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interior-stylists-we-love

Interior Stylists We Love!

Summer is finally upon us! So we thought what better a time to shine some light on some of our current favourite designers and stylists, encouraging you to go and check out their unique portfolios to get that fresh inspiration for your personal spaces, or simply for the ol’ memory bank!

pastel-de-nata

Pastel de Nata

With the onslaught of Spring it’s also got us thinking about pastel shades, who makes the best ones and where we might like to paint them… So, we did a straw poll with everyone here and asked them to pick their favourites and tell us why they like them!

in-the-spotlight-the-return-of-retro

In the Spotlight: The Return of Retro

The return of retro is upon us; following years of ‘greige’ and ‘fast fashion’ design trends leading the race, ‘retro’ is currently having a massive revival. Offering a great alternative to the fast homeware trend, people are now appreciating original, retro and vintage pieces for their classic design and durability. Stick with us as we deep dive into the trend, its origins, key characteristics, why it’s currently so popular and how to get it right in your own home.  

spot-the-difference-at-tulum

Spot the Difference at Tulum

n our sixth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Tulum. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences, you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot in September! Top tip – most of them are pretty obvious…

spot-the-difference-at-billie

Spot the Difference at Billie

In our fourth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Billie. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot this June! Top tip – most of them are pretty easy… 🙂

spot-the-difference-at-store-cupboard

Spot the Difference at Store Cupboard

In our third edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Store Cupboard. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but the lucky so and so who can find all ten differences before the end of May will receive a half-price booking fee on their next shoot! Will it be you?

top-five-for-march-2

Top five for March

It’s that time of the month again; when we like to give you the lowdown on the top properties that came through our doors in March. With properties ranging from textile factory conversions to architect-designed new builds in South East London, as always we have a little something to cover all angles. So check out our top five for March here.

top-five-for-november-2

Top five for November

As 2021 rapidly draws to a close, we thought we’d provide one last chance to populate your mood boards with breathtaking interior inspiration. What a year it has been for taking on new properties! Read on to check out our top five for November; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more varied and eclectic mix of properties. From architect-designed new builds in London, to renovated barns and tropical family homes oozing with colour, there is something for everyone this month. 

in-the-spotlight-modern-country-design

In the Spotlight: Modern Country Design

Long gone are the days when country design embodied dimly lit, dark farmhouses with ubiquitous amounts of knitted tea cosies, traditional florals and checkered prints. Country design has grown immeasurably over the last few decades, differing from the traditional interpretations, modern country design allows for playful and nuanced elements that are creating an idyllic classic.Read on as we explore the design style in more detail.

top-5-locations-for-a-fashion-shoot

Top 5 locations for a fashion shoot

When choosing a location for a photoshoot, (whether that be portrait, product or lifestyle) there will always be tons of complexities that go into the choice. When it comes to choosing a location for a fashion shoot, it gets a whole lot harder. Read on to check out our diverse range of locations that are ideal for fashion shoots.

12-design-ideas-to-maximise-a-small-space

12 Design Ideas to Maximise a Small Space

When living in a small house or apartment, decorating can feel like an impossible task. Accommodating everything is where the challenge lies, but is also where the fun is. Whether you live in a studio apartment and want to make the most of the whole space, or you have a tight room within your house, there are tons of design ideas that can make your space feel much larger than it actually is. Check out our top tips for maximising space in your home.

summer-essentials-five-of-the-best-shoot-locations-this-summer

Summer Essentials – Five of the best shoot locations this Summer

With the easing of restrictions coinciding with the return of hotter days, what better time to get back out and shoot in some of our more summery locations. With shoot locations ranging from large manor houses, equipped with vast gardens, to glass cubes, situated in the heart of London. Whatever the brief is, we are sure to have it covered over the next few months, with a selection of summer essentials!

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’.

returning-to-work-part-2

Returning to Work: Part 2

If you enjoyed the first round of our top tips for returning to work, then get ready for part 2! More quality info 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 …

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mediterranean-interior-design

Mediterranean Interior Design

Summer is fast approaching – even if it’s still a little chilly here in London. But while scorching summer days are feeling ever elusive, it’s super easy to bring a sense of Southern European coastal elegance into your home. Laid-back and timeless, Mediterranean-inspired interior design can create a touch of elegance and charm in any home. It’s been a popular interior design style for decades, and for good reason.

