• 1st Option News
  • Ask the Agent
  • Ask the Location Owner
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Filming Locations
  • In Conversation With
  • In the Spotlight
  • Interior Styling
  • Locations
  • London Life
  • My Home. My Haven
  • New Location Showcase
  • New Locations
  • Photoshoot Locations
  • Photoshoots
  • Spot the Difference
  • Top Tips
  • Show all
top-5-for-may

Top 5 for May

It’s that time of the month again! When we give you our monthly round up of the best locations to register with us over the last month. This month, we decided to opt for five family homes that differ greatly from one to the next. Make sure you read on to check out the locations, ranging from grand designs style homes, to vast renovated period properties; as always, we have all bases covered for you here.  

top-interior-design-trends-for-2022

Top Interior Design Trends for 2022

2021 was a year of change and growth for everyone – homes have become a hybrid of living and working, as well as our much needed sanctuaries away from the uncertainty of the pandemic. Nevertheless, our endeavour has been seen front and centre and we have stood up to all tests, turning things like working from home into positives. Make sure to read on as we look further into the changes in design, what colours will be on the rise and the materials you should be looking out for in 2022.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-7

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 7

In episode seven of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Mairead over video call to learn all about her home ‘Bottega’.

interior-design-101-a-brief-guide-to-some-of-the-uks-most-trendy-styles

Interior Design 101: A Brief Guide to Some of the UK’s Most Trendy Styles

What is interior design for you? Staying on-trend? Being ahead of the trends? Or celebrating your individuality, creativity and personality? Whatever it means to you, one thing that’s for sure is that thanks to the diverse range of styles that have been brought to our shores over the years, the UK has been left with an eclectic mix of styles, making it one of the most prominent style hubs across the globe. Check out our brief guide into the most popular trends across the UK right now.

in-the-spotlight-bohemian-design

In the Spotlight: Bohemian Design

At some point in your life you will have come across Bohemian design whether you know it or not. Often referred to as Boho, the style is light and bright featuring many patterns and layers that will leave a lasting impression that you can’t forget. The word itself refers to someone who is typically socially …

Continue reading “In the Spotlight: Bohemian Design”

in-the-spotlight-grandmillennial-style

In the Spotlight: Grandmillennial Style

Grandmillennial or ‘Granny Chic’ style may be a new concept to many above the age of 40, however, thanks to the ever cyclical nature of trends plus Instagram’s ability to show you the same monotonous things over and over again, many millennials in their 20’s and early 30’s have dipped into their grandparents living rooms for inspiration and created a new interior design style that has taken the world by storm, Grandmillennial style.

top-tips-what-to-expect-when-registering-with-a-location-agency

Top Tips – What to Expect When Registering with a Location Agency

Registering your property with a Location Agency can be an incredibly thrilling, exciting and rewarding process, mentally as well as financially. However, before you get into the rigmarole you should go in with your eyes open knowing exactly what to expect, which should help to make the whole process as seamless as possible. It’s also important to bear in mind that 1st Option have incredibly high standards when it comes to arranging shoots for clients, so before deciding whether or not to register check out our top tips to ensure you’ll be able to keep these standards with us.

london-life-architecture-through-the-ages

London Life: Architecture Through the Ages

Every year (up ‘till now) millions of tourists flock to the United Kingdom to enjoy London and its rich cultural heritage and history. Part of this attraction revolves around the eye-catching buildings that can be found around the city and in essence make up a large part of London’s cultural landscape. Check out our brief guide to the architectural styles that have made London so famous around the world.

working-from-home-were-obsessed-with-podcasts

Working From Home, We’re Obsessed with Podcasts

During these times, with half the nation furloughed and the whole nation bound between their four walls, there has never been a better time to broaden your knowledge and podcasts are the perfect way to do this with podcasters producing content every week based around literally any topic ranging from lifestyle, arts, music and style all the way to politics, business, education and technology. So check out our favourite podcasts to listen to right now.

six-courses-to-take-in-quarantine

Six Courses to Take in Quarantine

While at home it can become monotonous and mundane doing the same pointless things over and over again. However, why not use this time to be productive and better yourself, learn a new skill during this endless free time. Well we have culminated the perfect list for you.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-1

Ask The Location Owner: Episode 1

In the first episode of Ask the Location Owner, Our Senior Account Manager Sophia has been to our location Chevron to talk about her property.

