Inside a london flat that's a time-bending masterpiece

A singaporean perspective on preserving the past

Growing up in Singapore, I witnessed the relentless march of modernity erase the city's unique character. Seeing charming, aged shophouses vanish overnight instilled in me a deep appreciation for the ephemeral nature of even the most solid structures. It sparked a lifelong quest to understand the stories embedded within old things, a counterpoint to the city's constant pursuit of newness. This early fascination informs my approach to design – embracing history and weaving it into contemporary spaces, a process I feel is absolutely crucial.

The syrie-maugham influence: a glamorous echo

The Hackney flat of Benedict Foley and Daniel Slowik is a breathtaking example of this. The design draws heavily from the iconic style of Syrie Maugham, a legendary British interior decorator known for her lavish and theatrical interiors. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about channeling a specific mood, a sense of timeless glamour and playful sophistication. We aim to evoke a feeling, a narrative, and Maugham’s work provides a rich and compelling foundation for that narrative.

Blending global inspirations: panton meets bidgood

My design philosophy isn’t about rigid adherence to a single style. I’m far more interested in synthesis, in finding connections between seemingly disparate influences. Think Verner Panton’s bold modernism juxtaposed with James Bidgood’s opulent, cinematographic Victorianism. It sounds unusual, I know, but the shared fascination with light and vibrant colors creates a surprising and compelling harmony. It’s about finding the common thread, the underlying principle that unites seemingly opposite approaches.

The power of narrative: crafting a story for your space

The core of my process is uncovering the “story” of a space. Is it a cottage steeped in the eccentricity of a bygone era? A bachelor’s den reimagined in the style of Maugham? Or a family home spanning generations? Once we’ve identified that narrative, every design decision – from color schemes to furniture choices – is guided by it. It's less about simply decorating and more about curating a living, breathing narrative within the walls.

Dramatic details: a touch of marlene dietrich

I believe a space should evoke emotion. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about creating an experience. Imagine walking through an interior and feeling like Marlene Dietrich emerging from a stage – dramatic, confident, unforgettable. That’s the kind of impact I strive for. This can be achieved through a single, striking detail – a curtain, a painting, a carefully placed piece of furniture – that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. It's about creating moments of visual and emotional impact.

Color as a storyteller: magritte and scottish castles

Color is a powerful tool in my arsenal. I’m not afraid to use it boldly, to create “color punctuation” that draws the eye and sets the tone. A recent project drew inspiration from René Magritte’s “La Voix du Silence,” using its palette as a starting point. We then layered in references to a demolished Welsh chapel, a Scottish castle bedroom, and even the light falling across furniture in a Cairo home. It's about assembling fragments of history and memory into a cohesive and compelling whole. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that is joyful, engaging, and reflective of the client's unique story.

The ultimate design dream: simplicity and extravagance

Personally, I find myself drawn to the simplicity of a Scottish bothy, a humble mountain dwelling, but also the over-the-top glamour of Jayne Mansfield’s Pink Palace. It's about embracing both ends of the spectrum – the understated and the extravagant – and finding a way to integrate them into a harmonious design. You can discover Benedict Foley and Daniel Slowik's fabrics at nuthalltemple.com.