They say children make the best artists – and adults, occasionally, need to play too. If both are true, tapping the inner child might just be the secret to a chicer, more joyful home – a design ethos recently animated by designers like Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby, whose Hampstead townhouse project is every bit as colorful as it is considered.
Like a great painting, the look is guided by avant-garde color combinations, pairings and an embrace of the imperfect. Soft blues mingle with punchy pinstriped oranges. Straight, polished lines give way to organic or sculptural forms, manifested as live-wood details, handblown glass, and bulbous-based lamps.
Seating follows the same playful logic. A tactile, curvaceous sofa might be tempered by the airy whimsy of cream-colored curtains, while ottomans, pouffes, and other perches create unexpected places to gather. Individual pieces read like standalone sculptures, yet still serve a purpose: for chatter, for creativity, for joie de vivre.
In essence, this is a design style that celebrates youthful spirit without feeling juvenile. Like the famously childlike hand of Picasso, it balances play with prestige – choosing furnishings that satisfy the inner child, if that child happened to have impeccable taste in interiors.
The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
