This year 1st Option has seen some incredible film and photography shoots. We wanted to throwback to some of our personal favourite shoots of the year!

London’s charm lies in its diverse architecture and rich history. London’s residential architecture spans Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco, and Modernist styles, featuring evolving elements across periods. Today, we’ll explore some of the most popular styles.

From arched windows to alcoves, bookshelves to custom kitchen cabinetry, arches in design have surged in popularity over recent years. Today, we’re taking you on a tour of some fabulous locations that showcase the diverse uses of arches in interior design.

In this edition, we’re diving into the prominent interior design trend of plaster walls. We’ll discuss the different options for those considering incorporating this chic element into their space, including both raw plaster and plaster paint methods.

Summer is finally upon us! So we thought what better a time to shine some light on some of our current favourite designers and stylists, encouraging you to go and check out their unique portfolios to get that fresh inspiration for your personal spaces, or simply for the ol’ memory bank!

With the onslaught of Spring it’s also got us thinking about pastel shades, who makes the best ones and where we might like to paint them… So, we did a straw poll with everyone here and asked them to pick their favourites and tell us why they like them!

The return of retro is upon us; following years of ‘greige’ and ‘fast fashion’ design trends leading the race, ‘retro’ is currently having a massive revival. Offering a great alternative to the fast homeware trend, people are now appreciating original, retro and vintage pieces for their classic design and durability. Stick with us as we deep dive into the trend, its origins, key characteristics, why it’s currently so popular and how to get it right in your own home.  

n our sixth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Tulum. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences, you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot in September! Top tip – most of them are pretty obvious…

After what feels like a lifetime of ‘greige’ living rooms, paired with carefully positioned coffee table books, next to the same arrangement of Diptyque or Jo Malone candles, it’s a pleasant change of pace to see maximalist design entering the mainstream again. Read on if you’d like to leran about what this design style is, its key characteristics, design tips and unpack where it came from and why it’s so popular right now.

In the first episode of our new video series, ‘My Home My Haven’, the wonderful Stephen, who is an incredible interior designer and owns our fabulous location Nash, takes you on a tour of the house, highlighting the features that make his style unique, his favourite elements and the challenges faced throughout the renovation process. If you are interested in design, this is a must watch, with a wealth of insightful, interesting and truly fascinating tips, tricks and stories!

The new location showcase is back and boy have we brought it back with a bang; our third location in the series is the modern-yet-retro Palm Springs.

In this second part of our interview with Ed Reeve of Blackwood House, we sat down to talk about his design style, how it influenced his one-of-a-kind home and the work that went into building such a unique property. Read on for some fascinating insights into the iconic property.

At the start of a new month, we like to rifle through the previous, to cherry-pick the best locations we had register with us for your perusal. October was an incredible month for new locations, with properties ranging from stately homes in Greater London, to classic architect-designed houses in the Surrey Hills. Read on as we break down our top five for October, giving you a wide selection of remarkable properties to shoot at. 

This month we’ve taken on a whole host of new properties, resulting in one of the toughest top five’s we’ve ever had. This month expect to see properties ranging from farmhouses in Wales, to penthouses in London and converted barns in Kent, to Victorian Villas in South West London. If you have been keeping up with our top five series this year, you’ll certainly want to stay with us today, as we get into the top five for September. 

To many, coastal design encompasses blue and white everything – with seashells, glass bottles and anchors galore. If this is you, we can totally relate. Based on the name, it makes sense that coastal design incorporates these elements, however these elements are actually more typical of nautical décor. Coastal is decidedly less kitschy than nautical design. In its simplest definition, coastal design is beachy. Soft tones, a clean aesthetic and tons of natural light prevail, read on as we dig a little deeper into coastal design and its core principles.

When living in a small house or apartment, decorating can feel like an impossible task. Accommodating everything is where the challenge lies, but is also where the fun is. Whether you live in a studio apartment and want to make the most of the whole space, or you have a tight room within your house, there are tons of design ideas that can make your space feel much larger than it actually is. Check out our top tips for maximising space in your home.

As we start to welcome friends and family back into our lives. Now is the perfect time to get that needed garden inspiration, in anticipation of the glorious summer parties we will all be having. Read on to check out twelve much needed design ideas, to get your garden ready for summer.

Another month has gone by, and again, what a month it has been for taking on new locations. As we approach the end of March, it is fair to say it has been another stellar month. We have been lucky enough to take on a whole host of impressive locations, ranging from exquisite residential properties, to quirky bars and charming family homes, to a garden you’ll never forget. Check them out here.

Following on from the impressive end to 2020, the start of this year has been no different when it comes to taking on new properties. We have been incredibly lucky over this past month taking on some incredible new residential properties, bringing a fan favourite back to your screens and seeing the takeover and revamp …

In episode four of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we catch up with Amy over video call to learn all about her home.

Grandmillennial or ‘Granny Chic’ style may be a new concept to many above the age of 40, however, thanks to the ever cyclical nature of trends plus Instagram’s ability to show you the same monotonous things over and over again, many millennials in their 20’s and early 30’s have dipped into their grandparents living rooms for inspiration and created a new interior design style that has taken the world by storm, Grandmillennial style.

