Imagine having the keys to a stunning three-bedroom apartment in the heart of London, with the freedom to design it exactly as you envision. This was the enviable position Douglas Mackie found himself in back in 2023. But here's where it gets interesting: the owners, living abroad, gave him complete creative control, with all decisions approved via WhatsApp! This level of trust, built over years of collaboration, allowed Douglas to create an interior that's a true testament to his design expertise.
With minimal architectural work needed, Douglas could focus on the art of decoration. He often starts with a captivating object, and in this case, it was a remarkable 17th-century Momoyama screen he discovered at Sotheby’s. This discovery was quickly followed by a love for an exceptional 20th-century Japanese lacquer cabinet in vibrant red, gold, and black. Combined with the ‘ethereally beautiful’ alpaca and linen fabric by George Spencer Designs for the curtains, the design began to take shape.
Douglas's deep appreciation for European design is evident. Spending part of his year in France, he's as familiar with the ateliers of Paris as he is with those in London. From the Galerie Alexandre Biaggi, he sourced contemporary gilded bronze and alabaster chandeliers by Patrice Dangel for the drawing and dining rooms. 'These began to define the ceilings and the apartment,' he explained.
He frequents The Decorative Fair in Battersea Park, always aiming to find that perfect piece. On one visit, he discovered a section of Roman mosaic from Morocco, which he transformed into a coffee table.
The entrance hall is painted a deep brown, using colors from the French manufacturer Argile, and furnished with antique tortoiseshell-veneered chairs and a vintage Swedish rug from Nazmiyal in New York. The dark paint enhances details, showcasing how Douglas values negative space as much as the surfaces.
The color scheme flows into the drawing room, separated from the dining area by pocket doors. Sofas and armchairs are upholstered in George Spencer velvets in rust and green, with cushions in Prelle velvet, which Douglas describes as 'one of my favourite velvets of all time, giving a feel of the 1920s'. A comfortable Svenskt Tenn daybed sits in front of the window, maintaining the view.
In the dining room, a bespoke eucalyptus table by Simon Orrell Designs is surrounded by custom chairs upholstered in aniline leather. The kitchen is equally stylish, with a Calacatta Oro marble island, Otzi chairs, and Nymphenburg porcelain pendants. A vibrant, abstract aquatint by Max Papart hangs above the chimneypiece.
The bedrooms feature a restful palette. The walls of the three bedrooms are covered in Osborne & Little’s ‘Kanoko Cork’ wallcovering, with cork tiles over metallic grounds. A 20th-century Japanese screen hangs in the main bedroom, flanked by bedside tables from Fabrizio Casiraghi, with all linen from Bruder.
Walking through this space feels like experiencing a personal collection, rather than a designer's work. It's a reflection of Douglas's knowledge and eye, and the trust the owners placed in him.
What do you think of Douglas Mackie's approach? Would you give a designer such creative freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
