Venturing into this enchanting North London dwelling is akin to descending Alice's rabbit hole
Nestled in North London's De Beauvoir, OntheSq has undergone a remarkable transformation. Irenie Cossey, a renowned designer known for her creative and theatrical approach, has reimagined her home into a whimsical, fairytale-like space that echoes the surreal and fantastical essence of Lewis Carroll's beloved novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
The inspiration for this unique residence stemmed from the desire to create an immersive environment where everyday living intertwines with the magical and eccentric world of Alice. The decor is a vibrant tapestry of colours, quirky furniture, and playful elements reminiscent of iconic scenes from the book, such as the Mad Hatter’s tea party, the Queen of Hearts’ garden, and the puzzling labyrinth.
Cossey's design not only pays homage to the novel's themes of curiosity and adventure but also encourages a sense of childlike wonder and imagination within a contemporary home setting. The home, now referred to as OntheSq, is more than just a dwelling; it is a spectacle.
The historical essence of the Grade II-listed building has been preserved, with its original windows inviting Cossey to showcase the space in unique ways, connecting different areas through colour, light, and shadows. The home's interior features the Upside Down Chair, a collaboration between Michael Murphy (Muck) and Kasia Kempa, hanging upside down, a traditional Irish kitchen feature.
Rio Kobayashi's dining table is made from doors found on the site, while glass vessels inspired by glassware discovered during excavation are scattered throughout. A fairytale green called Curioser and Curioser was mixed specifically for OntheSq, and the custom shade Rosa Red used in the home is inspired by the rose garden in De Beauvoir Square.
Tomoyo Tsurumi's textiles act as wall hangings, dividers, and curtains, using a combination of old curtains and Kvadrat fabrics. Flavia Brändle has created a fine grass hand broom for OntheSq, based on her YBriger brush project.
The home is a gallery-like space, with each room filled with furniture pieces that serve as exhibits. Dee Morgan-Smyth has curated artwork for OntheSq that showcases the work of Irish artists such as John Kingerlee, Fergal Styles, Ronan Dillon, and Doreen Kilfeather.
The Neo Jacobean design of the home has provided Cossey with numerous opportunities as a designer. All paints used in OntheSq are from Fenwick & Tilbrook, including Marram Grass and Vintage Peony. The home's blend of oversized and miniature elements, unexpected spaces, and subtle references to the story make it a delightful exploration for visitors.
OntheSq will be open for six weeks for open days and events before going on the market. Step into this living wonderland and immerse yourself in a narrative that is both nostalgic and creatively inspiring. Visit onthesq.co for more information.
OntheSq, now a vibrant fusion of interior-design and home-and-garden, showcases Irenie Cossey's creative reimagination of a North London home inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, embracing a lifestyle that promotes childlike wonder and imagination within a contemporary dwelling. The home's transformation features collaborative pieces like the Upside Down Chair and custom shades like Curioser and Curioser and Rosa Red, making it more than just a residence; it's a lifestyle statement that incorporates elements of art, design, and literature.
