Someday when I become rich and famous I want a townhouse in London. I mean, who doesn’t? And surely it’s the in thing to have when you are of the upper class… for all wealthy folks have a townhouse in some major city — and for me it shall be London. If you were rich and famous where would your townhouse be? Well dreaming aside for a moment, let’s peek at the home of Christine d’Ornano in London’s Notting Hill who comes from a truly royal cosmetics family… Her grandfather co-founded Lancome; her father launched Orlane, and later he and his wife started Sisley.
Christine currently oversees the operations as Executive Vice President of Sisley in the UK and her modern eclectic townhouse is in the current issue of Elle Decor (April) and is fantastic in every way. Have a peek and read the article and see more photographs here.
I love the splashes of bold color, the combination of red, pink, royal blue and green in the living room, and all of the gorgeous books and flowers. The massive windows are also to die for. This place makes me think of the summer when I was a nanny many, many years ago for the daughter of the CEO of Laura Ashley and how much I loved hanging out in their exquisite townhouse in Boston’s Back Bay. That summer was the closest I ever came to townhouse life and let me tell you… it was everything you’d imagine and more. All three floors and a roof deck more.
(Photography: Simon Upton for Elle Decor)
April 7th, 2010 at 7:24 am
Being a nanny when I was young allowed me a taste of the high life in Boston myself. So fun and great memories.
I love the 3rd photo. Oh how I want a chalkboard in my kitchen.
.-= Molly @ Star Cottage´s last blog ..Shattered Homebirth Dreams =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:34 am
I love this. The rooms look great while still accessible and comfy.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..girl crush =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:41 am
I think it would be Zürich, mostly because my sister lives there, but I guess I wouldn’t mind the taxes either ;-) Or Copenhagen!
I’ve had curtains with the same pattern as on the bedroom wallpapers, never learned to like them and sold them at the fleamarket… The chalkboard is my favourite thing in this flat too!
.-= Kajsa´s last blog ..What day was it again? =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Kajsa: Oooooh Copenhagen sounds nice…. :) I’ve never been but I imagine it’s lovely.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:52 am
The bedroom is so much fun, so cool wallpapers! And yes, chalkboard is the best!
.-= Ludmila {CreamyLife.com}´s last blog ..Normann-Copenhagen =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:54 am
it would be Viena or Chicago… yeah, defenitely!!
.-= noemozica´s last blog ..Días de juegos, regalos y compañía =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:11 am
Oh my. That painting above the fireplace in the little dining area nook is beautiful….
April 7th, 2010 at 8:32 am
For me, it’d definitely be a tall-ceilinged, natural light-filled flat in Stockholm. Love that city. Love Sweden.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Yes, the windows, flowers, and the wooden dining table, all are incredibly beautiful. A very nice tour, thank you, Holly.
.-= Gosia Maj´s last blog ..Stewart Farm =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Well it would be hard to choose, there are too many great places to live in, but, London for the great department stores, Paris to watch the chic french men and woman go by, lovely in the spring I hear, New york, because again I hear every one should try it at least once in their lives, if I could live in any style of house, I would love a victorian town house, high celing, wooden floors, a huge family basement, but it woild have to have a garden……..darn…bubble pop!
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..The First Steps, keeping it organised. =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:14 am
What a pretty home. I think it would be NY, because it would be amazing to live in NY in a huge town house with a big, private garden. It was hard in 400 sq. ft. with no money!!
.-= liza´s last blog ..Art in the Estate of Nina Abrams =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Sevilla! It’s always been my dream.
And this may be my new dream home. Love everything about it.
.-= Brigitte´s last blog ..How Much Does it Take? =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Oh my goodness, that dresser! LOVE!
.-= Kim at EF eDesigns´s last blog ..Our Design Book Unveiled =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I love how these rooms are filled with high-end furnishings, but remain unpretentious. I particularly like those black swing-arm wall lamps in the first photo!
April 7th, 2010 at 10:30 am
well… what can I say… her dining room table has been in my dreams for over a year… I am definitely aiming for one this year. LOVE LOVE LOVE the style of this home, so friendly, chic & full of creativity.. so stunning…
.-= Nuit´s last blog ..A little Fashion: {Trends 2 Love} =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Very cool! I love the dark chairs with the natural wood table.
.-= Patrizia´s last blog ..Fanny Pack =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Fantastic indeed! Love the paintings as well :)
.-= Deb´s last blog ..Look What’s Poppy-ing Up on Etsy =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
This house is gorgeous and I dream with Notting Hill!
April 7th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
the pink plates with butterfllies and beetles are darling !
April 7th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Amsterdam is my dream location! Right on one of the canals with a HUGE window. And it wouldn’t be complete without a bike, of course. Oh, this post has made me so dreamy of warm summer retreats! Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
April 7th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
If I could, I would buy the whole flat, with the whole decoration, the whole kit of pink dishes and that cool lighting on the wall that says “Trust me” (does it?), And I woul rellocate it in the centre of Madrid, to enjoy the sun and tapas!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
wow, that’s gorgeous. for me, it would definitely be the west village (nyc).
April 7th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Love this house….money and good taste go together here (not always the case!!) LOVE the colour of the wooden floors, the dining table and chairs too.
A town house like this in Paris for me….please ;-)
April 7th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Wow, so beautiful! If I had a little extra pocket change I would move to Torino Italy where my relatives live. For now, I’d be happy just to visit. :)
.-= vicki (simply hue)´s last blog .."I Create" with Alice Wingerden =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
The plates with the bugs are kind of creepy…
.-= Janneke´s last blog ..Manner mag man eben! =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I am afraid I will have to join you in London! I would love little (actually not tooo little!) revamped loft somewhere by the river…somewhere newly trendy!
