At Home with Louise Bradley

I have always loved interiors. In 1991 I started my business, initially opening a shop on Walton Street. The business has just grown over the years and we now have a substantial design side, working with clients around the world, as well as the showrooms with our extensive range of furniture and accessories. Initially I bought items for the specific projects that I was involved with, but gradually I started designing bespoke furniture for each project and then the demand for the furniture and accessories inspired me to develop my own range. I add new items twice each year.

My style at home is relaxed. I used a neutral palette, which is a great backdrop for my collection of pieces that I love, and there are lots! I guess my signature style runs through my homes, a fusion of classic and contemporary.

My home is a sanctuary. I like the space to be ordered so I always get a sense of calm when I walk in the door. I love to cook but sadly I don’t do enough of it and I love a nice garden—I have a great gardener who understands what I like. I also enjoy having friends over for lunch at the weekend in the country and my teenage nieces sometimes stay with me in London, which is always great fun.

My London home has all the essentials cleverly arranged over three floors. I have a great drawing room that is wonderful for entertaining and also nice to spend time alone in without being too large. The kitchen is an eat-in kitchen that leads out onto a rooftop terrace that looks out over London. I have a master bedroom and dressing room with an additional guest room.

The classic contemporary style is both versatile and elegant, and a pleasure to be surrounded by every day. What I love in particular about this style is that it’s abundant with textures, patterns and materiality; with broad yet muted colour palettes, you can always be playful with unusual surface finishes, adding unique details to the bespoke furniture pieces [and] not forgetting the lighting! It’s vibrant and neutral at the same time, creating the perfect ambience for a relaxed and comfortable home.

During the summer I love to entertain in my garden room. I designed the space to be multi-purpose so the console we designed for the space unfolds to become a dining table, I have the doors to the terrace open wide and the scent of the jasmine when it blossoms fills the space. I like to dress the table with natural linens (vintage, if possible) combined with rustic ceramics and an earthy centrepiece, layering foliage of varying textures. On the menu would be one of my favourite summer lunch dishes: a simple Madeline Shaw Recipe of Roasted Apricot Chicken. As for the agenda, just spending time with friends and family, listening to their stories and updates is nurturing for all.

I value my dogs the same as most dog lovers do. They are always happy to see you and offer unconditional love. Material things can always be replaced but I do have some artworks I would be sad to lose.

There are so many—often depending on the space, its ambience and the mood I want to create. I’m a huge fan of Gino Hollander’s expressive paintings which combine oil paints with ink. I love abstract art too, where the emotion is communicated through the brushstrokes, their energy and the movement of paint through the canvas. Smaller, quick sketches have their own unique charm too, often so simple, but impactful in an interior.

Bedding from Frette, cashmere throws from Oyuna and my iPad.

A well-made sofa that is timeless in design or a chandelier that can add a touch of luxury without being too dominating. Exquisite cushions and glassware are always worth blowing the budget on too.

Living beautifully for me is having a measured work/life balance, having the time to enjoy family and friends, living mindfully and appreciating the natural world and all its magical beauty.