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Veere Grenney Creates a Classical Space Inspired by Artist Alan Davie

Galerie asked the London designer to cultivate an interior using a postwar canvas from a favorite artist as inspiration

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Man with glasses smiling and looking to the side, wearing a white shirt, in a black and white photo with a soft background.
Veere Grenney. Photo: David Oliver

Infusing classicism with a hefty dose of modernism is at the root of every space the ever-talented Veere Grenney creates. The New Zealand–born London designer is the first person one might call to fix up a getaway in Mustique, an English country manor, or an Eaton Square flat, and most probably all three, especially if style and comfort, along with antiques and new discoveries, are the order of the day. 

“I like to use a modernist painting in a classical room,” says Grenney. “It adds edginess. Alan Davie is one of many of an English stable from the postwar contemporary art scene I love to use, and this artwork would look sensational on an aubergine lacquered wall.”

Improvisations for Tigers Tail (1960) by Alan Davie.

Abstract painting with bold black brushstrokes, a red circle, yellow diagonal lines, and scattered colorful shapes.
Alan Davie, Improvisations for Tigers Tail, 1960. Courtesy of Godson & Coles

Portsea side table by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company; thelacquercompany.com.

Modern brown side table with a metal frame and a lower shelf.
Portsea side table by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company. Courtesy of the Lacquer Company

Bridget Weave rug by Patterson Flynn Martin; pattersonflynnmartin.com.

Beige knitted fabric texture with vertical ribbed pattern, suitable for backgrounds and textile design.
Bridget Weave rug by Patterson Flynn Martin. Courtesy of Patterson Flynn Martin

Bespoke sofa upholstered in Woodperry fabric by Veere Grenney for Schumacher; fschumacher.com.

Modern beige and white patterned sofa with two matching cushions placed in a living room setting.
Bespoke sofa upholstered in Woodperry fabric by Veere Grenney for Schumacher. Courtesy of Veere Grenney Associates

Vintage cocktail table by Gabriella Crespi; chastel-marechal.com.

Modern gold-finished coffee table with a geometric, stacked design and reflective surfaces.
Vintage cocktail table by Gabriella Crespi. Courtesy of Galerie ChastelMaréchal

Recommended: Jamie Drake Conceives an Interior Inspired by a Stunning Carrie Moyer Work

Vintage Maison Jansen bureau plat; 1stdibs.com.

Antique wooden writing desk with ornate carvings and two drawers, featuring a dark finish and gold accents.
Vintage Maison Jansen bureau plat. Courtesy of 1st Dibs

Denston box by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company; thelacquercompany.com.

Red wavy-edged closed box with a smooth, glossy finish against a plain white background.
Denston box by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company. Courtesy of the Lacquer Company

Gilded ceramic chandelier by Eve Kaplan; geraldblandinc.com.

Gold textured chandelier with black candle-like light fixtures hanging from a silver chain against a white background.
Gilded ceramic chandelier by Eve Kaplan. Courtesy of Gerald Bland

George II Breche bolection fireplace by Jamb; jamb.co.uk.

Marble fireplace with lit fire, vintage chair, and wood basket on wooden floor in a cozy room.
George II Breche bolection fireplace by Jamb. Courtesy of Jamb

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2019 Summer issue in the section The Artful Home: Living Masterpiece. Subscribe to the magazine.