Interior Design Insights from Across the Globe

Interior Design Insights from Across the Globe

Reviewing Cher's Beautiful Homes

Many regular readers of this blog will be fans of the fabulous Cher - superstar singer and global showbusiness icon. Cher regularly visits London, but she doesn't actually (yet) have a home in our nation's capital. Just recently I was looking at photos of some of her recent prestigious purchases and their unique interior designs. I was astonished to lean that Cher's magnificent and opulent residences are all in the USA - and she moves regularly: 1979, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2002, and now 2010. Her prized locations include Bel Air, Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Aspen. Cher's interior design choices are definitely inspired by her long-term interest in Buddhism ... another celebrity example of how interior design should reflect a client's personality and lifestyle - from interior design in London to Lima, this principle always holds true!


Working with Difficult Clients

It is fairly rare these days that I take on an interior design assignment that ends up involving a "difficult client."Most of my more recent projects have been in or around London, and generally I would say that my clients are highly appreciative of the interior design insights and expertise provided by myself and my world-class London-based team. But sometimes we do have to work with a client who is more challenging. And in such cases, I often find that it is because the client isn't really sure what they want in terms of interior design results. I always remind my London interior design interns that educating the client and managing expectations is just as important as bringing fabulous design into their homes and lives.


David Linley's New Creation

David Linley is a famous London-based cabinetmaker who crafts simply magnificent woodwork and artisanal structures in a variety of different interior design styles. Just recently he made a delightfully unique jewellery box, crafted in the shape of New York's prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (the equivalent perhaps of London's Tate Museum), which I was invited to view. The price tag is far from lightweight, at US$43,015, but thankfully a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the museum itself to continue funding their famous collections. Unique pieces of artwork or sculpture can really add flair to a London interior design project, and I often encourage my London clients who are seeking the ultimate in luxury to seriously consider pieces like this one.


Ralph Lauren Moves into Interior Design

Many of the readers of this blog will be avid fashionistas for whom the famous Ralph Lauren brand is an everyday luxury. But did you know that this world-renowned marque has now moved into interior design with " Ralph Lauren Home"? You can find their decorative pieces at London's Fulham Road and New Bond Street boutique locations. One of the most celebrated pieces to arrive as part of this interior design collection is the wonderful leather-wrapped Harrison desk box. At a very reasonable price of about £350 at both London stores, this white-inlaid black leather piece is perfect for modern interior design schemes, with the sophisticated lines and understated details that are the signature of the firm's accessories and furniture ranges.