Interior Design & Lifestyle Journal

Curated by Brad Didino Downs, Four Quarters’ collaborates with leading restorers, upholsterers and other artisans to respectfully revive rare pieces of design.

Natasha Hulse is a bespoke Fabric Artist for Interior Design. Hulse specializes in designing, three-dimensional appliqué artworks. Once the artworks have been constructed they are then upholstered onto pieces of furniture, such as headboards and lampshades.

Designed by Woulfe are delighted to announce in collaboration with Decorex; Red Spot – Le Boudoir D’corexxx. Designed by Woulfe will be taking over the VIP lounge at this year’s exhibition, come join us and dive deep into your discomfort zone.

Designed by Woulfe are delighted to have been shortlisted for the British Homes Awards 2023 within the category of ‘Best Interior Design: Individual home, Project cost £500,000 or less’.

It goes without saying that redesigning your home’s interior is a significant endeavour—though of course, it can also be incredibly worthwhile and rewarding. To ensure the results are as satisfying as possible, there are a number of key questions to answer before beginning an interior redesign project.  

The idea of pairing modern interior design with antiques and estate pieces is alluring, but not always straightforward.  Pieces that have been in the family for generations often have both sentimental and inherent value, and unquestionably merit a place in the home.

As much as a home is a sanctuary, a place for comfort and retreat, it can be – and often must be – so much more. A satisfying and successful life often means a brimming social life – as well as the desire to fit in precious time with friends and loved ones whenever possible.

The world’s most luxurious hotel interiors are much more than a place to stay.   From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that every detail has been considered and no element of comfort has been overlooked.  There’s a sense of being totally looked after that’s unmistakably alluring.   

Designed by Woulfe are delighted to have been shortlisted for the British Homes Awards 2021 within the category of ‘Best Interior Design: Individual home, Project cost over £500,000’.

Designed by Woulfe have been commissioned to design and project manage the renovation of Spur Point in Surrey, a nine-bedroom luxury property with 180 degree south-facing views across the South Downs National Park.

Damien Keane is one of Ireland’s top garden and landscape designers, and someone we are lucky enough to be collaborating with on an exciting residential project. In this conversation, we discuss how he started out in the world of landscape design, his top tips for elevating your outdoor space and why we’re all investing more time and money into our gardens in 2021 and beyond.

Pollyanna Wilkinson is an award-winning garden designer working across the UK and internationally. We chatted to her about design influences, work and an exciting project she is collaborating with us on.

Objects With Narratives is a Swiss-based design studio and label founded by Belgian brothers Nik and Robbe Vandewyngaerde. Contributor Eva Ramirez spoke with Nik and Robbe to hear their musings on work, art, life, and finding the meaning behind it all.

Designed by Woulfe are delighted to have been shortlisted for the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2021 within the category of ‘Kitchen Designer of the year: Project cost over £50,000’.

Theo James-Wright is a high-net-worth property advisor within Savills Country Department. He has extensive knowledge of luxury rural real estate and vast experience selling some of the finest country homes, residential estates, and agricultural properties in the UK. We discuss the recent surge in interest for rural properties and the many factors to consider when making an investment purchase of this nature.

The owners of this Notting Hill family home are avid travellers, so we combined aspects of a boutique hotel with home comforts for a look and feel that is familiar yet luxurious. Tactile furnishings, a chic and muted colour scheme and soft, fluid shapes give a sense of understated decadence.

We are committed to integrating sustainability into our business at every level – from client projects to our own operations and using our influence in the wider community. Informed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we have implemented a clear strategy for reaching our targets and measuring our efforts along the way. We’re pleased to share our progress in the Designed by Woulfe Sustainability Report for 2019-2020.

Carolyn Miner has worked in some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States and in Europe, straddling the commercial and the academic so it would be accurate to conclude that she is not just interested in objects, she is obsessed. Her fixation manifests in her current roles as independent art advisor and editor-in-chief of Il Libro Magazine. Carolyn thinks in movements and relationships, always asking how one artwork is inspired by another, thereby creating the ever-important art historical chains of inspiration.

Seeing one of Modernity’s stands at an art fair gives the perfect sense of the furniture gallery’s philosophy. Take, for example, the 2015 London edition of the Pavilion of Art and Design where they had a large stand with two separate seating areas divided by a beautiful dining table. Two of the three walls had small wooden slats placed close together in what looked like a striped effect. It was something completely out of the ordinary and actually made the furniture interact with the walls as opposed to merely existing within them. To Modernity, furniture pieces aren’t merely being treated as everyday objects, but as unique pieces of art.

For Charles Byron and Maria Gomez of bespoke furniture brand Byron & Gomez, every handcrafted piece they make begins with a story to tell. The Somerset-based duo creates unique designs for private clients, interior designers and architects, and recently completed a piece commissioned by Designed by Woulfe for a private residential client. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of storytelling through design and why sustainability matters.

