Often nicknamed the Capital of Style, it’s no surprise that London features some fantastic interior spaces to enjoy and admire. If you’re looking for creative inspiration for your own home or workspace, you’ll find plenty of distinctive and unique interior design to take in all over London.
The only question is…where do you start?
If you’re staying at the Montcalm Royal London House, you’re ‘tour de interiors’ will start at check-in as you’ll get to enjoy a taste of the capital’s sense of contemporary luxury in the hotel’s own elegant and atmospheric space. Of course, there’s plenty more to see and experience all over the city.
Read on to find out more about some of the most distinctively British spaces around London and start planning your trip now!
The Corner Room – Bethnal Green
East London is undoubtedly packed with stylish spots all over the neighbourhood, and for guests staying in the M by Montcalm, it can be hard to choose where to go because there are so many great places to see nearby.
While Shoreditch and the surrounding East London area are notorious for being on the cutting edge of style, you’ll find some fantastic traditional gems around here too, each combining an understated sense of British elegance with a unique sprinkle of East London flair.
The Corner Room in Bethnal Green is a fantastic small restaurant that is worth a visit for the décor alone, and it’s often a big hit on social media due to its impressive and iconic feature of a “light wall.” Featuring an array of industrial-looking, mismatched lamps against a striking white tiled wall, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable selfie, as well as some fantastic classic British and European food.
Annabel’s – Mayfair
One of the most legendary private clubs in London, Annabel’s shows off classic British interior style at its most sumptuous and luxurious.
It also happens to be one of the most exclusive places in the city, with a guest list that counts royalty, US presidents and the biggest names in rock n’ roll. While it might not be the easiest place in the world to get into, it’s certainly one of the most inspiring interiors in London.
The Grade I listed Georgian mansion often serves as a home-away-from-home for many of its members, and features a tastefully classic sense of style, with sumptuous leathers, warm and dramatic lighting features and extravagantly printed wallpaper.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to make it inside, it’s worth a glance from the outside, just to admire the unique decorations that festoon the walls – from bold and colourful blossoms through spring and summer, to brilliantly inventive seasonal decorations later in the year.
Kensington Palace
While you’d expect nothing less than impeccable British style in the Royal Palaces, Kensington Palace has a unique sense of elegance and flair that make it an especially inspiring space to visit and explore. A leisurely walk away from the nearby Montcalm Hotel, the area surrounding the palace is filled with regal sophistication, starting with the pristine Kensington Gardens nearby.
Once inside the palace, of course, you can enjoy a proper master class in classic British style.
t’s worth taking the time to enjoy a walking tour inside so that you can explore the beautiful apartments and staterooms within. As both the former childhood home of Queen Victoria and home to younger royals over the years, Kensington Palace blends warmth and intimacy, alongside the expected regal splendour.
For a taste of full-on opulence, check out the King’s state apartments, where you’ll be blown away by the immense opulence of the grand, open spaces where royal members would have once entertained important courtiers and ministers. Filled with sculptures, prestigious works of art, and glittering chandeliers, the rooms give you a fascinating insight into 17th-century British style, and will undoubtedly leave you feeling a little more inspired.
Fortnum & Mason – The City
For another taste of luxurious British style, it’s hard to beat the stunning surroundings of Fortnum & Mason’s impressive Royal Exchange branch. The iconic speciality food store is always worth a visit for the tasty treats alone, but the spectacular surroundings of its in-house bar and restaurant will leave you feeling just as inspired.
Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent atrium that boasts the best of 16th century Neoclassic architecture, while the brand’s signature colour is blended perfectly with elegant dark wood and leather accents.
Wilton’s Music Hall – Tower Hamlets
For a secret taste of old school British style, head to this dramatic and beautiful venue just to soak up the incredible atmosphere.
With all the grandeur of a 19th-century music hall, the interior space is romantic and nostalgic, and a great place to pick up some style cues. With a long, open interior and tall, vaulted ceilings, the beautiful lighting accents many of the small, subtle details that give the hall its distinctive ambience.
Dalloway Terrace – Bloomsbury
Named in honour of one of the neighbourhood’s most famous literary residents, Virginia Woolf, Dalloway Terrace is a memorable and extravagantly stylish restaurant, that shows off the timeless nature of British interior style.
Filled with flowers and plants, inside and out, the restaurant hearkens back to a by-gone era, whisking you away from the chaos of central London, into a remote colonial outpost.
Relaxed furnishing and natural materials surround you, while the large, open windows provide the perfect, bright and airy space to enjoy delicious cocktails or a classic Afternoon Tea.
Serpentine Galleries
No round-up of interiors in London is complete without a visit to the Serpentine Galleries, renowned for celebrating the work of leading architects and designers. While the gallery features a variety of fascinating work all year round, it’s worth visiting just to admire the striking modern structures within that provide a fresh contrast to London’s more historic spaces around the capital city.
While the gallery has its own café, ideal for a quick snack, if you’re after a more sumptuous and stylish experience, head across Hyde Park to Hankies, where you’ll be treated to an elegant and charming space packed with deliciously tempting tapas and desserts.
Which of London’s most ‘British’ interiors are you going to draw design inspiration from during your next trip?