a-look-back-on-2019

A look back on 2019

2019 has come to a close and we are looking forward to the year ahead. Here at 1st Option we have had a very busy start to the year, but that doesn’t stop us having a look back with fond memories of our favourite shoots from 2019. With so many highlights, it was hard to …

Continue reading “A look back on 2019”

sea-you-at-aquarius

Sea you at Aquarius…

It’s the month of Pisces and something fishy’s definitely going!

jose-is-looking-pretty-good-and-so-is-our

Jose Mourinho at Clapham Common

Jose has been shooting the latest BT Sport ad…

three-good-reasons-to-like-our-facebook-page

Three good reasons to Like our Facebook page

Check out our Facebook page for loads of exciting news…

summer-in-the-city-at-last

summer in the city… at last!

Everyone’s happier when the sun shines, hello summer!

first-published-article

first published article..!

Eleanor, who left us recently to go back to college to study Journalism has just had her first article published on the Harper’s web site! You go girl…

spot-the-difference-at-marilyn

Spot the Difference at Marilyn

Welcome to the first edition of our new spot the difference series, this week at Marilyn. It’s all a bit of fun, but anyone who can find all ten differences and send them to us before the next edition goes live is welcome to a half price booking fee on their next shoot!

new-location-showcase-brook-lodge

New Location Showcase – Brook Lodge

In the first of our new series of videos introducing our latest and favourite new locations, we take a quick look at the rustic and shabby chic Brook Lodge.

12-design-ideas-to-get-your-garden-ready-for-summer

12 Design Ideas to get your Garden Ready for Summer

As we start to welcome friends and family back into our lives. Now is the perfect time to get that needed garden inspiration, in anticipation of the glorious summer parties we will all be having. Read on to check out twelve much needed design ideas, to get your garden ready for summer.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-6

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 6

In episode six of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Nikki over video call to learn all about her home ‘Tierney’.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-5

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 5

In episode five of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Claudia over video call to learn all about her home ‘Burlotti’

in-the-spotlight-scandinavian-interior-design

In the Spotlight: Scandinavian Interior Design

Typified by its use of muted colour palettes, wooden floors and furnishings, minimalism and a clutter free aesthetic, Scandinavian design has been at the forefront of interior design for many years now. While the style came to worldwide prominence in the 1950’s and then again in the 90’s, its causation goes a long way back and is steeped in history.

top-tips-what-we-look-for-when-taking-on-a-new-property

Top Tips – What we Look for When Taking on a New Property

We always get asked what separates a shoot location from a regular property, what exactly is it you look for when taking on new locations? despite their not being a short answer if you are thinking of registering your property but have been unsure what companies might be looking for, then read on as we share our insights and break it down for you.

daring-to-be-different

Daring to be different

Here at 1st Option we have never been short of unique and striking properties, ranging from the most incredible family homes to styled studios all the way to renovated gin distilleries. Since lockdown we may have had to put things on hold as shooting was not possible to continue, however, since the easing of lockdown …

Continue reading “Daring to be different”

top-tips-for-quarantine

Top Tips For Quarantine

If you’re struggling in these times, perhaps overly stressed and barking mad, then worry no more as 1st Option are here to help. Paws for thought and check out our video for a few top tips to help get you through isolation.

ask-the-agent-episode-3

Ask the Agent: Episode 3

In episode three of our series Ask the Agent, Junior Account Executive Rosie answers questions about painting and decorating for a shoot.

ask-the-agent-episode-1

Ask the Agent: Episode 1

In our first youtube episode of the series Senior Account Manager Sophia answers the top questions we receive at 1st Option.

4-must-watch-netflix-shows-to-watch-for-ultimate-interior-inspiration

4 must watch Netflix shows to watch for ultimate interior inspiration

As if you needed another excuse to spend the weekend having a Netflix binge…

starry-eyed

Starry Eyed…

Touring our Primrose Hill shoot location, celebs and checking future trends…

madrid

A weekend in Madrid

Fancy a weekend away? Why not explore the wonders of Madrid…

christmas-day-at-the-royals

Christmas day at the Royals’

Where better to hang out at Christmas than the Queen’s house?

pugs-in-the-park

pugs in the park…

What could be better than spending a couple of hours surrounded by mad pugs..?

