NOWPOLIFORM
What’s the story? The new Poliform flagship
showcases its furniture across six expansive
windows on London’s Wigmore Street. The iconic
Italian brand’s third UK outpost is in a Victorian
redbrick building that has been artfully restored
to maintain its historic features, such as the
ornate columns that frame its façade, while
offering a contemporary backdrop within.
What will I find inside? Comprising 500 square
metres across two floors, the sleek, bright
exhibition space immerses visitors in the Poliform
world of finely crafted furniture and storage
systems, with kitchens a key focus (all but one has
been removed from the King ’s Road showroom). A
concrete plaster finish is contrasted on a backdrop
of black-stained oak panelling and a dark oak floor.
Upon entering, you’re greeted with the vast
marble-topped ‘Kensington’ table, with the white
lacquered ‘Phoenix’ kitchen and black elm ‘Twelve’
kitchen flowing into a living space featuring the
‘Kelly’ bed, ‘Jane’ chair and a dressing room made
up of the ‘Ubik’ walk-in wardrobe system. Descend
to the lower floor – once the building ’s vaults – via
a sculptural limestone, oak and bronze staircase
and you’ll find the ‘Artex’ and ‘Alea’ kitchens,
alongside the brand’s bestselling sofa, the ‘Bristol’,
as well as the glass ‘Wall’ storage system.
Why should I visit? ‘The beauty of the Poliform
brand is that every collection from the last 20
years has been a smooth, seamless progression to
reach this point, and that journey is reflected in
this space,’ explains George Khachfe, CEO of
Poliform UK. ‘Everything is completely coherent,
and all of the pieces complement each other – it
truly demonstrates the Poliform lifestyle.’ 51–61
Wigmore Street, London W1; poliformuk.com
DE PA DOVA
What’s the story? Stylish Milanese penthouse
living has touched down in London’s Chelsea with
the opening of Italian brand De Padova’s first UK
showroom, which joins the ranks of those in the
global design capitals of Milan, Paris and New
York. Nestled on the first floor of a David
Chipperfield-designed building, the 310-square-
metre space has an exclusive air thanks to its
discreet entrance, adding to the calm atmosphere.
What will I find inside? The jet black carpet and
pale wood handrail leading up the stairs give a
preview of the palette within – almost unrelenting
monochrome and neutrals, save for statement
plants that sweep the ceiling and the rich green
‘Blendy’ sofa that greets visitors upon arrival.
Like all its other stores, it’s not located at ground
level, and here the space is lined on two sides with
glass, offering elegant views of the neighbourhood.
Designed by the brand’s art director, architect Piero
Lissoni, to emulate a chic Milanese apartment, the
fully open-plan layout incorporates kitchen, dining
and lounging zones, with a bedroom and bathroom
at the back. Classics from the De Padova collection- by iconic names such as Vico Magistretti and
Achille Castiglioni – and contemporary designs by
Patricia Urquiola, Nendo and GamFratesi mix
seamlessly with the parent group’s other brands.
Why should I visit? ‘It’s all about the atmosphere.
Stepping into the showroom is just like being in
someone’s home,’ explains De Padova’s CEO
Roberto Gavazzi. ‘I wanted to put soul into the
space,’ concurs Lissoni, who included vintage
pieces in different styles to bring the space to life,
while maintaining the sleek, minimal De Padova
aesthetic. ‘I hope people will spend time here, read
books, enjoy the furniture and relax.’ 161 Draycott
Avenue, London SW3; depadova.com
SEPTEMBER 2019 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 39