WHY I LOVE BROOK GREEN

WHY I LOVE BROOK GREEN

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

There is bountiful beauty in Brook Green – an amazing West London neighbourhood that manages to exude calm Zen despite its location between Kensington Olympia and Hammersmith Broadway. Many London enclaves claim to enjoy a village-like atmosphere but few match the vibe in Brook Green. 

The area oozes period buildings and Blythe House is just one of them – I love to spend a few hours behind the detailed façade as the building is used as an overflow store by the Victoria & Albert, Science and British Museums. At the other end of the scale is Brook Green Pavilion – modern luxury architecture in London – a pared back yet elegant combination of Jura Beige limestone, zinc, timber louvres and wood cladding that’s home to a fantastic ice cream and coffee kiosk. Somewhere in the middle? Try the Brook Green Hotel, where the eclectic yet luxury interior design will inspire as you sip a slimline and tonic or make it an overnight stay.

Love to shop 

No interior in London is complete without art adorning the walls and the most professional framing service for miles can be enjoyed at Picture. Close behind something fabulous and framed are fresh flowers, and Brook Green’s vases are filled with blooms from the Green Florist. Finally, who can resist a stop off at Holloways of Ludlow's Brook Green showroom. It’s where I, plus a number of other interior designers, eye up the lush lighting options – quite a few may find their way into my next new house interior project. 

Love to eat 

Wednesday evenings and Saturday daytimes are full of gastronomic delights, thanks to Brook Green Market & Kitchen. Gorgeous smells and mouth-watering sights fill the playground at St Mary’s Primary School, although the wares on sale are somewhat grown-up. Find free-range meat, fresh fish and organic vegetables alongside the Borough Cheese Company, Wiltshire Truffles, 40 Ft Craft Brewery and Man In Pasta, among other indulgent stalls. The street food vendors include the divine Bun House - a personal favourite for Korean flavours. If you’re more of a ‘dine in’ person, you can’t go wrong with Pentolina on Blythe Road, The Bird in Hand and the Brackenbury Wine Rooms.

Interior Design Trends 2021

Design Trends 2021

Hand’s up if you’re guilty of trawling Instagram and Pinterest for interior inspiration? Perhaps you buy every home magazine in search of the next big trend? If you’ve ever scrolled endlessly or flicked through the pages, wondering how homeowners have stayed on top of luxury interior designs, read on.

There is a relatively small pool of interior designers who are not following the curve but who are actually ahead of it, with insider knowledge of the future house interiors that will create the most envy-inducing results.

I was invited by The Huffington Post to comment on the 9 biggest home trends for 2021. Together with other top luxury interior designers, I contributed my industry insights to create an informative feature for anyone wanting to design their property in line with interior experts.

My predictions include luxury vinyl flooring – a very hard wearing and surprising upscale alternative to carpets used in even the most prime London interiors. Luxury vinyl is available in convincing wood, stone and even earthen plaster examples, and can be laid in fashionable herringbone patterns – a far cry from the thin vinyl bought on rolls and seen in many 1980s kitchens.

The Huffington Post was also compelled to feature my tip-off about ‘moody rooms’. I’m not suggesting we create places in which to sit and sulk - far from it! Instead, we will see the continued use of darker paint hues, with these shades being used more widely on walls, doors and even ceilings, rather than being confined to just kitchen islands and items of furniture. In fact, deep, bold paint colours scream design luxury this year. When used well, they create a rich, inviting and homely atmosphere that envelopes you in a comforting bear hug. 

Using an interior designer is the easiest way of staying ahead of home décor trends and a professional will know how to make The Huffington Post pointers work inside your home. I know the Rudolph Diesel Interior Design team can do wonders with Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe and Amtico’s Gardenia parquet floor but don’t be surprised if we start suggesting 2022’s interior designer trends.

WHY I LOVE ACTON

Rudolph Diesel is the founder director of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

Is there such a thing as urban charm? If there is, you’ll find it in Acton’s Askew Road community. This city spot behaves like a village, with smart boutiques and pavement cafés, although the beautifully preserved Victorian mansion blocks serve as a reminder that you’re in an upscale London enclave. More design luxury can be found over at Hanger Hill Garden Village. Built between 1928 and 1936 as the pinnacle of London suburbia, with ornamental gardens and open spaces to give a gentrified air, the unmistakable mock Tudor houses and flats that felt so new when constructed now form a pretty conservation area. 

