The Insiders Guide to London

London is full of iconic landmarks, however, it’s what’s happening on the lesser walked paths, the corners of residential areas and in the unassuming buildings where some of the city’s most exciting gallery and furniture stores can be found. House of Grey was founded in London over ten years ago by Louisa Grey, who has lived in the city for over 20 years - yet it is still a constant source of inspiration for both the Studio and herself. With this guide we share some of our inspirational places to visit in the capital when we want to see things that make us view design in a different way and to get our creativity flowing.  

Béton Brut: A Brutalist Haven

Béton Brut is a gallery and consultancy which presents rare, design-led furniture from Europe and Japan. Located in East London, this showroom is a curated space that presents functional art and linear, brutalist forms. The pieces are individually selected by founder Sophie Pearce and her team for their sculptural qualities and raw aesthetic and are often by architects and artists from the 20th century, “I’m always buying for my own real or imagined home” she says, making Beton Brut a haven for those who appreciate the beauty and simplicity of industrialist pieces.

Apparatus Studio: Where Art Meets Design

Situated in the heart of London, Apparatus Studio is an immersive experience that blurs the lines between art and design. The New York based interdisciplinary design studio explores the relationship between lighting, furniture and objects and their surrounding environments to create pieces with the devotion of small studio craftsmanship, centring the importance of the human hand in lending soul to items. Apparatus combines materials like aged brass, etched glass, and hand-wrapped suede to create pieces that are both functional and deeply artistic.

The London showroom is a testament to the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation and a visit to Apparatus is not just about seeing beautiful objects; it's about experiencing the harmony between space, light, and material.

Klei: Sustainable and Stylish

Independent ceramics shop Klei was founded by London-based potters Skye Corewijn and Jessica Joslin in 2018. The space honours independent makers by hosting exhibitions and guest artists as a channel for exploring different concepts and themes with the craft and also to feature a variety of firing and glazing techniques. Located in Hackney, east London the shop always features makers who create timeless, quality pieces rather than following trends. 

Gallery Fumi: A Fusion of Art and Function

Last on our list is Gallery Fumi, a contemporary design gallery located in Mayfair. Known for its avant-garde approach, the gallery showcases a diverse range of works by international artists and designers who are aesthetically audacious but with each one encompassing the value of craftsmanship, traditional techniques and innovative technologies. The pieces at Gallery Fumi often challenge traditional boundaries, merging art and function in unexpected ways.The gallery's exhibitions are always evolving, presenting innovative creations that provoke thought and inspire creativity. 

London is one of the most diverse & creative cities in the world for offering creative inspiration but each of these spaces offers a unique insight into the minds shaping the world of contemporary design. By searching for the not quiet but understated design in objects, we are able to find inspiration from pieces and places which allow us to question our approach and ultimately develop as a Studio.