London is renowned for its grand historic buildings and world-famous museums. But hidden amongst the hustle and bustle are quirky spaces with delightfully eccentric interior designs waiting to be discovered. From surreal restaurants to themed hotels, London has no shortage of unique interiors for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
One-of-a-Kind Historic Homes
Several historic houses in London open their doors to reveal dramatically designed rooms that transport you to another time and place:
- Leighton House Museum - This former home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton contains an ornate Arab-style hall with intricate Islamic tiles, gilded ceilings, and mosaic walls. Leighton's avant-garde designs resulted in one of the most remarkable interiors from the 19th century.
- Dennis Severs' House - Step back in time at this reconstructed 18th century home where each room represents a different period in history. Costumed guides stay in character to create an immersive experience unlike any other museum.
- Strawberry Hill House - Horace Walpole constructed this Gothic Revival villa in the 1700s complete with stained glass, elaborate stucco, and chinoiserie-style furnishings. The flamboyant rooms made it one of Britain's most influential buildings of its time.
Innovative Modern Spaces
Beyond historic homes, modern spaces around London boast quirky contemporary Interior Designer London:
- Sketch restaurant - This upscale dining spot contains fantastical themed rooms like the pink paradise of the Gallery or the futuristic white pods of the Lecture Room. Different artists designed each room, resulting in a wholly unique experience.
- Blogger's apartment - After being featured in design magazines, this London blogger's home became Instagram-famous for its bold use of color, mismatches thrifted furniture, and eclectic accessories. It's a new vintage style showing Londoners aren't afraid to take risks.
- Mortimer House - This office building contains playful common areas with astroturf carpeting, living moss walls, and a slide between floors. It brings whimsy to a corporate setting.
Quirky Shops and Cafes
Beyond homes and offices, specialty shops and cafes indulge their quirky side:
- Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium - Get your feline fix at this cat cafe filled with kitties and cat-themed decor like a claw machine full of toy mice.
- What Goes Around Comes Around - Discover vintage treasures at this retro shop stocking one-of-a-kind midcentury furniture, kitschy collectibles, and oddball memorabilia.
- Bar Elba - This rooftop bar/cafe channels a funky tropical vibe with eclectic boho furnishings, vibrant murals, and astro turf floors.
Unique Themed Hotels
For truly immersive experiences, themed hotels allow you to live in your own quirky world:
- Zetter Hotel - Each individually designed room has its own personality and name like "The Garden" with flower murals or "The Library" with bookshelves covering every wall.
- Max Serviced Apartments - These short-term apartment rentals come boldly decorated in vibrant colors and patterns. It's homey lodging that's far from boring.
- Dream Bags Jaguar House - Sleep in luxury at this boutique hotel where each room is modeled after an iconic designer bag like the Dolce Gabbana Sicily tote or Fendi Spy.
Tips for Finding Your Own Hidden Gems
While well-known spots like Harrods or Westminster Abbey are magnificent, don't miss London's trove of concealed treasures. Interior Designer London can help uncover the city's quirkiest spaces. But you can also find hidden gems by:
- Exploring neighborhoods off the tourist track
- Searching design blogs and magazines for unique features
- Taking specialized architecture and design tours
- Asking locals for their favorite unique spots
The extraordinary is everywhere in London - you just have to know where to look. Venture off the beaten path to uncover a world of imaginative spaces waiting to be discovered.
So don your explorer's cap and let your curiosity lead the way. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover!
