While writing How to Start an Art Collection, Partnership Editions founder Georgia Spray visited the London home of interior designer Christian Bense. He immediately stood out for his masterfully composed, high-and-low approach to collecting - equally elevating family heirlooms, flea market finds, and contemporary works through custom framing, witty storytelling, and a South African-meets-British sensibility that brings warmth and soul to small spaces.
“‘It’s really no wonder I became an interior designer,’ laughs Christian Bense, founder of the eponymous design studio based in London that he launched in 2020. Growing up in South Africa with a photographer for a mother and a builder for a father, an appreciation for art and a good composition was ingrained from an early age. One of his earliest memories as a boy was looking through the tiny slides of the photographs taken by his mother. Captivated by these perfectly formed little snapshots, a ‘composition is key’ mantra has filtered into every part of his studio practice today. ‘If you nail the composition of a room, then you can make it work no matter the style,’ he says.”
By making the most of every corner and gracefully highlighting architectural features and quirks, Christian demonstrates how a thoughtful curation and strategic placement can elevate a space whilst showcasing the owner’s life story.
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Photography by Elena Bazu
