James Bond’s Perfect Study
In the lead up to the release of the highly anticipated Spectre film, we bring two quintessentially British gentleman together in order to design the ultimate private study. One’s Britain’s most eligible bachelor and an international spy, while the other is a legendary interior designer famed for his sophisticated designs. This is Timothy Oulton’s take on James Bond’s private study.
If Bond came to you as a client looking to have his private study designed what would you identify as his key design needs?
Bond would require a study that was quintessentially British – a real gentleman’s space. It would have to be sophisticated and respectful of tradition while also containing some unexpected twists.
I would incorporate mementos of his adventures touring the world and provide him with a space to reflect, contemplate, and plan future missions. It would be essential that the room contained an escape route given the nature of his work and of course secret storage facilities would be beneficial too.
What would you offer Bond that he won’t be getting with other designers?
Timothy Oulton pieces are bold, British and ballsy. Vintage aesthetics are collided with modern daring design, brought to life using time-honoured techniques and authentic handcraftsmanship. From red-blooded military-inspired collections like the Aviator range – echoing Bond’s time in the Navy – to celebrations of British heritage and hand-dyed Union Jack graphics. The collections are sophisticated yet relaxed around the edges, retaining that quintessential British sense of humour and playfulness. Pieces look lived in, like they’ve seen some life and adventure, from weathered reclaimed wood to the worn vintage feel of leather, painstakingly hand-distressed to bring out the hide’s natural character.
Can you describe your vision for this project?
The study would be a covert space, hidden in Bond’s London apartment behind a trick bookcase door.Inside, it’s a mix of a gentlemen’s lounge with modern, sleek elements. Tufted leather panelling on the walls for sound-proofing,wooden floors – with a hidden escape route through a trapdoor – concealed in the English oak parquet flooring – leading straight to an underground garage. The furniture would pair traditional silhouettes with daring materials; hand-distressed leather, riveted aluminium, vintage Union Jack graphics.
Highlights of Bond’s study:
The Airfoil desk, clad in Spitfire aluminium, inspired by the iconic World War II fighter plane. A nod to Bond’s many adventures, parachuting out of planes into danger.
Bandaged armchair, in distressed Union Jack canvas, for Queen and country.
Atom lighting, inspired by the structure of an atom around its nucleus, the Atom light celebrates the mysteries linked to the creation of the Universe. Sleek and full of vigour, just like Bond.
Raleigh Spitfire briefcase, clad in riveted aluminium and lined with printed suedette plane blueprints. The vanguard of all cases, perfect to safeguard For Your Eyes Only documents.
The Westminstersofa exudes Bond’s gentlemanly air. Outfitted in heavily distressed Vagabond Red leather, directly inspired by the vintage red interior of a collector’s Aston Martin DB5 that caught the attention of Tim Oulton.
Transporting elements of Art Deco to the future of furniture design, the iconic Mars MK3chair mixes hand-moulded polished metal with distressed, vintage leathers. A worthy platform to plan a mission.
The London Trunk side table. Bond’s version could open to reveal an ice bucket of champagne or tray of Martinis, shaken not stirred.
Heroic bookcase, hand-carved in mouldings inspired by an English stately home. The sides and bottom sections open to reveal hidden compartments, perfect for Bond’s secret dossiers and weapons. The shelves would be filled with leather bound books for Bond to keep abreast of his linguistic skills.
How much would this project set Bond back?
Around £17,000
By Gabriella Dyson
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