London Calling!! All Things de Gournay, British Design, and My Insider’s Guide to London!
If you know me, you know my passion for travel, exquisite design, and fabulously fascinating people runs deep.
Over the past few months, these have all dovetailed into my ongoing affair with de Gournay, British design, and, of course, London.
In the late spring, I was so lucky to visit Bunny Mellon‘s Oak Spring Garden in Virginia to celebrate the launch of de Gournay’s Bunny Mellon Collection. I am still pinching myself — it was such a treat! I’ve admired Bunny Mellon for years (who hasn’t?!), and to see her passion for the natural world transformed by de Gournay’s master artisans into porcelain, linens, and hand-painted wallcoverings was a dream. From cocktails in the “Basket House” to a dinner on the lawn under a custom tent made from their new Espalier fabric and the tabletop adorned with Oak Spring porcelain, the evening was a testament to both Bunny Mellon’s enduring legacy as an arbiter of style and to de Gournay’s reputation for exceptional artisanal handicraft.
I adore the gravitas that de Gournay wallcoverings give a space, and have used them in several dining rooms. In the Redbird House, custom, hand-painted panels inspired by Palm Beach feature a sprinkle of personal nods to the homeowner and add a touch of whimsy. In our Lowcountry Living project, the artistry of de Gournay’s panels offers an easy elegance.
While an expense, for sure, the detail and quality of de Gournay’s product is really akin to investing in art! And as an added bonus, wallcovering panels can be paper-backed, so you can take them with you if you move. (They might not fit your new space exactly, but I do love the look of a series of framed panels!) Stay tuned to my Instagram for sneak peeks of a new project with de Gournay in the living room!
It will come as no surprise that I’m deeply inspired by the London apartment of the kindest friend, Harald Donoghue, de Gournay’s Director of Special Projects, as the flat is almost entirely wrapped in stunning wallcoverings!! Take a peek at the recent Financial Times feature on Harald and marvel at the layers! I am quite hopeful that I’ll be invited round for tea on my next visit across the pond.
Speaking of upcoming visits… I’m ready to get back to one of my favorites! If you happen to be visiting before me, don’t forget to save my London City Guide on Google Maps before you take to the British streets!
A few of my musts for London:
Where to Stay
My absolute favorite hotel — the Broadwick Soho is pure magic!! It is a jewel box of bold color, eclectic glamour, and so much personality. Every corner feels like a love letter to London with rich textures, incredible art, and details that keep it exciting no matter how many times I visit. It is the kind of place that reminds you why great interiors matter: they make you feel something. And I adore how the Broadwick Soho makes me feel!
Where to Eat
I’m a huge fan of Cipriani, no matter where I am, so of course the London outpost of the Venice and NYC staple is divine! Reservations are absolutely recommended. I was so sad to hear about Chiltern Firehouse being closed due to a fire that damaged three floors of the hotel and restaurant, but I’ve got my fingers crossed that it reopens, as it was such a fun spot for a “fancy” night out! Clearly, I have a deep love of Italian food, as another favorite is Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge, where back in the day, the Grande Dame of Creative Tonic (my mother!!) spotted Princess Diana!! On a lighter, healthier note, Daylesford Organic is the perfect spot for a quick, nutritious bite to eat when you’ve worked up an appetite shopping on Pimlico Road!
If you’re stopping by Harrod’s (do!!), save room to enjoy a cocktail or meal — there are so many cafes in the department store! The same goes for Selfridge’s — there are more than 10 bars and restaurants in the store itself, including the ever-popular Din Tai Fung!
Where to Take Afternoon Tea
Pinkies up! Afternoon tea while in London is a must-be-experienced event! I’ve got a few favorites… The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is lovely, and their expertise in tea makes this spot a classic for good reason. We may not all be able to stay at this London landmark, but we can certainly enjoy afternoon tea at Claridge’s. A queen or two has taken tea at The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel, which is about as high a praise as any I’ve heard! I love the old-school feel of the wood paneled walls here – such an inviting and storied place.
Where to Shop
The list is long, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! My first shopping tip – reach out to the lovely Lady Alice Manners! A stylist, it-girl, and such fun to work with, I adored my time with Alice and loved all of her off-the-beaten-path favorite shops! I came to know her after traveling to Belvoir Castle, her ancestral seat, and falling in love with British design for the thousandth time. Her mother, the Duchess of Rutland, and sister, Lady Violet, were in Houston this spring discussing Belvoir and HeritageXplore, a new venture to connect visitors with stays in the UK’s heritage homes. All that to say, the family is stylish! If you’re looking for something special or just love shopping, reach out to her.
The Pimlico Road – No design lover should visit London without a stop on the Pimlico Road design district! The area is beyond stylish and filled with amazing shops. From David Linley’s exquisite handmade boxes and furniture, bespoke kitchen cabinetry, and curated artisanry to Collier Webb, which you might remember from my Kips Bay kitchen, Soane Britain, Cox London, Colefax and Fowler, Robert Kime, Fermoie, Chelsea Textiles, Bonadea (my favorite tabletop store!), Nina Campbell, The Lacquer Company, and of course, And Objects — the treasures are many!!
If fashion is more your speed, or you’ve got room for design and fashion in your suitcases, just around the corner from the Pimlico Road is a Kate Middleton favorite, Beulah! Anya Hindmarch and Stella McCartney are other favorites, along with Strathberry, Wales Bonner, and, naturally, Liberty of London, with just a bit of everything! Liberty of London is an icon!! The store is housed in a striking Tudor Revival building on Great Marlborough Street, built in 1924 from the timber of two ancient ships. It is such a sight to behold. Inside, the maze of wooden staircases and creaking floors forms the backdrop for a veritable sea of treasures: fashion, fabric, and design, all with a touch of the brand’s British whimsy!
When you next make it to London, be sure to share your favorites with me on Instagram! I can’t wait to hear from you!
xx, Cheerio!!