The Arts Club, London, marries Victorian eccentricity and Italian glamour thanks to revamp
The Arts Club, London, gets a modern revamp with a nod to styles of the past
When Milanese designer Giuseppe Porcelli was commissioned to revamp the interiors of The Arts Club, London, he knew he wanted the space to be 'something seductive where people want to spend intimate time, all day long, relaxing, entertaining and being with people’.
The resulting revamp of the ground floor includes the new ‘Ofelia' members’ lounge, named in homage to Millais’ famous painting of the Shakespearean heroine, as well as the Brasserie, Bar and Condo Salon, where the club’s extensive George Condo collection is displayed. 'Warm browns and enamel tones dominate all of the spaces, alongside plush furnishings and cosy alcoves featuring a range of disparate patterns and textures – marble walls, cheetah-print pillows, jacquard wallpaper. The rooms are eclectic,’ says Porcelli, 'artisanal custom details, vintage pieces, sexy chinoiserie-inspired elements and furniture with a stronger club vocation are twisted with other elements that feel more off-kilter to create a language which is new for the space and feels contemporary.’
The design was centred around the club’s verdant garden, where visitors can dine during the warmer months. Custom wallpaper depicting a forest of trees decorates the Condo room, while the walls behind the bar feature hand-painted wisteria that climbs up to the ceiling. 'I liked the idea of the garden coming in and the indoor space going out,’ continues Porcelli. ‘So I treated part of the garden as an interior, canopied and hung with paintings.’
The first floor is another bastion of Victorian extravagance, but this time filtered through the lens of an English aristocrat journeying through the ruins of Italy. 'I love the idea of the Grand Tour, the journey of the English through Italy, which I found interesting as a starting point. So from there, the idea of the pillars and friezes from the classical architecture, but then mixed with more modern elements that surround me, like buildings in Milan, with a particular eye to entryways in the 1930s and 1940s style.’
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Mary Cleary is a writer based in London and New York. Previously beauty & grooming editor at Wallpaper*, she is now a contributing editor, alongside writing for various publications on all aspects of culture.
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Josephine is a classic French bistro in London, built on comfort and authenticity
Josephine opens in London’s Chelsea, serving up French bistro classics and family recipes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Step inside London’s first Scottish deli, dishing up wee plates and hearty scran
Auld Hag-The Shoap is London’s first Scottish deli. Discover fridges and countertops brimming with produce celebrating the best of Scotland’s culinary heritage
By Tianna Williams Published
-
NoMad London introduces afternoon tea with a New York twist
NoMad London serves up an afternoon tea menu spanning from elegant finger sandwiches to elevated New York street food classics
By Tianna Williams Published
-
First look inside St John at Fortnum & Mason, bringing nose-to-tail to Piccadilly
St John at Fortnum & Mason opens for three weeks, securing your nose-to-tail fix while the restaurant’s Smithfield home is refitted
By Robert Johnston Published
-
BAO and Dover Street Market mark Year of the Dragon with baked goods and merch
BAO partners with Dover Street Market to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, presenting signature bakes, exclusive DSM x BAO products, and an installation ( until 11 February )
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Sketch London is the canvas for Pearl Lam Galleries’ art takeover
Sketch London partners with Pearl Lam Galleries to showcase works by Chinese, Nigerian and British artists
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Cafe Kitty is Soho's new theatre-land restaurant inspired by the world of cabaret
London’s Soho welcomes Cafe Kitty, the cool little sister of the Kitty Fisher’s Group, with intimate interiors inspired by the world of cabaret and burlesque
By Melina Keays Published
-
London’s new Lavazza flagship store blends coffee, dining and design
The refurbished Lavazza flagship store serves up velvety Italian coffee classics and much more in lush surroundings
By Tianna Williams Published