An Oasis of Energy
Universe is infinite and every element within it resonates with energy. From our tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, we are all connected from energy.
This is how Rita Ora describes her first encounter with her now so-called home. Once property of Arthur Rackham, illustrator of “Alice in Wonderland”, “It has all sorts of good energy” Rita says, as she shows the pivotal element that convinced her to purchase the house; the glass-encased clock in various hues of blue, symbolizing her last name, Ora.
To preserve all kinds of juices that the house offers, necessary for her art, Rita tried to keep everything as natural and organic as she could. There were however some slight renovations to be done, mainly in the kitchen, bathrooms, floors and roof. Her sister, Elena Ora, took care of arranging the furniture collection, while interior designer Joana Plant was involved to add “small objects” and give cohesion to everything. However, she kept the windows and arches, giving character, light and dimension to the house.
Given Ora’s profound desire for self-expression, it was imperative for the house to embody an element that mirrors her rock and roll spirit. The Damien Hirst work, that he personally drew for Rita, provides a striking counterpoint to the romantic ambiance of the house. The heart of the home resides in the frame and divider between the kitchen and sitting room. Being there, untouched since 1800s, it gives the vibes of an old sort of like church kind of rusty.
In the living room, almost all the furniture is vintage and comes from Portobello Road Market, except the floor coverings from London House Rugs and the Fortuny cushions on the sofa. The big windows, looking from the renovated garden from Paul Jezioranski of London Gardener, which Rita describes as her little heaven, leave her with a sense of gratitude—after all, who wouldn’t feel fortunate to be able to enjoy such a verdant view in London?
Arthur’s work studio is now transformed into Rita’s bedroom, because the high walls and big windows make it perfect for a bedroom. From sharing one with her sister, to now having her very own bedroom, a girl can dream. The best part of it is the bathroom adjoining the bedroom. Rita loves lighting the fireplace and taking a long bath. Come morning, she effortlessly transitions from the bedroom to the balcony, for the morning tea, or to just enjoy the view.
While she climbs the wooden stairs, we are amazed by her wardrobe, the room where her day-to-day life happens. When not on stage, you can find Rita in t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. And if you thought that this, was it, Rita accompanies us to the other bathroom where the original checkered floor and the double sink are modernized with the other elements.
Rita seems to have found harmony in her home. The charming brick house in the Primrose Hill now holds the history of Rackham, but it will soon hold the pure energy of Rita, the one that she tries to reflect in her home.