Designer Travis London Recreated Gianni Versace's Bedroom When He Was Just 16 Years Old
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“I was born a designer,” declares Travis London. “Making things beautiful is all I know.” Early proof of this? At just 16 years old, London recreated Gianni Versace’s bedroom, as seen in the fashion designer’s Lake Como villa, in his own childhood room.
Some years later, London moved to Paris and later, Milan—both of which proved monumental in nourishing his “love and knowledge for and of design”—before founding his own firm in 2018. Despite all his talent and exposure, London vows to always heed his mother’s advice to “not care what anyone thinks and always stay authentic” to himself. Noplace better represents London's commitment to that mantra than his own colorful, Miami home, where portraits of himself (and his three beloved—and very spoiled—poodles) adorn the walls. "If I'm not going to celebrate me, who is?" he rightfully asks.
But the designer tells House Beautiful that his all-time favorite room would have to be the living room of his grandmother’s home, which he essentially grew up in. “It was unexpected glamour in an everyday household,” he professes. It consisted of “high pile green shag carpeting, pink velvet sofa with the plastic on, fringe lamps and mirrored side tables.” And to this day, this space “continues to be in every design I conceive. It will also be my foundation and inspiration.”
With his HQ in Miami and a slew of projects in the pipeline (plus commercial deals and a few exciting product introductions), this vivacious designer isn't slowing down anytime soon—and we're glad about it!
Get to Know Travis London:
Tell us…
How did you get into interior design?
As a kid I was always rearranging our house. At 16, I recreated Gianni Versace’s Lake Como bedroom in my bedroom. I I ran a very successful catering company and soon after closing it I ended up moving to Paris and then Milano where I was able to fully expand and explore my love and knowledge for and of design.
What or who has made the biggest impact on your career so far?
Anyone and everyone who has ever believed in me and took a chance on me.
What project are you the proudest of and why?
My favorite project I am most proud of will always and forever be my homes because it is the most intimate and personal of them all and one that pushes me outside of my own boundaries and allows me to fully show and express every side of me and truly question who I am.
What sets your work apart?
The way I use color and mix materials and patterns. My work is also deeply meaningful and showcases the true identity of the homeowner that energy can be felt in my designs.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mom told me not to care what anyone thinks and always stay authentic to myself.
How do you want your clients to feel in their space?
That their home is a true reflection of themselves and showcases their most glamorous self.
What or who was your first design crush?
Gianni and Donatella Versace.
Your current design crush?
I love Flake Studio and anyone who takes risks outside of what is expected.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere! I live in the center of south beach art deco district so I can find inspiration walking outside my door and seeing the colorful art deco buildings. Anywhere colorful inspires me. Color inspires me in general. For me there is no life without color. A life without color is a life without love.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a classically trained chef in French cooking.
For under $100—or even for free!—what decorating trick that has the most impact?
Paint! Paint can make a world of wonders and bring life to an old space and make it a new. Paint is also a very affordable way to make a huge change in a space.
What’s the first thing someone should do when they move into a new space?
Paint. This way if you aren't buying anything new it will make your old furnishings have new life.
What’s overrated in decorating?
Buying everything new. Following trends.
What’s underrated in decorating?
Painting the entire room the same color from walls, border to ceiling. This not only makes a smaller space seem larger but also showcases your room as a beautiful canvas.
What’s your favorite and why?
Thing to collect:
Faberge style eggs. I have been collecting them for years. I love the history behind them and the craftsmanship that goes into them.
Design era/style:
Anything from the 70s and 80s because it was all so glamorous and maximalist.
Paint color:
Milano. A grey-green color from my paint line. Also anything pink.
Artist or piece of art:
I love the paintings of Olamide Ogunade Olisco. I love the way he uses color in his portraits. My favorite painting is the portrait of my dogs and I by Kendra Dandy. My dogs are my babies , family. And that painting brings me great joy because they are the loves of my life!
Local shopping destination:
CB2
Online store:
1stDibs
Travel destination:
Italy
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