Love to shop 

If your London interior design needs a dose of Scandi chic, head to Max Inc on Askew Road, where original pieces of tasteful, pared-back Danish furniture could teach Ikea a thing or two. If, like me, you also love luxury show home interiors, you’ll know it’s the accessories that complete the look. 

Luckily, Acton residents have The Village Trading Store in the ever-so-cute Poet’s Corner part of Churchfield Road – simply fill your basket with glassware, candles and cushions, then artfully arrange them when back at home. If a new red wine decanter or set of champagne flutes ‘accidently’ falls into your shopping basket, don’t leave Acton without visiting Askew Wine – an independent retailer who seeks out small, independent wine producers for something a little out of the ordinary.

Love to eat 

Laveli Bakery has long been Acton’s go-to place on Churchfield Road for Fair Trade Organic hot drinks – its rocket fuel keeps many luxury interior designers going when they’re hard at work in W3. While you can be virtuous with an Americano, I defy you not to order a slice of something sweet - always temptingly displayed on glass cake stands when I’m having a moment of weakness. 

If carbs are your craving, then a visit to Happy Sky Japanese Bakery & Café on Askew Road is a must - who knew a Fuji farmhouse white loaf was a thing! And while food is a bit of an aside at Acton’s Aeronaut Pub, there are not many places in the world where you can chow down on sausage and mash while watching a drag, cabaret, comedy, burlesque or circus show. Prefer to cook at home? I always swing by the Ginger Pig butchers and delicatessen on my way home but be prepared to join a queue!

Open plan versus broken plan

Open plan versus broken plan

It wasn’t too long ago that clients were screaming at luxury interior designers in London to ‘tear down those walls’ in a bid to make dark, closed off properties light and open plan. It was ‘de rigueur’ to make your dining room and kitchen one united space and even remove the wall between your bedroom and bathroom.

Fast forward to 2021, and our lifestyles have changed to accommodate new ways of working and more time spent at home. Property styling has almost come full circle, with clients asking for a return to more defined rooms. This is especially true of the home office, with many London professionals now finding that a desk in the corner of the living room doesn’t cut in when it comes to peace and professionalism.

While we are working in some properties to reinstate separate rooms, using our interior design CGIs to re-plan layouts and illustrate what is possible, interior designers are increasingly helping clients to adapt using the ‘broken plan’ approach – a style of interior design that retains the bright and free-flowing aspect of open plan yet creates a sense of separate living.

Broken plan centres on keeping spaces free of internal walls, with ‘zoned’ areas thanks to the clever use of furniture, colours and finishes. For instance, my luxury interior designs may include a prudently placed breakfast bar that provides delineation between a kitchen and a snug, or I may commission a high-line shelving unit from bespoke joiners HUX London, which can be used to divide a dining area from a living room.

Another way to create distinction is to change the flooring within one space. For example, limestone tiles in the kitchen can become a deep pile carpet as you move through to the living area, for a sense of transition and new purpose. Even a colour shift can work – either contrasting tones or different shades from the same colour family can be used to create separate areas within the same room.

Talk to the Rudolph Diesel team about your property’s layout, whether your concern is space division, privacy or sound proofing. We can present a set of luxurious interior designs that will open your eyes to new ways of living, working and relaxing at home.

WHY I LOVE BELGRAVIA

WHY I LOVE BELGRAVIA

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

Belgravia is one of the most exclusive districts in London – so synonymous with quality, luxury and the high life that an address here is coveted by the global elite. Former residents give a clear endorsement of Belgravia’s calibre and the greatest luminaries have occupied the famous crescents and squares, from Mozart to Margaret Thatcher.  

As you would expect, handsomeness is around every corner, including the former home of master builder Thomas Cubitt – now transformed and brimming full of luxury interior designs – while the swathes of charming properties managed by the Grosvenor Estate are architectural eye candy of the highest order. As for prime London interiors, follow my lead and walk around Eaton Square, Ebury Street, Chester Square and Wilton Crescent for a lesson in how to style a London home.

Love to shop 

Belgravia is very much boutique and bespoke, starting with the world-renowned milliner, Philip Treacy. His studio on Elizabeth Street is the place to order custom-made hats for special occasions – weddings, Ascot or even a knighthood accolade. In fact, Elizabeth Street features a veritable feast of upscale outfitters, including Mungo & Maud – purveyors of dog and cat garments for when ‘matchy matchy’ is a must. Don’t miss the groaning humidors at Tomtom Cigars and the couture letterheads at The Grosvenor Stationery Company. Pantechnicon on Motcomb Street, however, is a ‘must visit’ for everyday shopping. Not only can you dine in one of five different areas, there’s a curated studio and market full of Nordic & Japanese treasures, including some stunning items for the designer house interior. 