In this episode, Jeff and Susie are joined by Brian Woulfe of Designed by Woulfe to explore how the theory of “Emotion In Design’ can be applied to the design of interior spaces. Is Don Norman’s approach just a marketing spin, or are there real benefits to be had? And if so, how can designers ensure that clients respond positively to their designs on all levels?

A group of influential interior design practices have today joined forces to launch ‘Interior Design Declares’ as part of Construction Declares, calling on everyone “working in the design and construction industry” to adopt a “paradigm shift in behaviour” over climate change.

Good sleep hygiene isn’t just a matter of daily habits and routines. It’s also about creating the right bedroom environment to promote better sleep, consistently. This means considering elements such as lighting, temperature and of course, the perfect bed.

Improving your sleep, boosting brain power, decreasing stress hormones, weight control, building stronger bodies – the advantages of physical exercise are endless. Having some equipment at home, whether it’s simply a cardio machine or a fully-kitted-out gym, means you’ve got the convenience of being able to keep up with your fitness passions all year round. Here, we look at the latest luxury products that offer high-impact on both your body and your home-gym aesthetic. From handcrafted dumbbells to virtual cardio classes through a mirror, there’s an abundance of equipment options available for your home…

Books, maps, and globes are all areas that generate emotion for any interested buyer and Daniel Crouch is keenly aware of these connections. He invests an incredible amount of time creating experiences for his clients that will invoke a reaction or recreate a memory. When his gallery exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair, Maastricht in 2019, they brought virtual reality glasses and every person felt the elation of jumping into a map of Amsterdam or Paris. It’s not a gimmick; it makes this world breathe before a viewer’s eyes, creating more excitement and evoking further thought. Daniel relishes the opportunity to bring this to viewers and either open those feelings or start making new ones.

A laid-back setting for summer escapes in the Mediterranean sun, this open-plan living room offers ample space for peaceful relaxation. Designed for a client who was keen to host extended family and international friends, the living and entertaining area includes different seating options, plenty of natural light and the grounding comforts of natural materials.

Our annual list of new property developments across London showcases exciting real estate projects across the capital city. Whether you’re on the lookout for a modern and stylish new home in London or a smart investment opportunity to add to your growing portfolio, residential, commercial and multi-use schemes are (excuse the pun) on the rise. While Covid-19 has undoubtedly put a spanner in the works across the entire global property market, the pandemic and consequent lockdowns here in the UK made a considerable impact on residential developments. With this in mind, you’ll find that our top 20 list also includes 6 property developments from 2020 which have slightly postponed – but hey, good things come to those who wait.

Walk into Peter Finer’s showroom at 38-39 Duke Street, or onto one of their stands at an art fair and his son, Redmond Finer, will be your guide, transporting you to a world of courts and ceremony, presentations of royal gifts, and weapons representing honour and prestige. His knowledge is so vast and his explanations are so detailed that you will see the history of the arms and armour unfold before you. He is an exceptional combination of passionate dealer mixed with master storyteller and transmits his enthusiasm with ease and fervour.

The Irish property market has shown great resilience over the last 12 months. With prices set to rise by an average of 4% in 2021, Irish luxury property developers are feeding the demand for new homes. From modern newbuilds which will sit harmoniously alongside existing period properties, to developments being designed to emulate historic homes while maintaining all the perks of contemporary housing, there’s a lot going on property-wise in Dublin and beyond. We round up our pick of the 10 most exciting new property developments for 2021.

Charlotte Wood of bespoke florist studio Wild Wood London sits at the forefront of innovative, seasonal floristry. Charlotte started out in womenswear fashion design before combining a longstanding love of flowers with her creativity. Since then, her successful career in floristry has seen her collaborate with luxury fashion houses and create installations for London’s most iconic venues amongst countless other exciting commissions. Our interior design studio has worked with Wild Wood London several times to bring Charlotte’s knowledge and instinctive eye for both faux and living plants into our luxury interior design schemes.

Designed by Woulfe is proud to be a winner at The European Property Awards 2020 for our project in Mallorca, Spain.

It is very difficult to engage in a conversation about contemporary British sculpture without examining Nick Hornby. With commissions all over the world and pieces that stand beside Barbara Hepworth and Auguste Rodin, it would be easy to understand if Nick were engrossed in the pretentious world that can capture a talented young artist.  Instead, he is calm and speaks in a rhythm that is pensive and precise; because the truth is that he is interested in the experience of reflection and learning from his audience.

If you ever have the pleasure of visiting Adrian Sassoon’s stand at an art fair, you will be transported into a celebration of artists and their treatment of materials. Whenever I have seen his displays, I notice that Adrian constantly handles his artist’s pieces. It’s not that he is overly tactile, but rather that he feels responsible for, and connected to, the mediums that his gallery represents. This translates to the gallery holding a reputation for their extremely high standard. He is also one of the few dealers who brings his artists to his art fair stands because he believes that the artist should be explaining their own craft. This all illustrates that Adrian has what is, in my opinion, a rare yet treasured quality in the art world: he likes to listen.