With summer slowly leaving us for yet another year, the last couple of weeks of sunshine have left us dreaming of a few more weeks of sun before the long winter inevitably takes hold. Because of this, it got us looking back at our properties that feature swimming pools, hoping for one last day to be able to use them. So while its still relatively hot lets check out our top 5

If you enjoyed the first round of our top tips for returning to work, then get ready for part 2! More quality info inside!

Styled, lifestyle led studios or empty, blank canvas studios? Which style should you choose for your next shoot? While they both have their pros and cons, the key is to know what you’re looking to achieve in your final shots.

Ten days have now passed since our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that there would be certain measures taken by the Government and Police Forces to ease aspects of this nationwide lockdown that has gripped us for the past nine weeks.  People are now allowed to come into contact with other individuals, as long as …

With the majority of the world currently bound between the four walls of their own home, it’s easy to pick apart features that you perhaps have had issues with for many years, however, haven’t had the time to scrupulously inspect. If you are struggling to find that needed inspiration, then worry no more, as we have collated some of the best home decor and interior design accounts Instagram has to offer.

While these strange times may seem long and arduous, perhaps even mundane, nearing monotonous and boring, it could be easy to fall into a slump with a lack of purpose and drive. Here at 1st Option we’ve put together our list of our favourite films and books that might help you while those hours away.

As winter’s ever harsh grasp slowly untangles itself for another year, a duly welcome spring rears its head and we say hello to longer days, shed loads of sunshine and in due course, the luscious greenery that we have oh so come to associate with spring. With warmer days ahead, it will very soon be …

Februarys shoot of the month is this month’s edition of British Vogue featuring Kate Moss and Stefano Pilati!

As quickly as summer came around this year, it was gone. However, following summers fleeting appearance in 2019 it has brought winter to our doorstep a lot quicker than we would have first thought. Although winter has its downsides with copious amounts of people longing for the sun to show its head again, what it …

Introducing Cole, a large double fronted Victorian shoot location house in London

Florence Welch interviewed for The Evening Standard at one of our favourite locations

Stack em’, show em’ off AND read them.

The South Wing is a beautiful newly renovated Victorian apartment designed by stylist and creative director Laura Sawyer

Thinking of renovating your home and maybe making some money as a shoot location? If you’d like to get an idea of what’s involved then read on…

Every once in a while, we get a shoot location house that blows us away. That was certainly the case with Billie, a modernised West London house that ticks all the boxes.

There’s nothing quite like a warm fire to help you come to terms with the arrival of Autumn

Check out our recent stylish shoot at London location 78 for Wormland…

Everyone loves some good food and what better place to be inspired than the BBC Good Food Show…

Giorgia Jones shooting at our fabulous location Mile End Road

Touring our Primrose Hill shoot location, celebs and checking future trends…

Jose has been shooting the latest BT Sport ad…

Check out some cutting-edge fashion at our location Vertigo

Find out more about how Ian got into the business and what inspires him

What could be better than spending a couple of hours surrounded by mad pugs..?

Be careful folks, it will be madness out there tonight…

To be honest, we’re not sure why Kelly was cleaning the floor either…

Upper Mall, the shoot location for the latest VS Magazine job with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

We always look forward to the QVC Christmas vid, and this one’s another cracker!

Oasis, a brit pop band by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. The band shot to popularity in the 90’s with their hit song ‘Wonderwall’ which, fun fact, was actually the first 1990’s tune to hit one billion streams on Spotify. Oasis’ sour split lasted for 14 years but to the amazement of fans, the brothers announced a 2025 reunion tour! In celebration of their reunion, we want to showcase some of our Wonder-Walls in our fabulous shoot locations.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside the homes of the stars? Well, look no further…

This week we’re talking Quiet Luxury in interior design. Explore some of the luxurious homes we represent that embody this aesthetic.

Welcome back to the 1st Option Locations blog. Today we’re showing you all our costumes from our Halloween fancy dress day, held in our London office. Get ready to be spooked and dazzled, as we’ve got a great mix of scary and stylish costumes in a variety of efforts! Stay tuned as we also reveal who won the Best Dressed prize.

Summer is fast approaching – even if it’s still a little chilly here in London. But while scorching summer days are feeling ever elusive, it’s super easy to bring a sense of Southern European coastal elegance into your home. Laid-back and timeless, Mediterranean-inspired interior design can create a touch of elegance and charm in any home. It’s been a popular interior design style for decades, and for good reason.

Our favourite locations taken on so far this year

We’re back with our monthly instalment of top new locations for your perusal. As always, if you’re looking to be the first to shoot at some of the best new location homes that are entering the market, this is the place to be. Last month we saw two industry heavyweights return with their new shoot locations, as well as three differing family homes, all offering premium features, eclectic furnishings and bundles of space for unique and creative shooting opportunities. So, without giving too much away, let’s jump straight into it with our top five for September. 

We’re back with our monthly instalment, looking at our top five new locations to have registered with us over the last month. August was another cracking month, taking on a gorgeous array of differing family homes across the capital. If you’re after sleek or eclectic, colourful or contemporary, we have you covered this month. Read on for more…

In our fourth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Billie. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot this June! Top tip – most of them are pretty easy… 🙂

In our third edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Store Cupboard. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but the lucky so and so who can find all ten differences before the end of May will receive a half-price booking fee on their next shoot! Will it be you?

