he adventurous aesthetic of private members’ clubs has been emulated by designers and homeowners worldwide – from 5 Hertford Street, whose interior was conceived by legendary designer Rifat Özbek, and The Twenty Two by Natalia Miyar to Estelle Manor – with decadent schemes courtesy of New York-based design studio Roman and Williams.
One of the names at the fore is Vicky Charles. Before setting up her own studio, Charles & Co, in 2016, she spent 18 years as head of design at Soho House, where she helped define the brand’s aesthetic.
“It’s partly about people wanting to entertain at home, which was augmented by the pandemic, but as a trend it was gaining momentum even beforehand,” Charles says. “I still get clients saying, ‘I love what you did at Soho House.’ People are really into the comfortable, luxurious vibe and that relaxed hospitality feel.”
Private club interiors blend comfort with impact. No wonder designers and homeowners are feeling inspired
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Style like you mean it
Luxury interiors at Holyrood House
in Hampshire
It's about being a little less precious
– and above all, having some fun
design
gurus are
joining
the club
Phillippa Dalby-Welsh, head of the country department at Savills, agrees. “In some of our most coveted properties, we’re seeing incredible copper or high-gloss finished bars, which historically might have been heavier in design and in dark, solid wood. Generous living spaces are being subdivided into fireside seating, occasional dining areas, reading corners, bars and entertaining zones – something you see at exclusive clubs like Estelle Manor.” One of Savills’ recent sales, Holyrood House in Hampshire, is a fine example, with its atmospheric media and games room with stylish bar and glass-fronted wine room in the basement.
Other design elements that have made their way into residential interiors include roll-top baths in bedrooms (made popular at Soho House’s original country property, Babington House), statement hallway lighting and indoor foliage such as olive trees (both of which can be found at Annabel’s in Mayfair). And while palettes were once used to reflect an architectural era, clients are becoming bolder. “They’re opting for fabric on the walls or hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, embracing the juxtaposition of colours and textures,” Dalby-Welsh says. “These are also key at sophisticated clubs like 5 Hertford Street and The Twenty Two.”
Similarly, The OWO (formerly The Old War Office) has been transformed into the first Raffles-branded residences as well as a hotel. It takes a more grown-up ultra-luxury approach, while still drawing inspiration from the building’s impressive cultural pedigree.
Charles has a final piece of advice: “I’d always say invest in finishes, as they’re the canvas for everything else. Ultimately, it’s about being a little less precious – and above all, having some fun.”
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Paradise regained
This Kersley Street property is decorated throughout with beautiful de Gournay wallpaper
