Fancy an house as beautiful as the Beckham’s? Not really an easy ride, but a special list of London’s hottest design storesmight be of help. That’s why we asked South-African interior designer Kelly Hoppen, the one who kicked off her career at the age of 16 by sketching out her family house’s kitchen layout. Architecture has been her greatest passion ever since, to the point that she later managed to deliver plenty of VIP and international celebs’ house interiors (apart from the Beckhams, she also worked for Martin Shaw), along with yachts, private jets, restaurants and workspaces. Her latest projects include fresh new collaborations with Pearl Motor Yacht and LUX* Belle Mare luxury resort in Mauritius.
So who better than she can more successfully drop a top 5 of London’s best design stores? Here follow 5 secluded gems for genuine design enthusiasts willing to give their home a stylish and bolder touch. How about the key words? Oh well, originality and sophistication.
If you are planning a visit to London – and maybe hop by the London Design Festival 2017 to browse among tons of exhibitors at Designjunction or 100% Design in search for brand new inspiration – this short guide will turn out to be a useful travel companion.
Conran Shop
Founded by Terence Conran in the heart of Chelsea back in 1974, within the premises of the historical building Michelin House, this store has recently landed to Marylebone and Paris, quickly being acknowledged as a prestigious landmark for luxury and avant-garde design. You may found a bit of everything down here: from home accessories and gift items to furniture and beauty & body-care products.
On the occasion of the London Design Week, don’t you dare missing Craft Laboratory, the site-specific installation by British brand PINCH; not only, but four Our/London Vodka infusions are being brought to life as sculptures by Isabel + Helen, exploring what a bottle of clear liquid really looks like.
French Connection Home
In my work, I always try to mix luxury accessories and custom-made furniture with more affordable yet equally gorgeous objects. This shop is a go-to place for grabbing great stuff for all budges, artfully crafted and stunning to look at. You know, sometimes you don’t necessarily have to go bankrupt to decorate your house in fashion!
Alfie's Antique Market
Located in Church Street, 13-25, in the very heart of Marylebone, Alfie’s Market is an actual hidden gem you probably have never heard of – a real Eden for vintage lovers looking for one-of-a-kind home trinkets. I head over here overtime I can, eager to rummage through their unique collections after new inspiration and ideas. This place is indeed a great storyteller.
House of Hackney in Shoreditch
I am fond of the House of Hackney, really. I especially love their floral patterns, which are getting increasingly trendy these days. Not to mention their Seventies-inspired collections, and overall crazy style. Here in London, we generally call it “quirky”. The address? Shoreditch High Street, 131-132.
Portobello Road – The Cloth Shop
This shop is an unlimited source of stunning fabrics, and certainly ranks high up in my personal top five. As far as I recall, it has been there since for ever. Opened nearly 100 years ago, the store and its people have always assisted generations of customers struggling with home decor. My heart also goes to the Portobello market and its unmatchably eclectic offer. I enjoy going there and doing some people-watching, with a special eye for those same old East Ender rowdy vendors. Such an enthralling cultural mix!
Opening photo: Interior designer Kelly Hoppen let us explore 5 secret gems where to snatch plenty of design must-haves. A short guide for genuine design lovers.