It’s that time of the month again; when we like to give you the lowdown on the top properties that came through our doors in March. With properties ranging from textile factory conversions to architect-designed new builds in South East London, as always we have a little something to cover all angles. So check out our top five for March here.

We recently sat down with Ed Reeve, the owner of the Iconic Blackwood House, situated in North London. In an incredibly insightful interview, we spoke to Ed about his job as an architectural photographer, his design style, how he built his incredible home and what it’s like to be a shoot location owner. Read on to get the full scoop from part 1 of the interview.

In the second of our new series of videos highlighting some of our favourite locations, we bring you the incredibly unique and eye-catching The Rock.

In the first of our new series of videos introducing our latest and favourite new locations, we take a quick look at the rustic and shabby chic Brook Lodge.

Following our last article exploring the best ways to maximise a small space, we are now delivering our top design ideas to utilise larger spaces. While larger spaces have many advantages, including space for more furniture and entertaining, they come with their own set of challenges and issues. So how to make the most of a large space? Read on to get your design cues for large rooms of all shapes and sizes and you’ll be a master designer in no time.

Whether it’s lunch, landscapes or locations, the question everyone is constantly asking – is it Instagrammable? Instagram has long developed from the vocational app that people used to connect with their friends, through the medium of picture. Today we see over 1 billion people using the app monthly, so we decided to help you achieve your personal and business goals with our most Instagrammable locations.

With the easing of restrictions coinciding with the return of hotter days, what better time to get back out and shoot in some of our more summery locations. With shoot locations ranging from large manor houses, equipped with vast gardens, to glass cubes, situated in the heart of London. Whatever the brief is, we are sure to have it covered over the next few months, with a selection of summer essentials!

What is interior design for you? Staying on-trend? Being ahead of the trends? Or celebrating your individuality, creativity and personality? Whatever it means to you, one thing that’s for sure is that thanks to the diverse range of styles that have been brought to our shores over the years, the UK has been left with an eclectic mix of styles, making it one of the most prominent style hubs across the globe. Check out our brief guide into the most popular trends across the UK right now.

At some point in your life you will have come across Bohemian design whether you know it or not. Often referred to as Boho, the style is light and bright featuring many patterns and layers that will leave a lasting impression that you can’t forget. The word itself refers to someone who is typically socially …

With 2020 finally behind us, I don’t think anyone is looking back with particularly fond memories. With the ushering of a new year, however, we do say goodbye to what went before and with that comes new trends to look forward to in the coming year. While 2020 said hello to biophilic design, maximalism and …

Typified by its use of muted colour palettes, wooden floors and furnishings, minimalism and a clutter free aesthetic, Scandinavian design has been at the forefront of interior design for many years now. While the style came to worldwide prominence in the 1950’s and then again in the 90’s, its causation goes a long way back and is steeped in history.

Over the years, The Open House London Weekend has become the highlight of the architecture and design calendar. For the past 30 years London has opened its doors to nearly 800 buildings, inviting around 250,000 people every year, giving them the opportunity to snoop around some of the cities most spectacular architectural landmarks. While this …

We always get asked what separates a shoot location from a regular property, what exactly is it you look for when taking on new locations? despite their not being a short answer if you are thinking of registering your property but have been unsure what companies might be looking for, then read on as we share our insights and break it down for you.

Edwardian Architecture (1901- 1918) Following the flamboyance of the Victorian era, saw the emergence of a new era and architectural style, Edwardian. Characterised by a period of revivalism, the Edwardian era was heavily influenced by the Medieval, Baroque and Georgian movements of the past, taking inspiration from all, creating properties with a mishmash of styles …

For the last two months life has ground to a halt, shops have closed, businesses have shut their doors and staff have been made to work from home. Everyone has had to adjust to a new way of life, doing their bit by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.  Because of …

In this week’s episode of Ask the Location Owner, Sophia caught up with Michaela from or property Seymour to talk about her amazing house and all the gorgeous features inside.

In these uncertain times it’s important to remain as positive as we can and most importantly take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
It’s a difficult time for all industries and individuals right now, and we just want everyone to know here at 1st Option we are taking this situation extremely seriously, and doing our upmost to follow the government’s advice.

In the first episode of Ask the Location Owner, Our Senior Account Manager Sophia has been to our location Chevron to talk about her property.

With the ushering of a new decade well and truly behind us, we find ourselves pondering what will come next? As everyone knows, eventually all good things come to an end and are replaced by new ideas, concepts and designs. This is translatable to all aspects of society and none more so than in the …

With social media being all the rage, we know you want to get that perfect behind the scenes shot, so check out our favourite instagramable locations right now

A secret about the hit show that the producers don’t want you to know.

As if you needed another excuse to spend the weekend having a Netflix binge…

Introducing Kingswood, another great West London shoot location

Introducing Coin, a great warehouse conversion office space overlooking the City

Many of the location owners that we represent have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of seeing their own home on the big (or small) screen over the years. Most recently, our beautiful property ‘Crystal’ was hired to feature in one of the most popular ITV dramas of the moment, Marcella.

