MATERIAL WORLD


London-based Decorum Est creates exquisite interiors using bespoke materials and styles of craftsmanship from around the globe


For some, creating a bold, original interior might begin with a statement piece of furniture, an antique chandelier or sumptuous textiles. For Decorum Est, it begins with the simple things: walls and floors. The Chelsea-based interiors company specialises in surfaces ranging from burnished metallic feature walls and traditional plasterwork to bespoke paint finishes, often combining them all at once to create interiors with impact. “In a world where design is increasingly homogenised, we endeavour to offer our clients something rare and individual,” says Director Nicola Jones. “In addition to materials that are aesthetically pleasing, clients want designs that are tactile.” Whatever an individual’s design


requirements, Decorum Est can deliver an astonishing range of finishes – from brushed metal and treated woods to dyed fish-skins. Statement floors might come in Belgium Blue (a dark, rich, timeless stone traditionally used in cathedrals and monuments) or water-jetted limestone (often hand-painted with arabesque designs). Brickwork might be anything from burnished bronze travertine briquettes to textured, metallic needlepoint briquettes in a variety of metallic colours. A grand desk could be made from Maroon Emperor, a warm, chocolate-brown-and-white marble from Spain. Dramatic accents can be created using a variety of materials. The Ocean Collection,


for example, uses dyed fish leather in salmon, wolf fish, cod and perch to create a feature wall with a difference. “We also introduced a line of occasional tables this year, using fish skins as a surface,” says Nicola. “These skins are treated and can be dyed any colour, and offer an exciting texture and pattern to furniture.”


GLOBAL ANTIQUITY Decorum Est uses a collection of luxury materials from around the world to create stunning surfaces that stand the test of time. Classic Croatian limestone, Venetian stucco and Moorish-inspired trellis plasterwork are exposed to flashes of modern design to produce original interior surfaces. This contemporary approach is also evident in painted limestone floors, polished concrete and verre eglomise – a gilded, distressed glass technique. “The discerning consumer seeks the rare, the beautiful and the precious,” says Nicola, “and pioneers in the luxury goods market are constantly researching new materials and techniques to satisfy this demand. It’s why we travel around the world to discover extraordinary artisans, and techniques from different cultures that are now extremely rare and practised by very few people.” These include Indian-style, hand-carved marble Jali screens, intricate Moghul-influenced Pietra Dura inlay and traditional repoussé metalwork, while the Hollywood Collection tiles use opus sectile inlay associated with Ancient Rome.


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All of these are made by skilled artisans who


demonstrate incredible commitment to a bespoke finish. “We have been fortunate to discover artists through association, whether working on projects for others or by sheer coincidence,” says Nicola. “We have travelled to the Americas, Africa, Asia and around Europe to source new materials. And, as the company has become more established, we are approached by artists with a plethora of artisanal skills, including repoussé, gilding, inlaid polished plaster and scagliola.”


TAILOR MADE Each Decorum Est project begins with a design team visiting a site and tailoring each product specifically for that project. “Ordinarily, interest in a product will come first through the internet, followed by a meeting at the showroom to discuss the requirements of the client,” says Nicola. “Having established which products are desired, a site meeting will take place with our design and installation consultants to ensure the suitability of the wall or floor surface for the Decorum Est product. For example, verre eglomise panels are very heavy and delicate to install, so templates need to be drawn up to ensure that the wall or floor surface is perfectly flat and smooth, and can bear the weight. “In the case of paint effects,” continues


Nicola, “our installation team and artists need to establish if scaffolding will be required, if other building contractors are working in the


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