An Englishman’s home is his castle. Or so the saying goes. In a city where entertaining takes place as equally at home (if not more) than in bars and restaurants, home décor and interior design have always been something of an obsession for Londoners. Marie Teather looks at five home décor boutiques that you really need to introduce to your four walls.
Christian Liaigre
Christian Liaigre’s services have been sought from some of the world’s richest— Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld and Rupert Murdoch are just some of his well-heeled clients. Liaigre works with his studio team of twelve interior designers and architects and rarely creates a new design that doesn’t receive some form of media attention; Manhatten’s Mercer Hotel, a multimillion-dallar and 220ft superyatch, and London favorite Japanese restaurant Hakkasan. Contact his office in Chelsea if you think you have a design big enough.
66-70 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HH
020 7584 5848
UniQue Home
A boutique store that specializes in contemporary European furniture and retro modernist pieces, UniQue Home’s designs are timeless and sophisticated with pieces chosen on quality workmanship. From bespoke furniture to having your home custom designed, Chelsea-based Unique describes itself as a the complete ‘lifestyle company.’ Creative director, Matt Mehra applies his talent and skill for color coordination and style while keeping each interior personal and, as the name would suggest, consultations are unique to each client’s individual surroundings and lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This report is far from unbiased—my gorgeously styled and wholly refurbished home is one of Matt’s creations! Highly recommended.
26 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9NB
0207 351 5181
Harrods
The UK’s largest corner shop and the store that once promised it can whatever you want, Harrods still leads the way in worldly and the finest of home furnishings. So what is you want? A £1,469 nine-piece knife set? The $1.6 million billiard table commissioned for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Exhibition in 1887? Or maybe it’s your dog that’s has his eyes on the £1,200 WowBow bed? Whatever it is, it’s yours at Harrods.
87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
020 7730 1234
Chelsea Harbour Design Centre
With 74 showrooms showcasing over 120 brands, Chelsea Harbour Design Centre features the best of London’s interior design. Whether you are looking for a specific furnishing for your home or for inspiration for a room or house redesign, the Design Centre is the best place to start getting your creative inspiration flowing. Even if you are not looking for anything unparticular, with information desks, interactive maps to guide you around the showrooms, a café, and personal shoppers on hand, you may be here some time.
Chelsea Harbour, Chelsea, London, SW10 0XE
020 7225 9100
www.designcentrechelseaharbour.co.uk
Kelly Hoppen Interiors
World-renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen has seen her simple but opulent style featured in style guides across the globe. Think strong but muted color tones, luxurious furnishings, and a warm extravagance to your home and you’re starting to get it. As well as designing apartments, houses, and yachts for an international list of private clients, Kelly also undertakes commercial commissions including hotel, restaurant, office, and aircraft interiors.
102a Chepsow Road, St. Stephen’s Yard, London, W2 5QW
020 7471 3350
