Trompe-l’œil, meaning ‘deceive the eye’, is a design technique that adds depth and dimension to interior spaces through the art of illusion. Whether mimicking windows, creating intricate details or giving the appearance of three-dimensional elements, trompe-l’œil infuses charm and visual intrigue into any space. Join us as we share some of our favourite ways we’ve added a touch of surrealism to our interiors.
Our ClockClock 24 ‘Dada Blue’ that we designed with Humans since 1982 is a mesmerising kinetic sculpture composed of twenty-four small analogue clocks, each with two delicate hands. Together, they don’t tell time in the usual sense but move in perfect synchronicity, weaving intricate patterns and elegant geometric forms. Once every minute, the hands align— a fleeting moment of precision that mirrors the timeless dance between movement and stillness. A feast for the eyes! You can also experience other works by Humans since 1982 at Crosby Street Hotel and in our lobby at Ham Yard Hotel, as you step into the lift.
In the lobby of The Whitby Hotel, artist Maarten Baas offers a modern reinterpretation of the grandfather clock. Within its face, a shadowy figure — a ‘grandfather’— silently works, erasing and redrawing the clock hands with a felt-tip pen, transforming time into a captivating performance of art and illusion.
At our Kips Bay Show House, no dining room feels complete without a convex mirror. A hallmark of Regency design, it served a practical purpose: allowing the butler to silently observe the room and sense when help was needed. Kiko Lopez’s hand-silvered, surrealist mirror captures the eye with its ever-changing reflections, transforming everyday light into a dreamlike dance of distortion and discovery.
Using mirrors outdoors to create the illusion of a window can seamlessly extend the perceived boundaries of a space. Especially in narrow areas, they capture the play of light and surrounding scenery, stretching perception and opening hidden corners.
Light is the ultimate tool for creating illusion. Ceiling light boxes mimic natural daylight, diffusing it evenly through LED backlighting and frosted panels to brighten spaces and evoke a sense of openness. In The Shooting Gallery at Haymarket Hotel, this effect creates the illusion of windows, adding a sense of grandeur and intrigue.
Down in the pool room at Haymarket Hotel, Martin Richman’s bespoke lighting installation beautifully captures the soft gradients of a horizon, turning the space into a breathtaking masterpiece reminiscent of expansive landscapes. Incorporating a perspective scene can redefine a space, giving it depth, charm and unique character— a true visual delight.
Also at Haymarket Hotel, you’ll encounter a striking mannequin inspired by the iconic Italian artist, Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988). Much like Fornasetti’s masterful use of trompe l’oeil, where scale and imagery are playfully distorted, we’ve reimagined his signature style by reworking the mannequin’s facial features with his characteristic wit and whimsical charm. The result is a bold, visual twist that evokes Fornasetti’s mischievous approach to art and design.
Painted textured timber effects create the illusion of old-world charm and intricate architectural details. By transforming flat surfaces into three-dimensional features, these impressions infuse spaces with timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
Painted scenes transform simple surfaces into captivating tapestries that weave stories and invite imagination. Through the delicate interplay of perspective, shading and texture, these artworks create enchanting illusions, turning flat surfaces into portals of depth and character.
With its timeless appeal and artistic depth, trompe-l’œil blurs the line between perception and reality, captivating the eye and bringing a sense of wonder to every space. We hope we’ve inspired you to infuse a touch of magic into your interiors.