Hayley Newstead of Absolute Flowers & Home makes a modest, compact space all her own.
Photographed by Michael Paul
The owner of this small yet glamorous apartment – interior designer, stylist and florist Hayley Newstead – heads up Absolute Flowers & Home, an edgy concept shop in London’s Little Venice. Hayley has turned her hand to a number of creative disciplines; famously, she styled Madonna’s dressing rooms during her last three world tours and added those special touches to her homes in London and New York. As a leading London florist, Hayley works for top fashion houses, with a client list including Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Alberta Ferretti, Jimmy Choo and Chloé. Recently, she also designed the interiors of Belgravia’s Bionda Castana store and Farmacy, a vegan restaurant in Notting Hill. Add to this her skill at organising events and weddings in far-flung locales such as the south of France and New York, and it’s not hard to see that this is a woman who leads a very full life indeed.
Comfort was a key part of Hayley’s home, an 800sqft lateral apartment near London’s Church Street Market in a converted 1930s art deco building designed by Wallis Gilbert & Partners. “Coco Chanel famously said, ‘Luxury should be comfortable, otherwise it’s not luxury,’” Hayley underlines. “I always try to keep to this in all my design work.” Although on paper, this is a small space, it doesn’t feel confined. Through careful orchestration of the natural light and the spatial arrangement, Hayley has made it feel capacious and airy. Yet the design has a distinct theatrical quality that comes from the level of detail and decoration she has added to make it witty and glamorous. “Surrounded with all my personal touches and treasures, along with my darling dog Maggie, it’s an absolute joy living here,” concludes Hayley.
Photographed by Michael Paul
Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light in the dining room. Two stunning shots of Marilyn Monroe take pride of place in the living room.
Photographed by Michael Paul
Shiny surfaces, metallic touches and neutral hues combine to striking effect. Sand-toned cabinetry, grey marble countertops, plus wood and blush hues add a romantic feel to the utilitarian kitchen.
Photographed by Michael Paul
It's all about the details – curtains with tassels, contrasting piping and interesting objets d'art set Hayley's home apart. Various shades of green and tribal-inspired accessories decorate the "snug", a place where she works and relaxes.
Photographed by Michael Paul
Hayley's dog Maggie poses on the bed. A woven basket, linen coverlet and straw-coloured rug add rustic touches to the bedroom and contrast the flat's glamorous leanings.
Photographed by Michael Paul
Hayley's fashion sense is as romantic as her floral arrangements. The florist, stylist and interior designer poses with bountiful bouquets.
This article originally appeared in Home Journal.