Step into the realm of Quiet Luxury, a trend recently revived in the fashion sphere with brands such as Khaite,The Row, and Celine at the forefront. As ever, we’re seeing the two worlds – fashion and interiors – overlap. This movement celebrates understated elegance, embracing classic muted colour palettes, exquisite craftsmanship, and premium quality pieces. As we embark on this journey, we explore the surge of luxurious homes that embody this refined aesthetic, where every detail whispers sophistication and timeless allure.
We’ve picked some of our stylish, interior-designed spaces that we represent for your perusal:
This impeccably designed living room epitomises the trend with its sophisticated yet understated ambiance. Muted tones and delicate hues compliment the light wood parquet flooring, the plants bringing life into the space. Textures include the painted brick chimney breast, wood-panelled walls and the patterned rug. Every detail is meticulously curated to work in harmony.
An elegant study space with bespoke wooden cabinetry, complete with a spacious bookshelf, a sophisticated bar and ample cupboards for practicality. Statement lighting creates a sculptural centrepiece, while subtle yet complementary textures adorn the chair, footstool, and side table, adding layers of tactile luxury. The rich palette envelops the space in a welcoming warmth.
A soft approach – it’s in the details in this minimalist Scandinavian home. The custom draped curtain softly diffuses the natural light whilst adding a touch of texture and harmony against the lime washed ceiling and light wooden furnishings and flooring. The result is a luxurious serene bedroom oasis, where every element works together seamlessly to create a haven of tranquillity.
This contemporary residence harmonises with its surroundings through thoughtful proportions and ample natural light. Tall, narrow windows frame the focal point—a cosy log burner—while adding to the sense of spaciousness in the living area. Symmetry reigns in this warm, neutral palette, accentuating the minimalist yet luxurious ambiance of the space, inviting residents to bask in its understated elegance.
We hope you enjoyed these beautiful examples of quiet luxury amongst our fantastic shoot locations! What are your opinions on this interior style?
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. Until next time!
Live/work spaces are those designed to incorporate both personal and professional lives. Back in the day, this might’ve come in the form of an overcrowded study or a repurposed garden shed, but contemporary live/work spaces have developed far beyond their basic original concept. This type of housing is particularly prevalent in warehouse and loft redevelopments and can present very high in value.
A Brief History of the Live/Work Space
In 90s Hackney, London, the live/work concept arose as a result of local authorities pushing for the regeneration of industrial spaces in the area. Their reasoning was to avoid transitioning to entire developments of residential properties, especially as a tactic to lure in small businesses to the area and make use of any defunct buildings.
The live/work concept has been adopted primarily by creatives, but there is ongoing growth of interest amongst people in all sorts of working fields, particularly since the rise of remote and hybrid working as a result of the recent pandemic. Although this unique set up has been popular with the creative types, live/work spaces aren’t a new phenomenon; a longstanding example are Shophouses, where commerce and housing met under the same roof. This type and similar variations have originated from all over the world, including the US, Japan and France. In history, the natural adopting of the live/work lifestyle was prevalent – historians have uncovered the Industrial Revolution as a contributing factor to the shift-away from live/work units over time. Evolutions in transportation and the rise of single-use zoning are amongst things that have contributed to changes.
Modern Live/Work Spaces as Shoot Locations
We have a few live/work properties on our books, originally set up to suit the professional requirements of their owners, to then be later acknowledged as suitable but unique places for photoshoots and filming.
Ashby
Ashby is a beautiful family mews home in South London, clad in Corten steel and fronted by re-built 19th Century exposed brick. It houses 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen/ living/ dining room, along with its live/work claim – a spacious, wooden design studio where its owner works from home. The owner tells us more about the property and its story in an episode of My Home, My Haven.
Casalino
Casalino is a self-built home with futuristic-modern interior design and a careful selection of textures and materials throughout. Its glass panelling and skylights make it an intriguing location, along with its huge, high-ceilinged artist studio on the ground floor. We recently interviewed the owners of this incredible live/work unit, so, luckily, you can learn more about their journey in developing the space in our recent episode of My Home as a Shoot Location here.
Clapton Tram Shed
Unsurprisingly, the owner of this plant-filled haven was an interior designer. Clapton Tram Shed is highly unique and requires an extreme level of care and maintenance, making it all the more special. It holds London history and is now used as a versatile shoot location with its very own built-in photo studio cove, making it a great example of a contemporary live/work unit.
Live/Work Spaces for the General Public
Besides shoot locations and privately-owned London live/work units, there have been projects popping up globally which solely and actively promote the live/work lifestyle, providing homes which are part of a community and fully equipped with venues and services to cater to both ends of the lifestyle.
