WHAT IS LONDON'S BEST KEPT DESIGNER SECRET? SOANE

With an eye towards architectural details and inspiration from 18th, 19th, and 20th Century originals, the brilliant Lulu Lytle and antique dealer Christopher Hodsoll started Soane, a custom furniture company in 1997. Utilizing the superb craftsmen in England, the British made collection of furniture, lighting, accessories and fabrics become instant classics-- the antiques of tomorrow. Their understated customer - first approach has made loyalists of the likes of David Easton, Michael Smith and McMillen. I first visited their 50 Pimlico Road shop over ten years ago, at the urging of my mother, Nancy Marcantonio of NHM Interiors. She said I have never seen anything like it, and boy, was she right. The line, with over 500 designs, merges unique stylistic influences and handmade craftsmanship in an unlimited array of finishes and customization, bringing the best of Britain to you.

Their pieces work in a variety of settings-- from minimalist to Art Deco








A sampling of Stylebeat favorites...
Chic alert! The Orb Mirror has large circles around the border

The diminutive Fireside Chair is a slipper chair, what more do I have to say? Love it

The Rout Chair in shocking blue on blue upholstery

In a word, the Campaign Chair is perfection

The Crillon Dining Chair in the softest leather

The Blower Chair you can sit in for hours and still be comfy

The generous Vendome Sofa with tight back and loose cushions

The Blower Banquette with channel upholstery

The Yacht Chair in high lacquer will make you yen for a mega yacht

The Jurassic Lamp references a Chinese pottery shape

A classic scallop shell in a new way. The Small Shell Wall Light comes electrified. Maybe a candle is more your style. Nothing looks as good as a candlelit room.

The ladylike Petal Sconce is charming without being saccharine sweet

The Roman Lamp in a verdigris finish takes it back to ancient times

The Grissini Lamp has 70's flair in antiqued silver

The Nereid Dressing Table with hidden drawers in the scallops and Stool

The Large Halma Man in resin is like candy for your sofa

The glossy and glam deco - inspired Scroll Bracket Console

I find round dining tables make conversation easier. The Fox Dining Table in an elegant mid Mahogany finish

Bring the party to any room in the house with the Nureyev Trolley with side rails

The Abacus Table has a clean line in an ebony finish

The Cavaletti Desk of forged iron has a leather top, an x base and 3 drawers for ample storage

The Stag Table of hand wrought iron adds a masculine feel for a den or entryway

The Hexagonal Side Table with glass top takes its cue from great Roman aqueducts


The Folding Card Table for betting big and winning big


The Rattan Console is a longtime fave, the playful silhouette makes me smile

Handsome and tailored, the Park Avenue Desk was inspired by a 1930's original