.-= michelle´s last blog ..Those Fabulous Days! =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
The dining table chairs, very tall windows and just about everything is absolutely gorgeous. I could definitely imagine my future town home (hmm, where not sure yet) looking like this. ::Swoon::
.-= Karyna´s last blog ..Upward Droplets – 5×7 inch Print – Archival =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
LOVE those counter stools. Surely they are made of a rare metal by an artisan who creates furniture only for cosmetics magnates… but a girl can dream :)
April 7th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Gorgeous. Especially the first two photos…and the huge blooms lined up on the kitchen table. How does she ever leave for work in the morning???
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..bathroom perks =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Wow, amazing. That place would just keep me in such good spirits. I’m so in love with everything in that second image.
April 7th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Wow I just looove those butterfly plates and buttoned sofas. And I’m inspired to go out and get a pink orchid plant now :)
April 7th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Oh! I’m in love! Her dining room is just dreamy.
.-= Sara LeeAnn´s last blog ..Ashley’s Memorial Tattoo, For Ginger =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Oh, love it! So stylish!
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Silver plated Butterflies in the Garden earrings =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Great post! I get to play house. My townhouse would be in New York City in the East Village and I’d love to have it decorated just like hers – with plenty of personal finds from my extensive travels (of course). :)
.-= Kate Collins´s last blog ..New Items in my ETSY Shop =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Oh I love each and everything in that home. It’s som interesting lots of really unique things. It’s light and airy and very classy. WOW!
.-= Debra´s last blog ..Patina Swooping Bird on an Aged Brass Chunky Chain Neckware =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I absolutely love this town home as well. When I saw it in the magazine I just thought it was so happy with all these great colorful tones.
Not sure where I’d like my townhouse but somewhere warm :)
~Edyta
April 7th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
BEAUTIFUL!!!
-chelsey
.-= Chelsey´s last blog ..I will not smile. =-.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Are you kidding me? All of that light is my dream come true. I would LOVE to photograph in that place–so much light! The colors are simple and fresh. Lovely.
April 8th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Holly -
Simply love the pink walls in the first picture, and the decor. And what fun would it be to host a girls lunch in that dining room with all the light from the windows. Such a happy space. Thanks for sharing!
Kristi
April 8th, 2010 at 1:30 am
I love this townhouse too. Funny actually as I blogged about it just the other day too :)
.-= Nicola´s last blog ..Home Love: London Townhouse =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Love that blue sofa and all the fresh flowers everywhere! I’d love to live here.
.-= Jolette´s last blog ..And here’s to you, Mrs Robinson =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Stunning! I love the first picture and the bedroom too.
Funny enough we might relocate to London next, and I am currently thinking how lovely it would be to live in Notting Hill (I think an apartment would do too…). But of course it is just a dream, i really can’t imagine (afford?) to spend so much money on rent…
I am surprised nobody is mentioning Paris… or Milan, Madrid… even Berlin sound like a great city to live in.
.-= Etincelle´s last blog ..Mini Me Doll – Dahlia =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Great style. What more can you say?
April 8th, 2010 at 3:05 am
I love the large chalkboard in the kitchen. I have always wanted one in mine, but I’m not sure what I would write on it :) For some reason, a chalkboard in the kitchen just feels so natural.
.-= House of Many Hues´s last blog ..Fire Glazed Ceramic Pots =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 5:06 am
I love the pink walls in the living room!
April 8th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Very beautiful, lovely home! I love the splashes of color too!
.-= Penny Patten´s last blog ..Family Collage =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:39 am
I love her London home.
I actually need one in London, NewYork(my favorite city in the world) and one in Amsterdam(for relaxing vacations)
.-= sandra@Botanys´s last blog .. =-.
April 8th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Amazing space and decor, my city has to be Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, I just visited the flat of my life in a very good location and with the right space and features, now I just need to sell enough cushions to buy it!! or keep dreaming about it…You see I live in London but would change all for a flat in my sunny and quite island!!
.-= Margarita Lorenzo´s last blog ..Alicia en el país de las telas por AD =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
I saw Elle Decor and I dropped my jaw when I saw her place. I adore the painting over the mantel.
.-= peggy´s last blog ..Feelin’ the Love =-.
April 11th, 2010 at 7:05 am
I love blackboard in the kitchen, for now I’ve got a very small one, but if I could , I’ll get a huge one!!!
.-= nadine mnemoi´s last blog ..Charuca fan art contest =-.
April 11th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
This home is amazing! And i love that it looks like it is truely a home not some fabulously decorated child free, mess free, gallery like space that looks exquisite but would only take one empty coffee cup on the floor to ruin the effect!! You could LIVE here with all the mess and clutter of kids, and pets, and life in general! And the art… grr I want to win lotto!!
And if I did, I would love to have a town house in Paris, but I would probably buy one in Wellington, NZ – when I was a poor student I would wander down Oriental Parade and daydream of living there, overlooking the harbour but walking distance to the gallery’s, nightlife, and quirky shopping that makes this city so dear to my heart! Oh its been 5 years since I last had a visit! I must go back soon!
April 14th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Can I get the paint color names/#’s of some of these rooms? So lovely…
May 18th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Does anyone know where I can get that pineapple-like white ceramic side table/stool from the top picture with the pink walls? I LOVE it!
April 28th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Wow! What a gorgeous space!