Bryan O’Sullivan Studio

A bright star in London’s Chelsea

Photo by Helen Cathcart

Glittering rooms don’t always start with gold and silver, as the Irish-born, London-based designer Bryan O’Sullivan proves so beautifully in this London townhouse. When his client asked for a bright, airy entertaining space within an otherwise color-soaked interior, O’Sullivan turned to glass in all its diverse manifestations — sculpted, molded, free-form, hard-edged — to alchemize light into life. A rare Max Ingrand Fontana Arte pendant from 1stDibs starts the conversation, which continues between vintage Roberto Rida sconces and a Massimo and Lella Vignelli coffee table. At the room’s far end (but front and center for lovers of Italian mid-century design), a Franco Albini suspension bookcase and Paolo Buffa bureau flank a sparkling mirror by Carlo Erba. O’Sullivan’s top pick takes us back to the pendant light, “a piece of art in its own right. And the color of the glass when lit at night is so enchanting and delicate.”

Photo by Mark Cocksedge

“We always strive to curate a selection of antiques that are not only visually appealing but are extremely functional and respond to our clients’ everyday needs.”
— Bryan O’Sullivan

Designer Picks

Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Sconces, ca. 1957, Offered by Enrica De Micheli Shop Now
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Sconces, ca. 1957, Offered by Enrica De Micheli

“These Max Ingrand lamps are timeless. With their soft curves, the glass shades are true art pieces in their own right. They are like a piece of jewelry for the wall.”

Jules Leleu Club Armchairs, 1940, Offered by Galerie Marcilhac Shop Now
Jules Leleu Club Armchairs, 1940, Offered by Galerie Marcilhac

“The armchairs would work wonderfully in the room. They have a defined presence, and what I love about this particular pair is the softness they have while still maintaining the functionality of comfort.”

Giuseppe Rivadossi Della Siepe Sideboard, 1980s, Offered by MORENTZ Shop Now
Giuseppe Rivadossi Della Siepe Sideboard, 1980s, Offered by MORENTZ

I love this oak sideboard. It would suit any alcove beautifully. It appears masterful and delicate all at the same time and would be a beautiful place to set a table lamp and family pictures.”

La Murrina Table lamp, 1960s, Offered by MORENTZ Shop Now
La Murrina Table lamp, 1960s, Offered by MORENTZ

This table lamp is wonderful. I love the unusual shape and how the glass is just draping down over the body of the lamp. It would suit the room wonderfully by adding a subtle white pattern to the overall calming quality.”

Karen Swami Vase, 2021, Offered by Dorian Caffot de Fawes Ltd Shop Now
Karen Swami Vase, 2021, Offered by Dorian Caffot de Fawes Ltd

“The vase is stunning, and I love the gold ‘crack’ line design on the front of it. I love how the stoneware and the vase itself are dark. This would work well in the room, as it would add another form of texture and would draw your eye to the shelf it’s on.”

Line Vautrin Bronze Box with Poem, 1945–55, Offered by Unforget Decorative Arts Shop Now
Line Vautrin Bronze Box with Poem, 1945–55, Offered by Unforget Decorative Arts

“I think these Line Vautrin boxes are truly pieces of art. They work amazingly well on coffee tables. And when grouped together, they make for a lovely curated collection.”

Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Table Lamp, 1950s, Offered by Massimo Caiafa Shop Now
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Table Lamp, 1950s, Offered by Massimo Caiafa

“This table lamp would work well on the sideboard or the side table. The form is simple, and I love the brass tone of the lamp’s body.”

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Wall Mirror, 1950s, Offered by Adam Edelsberg Shop Now
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Wall Mirror, 1950s, Offered by Adam Edelsberg

“I love this mirror. It would add to the space, because it can be viewed as a piece of art and as an additional textural element. The bird motif is very pretty, and I love how it is offset against the black ceramic base color.”

Skip to Content