An example of this is the Cul De Sac live/work community in Tempe, Arizona, in the United States. Described as a ‘people-centred open space’, this project combines home, retail, work, wellness and play all in one estate. From art classes to state-of-the-art gyms, restaurants and convenient public transport links to the surrounding city, this example takes the live/work concept to a whole new level. Not only does the Cul De Sac promote a seamless live/work lifestyle, but it has become the first US community to ban cars – this further exemplifies how the live/work model can be extended to harness an entirely alternative way of life. It can also be a reflection of the type of people who might choose to own or rent a live/work space.
This mode of live/work/play is a very interesting extension of the classic live/work unit – if you’d like to read more, we’d strongly suggest reading this article by IOptimize Realty here.
That’s a wrap!
We hope you found this piece on live/work spaces interesting (or even useful) ! If you’d like us to cover more on live/work spaces then please let us know.
In a city that runs on caffeine, it’s no surprise that there are an abundance of independent coffee shops on every corner. Whether it’s from a weekend discovering a new neighbourhood, or a morning coffee before a shoot, our coffee escapades have led us to uncover some hidden gems. We won’t bore you with the coffee order, obviously it’s an oat flat white every time.
A scandi minimalist space with both indoor and outdoor seating. The offering of baked goods here are unmatched, with focaccia, bagels and croissants to name a few. Visit on a sunny day and you can bask in the sunshine on the pavement, a perfect vantage point to watch the world of Clapton go by.
Tucked just moments from the overground station, Cable Co exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. With rustic interiors, this cosy haven is staffed with friendly faces and serves up exceptional coffee. A perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and a delightful caffeine fix in the heart of Kensal Rise.
Nestled conveniently next to Clapton Overground, this grab-and-go kiosk offers a takeaway-only experience with well-priced delights and exquisite pastries. The charming owner adds a personal touch, making it a delightful stop for those on the move.
Step into a laid-back, industrial-rustic space that’s as roomy as it is unpretentious. With plenty of tables, it’s perfect for getting some work done. They even have vegan bakery options for those looking for plant-based treats. And, if you’re a dog owner, feel free to bring your furry friend along; just like many Hackney-based venues, it’s a dog-friendly spot!
Discover this Stoke Newington gem, boasting quirky, industrial interiors. The use of plaster adds a unique touch, creating an atmosphere that’s as distinctive as it is inviting. And of course, don’t miss out on their great coffee, making it the perfect spot to unwind in style.
A proudly LGBTQ+ friendly space where everything on the menu is vegan! Revel in the cosy ambiance adorned with charming exposed brick decor and a whimsical disco ball. Venture to the cool outdoor seating area for a delightful people-watching experience. This gem not only caters to diverse tastes but also provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy.
Experience a coffee haven that boasts funky and bright interiors. The lively mix of seating options and eye-catching art create a playful vibe, complemented by the super welcoming staff. Beyond its excellent coffee offerings, The Broca proudly embraces an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, making it a standout hangout situated conveniently outside Brockley Station.
In Archway, this charming spot effortlessly combines great ambiance with delightful details. A warm, inviting atmosphere welcomes you to settle into a tucked-away booth and savor the wonderful (coffee-drinking) moment! Cute cups also add a touch of playfulness to your visit. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the place takes your experience to the next level with a delectable selection of sandwiches and pastries, making it the perfect spot to indulge.
You must try this prime spot conveniently situated right opposite Hampstead Heath and the overground station. The cups you’ll find here are not just vessels for exceptional coffee but are part of a larger social enterprise. The coffee beans are roasted by prisoners in HMP The Mount, contributing to a unique initiative aimed at reducing reoffending in the UK. Sip on a cup of coffee with purpose and enjoy the scenic surroundings in this thoughtful and impactful cafe.
Whether you’re a seasoned Londoner or just visiting for the weekend, why not give one of these spots a try? If you want to see which coffee shop you’ll vibe with the most, watch our recent coffee shop visits in our TikTok here.
For those who’ve been with us for a while, you might remember a delightful feature we used to run on the 1st Option Instagram page – “Chair of the Week.” Each week, we delved into the rich history of a notable chair, unravelling its story. This month, we’re bringing it back in blog form. Join us as we countdown through seven stylish chairs, each with its unique flair and narrative.
