Veere Grenney Creates a Classical Space Inspired by Artist Alan Davie

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.

Alan Davie, Improvisations for Tigers Tail, 1960. Photo: Courtesy of Godson & Coles

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

Portsea side table by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company. Photo: Courtesy of the Lacquer Company

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

Bridget Weave rug by Patterson Flynn Martin. Photo: Courtesy of Patterson Flynn Martin

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

Bespoke sofa upholstered in Woodperry fabric by Veere Grenney for Schumacher. Photo: Courtesy of Veere Grenney Associates

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

Vintage cocktail table by Gabriella Crespi. Photo: Courtesy of Galerie ChastelMaréchal

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Vintage Maison Jansen bureau plat; 1stdibs.com.

Vintage Maison Jansen bureau plat. Photo: Courtesy of 1st Dibs

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

Denston box by Veere Grenney for the Lacquer Company. Photo: Courtesy of the Lacquer Company

Gilded ceramic chandelier by Eve Kaplan; geraldblandinc.com.

Gilded ceramic chandelier by Eve Kaplan. Photo: Courtesy of Gerald Bland

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

George II Breche bolection fireplace by Jamb. Photo: 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.