Designer’s Picks: Cave Interiors

Designer’s Picks: Cave Interiors

Anouska Cave on her Favourite Lots from The Fine Sale at Chiswick Auctions

Based in London’s Primrose Hill, Cave Interiors is an award-winning design studio renowned for creating warm, characterful interiors that balance beauty with functionality, underpinned by a strong commitment to sustainability. Led by founder and Creative Director Georgina Cave, alongside her daughter Anouska, the studio is celebrated for its sensitive use of antiques and art to craft timeless, soulful spaces.

With their discerning eye and passion for decorative history, we invited Anouska Cave to browse our upcoming Fine Sale and share her top picks. Below, she highlight her favourite lots, offering personal reflections and design insights, complemented by comments from our in-house specialists.

A George III Japanned and Chinoiserie decorated four-seater settee,

LOT 8 – A Regency Japanned and Chinoiserie Decorated Four-Seater Settee, Estimate: £2,000–£3,000

 

Anouska Cave: The decoration on this settee is so detailed and delicate. We’d love to see it in a grand entrance hall or a country house bedroom, it makes an elegant statement wherever it’s placed.

Specialist’s comment: This is a superb example of English Japanned furniture from the late George III period, reflecting the fascination and trade with the Far East during this time. Its decorative appeal and rarity make it a standout piece for collectors and designers alike.


A French Louis XVI style carved, painted and Parcel Gilt Pier Mirror

LOT 9 – A French Louis XVI Style Carved, Painted and Parcel Gilt Pier Mirror, Estimate: £600–£800

Anouska Cave: This mirror has such an ethereal feel. The original duck-egg paint forms a beautiful backdrop to the gilded carvings. It would be perfect above a console in a hallway or as a striking focal point above a fireplace.

Specialist’s comment: A fine decorative piece with classical proportions and delicate detailing, this mirror captures the elegance of Louis XVI revival style. Its palette and scale lend themselves wonderfully to both period and contemporary settings.


A pair of deep seated upholstered Howard & Sons armchairs, early 20th Century

LOT 69 – A Pair of Deep-Seated Upholstered Howard & Sons Armchairs, Early 20th Century, Estimate: £3,000–£5,000

Anouska Cave: You can’t go wrong with Howard & Sons. They're design classics, effortlessly versatile and supremely comfortable. We’d love to see them re-covered in a floral or stripe to bring new life to their form.

Specialist’s comment: Howard & Sons armchairs are the gold standard for antique upholstered seating. Their ergonomic design and craftsmanship remain unmatched. Above all, they are very comfortable and therefore highly sought after. With provenance stretching across generations, these chairs are as collectible as they are usable.


A Bilston enamel bonbonniere, late 18th century,

LOT 119 – A Bilston Enamel Bonbonniere, Late 18th Century, Estimate: £300–£500

 

Anouska Cave: We love the quirkiness and diminutive scale of this piece, and who doesn’t need a mirror in their bonbonniere?

Specialist’s comment: Bilston enamels were prized for their charming designs and miniature artistry. This seal-form bonbonniere, complete with an internal mirror and a pastoral scene, is a delightful collector’s item and a talking point in any bijouterie cabinet. It is one of several enamel items in this auction from a private collection.


Studio of Miguel Canals (Spanish, 1925-1995)

LOT 200 – Studio of Miguel Canals (Spanish, 1925–1995), Birds and Cherries, Estimate: £1,500–£2,500

Anouska Cave: The colours in this oil painting are so rich and luxurious, you feel you could reach out and pick a cherry. The carved cherries on the frame are a wonderfully whimsical finishing touch.

Specialist’s comment: This is a joyous example of Spanish mid-century still life. Canals’ studio works are prized for their rich palette and textural quality. The bespoke frame enhances the playfulness of the composition and adds depth to its decorative appeal. 

 

Closing Thoughts

We love incorporating antiques into our interiors, often updating them with contemporary fabrics or juxtaposing them with modern pieces where an eclectic mix suits the space. For us, reuse is not just a stylistic choice — it’s a cornerstone of our design philosophy. Antiques offer exceptional craftsmanship, enduring value, and a soulful history that new items simply cannot replicate.  See more from Cave interiors on their Website, or Insatgram.


Interested in viewing Anouska’s selections in person?
Viewing exclusively at the Barley Mow Centre, W4 4PH:
Sat 14th June 11:00 - 16:00
Sun 15th June  11:00 - 16:00
Mon 16th June 11:00 - 16:00
Tues 17th June 11:00 - 16:00

 

The Fine Sale – Live Auction:
Wednesday 18th June 2025, 11:00

 

To receive your complimentary valuation and take part in our upcoming auctions, submit our simle online valuation form, or email valuations@chiswickauctions.co.uk