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| Jessica Gordon Ryan/ The Entertaining House |
He had me at Hello. He really did. This amazingly talented designer took time from his busy schedule to give us all a tour of his new London showroom, Electra House, his first dedicated retail space in the heart of Shoreditch, in the East End of London. With this new space that acts both as a showroom and gallery Broom also recently launched a wide range of new accessories in conjunction with the London Design Festival.
At just 38 (he looks 25, doesn't he?) this accomplished designer has also had a successful past as an actor who has been on television, film and stage, as well as becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company by the age of 16. Broom has more talent in the tip of his little pinky than I have in his entire body! Warm and hospitable, as is everyone in London, he ushered us in and gave us a tour of this new space.
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| via Lee Broom |
I was immediately taken with the sheer beauty and originality of the light fixture above. Part of the Heritage Boy Carpetry collection my eyes were drawn to (and my breath taken away) this carpet-lined light which draws inspiration from Persian Nain rugs while utilizing a modern color palette to create a contemporary design. The Persian Rug has long been an integral part of the British home. Here, modern design draws "witty reference to Britishness such as the Crown Jewels" that are hidden within the pattern. The carpets are all 100% wool and are made in Britain on traditional Wilton looms using a technique that dates back to the early 17th Century. Lee Broom manages to perfectly marry the youth of the present and the rich heritage of the past.
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| via Lee Broom |
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| via Lee Broom |
The above console has forever captured my heart... I am in love........... Mere words and a flat screen simply cannot do this piece justice. Below I captured a detail with my phone... it's a tad blurry... I'm sure it's because I was all a flutter. Can you find the Crown Jewels? This is the best I can do - I do wish you could all see it in person and touch it!
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| Jessica Gordon Ryan/ The Entertaining House |
Other amazing things Lee Broom is working on include a little somethin' for Christian Louboutin. Read on to see what it is!
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| Jessica Gordon Ryan/The Entertaining House |
As we made our way through the showroom Lee Broom stopped for a moment to talk to us about his conceptual design for a new dreamy and dramatic Christian Louboutin boutique located within Harrods' eveningwear department. This light-filled space includes an archive of Christian Louboutin shoes as well as the designer's latest collections. One enters this theatrical space through a fanned archway inspired by the glass facade of the Covent Garden's Royal Opera House. It seems only fitting that this dramatic designer create such an epic space.
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From the magical carpeted furniture to the dramatic Louboutin store we headed down to view the illuminating crystal light bulbs created by Broom and inspired from delicate craftsmanship of crystal cutting. The Crystal Bulb combines industrial influences with decorative qualities, transforming the everyday light bulb into a beautiful ornamental light fitting. Each lead Crystal Bulb is handcrafted using traditional techniques and hand cut with a classic crystal pattern inspired by those found on traditional whiskey glasses and decanters. While I normally am not a fan of cut crystal, these lightbulbs were wondrous - almost intoxicating. Priced at nearly $200 a piece, they're slightly out of my ballpark... but a girl can dream of having her name in lights... in crystal lights no less!
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| via Lee Broom |
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| via Lee Broom |
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| via Lee Broom |
Lee Broom's designs are sold in New York, Paris, London and the Middle East, and have been exhibited by Boffi at the Milan Furniture Fair, featured in publications such as Wallpaper* Magazine and Sunday Times Style and described as ‘Fantastic’ by the New York Times, ‘Dazzling’ by the World of Interiors and ‘Best in Show’ by the Observer Magazine and has won over celebrity from around the world.
His unconventional road to design began at just 17 when the talented designer won a fashion design competition where he won a prize that allowed him to spend several days with Vivienne Westwood in her studio, where he ended up with an internship for 6 months thus ending his career in the theater. The world of fashion was his new calling and he would study women's fashion at Central St. Martin's. While there his path changed again, dresses turned into drapes.
Broom had every intention of starting a fashion label, but was approached to come up with ideas for Nylon, the legendary London bar and his concepts became the subject of a three quarter million pound refurbishment and Broom’s future in bar design was set. While designing upscale venues he began creating bespoke furniture. From there, he progressed naturally into furniture design where he continues to create interiors for the entertainment industry.
Lee Broom is one of the UK’s leading product and interior designers. He's a cross between Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen of the design industry.
In his career, he has launched numerous furniture and lighting collections, designed over 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors and has won more than 20 awards including the ELLE Decoration British Design Award for The Crystal Bulb in October 2012 and ‘Designer of the Year 2011/ 2012’ at the British Design Awards in November 2011. His work has been featured internationally in most major broadsheet and interior design publications.
Lee Broom founded his own label five years ago and designs, manufactures and retails his own collections, collaborates with other brands and designs unique interiors. The importance of the manufacturing process is integral to Broom’s philosophy. A supporter of British manufacturing techniques, Broom works closely with specialist traditional craftsman from the initial concept to final production runs. His meteoric rise has seen him dubbed “the pin up of British manufacturing” by The Times.
I could go on and on and on talking about this amazingly talented designer, but he has so many accolades and so many wonderful projects under his belt that I am not sure I'd ever be done... so you'd be best to mosey over to the Lee Broom website to learn more!
XOXO,
Jessica
