The designer’s apartment reflects his love affair with colour …
“I live with my partner Joseph and our daughter Skye in a two-bedroom groundfloor apartment in Belsize Park, North London. I fell for its high ceilings, Victorian architectural details and private garden.
Fortunately the house did not need much renovation – the original parquet flooring and much of the cornicing remained intact. The neighbourhood has a village-like feel, and there are plenty of parks – Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park – within walking distance. My interiors style is defined by my love affair with colour, which came from observing my mother who had a natural flair and affinity for colour and used it unashamedly. Studying at Central Saint Martins cemented my passion. My namesake company thrived for 25 years largely thanks to its celebration of colour, especially shades of turquoise and teal. (Matthew Williamson designed the green Sunbird wallpaper for Osborne & Little, pictured top.)
Matthew Williamson’s living room is painted in Lido Pink by The Pickleson Paint Co.
Matthew’s bedroom is painted Tequila Green by The Pickleson Paint Co.
My home has gone through several iterations since we moved in and has recently been repainted. Soft pink is now a neutral for me! I have used it in the kitchen and the sitting room. The latter feels delightfully decadent, yet comfy and cosy too. I’ve added some of the portable lamps I designed for Pooky, which all give the space a wonderfully opulent glow. Most of my accessories are a mix of design and bargain buys, sourced on my travels and for work.
I pivoted from fashion to interior design full-time in 2016. Being asked to design rugs for The Rug Company and a collection of wallpapers for Osborne & Little gave me the confidence to make the shift. Seven years on, I still love my job, which is always evolving. One minute I might be designing mirrors, lighting and bedding for my homeware collection for John Lewis and the next I might be designing a cocktail bar or a hotel suite in Spain. It’s this mixed bag of projects I love.
Wherever I live, (Matthew has a home in Mallorca) I use green liberally as I know my sense of wellbeing will be all the better for it. I always feel good in my newly painted green bedroom.”
Adapted from: Living Bright: Fashioning Colourful Interiors, Thames & Hudson.