and accessories, alongside a selection of products from other high-end brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Sophia Webster, and Penhaligon’s. The event was a testament to the brand's core principles: heritage, innovation, creativity, and hospitality, which were evident in the store's unique design and layout. The Timothy Oulton store itself is described as a design haven, featuring an unconventional and visually engaging arrangement. Examples of its unique decor include floor-to-ceiling columns of stacked books, a model train circulating on the ceiling, and a wall adorned with cricket bats, all contributing to an unforgettable interior design experience. The products presented were characterized by a blend of quirkiness and luxury, particularly notable in the lighting collection, which distinguished itself through inventive material use. One prominent example is the use of Selenite, a mineral revered for its soft, moon-like luminescence, in a chandelier. One specific chandelier was meticulously crafted from 557 individual Selenite crystals. Another innovative lighting application was seen in the inception mirrors, which draw inspiration from 1970s infinity mirrors. When illuminated, these mirrors create an illusion of infinite, receding reflections, adding a dynamic and intriguing layer to any space. When unlit, they revert to standard mirrors, highlighting their dual functionality and aesthetic appeal. The event also showcased a range of quirky case goods, such as a coffee table featuring a repurposed propeller from a Chinese fishing boat as its base, topped with a glass pane. A bookcase designed in the likeness of a Spitfire aircraft and a leather-clad refrigerator, used to house Veuve Clicquot champagne during the event, further exemplified the brand's innovative approach to furniture design. Leather emerged as a favored material across Timothy Oulton’s collection, adorning sofas, chairs, chests, and various accessories, underscoring the brand’s commitment to a distinctive, handcrafted aesthetic. A significant highlight of the evening was the opportunity for guests to enjoy champagne within the Apollo Capsule. This stunning, stainless steel capsule, a creation of the Timothy Oulton Studio, draws inspiration from the original Apollo 11 spacecraft. Its interior features buttoned leather seating, an Alabaster central table, a sheep fur carpet, and an Alabaster chandelier. Even the staircase leading into the pod was intricately woven with leather, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The complementary partner brands' products seamlessly integrated with the Timothy Oulton interiors. For instance, Sophia Webster’s butterfly heels collection was displayed near the Apollo Capsule, demonstrating how diverse luxury items can enhance and complement a cohesive design theme. The article concludes by recommending a visit to the Timothy Oulton showroom for anyone seeking beautiful and unique home furnishings, promising an experience that will not disappoint. #TimothyOulton #BluebirdChelsea #LuxuryInteriors #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ChelseaDesign #SeleniteLighting #ApolloCapsule

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

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 explores ten distinct interior design color palettes inspired by famous royal palaces and castles around the world, presenting each location's unique aesthetic. The exploration aims to provide inspiration for creating regal and sophisticated home interiors. Buckingham Palace in London, UK, the official residence of the British royal family since 1837, features a rich, warm, and inviting color scheme. Its palette echoes Baroque and Rococo designs, incorporating shades from burgundy to mustard and muted grey-blue, embodying upscale taste with a welcoming ambiance. Windsor Castle, also in the UK and a staple property of the British royal family, showcases a brighter and more vibrant scheme. It utilizes emerald green, various pinks and purples, pops of orange, and abundant gold, creating a regal and eye-catching environment. Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, renowned for its beauty, employs muted tones that evoke images of angels, art, and historic grandeur. Its neutral palette includes creams, greys, golds, and subtle hints of blue, offering a serene yet grand atmosphere. Mysore Palace in India, covering 72 acres, presents a dramatic and elegant array of colors. The palette reflects India's rich cultural beauty, featuring turquoises, purples, burgundies, emerald greens, golds, and yellows. Kensington Palace in London, UK, known as a residence for Prince William, Kate, and their children, and formerly Princess Diana, offers a more neutral and cozy yet grand aesthetic. Its color scheme primarily consists of grey-blue and golds, complemented by warm browns and neutral taupes, achieving a regal and artful feel. The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, an imperial palace from 1420 to 1912 with 980 buildings, presents an unforgettable destination with a stunning range of hues. Its palette includes pale blue, muted mauves, rich reds, browns, and taupes. Dublin Castle in Ireland, built on a 13th-century Viking settlement, boasts a history of resilience and beauty. Its interior palette is rich in greens, from moss to kelly to emerald, alongside hints of red-pink, burgundy, and cream. Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy, a Renaissance-era palace home to art and stunning architecture, exhibits an opulent and uniquely Italian interior. Its color scheme spans deep browns, pale blues, golds, reds, and various intermediate shades. The Palace of Versailles in France, an iconic example of French Baroque architecture, is synonymous with opulence. Its color palette, centered on differing shades and tones of grey and gold, achieves an elegant and extravagant aesthetic. Hampton Court Palace in London, UK, another Baroque-era gem and former residence of King Henry VIII, features a color-rich palette largely due to its extensive art collection. Tones range from navy and sky blue to buttery yellow and vibrant orange, concluding the journey through royal-inspired interior designs. #InteriorDesign #ColorPalettes #RoyalPalaces #HomeDecor #Inspiration #BuckinghamPalace #Versailles #KensingtonPalace

