Members' club secrets: how to borrow the best design without the price tag

Jennifer Lister’s Londonkitchen, a riot of velvet and shimmering extravagance, isn’t a blueprint for your average home. But the designer’s approach – a bold injection of personality gleaned from the opulent interiors of exclusive clubs – offers a surprisingly pragmatic lesson for homeowners.

Decoding the decadence: what homeowners can learn

Martin Brudnizki’s transformation of Annabel’s in Berkeley Square – a space described as a ‘Fabergé egg’ overflowing with diamond-encrusted flora and colossal onyx washbasins – showcased a maximalist philosophy that’s both exhilarating and, frankly, intimidating. It’s a scale rarely achievable outside the realm of private clubs, yet the core principles of layering, statement pieces, and a fearless disregard for conventional restraint are entirely applicable.

The key isn’t wholesale replication, of course. Transplanting a full-blown members’ club aesthetic into a family home risks overwhelming the space and, let’s be honest, a slightly unsettling vibe. But observing the carefully considered choices – the unexpected mid-century modern suite in the Army & Navy Club’s business floor, the arresting mosaics in the RAC’s pool, the literary clutter of the Athenaeum’s library – reveals a powerful strategy: seek out individual elements that inject character and a sense of history.

Strategic borrowing: a layered approach

So, what can you actually take from these bastions of bespoke design? Consider the accessories – a striking silver-mounted ram’s head, a carefully curated collection of artwork. Don’t attempt to recreate the full effect; instead, identify the feeling – the confidence, the individuality – and translate it into your own décor. Soho House, with its carefully curated mix of styles and textures, demonstrates this perfectly: a measured approach to incorporating elements of a members' club lifestyle.

As with any successful interior design project, mixing and matching is paramount. A grand, copper-topped bar, for instance, might be a statement piece in a large kitchen, but overkill in a smaller space. Avoid committing to a single, dominant colour scheme; clubs often employ a dramatic clash of hues and patterns – a tactic that demands careful execution. The goal is to create a layered, considered aesthetic, not a calculated imitation.

The devil’s in the details

Ultimately, a truly exceptional club creates a space where you feel instantly at ease, a refuge from the ordinary. This is achieved through a careful balance of lighting, a harmonious blend of textures and patterns, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Next time you find yourself enjoying the convivial atmosphere of a members’ club, take note – you might be surprised at the design lessons you uncover. Forget the diamond-studded flowers, but don’t shy away from the boldness – it’s what elevates a space from simply habitable to genuinely memorable.