West London is known for its idyllic garden squares, crescents, and avenues. Rows of grand, symmetrical townhouses the backdrop to many a romantic London film.
When it comes to design, few combinations are as harmonious as Italian furniture in the lofty surrounds of these elegant buildings. High ceilings, cornicing and panelled walls, juxtaposed with minimal contemporary or mid-century Italian décor, epitomise the stealth-wealth aesthetic that permeates these hyper-affluent, understated enclaves.
Italian furniture and décor are known for their graceful lines, exquisite craftsmanship, and impeccable detailing. Classic Italian furniture, such as ornate console tables, gilded mirrors, and intricately carved armchairs blend effortlessly with the refined elegance of a London townhouse. Curved and sinuous forms can be juxtaposed with clean lines and contemporary Italian furnishings from places like Lineaselect.com, creating a high-end, tranquil and timeless aesthetic.
Grand Italian marble bathtubs are all the rage amongst the Notting Hill set, with outdoor baths a close second. Botanical forms inspire asymmetric figure-of-eight shaped tubs by the brand Agape. And anyone who’s anyone has Italian washbasins.
Artwork, sculptures, and decorative accessories that pay homage to Italian masters can be strategically placed to create focal points and evoke a sense of cultural richness. Old English oak floorboards are the perfect foil for an Italian Arketipo chaise longue. A composition of classical lines take on a life of their own in this black leather delight – think the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, in Italian.
Oft overlooked, lighting is critical to any interior, and the well-versed of West London know this all too well. The rich and tasteful opt for pieces like the Foscarini Plena pendant lamp – a cream free-form two-dimensional dome hovering above an up-lit bulb – the light hits the oval dome and diffuses, scattering evenly across these impeccable homes.
High-end Italian pieces form the perfect marriage with the heritage and grandeur of a West London townhouse. Complimenting one another in both scale and elegance, Italian design elevates the once-chintzy interiors of this privileged elite.
