Artichoke is a luxury design, interiors and joinery company for the world’s finest homes. Classed as one of the great makers, their highly skilled designers and master craftspeople create unique and bespoke interiors for every room of the house. With a deep understanding of heritage architecture and classical principles, Artichoke specialises in period homes as well as lending their expertise to more contemporary projects.
Through uncompromising quality and attention to detail, the business has built a stunning reputation over thirty years with an enviable portfolio of global projects spanning London, the Cotswolds, Tuscany, Hamburg and Los Angeles to name a few.
Projects span every room – from kitchens, libraries, pantries and boot rooms to bars, bedrooms, bathrooms and dressing rooms. Every detail designed and made at their Somerset headquarters that includes a significant interior design division.
The multi-skilled, expert team leads in architecture, interior design, conservation, project management, product design, production engineering and installation. This end-to-end service is what sets Artichoke apart as designer and maker for the most discerning clients. These direct projects are often multi-home global commissions, but Artichoke is also engaged by leading architects and interior designers.
Founded by Bruce Hodgson, the team is fifty-strong, with design studios and a state-of-the-art workshop based in Somerset, UK. Traditional handcrafting is complemented by the latest machinery for the best possible finish and longevity.
Period and listed homes are often complex and expert knowledge is required for projects that can run over several years. Along with exceptional service and quality, this dictates Artichoke’s decision to look after just a handful of select clients simultaneously. Price is on application and Artichoke currently has multimillion-pound projects in London, Venice, South of France and Zurich.
"Design thinking is tailored towards each client’s way of living and their philosophies to create homes that are unique, timeless and functional. Visionary creativity, storytelling through design and a nuanced knowledge of architectural history are all defining aspects in crafting original rooms which have a strong narrative.
Not only is the signature Artichoke look one of elegance, but it is also to create rooms that feel as if they have always been there. The interior design team are a natural evolution of luxury design and make, ensuring that rooms are completely at home with carefully curated furniture and decorative finishes."
"Set in West London, the Gentleman’s Apartment had had little work done since the 1960’s. The client commissioned Artichoke to review the entire space including kitchen, bedroom, bathrooms, hallway, study, living and dining room – dealing with the inefficient layout of rooms and the tired and dated decor. Although an experienced renovator, the client needed an expert in architectural joinery, so Artichoke took full control of the project and oversaw all elements of design and build as well as interior design.
Combining centuries of craft and technique with the very latest technological innovation and unlimited design imagination, the space was transformed to create a home full of delight and interest. As with every Artichoke commission, it is bespoke in every detail, designed to suit the taste and requirements of the client. Artichoke’s designers did not follow an obvious retro 1960s scheme – as the client remembered it the first time around and didn’t want a repeat. Instead, the client’s ambition was to bring the latest smart technology set in a metropolitan apartment with an Edwardian and Art Deco twist. The brief was to create a comfortable, luxurious space that despite the compact size made the most of the lovely aspect and light.
The second bedroom is a masterpiece of artistic marquetry – reflecting the brief to create an idiosyncratic and extravagant room for guests to enjoy. For the banks of built-in custom storage cupboards American red cherry was used with designs featuring highlights from the neighbouring park. There are hidden jewelled insects, each representing a grandchild, and providing a bug hunt game for them to find butterflies and beetles when they come to stay. Motifs from the park were continued in details such as leaves embroidered into the silk carpet and the fabric for the curtains which was chosen to resemble the bark of a tree.
The apartment needed 21st-century technology and careful planning was necessary to hide tracks and equipment and incorporate clever and subtle built-in storage throughout. As bespoke joinery specialists, Artichoke utilised clever customised solutions throughout to host utilities, as well as the equipment and wiring required for a smart house. Voice control oversees all environmental conditions including heating, ventilation, A/C, TV and video, lighting and curtains.
This apartment is an excellent example of Artichoke’s breadth of expertise for interiors and is a personal, unique expression of the owner showcasing the finest craftsmanship and custom design."
