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Spectacular Homes of London
Ste p h e n Ry a n
Stephen Ryan Design & Decoration
Stephen Ryan’s corporate logo—a sober classical obelisk flanked on
either side by a flash of fuchsia and orange—manages to pull off the
difficult trick of appearing both conservative and opulent at the same
time. It reflects his company’s interiors, too, where thoughtfulness and order
come from the same well-spring as colour, texture and wit.
Stephen admits that he has a classical, conservative side, yet sometimes
has to be reigned in by members of his team when he proposes a design
that’s a little too outlandish for certain clients. He is known for a fearless
use of bright colour, but that doesn’t do his work justice: his bespoke
range of furniture, for example, is full of architectural pieces, among them
a mirror influenced by a lintel on a Palladian villa and a Neoclassical sofa
inspired by Regency designer Thomas Hope. Similarly, there is nothing
frivolous about the rigorous quality of the materials used in every project,
or the exacting, tailor-made solution, with a thorough attention to detail,
that every client can expect.
Boldness, rather than brightness, is the real thread that runs through
every project. Stephen speaks a lot about being brave—whether that refers
to clients, whom he is always guiding a little out of their comfort zone in
order to achieve their dreams; or his own confidence in being able to mix up
textures, patterns and objects from all over the world and make it work. His
look is striking but not showy, with proportion and function given every bit
as much weight as surface detail.
Above:
The Parisian raffia wallcovering punctuates Diane Kaufman’s Palette Nude. Chinese vases sit atop
the antique shell chest from Ile St. Louis, Paris.
Photograph by James Balston
Facing Page:
In the reception room, Sea Cow by Emma Kelly hangs above the J. Robert Scott console
table with Joe Tilson ornamental urn. Theodore Alexander chairs and David Linley lamps
frame the composition.
Photograph by Nick Pope