Retro House, a great choice if you’re looking for something completely different for your next location shoot

East London – West London – when it comes to great locations, which one is best?

Take a peek behind the scenes at Lordship Park with Keira Knightley shooting for Harper’s Bazaar

Flowers & colour brighten up the world and they can help with interior design too

Our lovely colourful shoot location Montagu hosted fashion brand Missguided this week

The Great British Bake Off is back and we’re all hooked…

Helen Mirren shoots for L’Oreal at Clapham Common

And what kind of technology will be need to get used to?

Featuring the Isme Christmas TV Ad at our lovely shoot location Hampton Lodge

it can be slightly tricky getting anything done with a Pug on your desk…

Textiles are an essential for interior design, here’s dome we’ve met recently…

Do you Chantilly laced, pretty faced lady take Oriel to be your shoot location for the duration of the shoot, to have and to hold till the photographer calls it a wrap?

Our latest You Magazine shoot with Keeley Hawes

From exposed brick, concrete to steel, industrial style is all about raw elements, inspired by industrial commercial buildings. This trend became popular in the 60s and 70s alongside loft-style living, when it became more difficult to find ‘traditional’ spaces. One of the reasons this trend is here to stay is that it offers a function-over-form approach.

We have some really special industrial spaces here at 1st Option available for your next photoshoot or filming project, here are just a few to feast your eyes on…

We can’t believe it’s May already! To celebrate the first quarter, we thought we’d share some fab content from shoots that have taken place at our locations since January.

Welcome back to the 1st Option blog! In this post, we take you through a brief history of live/work spaces, the live/work shoot locations we have on our books, and some modern examples of how this concept has translated to forming larger communities.

This blog post introduces our readers to the social media platform TikTok. In the piece, 1st Option discusses how we have used TikTok and softwares like CapCut to raise brand awareness and really, to have some fun! This blog post is meant to be both fun and informative, giving basic tips on how to utilise the platform as a business, while telling everyone what we’ve been up to.

With the cost of living crisis firmly taking hold and many people looking to economise as a result, it seems that more and more of us are thinking outside the box when it comes to entertainment and creating our own ‘pub’ experiences at home. On many levels this actually makes sense – when we go out it’s usually to socialise with our friends, so why not invite them round instead and enjoy their company for a fraction of the cost of a big night out?

Following on from our incredible house tour of Spratts Factory, with the fabulous owner Elisabeth Ciarrocchi, looking at the design elements within her fantastic renovation of a disused dog biscuit factory; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, what it’s like to live in a factory building and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

Following on from our incredible house tour of Roma, with the fabulous owner Marta Vilella-Vila, looking at the the features that make her home unique, her favourite elements and the challenges she faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, areas and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

With spring’s dew and rain well and truly behind us and temperatures soaring into the high 30’s, there has never been a better time to get out into the garden! Ranging from London family homes with enchanting gardens, to country estates with the best views you’ll see this year, we just had to give a rundown of our best gardens to shoot at in 2022.

It’s that time of the month again! When we give you our monthly round up of the best locations to register with us over the last month. This month, we decided to opt for five family homes that differ greatly from one to the next. Make sure you read on to check out the locations, ranging from grand designs style homes, to vast renovated period properties; as always, we have all bases covered for you here.  

Our fourth property to feature in the new location showcase is one of the most eye-catching properties you’re likely to find, welcome to The Compound. 

Giving your home an update or refresh can be a daunting thought, let alone task, especially when you have a limited budget and even less time. However, breathing new life into your home doesn’t have to break the bank if you’re smart and savvy with your ideas. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research and have thought of 15 brilliant home decor ideas that don’t cost the earth to implement, so make sure you read on and check out our 15 design ideas to spruce up your space. 

2021 was a year of change and growth for everyone – homes have become a hybrid of living and working, as well as our much needed sanctuaries away from the uncertainty of the pandemic. Nevertheless, our endeavour has been seen front and centre and we have stood up to all tests, turning things like working from home into positives. Make sure to read on as we look further into the changes in design, what colours will be on the rise and the materials you should be looking out for in 2022.

For the longest time, fresh, crisp and muted colour palettes have dominated the interior scape. However, the tides are shifting thanks to trends like maximalism and grandmillennial style. Colour in the home is taking strides away from the child’s bedroom, into the kitchen, living room and the rest of the house. Stay with us as we explore the nuances that go into the implementation of colour and how to get it right in your home.

In the world of interior design, the word ‘texture’ gets thrown around a lot; design styles can’t be spoken about without using this buzzword in some way or another. There is a precise art to adding texture to a room, In the world of interior design, the word ‘texture’ gets thrown around a lot; design styles can’t be spoken about without using this buzzword in some way or another. There is a precise art to adding texture to a room, it encompasses a lot more than adding a frilled pillow here or some aged wood there. the key is to blend the rough with the smooth, understanding visual texture is just as important as physical texture. If done correctly, texture will tie the room together, however if done wrong or with no consideration, you will fall significantly short of the mark. Read on as the answer to what texture is and how to implement it within your home awaits. 

We met with Mark Dolan to talk about his amazing property Honeycomb, what his experiences were designing it, any positives and negatives from the experience and his favourite features within the home.

