Luxury lifestyle, prime property
PURE CLASS
HUE YOU GONNA CALL?
ALEXANDRA GOSS CHARTS THE RISE OF THE PAINT COLOUR CONSULTANT
THE SHADE OF IT ALL
Opening page: Interiors brand Neptune offers customers a complimentary Home Design Service, which includes advice on colour Left to right: Rock the Heirloom founder Amy Eld called upon Edward Bulmer Natural Paint’s colour consultancy services for her Pimlico flat, which is now full of rich hues, like the sitting room’s Aquatic and Dutch Orange combination; this room in stylist Laura Sawyer’s location house is colour drenched in Mylands’ Myrtle Green No.168 paint; Little Greene offers colour consultancy in store, at home and via video, and can even create bespoke shades or recreate period tones
The decorator was at Victoria Tomison’s house and had begun prepping the walls, yet she still hadn’t chosen what colour they should be painted. “We’d been renovating for a few years and, when it came to the family games room, I got a bit stuck, forgetting completely about the paint and panicking at the last minute,” she says.
“You see images on social media and then, when you try to recreate them, it doesn’t work,” she says. “Tester pots and colour cards all look different in real life.”
Browsing the Little Greene website, Tomison discovered the paint company’s colour consultancy service and booked a video call with consultant Charlotte Hayes, to whom she sent photos of the room, plus the rest of the house. Within 15 minutes, Hayes had selected three complementary tones: neutral Slaked Lime Mid for the walls, dark green Ambleside for the bookcase and Lamp Black for the door frames (littlegreene.com).
“The room is completely transformed and we haven’t done anything structural,” Tomison says.“It’s all down to the power of paint and we’re thrilled with it.”
The colour consultancy industry has sprung up over recent years to help overwhelmed homeowners choose between the vast array of paint shades and finishes now available.
Joa Studholme started Farrow & Ball’s in-house colour consultancy in the nineties and the brand took the service global in 2012 ( farrow-ball.com); Little Greene launched its consultancy in late 2014; and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint started providing free colour advice on the phone during lockdown, rolling
out a paid-for service after the pandemic (edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk). Mylands launched its own version earlier this year (mylands.com).
Customers can typically choose from a video call, a home visit or a showroom consultation, with prices from £55 for a virtual half-hour with an Edward Bulmer Paints consultant to £350 an hour for a home appointment with Farrow & Ball’s Studholme. As well as advising on colours, tonal combinations and finishes, consultants can help with the confusing issue of quantities, while Edward Bulmer Paints and Little Greene can also create a bespoke hue to match fabric or recreate a shade from an historic property.
Some colour consultants work independently as interior designers and stylists yet the services are very different, explains Fiona de Lys, who can advise on the palettes of more than 20 manufacturers ( fionadelys.co.uk).
“While an interior designer has a broader remit that includes practical, logistical and spatial considerations for the optimum function and renovation of a space, a colour consultant specialises in colour – usually paint – and can also advise on combinations of tiles, flooring and textiles,” she says.
A consultant will consider the architecture of the building and the functionality of a space. “Light and aspect also play crucial roles,” says Claire Powell, colour
COLOUR
GIVE YOUR INTERIORS A DOPAMINE BOOST WITH A RICH PALETTE THAT WILL BRIGHTEN ANY ROOM
ABSOLUTELY VIVID THAT REBEL HOUSE TEXTILES AND EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINTS THATREBELHOUSE.CO.UK; EDWARDBULMERPAINT.CO.UK
Bright and beautiful:1. Plant Study III by Hannah Watts, £395, birdiefortescue.co.uk 2. Marble-glazed earthenware plate, £25-£45, sarahk.co.uk 3. Fruit bowl in Spring Green, £70, falconenamelware.com 4. Patterned lacquer box, £125, uk.jonathanadler.com 5. Wooden bedside table in Oculus Blue, £2,100, isabeland.co 6. Matt emulsion paint in Fortune Cookie, £56 (2.5l), grahambrown.com 7. Claypaint in Humpty Dumpty, £60 (2.5l), earthbornpaints.co.uk 8. Iron table lamp, £119, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk 9. Velvet cushioned chair in Green, £1,738, nisuhome.com 10. Handpainted iron tray, £112.50, ninacampbell.co.uk 11. GP & J Baker Tuffley wallpaper in Tuffley Leaf Green, £139 (per roll), jayneclayton.co.uk 12. Ceramic candle holder in Purple, £335, armani.com 13. Wooden table in Cherry Red, POA, theoddchaircompany.co.uk 14. Porcelain vase, £490, ladoublej.co.uk
TOP OF THE CLASS
Introducing some of the schools shortlisted to win London Independent School of the Year 2025
Some of London’s finest schools have been selected as finalists at this year’s Independent Schools of the Year awards.