Vitra Eames Plastic Side Chair DSW
Commencing with the Vitra Eames DSW Side Chair, a creation from the renowned design duo Charles and Ray Eames. This timeless chair seamlessly blends form and function. The sleek and minimalist design showcases a moulded plastic seat paired with a robust wooden base, ensuring a harmonious balance of comfort and durability. Brace yourself for a touch of Eames-inspired elegance as we continue our exploration of noteworthy chairs.
Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Crafted by furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Son, the Wishbone Chair boasts a simple yet sophisticated design. With a distinctive Y-shaped backrest and gracefully curved armrests, this chair effortlessly combines comfort and support. Renowned as one of the best chairs of the 20th century, the Wishbone Chair has secured its place as a quintessential element in modern interior design. Meticulously crafted from premium materials such as solid wood and hand-woven paper cord, the chair exudes both durability and comfort. Available in a range of wood finishes and cord colours, it offers a customisable touch to seamlessly complement any decor style.
Vitra Eames Lounge & Mr Chair
In joint 5th place, we have the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and the George Mulhauser Mr Chair. The Eames Lounge chair, a true classic, requires little introduction and stands as one of the most beloved chair designs of the 20th century. Its timeless appeal and versatile, practical design make it a fitting addition to any home. Renowned for its comfort and striking aesthetics, the Eames Lounge chair has solidified its popularity by seamlessly blending style and functionality, earning its place as a timeless classic in the world of furniture design. You can find examples of the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair in our locations Blackwood House, Halo, Honeycomb and Canopy.
A few years ago, we wouldn’t have been aware of the existence of the next chair on our list. In design, like many other realms, when a product gains cult status, its influence can be seen in other creations. There’s speculation that the George Mulhauser Mr Chair drew significant inspiration from the Eames chair. While the lounge chair trend is currently thriving, the Mr Chair holds a unique appeal for being rare and less globally accessible – making it all the more special. Our chic venue, Terrazzo, proudly features the Mr Chair in their lounge area.
Barcelona Relax Chair by Knoll
Another personal favourite is the Barcelona Chair. The Barcelona Chair, a symbol of sophistication and modern design, was crafted by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona. Representing the modernist movement, it features industrial materials like steel and leather, showcasing sleek lines and a tufted leather design held by a polished chrome frame. This beautiful and highly functional chair offers optimal support and comfort, making it perfect for various settings, from offices to homes. Today, the Barcelona Chair remains highly sought-after, a timeless testament to Mies van der Rohe’s enduring legacy in 20th century design. You’ll spot these in a few of our locations, including Etchingham Park, 6ixteen Cottage, Brondesbury Park, Gee Street and Parker.
Wassily Chair by Knoll
The Wassily Chair, conceived by Marcel Breuer between 1925-1926, stands as a groundbreaking icon in modern furniture design. Originally known as the Model B3 chair, its nickname “Wassily” stems from the admiration of artist Wassily Kandinsky for this innovative creation. Crafted with tubular steel and canvas, the chair marked a radical departure from conventional furniture materials, embodying the Bauhaus movement’s principles of form following function. Designed by Breuer, a prominent figure in the Bauhaus movement, the Wassily Chair is a testament to the transformative use of industrial materials in furniture design. Its enduring appeal lies in its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and the revolutionary spirit that defines its place in the history of modernist design. Today, the Wassily Chair remains a symbol of artistic vision and forward-thinking innovation, seamlessly fitting into contemporary interiors. You can find a Wassily Chair at our shoot location Hoxton Heights.
Casalino Chair
The Casalino chair, a midcentury modern classic, emerged in 1970 as the brainchild of renowned Italian designer Alexander Begge. Crafted from moulded polypropylene, the Casalino chair embodied the design ethos of the era, characterised by its sleek, minimalist form and vibrant colour options. Begge’s vision was to create a versatile, lightweight chair that not only reflected the aesthetics of the time but also catered to the practical needs of contemporary living spaces. Its success lay not only in its aesthetics but also in its adaptability to various environments. The Casalino chair soon became a symbol of modernity, finding its way into homes, offices, and public spaces alike. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of functional and stylish design from the 1970s, offering a nostalgic yet timeless accent to contemporary interiors. You can find plenty of this design at our shoot location called…Casalino!
Vitra La Chaise Lounge Chair
Yes, you’ve read that right, another Eames chair; what can we say, they make great chairs! The Vitra La Chaise Lounge chair, an emblem of avant-garde design, was born out of the collaboration between Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen. Conceived in 1948 for the Museum of Modern Art’s “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design,” the chair’s name, “La Chaise,” pays homage to a sculpture by Gaston Lachaise, reflecting the fluid and sculptural form of the furniture piece. Despite its initial conception over 70 years ago, the Vitra La Chaise Lounge maintains its contemporary allure, showcasing a fusion of organic shapes and innovative materials. Characterised by a sweeping, single-piece fibreglass shell atop sleek chrome legs, the design is both visually striking and functionally dynamic. Today, the Vitra La Chaise stands as an enduring testament to Eames’ and Saarinen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern design, embodying timeless elegance in the realm of furniture.
