JONES speaks to Sydney-born photographer Candice Lake about the colourful London home she has built with her architect husband and three children.
Candice Lake was on a path to becoming a lawyer when she was scouted as a model. Then she moved to New York and quickly became the face of Ralph Lauren and a catwalk regular. After shooting a Versace campaign with Steven Meisel, she realised her true calling was photography and went to art school to earn a degree in fine arts, before moving to London. There, she was commissioned to shoot street style for British Vogue, just as the Insta-friendly genre was taking off. Today, she’s both a face and spokesperson for brands ranging from Tresemmé to Swarovski, and a photographer for the likes of Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo – and has lent her keen, artful eye to her home in London.
“Travel has been integral to shaping the way I see things and what I love. So many things in our home have come from our travels, so it is also a beautiful reminder of the wonderful adventures we have had.”
Candice Lake on how travel has shaped her space.
What does “Inner World” mean to you?
“What I love about our space is that on the outside it is industrial and urban. The house is a hidden sanctuary. It feels like you’re living in a secret space as it is hidden from the street. The entrance is through a confined, compressed passage which opens unexpectedly into a huge arch and then beyond that, it opens a second time to an even bigger atrium – open to the clouds and sky. There’s a Narnia-like quality. Our home is our inner world.”
“I’ve discovered my love of the long, slow cook and this is a must!”
“I love the main sitting room. It’s the heart of the house and because of the open plan over multiple levels, you can dance the night away with friends, watch the clouds going by from under the glass roof and also curl up with a book and feel secluded. It is such a versatile space to spend time in.”
Candice Lake on her favourite room in the house.
Shop Candice Lake’s home edit
What is the most prized possession in your home?
“Definitely the personal art that has been made for us. Many of our friends are artists, so we have a lot of their art that we have commissioned or been gifted; these pieces are priceless and are important to us as they are so personal. I can’t imagine our life without them.”
What makes a place feel like a home?
“Being absolutely true to who you are and your style, and filling it with all the things you love. Also, lots of plants!”
Photography: Taran Wilkhu and Mirta Rojo/Vogue Spain ©Edicones Condé Nast, S.A.