Love to eat 

Belgravia is blessed with cobbled streets and hidden courtyards that create the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated café culture. If I’m in this part of town, I’ll do my best to nab an outside table at The Buttery at the Lime Tree Hotel. My guilty pleasure? The menu’s buttery bacon butty with a breakfast tea! Belgravia isn’t short of gastronomic big hitters though – I’m talking Petrus by Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, among many others. If your Instagram feed is looking a little lacklustre, no Belgravia visit is complete without a stop at legendary bakery Peggy Porschen, where the shop’s floral displays are as sweet as the cakes.

Interior design CGIs: my 20/20 creative vision

Interior design CGIs: my 20/20 creative vision

“You can just see it in your mind’s eye,” says the luxury interior designer. “Just imagine the 3 tier shelves to the left and the slouch chair to the right”. But what if you’re commissioning a new London interior and can’t imagine what the final outcome will look like? And what if your mind’s eye isn’t working? What even is your mind’s eye?

That’s why we are massive fans of the interior design CGI at Rudolph Diesel. Not everyone can conjure up a future vision in their heads but we believe if you’re investing in fixtures, fittings, furniture and fabrics, you deserve to see how the final look will come together before orders are placed.

We pride ourselves on creating the most vivid, detailed and authentic CGI interior designs for our clients – images where small yet important details and textures are captured, such as the pleat of a lampshade and the dappled light streaming in through a window. 

For me, CGIs also represent another layer of creativity. Nothing beats trying out different colours, styles and furniture positions until my clients are utterly thrilled with the look. Endless possibilities and more unusual schemes can be explored without risk – I find many people settle on interior designs that they would never dream of, thanks to the power of CGI technology.

Together with our architectural and developer partners, we use CGIs to advance-plan a number of interior aspects. The beauty of CGIs is their ability to be manipulated and altered in a digital capacity for the very best outcomes. Dining table not quite right there? Let’s move it to the other side. Navy blue too dark? Let’s try Aegean. Our sophisticated software also creates an ultra realistic experience that elicits an emotional connection with clients and gains buy-in from stakeholders when working on more commercial projects.

In addition, implementing the final iteration using CGIs as a starting point saves time and stress for everyone involved – small niggles will have been ironed out and final choices made before the exciting part starts! CGIs really do pave the way for a richer, deeper and more fulfilling luxury interior design experience.

If you’d like to explore a myriad of design ideas before buying, building, painting and positioning, please do get in touch.

WHY I LOVE FITZROVIA

WHY I LOVE FITZROVIA

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

Fantastic, fabulous and just a little flamboyant, Fitzrovia is one London neighbourhood that never falls out of fashion. Past residents and frequenters of the local taverns read like a ‘who’s who’ of cultural icons – we’re talking William Blake, George Orwell, John Constable, George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf.

The legacy is a wealth of English Heritage Blue Plaques and I love nothing more than meandering along Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, Eastcastle Street and Percy Street, imagining all those fascinating conversations and breakthroughs going on behind the closed doors.  Of course, there are also some luxury interior designs installed in the array of handsome mews, stucco-fronted mansions and period townhouses, some of which I get to see first hand as part of my work.

Today, you’ll find award-winning advertising campaigns are being written in place of literary classics, with Fitzrovia now the modern-day home to marketing and digital agencies. The presence of Recipe, Brothers & Sisters and Network, among others, ensures the vibe remains creative, which I can’t help but love.

Love to shop 

High-end fashion and high-end interior design go hand-in-hand and while I might not always be bold enough to wear some of its items, The Lab Store on Newman Street is a source of cutting-edge inspiration. At the other end of the garments scale is Taylors Buttons, who for more than 100 years has been supplying covered buttons to the Royal family and couture ateliers – the vintage examples are definitely for the magpies among us. 

If, like me, you’re a sucker for stationery and keeping your desk organised, a visit to Muji on Tottenham Court Road is a must – its simplicity is always in style. Of course, no visit to this corner of the capital is complete without a browse around Heals for a dose of design luxury. 

