DREAM DINING ROOM Overlooking London’s Regent’s Park, this space works to retain its connection to nature
RICH NEUTRAL TONES AND CONTRASTING SILVER MARRY TO CREATE THIS SOPHISTICATED SPACE BY DESIGNER LOUISE BRADLEY
1. I WORKED with my clients on this Grade I-listed house in London’s Regent’s Park 10 years ago and they asked me back to give it a new and exciting look. Together we came up with a design that combines bespoke joinery, distinctive furniture and antiques to underline the historic architecture of the house.
2. This first-floor room overlooks Regent’s Park and it was important to retain a connection to nature. We selected a silk mink wallcovering and chose not to use window treatments to make the most of the spectacular views. I then used a cooler shade for the upholstery and a silver leaf finish for the bespoke furniture pieces.
3. THE SHAPE of the dining room dictated a central table, which serves to anchor the scheme. It’s finished in an aged pewter with églomisé baguettes to the surrounding edge; as with all of my projects, I work with British artisans and craftsmen to create unique pieces.
4. I can’t imagine a room without plants or flowers – they bring life into any interior. Here is a combination of orchids and ferns on the dining table and asparagus ferns placed on antique marble columns that I sourced on a trip to Paris.
5. GOOD INTERIOR DESIGN always combines refined aesthetics with functionality: the silver leaf credenza with fluted doors houses the air-cooling system placed between the windows. On the other side of the room, the bespoke cabinet with bronze and glass display shelving showcases the client’s collection of antique glassware, while offering a practical storage beneath for the formal dinner service and cutlery. The marble top is both a beautiful and practical solution for serving.
Louise Bradley grew up surrounded by creativity: her father ran an interiors boutique in Hampstead. Rather than joining the family business, she opened her own showroom in 1991 and launched a design studio soon after. Now heading up her team of architects and designers and with a flagship showroom in Knightsbridge, Louise is known for combining classic influences with a contemporary edge. Louise Bradley, 020 7589 1442, louisebradley.co.uk