Allimages by Claire Richardson

41

cohabit

Paper doll JULIE ARKELL’S HOME-MADE HOUSE

In these days of decluttering,downsizing and responsible

consumption it's rare to feel that you simply do not own

enough but that's exactly the feeling a visit to Julie Arkell's

house engenders. Her intricate, inviting and imaginative

interior puts more conventional living spaces to shame and

makes the urge to get out there and find witty one-off pieces

and fantastic flea market finds almost irresistible.

Nevertheless, you probably should resist as you’d

struggle to find the type of objects that occupy every

nook and cranny of this three floor town house in

Islington, London; simply because Julie makes most

of them herself. Her unmistakable creations peek

from behind curtains, under chairs and gather

sociably on shelves and mantels ready to whis

per or giggle about you when your back is

turned - not that they look mean spirited

these papier mââchéé figures have a

friendly charm matched only by that of

their floral apron-clad maker.

Display is a key word in the

description of Julie’s home, not

for her the ‘out of sight, out of

mind’ approach of the mini

malist. Shelves are open

and every flat surface,

including the stairs, is

an individual and

evolving still life.

selvedge.org