Love to eat 

The food scene in Fitzrovia is something to behold, with a profusion of restaurants, bars and cafés that cater for every taste. I have my eye on a table at Where The Pancakes Are – coming soon to Charlotte Street, although Flower Burger a few doors down is a favourite for those meat-free Mondays – the Instagram-friendly rainbow burgers are a riot! If your weakness is tasting menus, they don’t get much better than Six by Nico, where the six courses change every six weeks. And I’d suggest rounding off a meal with drinks at Shochu Lounge below the Roku restaurant – a venue where cherry blossoms and Japanese anime meet ice sculptures and whisky.

WHY I LOVE HYDE PARK

WHY I LOVE HYDE PARK

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

Magnificent Hyde Park! At its very centre are 350 acres of Grade I listed grounds and the royal assent gives the area an extra special layer of kudos. The park itself is a veritable feast of attractions – swim in the Serpentine or browse the gallery of the same name; have your perceptions shifted at Speakers’ Corner or find a spot for quiet contemplation by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

The regal connections have also left a handsome architectural legacy in Hyde Park, with the delectable duo of architects Decimus Burton and John Nash ensuring Regency splendour is never far away. 

It’s every interior designer’s dream job to create a scheme for one of Hyde Park’s period residences - take a stroll around The Hyde Park Estate or meander through Connaught Village, Bayswater, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch or Westbourne Grove to see why.

Love to shop 

No luxury interior design is complete without some object d’art and Kensington Church Street on the west side of Hyde Park is the place to buy antiques and art. A myriad of galleries and boutiques are concentrated in one spot, including the utterly fabulous J.A.N. Fine Arts. Also, not far away, is the fine art of exquisite tailoring at Turnbull & Asser - your go-to tailors if, like me, you have a passion for perfection. As shirtmaker to HRH The Prince of Wales, the quality of fabrics, cut and service is second to none. Equally as gorgeous - but for after you’ve been measured for a new suit – are the bakes and biscuits from the Hyde Park Patisserie. Forget the calories and just consume with pleasure!

Love to eat

If I need an al fresco spot for lunch, I’ll often head to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen in Hyde Park itself. The iconic Patrick Gwynne-designed building speaks to the London interior architect in me but you can’t beat sitting outside on the terrace, sipping a flat white while overlooking the lake. For really special occasions, however, I can recommend Michel Roux Junior's two-Michelin starred Le Gavroche or the Japanese menu at Nobu – both restaurants are just off Park Lane and perfect for upscale people watching.

Let’s touch on texture

Rudolph Diesel, an interior designer based in London, reveals how texture plays an important part in interior design.

All luxury interior designs feature layers of interest – colour, height, grouping and different styles, for instance - but an element that is underrated is texture. Every room should be a feast for the senses and that includes touch - and after recent times, we all deserve something fabulous to feel, stroke, cuddle up to and caress!

Both period and modern house interiors can benefit from an injection of texture but professional advice is needed to get the balance just right. My London interior design company will curate a luxury interior design for your home that hits the tactile sweet spot. Make an appointment to discuss ideas but until then, you might like to think about the following:-

• Upholstery: the weave and knap of fabric can add touchable interest in an instant. Tweed, velvet, suede and bouclé are just some textiles to consider for your sofas, armchairs and curtains.

• Accessories: you can layer up and follow interior trends using soft furnishings. Rugs, cushions and throws can be combined with textured ceramics and glassware – look out for on-trend reeded glass, rattan, faux fur and wicker.

• Embellishments: touch-ability can come from small details such as tassels, fringing, fretwork and embroidery. A clever design will create many compelling reasons to touch, so don’t hold back!

Skilled interior designers can deftly incorporate a number of different textures into a scheme to create a sense of drama – let’s call it tactile theatrics! This is no more evident than in the Firmdale Hotel family, seen in London and New York. Here the successful textile designer and hotel co-founder, Kit Kemp, brings her unmistakable style to the restaurants, social spaces and lobbies.  I always come away from a Firmdale Hotel visit lusting after a new rug or lampshade but more often than not, it is my clients that benefit from my renewed sense of textural creativity!

Talk textures with a professional interior designer today- contact RDI to book a consultation.

Interior Design Trend - Appoint a Project Management Team

Your first step? Appoint an interior design Project Manager

Rudolph Diesel, interior designer based in London, explains how you can actually keep control by artfully delegating.

Project Management sounds quite cold and impersonal – especially in the colourful and experimental world of luxury interior design – but for me, it is one of the fundamental aspects of planning and successfully implementing new house interiors.

