Colorful Classic Decor in London? Yes, indeed you read that right. Colorful.
While white decor may be favored far and wide here in Lovelyland, we are not rigid or blind to the beauty of colorful interiors. Energizing and stirring, a colorful room can lift the spirit, transport the heart, and awaken the senses in lovely mysterious ways! Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa’ explored today is the work of Studio L London, who harmonized multiple influences in a luxurious three-bedroom London apartment.
Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa’
Today it’s a pleasure to spotlight Studio L London, with designer Laura Marino at the helm, who takes a discerning, unexpected, aspirational-with-a-touch-of fantasy approach to varied bespoke projects.
Design: Studio L London IG: studiollondon Pinterest: Studio L, London All Photography: Nick Rochowski IG: objectsofjourney Architecture: TateHindle
First, An Overview
‘Out of Africa,’ British Colonial, the softer side of Victoriana, and even a nod to American preppy style (raise your hand if you wore a preppy pink polo with Kelly green and boat shoes three decades ago!) were woven into a cohesive design plan.
Icing on the cake? Studio L London shares sources for materials as well as expert advice for getting this decor look (stay tuned for the follow-up with that advice!).
Pink and green together are lovely indeed!
Secondly, Inspiration from At Least 3 Daydreams
Studio L London’s interior design direction was inspired by at least three gorgeous daydreams. Firstly, 1985’s ‘Out of Africa. Secondly, leafing through a Slim Aaron’s book (here’s one!). Finally, a prepster pink mood (aren’t the dapper gents above wearing it well?).
Interiors with lightened up British colonial flavor, femininity, and modern elegance are the lovely design result. (By the way, to fully appreciate the range of textures and subtle finishing, do expand the photos to discover textural wall coverings, perfectly patina-ed herringbone wood floors, and sumptuous textiles!)
Thirdly, ‘Out of Africa’ Inspired Design
Ahhhhhh, Out of Africa. Can you believe it has been 33 years since its release? While you will not find plantation house interiors or interior design in this clip, a beautiful blast from the past is worth taking a moment for Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.
Colorful Classic Decor in London: Sitting Room
Lightened Up British Colonial Style
Luxurious London Sitting Room Resources
Design: Studio L London
Ceiling wallpaper – Phillip Jefferies JAPANESE SILK in PEARL ICE (also find more options here too.)
Wallpaper (above paneling) – Phillip Jefferies GLAZED ABACA in BRUSHED SILVER
Ceiling and Wall lights – Visual Comfort
Coffee table – Julian Chichester
Armchairs – Bespoke Sofa
Curtains & Pelmet fabric – Elitis “Smile II”
Chess Board – Jonathan Adler
Art – Trowbridge
TV Cabinet – designed by Studio L with Ralph Lauren wallpaper lacquered front, made by Hyde House Furniture.
Area Rug – Beni Ourain
Sofa – Ben Whistler, upholstery by Gaston y Daniela
Classic Paint Color in Luxurious London Home
FARROW & BALL’S Cornforth White is the paint color on all the wood work (paneling, doors, and mouldings). For a story about choosing the right white paint, also see this.
Luxurious London Kitchen Design
Additionally, this lovely home’s light and bright kitchen was shortlisted by the International Design and Architecture Awards (for Kitchen Design Over £50,000).
