London, a city with rich history and diverse culture, has forever been a melting pot of iconic architectural wonders. Amidst its historic landmarks and cutting-edge skyscrapers, the real heart of the city's design ethos can be seen in its interior architecture in London. At Ward & Co Interiors, we’ve witnessed and actively participated in the evolution of interior architecture in London, curating spaces that tell tales of their own.
The Unique Blend of Architecture and Interior Design in London
When it comes to architecture and interior design, London offers a unique blend of the old and new. While the skyline might boast the grandeur of the Shard and the Gherkin, step inside some of these structures, and you're immediately embraced by a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary design. The interior architecture in London stands as a testament to this harmonious blend, narrating an intriguing story that spans across centuries.
Historic buildings are renovated with respect to their original architecture, yet they are infused with modern-day design elements that make them relevant to the current era. As a result, the interiors of London buildings narrate an intriguing story that spans across centuries, a defining characteristic of interior architecture in London.
Ward & Co Interiors: Crafting Iconic Interiors
At the heart of London's interior architectural revolution is Ward & Co Interiors. With years of expertise under our belts, we pride ourselves on understanding the delicate balance between the exterior and interior of a space. Our designs are not just about creating a beautiful space, but also about ensuring that the architecture and design language of the building is seamless and coherent.
Our ethos revolves around the idea that interior architecture in London is not just about aesthetic appeal. It's about functionality, about ensuring that a space is as practical as it is beautiful. It’s about creating a narrative, a story that resonates with the people who inhabit that space.
Why is London a Mecca for Interior Architecture?
London, with its eclectic mix of cultures and styles, serves as a canvas for innovation in interior design. The market here is ripe for designers and architects willing to take risks and redefine norms.
Diverse Clientele
The rich and varied clientele in London, from international business magnates to local artisans, demands bespoke designs that reflect their unique personalities and preferences.
Historic and Contemporary Fusion
As mentioned earlier, the blend of the city's historic core with modern amenities provides an unparalleled opportunity for creativity.
Global Influences
The cosmopolitan nature of London ensures that there’s a constant influx of global trends, making it a breeding ground for innovative design ideas.
The Future of Interior Architecture in London
The future of architecture and interior design in London is promising. As sustainability and environmental concerns come to the forefront, designers and architects, including our team at Ward & Co Interiors, are moving towards eco-friendly designs, materials, and processes.
There's a growing emphasis on creating multifunctional spaces, especially in urban settings where space is at a premium. With the advent of technology, smart homes with integrated tech solutions are no longer just a luxury but are becoming a standard.
Conclusion
London's interior architecture scene, while deeply rooted in history, is constantly evolving. Ward & Co Interiors are at the forefront of this evolution, driving change and setting new benchmarks. For anyone with a penchant for design, the city offers a treasure trove of inspiration, and for us, it offers an endless canvas to showcase our craft.
Beautiful finds, names you might not know and some of our favourite small, independent brands. Everyone needs a helping hand at this time. Keep them on your radar – they’re really special.
1. GARDECO - REGINA MEDEIROS CERAMICS
Gardeco is such a great place to find unique pieces from lesser-known designers around the world. I really love this collection of ceramics by Brazilian artist Regina Medeiros - the shapes and details are really beautiful.
2. MARTIN HUXFORD STUDIO - LIGHTING
These guys design truly outstanding lighting fixtures. We recently used this Reflect light for our Academy Gardens project and not only did it look stunning, but the team were truly lovely to work with.
3. NAOMI PAUL - CROCHET LAMP
I love the versatility of this crochet lamp. Their style is consistently elegant and sustainable - I'm looking forward to using this piece in our upcoming Antigua project. Watch this space!
4. SILK-KA - FLOWERS FOR LIFE
Silk-ka are a Dutch company who hand-craft the most beautiful silk flower arrangements. I came across them at the Maison&Objet expo and fell in love with the vibrant colours and the creativity of their displays.
5. TIMOROUS BEASTIES
This design-led company makes the most exquisite and unique fabrics and wallpapers. Their creativity and mix of colours make for some really stunning pieces - definitely one to bookmark for when you're looking to make a statement.
6. ABBOTT & BOYD
The range of different luxury fabrics available from A&B is huge and yet they all compliment each other so well. Their showroom is also well worth a visit - the displays make it delightfully easy to explore the colourways you are going for.
7. D'ARTS - LUXURY WALLPAPER
This brand designs the most beautiful bespoke printed wallpaper. Inspired by traditional Chinoiserie, each panel really gives the effect of being hand-painted. We worked with D'Arts on our recent Academy Gardens Project and were so thrilled with the results.
8. TOM FAULKNER - BESPOKE FURNITURE
From their studio in Wiltshire, Tom Faulkner's team hand-make some of the most eye-catching bespoke furniture. Often simple forms are used to create the most beautiful pieces. This stool is from their new California-inspired 'Papillon' collection - definitely worth checking out.
9. TOM RAFFIELD - FURNITURE
The level of innovation and craftsmanship that goes into these pieces is really extraordinary. They use steam-bending to create incredible shapes (like this Amble Hanging Seat) and more importantly do all of this while keeping sustainability at the very heart of their work. Bravo.