That’s it from us!
If you made it this far, thank you! We can only assume you also share a deep love for chairs. Which chair was your favourite?
Over the past few years, it’s become increasingly popular to use natural materials to finish the home. Stepping away from stark whites and minimalistic decor, we’re seeing materials like wood, exposed brick, terracotta and stone being incorporated to add texture. Plaster feels like a natural evolution of this trend, acting as a simple way to add character, warmth and a modern but rustic appeal. The great thing about plaster is that it will suit most homes and is a great way to warm up a space; take a look at our shoot location Hanover below, which features a beautiful, peachy plaster finish across its open-plan kitchen/ dining room.
How can you achieve this effect?
Well, if you’re renovating, you can simply leave the plastered walls unpainted, leaving behind a true, raw effect. However, if this is the approach you want to take, you should first discuss this with whomever is building or decorating your place, as you’ll need to ensure that the type of plaster being used is one which will work with the space.
The second way you can achieve this look is…paint! Paint can be transformative; take our location Half Acres – previously a cool blue space, the owners used Dulux Heritage paint (Pale Nutmeg as the base coat, followed by Pale Walnut) to completely alter the atmosphere of the room. See the before and after below – what a difference!
Types of Plaster
Now, we’re no experts on plaster or its application, but we thought we’d give you a run-down on some of the types of plaster available, just to get you thinking about which route you might possibly take.
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is a timeless choice, composed of lime, sand and water, employed for millennia due to its breathability.
Gypsum Plaster
This is the most widely-used option. It’s less breathable but ideal for contemporary homes and extensions, providing a smooth finish with its distinctive pink appearance.
Cement Plaster
Cement plaster is a blend of sand, cement and water, setting quickly. While achieving a smooth surface is more challenging, it can be used in conjunction with Gypsum plaster for a best-of-both-worlds hybrid finish.
Clay Plaster
This is an eco-friendly alternative, crafted from natural clay, sand and pigments.
Venetian Plaster
This kind employs a traditional technique, using fired limestone and water, offering a diverse colour palette through pigments.
Tadelakt Plaster
Tadelakt plaster, often referred to as Moroccan plaster, is an ancient method that yields a naturally beautiful and rustic finish.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about the different types of plaster here.
Have you heard of Bauwerk? This brand of limewash paint is a great option for a repaint. It’s an eco-friendly paint that works on walls, masonry and bricks. They have a huge range of colours available, so you can get creative.
This is a classic paint choice that’s grown in popularity over the last few years. The Setting Plaster is a dusty pink, calling after ‘the blushing walls we often admire in newly plastered houses’. It does what it says on the tin!
This is another great option for an earthy plaster colour, also inspired by (you guessed it!) ‘the natural pigment of lime plaster’.
At 1st Option, we have some incredible shoot location houses which showcase wonderful examples of plaster amongst their decor. If you’d like to see more, we’d highly recommend checking out our shoot locations Blockwork, Capri, Casa, Cotton Studio and Inde. That’s not it, though – we have so many more shoot locations that feature plaster walls – you can find the rest by browsing through our ‘plaster’ filter here.
Well, that’s it from us today! We hope you learned a good deal about this prominent interior trend and that you’re feeling inspired for your next interior project!
This year we decided to host a fancy dress day in the office for Halloween. The idea was put forward by Creative Assistant Melisa (naturally, because her birthday is on Halloween) and approved by our General Manager, Abi. And so, on that day, it was decided; 1st Option Locations would host a fabulous fancy dress day, and no other employees had a say on the matter!
We thought we’d use our blog to document all the costumes, both for the archive and so that we can inspire the rest of the world with our unmatched creativity. Stay tuned to find out who won the prize for Best Dressed (feel free to do a low-risk bet with yourself while you’re reading).
Melisa as Velma Dinkley
Melisa dressed up as Velma Dinkley from Scooby Doo! Surprisingly, she managed to make it through the day without losing her glasses. She used her magnifying glass to carefully inspect everyone’s costume, ensuring there were no ghosts or goblins in disguise.