The London Independent School of the Year finalists are Bancroft’s, Brighton College Prep Kensington, Hampton Court House School, Highgate School, Latymer Upper and Sutton High School GDST.
The London Independent School of the Year category is sponsored by The London Magazine, and the Independent Schools of the Year awards are brought by Independent School Parent magazine. Judges invited entrants to share their pride in their school’s London location, and give examples of how the capital has enhanced their students’ experiences. They’re interested to hear about
how a school can impact its local community through charity work and outreach programmes.
The awards are chaired by Dr Helen Wright, international education advisor and past vice chair of the ISC, and judges include experienced head teachers and education sector specialists.
Last year’s winner was Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST, who beat a stellar line-up to take the top accolade in this category.
Finalists were revealed in September and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 14 October at the Law Society in Holborn. L
For further information, visit independentschoolsoftheyear.co.uk
BRIGHTON COLLEGE PREP KENSINGTON
HIGHGATE SCHOOL LATYMER UPPER
HAMPTON COURT HOUSE SCHOOL
SUTTON HIGH SCHOOL GDST
BANSCROFT’S
Heart, soul and high achievement
Sixth form at Worth School offers a rare blend: academic rigour combined with deep-rooted values, character formation and a genuinely caring learning environment that brings out the best in every student
Whether continuing from year 11 or joining anew, students at Worth in the West Sussex countryside are welcomed into a sixth form community that is both close-knit and part of the wider school. It’s the best of both worlds: independence and leadership opportunities within a setting that still feels like family.
At Worth, education is about heart and soul as much as intellect. Students are encouraged not only to achieve academically but to grow as individuals, shaped by values and habits that last a lifetime. In an age where young people face intense social, emotional and academic pressures, the Benedictine value of community has never been more relevant. Alongside humility, silence, worship, stewardship and service, it underpins school life and ensures that students leave not only capable, but compassionate, grounded and generous of spirit.
The distinctive Spencer Building is central to sixth form life: a dedicated space with study areas, a welcoming common room and a lecture theatre. It fosters both academic focus and social development, giving sixth formers a sense of
independence while remaining connected to the wider school. Leadership development is also at the heart of the Worth experience. The Leadership Formation programme, introduced for all year 12s, has been transformative. Through workshops, guest speakers, reflection and portfolio work, students explore what true leadership means. They discover that leadership is not about status, but about integrity, service and responsibility. Every participant is recognised for their growth with formal accreditation, gaining skills that carry far beyond school. The result is young people who lead through example, empathy and strength of character – servant leaders in the truest sense.
In a culture that often encourages self-focus, Worth inspires students to look outward: to connect, contribute and care. Academic success isnot pursued in isolation but alongside values that build resilience, relationships and fulfi lment. At Worth Sixth Form, students don’t just achieve – they become. L For more information, visit worthschool.org.uk/discoversixthform/
LONDON
WEST HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE
UNDERSTATED AND WITH AN AUTHENTIC VILLAGE VIBE, WEST HAMPSTEAD IS A POPULAR SPOT FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILIES
Residents of West Hampstead love the community feel, green space and excellent transport links into central London that this lesser-known area o ers. Whether shopping for fresh produce at the thriving farmers’ market on Iverson Road on Saturday or strolling to nearby Hampstead Heath, it o ers genuine London village life and a strong community.
“The area is experiencing a renaissance as post-pandemic priorities shift toward communities o ering both green space and excellent amenities,” says Ed Bloom, sales director at Hamptons West Hampstead. Its musical heritage, he notes, still influences its cultural identity, “as the birthplace of singer Dusty Springfield and former home to Decca Studios (where The Beatles famously failed their audition in 1962)”. This creative legacy, he says, “lives on in the diverse entertainment options and independent businesses lin ing West End Lane”.
