When it comes to home renovations, interior designer and Instagrammer Justin Coakley from Design at Nineteen is an expert. His terraced house in south-west London has been transformed from top to toe into an elegant sanctuary that he shares with his partner – and more than 18,000 followers eager to peek inside his enviable living quarters. Here’s what happened when he opened its doors to Molton Brown.
My style is sophisticated masculine elegance.
Chosen as one of the Evening Standard’s top 20 interior Instagram accounts, Justin’s home is a dark neutrals haven. His loyal following regularly fills his feed asking for tips and advice, and complimenting him on his elegant colour story: “Being constantly overstimulated in the world around us, I wanted a place we could call home that felt relaxing and cocooning. My style is sophisticated masculine elegance.
His bathroom is inspired by spas and modern retreats, with considered black elements and antiqued wood that go against the grain and cleverly reflect his soothing yet calming design ethos: “The bathroom is my sanctuary, a place I can go at the end of a long day and relax. Re-charge Black Pepper SPORT is the perfect companion, fitting in with my active lifestyle. As I am a keen gym-goer, it helps to recharge my batteries. And I love the 1971 Mandarin & Clary Sage bottles, tying in the old apothecary style – it lends itself towards the modern rustic look of my bathroom.”
Re-charge Black Pepper activates my senses.
Justin gravitates towards nature for home inspiration: “Greenery and plants create huge impact, they add life to the space and bring the outside in. I think it is a way that we should all live in these busy times: nature has a way of softening and soothing the mind.”
Every corner is carefully considered and each feature effortlessly sophisticated. “The devil is most certainly in the detail, and for me the detail is all about accessories. I love mixing old and new objects that I have picked up along my travels. Russian Leather is one of my newly discovered favourites: I love the leathery notes that evoke the feeling of being in a gentleman’s club!”
“Another important aspect for me is accessorising with candles. I always go for spicy, woody and earthy notes – they add sophistication and indulgence.”
“My favourite Molton Brown fragrance has got to be Re-charge Black Pepper. It activates my senses whilst transporting me back to the moment I first smelt it. I guess you could say it takes me on a sensory journey of sorts. And if there is one thing I love, it’s how scent can connect us with happy memories of our past.” It’s these finer flourishes that make No. 19 a standout home, inspiring a legion of devoted readers.