Luis as the Goblin King
Definitely not undercover, we had the Goblin King visit the office. The character originates from the film Labyrinth (1986) and is played by the late and iconic David Bowie. We were all convinced his hair was real and styled by Luis himself, and so we came to the conclusion that this is a hairstyle he should definitely pursue beyond Halloween.
Abi as Alice in Wonderland
Next we had a Halloween classic – Alice in Wonderland, sported by our General Manager Abi, who finished the look perfectly with white tights and a pair of black classic lace-up shoes. This was not just a costume, but a fantasy fashion statement, perfectly accompanied by Abi’s already-long, blonde hair!
Sophia as Wednesday Addams
We had another fashion moment from Sophia, who dressed up as Wednesday Addams, specifically making reference to the latest Netflix series Wednesday. This look was spooky but stylish and perfectly exemplified that your existing wardrobe can hold many possibilities for Halloween costumes! More points were scored for her hairdo as she put them up in 2 neat plaits, flaunting the essence of Wednesday’s style.
Nina & Naomi as Satan
A famously low-cost, low-effort but effective Halloween costume – the devil horns. Nina brought some spooky spirit to the workplace with this sparkly red number, paired with her usual comfy, casual office fit. Naomi was meant to match but she forgot her horns at home (or so she says…), so Nina kindly lent hers to Naomi. This actually worked out for the best, because who wants two satanic Bookings Agents simultaneously roaming around the office?
Robin as…Cher?
Next we had Robin as…we’re not exactly sure what, but let’s call it something ungodly. Melisa thought he was the Grand High Witch from the 1990 dark fantasy film The Witches, but apparently this was not the case. Robin’s Halloween costume was definitely the most scary (bloody frightening, to be honest) and therefore deserves plenty of recognition. He even decided to scare our pants off by knocking on the office door wearing the mask – we thought this was particularly cruel since we hadn’t yet had our morning coffees and could not bear the terror.
Lily as a black pug
And last, but most certainly not least, we had Lily come in as a black pug! Oh, wait… we’ve just been told that she is, in fact, a black pug. Never mind.
So, who was the winner?!
And the winner for Best Dressed was…the Goblin King (Luis)! He was over the moon and was awarded a lovely bucket of Halloween treats (which we made him share with the rest of us…a trick indeed).
That’s all for now!
If you want to see all our Halloween costumes in a video, check out our TikTok video which judges each person’s fit here.
We hope you enjoyed reading all about our fantastically creative Halloween costumes. Can’t wait to see what everyone wears next year!
Welcome back to the 1st Option Locations blog! We thought we’d dedicate a whole post to the famous app TikTok. Never heard of it? Well, we think you’re lying. But if not… you’ve come to the right place (or so we like to think).
TikTok is an online social media platform, boasting an unlimited realm of short form video content. It has around 1 billion active global users (following Instagram, which sits just under 1.4 billion). The app, most popular amongst the youngsters (let’s say, predominantly Generation Z and Millennials), has been described as “a refreshing outlier in the social media universe”, and it’s here to stay for at least a few years longer.
The international version of TikTok was launched in 2017 and, because we at 1st Option are innovative, social media-savvy tech wizards, we hopped on the bandwagon in 2023…6 years later.
What do we share on TikTok?
As a photoshoot location agency, we’re all things creative media so, of course, TikTok is one of the platforms we utilise to promote our service and to build relationships with our location owners and clients. We share everything from exciting videos of our unique location houses, to events happening in the office and interviews with our team. The best part of being a photoshoot location agency is that we get to centre our content around so many spectacular properties that we have available for hire for filming and photography shoots. If you want to see what we’re talking about, take a quick look at some of our recent TikTok videos; click here to watch our interview with Account Manager Nina about her favourite photoshoot locations, and here to watch a compilation of beautiful videos taken at our luxury shoot location, Blue.
Who makes the videos?
Our Creative Team are the ones working the mystery that is TikTok. Creative Lead Sophia and Creative Assistant Melisa both contribute to our page; whether they’re visiting our location owners or pestering the 1st Option Locations team to audition for a role in the spotlight, they’re the ones creating and posting all the good stuff!
What do you need to make TikToks?
It really is a relatively straightforward platform; all you’ll need is a smart phone, the TikTok app and some (actually, a lot of) time to spare! Some extra apps and features you can use to help spice up your content include the TikTok Desktop app and video editing software CapCut. CapCut is a super useful tool, offering a range of templates that are free to use, in which you can drag and drop-in your desired video clips. CapCut templates often come with an in-time groovy tune or a trending audio, but you’re always free to swap this out for another when it comes to finally posting your masterpiece. CapCut is definitely something to opt for if you’ve got lots of content in your bank that you’re not sure what to do with, or maybe you’ve just never edited videos before. Once you’ve used CapCut a few times, we’re sure that you’ll start feeling inspired and ready to go ahead with creating your own videos from scratch.
