THE HIDDEN PEARL
Following in the tradition of my slightly tongue in cheek project names, I’ve nicknamed my latest project, the renovation of my own home, ‘ The Hidden Pearl’, as to be perfectly blunt, the flat had been rather neglected when I got my mittens on it and needed a bit of a polish! I often joke that I love a challenge which is surely proof that you have to be careful what you wish for! Hehe. But as they say, 'No grit, no pearl.'
Take a peek at a couple of the finished spaces below, followed by a more in depth look at some of the personal pieces in my home. And last but not least read a little preview of my recent conversation with Société magazine which will be published in full later this week.
The Sitting Room
The Bedroom
CURATED COLLECTIONS
Embark on a journey with me as I reveal the backstory behind some of the personal pieces in my home…
Indian chairs
These are colonial style teak wood chairs. My aunt who has lived in India and Pakistan has a beautiful collection of fabrics, carpets and furniture from her stints living in South Asia which I’m sure shaped my taste.
Chinoiserie stool
I’ve had this as long as I can remember as it was in my childhood home. It was designated my ‘special seat’ when guests spilled over and extra seating was required. A rather ingenious way my parent’s devised to get me to give up a comfortable spot on the sofa.
Hammam bowl
I’m slightly embarrassed to admit when I first saw the bowl I thought it was a vintage bundt cake tin but a little research revealed it’s true use was to ladle water over the bather in a hammam. The central indentation providing a pillow to cradle their head when turned upside down!
Arched headboard
One of the influences for the Mughal shape is a row of Edwardian Anglo-Indian houses on the promenade in the seaside town I grew up in. They were a slice of exoticism next to one of my all-time favourite buildings, the clean lined De La Warr Pavilion. I love the contrast between them.
Oriental lamp
In truth, I don’t know too much about this lamp that caught my eye with its pearlescent lusterware glaze. It’s Imari-esque but not Imari. If anyone has any clues I’m all ears!
IN CONVERSATION WITH SOCIÉTÉ MAGAZINE
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re working on a handful of projects at the moment. The next to wrap up will be phase one of a colourful and expressive family home in Muswell Hill which has been a delight as the wife is a fashion stylist and is just as fond of colour and quirky details as I am!
We’re also due to complete a contemporary family home in Stoke Newington later this summer which has been an absolute dream project as it’s involved lots of collaboration with two super talented British cabinet makers, Jacob Alexander and Stuart Indge.
One of my key aims for the year was to support more British makers as it’s not only good for the environment but encourages future generations of artisans to continue to evolve their various crafts so working closely with these two South London based workshops has been a brilliant experience.
Which room in your new project, ‘The Hidden Pearl’ did you enjoy working on the most and why?
It would have to be my bedroom. It has beautiful light and feels super serene now but when I first got my hands on it I had my work cut out as it was a cacophony of 70s décor misdemeanours. So I rolled up my sleeves and got stuck in!
As it was the first room to be renovated it became my sanctuary during the refurb and contains some of my favourite pieces. One of those is the fire surround which I bought years ago. I’d been waiting for the right place to put it so installing it was a highlight and it’s become a focal point.
If you could design a room for any fictional character, who would it be and what would the room look like?
Ooh, this is such a fun question…In my own flat, especially the dressing room, I took inspiration from dusky film noir sets. ‘The Big Sleep’ being a favourite as there’s a heady cocktail of art deco and chinoiserie in some of the more overtly feminine rooms.
As a counterpoint, I’d design the bedroom of the male protagonist, private eye, Philip Marlowe. I’m thinking strong lines and art deco shapes but in a heavier more angular style. A simple backdrop with restrained use of bold colour on one or two key furnishings, perhaps a plush geometric rug, with an American art deco leather club chair in dark leather, a burl cocktail cabinet and bookcase to set the scene for sleuthing!