As much as I love creating mood boards, specifying fabrics and sourcing furniture, my Project Manager role ensures a smooth and seamless delivery of the aesthetic. There are a myriad of advantages I could share, but these are some of the most important: 

Gain one point of contact

Who has the time to get quotes from carpenters, speak with haberdashers, schedule deliveries and order samples? Me, actually. Rudolph Diesel Interiors Project Management service ensures you, the client, only ever have to speak with one person. It’s a streamlined way of achieving a professional result, without the stress of multiple conversations and emails to keep track of.

Keep your project within budget

If you are a house builder or developer, working to a budget will be crucial – even if you’re commissioning the most high end interior design. Keeping a close eye on expenditure is a key aspect of Rudolph Diesel Interiors Project Management service – I love nothing more than balancing the books while delivering a fabulous outcome for my clients.

Keep your project on time

Overrunning is not acceptable when you have a client who needs to move into a property but it’s easy to fall behind or let matters slip - especially if you’re juggling a new house interior with other projects and distractions. What’s needed is a firm, fair and impartial Project Manager to take control and coordinate all the suppliers involved.

Tap into exclusive relationships

I take immense pride in my advantageous connections – a coveted little black book of ‘who’s who’ in London’s interior design world. My clients benefit from working relationships with skilled craftsmen, product designers and interior design purveyors, including brands such as HUX, Eichholtz, Porta Romana and RV Astley.

If you’re looking for a professional interior designer and Project Manager who you can confidently delegate to, look no further than Rudolph Diesel Interiors.

Why I love Barnes

WHY I LOVE BARNES

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at 

Beautiful Barnes! If I ever need a dose of village life without leaving London, I head to this corner of Richmond. Here the River Thames provides a tranquil backdrop and there’s even a village pond! Also catching the eye is the exquisite architecture - Barnes is a veritable feast of handsome property styles. From Georgian waterside homes and Regency villas to quaint Victorian cottages and the famous Edwardian ‘lion’ houses, there is an amazing residence at every turn. Why not follow my path and walk along The Terrace, Castelnau and Westmoreland Road? If you’re lucky, some of the residents will have their blinds open and lights on for a view of some luxury home interiors.

Love to shop

There’s nothing quite like a browse around Barnes Village with its high concentration of independent shops. The window display at Dilli Grey always catches my eye – gorgeous garments and patterns that would inspire any colour palette. Naturally, as a luxury interior designer, I spend ages in Extreme Design, admiring their bespoke kitchens and fitted furniture. To finish, I take inspiration from the Riverside Gallery, resisting the urge to buy a new piece of art every time!

Love to eat

Ahh, if you’re watching your waistline, look away as Barnes is bursting with gastronomic delights! I love Totally Swedish for a hearty Scandi fix and Gail’s Bakery is a must for almond croissants and unctuous cakes. If you’re hoping to serve a sublime cheese board at the end of a supper party, you must visit The Real Cheese Shop but if, like me, you can’t always be bothered to host, Barnes certainly delivers – to your door and dine in. If I had to pick one restaurant from many in the village, it would be Otoro for its Japanese cuisine. Book a table just to admire the interior design or order a take-out.

Why every home should tell a story

Why every home should tell a story

Rudolph Diesel, an interior designer based in London, explores the role played by storytelling in creating exciting and relevant interiors.

Why storytelling? 

Building a narrative around the property owner’s life gives structure and meaning to an interior design. In his book, The Place of Houses, author Charles Moore shares his view that you should “bind the goods and trappings of your life together with your dreams to make a place that is uniquely your own.”

From the moment I enter a client’s home, I start to assimilate information that can be used to tell the story of the people who live there. Before making any design suggestions, I want to learn everything I can about my client’s preferences and lifestyle choices.  While the home will offer clues about the colours, textures and objects my clients love, I will also bear in mind the fabric of the building itself - its history, and what materials are used in its construction.

Exploring possibilities

My first task as the designer of a house interior is to dig a little deeper into my client’s tastes.  This usually takes place over several meetings, as I show them samples or take them out to shops and showrooms.  

During those meetings I’ll also try to open their mind and invite them to consider new ideas and possibilities.  If someone mentions yoga classes, for example, I might suggest incorporating a zen space for yoga practice into the design. Through these informal chats I can also identify artworks and other household pieces that hold a strong emotional significance for my clients. Such objects can either inspire an entire room design, or provide a unique focus within a particular space.

