Maison Colbert
The London home of artists Charlotte & Philip Colbert that I can only describe as total genius.
Living Rooms is a column on YGL that takes a closer look into the designs, details, and character of spaces. A study of what makes a house a home, even when it’s fictional. I believe in giving life to one’s environment and nurturing the relationship with regular care. Here’s to our humble abodes!
© All photos by Alicia Waite for Vogue
When I read this article a few months ago, I almost booked a flight to London just to see the place with my own eyes. I mean, not really, it’s a private residency and I don’t have the cash flow for a weekend trip to London these days, but you understand what I mean right? Maison Colbert is a masterpiece, a fun house, an art gallery, an Alice in Wonderland meets Wes Anderson exhibit, and a living breathing creation. It’s a total trip and I’m completely in awe. Not a single square foot (and there are 6,000 of them) has gone without considerable thought and fine artistry in this dreamy bespoke residence.
Yes, your eyes did see that right. That’s 108 silicone breasts on a clawfoot tub. Custom tiles, bath mats, linens, and mirrors—nothing was selected from a catalogue here. This surrealist spectacle was simply dreamed up and brought to life by husband and wife pop duo, Charlotte and Philip Colbert. They worked alongside Buchanan Studio and Chris Dyson Architects to open up five neglected Victorian style brick terraced homes into one limitless living space. Now known as Maison Colbert, it serves as a functional home for the couple and their two children, as well as a venue to host private events, personal offices, and a public exhibition space. All hidden in plain sight, this gem is tucked behind the facade of faux Victorian storefronts in Spitalfields, London.
The power couple that is the Colberts states: “The aim was to take art out of the frame, off the plinth and into everyday life.” What a beautiful vision. With surprises around every corner, there is still enough familiar cohesiveness to keep it from feeling chaotic or cluttered—something I imagine could quickly happen if not done with incredible intention. It isn’t just wacky to get a reaction out of the viewer, it’s purposeful and meaningful. Simply put, it’s genius.
You will notice four recurring symbols throughout the house and a guest bedroom solely dedicated to each of these signature forms. Charlotte Colbert is a film maker (writer, director) and the artist behind the feminine and romantic motifs of the uterus and the eye. Philip Colbert is the artist and persona behind the playful and animated motifs of the lobster and the cactus. If you look close enough, you will see these symbols hiding on custom crown moulding, door handles, sculptures, kitchen chairs, headboards, and even made into household items like a telephone and cutlery. They live, breathe, and sleep in their art—the most literal version of ‘on-brand’ I’ve ever seen.
Some say the home is an extension of oneself and I happen to be one of those people. It is my personal belief that the relationship between the dwelling and the dwellers should be mutually beneficial. Although it might take a while to find the right fit, when you do discover your residential match, your home will act as a catalyst to propel you towards a better version of yourself. Like a kitchen that makes you want to prepare meals, or a bedroom that lulls you to sleep at the end of the day. In this case, Maison Colbert is an incubator for wild and abundant creativity. It would be hard to walk through the doors of this delightful abode and not have thoughts about your next artistic venture.
The items that we look at and interact with everyday influence our emotions, behaviours, and rituals. Charlotte and Philip have set themselves up for success in a very personal and intimate way. Makes me look around my apartment and wonder what small changes I can make to increase my writing productivity, encourage softness, and spark ingenuity. See, this creative haven has already influenced me as a digital viewer. Imagine the impact of experiencing it in person, hence my desire for a trip to London.
I love the delicate balance between old world Europe and modern pop art. The rooms feel timeless and layered in history, like an heirloom that was passed down over several generations with a perfectly faded patina. At the same time they also feel fresh, fun, and clean—originals, like the artwork they hold on their walls. Vibrant stripes and cartoon crustaceans next to Roman columns and stone sculptures. Reading that sounds strange but visually it works! What has the potential for looking quite industrial is made feminine with natural light, curved shapes, and wild foliage. Honestly, the botanical designer (whoever they are) did an impressive job with each of the rooms. Don’t miss the triple-height indoor/outdoor garden paradise (seen in the last photo), that space is something special.
Their main dining table (shown above) features ten Eye Chairs and somewhat resembles a British garden party—reminding me of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. When she arrives just in time for tea, which is served at six o'clock. But it is always six o'clock and therefore, it is always tea time. At Maison Colbert, it may not always be tea time, but there is definitely a feeling of fantasy and whimsy that removes us from our conventional way of thinking. Taking us down the rabbit hole of imagination and possibility.
The concierge and bar features (shown below) draw inspiration from Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel and house custom brass room keys with tassels to match each theatrically themed suite. A nice experience you might want to think about offering your guests when they come to stay… lol. The custom iron bars of the staircases were built and then laid in a field until ‘weathered’ to gain the exact look the designers wanted. You may have also noticed the vintage feel in the dressing room that comes from hand-aged mirrors that cover built-in dressers. The more I read about this home, the more I realize there is so much more than meets the eye. Murals, stained glass windows, hand painted tiles, embroidered upholstery—the amount of craftsmanship and expertise that went into bringing this together is a wonder. I love seeing a vision come to life by sourcing all the right cast members for each part, and the theatre of Maison Colbert did just that. It was completed with precise skill, focused dedication, and a touch of what one can only refer to as magic.
I wasn’t able to find the budget behind this project, which is something I am curious about. The finished result took four years to complete and I’m certain this space will continue to grow and evolve with the family. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
What do you think? Would you visit if this were an art gallery? What would your home look like if it were truly an extension of you and you had the budget to bring it to life?
© All photos by Alicia Waite for Vogue
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I love this! I love the colours, textures, artwork, patterns. I am not a neutral home person (not that my apartment reflects that because $$) but I would love ot have a colorful, art-filled, and plant-filled home if money were no object. I would definitely visit it if it were a museum. I have been to London once this year just for a museum exhibit, I am not above it.
I am screaming. This is so incredible. Thank you for sharing this space and your musings with us. I, too, won’t be able to stop thinking about this place. The garden space and that living room will live forever rent free in my brain.