House style: Philippa Thorp

Interiors expert Philippa Thorp founded Thorp Design in 1985. Based in London, the multidisciplinary studio has established itself as an authority on craftsmanship, creating homes and spaces tailored to the requirements of a discerning global clientele. Along with her creative team of architects and designers, Thorp has built a reputation for longevity and quality on projects ranging from seafront villas in Phuket and ski chalets in St Moritz to sleek city apartments around the world.

Where do you live?
On St Petersburgh Place in west London, near Notting Hill Gate. It’s a lovely area, full of pretty streets and garden squares lined with stucco-fronted Victorian terraced houses. I chose it mainly because I wanted to be close to the Thorp office in Knightsbridge. Previously, I lived in Hampshire for 30 years, and while the countryside is wonderful, I was done with commuting.

What’s the style of your house?
I’ve always owned homes with classic proportions. I lived in a Georgian house, then a grade II listed property in Hampshire. Now I’m in a white-stuccoed terrace with a deep front garden. When it comes to interiors, I favour bright, well-planned spaces brought to life by interesting artwork and pops of colour. 

Do you have a signature design style?
My personal design style has traditional bones, but finds a happy balance where old meets new. While modern homes can be far too harsh, overly traditional ones often need to be sharpened up. There’s no signature Thorp look – I believe each property should be a reflection of its unique owner. We always work collaboratively with our clients to create timeless spaces that feel authentic.

What’s your design philosophy?
We’ve built a reputation for longevity – our philosophy is “Invest well, once”. I consider good design a form of asset management. You shouldn’t need to continue altering your home to keep pace with fashion. When you make sensible decisions with longevity in mind, you add value. We often have repeat clients who, after moving to a new home, ask us to recreate exactly what we did years earlier in their previous property, just altering it to suit the new environment.

Which collectibles are on your hit list?
My favourite things are jewellery and art – the beautiful shiny things that spark joy. I’m drawn to the St Ives artists, who were inspired by the landscape of west Cornwall. In particular, I love Peter Lanyon and Paul Feiler’s work.

Any suppliers you can recommend?
Adrian Sassoon is one of my favourite UK-based ceramic and glass dealers. I’m always on the lookout for interesting new suppliers when I travel abroad – especially ceramicists and glass designers. A dear friend of mine owns EBONY/CURATED, a gallery in Cape Town that showcases work by astonishing African artists.

Any furniture and textile designers you love?
I love Claremont’s textiles and trimmings. Vanderhurd textiles are also incredible. Christine Van Der Hurd is such a kind and clever person – we work with her to design bespoke rugs in almost every Thorp project. We also collaborate closely with furniture-maker Rupert Bevan. He’s always open to pushing the limits through creative designs and innovative materials.

Do you have any original art in your home?
I’ve been collecting art for years. I have much-loved original works by Nic Fiddian-Green, Michael Vaughan, Ceri Richards, Rose Hilton, Grayson Perry and Kitty Shepherd. I only ever buy pieces I truly love. I always advise people to choose art that brings them pleasure and enjoyment – if something resonates with you, you won’t get tired of living with it.

And which one object would you save from a fire?
My collection of paintings by my father.

Is there a property in the world you’d like the chance to design?
I’d love to design a hotel. Thorp has worked on a range of large commercial projects, including Wentworth Golf Club and KX health and fitness club, but never a hotel. If there’s one thing that has to be right in a space, it’s the lighting, and I’m always astonished by how many hotels are terribly lit. I’d love to create a beautiful hideaway in London that’s thoughtfully lit for the perfect ambience.

And any particular clients’ homes you’ve loved working on?
We’re working on a home in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, on the French Riviera, now. We designed the property back in 2013 for a client, making significant architectural changes and using a feminine palette of whites, soft pinks and greens. It was recently sold to a new owner, who has re-employed us. He loves the house from an architectural point of view, but wants a more masculine aesthetic. Reimagining this home has been such a pleasure.

Can you name some key figures who have influenced you?
My passion and interest in art and creativity came from my father. He was an army officer, then a businessman, but always a keen artist in his own time. I was deeply inspired by who he was as a person. He was the kindest, least judgemental man, and I strive to be as good as he was.

And the strangest request a client has made?
I had someone who wanted a rare Russian wood called Karelian birch for his jet – it is only harvested once a year. Once that season’s veneers are made, there is no more available. In mapping the plane’s veneers, Bombardier ran out, so I had to go on a journey around the world, looking for Karelian leaves to match to the existing design. I remember landing in some remote place in South America to track down this wood. I had no choice.

Thorp Design