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Design Detour: Susie Atkinson
Susie Atkinson’s design sensibility is bespoke in the truest sense, tailor-made to her clients’ lifestyle and personality. Then there’s the personality of the surroundings to consider… and in London, that means color, buzz and sophistication. Atkinson’s portfolio is studded with saturated color—pillar box red, leafy greens and English mustard yellow are perennial favorites—and natural materials like bleached oak and rough linen keep time with antique brass and glossy lacquer. “London lends itself to creating interiors that are individual,” the designer says. “You can scour local street markets, antique traders, artisans and workshops to find unique pieces, and have fun at the same time. Variety is the spice of life!”
Photography: Liz Seabrook
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“Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a garden nursery with glass houses serving delicious homemade food, and it’s my favourite place for lunch in autumn or springtime. I always end up doing a bit of post-lunch shopping and come away with something to treasure! My dream garden party guest list would include Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Whoopi Goldberg, David Niven, Timothy Dalton and Dolly Parton.”
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“From its setting on a roundabout in Vauxhall to its treasure trove of antique furniture, artworks, architectural finds and all things quirky and strange, Lassco at Brunswick House feels quintessentially London to me. They were my go-to for reclaimed oak floors for a project I completed recently in Cheyne Row.”
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“Swing-arm wall lights work so well over a corner sofa—I recently used a 50s-inspired option in my Lime Wood Hotel project, and I love the Keil Swing Arm Wall Light by AERIN.”
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"We use pieces from UK leatherworker Otis Ingrams of OTZI London in both our residential and commercial projects, and we recently collaborated with him on a collection of waste paper bins. I often incorporate leather into a scheme to achieve a contrast in texture to other soft furnishings, and Otis's pared-back designs retain the integrity of the material in its natural state."
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“Brown Paper Stripe by Adam Bray at Hamilton Weston is a classic. Timeless, smart, sophisticated and fantastic for adding height to rooms with lower ceilings. It would look very smart in an entrance hall, a bathroom or a study—with the variety of colours available it’s possible to find one that works in every room in the house!”
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“I like the understated and simple design of the Carlo Table Lamp by Thomas O'Brien, especially as a desk lamp.”
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“The David 24” Art Light by Thomas O'Brien is a fun picture light that works especially well in hallways. I like the two-tone effect.”
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“The Alta Table Lamp by Kelly Wearstler injects a bit of interest, works well against pale walls and has a quirky, handmade vibe.”