A New Chapter for Dunbar Road Design: London
As we move into 2025, I am excited about the new adventures and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly the chance to visit our London office during London Design Week. I want to take a moment to share the story behind our expansion and give you a sneak peek at what we have planned for the event.
Our new office, located in the vibrant Marylebone area of London, is the result of the vision of Cristina Lyon, my daughter and a talented designer. After graduating from the College of Charleston with a business degree, Cristina sought a creative outlet to complement her analytical skills. I was fortunate to have her join me at Dunbar Road in 2019, where she quickly became an integral part of our team, bringing strong creative and organizational abilities to our projects. It was a perfect partnership, as she often anticipated my preferences and understood my vision.
Eager to deepen her business acumen, Cristina decided to take a step back from Dunbar Road to pursue a full-time graduate program in Interior Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. After graduating, she moved to London, excited to immerse herself in a city rich in history and culture. In mid-2024, Cristina and I explored the idea of establishing a London Dunbar Road office. Our discussions revealed that having two locations would significantly benefit our company and our clients.
It’s clear that technology has transformed the way we work, and this is especially true for us. With video calls, our extensive textile design library in both offices, and various collaborative tools at our disposal, we can operate seamlessly and efficiently. I stay in daily contact with Cristina, ensuring that between our two offices, our clients receive the best of both worlds.
Our new London presence broadens our design possibilities. With access to Europe’s rich design history and an expanded range of items, we can offer our clients even more - from exclusive antiques to contemporary brands. I’m so excited to see how this infusion of styles, materials, and design ideas will enhance the spaces we create.
I’ve timed my visit to be able to attend the events featured during London Design Week. I’m looking forward to several showroom visits, including de Gournay and Porta Romana, as well as panel discussions with leading interior designers.  My week kicks off with a welcome cocktail event at the historic Vorsey House, an architectural gem that houses the Sanderson showroom. One of the things I love most about these events is learning the stories behind the designs. From the heritage of a textile to the inspiration behind a particular pattern, understanding the narrative behind an item makes it all the more special. It’s something we can then share with our clients—giving them a deeper connection to the pieces that will eventually become part of their homes.
Having a London base marks an exciting new beginning for Dunbar Road Design. Our commitment to creating spaces that feel both modern and timeless remains steadfast, and our European presence will only serve to strengthen that. The inspiration we draw from the vibrant design scene in London will help us continue to offer curated, thoughtful spaces to our clients.
Be sure to stay tuned for updates from London as we embark on this new chapter. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments from our travels, as well as design inspiration and updates, through our Instagram and monthly emails. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to keep up with all the things happening at Dunbar Road!
