Sera Of London’s Romantic, Theatrical Vintage Interior Tips
Sera of London is famous for her celebrity clientele, feminine style, and vintage interior design. Here, she shares some of her top tips
By Chere Di Boscio
If you’ve ever wondered what Kate Moss‘s bedroom looks like, where Eliza Doolittle takes a shower or what sofa Courtney Love sinks into after an exhausting day, a certain statuesque blonde I know can tell you.
Sera Hersham-Loftus, or Sera of London as she is known to her superstar clients, became fascinated by interior design from her childhood. As a young girl, she placed one of her mother’s silk scarves over a lampshade, and was awestruck at the transformation this small difference gave a room. Suddenly, the light became warmer, the space more intimate, and the air was scented with the remains of perfume on the scarf. Still today, it is this preoccupation with sensuality that defines Sera’s style.
Sera of London interiors are decidedly softly feminine, strewn with cushions and plush upholstery in tones of dusty rose, old gold and dove blues and greys. But what we love most is their sustainability–she often scours flea markets for vintage pieces for her interior design.
For example? The decadence of Louis XIV radiates off a re-upholstered 18th century chair, and the sultriness of 1970’s Tropicana is embodied in a rattan peacock chair. Both were flea-market finds, according to Sera. She is nothing less than inventive when it comes to sourcing and upcycling materials: corsets become cheeky lampshades; beat up leather sofas are glammed up with silver or gold leaf, old fashioned lace tablecloths or even bridal gowns become romantic curtains.
Sera’s favourite eras are the 1930s, for its femininity and softness, and the 1970s, for its edgy, rock ‘n’ roll glam.
As actress Sadie Frost says:
“Sera’s style and designs caught my eye because they are so beautiful, so boudoir, so clever and detailed! A look so exotic and from a time long gone or an old movie set! Sera’s designs fit so perfectly with my taste, complimenting, but not dictating. She is a true talent, a rock and roll rebel of design who breaks rules with her originality and depth!”
Unique Lighting Is Key
Sera of London is also obsessed with creating the perfect lighting. She states that not only does it create atmosphere, but the right lighting can even make people look more beautiful in their homes. Perhaps for this reason, her girlie, boudoir accents have attracted a galaxy of mostly female stars, including many models, musicians and actresses. But she has also transformed the interiors of several commercial spaces, such as London’s posh Cuckoo Club, into places of possible seduction.
She refuses to have overhead spotlights in her own home, and prefers traditional incandescent light bulbs over LED models. Layering light is also essential. That means perhaps having some pendant lamps as the highest level, and some floor lamps as the second layer. The one exception the interior designer makes for LED lamps is having them behind and under shelves and even beds as the third layer of light.
She also adores candelabras, and has several in her own place, always stocked with tall, natural wax candles. But the best light for her? It comes from fire. “I have to have working fires in every room,” the interior decorator states. “Firelight gives a different, old-worldly feel. I sprinkle frankincense and rose oil on the coals.”
Sera’s beautiful corset lamps are famous, and she has plenty of them in her own home, of different sizes. She loves to soften natural sunlight through curtains and drapes to maintain her trademark ‘seductive’ vibes. Another favourite lighting trick? Disco balls! ‘They’re fun, glamorous, and diffuse light beautifully.’
Always Add Plants
One of the cheapest, easiest and most eco friendly interior design tips Sera of London has is this: add loads of plants. “Plants give life to my room sets,” she says. She’s particularly fond of Boston ferns, palms, and other tropical looking greenery. To make this look work, yes, you will need to have green fingers, to some extent. But you’ll also need some gorgeous planters. Plastic pots are not ideal! Instead, go for vintage looking clay pots or old tin washtubs. And, if you can’t avoid plastic planters, at least hide them inside large straw or rattan baskets.
Plants can hide ‘ugly’ things like electrical sockets on walls and floors, and add positive energy to the room. “As I don’t have a garden, I have made an indoor garden here,” she said. “It echoes a Victorian conservatory, and the balcony is practically a rainforest of vegetation.”
Of course, they can be practical, too. Why not fill your kitchen with little pots of herbs you can use while you cook?
Vintage Theatre Before It Trended
Vintage theatre and opera aesthetics are trending now in interior design. But Sera loved that style long before Pinterest predicted it would be huge. Wondering what the vintage theatre aesthetic looks like?
Well, Sera defines it perfectly. Architecturally, it involves: sweeping staircases, gilded balconies, layered textures, and dramatic ceiling details and a sense of scale that is both indulgent and impressive. But that’s not always easy to bring to your home! Instead, follow Sera’s lead and go for:
- Rich red and deep berry tones – in painted walls, wallpapers, or rich textiles, like satin and velvet
- Opulent lighting – think: chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps with ornate bases or soft, warm bulbs help mimic the glow of candlelit theatres and opera houses, adding atmosphere to a space.
- Dark toned wood floors – and if that’s not possible, cover what you have with vintage rugs instead
- Baroque-inspired brass – swap standard dressers, mirrors and hardware for brushed or antique brass styles.
- Clothing as decor – This is one of Sera of London’s signature touches. Fedoras, feather boas, designer gowns and vintage frocks are all used as decor in her own home, for example.
More Tips for Doing Vintage Interiors Like Sera
You don’t have to be rich and famous to bring a touch of Sera’s luscious style to your own home. If you’re feeling inventive, a visit to her shop and site may well give you ideas about how to sex up the armchair granny left you. Still need help? She has published two books: Seductive Interiors, which beautifully showcases highlights of her work and provides decor tips, and Little Venice Rooms, which focuses on her own home.
Here below are more tips to get Sera of London’s vintage style.
1. Start by adding a few small vintage details to your interior
Start with small items, like retro art or some accessories (a stool, a lamp or some cushions). If you like the result, you should then move to the next phase, by allowing yourself some more permanent items such as furniture, wallpaper or tiles.
2. Know where to shop
Generally speaking, at garage sales, flea markets or antique shops are your best bet. But if you don’t have the time or patience for that, and if money is not a problem, it is possible to find beautiful reproductions in most stores that sell contemporary furniture. And why not visit your grandparents to see if you can find something there? Who knows, you might find a treasure in the attic!
3. Interiors with a retro touch, yes. Museum, no
You should seek a certain balance while keeping a modern touch to your decor. Your vintage items will better stand out within an overall more modern interior than if they’re the dominant force in the room. A neutral paint colour generally allows almost everything in terms of furnishing and decor.
4. Play with patterns, texture, colour
Quality wood furniture mixed with neutral colours and white will create the perfect ‘canvas’ for your home’s interior. Vintage objects made of rusted steel, glass or raw wood will add an industrial flavour; brightly coloured geometric patterns add a little kitsch taste, whilst rattan, shells and macrame are all about 70s nostalgia.
5. Look for inspiration
Check Pinterest, decor magazines, books about interiors and websites for inspiration, and then search for similar items at flea markets, Ebay, Istdibs, yard sales and even high street stores. Check out the handmade wallpaper, scented candles, cushions and other accents she created here.
Our Favourite Looks By Sera
All photos from Sera of London
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