Country & Town Interiors - 2021/22 by Country & Town House Magazine

£12.99

2021/22

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Verdure Tapestry 118/17038 with Colour Box Velvet Viridian F111/11040 and Olive F111/11042 Verdure Tapestry Silk 118/17039

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HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES GREAT MASTERS Paying homage to the master artisans, craftsmen and celebrated monarchs who shaped the six iconic royal residences, which are now cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, Great Masters honours the exceptional skill and creative ingenuity within this grand portfolio of historic homes that continues to allure and evoke marvel to this day. With a shared passion for preserving, in order to inspire the future, Historic Royal Palaces - Great Masters celebrates quintessential British history and heritage through Cole & Son’s detailed hand and unparalleled use of colour and pattern.

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F A M I L Y

S T O R Y

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear The Secret Garden

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Contents REGULARS 8

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

176

INDEX

FEATURES 12

TAKE IT TO THE MAX Your cues this season are Bridgerton and The Crown – embrace colour, pattern and maximalism, says Jessica Doyle

INSIDE LANE Who says it’s just your wardrobe that needs a post-lockdown spruce up? Carole Annett rounds up this season’s on-trend wallpapers, floorings and fabrics

ARE YOU BEING SERVED? The dinner party is back and bigger than ever before, says Amy Broomfield

THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS The votes are in: meet our 50 Finest Interior Designers, as chosen by this year’s expert panel of Bill Amberg, Anna Mason, Matthew Williamson, Lucy Cleland and Carole Annett

THE 10 FINEST GARDENERS AND LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS Introducing the names to take your outdoor spaces to the next level

64 102 116 138 152 166

DESIGN SERVICES KITCHENS & BATHROOMS FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS FURNITURE HOME ACCESSORIES OUTSIDE SPACES

ON THE COVER Zoffany Paradise Walk wallpaper; sofa in Kanoko; walls in Olivine, all zoffany. sandersondesigngroup.com. Sofa, David Seyfried; light, Bella Figura. Photographer: Chris Everard, Stylist: Alyce Taylor.

Editor Carole Annett Editorial Director Lucy Cleland Managing Editor Amy Wakeham Chief Copy Editor Emma Love Features Assistant Sofia Tindall Sub Editors Sofia Tindall, Belinda Bamber and Ruby Featherstone Creative & Production Director Parm Bhamra Production Designer Samuel Thomas Online Editor Rebecca Cox Junior Online Editor Ellie Smith Junior Social Media Editor Daniella Saunders Technical Manager Hannah Johnson Associate Director, Property & Marketing Gemma Cowley Advertising Sales Director Ellie Rix Senior Account Manager Pandora Lewis Account Manager Katrina Gane Group Publishing Director Tia Graham Finance Controller Lauren Hartley Finance Director Jill Newey Managing Director Jeremy Isaac

countryandtownhouse.co.uk/interiorsguide

Copyright © 2021 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to press, it is subject to change, and Country & Town House Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Country & Town House, Studio 2, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, +44 (0)20 7384 9011

PHOTOS: © CHRIS EVERARD

DIRECTORY

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120 there are those who will always embrace a minimalist concept, maximalism is enjoying a blast in the spotlight. As Jessica Doyle points out, after devouring Bridgerton and The Crown, it wasn’t just the storylines that affected our psyche but the backdrops and scenery too (p14). ‘If there are positives to be gleaned from the upheaval of the past 18 months,’ says Jessica, ‘one is surely the sense of individuality and joie de vivre permeating interior design.’ Amy Broomfield’s feature on page 22 captures a similar mood when it comes to entertaining and the return of the dining room. Designer Natalia Miyar sums it up simply: ‘For me, this is one of the happy consequences of lockdown, to have spaces that are visually and physically distinct from another. If you have the space, you should make the dining room the most beautiful room in the house with well-considered lighting that can be dimmed at night for ambience, and finishes and accessories in jewel tones, copper or gold that shimmer and sparkle in candlelight.’ Our shopping pages (p18) follow a similar vein, uplifting stories for walls, floors and upholstery sitting with brand stories from our favourite manufacturers and producers – an orchestra of the very best to make a home sing. And it’s not just indoors – garden and landscape designers are enjoying a period of extended sunshine. On page 60 we steer you to our pick of the crop. I feel we are on the cusp of a golden age of embellishment and decoration, inside and outdoors. I hope you sense the same as you go forth and enjoy these pages. Long may it last.

Editor’s LETTER Getting my mitts on our freshly published annual interiors guide, which showcases our 2021/22 panel’s 50 Finest Interior Designers always gives me a thrill. Like reaching jewelled sweetness at the bottom of a Knickerbocker Glory, we’ve dived deep into the talent pool of UK-based interior designers for this year’s stand-outs. Our purpose is to offer an edit, a helping hand, serving up a feast of the very best who offer a selection of styles to suit any project – residential or commercial, mammoth to teeny weeny. If you are about to embark on a redecoration or renovation, there’s someone for you within these pages. Among those who lent expertise for the search, and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, are leather supremo Bill Amberg; Anna Mason, whose eponymous London design studio has a fan in the Duchess of Cambridge; and Matthew Williamson, now renowned as much for his Osborne & Little wallpaper designs and Pooky lighting collaboration, among others, as for his original fashion collections. This year’s book feels particularly special. After enforced hibernation, where we all took stock of our habitat – and often found it wanting – the interior design world has thrived. Gratitude and nervous optimism abound in equal measure. With many of us embracing an altered existence, using homes as offices and entertaining spaces as never before, there’s a fresh urgency for change, a need to feel more settled and happier in our chosen space. And the design language is different. While

