Photography by Jon Day
Inside Matthew Williamson’s Design Kitchen at the Design Museum
PROJECTS 15.10.24
Founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, The Design Museum is the go to destination for creativity, education and design. Matthew Williamson designed its Design Kitchen, offering a sanctuary for those wishing to drink, dine, socialise and simply be. Surrounded by the luscious greenery of Holland Park, this restaurant, with its eclectic design and vivid choice of colour, is certain to inspire and keep you coming back for more.
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Inspired by the vast greenery of Holland Park and its quaint English gardens, Matthew Williamson selected fabrics and colours to reflect the nature outside. The colour palette focuses on three shades of green from Little Greene, infusing the room with a sense of calm and focus. The green tones create a smooth gradient from light to dark across the walls, banquettes and woodwork, forming intimate spaces where visitors can work or enjoy their lunch at the black marble-top bistro tables.
With upholstery in floral fabrics by Zoffany and William Morris & Co., it creates a spirited, playful vibe supported by bright accent cushions and bold patterns. Relaxed and informal, the two lounge areas combine vintage furniture, largely sourced by Lia Briamonte, Creative Director at Anemone Interiors. Brown leather sofas balance the vibrancy of the green palette and the mid-century style furniture bring harmony to the space.
Floor to ceiling windows are central to each alcove, flooding the seating areas with light and nature. When the sun goes down the creative lighting comes to the fore with green Planet pendant ceiling lights from Williamson’s collection with John Lewis, as well as rechargeable cordless Phileas table lamp designed by Pooky adding a cosy glow. Hand-blown glass and vintage ceramic wall lights from Curiousa and marble and rattan table lamps from lights&lamps complete the lighting scheme.
“I wanted the space to feel non-intimidating, uplifting yet relaxed, so visitors would feel inspired to return time and time again. A commercial space which looks and feels like a home away from home ” – Matthew Williamson
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LAURA HAMMETT LIVING
POLIFORM
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The renovation management was headed up by Fran Lee, a stylist and creative whom Williamson instantly connected with whilst working on the BBC TV series Interior Design Masters. Despite their different tastes and styles, Williamson and Lee are able to fuse their ideas together to create even more impactful spaces.