connie-modelling-her-shiny-new-halloween-outfit

And this is exactly why Halloween is scary…

Be careful folks, it will be madness out there tonight…

top-five-for-january-2022

Top five for January 2022

A new year often brings many changes with it, one change it can’t bring, however, is the amount of incredible new locations that flow through our doors on a monthly basis. Following on from the outstanding end to 2021, we have been incredibly lucky to welcome a multitude of amazing new locations. Check out our top five for February here.

in-conversation-with-mark-dolan-of-honeycomb

In Conversation with Mark Dolan of Honeycomb

We met with Mark Dolan to talk about his amazing property Honeycomb, what his experiences were designing it, any positives and negatives from the experience and his favourite features within the home.

in-the-spotlight-new-england-interior-design

In the Spotlight: New England Interior Design

Though originating in the North East region of the United States, New England design has infiltrated the UK’s design scene, becoming an interior staple for many years now. Read on to see how how this style can be implemented into your home today!

ask-the-agent-episode-4

Ask the Agent: Episode 4

In episode four of our series Ask the Agent, we switched things up by joining together over zoom to discuss how you can register your property with us.

working-from-home

Working from Home

The winter months can be a challenge with most of us working from home.
Here at 1st Option, we thought we’d share some of our top tips for overcoming the morning blues!

in-the-spotlight-industrial-design

In the Spotlight: Industrial Design

It’s no secret that 2020 has thrown the rule book out the window on almost every aspect of life and society. And, while we haven’t seen a complete upheaval of ideas in the world of interior design, there has been a shift in focus. So check out this weeks interior design trend that we put into the spotlight, Industrial Design.

top-5-trendiest-shoot-locations-in-east-london

Trendiest Shoot Locations in East London – 5 of the Best

With the gentrification of nearly every corner of London, and despite many people saying that it has stomped out vast amounts of culture, it has opened the door for sways of people to move further out from the city centre. With East London the first place to get gentrified, by now it has gone full …

Continue reading “Trendiest Shoot Locations in East London – 5 of the Best”

going-back-to-work

Going Back to Work

As we enter the ninth week of lockdown there is a slightly different feeling in the air of London. Whether that be from the reduced amount of pollution in the air or more likely, the easing of lockdown and the impending return to life as we know it, there is definitely something on the horizon …

Continue reading “Going Back to Work”

9-interior-stylists-you-should-already-be-following

9 Interior Stylists You Should Already be Following

Whether your taste leans more towards minimalism with crisp colour tones and clean lines or a bold aesthetic utilising colour, patterns and texture, you’re sure to find a style that inspires you here. Sit back and take a look at 10 amazing interior stylists and creatives that you should already be following.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-2

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 2

In episode two of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we catch up with Nicola and Greg from our location Wavertree.
*This video was filmed before the UK lockdown on the 23rd March*

in-conversation-with-interior-design-guru-jane-cumberbatch

In Conversation With Interior Design Guru Jane Cumberbatch

Continuing on our ‘In Conversation with..’ series is one of our amazing Location Owners Jane Cumberbatch of Palace Road. Jane is not only an Interior Stylist but has multiple books all about interior design, cooking and so much more.

puppy-love-pt1

Puppy Love (Pt.1)

Life is better with dogs! And many of our favourite London Locations are home to some corkers…

ready-steady-bake-off

Ready, Steady, Bake Off!

The Great British Bake Off is back and we’re all hooked…

zoe-mcconnell-shoots-at-vertigo-for-hunger

Zoe McConnell Shoots at Vertigo for Hunger

Check out some cutting-edge fashion at our location Vertigo

behind-the-scenes-with-ian-boddy-for-vogue-bambini

Behind-the-scenes with Ian Boddy for Vogue Bambini

Find out more about how Ian got into the business and what inspires him

barking-mad

barking mad…

it can be slightly tricky getting anything done with a Pug on your desk…

a-shoot-for-the-famously-multi-faceted-swarovski

Swarovski lands on our doorstep…

Sometimes more than just one location is required for a shoot – we’ve got you covered…

in-conversation-with-ed-reeve-of-blackwood-house-part-2

In Conversation with Ed Reeve of Blackwood House (Part 2)

In this second part of our interview with Ed Reeve of Blackwood House, we sat down to talk about his design style, how it influenced his one-of-a-kind home and the work that went into building such a unique property. Read on for some fascinating insights into the iconic property.