Design: Studio L London
Cabinetry – Siematic UK “Classic Beaux Arts” in Nickel and Sterling Grey Matt lacquer
Appliances – Miele Pureline
Wallpaper – Jim Thompson no.9 – Bamboozle in Pearly Gates
Dining Chairs – Julian Chichester
Dining Table – Richard Taylor Designs
Art – Trowbridge
Master Bedroom
Design: Studio L London
Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Verel de Belval fabric, Schumacher
Cushions – Custom in Verel de Belval, Schumacher
Wallpaper – Aba Interiors
Bedroom 2
Design: Studio L London
Sleigh Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Elitis Fabric “Archipel”
Cushions – Liberty of London
Wallpaper – Rubelli “Dorian Gray” fabric that was paperbacked for the walls
Bedside Tables – Nicholas Haslam
Bedroom 3
Design: Studio L London
Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Osbourne & Little fabric in “Keshi Velvet”
Cushions – Ralph Lauren and Clarence House fabrics
Bedside Tables – Nicholas Haslam
Master Bathroom
Design: Studio L London
Calacutta Marble Walls – Paris Ceramics
Nero Marquina marble Floor – Paris Ceramics
Vanity, Mirror & wall lights, Shower Door, Toilet & Bathtub– Devon & Devon
Taps – Samuel Heath “Moderne”
Guest Bathroom
Design: Studio L London
Sage Green ceramic tile – Fired Earth
Statuary marble Floor – Paris Ceramics
Vanity & wall lights – Devon & Devon
Taps – Samuel Heath “Fairfield”
For additional classic decor inspiration, also see these kitchens, this architecture, and this house tour.
Do visit Studio L London for more inspiration, and stay tuned for their expert decorating advice!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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If there’s one thing that makes my head snap, it’s any mention of Africa. I lived in Kenya for two years, and I saw the premiere of “Out of Africa” in Nairobi–the audience reacted to the lines in Swahili and Kikuyu before the subtitles came up, which was special.
I of course visited Karen Blixen’s house, and one of my favorite hangouts was the (Lord Delamere) terrace of the Norfolk Hotel. I just now looked online and am mightily dismayed to see they have replaced the wooden chairs, which were SO comfortable and so classic. I took about a dozen photos of them, intending to find identical ones for my home one day (the old ones, not the banal new rattan versions–I have nothing against rattan but the old ones were so perfectly 1900s-1920s).
In fact, I so loved the simple but elegant colonial style, mixed with local art, that I bought a book, “Safari Style,” full of interiors that, to me a least, look current decades later (decades! when did that happen?). I still look to it for inspiration.
I really like the London interpretation. Green: duh. As one of my Kenyan students told me, “Green is beautiful because it is the color of living things.” Pink does indeed play well with green, and I certainly saw plenty of it. Also vivid blues and bright reds. No shy colors. But there would be much more wood. Furniture was made of wood, parquet floors, lots of reddish browns, which matched the earth outside.
Author
How amazing is that!?! I saw online how Karen Blixen’s house became a museum, and I love the info you supply about the Norfolk Hotel. Would love to see photos of your travels and life in Africa show up on Taste of France! Your take on safari style sounds magical – I am completely ignorant as to what would make it lovely and will add that to the list of reasons to travel there someday. 🙂
Out of Africa is my favourite movie – the epic plains of Africa with the textures, colours, sights & sounds are just so special. The Continent of my birth is just so magical. While in Denmark last month, I saw the memorial to Karen Blixen / Isak Dinesen’s brother Thomas in Churchill Park, a memorial to his VC; he had visited his sister in Kenya & helped her with her coffee farming …
I am always pleased to see suggestions for incorporating the elements of Africa in our UK homes.
Author
Thanks for adding another lovely layer to this story! How special to visit those memorials. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences here and following along. 🙂
I recently watched Out of Africa. I think I appreciated it more as a mature women than I did when it was newly released. A beautiful, poignant movie that I will watch again and again…
I had a trip booked for Kenya in 2006 but an unfortunate & tragic accident forced me to cancel. Taste of France’s comment has me thinking it’s time to make that trip.
I’m not picking up on the out of Africa theme in the above photos. They seem more contemporary than British colonial.
Author
Can’t wait to hear about your travels if you make the trip! It is definitely not purely British Colonial flavor, and most of us would not consider the woodsy ceiling look “rustic” but the film inspired the designer in some way which made way for this! 🙂
I love the London rooms with their rich colorful accents! They have an eclectic, well-traveled feeling.
Author
So chic and luxe! Thanks for reading & happy Wednesday, beautiful. 🙂