Effortless and understated interiors in this sleek principal bedroom make an impact without feeling contrived. Plenty of wood – hardwood floors and a custom walnut floating headboard – feel neutral and natural, while metallic accents and luxury soft furnishings add a touch of elegance. Multi-level lighting enhances the bedroom’s calming and soothing ambience.

Simone Suss of London-based interior design company Studio Suss is passionate about creating sustainable interiors which tell a story, look remarkable and are planet-friendly. Driven by her desire to create positive change within the interior design industry, Simone sits on the Professional Practice Committee of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design). She is also a Patron of the Royal Academy of Arts and was a longstanding member of the British Fashion Council Fashion Trust.

Nothing evokes a sense of calm quite like natural, earth-inspired tones and natural materials. In this beachside luxury Mediterranean villa, you’ll find a light and breezy bedroom that is timeless but still makes a lasting impression, with handcrafted, quilted soft-furnishings and beautifully textured wooden bedside tables.

Dee Gibson is a British-Sri Lankan interior designer, avid traveller and first-time hotelier. She is as passionate about craftsmanship, antiques and sustainable design and founded Kalukanda House, a private, luxury villa in Weligama on Sri Lanka’s south coast in 2017.

Putting a project team together is no mean feat. Join Interior Designer Brian Woulfe, Lighting Designer Lucy Martin and Home Automation Consultant Tas Kyriacou to discuss creating the ‘dream team’.

A pioneer of lighting design, John Cullen is an award-winning architectural lighting company based on Chelsea’s Kings Road. Their world class lighting schemes span the luxury residential and hospitality industries.

After months of working from home, DIY manicures and missed grooming appointments, most of us are in need of some serious pampering, be it a long, relaxing massage or a skin-soothing facial. To us, the ideal spa experience promotes a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. You want to feel at ease from the moment you walk in and hopefully feel lighter and uplifted upon leaving. Our curated selection of the most gorgeous spa interiors from around the world will have you wanting to book a long weekend away immediately.

Panel discussion on the logistical, business and ethical factors interior designers should be considering beyond just the purchase of an artwork, in this ever-changing world of Pandemics and Brexits.

Tas and George Kyriacou are experts in sophisticated living. Their company creates efficient, instinctive and innovative experiences in the home through integrated technology.

The hospitality industry has suffered a lot throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, and while ‘cook at home’ kits were all the rage during the lockdowns, we’re more than ready to get back out there and enjoy our favourite restaurant dishes in the company of friends. They say you eat with your eyes before a forkful touches your lips, and we wholeheartedly agree. Food aside, the interior design of a restaurant sets the ambience and has the power to define the mood and tone of your meal. Here is our selection of mouth-watering restaurant interiors that we’d visit whether we’re hungry or not.

With prolonged closures and sadly some permanent ones too, Covid-19 has taken its toll on bars, clubs and nightlife in general. Places are slowly starting to peel back open, and we can’t wait to head back to our favourites as well as some newbies to support these stylish watering holes. Inconspicuous entrances, moody lighting and plush soft furnishings…these bars are on our hit list because of their impressive interiors as well as their cocktail menus. Browse our favourite bar interiors from around the world, which still look stunning (albeit a little blurry) after a martini or two. Then enjoy a double espresso the morning after in our favourite cosy cafés.

Hoorah for non-essential retail! If like us your doorbell is worn out and you’re a bit sick of online shopping, getting back to some bricks-and-mortar boutiques is feeling pretty exciting. Retail interior design can make or break a shopping experience. Quirky layouts, impeccable use of lighting and innovative design are some of the factors which make these stores worth visiting whether you’re purchasing or just window shopping.

As London’s property market continues to grow, residential, commercial and other multi-use property developments of varying scales are cropping up across the city. From much sought after luxury new homes in the heart of town to incredible new real estate that’s putting otherwise overlooked areas firmly on the map, there’s definitely a lot to be excited about. We’ve rounded up our favourite 25 new developments in London for 2020 and beyond.

“The sumptuous style of ‘Mad Men’ reflects the current zealous appetite for mid-century modern furniture” says Maria Fitzpatrick.

When Clare Gaskin Interiors and Designed by Woulfe decided to collaborate on a room set for DreamHouzz 2018 we looked no further than the classy interiors of the late Fifties and Sixties.

Brian Woulfe sat down with Luis De Oliveira, founder of De La Espada and host of ‘A Place To Talk’ podcast to discuss his work, the design process, and more.

When I launched my interior design business I spent money on shit I did not need. I changed my services way too regularly and I was running around chasing the knowledge I hoped would make me a star!

Interior Designers Brian Woulfe, Sophie Paterson (Sophie Paterson Interiors) and Laura Hammett (Laura Hammett Interiors) join Martin Waller at the Andrew Martin showroom on Walton Street.