As we pass through the first quarter of the year and ease our way back into normal life, business is also starting to resemble the distant memory of what it looked like, fifteen months ago. As restrictions have eased, we have been lucky enough to take on an incredible array of new locations. This month, we took on properties ranging from quirky little flats, to architect-designed family homes, and all-purpose studios, to eye-catching new builds.

Though originating in the North East region of the United States, New England design has infiltrated the UK’s design scene, becoming an interior staple for many years now. Read on to see how how this style can be implemented into your home today!

In episode six of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Nikki over video call to learn all about her home ‘Tierney’.

In episode five of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Claudia over video call to learn all about her home ‘Burlotti’

Following on from November, in the same vein as the rest of this eventful year we have been privileged enough to take on another wealth of remarkable shoot locations. This month we have registered locations ranging from large, studio spaces and striking family homes to grand manor houses and unique penthouse apartments.

Decorating a property to the specific needs of your shoot can help transform it into something eye-catching, spectacular and completely unforgettable. Many location owners allow painting and decorating, however, there are some rules that must be adhered to before jumping in hammer and tongs!

With the latest announcement, from our Prime Minister Boris Johnson, stating that any gathering of more than 6 people will be reprimanded and is illegal by law, it’s going to remain difficult for us to do our favourite activities and pastimes for the foreseeable future. One such activity that millions of people used to do on a regular basis across the world was visit the cinema with friends to see the latest blockbuster. So with all that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the most incredible and lavish home cinemas that we currently have on our books.

As much of the UK has started to return to work, here at 1st Option we thought we’d share some of our top tips for hitting the ground running!

Stay safe and keep healthy!

Every year (up ‘till now) millions of tourists flock to the United Kingdom to enjoy London and its rich cultural heritage and history. Part of this attraction revolves around the eye-catching buildings that can be found around the city and in essence make up a large part of London’s cultural landscape. Check out our brief guide to the architectural styles that have made London so famous around the world.

During these times, with half the nation furloughed and the whole nation bound between their four walls, there has never been a better time to broaden your knowledge and podcasts are the perfect way to do this with podcasters producing content every week based around literally any topic ranging from lifestyle, arts, music and style all the way to politics, business, education and technology. So check out our favourite podcasts to listen to right now.

While at home it can become monotonous and mundane doing the same pointless things over and over again. However, why not use this time to be productive and better yourself, learn a new skill during this endless free time. Well we have culminated the perfect list for you.

London may be seen as the hub for photoshoot locations, but this week we take a look at some incredible properties that are pushing London for it crown

In our first youtube episode of the series Senior Account Manager Sophia answers the top questions we receive at 1st Option.

No house is complete without a beautiful bathroom. It is often considered one of the most important rooms when making a home. A bathroom sets the tone for the rest of the house, they come in all shapes, sizes and styles. From uber-modern to cute and traditional, bathrooms are the key to making a house …

Run down spaces turned into awesome shoot locations. Here’s our guide to some of the best available rundown shoot locations

All unmissable spots for film shoots across the Capital.

Introducing Hither, a quirky new South London shoot location that we love!

Here’s something special – Carlton House has just been added to our site and it’s going to be a keeper!

Introducing Chestnut, a beautiful new cottage shoot location in Henley on Thames

Transforming your rooms needn’t be an expensive exercise, finding the right tricks and getting the lighting right is the key…

Introducing another fantastic new London shoot location – Nash. A modern house with great use of concrete and textures

Life is better with dogs! And many of our favourite London Locations are home to some corkers…

George Clooney’s been looking a bit beaten-up at our shoot location Clapham Common while shooting the latest Nespresso ad…

Scandi style is a big deal right now, so we’ve picked our top 5 locations channelling the Eastern European trend

Geri Halliwell shoots for You Mag at our location Birchland

The count down is on for London Fashion Week…

Fancy a weekend away? Why not explore the wonders of Madrid…

The Wanted star Siva Kaneswaran drops in on our shoot location The Grange

Henry Holland takes time out at our location Deerhurst Road to share his thoughts on the fashion industry

Camden has long been a creative hub, blossoming from the famous market that first opened in 1973…

Victoria Beckham has been shooting at our location Birchwood for Madame Figaro…

Fabulous Magazine making our location Lordship Park look, well, Fabulous!

Will Youngs shoots his latest video at our fab location Line House

architecture? We certainly have! We have curated a list of some of our office favourites (in London) that have left us marvelling at their design.

The Unexpected Red Theory suggests adding red accents to unexpected spaces for a transformative effect. From vibrant curtains to bold furniture pieces, red breathes new life into interiors, elevating them beyond the ordinary.

Whether it’s from a weekend discovering a new neighbourhood, or a morning coffee before a shoot, our coffee escapades have led us to uncover some hidden gems, and we’re here to share them with you!

Welcome back to our blog as we delve into Part 2 of photographers we love! This next batch of interiors, lifestyle and still life specialists are coming in with even more inspiration for your personal projects and creative mind.

We recently had an evening of painting with the team at the 1st Option HQ and the results were hilarious!

First, we took a trip around East London, looking at the best properties it had to offer, then we analysed North London, deciding on our top 5 locations in that distinct pocket of London. With locations ranging from bachelor pad-style homes in Brixton, to architect-designed new builds in Wimbledon, this week we bring you our top 5 trendiest shoot locations in South London.