If you are looking for a luxury interior design firm to transform your London home, I would be delighted to help. Why not begin your interior design story by calling Rudolph Diesel Interiors?

Why I love Ealing

Ealing Area guide

Rudolph Diesel is head of design studio Rudolph Diesel Interiors. While working as an interior designer in London, he loves to explore different parts of the capital. 

Why I love Ealing

Ealing’s village vibe is a relaxed and safe place to live. It offers loads of green space, great restaurants, coffee shops a-plenty and it’s just 30 minutes on the tube to Central London. 

Love to look at

Ealing’s remarkable Gothic Revival town hall conveys a sense of civic pride, stability and permanence which is reflected throughout this easy-going suburb.  The area is home to the world’s oldest film studios: the glamorous period when artists and film-makers came here to live and work is reflected in the dazzling Art Deco apartment blocks of Ealing Village. 

Love to shop

For gift and home items, I love a mooch in Mooch, an award-winning independent Ealing gift shop, packed with carefully sourced jewellery, bags, scented candles, ceramics, carves, toiletries, cushions, silk ties, cuff-links, kimonos, cashmere jumpers, prints and oh, so much more!

Then there’s All Original – another gift shop, on Ealing Green - a great place to find handmade items and artworks by local artists. I also visit Artisan Coffee, where they claim to have built everything by hand around the Barista, so they have the space they need ‘to prepare the most beautiful coffees’. I can attest to the fact their  Baristas treat every cup of coffee with the same care a fine chef does a meal.

Doppio Coffee Warehouse (156 Uxbridge Road) is a one-stop shop for everything coffee related, including equipment for wholesalers and retailers, or anyone just wanting a divine coffee. 

For large retail stores, cinemas, theatres and restaurants and a selection of independent shops, I head for The Broadway, Ealing Broadway Centre.

Love to eat

Farm W5 (at 19, The Green) is a place where lovers of good food can buy a fantastic range of organic fruit and vegetables.  Their café sells freshly-made lunch boxes, always popular with my team when we are working on an interior design project in Ealing.

Overlooking Ealing Common, the Grange is an enduring local favourite.  With a seasonal modern European menu, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine.

Ealing residents live to entertain and want their homes to reflect their unique style.  As a luxury home interior designer, I applaud their desire to create a space that is not only beautiful, but filled with the owner’s personality.

Property development branding: creating a sense of place

What is branding?

It’s a unique alchemy of name, graphic design, images, copywriting, sound and digital movement. When I design for property developers, I bring these elements together with the aim of creating a memorable identity based on a strong sense of place.

Rudolph Diesel Interiors is a London interior design company that offers a one-stop-shop for developers. As a luxury interior designer with qualifications in marketing and a passion for property, I offer a complete package of services, from branding and website design to home staging.

First steps

It starts with a conversation with the client, to understand their vision for the project. I’ll ask basic questions to help me build a picture of the development, including who it’s aimed at, what it consists of and where it’s located.

After that, I’ll expand my focus to explore the marketing side, putting in calls to the client, the estate agent and any other parties involved to understand their goals. If I feel that the market for the new development is overcrowded, I’ll undertake a SWOT analysis to identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

I pay attention to what competitors are offering, but only to the extent that I endeavour to offer something different; I want the development to stand out from the crowd. 

Getting creative

Having worked closely with the client to build a 360º brand identity with a chic logo, I’ll move on to the specifics.  These can include web design, email signatures, property development brochures and site banners, merchandise, invoices and social media posts.

When I am designing and marketing for developers, each project is a unique journey that requires commitment, passion and a dedicated teamwork. If you are looking for an inspirational brand for your next project, why not get in touch?

Why I love North Ealing

WHY I LOVE NORTH EALING

Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.

Love to look at

The North Ealing area – defined by the A40 to the north and the Uxbridge Road to the south - is characterised by wide, leafy streets lined with fine Victorian and Edwardian houses. I have a particular affection for Brentham Garden Suburb, one of London’s first garden suburb projects (built before Hampstead Garden Suburb was even a twinkle in architect Edwin Lutyens’ eye).  The Arts-and-Crafts-inspired houses here speak of a time when Londoners dreamed of a simpler, more rural existence: much as they do now.