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Top 5 for January / February ’23

Our favourite locations taken on so far this year

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Top five for September

We’re back with our monthly instalment of top new locations for your perusal. As always, if you’re looking to be the first to shoot at some of the best new location homes that are entering the market, this is the place to be. Last month we saw two industry heavyweights return with their new shoot locations, as well as three differing family homes, all offering premium features, eclectic furnishings and bundles of space for unique and creative shooting opportunities. So, without giving too much away, let’s jump straight into it with our top five for September. 

top-5-for-august

Top 5 for August

We’re back with our monthly instalment, looking at our top five new locations to have registered with us over the last month. August was another cracking month, taking on a gorgeous array of differing family homes across the capital. If you’re after sleek or eclectic, colourful or contemporary, we have you covered this month. Read on for more…

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.  

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The New Location Showcase – The Compound

Our fourth property to feature in the new location showcase is one of the most eye-catching properties you’re likely to find, welcome to The Compound. 

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.

ask-the-location-owner-episode-8

Ask the Location Owner: Episode 8

In episode 8 of Ask the Location Owner we were lucky enough to go round and have a chat with Ed Reeve of Blackwood House.

top-five-for-august

Top five for September

This month we’ve taken on a whole host of new properties, resulting in one of the toughest top five’s we’ve ever had. This month expect to see properties ranging from farmhouses in Wales, to penthouses in London and converted barns in Kent, to Victorian Villas in South West London. If you have been keeping up with our top five series this year, you’ll certainly want to stay with us today, as we get into the top five for September. 

10-design-ideas-to-utilise-a-large-space

10 Design Ideas to Utilise a Large Space

Following our last article exploring the best ways to maximise a small space, we are now delivering our top design ideas to utilise larger spaces. While larger spaces have many advantages, including space for more furniture and entertaining, they come with their own set of challenges and issues. So how to make the most of a large space? Read on to get your design cues for large rooms of all shapes and sizes and you’ll be a master designer in no time.

five-of-the-most-instagrammable-locations-for-your-next-photoshoot-part-2

Five of the most Instagrammable locations for your next photoshoot (Part 2)

Whether it’s lunch, landscapes or locations, the question everyone is constantly asking – is it Instagrammable? Instagram has long developed from the vocational app that people used to connect with their friends, through the medium of picture. Today we see over 1 billion people using the app monthly, so we decided to help you achieve your personal and business goals with our most Instagrammable locations.

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!

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 …

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returning-to-work-episode-2

Returning to Work: Part 1

As much of the UK has started to return to work, here at 1st Option we thought we’d share some of our top tips for hitting the ground running!

Stay safe and keep healthy!

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.

is-staying-in-the-new-going-out

Is staying in the new going out?

With the cost of living crisis firmly taking hold and many people looking to economise as a result, it seems that more and more of us are thinking outside the box when it comes to entertainment and creating our own ‘pub’ experiences at home. On many levels this actually makes sense – when we go out it’s usually to socialise with our friends, so why not invite them round instead and enjoy their company for a fraction of the cost of a big night out?

in-conversation-with-elisabeth-ciarrocchi-from-spratts-factory

In Conversation with Elisabeth Ciarrocchi from Spratts Factory

Following on from our incredible house tour of Spratts Factory, with the fabulous owner Elisabeth Ciarrocchi, looking at the design elements within her fantastic renovation of a disused dog biscuit factory; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, what it’s like to live in a factory building and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

in-conversation-with-marta-vilella-vila-of-roma

In Conversation with Marta Vilella-Vila of Roma

Following on from our incredible house tour of Roma, with the fabulous owner Marta Vilella-Vila, looking at the the features that make her home unique, her favourite elements and the challenges she faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, areas and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

glorious-gardens-10-of-the-best

Glorious gardens – 10 of the best

With spring’s dew and rain well and truly behind us and temperatures soaring into the high 30’s, there has never been a better time to get out into the garden! Ranging from London family homes with enchanting gardens, to country estates with the best views you’ll see this year, we just had to give a rundown of our best gardens to shoot at in 2022.

9-home-decor-accounts-you-should-already-be-following-part-2

9 home decor accounts you should already be following (Part 2)

The past two years have undoubtedly seen home decor Instagram accounts boom like never before. Lockdown had the world evaluating every inch of their homes; and where do you find inspiration in the 21st century? Instagram! Home decor accounts on Instagram are having their moment and for good reason – there are tens of thousands of accounts showcasing every style imaginable, all under the setting of someone’s real home. Not only do these accounts show how they style certain pieces, but many of them give you tips and tricks, ranging from how to style on a budget, to how to style in limited space and so much more. So check out our top 9 accounts to follow this year.

spot-the-difference-at-hopton

Spot the Difference at Hopton

Our second edition of the classic spot the difference comes from Hopton. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences by the end of April, we’ll give you a half price booking fee on your next shoot!

