Victorian Dandy
L ighting and interior designer Ben Rousseau of Rousseau Designs represents English design today. In a place where Victorian structures reign, young designers like Rousseau believe in an infusion of modernity through luxury and technology in the fabric of the turn of the century landscape.
“I guess I am a typical guy…maybe a little geeky even—I love vintage cars, science fiction movies and music. It is my passion for these things that inspire my lighting and interior design projects,” says Rousseau.
In the designer’s work you can see elements of “London Bachelor Pad Chic” as well as a strong splash of James Bond—obviously shaken, not stirred.
“Growing up English you could not help be affected by the influence of Bond,” explains Rousseau whose past projects included a sexy 007-like car port (see our coverage of Rousseau’s project House Tour: Light Bright Bat Cave by Designer Ben Rousseau | October 28, 2013) with strong LED lighting use.
Rousseau’s work has matured since opening his company in 2001 and since the Bat Cave project in 2012/13. He still references 60s design inspirations but has moved away from the more overt Bond-like references. In its place is a new interest in exploring luxury.
Most of Rousseau’s projects include custom lighting or use lighting from his own signature collection.
“All things exist in light. It is that important,” remarks Rousseau.
In this new project, the designer created distinct zones among the Victorian’s three floors. The client’s brief requested that he create clear areas denoting public, private, work and play. It was to be luxurious and modern within its grand context. Almost all the furnishings are custom created and finished by Rousseau’s team. The client, also a technophile, made sure to include an in-home theater, one of Rousseau’s specialties.
For more on the interior design and lighting work of Ben Rousseau: visit http://rousseau.co.uk
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