Are short form videos as popular as they seem?
In short, (no pun intended) yes, they are.
Not only has TikTok become an extremely popular platform, but other major social platforms like Instagram and YouTube have jumped on the bandwagon, and they’ve done a fair job. Instagram Reels have become increasingly popular and have proven a great way to increase traffic to your Instagram profile in a new and fun way. YouTube Shorts play a similar role; they can be tasters for channels and can be that small hit of content that users are seeking, without having to search for or sit through an entire long form video. However, since people typically tend to visit YouTube for longer content (I mean, that is its original, intended purpose) we can see why Reels and TikToks have generally found more success in this area (the reason being that their origins are centred around short, instant content).
Funnily enough, short form videos are not the only feature being snapped up by different platforms. For example, TikTok has nabbed Instagram’s Stories feature, and so has Facebook – albeit, neither have quite yet nailed it like Instagram.
Are we done yet?
Anyway, enough about everyone else – let’s talk more about us! So far, we’ve had so much fun making TikToks, and we’ll have lots more content out for the whole world to see over the next coming months. If you want to see our incredible photoshoot and filming location houses, our office giggles and even the odd interview-style video, then do check out our TikTok page here. And, while you’re immersed in your media, take a trip to our Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook pages to see what’s going on in the 1st Option digiverse.
That’s it from us about TikTok – we hope you enjoyed the read. We’ll see you on the next one (or preferably popping up in our TikTok Likes!).
Welcome back to our blog as we delve into Part 2 of photographers we love! This next batch of interiors, lifestyle and still life specialists are coming in with even more inspiration for your personal projects and creative mind. Now, who do we have?
Damian Russell
Let’s begin with Damian Russell – Damian is an international photographer represented by One Represents. He specialises in, but not limited to, interiors; in his words, he photographs ‘places, people and things’.
Damian is known for his exceptional use of colour and texture, which have helped to make him one of the most recognised photographers in his field. His images are rich, emotive, textural vignettes of the everyday, shot both on location and in the studio.
Some of Damian’s clients include Anthropologie, Boden, Crate & Barrel, Claridges, Colefax and Fowler, Crabtree & Evelyn, Habitat, Selfridges and Harrods. Make sure to check out his extensive portfolio, as well as his beautiful Instagram page, alongside his archive page.
With over 20 years of industry experience, award-winning London-based photographer Dan Duchars must make the list! Dan specialises in interiors, lifestyle and portrait photography and has a well-proven understanding of the use of light throughout his imagery.
Some may be familiar with Dan as the co-founder of The CONTENTed Nest, alongside talented interior stylistSara Bird. The company is a creative image-producing agency, providing visual content across a range of commercial and editorial platforms. As a company, they work with clients to deliver engaging, discerning and directional photography for all types of campaigns.
Ranging from commercial to editorial, some of Dan’s clients include The Conran Shop, House of Fraser, Country Living, The Sunday Times, Elle Decoration, Monsoon, and many more! For beautiful photographic inspiration, be sure to visit his online portfolio over on his website and his social media pages.
Based in London and working across Europe and the USA, Jon Day specialises in interiors, lifestyle, still-life, product and food photography. Throughout a 20 year career as a photographer, he’s worked for many commercial and editorial brands, shooting both on location and in the studio.
Jon’s signature style depicts simple, graphic compositions, made beautiful by crisp and clean lighting. He particularly loves shooting uncluttered, minimalistic scenes where the props and products have room to breathe. Some of Jon’s clients include Living Etc, Homes & Gardens, You Magazine, Fired Earth, The White Company, Debenhams, Dulux and many more.
You can check out Jon’s impressive portfolio over on his website. You can see more of his fantastic work on his Instagram page, alongside some very, very cute photos of his dog Archie.
Ben Anders is a highly skilled London-based interiors and lifestyle photographer, also repped by One Represents. His work captures the essence of each client’s brief, while ensuring each shot is unique and fresh, playing with angles and visually manipulating objects and subjects to create beautiful, intriguing imagery.
Take one look at Ben’s portfolio and you’ll instantly recognise his passion for interiors, structure and design shining through each and every image. From editorial to commercial, Ben has produced work for a variety of clients, including Habitat, Dwell, Coast, GQ, Selfridges and House & Garden.
