In Conversation With | Paolo Moschino Ltd

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For more than three decades, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen have created interiors that feel both worldly and timeless, rooms where elegant antiques sit comfortably alongside bold modern injections, and where comfort is never sacrificed to style. Their studio, Paolo Moschino Ltd., is renowned for creating spaces that are comfortable and layered, yet emanate a quiet glamour and luxury reminiscent of a 1970s Mediterranean villa.

Paolo and Philip oversee all aspects of the business - Paolo managing the showrooms and global distribution of their collections of lighting, fabrics, and furniture, while Philip leads the Design Studio, steering high-profile residential and commercial projects across the world.

^{Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen}

1. How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Continental chic at its most accomplished.

Our interiors combine luxurious finishes with unexpected wit - an elegance that always feels inviting and carries a subtle sense of humour. Over the years, the Paolo Moschino style has evolved from its English design roots into a more worldly, international aesthetic. We approach every project with a clear distinction and true interior design. Our focus is on creating the “bones” of a space - its interior architecture and how every element works together. Our interiors embrace the idiosyncratic, always aiming for that element of surprise and personality. 

2. Where do you draw inspiration when starting a new project?

Travel is an endless source of inspiration, with ideas drawn from every experience, location, and discovery. Personal stories, historic references, and archival antiques all inform our projects, often translating into both our in-house product collections and bespoke design schemes for clients.

^{Lot 571 - A pair of large neoclassical glazed stoneware urns (£200-400)}

3. Are there any trends you're currently excited by - or avoiding?

We don’t follow trends. In fact, the question we dread most is, “What do you predict for next year?” For us, timelessness is key - designs that age gracefully. Once the fundamental structure of a space is right, the details can evolve with the ever‑changing world without compromising its character.

4. Which designers or historical periods have most influenced you?

Our influences range from the 18th to the mid‑20th century: French Art Deco, Maison Jansen, Jean Cocteau’s line drawings, Giacometti‑inspired sculpture, and classical boiseries by Féau & Cie. We also deeply admire Albert Hadley, Stéphane Boudin, and Rose Tarlow. Rather than adhering to a single style, we embrace a curated mélange of periods to create layered, characterful interiors.

^{Pictured: Lot 551 - one of a pair of rattan 'Ella' lounge chairs (£600-800), Lot 548 – one of a pair of 'Celine' table lamps (£400-600) and Lot 561 – one of a pair of brass faux bamboo drinks tables (£300-500)}

5. How important are antiques in your design work?

Antiques are essential. We often begin with an antique or vintage piece as the anchor of a room, then mix it with contemporary elements to create personality. Whether it’s an 18th‑century commode or a parquet floor rescued from an auction, each piece carries a story and becomes part of the home’s narrative. We believe that true quality transcends both era and trend.

6. Do you have a strategy when buying at auction - or do you buy with your heart?

Both. We like to call ourselves “disciplined shopaholics.” We rely on instinct to quickly eliminate most pieces and focus only on those that truly spark joy. It’s a balance of reason and emotion: we buy with our eyes, but also with our hearts.

^{Lot 546 - A neoclassical silvered-brass and glass centre table (£800-1,200)}

7. What’s one item in your own home you could never part with?

Our collection of Jean Cocteau drawings, which Philip calls “poetry in line drawings”.

These works are deeply personal and have become a defining part of our homes.

Sworders is delighted to present thirty-six pieces from Paolo Moschino’s Antiques & Vintage collection in the upcoming Fine Interiors sale, taking place on 16 & 17 September, with bidding available both in-room and online. To view the full selection of lots, please follow the link below.

For further information contact:

Fine Interiors | fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk

VIEW PAOLO MOSCHINO LOTS