It’s always great to get your hands on an interior design book that is full of inspiration and ideas, and Creative Living London has a little twist; all of its featured homeowners may have inspired you already, as they are all creative designers, stylists and artists. The through the keyhole vibe of this book gives the reader a wonderful insight into some of the most beautifully decorated homes in London; full of personality, style and of course creativity it’s a fun display and great way to get inspired. Here are a few of my favourite shots from the book.
Marianne Cotterill’s Home
This dining area in stylist Marianne Cotterill’s home is full of bold style choices and beautifully contrasted elements. The futuristic style of Eero Saarinen’s Tulip chairs and table against the original Victorian tiles are the perfect style clash. I especially love the pastel pink radiator in the background, a fun stylish addition.
While we’re on the subject of perfect clashes, Lisa Eldridge and Robin Derrick’s living room is full to the brim of different patterns that all work seamlessly together, even the gallery wall of paintings and photographs acts as its own pattern in a sense. The two bold fabrics from the rug and sofa shouldn’t work together but somehow do, along with the plush scatter cushions, a multi pattern room technically shouldn’t look soothing and calm, but they managed to nail it here.
Lisa Eldridge and Robin Derrick’s Home
Martin Ferrell’s Home
From busy and serene to minimalist and serene, this simply dressed bedroom is utterly beautiful. The painting along with the petite glass chandelier are an interesting combination, while the crisp white bedding allows them to do all the talking.
Fashion stylist and art director Claire Durbridge and Bob Sakoui have decorated their hallway in a unique and fun way; the geometric painted pattern on the back of the front door adds a sense of humour to the glamorous entryway. The gold assortment of mirrors and the vintage cinema seats with sumptuous berry red velvet creates a standout feature.
Claire Durbridge and Bob Sakoui’s Home
There is a really beautiful sense of bohemian glamour in interior designer Jo Berryman’s home. The single tall cactus in its hexagonal pot next the antique Louis sofa is effortlessly put together. Moving onto the bathroom, its chandelier, roll top bath and seating area are all elements that seem a little too much in theory, but here they all work into a scheme that would seem wrong without every piece.
Jo Berryman’s Home
Jo Berryman’s Home
Neisha Crosland is a wonderful textile designer, and her home perfectly suits her aesthetic. A quick look at her dining room and London might not be your first thought as to where it was located. The Japanese tree mural is simply stunning with the blossom tree framing the outside trees wonderfully. The embroidery on her headboard is another amazing and intricate addition to the house.
Neisha Crosland’s Home
Neisha Crosland’s Home
I absolutely love the effect that these glasses storage boxes and long pile rug create, giving the boxes a textural feel. This cosy bedroom of interior designers Joelle Talmasse and Martyn Gayle proves that you needn’t been deterred by the prospect of an attic room and sloping walls.
Joelle Talmasse and Martyn Gayle’s Home
What really caught my eye in this dressing room was how wonderfully retro it was, and yet still felt contemporary due to the wallpaper. The shining star of this room for me however, is the chandelier which is just a beautiful little touch.
Jo Wood’s Home
Mawi Keivom’s Home
When so many interiors are so serious it’s always great to see one that has a strong element of fun in it, without jeopardising the style and sophistication. Mawi Keivom, a jewellery designer, offset’s her electric yellow wall with a bold embroidered blue and white bedding; the whole look has a soft, romantic feel in a contemporary, atypical way.
David Carter’s Home
There’s a lot going on this narrow hallway in the home of David Carter, an interior designer. There’s a great deal of whimsy, man in the red slippers hanging elegantly on the wall for one. The dark black walls and gold ceiling fit the space well and the pops of colour give it a touch of life.
If I had tried to imagine Zandra Rhodes’s London home, I probably would have conjured up something similar to the reality, but nowhere near as perfectly curated. There’s a real sense of eclecticism to the style going on here, from the collection of vibrant chairs, to the vases with their own stands, it’s both wild and collected as the same time; chaotic and calm.
Zandra Rhodes’s Home
A neon yellow, high gloss finish on tongue and groove floor to ceiling panelling might not sound like a good idea, but after seeing Annie Morris and Idris Khan’s home, the jury’s out and opinion’s starting to change. The look is soften by the use of the rustic wooden sideboard and by reintroducing the colour palette in a piece of art; it definitely makes you want to explore the home further.
Annie Morris and Idris Khan’s Home
Creative Living London is a fantastic book if you’re looking for inspiration and unique ways to approach decorating a home. Full of beautiful images and words, a great buy to add to your collection.
Creative Living London is written by Emily Wheeler, photographed by Ingrid Rasmussen and published by Thames & Hudson.
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