Interior Design Trends in London right now – the insider’s guide
Q&A with Elizabeth Cook, Design Director at the nu:group by Samantha Warner, Creative Director ONGallery
It was a pleasure to spend the day with Elizabeth Cook, Design Director from The nu:group at one of her recently completed residential projects in Chelsea, London. Elizabeth is one of those women who just has it together, not only beautiful, grounded and accommodating but with a reputation for designing the capital’s most luxurious homes.
The nu:group work on a range of high-end residential projects in the city, specialising in luxury interiors and architectural design focusing on comfort and elegance. With a background in architecture, Elizabeth brings her own style and vision to a project, working closely with the client to exceed their expectations, and creating spaces for living that are truly unique. Her career as an interior designer has been centered on prestigious projects around the world for both private clients and developments, including multiple apartments within One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge.
A self-confessed perfectionist, Elizabeth has an eye for detail that means every project she works on is an intricate process of putting together details that the client may not have even considered, in order to realise their vision.
“I am known for obsessing over the detail, which is a product of my training as an architect and early career at Candy & Candy. The meticulous attention to detail in my design work and personal network of skilled artisans developed over the years, has given me a signature style – a fusion of the intricate with the simple and a contemporary style rich with detail.”
A current project for the nu:group is in Abingdon Road in London, where two homes are being developed over seven storeys. The specification includes a swimming pool, gym, media, formal and informal reception rooms. Elizabeth is working closely with the client to design the interiors in her signature style, mixing contemporary architectural features with beautiful artisan finishes.
So what does Elizabeth see as the current hottest trend in London’s interior design world?
“My clients refer to it as the Soho House Style – the Soho Group brand is strong, not surprising as the in-house designers collaborate with industry heavyweights such as Tom Dixon, Martin Brudnizki, and Ilse Crawford. The style is a fusion of eclectic and contemporary but rooted in tradition. Everyone has been to the hotels and restaurants, the spaces are undeniably cool, but also comfortable. My clients over the years have inherited antique pieces and collected artwork – so the look becomes achievable, it is a matter of bringing it all together. Everyone wants to create a Soho House style space to host their dinner parties.”
How do you achieve the Soho House style?
Elizabeth suggests taking inspiration from the traditional gentlemen’s clubs of London. Feature a rich masculine palette, a parquet floor, some velvet, rich leather, heavy linen and brass details. Add antique furniture, lighting, accessories and above all modern artwork.
As our day of photographing art in one of the nu:groups stunning developments I am eager to know what Elizabeth is working on next.
“The nu:group are predominately focused on central London hotels this year. The commercial team is led by myself and Elena Maran, whose previous experience has been luxury hotel developments, including the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. We are currently completing our first hotel development, a 25-bedroom Boutique Hotel in Earl’s Court, London. There will be hand carved headboards, grass cloth feature walls, contemporary eclectic lighting and accessories. We will use soft masculine hues, with oranges and blues for a kick of colour. In the entrance we are going more luxurious, with deep green tones accentuating the beautiful courtyard space the dining area is built around.” Explains Elizabeth.
I absolutely look forward to my invite for that opening!
Elizabeth’s interior design top tips…
- Buy simple pieces and add detail
- Get the look by adding modern art to traditional rooms
- In artwork choose soft tones with a pop of colour
- Mix up contemporary architectural features with intricate details to add interest to a room
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with styles like Art Deco to make a contemporary space more
characterful - Bold eclectic accessories can make any space successful – it’s all in the details.
One last little secret…Elizabeth’s biggest design indulgence in her own home is a tan leather Pollock lounge chair in her study.
Now that’s style.