3 trends to take-away from No. 10

Mon 09 Jan 2023

Paul Bennett, Director

The interior tastes of our Prime Ministers is fascination within the Behr & Butchoff team. There were pages and pages devoted to Boris, Carrie and their £840 a roll gold wallpaper at No. 11 Downing Street, while we raised an eyebrow when it was revealed Theresa May had a borderline obsession with John Lewis when she lived in the same property.

 

While we admired the ‘more is more’ designs of the Johnson’s much-loved interior designer, Lulu Lytle – think chintz, pleated fabrics and clashing patterns, a new era of leadership has arrived – and there’s a new interior style in town.

 

Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, have chosen to make No. 10 Downing Street their home – a move that gives them a fresh start and a blank canvas after George Osborne left the property in a reportedly ‘tired’ state.

 

With the help of an interior design company, Challis Interiors, the Sunak family are revamping the space that was also home to Sajid Javid and Philip Hammond. A number of the new interior details have been revealed, so here’s how you can replicate the fresh-look Downing Street design:-

 

1.      Ikat patterns

The interior designer behind the current No. 10 design scheme says ikat-print cushions adorn the Sunak’s sofas. Ikat is an Indonesian method of colouring fabric, using a dye resistance system to create distinctive feathered edges. Sections of yarn are protected before any weaving takes place and as it’s a hand-driven process, true ikat fabrics are expensive. Cheaper weaving methods and pattern printing make ikat more accessible. This ikat-print cushion from Designers Guild is a great way to emulate the look.

 

2.      Tassel tie backs

Apparently, the five windows overlooking No. 10’s garden have been dressed with sumptuous full-length curtains, which are held back by heavy, co-ordinating tassels in red, gold and ivory. Tassel tie backs are a quick and easy way to elevate standard curtains, adding a flash of colour and a touch of luxury. VV Rouleaux stocks a number of tassel-style curtain tie backs that would add interest to a plain pair of curtains.

 

3.      Velvet sofas

The Sunak family are clearly fans of tactile fabrics as it’s noted that the sofas are upholstered in velvet. Jewel colours have been favoured, which adds depth and richness. No. 10 now has a resident dog, so upholstery would have been carefully chosen. If you have pets and love the idea of velvet sofas, Heal’s offer a Smart Luxe Velvet fabric in a ruby red, sapphire and emerald – all of which are stain resistant.

 

The Behr & Butchoff team specialises in properties for sale and to rent in the Borough of Westminster. If you’d like to live in the centre of power – or you have a property to sell in the area – contact one of our estate agents today.