Displaying posts labeled "Art"

House of Otto

Posted on Mon, 22 Jan 2024 by KiM

A range hood and headboard created from architectural salvage from France. A French sideboard converted into an island. A lacquered yellow butlers pantry. A curved plaster staircase. A speakeasy behind a hidden door with a massive bar. A gentleman’s office hidden behind a wall panel in the dressing room. Annie Brahler of Euro Trash is the absolute queen of drama and this home is dramatic like I’ve never seen. Her jaw-dropping use of European salvage is what really sets her apart from other designers and her lack of fear and always stepping outside the box is really inspiring. I’m obsessed. Photos: Bjorn Wallander.

A designer’s own

Posted on Mon, 15 Jan 2024 by midcenturyjo

“Located in London’s iconic brutalist Barbican building, this apartment is both complimentary of the original architecture while also exuding a warm contemporary character.

With two bedrooms and two bathrooms set over 1300 square feet, every inch of space was carefully considered. Exquisite details include Venetian plaster walls and custom door handles. Beautiful woods are used throughout, from exquisite burl wood panelling in the entrance hall and sumptuous television room to the hand-lathed end grain timber flooring inspired by the cobblestones of Paris from the 19th century and pippy oak wood joinery with Arni Fantastico marble details in the open plan kitchen. A jewel box bathroom is entirely clad in dramatic Cipollino marble. 

A colour palette of soft pastels extends from hand-tufted rugs to a custom-designed blush velvet curvilinear sofa and a lovingly curated art collection. Much of the furniture was custom designed for the apartment.”

Contemporary, liveable interiors with an elegant and eclectic European point of view. That’s the trademark of London and New York based Bryan O’Sullivan Studio and no more evident than in his own home. Think glamour with a touch that is fresh and fun.

Photography by James McDonald.


Frances Merrill of Reath Design created magic in another jaw-dropping home and I could not love this more. It is full of colour and whimsy, an eclectic mix of styles (super feminine, diner-chic, granny vintage and some 50s retro) and patterns and textures that are drool-worthy. It’s our first week posting for 2024 and I’m already wondering what I can find this year that would top this. Photos: Laure Joliet

Whoever said spaces need to flow and coordinate from one room to the next, and whoever said you can have too much pattern should stop talking and check out this gorgeous Kensington home designed by Studio QD (Jena Quinn and Lucy Derbyshire) and Nicky Haslam. Should you even wrap the wallpaper around the columns? Yes, you should. Should you also add mirrors to frame a doorway? Yes, you should.

Uniquely Hollie Bowden in Covent Garden

Posted on Thu, 21 Dec 2023 by KiM

Hollie Bowden always has a unique, quirky angle to her designs and this Covent Garden project is just that. Shades of yellow and cream add a cheerfulness to these spaces. It’s modern and minimalist and edgy and a perfect backdrop for featuring graphic artwork, and furnishings that are themselves art. Photos: Genevieve Lutkin.