Love to shop

The Broadway, bustling with energy and an array of high street stores, cafes and restaurants, provides the main hub for Ealing’s shoppers. When I’m in north Ealing I can’t resist a visit to Olivocracy, a quirky outlet that sells original artworks alongside its stock of organic and biodynamically produced olive oil and vinegar. The team here works with small Italian farmers to offer an outstanding range of high quality, eco friendly products. Dickens Yard has an array of fabulous eateries and shops worth a visit.

Love to Eat

One of the perks of working as an interior designer in North Ealing is to start the day with a coffee and matcha cake from the remarkable WA Cafe Japanese patisserie.  If I’m working late, I might drop in to Steak on the Green, which won the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2020.  As the name suggests, it specialises in steak, using only the finest, dry aged beef. Depending on the mood, one might also enjoy brunch at No 17 Dickens Yard or lunch at The Grange, perhaps not North Ealing but well worth a visit, tucked away amongst residential homes.

North Ealing is a place where people like to put down roots. They may upsize or downsize, but they seldom move away. When residents here renovate and redecorate their homes, they naturally demand the best interior design services in London.

Why I love Chiswick

Interior designer Rudolph Diesel creates sumptuous luxury interiors for homeowners and developers in London as well as inspirational property development branding. Here he shares his passion for some of London’s loveliest areas.

Why I love Chiswick

Love to look at

While admiring the fine Georgian houses along Chiswick Mall, you can imagine you’ve slipped back to a time when the area was an elegant riverside retreat for the rich, escaping London’s fetid air.  Further west, the pretty period cottages by the Strand on the Green hint at Chiswick’s origins as a small fishing village.  This is a place of contrasts, where traffic roars next to 18th century artist Hogarth’s fragile period home.  Despite the creep of urbanisation, the area manages to retain immense charm and character.  

Love to shop

A Sunday in Chiswick wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Farmers and Fine Food Market, where artisan baker Syd Aston’s sourdough bread is perfectly complemented by Nut Knowle Farm’s delicious cheeses.  If I’m hunting down an unusual piece for a luxury interior design project, I’ll head for The Old Cinema in Chiswick High Road: a veritable treasure trove of antique and vintage furniture.  On my way home I’m likely to pop into Philip Neal’s wickedly tempting chocolate shop in Turnham Green Terrace. 

Love to eat

Whenever I’m working as an interior designer in Chiswick, I like to grab a quick brunch or coffee and cupcake at Outsider Tart, a quirkily-named American cafe and bakery. Chiswick boasts some excellent fine dining restaurants, among them the Michelin-starred La Trompette.  Alternatively, Little Bird is the perfect spot to catch up with friends, drink and sample a delicious small plate menu of imaginative international cuisine.

Chiswick may have a laid-back, village vibe, but my clients enjoy keeping up with the latest trends and they clearly appreciate the impact of professionally-designed interiors.

Rudolph Interior Design - lighting design service

Brilliant interior lighting design to enhance your home

In the excitement of decorating and furnishing a room, lighting can often be something of an afterthought.  At London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors we believe that the right lighting design should be an integral part of the interior design process; it can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of a room. 

Different types of lighting to consider

Ambient lighting provides overall lighting cover, with the aim of achieving a comfortable level of brightness, without glare.  In some spaces, such as utility rooms, the ambient lighting also functions as task lighting, and is therefore considerably brighter.

Accent lighting creates visual interest, adding drama to a space.  The focus could be a series of paintings or a sculpture in a reception room or a structural feature such as a staircase. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight textures within a room, such as a brick or stone wall.

Task lighting is the workhorse of the lighting stable.  It must provide enough light for you to perform specific tasks, such as preparing and cooking food, personal grooming or any other activity where good lighting is required.

Mood lighting is designed to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.  This type of lighting often brings together existing elements in a room to create the appropriate mood. For example, dimmers can be used to reduce general lighting levels, while accent lights can play a role in brightening up key areas within a darkened space. 

A professional interior designer will incorporate lighting that is appropriate to room size and layout, reflecting colour, fabric and furniture choices.  The designer will also consider the type of bulb that should be used, selecting from a myriad of exciting, energy-efficient options, from Edison bulbs to LEDs and halogen bulbs.

If you’d like to discover how lighting can be effectively incorporated into a luxury interior design, why not get in touch?

Property development branding that sells the dream

Property development branding that sells the dream

How do you show the potential of an empty, new-build apartment, or create a strong sense of place for a housing development that’s still on the drawing board at the design stage?  The answer lies in effective branding and marketing.