West Hampstead’s primary appeal lies in its connectivity, housing stock and excellent schools
and corporate tenants, with Thameslink, Overground and Underground stations to choose from,” says Zahra Boudjemaa, director of Dexters West Hampstead. “Tree-lined streets such as Crediton Hill and Honeybourne Road o er large homes close to the stations, so are highly desirable among buyers and tenants. I also love the unique ‘Greek ’ streets, such as Achilles and Ulysses Road, which have charming terraces by Fortune Green Park, a hotspot for families. Another favourite is Aberdare Gardens, one of the most sought-after roads in South Hampstead, set within a designated conservation area of attractive red-brick Victorian and Edwardian homes.”
Neir Gigi, head of Savills Hampstead o ce, says West Hampstead has “an understated and authentic feel to it”. Architecturally, he says, “It o ers a rich blend of housing, from elegant Victorian period homes to high-quality apartment conversions.”
Its primary appeal lies in its connectivity, housing stock and excellent schools. “Excellent transport links into central London draw a large number of young professionals, fi rst-time buyers
Currently “properties with outdoor space continue to command premium prices,” says Bloom, adding that “homes within the catchment areas of top-performing schools experience particularly strong demand, regardless of market fluctuations.”
A day IN WEST HAMPSTEAD
9AM
Morning brew
Start the day at Intermission Co ee (intermission.co ee) on Heritage Lane. Grab freshly baked patisseries to go with your brew and soak up the morning buzz of the village. For bagel connoisseurs, Roni’s Bagel Bakery (ronisonline.co.uk) on West End Lane is a local institution which also o ers deli bites.
11AM
Shopping list
Take a stroll around the village, with quaint facades and boutique shops. On Saturdays, fi nd the West Hampstead Farmers’ Market on Iverson Road (lfm.org.uk , below), with local vendors sell ing everyth ing from in season organic produce and artisanal bread to fresh flowers. You’ ll fi nd game in October, celery in November and turkeys in December. Discover family- owned West End Lane Books (welbooks.co.uk) and The House of Books (thehouseofbooks.co.uk) where you can go on a ‘ blind date’ with a book, which can be read sat in West End Green, or a bench on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
1PM
The art of dining
For rustic pub charm, The Railway tavern provides an impressive selection of cask
ales and beers. The Gallery restaurant (ilovethegallery.com) on Broadhurst Gardens o ers contemporary European cuisine.
3PM
Find your flow
Female-founded Flo Yoga ( floyogastudio. co.uk), o ers a nurturing space and sense of community, whether you’re starting anew or looking to continue your practices. Connect mind and body in a variety of classes from Gentle Flo, Flo to Yin (half vinyasa, half yin) and 4 Beat Flo. There are also kids’ classes and teen yoga for young yogis-in-training
5PM
Blank canvas
Bring out your inner artist at Art4Fun on West End Lane. Open from morning to evening, it's a g reat venue for meet ups , painting with children or solo painting. For night owls, catch live music at West Hampstead Arts Club (westhampsteadarts. com), which pays homage to the musical heritage of the area – recalling The Beatles’ failed audition at Decca Studios and the Klooks Kleek jazz club, where the Rolling Stones and Hendrix played.
SHOPPING AROUND
Left: Indulge in some serious retail therapy on the enclave's bustling West End Lane Below : Pick up locally-grown essentials and fresh seasonal favourites at West Hampstead Farmers' Market on Saturdays
Ask a local
FREDERICK FISCHER
UK managing director at Lalique
"West Hampstead is one of those hidden gems that few seem to know about, quietly tucked between two iconic areas: Hampstead and Kilburn. To me, it's like a secret glade in the forest – an unexpected little island of calm and charm. At its heart, West Hampstead is a true village. It has a lovely Saturday market, a school, pubs, cafes, and a great selection of shops –bakeries, butchers, DIY stores, and, to my delight, plenty of charity shops – my favourite is All Aboard. I even found Lalique memorabilia – for undisclosable prices! At the weekend, I love a relaxing brunch with my Sunday papers, treat myself to a fine cut of meat from the Hampstead Butcher and drown any lingering worries across the road at the Black Lion, then revive my spirits with a bagel from Roni’s. If hunger strikes later, I head to Banana Tree for something delicious before going home.”
uk.lalique.com
THE LONDON LIST
Your little black book of essential London services, specially curated each month by the editors of The London Magazine and including recommendations from some of prime London’s top property agents
ILLUSTRATIONS: ANNA LOUISE OLIVER AT THE ARTWORKS
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