The article highlights the transformation of a formal sitting room in the 2023 Whole Home, located in Hinsdale, Illinois, designed by Caitlin Wilson. The room, characterized by ornate moldings and trim, initially appeared outdated. Wilson’s vision for the space was a sophisticated setting suitable for a ladies' tea, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the television series Downton Abbey. She emphasized preserving the home’s historic features rather than stripping them away, as she had observed in other remodel projects of older homes. Wilson’s design approach involved using complementary colors to enhance the existing architecture, creating a distinctly feminine aesthetic. The color palette primarily features pink, with subtle touches of blue and green. The designer's intention was to revive the home's original grandeur through the strategic application of color, celebrating its inherent character. This focus on color was central to her design philosophy for the project. Beyond aesthetics, the design also prioritized practicality. Despite the room’s considerable size, Wilson incorporated functional elements such as swivel chairs and furniture pieces equipped with casters. These choices enable easy reconfiguration of the space, allowing it to adapt quickly for various family events and gatherings. This functional flexibility ensures that the elegant room is also highly usable for everyday life and special occasions. Specific design details are provided, including the paint choices: the walls were painted in Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground, and the trim in Wimborne White. The living space includes comfortable seating with two ottomans and four chairs, two of which swivel. The fireplace surround is adorned with framed chinoiserie prints and three-dimensional brass butterflies. Instead of a conventional gallery display, Wilson opted for framed intaglios, which are reproductions of incised art popular among 18th and 19th-century travelers, sourced from Statuette. A bookcase from Serena & Lily houses decorative vases, which are rotated between the mantel and tables. The article also lists the suppliers for various furnishings and decor items within the living room. Sofas, a loveseat, and a swivel chair were provided by Lee Industries. Lounge chairs, other swivel chairs (with fabric specified), art, accessories, pillows, and rugs were all from Caitlin Wilson’s own collection. Ottomans, tables, and the bookshelf were sourced from Serena & Lily. The fireplace screen and wall sculpture were by Claire Crowe, while fabrics were supplied by Fabricut. Lighting was provided by Visual Comfort & Co. This comprehensive list of sources underlines the curated and high-quality selection of elements used in the room’s design, contributing to its overall elegant and practical ambiance. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LivingRoom #CaitlinWilson #DowntonAbbey #HistoricHomes #ColorPalette #FunctionalDesign #LuxuryInteriors

