I walked into the Cartier Jewelry Exhibit expecting sparkle, as one does, but the scale and intention behind each piece stops one cold. Beyond making jewelry; Cartier shaped culture with a designer’s eye for architecture, history, and form. The exhibit moves through eras, influences, and entire worlds of craft. It feels both extravagant and sharply disciplined, which is exactly why I wanted to see it in person.

En route to the Cartier exhibit, I stopped at the main desk inside The Victoria and Albert Museum, and the flooring stopped me first—there’s always something in an old museum that gets me at the very first entry. Large stone pavers stretched across the hall, white and black beneath classic marble columns. The Chihuly glass sculpture hovered above the domed skylight at the main desk, but the floors pulled my attention.

Notting Hill London shopping has its own rhythm. London shopping in general feels like a full experience, and the major department stores—Liberty of London, Fortnum and Mason, and Harrod’s—make it easy to lose hours. Their architecture matches the scale of the goods inside. Yet Notting Hill offers something different. Not one grand destination, but small boutiques with strong identities and beautiful facades.

Tile, Tub, and a Trophy: Every designer has that one bathroom that just hits differently. Mine features pale blue cabinets, a stone vanity, and marble mosaic floors. I obsessed over every last detail — even the grout color. The result feels calm, classic, and, as it turns out, award-winning. My professional photos of this Milton primary bathroom capture every polished surface and layered texture.

A Building’s Charm The Liberty London department store is one of those rare buildings that practically pulls you inside—the design of the building practially makes you want to spend money. Its exterior could double as a business strategy. The place was packed when I visited, and it’s easy to see why. Beyond the quality clothing, […]

Mayfair Reimagined Tucked into the heart of Mayfair on Grosvenor Square, The Twenty Two is a 31-room boutique hotel housed within an Edwardian manor. The building dates to the early 20th century, with double-height ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and classical proportions that set the tone for its grand yet intimate atmosphere. The hotel sits at one […]

This guide uses a designer’s lens to eat, sleep, and shop London, focusing on places where the interiors drive the experience. Design shows up in everyday settings—restaurants, hotels, and members’ clubs reveal how space shapes how people gather and move. These recommendations highlight where to eat, sleep, and shop, chosen for their architecture, atmosphere, and character.

I felt lucky to be invited on a design field trip with Christopher Farr Cloth. I know their fabrics well and use them often in my projects, but I truly didn’t know what to expect. I had never explored London through the lens of a designer, knew no one else on the trip, and—truthfully—committed before even seeing the itinerary. But you can’t go wrong with a legendary London-based design house, and it paid off.

Some houses announce themselves before you ever cross the front door. Cliveden is one of them. From its formal terraces to the sweep of the front drive, every line hints at power and taste. Perched above the Thames in Buckinghamshire, the estate was rebuilt in 1851 by Sir Charles Barry, whose command of proportion also defines London’s Houses of Parliament. Four decades later, William Waldorf Astor would make it his own—layering Italianate architecture with English romanticism, sculpted gardens, and storied interiors.

Meghan Markle spent the night here before marrying a prince, which feels entirely appropriate. Cliveden House has long attracted the type who favor silk robes, staff entrances, and an audience. Built high above the Thames, it’s grand, deliberate, and unapologetically architectural—a masterclass in historic English estate design. Every arch, terrace, and column reminds you that beauty here was planned, not improvised.

Not every project needs dust, debris, and months of chaos. An easy kitchen makeover can transform a home with smart choices and a fresh eye. Skip the sledgehammer—focus on finishes, fixtures, and details that make the difference. We renovate kitchens and baths all the time, and experience has shown us that a few minor updates can be the perfect solution.

Walk through The Elms in Newport and you’ll find rooms that feel surprisingly familiar. Beyond the marble halls and gilded ceilings are kitchens, baths, and bedrooms that remind us that good design—historic or modern—always begins with proportion, craftsmanship, and comfort. These are the spaces that connect Gilded Age grandeur to everyday living.