As the name suggests, Japandi design refers to the blend of Scandinavian and Japanese interior styles. Why would you blend these two unlikely trends? Well, they’re both actually fairly similar and promote similar core tenets, in fact elevating each other. If you want to get to grips with this ever popular design trend, make sure you read on as we deep dive into the trend’s characteristics, why Scandi and Japanese blend so well together and how to get it right in your own home. 

In our fifth edition of the classic spot the difference, we bring you Spratts Factory. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences, you could get a half-price booking fee on your next shoot in August! Top tip – most of them are pretty obvious…

The past two years have undoubtedly seen home decor Instagram accounts boom like never before. Lockdown had the world evaluating every inch of their homes; and where do you find inspiration in the 21st century? Instagram! Home decor accounts on Instagram are having their moment and for good reason – there are tens of thousands of accounts showcasing every style imaginable, all under the setting of someone’s real home. Not only do these accounts show how they style certain pieces, but many of them give you tips and tricks, ranging from how to style on a budget, to how to style in limited space and so much more. So check out our top 9 accounts to follow this year.

Our second edition of the classic spot the difference comes from Hopton. As always, it’s all a bit of fun, but if you can find all ten differences by the end of April, we’ll give you a half price booking fee on your next shoot!

Welcome to the first edition of our new spot the difference series, this week at Marilyn. It’s all a bit of fun, but anyone who can find all ten differences and send them to us before the next edition goes live is welcome to a half price booking fee on their next shoot!

As 2021 rapidly draws to a close, we thought we’d provide one last chance to populate your mood boards with breathtaking interior inspiration. What a year it has been for taking on new properties! Read on to check out our top five for November; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more varied and eclectic mix of properties. From architect-designed new builds in London, to renovated barns and tropical family homes oozing with colour, there is something for everyone this month. 

In the second installment of ‘In Conversation with’ we caught up with Louise Hardy and Nick Barr of Dacres. This time we chatted about their jobs as musicians and artists and whether they had any impact on the overall design of their South East London Home – Dacres.

As always at the start of a new month, we like to give you a rundown of our latest and greatest properties. Throughout June, the influx of brilliant residential properties has been immense, with locations ranging from country houses to vast Neo-Georgian family homes. Read on to check out the full range of our top five new locations for July. 

In contrast to the actual meaning of the word, modern or modernist design has its feet firmly planted in the evolution of the 20th century. Taking inspiration from movements of the time, modern design is a fuss free design style that works on clean lines, a minimal aesthetic and function before form. Within this article we are going to take you on a journey through the history of this iconic design style, the influences upon it and the core components that it comprises of today.

Minimalistic interior design incorporates clean lines, reduced clutter, monochromatic colour tones and simplicity at its heart – the idea behind minimalist design is ‘less is more’. While there are benefits and challenges to achieving this look, when designing a minimalist space, stick to a few key fundamentals.

You may have come across the term ‘shoot location’ before; perhaps seeing it written, or used in conversation, without being sure what it really means. Well, we are here to explain what it is, and more importantly, what separates the good from the bad!

In episode four of our series Ask the Agent, we switched things up by joining together over zoom to discuss how you can register your property with us.

The winter months can be a challenge with most of us working from home.
Here at 1st Option, we thought we’d share some of our top tips for overcoming the morning blues!

If we look at interior design as a concept that begins with human experience, taking into consideration the emotional, physical and mental needs of people, then it is a human-centred reflection of how we live today. Since today we are taking new approaches to the promotion of health, welfare and sustainable living it is intuitive to see and understand why biophilia has become such an influential and popular trend in interior design.

It’s no secret that 2020 has thrown the rule book out the window on almost every aspect of life and society. And, while we haven’t seen a complete upheaval of ideas in the world of interior design, there has been a shift in focus. So check out this weeks interior design trend that we put into the spotlight, Industrial Design.

Interior photography is a complicated subject that does, if done well, require a variety of skills. When trying to show off the relevant features that set apart your property from the next, like room size, period features and the amount of natural light it possesses, merely using a smartphone camera is probably not going to …

With the gentrification of nearly every corner of London, and despite many people saying that it has stomped out vast amounts of culture, it has opened the door for sways of people to move further out from the city centre. With East London the first place to get gentrified, by now it has gone full …

Here at 1st Option we have never been short of unique and striking properties, ranging from the most incredible family homes to styled studios all the way to renovated gin distilleries. Since lockdown we may have had to put things on hold as shooting was not possible to continue, however, since the easing of lockdown …

If you’re struggling in these times, perhaps overly stressed and barking mad, then worry no more as 1st Option are here to help. Paws for thought and check out our video for a few top tips to help get you through isolation.

In episode three of our series Ask the Agent, Junior Account Executive Rosie answers questions about painting and decorating for a shoot.

This month we were lucky enough to catch up with Lucy, the owner of our marvellous property Minton House. We spoke all about the renovation that she and her partner Dan designed to create what we now see today. The results truly are spectacular! I’ve seen your transformation pictures and it’s truly remarkable! What made …

Discover 1st Options beachfront locations, now we just need the warmer weather!