Architect Luki Anderson of Studio Officina undertook a significant renovation of a 1905 Clinton Hill duplex in Brooklyn. The clients, a couple with two children, sought a functional overhaul and a vibrant color palette, moving away from the home's original beige aesthetic. Anderson's initial assessment revealed the owners' existing affinity for color through their textiles and art, with the kitchen cabinets even being self-painted with colorful knobs as an early attempt to personalize the space. The primary goals for the renovation included expanding the kitchen and adding a third room to the lower garden level. The existing kitchen was found to be worn out and functionally inefficient. After exploring various layouts, Anderson devised a U-shaped kitchen configuration to maximize counter space and cabinetry, while keeping the sink and stove in their original positions. An unnecessary hallway behind the kitchen was re-purposed to expand the space, accommodating pantry cabinets, a refrigerator, and a coffee bar niche on the opposite wall. This design strategy ensured that the space felt open and avoided overwhelming the area with excessive cabinetry, creating a dedicated coffee or children's lunch preparation zone away from the main cooking area. The lower level of the duplex, which initially comprised two bedrooms and two bathrooms, was also part of the renovation. The previous layout was deemed inefficient, with an imbalance of space. Anderson reconfigured the bathrooms and enhanced the primary suite by adding a proper closet, replacing a wall of wardrobes. A key addition to this level was a flexible room designed to serve as both an office and a guest bedroom. This multi-functional space was equipped with custom-built storage, an integrated desk, and a Murphy bed to optimize its utility. Throughout the renovation, a strong emphasis was placed on integrating color, specifically the clients' preferred blue and green hues, alongside vibrant oranges and reds. This decision was influenced by Anderson's previous work, known for its colorful designs, despite her own home being predominantly white. The design incorporated colorful elements in various areas, such as orange-red triangle tiles and a floral wallpaper in the foyer, brightly painted Farrow & Ball's Pea Flower Tea kitchen cabinets, and a striking red Kappa tile backsplash in the kitchen niche. The children's bathroom features lively Rio Belize tile and Arctic White subway tile with custom white oak vanity and colorful zinc alloy pulls, while the kids' bedroom showcases a two-tone wall with Benjamin Moore's Baltimore Sky and Superwhite. In the primary suite, an almost black hue, Farrow & Ball's Railings, was combined with Benjamin Moore's Superwhite, and the bathroom boasts white and green wall tiles, alongside blue Pixel floor tiles. Anderson highlighted the importance of balancing these bold color choices with neutral tones at eye level to prevent the spaces from feeling overwhelming. This approach aimed to deliver a home that exuded joy and reflected the clients' desire for a colorful, personalized living environment. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #DuplexApartment #Brooklyn #BeforeAndAfter #StudioOfficina

The article details the design of Black Kite's new London office by the architecture studio Bureau de Change. Black Kite, an independent visual effects and design studio located in East London, commissioned Bureau de Change founders Katerina Dionysopoulou and Billy Mavropoulos to create an uplifting workspace. The design concept centers on the use of colour and shape, specifically a series of intersecting and carved-out cylindrical volumes. These cylindrical forms are not merely decorative but serve a functional purpose in enhancing workspace utility. They are strategically integrated to create varying degrees of privacy within the office layout. This includes generating quiet reading nooks, open gathering spaces, individual desk booths, and discreetly positioned meeting areas. The architects aimed to balance modern design elements with the site's historical context. Bureau de Change's design respectfully incorporates the industrial heritage of the East End location. The abstract round shapes within the floorplan are reminiscent of traditional iron kilns, referencing the area's past. This historical nod is further reinforced by the retention of an existing grid system of slim, internal exposed concrete columns and a restrained material palette. The deliberate juxtaposition of contemporary furniture with the rough, industrial atmosphere creates an environment that is both pared-down and warm. Katerina Dionysopoulou explained that the scheme extracts and interpolates volumes and motifs from traditional Victorian foundries and kilns to create a gradient of spaces, ranging from introverted to extroverted. This design language ensures seamless integration throughout the office. The studio also addressed Black Kite's specific operational needs, particularly for production and visual effects suites that require isolation from external light and sound. The building's tall ceilings and generous proportions accommodate these enclosed sections effectively. The tactile qualities and finishes of the materials were also a critical aspect of the design. Billy Mavropoulos noted that each cylindrical volume is clad in painted routed timber surfaces, a detail inspired by the vertical seams found on traditional iron kilns. The carved-out sections within these cylinders are finished with a rough clay plaster. This choice of material creates a deliberate contrast, setting the sharp articulation of the cylinders against warm, cave-like textures, thereby enriching the spatial experience through a journey of materials, textures, and colours. #OfficeArchitecture #LondonDesign #BureauDeChange #InteriorDesign #WorkspaceDesign #ColourfulOffice #ArchitecturalInnovation #AdaptiveReuse