5 Beautiful Things
The House of Hackney
To be hackneyed is to be rendered meaningless through overuse, whether through the redundance of a tired old phrase or the consistent exposure to a common image. How delightful, then, that a pair of London designers have risked using the word in the name of their exciting new venture. The House of Hackney specializes in wallpapers, textiles, furniture and ceramics that are resplendent with bold, enlivening patterns – hackneyed, in one sense, and yet not in the slightest, once you understand the courage of their design philosophy. In one example of their wallpaper badgers sipping cocktails mingle with smoking sloths and groundhogs peeking over paper fans, all hanging from a broad-leaf vine against a black background. The look is extreme but beautifully dramatic.
Founded by husband and wife team Javvy Royle and Frieda Gormley in 2011, the firm has gone on to develop a cult following of design devotees who adore their over-the-top nods to Victorian filagree on ottomans, sofas, dresses and teapots. Their store is located at 41 Horton Road in East London. Click here to visit their website and explore their brand.
Andrew Ritchie is the creator of Martha Moments, a blog devoted Martha-Stewart related content and her community of supporters. He lives and works in Toronto, Canada, and has been a longtime friend of Brent & Josh, Beekman 1802 and Sharon Springs. Each week he’ll scour the world (wide web) to find the 5 most beautiful things to inspire you. Follow Andrew on Pinterest.