You’ll undoubtedly have a ball delving into his archive of exciting projects on his website, as well as over on his beautifully curated Instagram page, which features photos from a range of different projects. You can also check out our short feature on Ben over on our LinkedIn page.
And finally, we have Marcus Peel. Marcus is also a London-based photographer with a wealth of experience across both fine art and commercial projects during his time in the industry.
Marcus describes his work as taking a ‘more investigative approach’, keen to achieve abstraction in his imagery, far beyond standard photography. His work clearly demonstrates his passion for architecture and his eagerness to achieve perfection, particularly when it comes to light and composition.
Marcus’ work has been featured in a range of renowned publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Frame, RIBA Journal, The Architect’s Journal, Vogue, and many more. He’s also been issued awards by multiple bodies, including the AOP Photography Awards and the Graphis Photography Annual – how impressive!
You can view Marcus’ visually-pleasing portfolio on his sleek website, where his commissions, fine art and prints are available to browse. We don’t doubt that you’ll be feeling inspired and infused with creative vibes after visiting! We’d also recommend taking a peek at his Instagram page for more curated snaps of his vibrant photography.
Of course, following our piece on interior stylists, we must acknowledge the people who skilfully capture the curated beauty – the photographers. Whether you’re passionate about interior design or simply have a craving for some good photographic work, we highly encourage you to check out each artist’s portfolio for that inspiration you’re secretly craving.
Debi Treloar
To start things off, we have the very talented Debi Treloar – a freelance interiors photographer, who turns spectacular architecture into a mystical production through her lens, and has a tuned eye for detail and beauty.
Debi works internationally, specialising in interiors and proving her talent through incredibly unique imagery, which is no surprise considering her wealth of experience in the industry.
If you’re a sucker for dreamy photographs and spectacular architecture, landscapes and interiors, check out her portfolio on her website, along with her meticulously curated Instagram page.
Next up – Malcolm Menzies. Malcolm is a commercial, hospitality and interiors photographer who also works internationally – and rightly so!
His interior photography is sleek and bold, photographing beautiful contemporary settings in a variety of styles and architectural structures. We think Malcolm’s work is fresh, bold and eye-catching, providing his clients with images that perfectly capture the essence of the project. Malcolm has shot for a variety of clients, some of which include: The White Company, Raft Furniture, Villa Nova, Habitat and Lombok.
Now that you’ve seen some of Malcolm’s work, it’ll make sense that he also owns an incredible shoot location that we represent in our books – 6ixteen Country House & Cottage – which he co-manages with his wife Fiona. The property is fabulous and very much beloved by our clients; we can presume that Malcolm’s photography experience has something to do with knowing what makes a fantastic shoot location!
Check out Malcolm’s portfolio and his Instagram page for a dose of fresh and fun content, ranging from food and bars to marvellous poolsides, kitchens and living rooms.
Matt Clayton is another photographer we love. He’s London based and specialises in professional architectural and interior photography. He has an abundance of experience, catering to a range of projects and locations, including retail spaces, offices, buildings, houses, galleries, restaurants and schools.
Take a look at Matt’s Instagram page for some clean-cut, aesthetically pleasing interior and architectural imagery. You can also view his extensive portfolio on his website.
And another one! Oli Douglas is a talented interiors and still life photographer, represented by artist agency Dillon & Friends. His photography is sleek and covers modern and contemporary design. John Lewis, SpaceNK, Harrods, the Barbican, Elle Decoration and Made.com are just some of the clients he has produced work for.
And last, but not least, we present Polly Wreford. Polly is represented by Sarah Kaye and has an extensive portfolio of fun, bright and unconventional interior and lifestyle photography.
Her work bursts with quirkiness, playing freely and creatively with composition, colour and models, breathing fresh air into each shoot and giving clients a visual outcome they didn’t know they needed! If contemporary maximalism and playful styling are your thing, we’d highly recommend checking out more of her brilliant photography.
You can view her portfolio at Sarah Kaye Representation and more personal (iPhone) snaps over on her Instagram page.
Whether you’ve gathered some new ideas for curating your Instagram page or drawn some special ideas for your next interior styling project, we hope this article gave you some great inspiration from these fantastic photographers. Make sure to keep an eye out for Part 2!
Summer is finally upon us! So we thought what better a time to shine some light on some of our current favourite designers and stylists, encouraging you to go and check out their unique portfolios to get that fresh inspiration for your personal spaces, or simply for the ol’ memory bank!