At Rudolph Diesel Interiors, we aim to reach the top of every London property developers’ directory by offering a complete branding and marketing service.  From initial concept to completed project, our work includes creating names and logos, generating brochures and CGI videos, designing and printing giant construction site boards and hoarding panels, building project websites and devising inspirational home staging schemes to attract eager buyers.

Building a brand strategy

Our first move is to sit down with the client to understand exactly what they need.  The work involved in marketing for developers varies from client to client: some simply want us to create a brand and website, others want the complete package.

We usually kick-off the project by originating an imaginative, memorable and relevant name for the development, then proceed to designing the logo, followed by creating the CGI and website.  Once all the property marketing collateral has been collated, we pass them on to the relevant estate agents for distribution.

As soon as the show home is built, we stage the interior and call in one of our experienced photographers.  When the stunning virtual reality homes we have created become actual reality, it’s time to swap CGI images for beautiful photos of gorgeous home-styled property.

Why choose Rudolph Diesel Interiors?

Our clients can rely on us to complete every stage required in the marketing and branding process, including interior design. If you are looking for an accessibly-priced London interior design studio with the skillset to cover every aspect of the branding and marketing process, we’d love to hear from you. Why not get in touch with the team at hello@rudolph-diesel.co.uk or call 020 7183 6404

Why I love Notting Hill

Rudolph Diesel is an interior designer whose work is in much demand in London. Here he describes one of his favourite spots in the capital.

Love to look at 

There's something about Notting Hill that just makes me smile.  The area has a cool, bohemian, culturally diverse vibe you won’t find anywhere else in London (it is, after all, the home of the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival and yes, that film starring Hugh Grant).  The architecture here is similarly diverse: grand terraces and idyllic garden squares contrast with tiny, Victorian cottages painted in vibrant colours.  The classical façade of St Peter’s Church, surrounded by majestic, white stucco townhouses, is just a short stroll away from the edgy urban street art found on Portobello Road. 

Love to shop

When I’m creating luxury design interiors there’s no better place to look for unique pieces than Portobello Market. I also adore the range of bespoke embroidered fabrics you can find at independent home design store Baker & Gray. Of course, no trip to W11 is complete without a visit to the iconic Rough Trade record store in Talbot Road, where they have been selling great music since 1976. 

Love to eat

It might not be immediately obvious, but with a little digging, you’ll find Notting Hill has dining options for every occasion and style of cuisine, from bistro pub food and international flavours to quirky pop ups and fine dining.

The Shed is a particular favourite of mine, with a seasonal, local and wild menu complemented by some very good English wines.  For a novel twist on Greek classic food, Mazi on Hillgate Street never disappoints.  I’ve also been spotted enjoying a rum cocktail at Trailer Happiness, a glamorous award-winning Tiki-style bar in Portobello Road.

I find that interior design clients in Notting Hill have an eye for quality, detail and the unusual . Whether my team and I are working on an ultra-modern house interior design for a developer, or a classically elegant luxury interior for a private homeowner, I always enjoy spending time in this exciting and cosmopolitan part of town.

The one-stop shop for interior design perfection

Shopping for interiors, online or in a high street store, is an absolute passion of mine.  After many years creating luxurious interiors with my team, we've developed a sixth sense when it comes to sourcing exciting and desirable pieces.  It seemed like a natural extension of our interior design activities, to provide an online shopping resource for clients on the Rudolph Diesel website. A carefully curated collection of our favourite items.

Working with brands such as Eichholtz, Porta Romana and RV Astley we can offer an incredible range of items, from armchairs to armoires and from pendant lights to pot plants. 

360º walkthrough videos

The interiors that really work for me are those with a clear, overall vision that brings the look together, and that was one of the reasons for setting up our online store.   

Achieving a high quality interior design has never been more important, especially since virtual house tours have now become the accepted way for buyers and renters to shortlist a property. I must admit that when I’m viewing a walkthrough video, my attention is invariably drawn to the lighting, furniture and accessories used in each room. Maybe that’s inevitable when an interior designer views properties online!

Home tours I’ve seen recently were of luxury homes where the interior has truly benefited from home staging. The London property market is highly competitive and careful home styling is a proven way to attract more viewers. 

Sourcing unique items

With so many high quality items available through our shop, you should find everything you need to complete your interior design project.  But if there’s something you are unable to find in our shop or elsewhere online, please call or email us and we’ll do our best to source it for you.

Why not take a moment to browse our products? I promise you won’t be disappointed.