Robert Kime Goodness

I just came across these charming pictures of antiques dealer, interior decorator and fabric designer Robert Kime’s shop in London. Recently opened in December, the shop is a treasure trove full of antiques, accessories and Kime’s gorgeous signature textiles.

Kime decorated the place to look like a residence with a layered, lived-in, classic English look and feel which he’s a master at creating.

Kime began his career in interiors by dealing antiques and eventually rose to become one of Britain’s most prominent designers.

_{This photo and all above by James Mitchell via robertkime.com}

He counts Prince Charles among his many high profile clients and was charged with the rennovation and decoration of Clarence House-the official residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Another famous client of Kime’s is Juicy Couture founder Gela Nash Taylor and her husband, Duran Duran bassist John Taylor. Kime decorated South Wraxall Manor- their romantic English Country estate in Wiltshire, England.

The project was featured in the September 09 issue of Vogue and I thought I’d post a few of the photos here for any Kime fans out there. Kime worked with architect Mary-Lou Arscott and opera set designer Patrick Kinmonth on the project. On the left is the drawing room with it’s incredible Jacobean plasterwork surrounding the mantle. On the right is Gela’s daughter’s room.

What I love most about this home is that although Kime designed the interiors from a clean slate for the Taylors, the end result bears a masterfully layered, perfectly worn, lived-in patina. Here in the Chinoiserie Suite, the de Gournay wallpaper was hand painted with stains and watermarks to appear as though it has been there forever.

No English country manor feels complete without a touch of romanticism and the Taylor’s home is full of romance. A perfect example is Gela’s bathroom. Details like the claw foot tub, antique chandelier and wall sconces, the Venetian mirror above the tub and the curtains made from the queen of Italy’s court train exude femininity and romance.

In this charming outdoor terrace, a 19th century Sicilian chandelier hangs above a dining table surrounded by 18th century regency bergere chairs. To see more of the home click here. And for more info on Robert Kime click here to visit his website.