We got to catch up with one of our amazing location owners Elisabeth who owns Spratts Factory. Spratts Factory was once a dog treat factory and was a huge design project for Elisabeth. The results are simply fantastic! Find out more below! What was your design inspiration for Spratts Factory? We pulled inspiration from many different places …

The Ultimate Fashion collaboration of A/W 19 comes to Clapton Tram Shed.

The go-to guide for photographers looking to shoot in London.

From Pippa Middleton dancing around the garden, to 12-hour days of painting, Malcolm Menzies reveals what it’s really like to own a location home, and what inspired the latest transformation of 6ixteen.

Our latest new location – the chic London Fields

Introducing Coconut, a beautiful exclusive new shoot location in South West London

After a week which has felt like we may as well have been in the Maldives, we have started looking at some new interior trends to heat up our homes and get us in the mood for a (hopefully) hot spring…

Take a look at our new London location house Chamomile, full of simple, elegant style!

North or South London – which is best? Have a look at our selection of the best of both and decide for yourself…

What better place to indulge in chocolate than a fabulous roll-top bath…

1st Option were happy to help with the main locations for the fantastic new Ab Fab movie!

Check our some of the shots from the Billie Faiers swimsuit shoot at our location Ambleside

2015, the year that was…

Fancy a bath with a difference? Take a look at some of the fantastic ideas we’ve pulled together…

Check out our Facebook page for loads of exciting news…

It seems as though the London skyline changes every week and there are many new additions in the pipeline…

It’s rumoured that we like a bit of chocolate in the office, so what’s not to like about this time of year…

If you have a moment have a look at the new Mango ad featuring Kate Moss which was shot at the fabulous location Oriel

Diana Gomez always brightens up our day. Check out her website for more fab images…

Not on the High Street shoot their latest video at our location exclusive Vallance House

Taylor Swift is taking the world by storm, especially in the UK, where her recent sold-out stadium tour celebrates her musical ‘eras.’ To join the excitement, we’re pairing some of our favourite Taylor Swift albums with various locations in our listings.

If you’ve been keeping up with us on social media, you’ll have noticed our regular feature on remarkable talent, particularly interior stylists and photographers. It’s been a while since we delved into an article spotlighting our favourite interior stylists, so we’re back with Part 2 of Interior Stylists We Love for your enjoyment.

7 Chair Classics You Should Know. A history & guide to seven classic chairs, many of which are featured across our unique London photoshoot and filming locations.

Following our piece on interior stylists, we must acknowledge the people who skilfully capture the curated beauty – the photographers. Whether you’re passionate about interior design or simply have a craving for some good photographic work, we highly encourage you to check out each artist’s portfolio for that inspiration you’re secretly craving.

In recent years it’s become more and more recognised that being surrounded by plants in your living and working environments can have real health benefits, two of the main ones being improved psychological well-being and improved human health.

It’s widely thought that bringing more plants into your life can help to improve your mood, reduce stress levels and improve your productivity. There is also some evidence that they can improve air quality too.

Following on from our incredible house tour of Celine, with the fabulous owner Celine Da Silva, looking at the design elements within her home, why it’s been styled in such a way and any challenges she faced during the process; we sat down with her for a short interview to pick her brains about her favourite features, areas and why her home is the perfect shoot location.

Following on from our incredible house tour of Honeycomb, with the owner and director Mark Dolan, looking at the the features that make his home unique, his favourite elements and the challenges he faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with him for a short interview to pick his brains about his favourite features, areas and why his home is the perfect shoot location

Carrying on in the same vein as the rest of the year, June saw us take on a wealth of fantastic shoot locations. Ranging from industrial barn conversions in Warwickshire, to eclectic family homes in North West London, there’s something for everyone this month. Your next shoot location could be on this list, so make sure you stick with us as we jump into our top five for June. 

Following on from our incredible video tour of Nash, with the owner and outstanding interior designer Stephen Nash, looking at the the features that make his style unique, his favourite elements and the challenges he faced throughout the renovation process; we sat down with him for a short interview to pick his brains about his favourite features, areas and places on earth.

If you live in London, you’ll be well aware of the age-old debate; which is the trendiest part of London? East Londoners think it is them, South Londoners think they’re having their time in the sun and West Londoners will point to their wealth for status. Today, however, we’re going to check out North London and see if they the trendiest properties in London.

A new year often brings many changes with it, one change it can’t bring, however, is the amount of incredible new locations that flow through our doors on a monthly basis. Following on from the outstanding end to 2021, we have been incredibly lucky to welcome a multitude of amazing new locations. Check out our top five for February here.

In episode 8 of Ask the Location Owner we were lucky enough to go round and have a chat with Ed Reeve of Blackwood House.

Long gone are the days when country design embodied dimly lit, dark farmhouses with ubiquitous amounts of knitted tea cosies, traditional florals and checkered prints. Country design has grown immeasurably over the last few decades, differing from the traditional interpretations, modern country design allows for playful and nuanced elements that are creating an idyllic classic.Read on as we explore the design style in more detail.

When choosing a location for a photoshoot, (whether that be portrait, product or lifestyle) there will always be tons of complexities that go into the choice. When it comes to choosing a location for a fashion shoot, it gets a whole lot harder. Read on to check out our diverse range of locations that are ideal for fashion shoots.

