Photographer Paul Massey's Rustic London Home
Anyone who spends a lot of time on Pinterest has probably unknowingly seen the work of London-based photographer Paul Massey. His houses (and there seems to be a lot of them!) feature not only in interior magazines, but are also used as the locations for photoshoots for catalogues, TV series and cookbooks. Indeed Dublin’s very own (and my one-time collaborator, dare I name-drop) Donal Skehan shot the cover for his cookbook Kitchen Hero in one of Paul’s kitchens.
As a stylist, I can see why Paul’s homes have become such popular shooting locations. They’re drenched in natural sunlight. Despite being texture-heavy, but nothing is too busy. They’re decidedly hygge; cosy and cottage-like, but still quite contemporary. This is important when shooting a diverse range of styles. But probably the most notable thing about these spaces is their subdued colour scheme.
Everything I’ve seen of Paul’s houses has had an almost all-white palette. Not everyone’s style, but I happen to like it. Although, when Sophie Dahl rented Paul’s London home for the filming of her cookery series The Delicious Miss Dahl, in came an abundance of crochet blankets, vintage tea cups and Coronation-style tablecloths. And with a few colourful accessories (oh, and a feature wall of Neisha Crossland ‘Merlin’ wallpaper), the place was transformed into the country getaway of the most wistful English rose. Of course, the series was brutally slagged for being relentlessly twee. Its cutesy whitterings, melancholic soundtrack and random poetry recitations interspersed between recipe tutorials wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Needless to say, all of which was exactly what I loved it. I am THAT girl.
Anyway, the point is, such a neutral colour scheme is adaptable. Miss Dahl split her episodes to coincide with different moods; Melancholy, nostalgia, escapism. (I know some of you are rolling your eyes right now.) Each episode had slightly different set design, and the kitchen lent itself well to each theme. But in a more contemporary-style shoot, Paul’s Primrose Hill home was used for YouTuber/blogger Niomi Smart’s cookbook, Eat Smart.
After falling in love with the kitchen, I was lucky enough to find imagery for the entire home tour. So here it is in all of its rustic, industrial, laid-back glory.
It seems the rustic green cabinetry is a stand-alone antique sideboard that a carpenter fit to size. It adds so much character and is a great example of how furniture can be used in place of traditional built-ins.
I love the glass-fronted wall cabinet. Perfect for keeping all of your essentials at easy reach.
I never realised how fascinated I was with plumbing until I saw this copper pipe tap. Does it not turn green? Does it rust? I don't care. I want it.
Maybe it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I love the all-neutral colour palette. The missmash of rustic textures keep it from looking sterile or unwelcoming.
Vintage suitcases are amazing for keeping clutter neatly tucked away. I have several stacked on top of my wardrobe that look cool and only cost a few quid in a charity shop.
Simple, well-edited with just the right amount of clutter. Few can carry it off.
I'm a big fan of disguising all of those not-so-pretty-but-essential office supplies in nice storage boxes. Plastic or anything that looks too officey is a big no-no in my eyes... so Paul's desk area is very exciting to me.
The humble Ikea Lillesandbed looking amazing loaded up with Hygge-esque linens.
I love the mix of the modern, streamlined sink on top of the traditional vanity unit. Balance, yo.
Sometimes the picture doesn't fit in the frame. And hey, that's okay. It doesn't mean the picture isn't pretty.
(God, I spent too much time watching Miss Dahl making everything so extra effing deep. I've even made myself cringe.)
All images by Paul Massey.