top-five-for-may

Top five for May

At the start of the month, as always, we like to give you the opportunity to glean your eyes over some of our latest and greatest properties turned shoot locations last month. Throughout May, the influx of breathtaking residential properties has been received like never before. With properties ranging from sublime Victorian villas, to substantial new builds with acres of land, there is a shoot location to fit any brief.

top-tips-what-makes-a-good-shoot-location

Top Tips – What makes a great shoot location

You may have come across the term ‘shoot location’ before; perhaps seeing it written, or used in conversation, without being sure what it really means. Well, we are here to explain what it is, and more importantly, what separates the good from the bad!

in-the-spotlight-art-deco

In the Spotlight: Art Deco

In the 20th Century, Art Deco was one of the most exciting, ground-breaking and influential design styles the world had ever seen and as so, still has a huge influence on interior design in the 21st century. As a design style, Art Deco is elegant, opulent, functional and modern and although it was actually first …

Continue reading “In the Spotlight: Art Deco”

in-the-spotlight-shabby-chic

In the Spotlight: Shabby Chic

Shabby chic, also known as vintage or country chic, is one of the more interesting design styles around grabbing your eye through its use of mixing a lived in worn look with elegance, charm and beauty. It may seem like a bit of a juxtaposition, fusing elegant and beautiful with worn in and stripped back, however, this is exactly why it does work. Check out an in depth view here

open-house-2020-our-top-5-that-you-can-actually-visit

Open House 2020 Our Top 5 (that you can actually visit)

Over the years, The Open House London Weekend has become the highlight of the architecture and design calendar. For the past 30 years London has opened its doors to nearly 800 buildings, inviting around 250,000 people every year, giving them the opportunity to snoop around some of the cities most spectacular architectural landmarks. While this …

Continue reading “Open House 2020 Our Top 5 (that you can actually visit)”

rhythm-and-views-5-of-the-best

Rhythm and Views – 5 of the Best

When you think of London, what springs to mind? Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament? The East End and Pie and Mash? At the end of the day, however many things may come to your mind, one thing that should never be missed off your list is London’s iconic skyline. One of the most …

Continue reading “Rhythm and Views – 5 of the Best”

styled-studios

Styled Studios

Ten days have now passed since our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that there would be certain measures taken by the Government and Police Forces to ease aspects of this nationwide lockdown that has gripped us for the past nine weeks.  People are now allowed to come into contact with other individuals, as long as …

Continue reading “Styled Studios”

5-home-decor-instagram-accounts-you-should-already-be-following

5 Home Decor Instagram accounts you should already be following!

With the majority of the world currently bound between the four walls of their own home, it’s easy to pick apart features that you perhaps have had issues with for many years, however, haven’t had the time to scrupulously inspect. If you are struggling to find that needed inspiration, then worry no more, as we have collated some of the best home decor and interior design accounts Instagram has to offer.

keeping-busy

Keeping Busy

While these strange times may seem long and arduous, perhaps even mundane, nearing monotonous and boring, it could be easy to fall into a slump with a lack of purpose and drive. Here at 1st Option we’ve put together our list of our favourite films and books that might help you while those hours away.

shoot-of-the-month

Shoot of the Month

Februarys shoot of the month is this month’s edition of British Vogue featuring Kate Moss and Stefano Pilati!

feeling-inspiralized

Feeling Inspiralized!

Everyone loves some good food and what better place to be inspired than the BBC Good Food Show…

london-fashion-week-part-1-designer-pets

London Fashion Week… Part 1: Designer pets….

The count down is on for London Fashion Week…

if-you-thought-it-was-tough-to-keep-up-in-the

The Future is Coming…

And what kind of technology will be need to get used to?

henry-holland-talks-fashion-location-deerhurst

Henry Holland at Deerhurst Road

Henry Holland takes time out at our location Deerhurst Road to share his thoughts on the fashion industry

camden-town-its-like-marmite

Camden town – it’s like marmite…

Camden has long been a creative hub, blossoming from the famous market that first opened in 1973…

in-conversation-with-ed-reeve-of-blackwood-house-part-1

In Conversation With Ed Reeve of Blackwood House (Part 1)

We recently sat down with Ed Reeve, the owner of the Iconic Blackwood House, situated in North London. In an incredibly insightful interview, we spoke to Ed about his job as an architectural photographer, his design style, how he built his incredible home and what it’s like to be a shoot location owner. Read on to get the full scoop from part 1 of the interview.