At the start of the month, as always, we like to give you the opportunity to glean your eyes over some of our latest and greatest properties turned shoot locations last month. Throughout May, the influx of breathtaking residential properties has been received like never before. With properties ranging from sublime Victorian villas, to substantial new builds with acres of land, there is a shoot location to fit any brief.

In episode seven of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we chat with Mairead over video call to learn all about her home ‘Bottega’.

In episode five of our series Ask the Agent, we got together over zoom to talk about trends, design and what it is like to be an agent!

In the 20th Century, Art Deco was one of the most exciting, ground-breaking and influential design styles the world had ever seen and as so, still has a huge influence on interior design in the 21st century. As a design style, Art Deco is elegant, opulent, functional and modern and although it was actually first …

Shabby chic, also known as vintage or country chic, is one of the more interesting design styles around grabbing your eye through its use of mixing a lived in worn look with elegance, charm and beauty. It may seem like a bit of a juxtaposition, fusing elegant and beautiful with worn in and stripped back, however, this is exactly why it does work. Check out an in depth view here

Over the past few months we have been lucky enough to take on some of the most gorgeous and eye-catching properties we’ve seen this year. With an array of new locations ranging from vineyards to hotels, November has seen some truly remarkable locations enter our books. Read on to see five of our favourites.

Although traditional locations can and do often fit the shoot brief perfectly, there is sometimes a place and time for something a little more unusual. Fortunately, working in London, one of the most diverse creative hubs in the world, we are lucky enough to be able to represent some of the most interesting and quirky locations the capital has to offer. So sit back and check out our top 5 unique spaces.

Registering your property with a Location Agency can be an incredibly thrilling, exciting and rewarding process, mentally as well as financially. However, before you get into the rigmarole you should go in with your eyes open knowing exactly what to expect, which should help to make the whole process as seamless as possible. It’s also important to bear in mind that 1st Option have incredibly high standards when it comes to arranging shoots for clients, so before deciding whether or not to register check out our top tips to ensure you’ll be able to keep these standards with us.

When you think of London, what springs to mind? Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament? The East End and Pie and Mash? At the end of the day, however many things may come to your mind, one thing that should never be missed off your list is London’s iconic skyline. One of the most …

As we enter the ninth week of lockdown there is a slightly different feeling in the air of London. Whether that be from the reduced amount of pollution in the air or more likely, the easing of lockdown and the impending return to life as we know it, there is definitely something on the horizon …

Whether your taste leans more towards minimalism with crisp colour tones and clean lines or a bold aesthetic utilising colour, patterns and texture, you’re sure to find a style that inspires you here. Sit back and take a look at 10 amazing interior stylists and creatives that you should already be following.

In episode two of our series ‘Ask the Location Owner’ we catch up with Nicola and Greg from our location Wavertree.
*This video was filmed before the UK lockdown on the 23rd March*

In episode 2 of ask the agent, our account executive Nina-Jade gives you all the info needed for booking a shoot.

Continuing on our ‘In Conversation with..’ series is one of our amazing Location Owners Jane Cumberbatch of Palace Road. Jane is not only an Interior Stylist but has multiple books all about interior design, cooking and so much more.

2019 has come to a close and we are looking forward to the year ahead. Here at 1st Option we have had a very busy start to the year, but that doesn’t stop us having a look back with fond memories of our favourite shoots from 2019. With so many highlights, it was hard to …

Whether you’re on the hunt for a river-based bar, restaurant, museum, hotel or even a photo shoot and filming location, it might surprise you to learn just how versatile old boats can be

We answer the what, how and when of everything there is to know about photoshoot locations.

Then you need to book a flight and visit these jaw-dropping film locations ASAP.

If you’re looking for the best studios in London for your shoots, call 1st Option!

Adding greenery can bring loads of character to your property and the owner closer to nature. We take a look at some of our favourites…

We’re incredibly happy to welcome back Austen, one of our favourite shoot location houses!

The 70’s are alive and well in interior decoration – don’t just take our word for it, have a look at some of the locations we have that are rocking the style…

Our latest location ‘Skyfield’ is simply beautiful. The James bond inspired ‘Edwardian-Deco’ period country manor is one of the most beautiful locations in Hertfordshire…

Kimberly Walsh talks to Hello! magazine at our shoot location Mapesbury Road about expecting baby number two

be sure to check out the fab crime drama Marcella, shot at our shoot location The Grove

It’s the month of Pisces and something fishy’s definitely going!

We caught up with Interiors Stylist Lucy Gough on set to get the lowdown what it’s like to be an Interiors Stylist

L’Oreal have just shot a fab new video at our shoot location Clapham Common

Where better to hang out at Christmas than the Queen’s house?

Everyone’s happier when the sun shines, hello summer!

Eleanor, who left us recently to go back to college to study Journalism has just had her first article published on the Harper’s web site! You go girl…

Sometimes more than just one location is required for a shoot – we’ve got you covered…

Fabulous at our shoot location Kingswood, making good use of the kitchen…

Check out Kelly Brook’s lingerie shoot at our location Mapesbury Road for clothing brand New look