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Restaurant and Bar Interior Designers London, Marylebone.


A case study of a small, low-budget bar and restaurant interior design project in Marylebone, London, by Jessica Lightbody and her talented team, who are specialist hotel, bar and restaurant interior designers in London.


The brief was to convert an old, dark and damp run-down basement into a trendy champagne bar and restaurant. The interior design had to be trendy, cosy and an intimate restaurant and bar whilst incorporating a balanced sense of sophistication yet a friendly, approachable feel throughout.


The entire bar and restaurant interior design was an all-black colour scheme, from the ceilings and walls to all seating within the space. With careful use and balance of colour, texture, lighting and mirrors, both the bar and restaurant areas appeared bigger and brighter after the completed interior design.




ART DECO (C.1908 TO 1934) by Jessica Lightbody, Interior Designers Surrey, UK.


Art Deco is all about geometry and angular forms, bling and reflective materials and surfaces with influences of streamlined curves of aviation, cars, skyscrapers and cruise liners, natural geometric forms such as shells, flowers, sunrise, zig-zag and streamlined geometric forms in gold, chrome and bright colours.

As a reaction to the ornate and highly decorative styles of the past, Art Deco interior design emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, following World War I. It was distinguished by using geometric shapes, bright colours, and luxurious materials.The Art Deco period followed both the Arts & Crafts Movement and the Art Nouveau era around 1908 up until the outbreak of the war. After WWII, the emphasis shifted to more functional and minimalist styles, and Art Deco interior design fell out of favour. However, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with designers and homeowners rediscovering the beauty and elegance of this iconic style.


The wealthy elite of the time popularised Art Deco interior design, often associated with luxury and glamour. It had highly polished surfaces like lacquered wood and shiny metals, as well as sumptuous materials like velvet and silk. Solid and clean lines were frequently used in furniture and decor, emphasising symmetry and repetition.


Art Deco maintained elements and motifs of nature from its predecessor and discarded the organic flowing forms and muted colours. Art Deco originated in Paris, followed by Great Britain and Europe, and then later spread to the rest of the world. During this period, known as the “machine age”, travelling had become ever so popular. New aircraft, ships (Titanic being one of them) and faster trains had become the latest craze, therefore, having a strong influence on more geometric forms with streamlined curves.

During this time, there were major archaeological discoveries, such as the Mayan temples with their zig-zag forms. In the Egyptian pyramids, the Tutankhamun tomb was discovered, which had a major influence on the way of geometry, shape, colour and form. The glitz, glamour and popularity of Hollywood movies that began infiltrating the home together with the influence of the “machine age” are all fundamental contributors and the basis of Art Deco Style. The work of artists and designers such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Jean Dunand heavily influenced the Art Deco movement. The sleek lines and abstract shapes found in modern technology and architecture captivated these artists, and they incorporated these elements into their work.

Art Deco is all about geometry and angular forms, bling and reflective materials and surfaces with influences of streamlined curves of aviation, cars, skyscrapers and cruise liners, natural geometric forms such as shells, flowers, sunrise, zig-zag and streamlined geometric forms in gold, chrome and bright colours. For a more modern take on Art Deco, muted colours and neutrals allow for a classier, elegant feel. For a professional interior design consultation on creating the perfect Art Deco scheme to compliment your existing interior space, please get in touch.


Colours used in Art Deco interiors included bold and contrasting hues like black and white, as well as rich jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue. To create a sense of opulence and luxury, this was frequently combined with metallic accents such as gold, silver, or copper.



CHINOISERIE VASES (C.1750 TO 1765)


Chinoiserie, an artistic style derived from the French word 'chinois' meaning Chinese, profoundly influenced art and design in the 18th century, particularly in Surrey, England. This style drew inspiration from the rich artistic heritage of China, Japan, and other Asian countries. During this era, porcelain, silk, and lacquerware imported from these Eastern nations gained immense popularity, becoming fashionable and highly sought after.


In Surrey, a region with a burgeoning interest in art and design during the 18th century, British interior designers and craftsmen found themselves captivated by the allure of Asian designs. They endeavored to imitate and reinterpret these aesthetics, infusing their own creativity and imagination to fashion fanciful versions of the East. This marked the birth of the Chinoiserie style in England, with Surrey playing a notable role in its dissemination.


The height of the Chinoiserie style, spanning from 1750 to 1765, witnessed a proliferation of this aesthetic in various aspects of design, including architecture, interior decor, and fashion. The influence of this style was particularly pronounced in Surrey, where interior designers drew from the Chinoiserie style to adorn rooms with elements reminiscent of Asian artistry. The elegant ceramic vases characteristic of this period are a prime example of Chinoiserie influence, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and delicate designs that meld seamlessly with timeless luxury room settings.


Interior designers in Surrey have continued to appreciate and incorporate the enduring allure of Chinoiserie in their contemporary designs, paying homage to the historical legacy of this captivating style. Through careful selection and placement of ceramic vases and other Chinoiserie-inspired elements, they infuse spaces with a sense of refined elegance, echoing the opulence of the 18th century while adapting it to modern tastes and preferences.


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