Few people's houses have as interesting a history as model Christie Corbally and photographer Ellis Scott's home. The couple live above Ellis's studio in Finsbury Park, in a cosy, elegantly styled, modern space which reflects their love of art and photography but doesn't reveal its intriguing past.
In the 1880s, the building was used as a secret Masonic Lodge. Fast forward to the 1930s and, much to the disdain of bigoted locals, the space became an illegal Afro-Caribbean drinking club. Fast forward a few more decades and the couple's home was a recording studio, frequented by musicians including Deep Purple and Tom Jones. Here, Christie tells us more about her unique abode and style.
How would you describe your interior style? Is there a similarity between the way you dress and style your home?
The studio part of our house has to be kept quite professional - we try and keep it smart and practical which sounds quite boring but we can't really stamp much of ourselves on it. Plus it's mainly Ellis's (my boyfriend who is a photographer) domain so I don't get much of a say. I get bored quite easily in both my clothes and my home so I change it up quite a lot. Most of my stuff ends up on eBay when I've had enough of it. I guess the similarity is I've got some nice stuff but it's all a bit second hand and all a bit scruffy. I don't like things being too matchy.
Where are your favourite places to shop for yourself and your home?
I'm a bit of a magpie so anywhere and everywhere. I found two amazing kind of mid-century style chairs in the street last week. Who would throw such amazing pieces out? I love Lassco, especially the one on Rope Walk near Maltby Street Market - their stock is incredible.
You travel a lot for work - where's the most impressive interior you've visited or shot at?
I've shot in some pretty amazing places, recently in a location house in Streatham which is entirely decorated in authentic 60s and 70s furnishings. It had an actual 70s indoor swimming pool - it was amazing!! I also got to stay and shoot on a house boat in the middle of Amsterdam for Urban Outfitters.
What do you love and hate about living in Finsbury Park?
Don McCullen is from Finsbury park and he photographed it back in the 40s and 50s when it was extremely rough and a dangerous place to live. It's changed a lot even in the years I've lived here. There are some great restaurants and a really good coffee shop. I love that it's changing and I hate that it's not my secret anymore.
When you return home from a long day's shoot or work trip how do you unwind?
I usually do these things: walk the dog, have a shower, eat some food and have a glass of wine, go to bed. I don't know if it's relaxing, it's just how it goes.
Could you describe your dream house?
Yes! My dream house is Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Falling Water'. It's in Pennsylvania and is built over a water fall... it's incredible. I also LOVE the house in Tom Fords 'A Single Man'.
Where would you most like to live in the world and why?
I've always fancied my own isolated Scottish island for some peace and quiet but I don't know how long I'd last...
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