Here at Willow & Hall, we live, breathe and dream interior design, so it should come as no surprise that our appetite for all things home inspired is nigh on insatiable. Give us an interiors magazine and we'll be quiet and content from the time it takes us to thumb through from cover to cover. Even our Sky Plus planner is packed to capacity with interiors themed TV shows. But it doesn't stop there. Being based in the capital we're not short of spaces to feed our interiors obsession. So if, like us, you enjoy a good ogle at a beautifully designed space, we've selected 5 of our favourite spots in the city that are a must-see for interiors addicts.
1. The Geffrye Museum, Hoxton
This museum, dedicated to homes throughout the ages, is set in an eighteenth century almshouse, just outside the Hoxton Overground station in East London. Divided into a series of room sets, it charts the journey of interior design from the 1600's through to present day and makes for a fascinating insight into how home design has evolved through the decades.
2. Willow Road, Hampstead
Fans of modernist style will adore 2 Willow Road. A National Trust property, and member of London Small Historic Houses, Willow Road was originally built and lived in by architect Erno Goldfinger in 1939. Today, the house is perfectly preserved, like a living time capsule, with Erno's possessions and furnishings still in situ. Access is by guided tour only, on a first come, first served, basis so get there early to secure your place.
3. Dishoom, Kings Cross
Several branches of Indian fusion restaurant Dishoom are scattered around London, but the Kings Cross branch, on Stable Street, is by far and away our favourite. The interiors of this old transit shed have been transformed to take on the look and feel of a colonial Indian café. You can pop in just for a drink at the bar but the food here is so good we recommend staying for dinner and drinking in the surroundings a little longer.
4. Leighton House, Holland Park
Stepping inside Leighton House is like being transported to the Middle East, something the humble looking exterior of the building can't prepare you for. Once home to artist Lord Leighton, the house took 30 years to turn it into the tribute to Arab and Islamic design it now embodies today. Its central golden dome, decorative tiled mosaics and intricate carvings are absolutely breathtaking and a gorgeous sight to behold. This is one museum not to be missed.
5. Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick
This stunning neo-Palladium villa looks as though it should be located in Italy, but we're glad it's here in West London instead. Dating back to 1979, the jaw-dropping interiors by William Kent are a sight for sore eyes, and pay homage to the exquisite opulence of renaissance style.
We hope you enjoy indulging!
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team