top-five-for-april

Top five for April

As we pass through the first quarter of the year and ease our way back into normal life, business is also starting to resemble the distant memory of what it looked like, fifteen months ago. As restrictions have eased, we have been lucky enough to take on an incredible array of new locations. This month, we took on properties ranging from quirky little flats, to architect-designed family homes, and all-purpose studios, to eye-catching new builds.

ask-the-agent-episode-5

Ask the Agent: Episode 5

In episode five of our series Ask the Agent, we got together over zoom to talk about trends, design and what it is like to be an agent!

top-5-for-february

Top 5 for February

Following on from the impressive end to 2020, the start of this year has been no different when it comes to taking on new properties. We have been incredibly lucky over this past month taking on some incredible new residential properties, bringing a fan favourite back to your screens and seeing the takeover and revamp …

Continue reading “Top 5 for February”

interior-design-trends-for-2021

Interior Design Trends for 2021

With 2020 finally behind us, I don’t think anyone is looking back with particularly fond memories. With the ushering of a new year, however, we do say goodbye to what went before and with that comes new trends to look forward to in the coming year. While 2020 said hello to biophilic design, maximalism and …

Continue reading “Interior Design Trends for 2021”

top-tips-interior-photography-and-the-difference-between-professional-and-doing-it-yourself

Top Tips – Interior Photography and the Difference Between Professional Photography and Doing it Yourself

Interior photography is a complicated subject that does, if done well, require a variety of skills. When trying to show off the relevant features that set apart your property from the next, like room size, period features and the amount of natural light it possesses, merely using a smartphone camera is probably not going to …

Continue reading “Top Tips – Interior Photography and the Difference Between Professional Photography and Doing it Yourself”

london-life-architecture-through-the-ages-part-2

London Life: Architecture Through the Ages (Part 2)

Edwardian Architecture (1901- 1918) Following the flamboyance of the Victorian era, saw the emergence of a new era and architectural style, Edwardian. Characterised by a period of revivalism, the Edwardian era was heavily influenced by the Medieval, Baroque and Georgian movements of the past, taking inspiration from all, creating properties with a mishmash of styles …

Continue reading “London Life: Architecture Through the Ages (Part 2)”

socially-distanced-shooting

Socially Distanced Shooting

For the last two months life has ground to a halt, shops have closed, businesses have shut their doors and staff have been made to work from home. Everyone has had to adjust to a new way of life, doing their bit by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.  Because of …

Continue reading “Socially Distanced Shooting”

ask-the-location-owner-episode-3

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 3

In this week’s episode of Ask the Location Owner, Sophia caught up with Michaela from or property Seymour to talk about her amazing house and all the gorgeous features inside.

gorgeous-gardens

Gorgeous Gardens

As winter’s ever harsh grasp slowly untangles itself for another year, a duly welcome spring rears its head and we say hello to longer days, shed loads of sunshine and in due course, the luscious greenery that we have oh so come to associate with spring. With warmer days ahead, it will very soon be …

Continue reading “Gorgeous Gardens”

in-conversation-with-spratts-factory

In Conversation with Spratts Factory

We got to catch up with one of our amazing location owners Elisabeth who owns Spratts Factory. Spratts Factory was once a dog treat factory and was a huge design project for Elisabeth. The results are simply fantastic! Find out more below! What was your design inspiration for Spratts Factory? We pulled inspiration from many different places …

Continue reading “In Conversation with Spratts Factory”

ab-fab-the-movie-is-here-and-we-cant-contain

Ab Fab the Movie & 1st Option!

1st Option were happy to help with the main locations for the fantastic new Ab Fab movie!

a-new-year-and-feeling-absolutely-fabulous

A new year and feeling Absolutely Fabulous

2015, the year that was…

hello-shoot-at-our-location-the-grange

Hello! shoot at The Grange

The Wanted star Siva Kaneswaran drops in on our shoot location The Grange

londons-changing-skyline-mixing-the-old-with

London’s changing skyline – mixing the old with the new…

It seems as though the London skyline changes every week and there are many new additions in the pipeline…

march-in-the-1st-option-office-as-told-through

Easter at 1st Option

It’s rumoured that we like a bit of chocolate in the office, so what’s not to like about this time of year…