From Rogue to Riches- London’s Interiors Jewel
Belgravia: A Jewel of British Craftsmanship and Design
Nestled in the heart of London, Belgravia has long been synonymous with elegance and old-world charm (although it must be said prior to its reinvention in the 1800s it’s reputation was a little more rogue…!) Previous digressions long past, the stucco fronted enclave is now not only home to handsome Regency architecture and exclusive boutiques, it also serves as a vibrant hub for British craftsmanship, design, and interiors. At the centre of this creative scene is the iconic Pimlico Road, a must-visit destination for any discerning interiors enthusiast seeking beautifully made furniture, lighting, and furnishings.
The Pimlico Road Design District is a charming stretch of independent showrooms, studios, and galleries that sell just about everything you need to make a home beautiful, from furniture, rugs, lighting, and art, to paint, fabrics, soft furnishings and accessories. Indeed the thriving creative community on the Pimlico Road was a big enticement in choosing to establish my office nearby in Eccleston Yards, another bohemian enclave that blends wellness, creativity, and enterprise. As well as staying closely connected to the design scene and suppliers who shape my projects, there’s a dynamic energy in the area that fuels my inspiration.
A handful of my favourites on the Pimlico Road…
Soane Britain
Known for its distinctive, globally inspired furniture, lighting, wallpapers and fabrics, the company prides itself on its passionate commitment to British manufacturing. Every element of every design is made in Britain, using a network of workshops that excel in traditional crafts. We selected their striking palm frond wallpaper for the family bathroom below.
Rose Uniacke
A celebrated designer known for her graceful, pared back interiors and curated range of furniture, lighting and fabrics. Most of her contemporary pieces are made in the UK by skilled craftspeople using environmentally conscious methods and materials. We chose her iconic clam shell uplighter for the hallway and landing in the project below.
Edward Bulmer
A leading name in eco-friendly paints made using natural pigments, the company blends sustainability with heritage colours and has become my go-to paint supplier for its richly hued treasure trove of healthy and environmentally kind paints such as the deep ox blood shade we used in the study below.
Collier Webb
Renowned for their exquisitely handcrafted lighting, mirrors, and furniture, made by British artisans and engineers using both traditional techniques and innovative approaches they create timeless pieces that fuse tradition and modernity.
Chelsea Textiles
Known for its artisan textiles created by master craftsman using only authentic materials, their classic fabrics are built to stand the test of time. Although the company started with a focus on antique and archival textiles many of its textiles such as the playful striped satin weave linen we chose for the power room below pair beautifully with more contemporary schemes.
The Odd Chair Company
Specialising in meticulously crafted custom and bespoke handmade furniture and upholstery the company prides itself in honouring traditional techniques. A wonderful example of such a technique is the hand caned rattan shown on the Berge seat below that we commissioned for one of our projects.
Events & Inspiration- London Craft Week: Pimlico Series
If you’re feeling encouraged to make a trip to the Pimlico Road then attending one the many design-focused events throughout the year can be a great way to immerse yourself in interiors inspiration and enjoy the seasonal showcases. One of the most popular is London Craft Week’s Pimlico Series which is taking place 12th-18th May this year. This dedicated programme highlights the rich heritage of British craftsmanship, offering a platform for artisans to showcase their skills. From live demonstrations to interactive workshops, the Pimlico Series provides an opportunity to experience the talent that defines the area first hand.
R&R
Of course, with all of the trotting around and stimulation of perusing you may need to rest your legs and get a bite to eat. Daylesford is great if you’re in a rush but if you wish to linger before re-entering the fray then you must go to La Poule au Pot, my only caution is that too much of their highly delicious tarte tatin may make post-prandial exertion rather difficult.