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-october

Top five for October

At the start of a new month, we like to rifle through the previous, to cherry-pick the best locations we had register with us for your perusal. October was an incredible month for new locations, with properties ranging from stately homes in Greater London, to classic architect-designed houses in the Surrey Hills. Read on as we break down our top five for October, giving you a wide selection of remarkable properties to shoot at. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 …

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Jose Mourinho at Clapham Common

Jose has been shooting the latest BT Sport ad…

an-evening-of-painting-with-1st-option

An evening of painting with 1st Option

We recently had an evening of painting with the team at the 1st Option HQ and the results were hilarious!

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

Top 5 trendiest shoot locations in South London

First, we took a trip around East London, looking at the best properties it had to offer, then we analysed North London, deciding on our top 5 locations in that distinct pocket of London. With locations ranging from bachelor pad-style homes in Brixton, to architect-designed new builds in Wimbledon, this week we bring you our top 5 trendiest shoot locations in South London.

in-the-spotlight-japandi-design

In the Spotlight: Japandi Design

As the name suggests, Japandi design refers to the blend of Scandinavian and Japanese interior styles. Why would you blend these two unlikely trends? Well, they’re both actually fairly similar and promote similar core tenets, in fact elevating each other. If you want to get to grips with this ever popular design trend, make sure you read on as we deep dive into the trend’s characteristics, why Scandi and Japanese blend so well together and how to get it right in your own home. 

spot-the-difference-at-spratts-factory

Spot the Difference at Spratts Factory

In our fifth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Spratts Factory. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences, you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot in August! Top tip – most of them are pretty obvious…

in-conversation-with-stephen-nash-of-nash

In conversation with Stephen from Nash

Following on from our incredible video tour of Nash, with the owner and outstanding interior designer Stephen Nash, looking at the the features that make his style unique, his favourite elements and the challenges he faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with him for a short interview to pick his brains about his favourite features, areas and places on earth.

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

Top 5 trendiest shoot locations in North London

If you live in London, you’ll be well aware of the age-old debate; which is the trendiest part of London? East Londoners think it is them, South Londoners think they’re having their time in the sun and West Londoners will point to their wealth for status. Today, however, we’re going to check out North London and see if they the trendiest properties in London.

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.

bright-colours-and-how-to-decorate-with-them

Bright colours and how to decorate with them

For the longest time, fresh, crisp and muted colour palettes have dominated the interior scape. However, the tides are shifting thanks to trends like maximalism and grandmillennial style. Colour in the home is taking strides away from the child’s bedroom, into the kitchen, living room and the rest of the house. Stay with us as we explore the nuances that go into the implementation of colour and how to get it right in your home.

texture-and-how-to-implement-it-within-your-home

Texture and how to implement it within your home

In the world of interior design, the word ‘texture’ gets thrown around a lot; design styles can’t be spoken about without using this buzzword in some way or another. There is a precise art to adding texture to a room, In the world of interior design, the word ‘texture’ gets thrown around a lot; design styles can’t be spoken about without using this buzzword in some way or another. There is a precise art to adding texture to a room, it encompasses a lot more than adding a frilled pillow here or some aged wood there. the key is to blend the rough with the smooth, understanding visual texture is just as important as physical texture. If done correctly, texture will tie the room together, however if done wrong or with no consideration, you will fall significantly short of the mark. Read on as the answer to what texture is and how to implement it within your home awaits. 

in-the-spotlight-an-in-depth-look-at-modern-design

In the Spotlight: An In-Depth Look at Modern Design

In contrast to the actual meaning of the word, modern or modernist design has its feet firmly planted in the evolution of the 20th century. Taking inspiration from movements of the time, modern design is a fuss free design style that works on clean lines, a minimal aesthetic and function before form. Within this article we are going to take you on a journey through the history of this iconic design style, the influences upon it and the core components that it comprises of today.

in-the-spotlight-minimalist-interior-design

In the Spotlight: Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalistic interior design incorporates clean lines, reduced clutter, monochromatic colour tones and simplicity at its heart – the idea behind minimalist design is ‘less is more’. While there are benefits and challenges to achieving this look, when designing a minimalist space, stick to a few key fundamentals.

