Leafy Greens
Matthew Williamson uses Design Centre showroom fabrics for a new space at London’s Design Museum
The signature teal and emerald jewel tones give a strong hint as to the designer behind this gathering space at London’s Design Museum. Matthew Williamson has created Design Kitchen at the Design Museum, a lounge-style space serving drinks and snacks: set on the second floor, it enjoys leafy views over Holland Park, and is this verdant vista that provided the inspiration for the scheme.
The backdrop may be minimalist – architect John Pawson remodelled the interior when the museum reopened in its current location in 2016 – but Williamson’s scheme is also a masterclass in how traditional elements can work in a more contemporary setting.
The interiors include two fabrics sourced from Design Centre showrooms, both of which bring the museum’s leafy setting inside. Comfy club chairs are upholstered in Zoffany’s ‘Richmond Park’ in evergreen, while dining chairs use Morris & Co.’s ‘Oak’ in teal/slate, which was inspired by a wallcovering in the Morris archives originally dating from 1879.
“I wanted the space to feel non-intimidating, uplifting yet relaxed, so visitors would feel inspired to return time and time again,” says Williamson. “A rich palette of varying tones of green was used to invigorate the space. Mid-century furniture, hand-blown glass lighting, velvet and printed upholstery were selected for a homely, informal atmosphere.”
Morris & Co., First Floor, South Dome
Zoffany, First Floor, South Dome
Images: Jon Day
