Charlie and Josh Karlsen run hip London catering company Opus 11, which has a client roster of leading luxury brands in fashion, fragrance, art, and, er, rock stars.
So when designing their Victorian terrace house in southwest London, it was no surprise that their new, modern home was largely orientated towards entertaining.
"Absolutely," laughs Charlie. "We actually designed the house around the kitchen table to prioritize hosting friends and family."
Their current 12-seater, sited in the new side return, is a placeholder, cobbled together from a trestle table topped with a sheet of MDF until they can afford something special.
"We had a big Christmas around it last year, even though the paint was barely dry from the renovation, and we’ll do the same this time," he says.
"A lot happened last year," says Josh, referring to 2024. "We expanded the business by 50%, got married, and took on this huge building project, but we feel we’re coming up for air now."
The couple, who met 11 years ago as actors when they were doing hospitality work in between jobs, had a light-bulb moment dreaming up their own events business from the living room of their old flat.
Now, eight years later, Opus 11 has grown to 40-plus staff and a few side hustles, including a new bespoke biscuit company, Bisquit.
Notable clients span brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Krug, Frieze, and White Cube, with events catered for Mariah Carey, as well as Elton John and David Furnish (who are loyal friends and mentors).
A travertine-effect table adds instant understated luxury to a space — this one from Sklum is perfect.
With Charlie’s family living in Spain, Josh’s in Bristol, and theater friends scattered all around the country, the time had come to invest in a home they could host in.
"We chose the most run-down house on the street, which was ripe for renovation," says Charlie. Inspiration came from the open-plan house in Tenerife he grew up in.
"With one large space, Josh can be cooking in the kitchen and I can be in the living room, but we’re together."
The duo sourced these tiles from Claybrook for the main en suite bathroom — grab them for yourself.
The concept was his, with structural help from architect Greg Walton, co-founder of Studio McW, who dreamt up the sweeping curved brick walls of the kitchen extension/side return and the internal light-filled courtyard.
"Greg and his team brought our vision to life, understanding that what we wanted was the antithesis of a standard Victorian renovation."
The decorating scheme of neutral textured walls enlivened with splashes of warm terracotta and colorful art, chosen by Josh, was the starting point and will grow with the couple.
Big budget quality finishes — hardwood floors, Violetta marble, underfloor heating, bespoke carpentry — were a priority, but savings came with Ikea wardrobe carcasses and a travertine-lookalike table in the reception area.
A simple stoneware jug filled with your favorite florals is an instant way to add a touch of joy to your nightstand.
"We did blow our budget forecast by about 50%," says Josh, who looks after finances (and employs his mum to do so in the business for three days a week).
"We agreed, though, that there is no point in settling for something that’s not quite right," adds Charlie. "We don’t plan to move any time soon."
