Sanderson, London, UK

Located in the heart of London ‘West End,  Sanderson offers a dream, a world of fantasy. The landmarked 50s building has been transformed by Philippe Starck into a surreal Cocteau-like dream world,  that is smart, pared down, and tempered with a healthy dose of wit and irony. With the absence of “normal” walls and a floor-to-ceiling glass facade that diffuses natural light through flowing layers of ethereal sheer curtains, Sanderson’s indoor/outdoor lobby is a layered and sophisticated environment that is totally original.

Surrounding the landmark Courtyard Garden designed by Philip Hicks,  juxtaposing Salvador Dali’s curvaceous red lips sofa with classic 60s mosaics and hand-carved African furniture with an oversized Louis XV armoire. Everything mixed with wit, magic and surprise in an elegant balancing way.

The rooms blur the line between baroque and modern, structure and space, extravagance and simplicity. Designed without interior walls, layers of sheer curtains allow you to conceal or reveal different spaces as you desire. Ingenious design touches reflect the whimsical aesthetic of Philippe Starck, including a rug inspired by Voltaire’s handwriting and soothing landscape scenes that are hung, unexpectedly, on the ceiling.

The Purple Bar, with its veritable symphony of purples, lavenders and violets, is a chic and intimate lounge that has become one of London’s hottest gathering places. Long Bar is light, white and airy and radiates freshness and cleanliness.