Lucy Gough Presenting you Lucy Gough, a fantastically experienced interior stylist and art director who has herself styled many shoots at a range of our locations, including our spacious North West London gem Ward House. From M&S and John Lewis to Homes & Gardens and You Magazine, Lucy has done it all, blessing creative projects with her eye for beautiful detail and careful, versatile design curation. At the moment, she is the head stylist at Australia’s Home Beautiful magazine, while simultaneously running her exceptional online Interior Styling School, sharing her impressive knowledge, skillset and wisdom to budding stylists and designers.
Lucy has very recently released her very own interiors book – The Home Style Handbook – consisting of both wonderful interior photography (shot by the talented Simon Bevan and, of course, styled by Gough) but also a wealth of information on styling, including tips and how-tos for those keen to play with transforming their personal spaces.
We urge you to check out her Instagram page for some refreshing and alluring content! You can also read our past interview with the talented creative, where she gives an insight into her inspirational process and her experience on shoots.
Introducing another beloved stylist of ours: Nicole Gray. Nicole operates freelance as a stylist, art director and brand consultant, all while working for You Magazine as their Interiors Director (impressive, we know!). Her work tends to be bright and vibrant, combining retro with contemporary and bringing projects to life with vivid saturation.
We’re particularly in love with her shoot for Habitat UK which presents interior trends for the SS23 season, shot at our beautiful Homestead location house. This project is spilling with prominent colour, hints of nostalgia and airy, summer vibes. We definitely recommend you checking out the outcome of this shoot here on her website!
Nicole’s Instagram page is captivating and simply aesthetically pleasing. If you’re seeking some energetic interior inspiration and satisfying imagery, definitely head over to the artist’s profile to get your fix. @nicolegraystylist www.nicolegraystylist.com
Sara Bird Sara Bird is another great multi-skilled interior stylist and is the co-founder of The CONTENTed Nest (alongside photographer Dan Duchars), which is a creative image producing agency, providing visual content and assets across all commercial and editorial platforms. Sara’s styling definitely takes a softer route, with essence ranging from beautiful English country homes to stylish, contemporary havens.
In fact, her and Dan’s recent book ‘Retreats for the Soul’ is all about helping readers convert their personal spaces into hideaways where they can ‘take time out’ and dedicate themselves to hobbies and mindful activities. We highly recommend Sara’s work for gaining that breath of fresh inspiration for those who are in need of a new sanctuary.
6ixteen Country and Petersham Common are just 2 of our wonderful location houses of which Sara has styled for shoots, including forCountry & Homes Interiors Magazine and furniture supplier Broadleaf Timber. To indulge yourself in calming interior beauty, check out her Instagram page and portfolio on her website. If you’re really considering a chill-out space revamp, then we’d definitely recommend opting for a copy of ‘Retreats for the Soul’. If you’d like to read a bit more about Sara’s business partner Dan, head over to our latest post which talks about their company and his latest photographic work.
Now let’s discuss an up and coming designer on our radar: Stephanie of Barba Mendozadesign studios. Hailing from Mexico, Stephanie began and developed her career in London, first as an interior designer for residential spaces, then via her diverse and compelling work with the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, covering not just domestic design but also retail spaces and hospitality.
Mendoza’s work is being rightly recognised and appreciated by more and more, including being awarded a spot in House & Garden’s Rising Stars to watch for 2023. The designer’s style is unique and tastefully eccentric, appearing to be influenced by intricate art, history and culture, all while maintaining the spirit and vision of each of her clients.
To get a taster of the studio’s ethos and aesthetic, have a peek at their Instagram page and their online portfolio. We don’t doubt that you’ll be left feeling inspired and intrigued with Mendoza’s design approach and creativity.
Buchanan Studio Last but not least, we’d like to mention Buchanan Studio. Founded by couple Charlotte & Angus Buchanan, this design house works on a variety of projects, from interior design and styling to conception and creative direction. Their work is not limited to interiors, but touches on fashion, events and lifestyle ventures. With ‘creativity, imagination and originality’ achieved as part of their mission and ethos, this exceptional duo have designed compelling spaces and unique furniture, offering a breath of fresh air to contemporary brands and interior enthusiasts.
Our favourite work of theirs is their very own home which they renovated and designed from scratch. In this mystical house, each room has its own individual essence, from utilitarian but playful bathroom sanctuaries and a well-kept, elegant Victorian ‘middle room’, to a Japandi-style open-plan living and dining area.
Their Instagram page consists of interviews, their latest client work, their newly-released furniture and intriguing snapshots of their home. You can also find each of the couple’s personal accounts if you’re interested in seeing the more raw day-to-day of the lives of designers.