Interior designers draw their inspiration from a myriad of creative resources. But here at KKH, travel has always been at our design core. Everything from our site curation to our interior designs borrow from the amazing places I’ve visited around the world. Very recently, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the UK’s most thriving metropolis: London!
While I was there to source new product and go on a few exciting business meetings, I made sure to pocket some time for the incredible city sites, from wandering through St. James Park and the streets of Shoreditch to grabbing a quick photo on the Westminster Bridge. London is full of incredible sights and (of course) shopping, but if you’re like me, you’re most enthralled by the amazing architecture and design throughout the city. That’s why I put together this guide to London for design lovers! If you ever make a visit and love design as much as I do, these are some of the less obvious places you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comment section at the end
Places to Go
The Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London
The New Craftsmen
If you visit only one design gallery during your time in London, that gallery should be The New Craftsmen. The space curates and sells unique objects from a network of over 100 skilled artisans across the UK. The craftsmanship and creativity you’ll witness here is breathtaking. It brings me so much joy to see a space where ceramicists, carpenters and furniture makers, lighting designers, glassblowers, textile designers, basket makers and jewelers, all come together to create a bold design community!
34 North Row, Mayfair, London
The Conran Shop
Located in the heart of Chelsea back within the premises of the historical Michelin House, The Conran Shop has made its name as a prestigious landmark for luxury and avant-garde design. While we instantly fell in love with the home accessories here, you can find an array of exquisitely designed products from gift items to beauty and care products.
Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London
2nd location: 55 Marylebone High Street, London
SHOP THE LOOK
Harrods
And of course, it’s impossible to visit London without a pit stop at Harrods! This gorgeous building remains at the height of British luxury retail and is renowned for its unrivaled product selection, world-class service and historic setting. If you’re interested in design (especially fashion and luxury goods) you’ll be in your happy place here. Expect high-end fashion and accessories to the finest homewares and the latest technology.
87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London
Places to Eat
Sketch
This Instagram worthy restaurant doubles as a bar and music venue, and although the food here (French cuisine) is quite delectable, the takeaway is the definitely the colorful British eclectic interior. Designed by the exceptionally India Mahdavi, each room of the restaurant is completely unique in design with a monochromatic color story. And if you make it here, make sure to make a trip to the rest room to wash up before eating because the bathrooms are (quite literally) out of this world.
Sketch, 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London
SHOP THE LOOK
Sans Pere
Sans Pere, 84 Great Eastern St, London
Dandelyan
20 Upper Ground, London
SHOP THE LOOK
Places to Stay
The Connaught
If you love some of the more traditionally styled furniture on our site, then you’re going to love the look and feel of The Connaught hotel. And you won’t be the only one. Celebrities of all kinds flock to this hotel for the privacy and its luxe swanky vibes. While the grand dark wood staircase is the focal point of this property, you’ll find a mix of art deco interiors from three swanky, speakeasy style cocktail bars to a sleek, Gatsby-esque pool on the spa level. Not to mention, there is also a Michelin-starred restaurant inside. The rooms themselves are super spacious with ornate molded ceilings, yet the intimate design details allow the rooms to feel cozy and comfortable
The Rosewood
The moment you enter through the wrought-iron gates of this converted Edwardian mansion, your jaw is on the ground. For design lovers, The Rosewood is a must see due to the original architecture and sophisticated interiors that blend English heritage with contemporary design motifs. Of course, The Rosewood is quite the luxury experience, and it’s massive, including 262 bedrooms, 42 luxury suites and a gorgeous lobby well worth the visit. So if this grandiose hotel doesn’t match with your aesthetic or budget, don’t worry. The location is known as a destination for locals and tourists alike.
252 High Holborn, London
Browns Hotel
Albemarle St, Mayfair, London
