Beata Heuman Ltd

Curves ahead in a London family townhouse

Photo by Simon Brown

Less than 10 years since launching her business, Beata Heuman has already built a rocketship of a brand, fueled by her imaginative eye for rooms with color and personality. In her own London home, the Swedish-born designer makes a sitting room feel larger by belting it with an undulating line: Trace it skipping along the backs of her bespoke daybed, sofa and lyre cabinet and a rattan Venus chair by Soane. Equally lively are a scalloped John Derian tray for the Lacquer Company and a standing lamp from Svenskt Tenn, the Stockholm standby. Nothing is set in stone here, says Heuman: “It is important to create a home that can take being added to over the years. I really believe that living in an interior like this can make you more open-minded, since you surround yourself with unfettered expression.” We’re convinced.

Photo by Chris Gloag

“I want my interiors to be a natural — albeit enhanced — extension of human nature, and that to me means a great big mix of different influences, memories and impressions.”
— Beata Heuman

Designer Picks

Pair of Bohemian-Style Woven-Rattan Peacock Chairs, 1970s, Offered by Battersea Shop Now
Pair of Bohemian-Style Woven-Rattan Peacock Chairs, 1970s, Offered by Battersea

“Pretty mad, but I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for these types of chairs. They are great for creating drama without feeling ostentatious, since they really are kind of beach chairs. They are also pretty light, although they make for a striking silhouette.”

Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Diplomat Side Table, ca. 1950, Offered by Authentic Provence Inc Shop Now
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Diplomat Side Table, ca. 1950, Offered by Authentic Provence Inc

“You can’t really go wrong with a piece designed by Josef Frank. I often opt for an upholstered pouf rather than a coffee table, as I never want it to feel too hard. This is an example of a coffee table that actually feels inviting. I love the little feet too — looks like it’s about to walk off.”

Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 4-Seat Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s, Offered by Original in Berlin Shop Now
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 4-Seat Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s, Offered by Original in Berlin

“It’s pretty gutsy to cover a sofa in such a bold pattern, and it can really work, especially on a simple sofa such as this one.”

 Paavo Tynell Pair of Adjustable-Height Standing Lamps, 1950–70, Offered by Thomas Gallery Ltd Shop Now
Paavo Tynell Pair of Adjustable-Height Standing Lamps, 1950–70, Offered by Thomas Gallery Ltd

“I like adding a bit of edge, and these standing lights would be a perfect complement to the more feminine expression of my other choices. Perfect for reading too!”

John Dickinson Etruscan Table, Contemporary, Offered by 20CDesign.com Shop Now
John Dickinson Etruscan Table, Contemporary, Offered by 20CDesign.com

“It’s my dream to own a piece by Dickinson, and I have loved this design since forever. It’s more sculpture and art than a side table, to be honest!”

Pair of Red-and-White-Striped Lumbar Pillows, New, Offered by RIGHT | PROPER Shop Now
Pair of Red-and-White-Striped Lumbar Pillows, New, Offered by RIGHT | PROPER

“When I got the stripy red cushions for the room, I felt it was finally complete. It’s rarely a bad idea to add a bit of red and white stripe.”

Pair of Chinese Crackleware Vases, 1880, Offered by Patrick Moorhead Antiques Shop Now
Pair of Chinese Crackleware Vases, 1880, Offered by Patrick Moorhead Antiques

“These would make a beautiful pair of oversize lamps. The lamps on either side of the fireplace in the picture were just vases when I bought them. The oval lampshade creates a wonderful silhouette without taking up too much space. I think these vases would work beautifully in the same way.”

Skip to Content