10. DEIRDRE DYSON
These hand-crafted carpets and rugs really are works of art. I spotted this hand-knotted wool and silk rug from the 'Slivers' collection at an exhibition recently and can't wait to find a home for it in a future project.
If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email:
hello@wardandco.com or by phone:
+44 (0)20 3667 7796.
Ask a woman what her dream room in her perfect home would be and chances are it won’t be a kitchen.
It’s more likely to be a large walk-in wardrobe (with a designer clothing budget to match).
Large walk-in dressing areas are a facet of interiors which I am being asked to create more and more frequently. My clients are very specific about what they are looking for.
With a walk-in closet (as our State-side friends call a walk-in wardrobe) you can arrange your clothes in order of season, colour and event. They’ll be stored in the best conditions and you can see what you have at a glance. (Or several glances if you have a particularly large collection of clothes).
It’s all about planning an outfit and being able browse through the clothes you have (and decide on what is missing).
I like to include a comfortable squashy seating area in a dressing room. Somewhere for the girlfriends to sit (or the husband, boyfriend or partner) while outfits and shoes are paraded.
In fact, let’s start with shoes. In my dressing areas I use racks to hold a growing shoe collection. Forget boxes to hold shoes. No, what women really want is to have their shoes right out there in front. Almost as though they are works of art (which in fact Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are). That’s exactly how I treat shoe storage, as you can see here.
Next up are open hanging wardrobes which can showcase frocks, blouses, skirts, trousers. So the wearer can see at a glance what’s there and dress accordingly. What works with what. Play around with colours, textures and seasonality.
Vertical storage space is also a must for sweaters, tops and underwear
Some storage experts say that you should rank different types of clothes separately – skirts, dresses, shirts. Others say you should storage separates by outfit.
Personally I like having my skirts in serried ranks, then trousers, blouses, frocks …
Clients will need shelves and cabinets for accessories – hats for Ascot and weddings, silk scarves, the handbag collection … scarves …
On the subject of accessories, there’s nothing like trying on jewellery with an outfit – so perhaps a safe near the dressing area?
Mirrors and lighting are crucial
Another crucial element in the perfect dressing room is a floor length mirror – in fact a three way mirror so you can look at an outfit from different angles.
When I’m designing an interior, I always discuss the client’s lifestyle with them if I’m creating a dressing room. If I know how they spend their leisure time it gives me great insight into the space they’re going to need for their wardrobe.
Finally, I spend a lot of time thinking about lighting. Lights inside cabinets that illuminate the contents within when the door is opened. Other more decorative lights to turn a shoe collection into something resembling an art installation.
Whilst I think a dressing room should be practical and offer the most effective and roomy storage it also needs to be beautiful and a private space in which to relax, reflect and prepare for the day ahead and those special social events that are so fun to attend.
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Fireplaces have created natural focal points for rooms for hundreds of years and today, even in the most modern house, a fireplace or freestanding woodburning stone imparts a welcoming atmosphere.
We've been focusing on fireplaces in the past week over on our Instagram and here are our thoughts.
How furniture is placed around a fireplace is important. A hearth with a blazing fire will form a natural gathering place and for relaxed conversation, group a low table and comfortable chairs nearby. This photograph is taken in a country pub and the furniture has been cleverly arranged to make everyone feel at home and welcomed.
We're big on Instagram and it's a fantastic place to find new ideas and inspiration.
This week we've been looking at stylish ideas for Christmas decoration on our Instagram page - here's what we've found.
Always think about your Christmas colour scheme. In these images we've chosen a neutral palette of grey and silver - which is easy to put together. Sometimes life is less complicated when you have fewer choices.
In any case, these colours work beautifully together. For your Christmas wreath, consider mixing in eucalyptus leaves as shown above. Add battery operated Christmas lights for some extra sparkle. Berries don't have to be red - white berries can be very stylish.
Some of our favourite things about Christmas decorating are the timeless classic pieces that are staple to your festive home. It certainly wouldn't feel like Christmas without a gorgeous, natural wreath to hang on the door. There are so many great options to choose from too!
This balustrade decor idea is the perfect finishing touch to make a festive home extra special! The natural element of the greenery combined with lights is a timeless and will certainly impress guests!
It's really easy to get this look. Buy stockings in one colour and then decorate with greenery and battery operated lights (in white of course).
When decorating for Christmas, whether your home or a dinner table it's always good to follow a certain theme or style.
Scandi style as shown here is very classy and timeless. Keep candles white, linen in neutrals and embellish with splashes of silver metallics. Love the long piece of greenery trailing down the centre of the table here and the napkins tied with a pine cone.
One thing is for sure, at Christmas you can never have too many candles! They can change the whole feel of a room and are perfect for dinners and cosy nights in. We especially love festive-scented options!
This look is all about layering. Layer comfy cushions with sheepskin rugs (remember that neutral colour palette.
Decorations shouldn't be confined to the tree! These Christmas decorations by @neptunehomeofficial completely transform this dining scheme - giving it that winter wonderland magic!
Christmas may be about bringing together friends, family and loved ones.. but it's also about amazing food!
Think about shareable starters - like this warming bread round with camembert. Gather round, chat and enjoy!