Where better to get interiors ideas than from the homes of the designers who set the trends? Talib Choudhry sneaks a peek
Fashion designer Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson
Colour and pattern rule in fashion designer Matthew’s North London home, as they do in his collections. He draws on far-flung lands and the glamour of the jetset in decades gone by.
The parrot wallpaper on the chimney breast is one of Matthew’s designs for Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle.com). Heal’s sells similar coffee tables (heals.com)
The vivid coral of the hallway casts a rosy glow and provides a backdrop for decorative butterflies, bespoke artwork and handpainted ceramics
Matthew’s furniture is covered in bold prints, including his signature motifs. For similar paint colours for chairs, try Charlotte’s Locks and Citron from Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com)
SHOP THE LOOKS
RUG (170cm x 240cm), £839, Heal’s, heals.com
Sophie Ashby
Interior designer Sophie became interested in property at a young age, having lived in 19 different houses by the time she was 14. Sophie set up her interior design company at 25. She lives in a one-bedroom apartment in London’s Notting Hill.
Sophie’s peripatetic childhood meant she gained a lot of experience rearranging her bedroom. Her design formula is simple and effective: earthy, desaturated colours, judiciously placed hits of pattern and ‘lots of plants and art’
Sophie is an avid collector of photographic art and often uses landscapes or seascapes in her interior design schemes. The chair is upholstered in fabric from Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com)
Sophie lived in Cape Town until she was 12 and often takes her interiors inspiration from African patterns, textures and colours
Lee Broom
Former child actor Lee is now known for designing commercial interiors that are sophisticated yet fun. There’s a similar playful vibe in his sleek flat, on the ground floor and basement of a converted Victorian fire station in Kennington, London.
Former child actor Lee Broom
The gold hoop chair, ‘parquetry’ coffee table and studded sofa are all Lee’s unique designs. Framed geometric pieces by textile artist Serena Wells (serenawells.com) add to the gallery-like feel
The open-plan kitchen-diner features a plush banquette with integrated lighting, a nod to Lee’s experience designing restaurants and bars
Serafina Sama
Fashion designer Serafina’s Italian heritage is reflected in her West London home. Among the rich tapestries, gilded floor lamps and velveteen seating are fashionable flourishes including Vivienne Westwood carpets and vintage trunks emblazoned with magnolia flowers.
Fashion designer Serafina Sama
Serafina’s two loves – Italy and fashion – come together throughout the house. Colourful, opulent touches are mixed with ethnic and vintage details. ‘My aunts had strong, individual styles, which is where a lot of my design influence comes from,’ she says
Serafina’s dressing area is located in her capacious bathroom, complete with an elegant trunk-style vanity unit LEFT
This is an edited extract from The New Creative Home by Talib Choudhry and Ingrid Rasmussen, published by Thames & Hudson, price £19.95, to order a copy for £14.96 (a 25 per cent discount) until 29 April, visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640; p&p is free on orders over £15.
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