Willow’s home is fresh and livable, with artwork that tells the story of her travels, interests and life. A connective creative thread runs through all spaces. Mattress in Living roomFor example, there was inspiration for ‘One Way’, a fabric design she worked on for Kit Camp’s collection with textiles and Wallpaper designer Christopher Farr, and which line the entrance walls and above the stairs. Attention to subtle detail – pops of colored piping, contrasting leather and a handle on the top of dining chairs, studding on furniture where the two materials meet – add more interest.
The building was originally an artist’s studio occupied by landscape painters, and is constructed of red brick with white stucco, and has a distinctive Arts and Crafts appearance. decoration to the entrance portico. ‘My top floor flat has a beautiful, large, full-width bay window to the east and vertical sash windows to the north and south, making it particularly light and airy,’ explains Willow. ‘I love how you feel in touch with Chelsea’s past, when artists’ studios were concentrated.’ in BedroomHe often paints at a 19th-century rosewood heirloom desk with delightful cardboard lamps by Biarritz artist Mimi Chanard and a view of Chelsea beyond.
The flat is a place for Willow to display its various collections so that the pieces communicate with each other, giving the space character, energy and soul. ‘When I come home from a long day at work, I like to open the door to my happy home,’ he says. ‘I often sit on a window seat made by extending the windowsills and adding a comfortable cushion. I’m up in the loft, so curtains Swing back and lined with ticking fabric. I can see on the south facing leaf garden Or in my open-plan living room and kitchen flooded with light from the original studio window.’
This is an extended extract from ‘All things considered: thoughtful interior design that mixes pattern, color and style’ By Emilio Pimentel-Reed (Hardy Grant).
