A tiny rented London flat that serves as a lesson in how to live abundantly
The most joyful thing about the flat, however, is the accumulation (and constant flow in and out) of fascinating pieces both large and small – some of which are charming trash, and some legitimate treasure – that Stanley has brought into the space. As a modern furniture dealer, he has iPhone alerts set, and eyes constantly on every auction site that one could think of. Some of the things he buys are sold on, and some come home to roost in his flat for an indefinite period.
There seems to be a preponderance of Italian and particularly Memphis Milano design. For example, the sofa is a vintage example by Mario Bellini, the marble and glass coffee table is by Castigliani, and in the corner of the living room stands a ‘Yang’ light by Gary Morga. Upstairs, the ‘Thinking Man’s Chair’ by Jasper Morrison, one of Stanley’s favourite designers, takes pride of place.
The most important piece of furniture for the couple is the iconic Rampa unit by Pier & Achille Castiglione. This design was inspired by the Milanese street markets and their displays of wares. ‘It’s a really great design. The front is shaped like a set of steps for displaying things, the back has a fold-down desk in it, and the sides have drawers so that you can use it for storage’ In fact, this piece of furniture is so important to him that not only has he bought and sold the piece three times (the third example is here to stay, for good), but says that he would only ever choose to buy or rent a flat with at least a double door, so that particular piece of furniture could fit through.
Most of the artworks have appeared in Stanley and Helen’s life as if by osmosis and are quite personal; something painted by a friend, or picked up at auction. A small sketch by his lecturer (Stanley studied fine art), sits near – as is fairly typical here – a piece pulled out of a bin on the side of a road in Milan. A small pastel portrait by Helen has been mounted onto a tiny metal frame and turned into a pendant light.
