Gunter & Co's top picks for interior design shopping in London - Chelsea & South Kensington
Part Three: Chelsea & South Kensington
We wanted to highlight some of our favourite luxury interior design showrooms to visit in London. From many years of experience, we know that it is always worth trying to see things in real life where possible. Check out the texture of a tile, assess and touch the curve on a basin, try out the comfort level of a sofa. And yes! We know there are too many amazing showrooms to visit in one day, so we’ve broken it down into separate areas. This is usually how we plan our own showroom trips to ensure they’re as efficient and streamlined as possible (and that there’s time to schedule a refreshment stop or two!)
Naturally, with any of our suggestions, it’s a good idea to call or email ahead of your planned visit to check opening times and availability and many places may be by appointment only.
Interior design in Chelsea & South Kensington
Continuing on our series, we’re heading to Chelsea & South Kensington, so get those walking shoes on and your notebook ready and prepare to be inspired!
Source: https://www.vam.ac.uk/
One of our favourite recce routes. This area is full of surprises and new ideas. Just a walk around looking into the windows offers a good deal of inspiration! We always try and include a gallery and an upholstery/furniture showroom on our little tours – a gallery for inspiration and a furniture destination for the pleasure of checking out larger pieces in real life.
No trip to Chelsea or South Ken should be without a visit to The Conran Shop – it’s mandatory! Whether you’re looking for investment pieces, practical solutions to interior dilemmas, or simply wish to perk up your space with some interesting accessories, The Conran Shop is the place to go.
For unique, interesting and exquisitely Italian furniture, try Giorgetti … the sofas, in particular, are stand-out pieces that would add a very individual look to a new interior scheme.
If you’re keen on quirky, contemporary and innovative ideas, then a visit to the Mint design gallery in North Terrace SW3 should be high on your list. Products include screens, furniture, sculptures and wall hangings.
For contemporary classics, including the Corbusier Lounge Chair or a Starck sofa, drop into Cassina in Brompton Road. Brilliant for an overview of some of the best and most iconic pieces of modern design, including outdoor concepts. A mesmerising example of high-end interior design in London.
Poltrona Frau was established in Italy in 1912 and this stunning showroom will satisfy the most particular needs for furniture, accessories and decorative objects.
The Cadogan Contemporary gallery is a thought-provoking destination, even if you’re not planning on investing in a piece of art, even viewing some of these unique pieces is enough to spark off inspirational thoughts for the next project.
B&B Italia showcases beautiful Italian upholstery and design and has a spectacular array of large-scale, oversized upholstery for large-scale projects. We particularly admire the outdoor furniture!
If you want new, unexpected influences and perhaps some directional ideas, a visit to Andrew Martin is not just to look at fabrics and wallpapers, but to view collected treasures from all over the world.
The pieces shown at Sé Collections are astonishing, and could be the answer to that ‘stand out’ or ‘wow factor’ centrepiece that’s needed for a design scheme. Beautiful, beautiful upholstery and enchanting side tables.
And naturally, after all that you’ll probably be in need of lunch or at least a pastry and a coffee! One of our favourite stops is Aubaine at 260-262 Brompton Road.
