London calling...

I've had a few friends from here leave for Old London Town lately, so its been on my mind a bit. Perhaps that's why I've been buying more UK decorating magazines lately, or perhaps its because all the US ones keep folding? Either way, I was flipping through a copy of 'The World of Interiors' and stumbled upon the London townhouse of the New Zealand-born decorator Veere Grenney (ex director at Colefax & Fowler). I am smitten. It has so many elements that I love in a home - i.e. a great mix of furniture, fabrics and colours - and the building itself has such great bones. I love that he has been able to bring in so many different styles and periods and make such a harmonious atmosphere. Hope you enjoy!



A 1930's Jansen chandelier hangs above a Grenney designed table and a set of c.1790 Viennese dining chairs. "Temple" fabric, a Grenney designed homage to David Hicks, lines the walls.


Two Robsjohn-Gibbings armchairs in the living room flank a Regency period table. The mix of furniture and styles in this room is fabulous. Those drapes and the cabinet (left side image) mixed with a big ottoman, parsons style -ish coffee table, travertine fireplace and sisal carpets is sheer genius. It's modern, but its homey at the same time.

The Jansen desk was actually made for Billy Baldwin in the 1950's. To die for. And I'm loving the wall colours here too.

A bedroom thats much more traditional looking than the living space, but not too stuffy or formal. Another Grenney designed fabric, Ferne Park, is used to dress the four poster bed.

Everything in this home says to me - modern English at its best. I highly recommend you check out his website - there are some amazing photos of other projects that are also jaw dropping. Or, I could be tempted to do another post. I'm that smitten.

Images from 'The World of Interiors' UK edition, March 2008, photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg.