1st Option Representation

1st Option represents the best location properties, stylists and hair & makeup artists. Here, we’ll be posting about the lovely work we do relating to our shoots, random thoughts and things that make us happy!

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One of the Industry’s Most Popular Shoot Locations Gets a Dramatic Makeover and We’re Obsessed.

From Pippa Middleton dancing around the garden, to 12-hour days of painting, Malcolm Menzies reveals what it’s really like to own a location home, and what inspired the latest transformation of 6ixteen.

Owning a shoot location can be glamorous, lucrative and on occasions, downright bizarre, explains Malcolm Menzies the creator behind one of the UK’s most popular shoot properties, 6ixteen. Malcolm, an interiors photographer, and his wife, Fiona decided to take the plunge into the exciting world of owning a location home eight years ago, he explains. “I’m an interior photographer, and back when we lived in Brixton 8 years ago, I was going to all these location houses for work and I’d come back and say to Fiona how nice they all were, so Fi was just like _‘lets do it now’_so we sold our flat in Brixton and moved to Tulse Hill. Just like that. So Tulse Hill was where we had our first location house, but it was a big, big project” he emphasises, adding, “we excavated 50 square meters of earth to lower the floor and then we added a huge extension.” But the challenges didn’t end there. Malcolm, half laughing, half reminiscing continues, “not long into hosting our first shoots our neighbour began complaining a lot about the goings on of the shoots, they weren’t happy about the flash lights and crews, so we managed to stay there for 9 months and then we had enough so we sold the place.”

Undeterred, the couple landed their second location home, the renowned 6ixteen, near Bromley. Malcolm reassures me, “There’s no hard feelings though, it all worked out for the best really. I don’t think we would have lasted very long in Tulse Hill anyway, because with two young children you really need a private area in your home if you’re renting it out for shoots and filming. In 6ixteen we have that, and it’s really great to be able to just shut ourselves away. We love our private floor, its like a self contained flat.”

“I've had one bath there, and I loved it. It's like being in a luxe hotel bathroom."

I’m eager to find out what Malcolm’s favourite feature is within a location home that’s filled to the brim with gorgeousness at every turn. He excitedly, and without hesitation answers “The kitchen by Blakes London.I love the green and the pink colours, which are Farrow and Ball in green smoke. And those new handles from School House; I’m just in love with all that at the moment.” It’s easy to see why, with marble splash backs, dusky pink herringbone tiles in the cupboards, which are offset with mixed metal handles and tap. He then interjects suddenly, as he remembers another favourite spot within the home. “The ensuite bathroom, I’m absolutely obsessed with it. I've had one bath there, and I loved it. It's like being in a luxe hotel bathroom." The pair have clad the space out with brand new panelling, freshened up the walls with Farrow and Ball shades downpipe and ammonite as well as adding new fittings such as a statement downlight from independent sustainable brand, Garden Trading.

If you missed the debut of the new feature wall in 6ixteens sitting room on Malcolm’s Instagram account @82mmphotography, decorative artist John Harragan has got to work creating the ultimate textured photographic backdrop. Delving into what inspired the wall, Malcolm tells me, “The wall before was plain and the other had very traditional panelling on, so I just wanted to do something quite different and I guess outside of my comfort zone. Up until this point we’ve always been doing different types of panelling, which is great because it allows clients to come in and paint on top of it which is obviously ideal for decorating shoots but we just wanted to create something more textural and have it more rustic.” Rustic it certainly is. Expressing his admiration not only for John, who is the artist behind the stunning piece, but also his dad who got stuck in with his own paintbrush, he explains, “John did such a fantastic job. It was amazing to actually watch him create it. My dad was also down at the same time helping painting for a week, and he was actually doing 10-12 hour days for us, he was very dedicated. My dad was really interested in John’s process of all the different paints and different tools that he was using to create the look. Because when you’re up close you can really see the depth of all the different colours textures and strokes, it’s amazing actually.”

Many might consider it a bold and risky move to completely revamp a shoot location that’s so hugely popular within the industry, but Malcolm casually claims, “this is our second makeover, we did one after two years and now this is three years. I get itchy feet and want to change things all the time and Fiona makes me wait years before we can implement these changes, but that’s a probably good thing. It gives me lots of time to build up plenty of influences and ideas over time.” You’ve probably unknowingly flicked past 6ixteens signature panelled walls in the pages of the top glossy magazines, but despite this being the properties most distinguishable feature, the interior photographer was keen to “give clients something new and fresh to shoot against” he reveals.

So what can clients expect from the rest of the homes updated interior? “It’s quite different, it’s a lot darker than it used to be, especially in the main bedroom, we now have dark walls and white flooring. It’s especially obvious in the guest bedroom too, which was dark before, but I wanted to go light with that white wash pine Scandinavian wood this time. I guess we’re just trying to have the most dramatic change for people. It’s been nice to shoot with as well; I’ve been playing around with some shots in the bedroom and its looking great. We just hope everyone still loves it just as much after we’ve changed it. I can’t wait to see whether this new look will attract some different clients for us though, it’s very exciting.”

“I once looked out the window to see Pippa Middelton jumping around our garden.”

Speaking of clients, it must be fairly surreal to welcome A-listers and some of the industries biggest stars through your front door on a regular basis. “You don’t really remember someone shooting a sofa in the corner of the room, it’s the bizarre and funny ones that stick and are most memorable. Like the time Davina McCall grabbed our baby off us and gave her cuddle unannounced, or when I looked out to the window to see Pippa Middleton Jumping around our garden for a shoot. I think the weirdest one I saw was for The Body Shop. They had a Great Dane massaging someone’s back, well not a real Great Dane of course, but they had fake legs and were filming someone moving them around on a model’s back. I never actually saw the final cut, so maybe I’ll go and try and find it now. It does sound a bit weird though now I’ve said it out loud.” He laughs, recalling the thought.

One things for sure, if you own a location home, you’ll definitely have some interesting stories to tell at dinner parties. But, Malcolm warns, if you’re considering having your own property represented by a location agency like 1st Option, “you can’t be precious, that’s really important. You also need your style, and have your own private area in your home you can escape to if the shoot gets a bit hectic. Also make sure you’re friendly to your clients, it’ll make them want to come back and shoot again.”

Wanting to part on some words of wisdom, I was interested to find out what Malcolm’s go-to tips are for creating unique interior spaces. After thinking for a while, he answers, “Seek inspiration from cafes, bars and things that aren’t necessarily online. So take inspiration from everything around you. I find they often have interiors within their spaces that people cant, or don’t replicate within their home. For example, you don’t often go to a house where they’ll have a whole mural wall like you’d typically find within a restaurant, which is why I wanted to create a real statement wall within our home. I wanted it to be like something you’d find within a trendy bar or café. So yeah, just taking inspiration from other places other than online. It’s also important to trust the process of bringing your design ideas to life, if you’re not happy with how something looks, don’t be afraid to change it.”

“Take inspiration from everything around you, and trust the process of bringing your design ideas to life.”

Malcolm and Fiona obviously follow their own advice very closely. Their brave and fearless approach to experimenting with their interior style is not only inspiring, but beautifully demonstrated throughout the latest version of their shoot location, 6ixteen. 1st Option can’t wait to see where this new look takes them and what exciting projects it brings to their doorstep.      

To view the full property for hire click here: https://www.1st-option.com/locations/view/6ixteen

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Why everyone is raving about The Rookery...

Let’s be honest, home renovation is a trend, which has been flourishing for years. The number of times the words duck egg blue, feature wallpaper, floral prints and parquet flooring are mentioned within the interior design industry is countless. And it is an industry, which is only going in one direction, as more and more people jump on this rather voguish bandwagon. 

However, if this is something you are seriously considering, you need to be made aware of the large chasm that is likely to be left in your bank account once you have finished. But don’t let this deter you because if you’re particularly savvy about it, you could actually use your newly renovated home as a source of income, which ultimately might help to pay off some of the expensive investments that you made doing it up.  

 Hiring out your house as a location set for photoshoots, filming jobs or events is something which is becoming increasingly popular. Following a renovation, Sally Hobden made the decision to sign her property up to the 1st Option agency, which we subsequently named ‘The Rookery’, and she has never looked back. Since, she has welcomed over thirty different clients into her home, from Tesco and John Lewis, to Estee Lauder and Land Rover, and has pocketed a small fortune as a result.

There are many qualities that make The Rookery an ideal house for shooting in, one being its rather desirable location in Streatham. The Hobden’s can be found on the outskirts of central London, which is convenient for many clients (the majority, in fact) who are not willing to travel very far for a shoot. Its slight distance from the city, near to Croydon in South London, is also a huge appeal for those clients who want to shoot somewhere that doesn’t have that overwhelming, metropolitan feel, but still isn’t too far away. It is the perfect family home, in the perfect suburban location.

Being slightly further out also means that you get more for your money and can invest in a much larger property than some of the gorgeous, but often very pokey central London locations. This Victorian terrace covers approximately 2,200 sq ft of living space, a huge appeal to many clients who are always striving to find somewhere with enough space to manoeuvre their crew, equipment and props. A house like this, which is also reasonably tall, is perfect for filming jobs and larger crews.

 Moving onto the house’s stunning interior, one of its most popular and distinctive features is the kitchen. When they moved in, Sally and her husband, Greg Hobden, decided that they were going to use the main front room, which would traditionally be the living room, as the kitchen. Before even being decorated, this room is easily the most magnificent in the house, automatically making it The Rookery’s showpiece. The tall ceiling and large bay windows establish a bright and airy atmosphere, great for shoots which require a lot of space and light. The poured polished concrete floor and horizontal clapboard-style panels along the walls are also distinctive and hugely popular with clients.

Sally and Greg went onto fill this kitchen with some gorgeous statement pieces. They installed farmhouse-style British standard cupboards, a traditional black gas Aga, exposed ducting above the Aga, and a huge rustic dining table as the centrepiece. All of these details contribute to what is a beautiful and very popular room with our clients. 

What makes this location especially unique, however, is the wall panelling installed throughout the entire house. Sally has admitted that when renovating, she didn’t want to churn out yet another modern-day cliché, with sliding doors and a granite-topped kitchen island, which is simply following the trends of the ‘time’. Instead she wanted to pay homage to the traditional craftsmanship trend and create something alternative and distinctive, yet timeless and family orientated. She has said that the panelling suits the house, subtly enhancing its style and era and to see a variety of panelling look so good in situ is seeing her vision come to life.

 Sally uses a variety of panelling from room to room. As already mentioned, she uses a horizontal clapboard-style panelling in the kitchen, as well as the master bedroom and bathrooms. She uses vertical tongue-and-groove panelling in the children’s bedrooms, and Georgian-style squares and rectangles in the hallway and living room. The panelling adds texture and character to the house and this is what specifically makes it stand out above the rest; it has a USP, a distinctive feature that location clients want to use for shoots, that they might not be able to find elsewhere.

  In addition to the panels, Sally and Greg are experts at bagging a bargain and they managed to make their home so wonderfully unique by snapping up some classic pieces for a reduced cost. They bought their Aga for less than half price on eBay; their rustic table came from a trade store in Croydon; the Crittall steel doors which separate the master bedroom and the en suite were £350 on eBay and the black Churchill bath was reduced from £3,500 to £500 on eBay (see below).

 Whilst these bargains sound hugely appealing, they do start to add up, with everything costing around £3,000. They have both said that they could have decided to go for cheaper options, but spending money on these tiny details were a good investment and this is one of the reasons why they are so successful within this industry.

 And that is exactly the point. When renovating a house with the intention to hire it out for shoots, you have to be aware that the costs are steep, but very much worth it. These purchases become investments and make your house more attractive to clients who want to shoot in it and hopefully help towards paying off the costs you made when renovating. For these kind of more modern houses, generally, the more money you spend, the better the finish, and the better the finish, the more business you will eventually generate.

 However, it has to be noted that this is not something you should base your entire income on, as the industry is unpredictable and can often be rather inconsistent. Whilst your house might be the flavour of the month right now, there is nothing to say that this will be the case next month. And even when you make these big investments, the Hobden’s are the first to say that the income you receive from shoots certainly won’t cover the cost of an entire renovation of this standard.

But, as mentioned, if you invest the time and the money into your home initially, you have more chance of being a successful shoot location owner and your house could become one of the most desired ones on the market, as proven by The Rookery.

Click to see more images of The Rookery. 

Ella x

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What better way to discover new interior design trends than overseas?!

As the summer months are nearing and the strawberry daiquiris are flowing, we, in the 1st Option office, are getting itchy feet. Flicking through old holiday albums and shopping online for bikinis are two pastimes, which are becoming all too familiar.

 But as we stare out of our office windows and imagine the Mediterranean seafront there to greet us, all we can do is just that: imagine. So we have decided to swap interior design inspo for travel inspo and get you all in the spirit by sharing some of our favourite holiday locations, along with our own personal photography from the different trips we have been on. And trust me, between us there have been a fair few!

 Cat – Account Manager

 ‘My all-time favourite holiday location is definitely Croatia. I went there a few years ago with my friends and it was honestly so much fun! My favourite cities were Hvar and Vis. Croatia is one of those places that is becoming more and more popular to visit but I can totally understand why. It is affordable, it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and sunsets, and you have to travel about on a speedboat. What’s not to like?!’

Kennedy – Account Executive

 ‘It all started with a few too many G&T’s (as any good story does) and a friend of mine, who happens to be a pilot for British Airways, and before I knew it, I had landed in Mexico City. This is now one of my favourite destinations in the world, especially when the Day of the Dead festival is taking place. The costumes, the decorations, the Mayan pyramids which we climbed (not advised on a hangover) – everything is so beautiful. We ended our boozy weekend with a quick flight to Cancun for some much needed silence and snoozing on the beautiful white beaches!’

Sinead – New Location Library Manager

 ‘My favourite European city has to be Lisbon. It is the San Francisco of Europe and I have visited 5 times! The nightlife, the food, the beaches, the shopping – it really has got it all. The views are amazing from the top of the old town and it also has a really traditional feel to it, mixed with quirky bars and restaurants and the Time Out Mercado da Riberia, which is another level.’

‘Then I have to give Lalaland a mention. There is no other place quite like LA. Walking down Sunset Boulevard you see all sorts of sights, from dogs skateboarding to 90 year olds doing headstands – anything goes! Also, if you are interested in some star spotting, get yourself to Chateau Marmont. To top off the holiday, I went swimming in the sea at the gorgeous Santa Monica beach after a hot trek up the Hollywood hills.’

Stephanie – Digital Marketing and SEO Manager

 ‘For me, nothing beats my holiday to Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. It is a great location if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday with lots of sea and lots of sand. To be honest, I spent most of the time doing water sports, but that suits me perfectly. From snorkelling and seeing sting rays and starfish, to parasailing on the back of a boat – there are so many fun things to do. I also went fishing most days and on one of the days, I caught a shark! The food is incredible, with an array of sea food and the best jerk chicken that I’ve ever had!’

Sophia – Account Manager

 ‘As a lover of photography, one of the main credentials I look for when on holiday is how beautiful it is and if I can get a good picture. And Barcelona certainly didn’t disappoint in this department. There are so many incredible sights to see including the Plaza Catalunya, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. When I was there I also visited some flamingos, which, by the way, are my spirit animal. The tapas and paella are utterly delicious and the W Hotel is a great location for cocktails at night (and if you want to almost marry an Australian man, but that’s another story!)’

Ella – Marketing Coordinator

 ‘Last year, my parents bought my sister and I a trip to New York for our birthdays and it was one of the best weekends of my life! Neither of us had been to America before so we didn’t really know what to expect but we definitely weren’t disappointed. We went during December so we got to experience all kinds of weather, including bright blue skies and blizzards of snow, but it only added to the whole experience. We went up the Empire State and got to see the whole of New York at night; we got a boat to the Statue of Liberty, where I was probably the coldest I have ever been in my entire life; we cycled around Central Park; and we shopped in Brooklyn, Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre, where we also went ice skating. There is never a shortage of things to do (and there is never a shortage of food, either!)’

Ella x

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Would you like to see your house on the big (or small) screen?

When signing your house up to a location agency, there is always a major risk. Will other people like your house as much you do? Even if they like your house, will clients actually want to book it? Will your house be better than other houses in the industry? These are the questions that run through the minds of many location owners who hire their properties out for shoots. So when your house gets selected to feature in a brand new, hot-off-the-press television programme, you are naturally going to be rather elated, right?

 Many of the location owners that we represent have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of seeing their own home on the big (or small) screen over the years. Most recently, our beautiful property ‘Crystal’ was hired to feature in one of the most popular ITV dramas of the moment, Marcella.

Click to see more photographs of Crystal 

We have also had ‘The Water Tower’ featured in the BBC drama Collateral, ‘The Factory’ featured in Lucky Man, ‘Vertigo’ in BBC series Silent Witness and ‘Studio East’ in Channel 4’s Faces of Four, to name a few.

This trend to film large-scale shoots in real houses, rather than on built-up sets specifically manufactured for filming, is one which is becoming more and more popular. Not only is it cheaper to hire a house, it also makes the shoot appear to be more authentic.

 Of course, not every location on our books gets selected for larger-scale shoots like these. It takes a certain architectural build, and a certain aesthetic. Filming crews can vary in size, but generally they consist of around forty to fifty people. Consequently, one of the main features that film companies prioritise when scouting for locations is a house with a lot of space, and preferably high ceilings to allow them to manoeuvre their props easily.

 They also tend to look for houses with a distinct look; your property could be a manor house in rural Surrey, or a pokey council flat in the Dalston, but if there is something which sets it apart from other properties in the industry, there is more of a chance that it will be chosen for these types of shoots.    

 There are certain properties that we represent which are particularly popular amongst film company scouts. Our beautiful Blake House in Battersea is a property which has been selected for these types of shoots, primarily because it is so spacious, with an open plan downstairs area and exceptionally high ceilings. There are also tall windows all around the house, ensuring that lots of natural daylight seeps into the rooms, another major appeal for film companies. The aesthetic is fresh and crisp, with a predominantly monochrome palette which is perfect for those looking for something more modern.

 Click to see more photographs of Blake House 

At the other end of the spectrum, another location which is also popular for film shoots is our Hackney house, Burlotti. This property is much smaller than Blake House and doesn’t accommodate quite the same large-scale crew potential, but it simply oozes character. It celebrates a mix between high-end and shabby chic, between contemporary and antique, whilst maintaining a feeling of seamless unity from room to room. The property is cute and dainty but incredibly unique and this is the fundamental attraction. 

  Click to see more images of Burlotti 

If you think your property has got what it takes to appear on the big or small screen, you need to take these factors into account. And it isn’t just houses that film companies look for. They are also interested in warehouses, studios, or even more general spaces which exhibit a very specific aesthetic and can create a very specific atmosphere in order to keep the ‘story’ alive.

  Ella x

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Affordable Ways to Transform A Room

In our modern day culture, it is hard to avoid the stunning interior designs that are endlessly posted to our Pinterest pages and Instagram feeds. Whether its white tiled bathrooms, terrazzo flooring or metallic work surfaces, it is becoming increasingly popular to want to emulate these designs and refurbish our own homes. However, for the majority, this process can sometimes feel unachievable if you don’t have the budget to match the expectations of a very critical Instagram audience.

But don’t fret. There are some top tips that you all need to know that will ensure your pad is trendy and up-to-date, without having to take out a loan in order to do it. 

One very easy way to transform the overall aesthetic of a room is by creating a feature wall. In order to do this, all you really need to purchase is a tub of Dulux, which on average costs around £25, and a paintbrush. L'Essenziale - a popular interior design blog – reveals that an extra lick of paint is one of the best tips amongst professionals when it comes to revamping a room. You might also want to create a feature wall out of whacky wallpaper, like The Roost, or even a fabric tapestry, which vary in price but can be really quite affordable.

 Click to see more photographs of The Roost

Alternatively, if you don’t want to go to such an extent of changing an entire wall, maybe buy some local artwork, or paint your own canvas. This way, you are saving money and putting your own artistic stamp on your house.

If the room you are re-decorating has a bed or a sofa, another useful way to create a new aesthetic is with throws and pillows, just like De Beauvoir have done with their sitting room. These can be as cheap or as expensive as you want them to be, so it really does depend on your personal taste and budget. However, you can get some which are extremely affordable but are still super stylish.

 Click to see more photographs of De Beauvoir

One of the most important aspects of any room, in my opinion, is lighting. Whether this be bright and white, or cosy and homely, I think that lighting is the best way to create a certain atmosphere and make you feel a certain way. You might want to buy an antique lamp, like Mile End Road’s, some pretty fairy lights or even some candles, which can be really inexpensive, but create a huge impact on the overall mood of a room.  

 Click to see more photographs of Mile End Road

As a final piece of advice to you, never underestimate flower power. Whether you buy a bouquet from your local market, or pick some from your back garden, this interior accessory is timeless and the easiest way to brighten up any room.

  Ella x

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How to make your home ready for spring

After a week which has felt like we may as well have been in the Maldives, we have started looking at some new interior trends to heat up our homes and get us in the mood for a (hopefully) hot spring…

Butter yellows, powder pinks, baby blues and minty greens are extremely popular right now. One of our favourite new locations, ‘Bille’, has nailed this ‘ice cream palette’ trend, tantalising our interior taste buds with its strawberry pink kitchen units and multi-coloured dining room chairs. Who says mango, vanilla and mint choc-chip aren’t a delicious combination?!

 Billie

For similar locations with gorgeous pops of colour have a look at...

Adventure, Burlotti, Criffel, The Kitchen, Clayhill

Another way to bring a little spring blossom to your boudoir is with foliage. More and more people are introducing plants into their homes and they can be the perfect accessory to bring any room to life. Whether that’s a hanging basket above your dining table, or a standing cactus next to your toilet, a little greenery is always a breath of fresh air.

 Mount Pleasant 

For similar locations have a look at...

Clapton Tram Shed, Balham House, Cotton Studio, Tree House

 Last, but certainly not least, you can put a little spring into your interior step with a touch of tropical. This trend embraces a mingling of all kinds of colours and textures. Bolds, golds, wooden panels and whacky wallpaper, don’t be afraid to throw it all into the mix just like one of our more extravagant locations, Little Venice, transporting your home from a dreary London, to the exotic Mediterranean.

 Cavendish Place

For similar locations have a look at...

Flora, Little Venice, The Cube, Kontiki,

Ella x 

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We love this time of year with Award season in full swing and the buzz of the Baftas and Oscars, we’re getting inspired with some of our favourite film set designs and locations...

The awards season is not just an exciting time for film lovers, but for location lovers, too. With many years experience supplying locations for film and TV shoots, we’ve learned that choosing the right location is just as important as finding the right cast. Here’s a few of our favourites from the big screen...

Wes Anderson is regarded by many as a modern-day example of the auteur. He has received consistent praise for his works, including The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Below is an iconic image of a location used in The Royal Tenenbaums, paying tribute to the film’s comical and rather garish tone. Anderson’s set choices demonstrate an effort to distinguish the film from a recognisable New York City, in which it was located, and, instead, pull together different trends from different time periods in order to establish an amalgamation of interior designs. 

The Royal Tenenbaums...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at...

Essex House, Deerhurst Road and 78

Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is a 2013 romantic ‘period drama’ film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel by the same name. With Leonardo DiCaprio playing the notorious Jay Gatsby, and Carey Mulligan as golden girl Daisy Buchanan, the film’s award-winning cast meant that we were on the edge of our seats to find out what Lurhmann had in store. However, it was his distinctive style, in particular his impeccable choice of locations, which received the same, if not more recognition. Each scene throughout the film was carefully chosen and beautifully crafted in terms of its detailing and aesthetics, remaining faithful to the glitz and glamour of the novel’s 1920s spirit. But with a $190 million budget, we wouldn’t expect much less...

The Great Gatsby...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at... 

Mapesbury Road,  Cavendish Place and Clapham Common 

Fast-forwarding a few decades, Tom Ford’s films Nocturnal Animals and A Single Man are equally recognisable by their locations, but for very different reasons. Nocturnal Animals, a 2016 film based on the 1993 Austin Wright novel Tony and Susan, is a Neo-noir psychological thriller which centres on a divorced art gallery owner, who reads a new novel by her ex-husband and begins to notice the similarities between the relationship in the novel and her former one with him. As seen below, the sinister plot unfolds within particularly contemporary and cutting edge locations, reminding us of the slick interiors and grand design chic of our very own Archer, Blackheath and Birchland.

Nocturnal Animals...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at...

Archer,  Blackheath, and Birchland

Another of Ford’s films, A Single Man, tells the story of a depressed gay British professor’s struggles after the death of his partner, Jim. Coming from an illustrious background in fashion designing, and being Ford’s directorial debut, this 2009 award-winner demonstrates a fusion of two industries, and shows the importance of style and aesthetics within the worlds of both film and fashion. In this image, Ford’s set design encapsulates the culture of 1960s America, with its woody interior and artistic brickwork. The structure feels modern and slightly avant-garde, moving away from more traditional architectural frameworks, but still offering a warm and earthy feel.

A Single Man...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at...

Jacks Windmill, Kingsley, Cherrytree and 78

Academy Award-winning film, The Danish Girl, is an epic love story following the relationship between Gerda Wegener, played by Alicia Vikander and Einar Wegener, played by Eddie Redmayne. Throughout the film, Einar is a male who identifies as a female (later known as Lili Elbe) and is the first person to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Alongside the captivating plot are the film’s spectacular locations, set in the 1920s across Paris, Copenhagen and Dresden. There is nothing quite like the historical architecture and traditional decor of a beautiful European city to create a bit of romanticism. 

The Danish Girl...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at...

Faversham, Little Venice, The Manor and Cowley Street

Finally, big congratulations to The Shape of Water for their Oscar win! This 2017 film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is set in Baltimore in 1962 and follows a mute custodian at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid amphibian creature. The film’s fantasy plot is complemented by del Toro’s interesting choice of set, often placing his characters in derelict and rundown buildings. These locations are particularly stylised and full of character, just like our very own Asylum, Church Walk and Lancaster Gate. 

The Shape of Water...

For similar location houses for film / TV and Stills shoots, have a look at...

The Asylum, Church Walk and Lancaster Gate

Ella x 

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OUR TOP 3 INTERIOR TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2018

Interior extraordinaires Houzz set up shop last week in a 5-storey town house in Soho’s Greek Street to showcase some chic interior trends for 2018. A full house transformation saw a fusion of 70s retro, botanicals and modern rustic. We saw some familiar faces with the lovely Hillary’s blinds on window dressing, contemporary Dulux on paint and decoration and the classic Nespresso on the very important café pit stop.  

The event was styled by interior design agency Run for the Hills who created an immersive Instagram ready experience.      

I’ve picked my top three favourite trend pieces…

1. SEVENTIES 

Sculptural furniture, muted tones and velvet textures; a nod to mid century 

A personal favourite for this trend is the living space furnishings - this relax lounger made in a combination of teakwood and leather provides the perfect relaxation spot. If a sofa is more what you’re looking for, look no further than this Fox Orange wicker frame sofa, with plush velvet seating. 

For seventies location houses, have a look at 78, Kingsley, Kaleidoscope

2. GLOBAL INFLUENCE

All about collecting unique pieces from all over the world

This bathroom set up caught our eye: the diamond print Elisa rug paired with the Hamman throw, both by the Danish company A.U Maison, work well in this set up, alongside the artisan hand carved bowl in natural teak made in Indonesia by Lombok. A range of well travelled pieces working seamlessly together.

For global influence location houses, have a look at Little Venice, Two Door, Mount Pleasant

3. BOTANICS 

A trend that just keeps growing! Houseplants have become a staple piece in the home. 

Nespresso took this trend one step further with this garden wall, bursting with greenery on their café floor. 

We also love the bird of paradise in the living space - a perfect addition to the room. 

For botanic location houses, have a look at Clapton Tram Shed, Cotton Studio, The Cube

If you aren’t already on Houzz, what are you waiting for?!

https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/1stoption/1st-option 

Did you visit #Houzzof2018? We’d love to see your photos/your favourite pieces! Head to our Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest

Sophia x

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Chamomile

Recently in the office we have been swooning over our latest location ‘Chamomile’ - a dreamy Victorian end of terrace house with original and contemporary features. This lovely location has been designed specifically for photographic and filming shoots in mind, so we simply had to blog about it!

First up to show off this property, we have the gorgeous open plan kitchen and living room area. This area is flooded with daylight and features a modern brick set fireplace. Just look at the gorgeous pink units…♥

Next up we have the separate sitting room which features a marble fireplace, a beautiful bay window and stunning herringbone oak parquet flooring.

Upstairs we have the main bedroom, which features another gorgeous bay window, cast iron radiators and white painted floorboards. A perfect blank canvas for any shoot. 

Finally, we absolutely love the marble tiles and brass fittings in the bathroom.

This is only a sneak peek of our new location ‘Chamomile’,  to see more photographs click here. 

What a dream house this is. <3 

Katie x

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Contemporary retro

The 70s wasn’t just about disco balls, lava lamps and shades of brown. It was a tough period, where recession and high unemployment led to an era where sustainable principles and self-expression were at the heart of design. I’ve scoured our library to find locations with subtle 70s nods, reimagined in a contemporary setting.

Shepperton - Our new location Shepperton has a distinctly grown-up feel to it. Stepping away from garish florals, the monochrome geometric pattern with gold hints shows us how a feature wall is done. 

Steel - Orange was undoubtedly the colour of the decade (and my favourite too) - this INCREDIBLE sofa at Steel is the stuff of groovy 70s interior dreams.

Kingsley - Impeccably polished Kingsley is a beautifully-designed modernist space that uses dark wooden panelling to create 70s chic without compromising on light. If that’s too subtle then spot the disco ball….

Olive - Olive has become one of our most swooned over locations here at 1st Option HQ. It’s hard to pinpoint one trend in this stunning family home but I’ll give you a moment to take in the abundance of greenery in this shot as the 70s back to nature movement loved to bring the outside in.

Deerhurst Road - We can’t complete our 70s feature without including Deerhurst Road. The abundance of wallpaper, wood panelling and the avocado green bathroom is more than a nod to the era but I just can’t resist. 

Settle yourself in the rattan hanging chair and ponder where they sourced that magnificent shag?

Faye x

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Autumnal Glow

As the temperature drops and the leaves fall from the trees, it’s safe to say that Autumn is officially upon us!

In the Autumnal spirit, this weeks blog features a few of my favourite cosy locations (from left to right)

Rural Retreat, a classic country barn located in the Cotswolds with a variation of gorgeous wood panelled walls, original beams throughout and a feature log burner - certainly a glowing location!

Culmington, a gorgeous Queen Ann country house featuring a classic country living space and beautiful lawns in Shropshire. This gorgeous fireplace is perfect for warming up after a nice country walk. 

At our Lower Clapton Warehouse, an East London gem, let us introduce Huxley who can be found tucked away in this characterful nook by the fire.

Last by no means least we have Barn Estate, a luxury barn conversion situated within 2 acres of landscaped gardens in Hertfordshire - we’d definitely be fighting the dog for this seat... 

Sophia x

Photo credit: Lower Clapton Warehouse: Huxley by Liz Seabrook 

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East vs West: What’s your cup of Rosy Lee?

From East to West London, our beloved, well-preserved capital is a filmaker’s paradise! Whether you’re strolling past the elegant townhouses of Sherlock Holmes’ Marylebone or pacing the mysterious Victorian streets of Jack The Ripper’s Whitechapel, there’s atmosphere around every corner.

“West is best”, as the saying goes…but do you agree? Whilst the West End might be the Hollywood’s darling, we’ve found many a hidden treasure along the ginger line…

 Our exclusive mansion location, ‘Aslan’, is a Georgian gem in Mile End:

East:1 West:0

Meanwhile, have a butcher’s hook at this bohemian artist’s residence in W6 ‘Upper Mall’ 

East:1 West:1

Travel further South-West to our exclusive location ‘Blake House’ for luxe, contemporary interiors:

East:1 West:2

 There’s more to be found in Dalston than just doner kebabs. Check out this feast for the eyes, ‘Dalston Delight’

East:2 West:2

And we couldn’t mention the trendy East end without highlighting this new industrial warehouse location ‘Steel’, perfect for futuristic shoots:

East:3 West:2

What the West lacks in warehouses, it makes up for in wood panelling!

One of the team’s favourite houses, ‘8teen’ is perfectly put together:

East:3 West:3

So there you have it – a tie! It seems wherever you shoot in London, you’ll find something special.

Cat x

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Spooky Spaces!

It’s halloween and we’re very excited here in the 1st Option office.

We thought what better way to show our excitement than to put together a few of our favourite spooky locations to show you!..

First up we have the boo-tifully unique ‘Aslan’... A derelict east London haven perfect for all your scary needs! 

..Check out the recent Halloween shoot which took place here for Asda!

Next up we have our location ‘The Knolle’ - one of Wilpshire's most prestigious properties which looks like it’s straight out of a horror film......

Finally, we have ‘The Asylum’ - a former South London Chapel featuring stained glass windows, distressed walls and huge open space!

Here’s a behind the scenes on a Fabulous Magazine shoot with EastEnders' Shona McGarty at our spooky ‘Asylum’ location!

That’s it for this weeks blog....We hope you’ve enjoyed our Halloween ‘Spooky Spaces’ special! 

Katie x

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Puppy Love (Pt.1)

We’re big dog lovers here at 1st Option HQ...

So I’ve pulled some of our favourite hounds to brighten up your Thursday...

From Great Danes to Cocker Spaniels, we’ve got you covered!

First up we have a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel taking a short break at the elegant Dalston Delight...

Heading North to the beautiful Lordship Park, a stunning greyhound can be found pondering life (aka what to have for dinner)...

In Sevenoaks at the unique, modern Prism we have a graceful Great Dane often found taking the lift. 

Saving the best until last. If you don’t already know the duo: meet Violet and Lilly (menace)... Violet dislikes opera and Lily is mad for anything edible. 

To be continued... 

Sophia x

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Exciting happenings behind the scenes..

We have recently received some gorgeous tear sheets from our shoots that we simply had to share!

Kicking off with the gorgeous throwback photographs of the beautiful TOWN & COUNTRY ‘The Nutcracker’ shoot. Dancers from the Royal Ballet were invited to bring The Nutcracker to life in the magnificent setting of our Oxfordshire mansion ‘The Manor’..

Next up we have some snaps for Glass Magazine shot at one of our favourite locations ‘Upper Mall’  Check out the tweed!

There’s nothing like looking through Stylist Magazine on a Monday morning and seeing the gorgeous wallpaper from Farrow & Ball shot in our lovely Hampshire location ‘Botley’

Check out the stylish shoot for the Cotswolds Company at our location ‘Aslan’

Finally, we have a photo of the beautiful ‘Game of Thrones’ star Sophie Turner (aka Sansa Stark) shot at our location ‘Upper Mall’

That’s it for this week! Keep an eye out for more behind the scenes in the coming weeks...

Katie x

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Super South

There’s long been a friendly rivalry between North and South Londoners as to whose side of the river is King, but if you haven’t already heard it seems that the often less-loved Southern half is giving it’s rival a run for their money.

It’s as trendy as East London, leafy as the North and more affordable than West, South is in demand.

Did we also mention that we’ve taken on some amazing new locations that would make even the most committed North Londoners venture across the river too?

Our new Putney-based location 4teen is sleek and masculine with an amazing downstairs wine cellar - told you South of the river is more fun. 

Find Adventure in up-and-coming Brixton with it’s bright, bold colours, this location packs lots of personality with hints of our other favourite: millennial pink.

Don’t forget the green space that South has to offer. Step into the elegant Forest Villa and you’ll forget that you’re in one of the busiest cities in the World (almost).

Our final offering is the impossibly trendy Hix House. With industrial features and an amazing central location in Bermondsey this is one of our most unique spaces.

Faye x

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Our latest Exclusive location ‘Chapel Lane’

Fresh on our books is the gorgeous new location Chapel Lane, situated in Herts - 20 minutes from London.

The Grade II converted flint victorian church is where her majesty The Queen herself used to worship as a teenager!

Chapel Lane showcases ornate features throughout, with light pouring through the stunning stained glass windows..

The landscape garden is perfect for outdoor shoots complete with a bandstand, fountain and an array of trees of different shapes and sizes. It’s simply gorgeous and we love it! Available now! 

Katie x