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!

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Scintillating Swimming Pools – 5 of the Best

With summer slowly leaving us for yet another year, the last couple of weeks of sunshine have left us dreaming of a few more weeks of sun before the long winter inevitably takes hold. Because of this, it got us looking back at our properties that feature swimming pools, hoping for one last day to be able to use them. So while its still relatively hot lets check out our top 5

1st-options-outside-of-london

1st Options outside of London

London may be seen as the hub for photoshoot locations, but this week we take a look at some incredible properties that are pushing London for it crown

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It’s a jungle out there…

In recent years it’s become more and more recognised that being surrounded by plants in your living and working environments can have real health benefits, two of the main ones being improved psychological well-being and improved human health.

It’s widely thought that bringing more plants into your life can help to improve your mood, reduce stress levels and improve your productivity. There is also some evidence that they can improve air quality too.

in-conversation-with-celine-da-silva-of-celine

In Conversation with Celine Da Silva of Celine

Following on from our incredible house tour of Celine, with the fabulous owner Celine Da Silva, looking at the design elements within her home, why it’s been styled in such a way and any challenges she faced during the process; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, areas and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

in-conversation-with-mark-dolan-of-honeycomb-2

In Conversation with Mark Dolan of Honeycomb

Following on from our incredible house tour of Honeycomb, with the owner and director Mark Dolan, looking at the the features that make his home unique, his favourite elements and the challenges he faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with him for a short interview to pick his brains about his favourite features, areas and why his home is the perfect shoot location

in-the-spotlight-maximalist-design

In the Spotlight: Maximalist Design

After what feels like a lifetime of ‘greige’ living rooms, paired with carefully positioned coffee table books, next to the same arrangement of Diptyque or Jo Malone candles, it’s a pleasant change of pace to see maximalist design entering the mainstream again. Read on if you’d like to leran about what this design style is, its key characteristics, design tips and unpack where it came from and why it’s so popular right now.

my-home-my-haven-style-with-nash

My Home. My Haven. Style with Nash

In the first episode of our new video series, ‘My Home My Haven’, the wonderful Stephen, who is an incredible interior designer and owns our fabulous location Nash, takes you on a tour of the house, highlighting the features that make his style unique, his favourite elements and the challenges faced throughout the renovation process. If you are interested in design, this is a must watch, with a wealth of insightful, interesting and truly fascinating tips, tricks and stories!

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New Location Showcase – Palm Springs

The new location showcase is back and boy have we brought it back with a bang; our third location in the series is the modern-yet-retro Palm Springs.

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.

in-conversation-with-louise-hardy-nick-barr-of-dacres

In Conversation with Louise Hardy & Nick Barr of Dacres

In the second installment of ‘In Conversation with’ we caught up with Louise Hardy and Nick Barr of Dacres. This time we chatted about their jobs as musicians and artists and whether they had any impact on the overall design of their South East London Home – Dacres.

top-five-for-july

Top five for July

As always at the start of a new month, we like to give you a rundown of our latest and greatest properties. Throughout June, the influx of brilliant residential properties has been immense, with locations ranging from country houses to vast Neo-Georgian family homes. Read on to check out the full range of our top five new locations for July. 

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.

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.

top-five-for-march

Top five for March

Another month has gone by, and again, what a month it has been for taking on new locations. As we approach the end of March, it is fair to say it has been another stellar month. We have been lucky enough to take on a whole host of impressive locations, ranging from exquisite residential properties, to quirky bars and charming family homes, to a garden you’ll never forget. Check them out here.

home-cinemas-5-of-the-best

Home Cinemas – 5 of the Best

With the latest announcement, from our Prime Minister Boris Johnson, stating that any gathering of more than 6 people will be reprimanded and is illegal by law, it’s going to remain difficult for us to do our favourite activities and pastimes for the foreseeable future. One such activity that millions of people used to do on a regular basis across the world was visit the cinema with friends to see the latest blockbuster. So with all that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the most incredible and lavish home cinemas that we currently have on our books.

in-conversation-with-lucy-kemp-of-minton-house

In Conversation with Lucy Kemp of Minton House

This month we were lucky enough to catch up with Lucy, the owner of our marvellous property Minton House. We spoke all about the renovation that she and her partner Dan designed to create what we now see today. The results truly are spectacular! I’ve seen your transformation pictures and it’s truly remarkable! What made …

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