86 LUXURY HOMES
DESIGN WITH SOUL:
ANTHONY RUDOLPH ON CRAFT, STORYTELLING, AND THE BEAUTY OF TIMEWORN PIECES
In a world of fast trends and mass production, interior design at its best tells a deeper story— one of craftsmanship, character, and a genuine sense of place.
In this exclusive Q & A, we speak with Anthony Rudolph at Nicolas James Studio whose work captures the quiet beauty of layered design: vintage finds, natural textures, and interiors that feel collected rather than curated. With a strong eye for detail and a love of storytelling through space, their approach is rooted in authenticity and emotion.
A key part of this process is thoughtful sourcing, and few places offer more inspiration than Lots Road Auctions. Established in 1979 and now based in Fulham’ s iconic Piper Building, Lots Road is a long-standing favourite among designers for its weekly auctions of antiques, vintage pieces, and decorative objects. It’ s a place where unexpected treasures are found, and where craftsmanship and history take centre stage— an ideal match for a design philosophy that values soul over style.
NJG is a boutique construction company known for delivering high-end residential and commercial spaces with exceptional attention to detail. Collaborating closely with architects, designers, and clients, NJG brings vision to life with integrity, craftsmanship, and care— building environments that stand the test of time.
1. What inspires your work? I’ m inspired by so many things- it could be the colours and textures of a market in Morocco, the texture of weathered timber in a Cornish harbour, or the way sunlight falls across an old brick wall on my own street. I’ m constantly observing- shapes, materials, proportions, shadows- and storing them away in my mind. I love to explore the local environment of each project and pick up on the natural design language, colours, and textures of the land or cityscape. The tones of the coastline, the rhythm of a historic street, or even the craftsmanship of a local artisan can influence a palette or a layout. Using vintage and auction pieces fits beautifully into this- they anchor a design in time, making it feel layered and as though it has grown naturally, rather than being installed all at once.
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 72 2025