DESIGNERS’ GUIDE TO LONDON

After jetting off to NYC for the DXV Design Panel, we headed to London for the DesignHounds event. After a week in London seeing the most spectacular spots, we narrowed down our visit to the most inspiring spots in the city. Here are the top 10 most necessary places for design-lovers to visit in London.

 

1. The Kensington Hotel

We stayed in the incredible Kensington Hotel. The decor and service were amazing, inspiring many of the interior design projects we’re currently working on.

2. Decorex

Decorex International is an amazing tradeshow showcasing more than 400 exhibitors hunting for new and inspiring sources for our clients. It’s definitely a must-see trade show for designers.

3. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace was displaying the exhibit “Fashion Rules: Restyled” — an exploration of the wardrobes of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. So amazing to see! It’s always inspiring to take a step back and look at the detail and quality of interiors from days past.

4. The Goring

We visited the beautiful Goring Hotel, covered with hand-painted Fromental wall coverings. The finishing touches to the wall covering were even added by the Duchess of Cambridge herself as part of the open ceremony of the hotel refurbishment… the eye of a unicorn!

5. Alfie’s Antique Market

Introduced by Antiques Diva, we took a spin through Alfie’s and it was incredibly inspiring to see vintage and antique drool-worthy pieces.

6. designjunction

We visited designjunction‘s exhibition, Cubitt House. More than 100 leading design brands presented furniture, accessories and lighting. We were on design overload by this point, in the best way possible.

7. Fortnum & Mason

Our friend Lauren — a Dallas ex-pat now living in London who blogs at AspiringKennedy.com — met up with us to show us around the town. We went to the beautiful luxury department store Fortnum & Mason for tea service. Gorgeous!

8. Victoria and Albert Museum

Visited the amazing Victoria and Albert Museum and were inspired by the artifacts, art, and textiles. We happened to find a little piece of Seattle there… A Chihuly glass sculpture right in the entry!

9. China Tang

For dinner, we dined at this gorgeous Cantonese-food restaurant in the Mayfair neighborhood of London. We even spotted a Fromental wall covering and chatted all things handmade wall covering with our friends from Fromental! Such fun details and delicious food in this hot-spot.

10. Wright Brothers, Old Spitafields Market

We ate at this amazing oyster restaurant after shopping the famed Spitafields Market area of London. So delicious… and look at that understated, but powerful, decor!

A huge thank you to the always-incredible Veronika Miller of Modenus for inviting us along for the ride! We were so inspired on our trip. See you next time, London!