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Let your imagination fly

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour | London SW10 0XE | Tel 020 7351 5153 | samuelandsons.com

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CON T R I BU TOR S TH E PAN EL

Bill Amberg

Anna Mason

Matthew Williamson

Bill Amberg’s 30-year career has seen him work across architecture, interiors and fashion (his Rocket bag is displayed at the V&A and New York Metropolitan Museum of Art). Raised in Northampton, Bill started making bags in 1984 and went on to work with Liberty, Paul Smith and Joseph. His studio has grown to become a global authority on architectural leatherwork. Recent projects include the Queen’s Jubilee Galleries and the lecture theatre at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Fashion designer Anna Mason studied at the Royal College of Art in London and graduated with an MA in 1995. Following stints working at Karl Lagerfeld, Max Mara, Valentino and Amanda Wakeley, in 2012 she launched her own eponymous label, Anna Mason. Her much-loved designs are characterised by directional silhouettes with romantic references to the past, inspired by modern women and designed for real life and day-to-day dressing.

Interiors was a natural progression for Matthew Williamson after an illustrious 20 year career in fashion under his eponymous brand. He is now an established, award-winning interior designer, known for his unique and unrivalled work with colour and pattern. In addition to designing homewares for Pooky, Roome, Les-Ottomans and more, Williamson this year launched a website selling antique and vintage pieces alongside his inimitable designs.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jessica Doyle Favourite room? My sitting room, because it’s where we relax as a family. It’s painted a very pale shade of pink, which I love, and has leafy views. Whose home would you love to snoop round? There are so many on my wish list! But I’d start with Rose Uniacke’s. Dream home? I’d love to live in California, for the sense of space and quality of light. Maximalist or minimalist? I like the idea of minimalism but I have too many cushions for it to possibly work in my house.

Emma Love

Amy Broomfield Favourite room? The kitchen as it looks out onto my little courtyard garden. Whose home would you love to snoop round? I’d like to peek inside the home of Maria Speake,

co-founder of Retrouvius. Dream home? Right now I’d like to be living on Sifnos, a sleepy Greek island. Maximalist or minimalist? Without a doubt, minimalist. I love Scandi style with its clean-lines, natural materials and pared-back vibe.

Favourite room? The kitchen. It’s where conversations happen, dinner parties take place, coffees get made, and food gets cooked. Whose home would you love to snoop round? Lenny Kravitz’s home, I love his rockstar quality. Dream home? London has everything I want - vibrancy and variety, diversity and an incredible food offering. Maximalist or minimalist? Maximalist – I think colour and pattern can transport you.

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MAX TA K E I T T O T H E

Colour, pattern and joie de vivre are back, says JESSICA DOYLE – and hurrah for that! It’s time to ditch social conventions, abandon bare white walls and inject some confidence and personality again

f there are positives to be gleaned from the upheaval of the past 18 months, one of them is surely the sense of individuality and joie de vivre that is permeating interior design. The constraints of lockdown life, and the fluid way in which we have since become accustomed to living thanks to flexible working, have inspired a new feeling of freedom in home decor. Could this be the dawn of a golden age of decorating, where personality reigns, and anything goes? ‘Post-lockdown, a lot of people want to express themselves, and one way to do that is through colour, because it has such a strong emotional effect,’ says interior designer Natalie Tredgett, who has seen an increase in clients wanting to introduce colour and pattern to their homes (natalietredgett.com). ‘I think people are doing it for themselves now, rather than for others’ approval, and just want to surround themselves with the things that bring them joy.’ A period of lack of contact with the outside world has, perhaps, made us care less about perceived good taste, and what others think. ‘It’s out with social convention, in with self-expression,’ she adds. That confidence with decorating choices is inspiring some to be bolder in the way they dress the more public areas of their homes. Whereas

ABOVE & BELOW: Antique finds for maximalist interiors from La Maison London

the downstairs loo used to be the place to go wild with a patterned wallpaper, now a more colourful look is making its way into dining and living spaces, too. ‘We’ve discovered an interesting development that the pandemic has caused,’ says interior designer Lucy Barlow (barlowandbarlow.com). ‘Having lived without bars and restaurants for a while, clients are looking more and more to make their own super-fabulous entertaining spaces at home. Our clients want dining rooms and bar areas that transport people to their favourite restaurant or club without having to leave their front door. We have become more reliant on getting everything we need from our own homes, and that’s even stretching to partying and entertainment.’ The places people have looked for decorating inspiration have also influenced style trends. Television shows and films have taken the place of hotels and travel to provide a shot of interiors escapism, with the lavish sets of big-budget series such as Bridgerton, The Crown and The Pursuit of Love bringing the background to the forefront of the screen, and encouraging a return to a more exuberant style of decorating. Exquisite chinoiserie wallcoverings by de Gournay (degournay.com) stole the show in the Netflix hit Bridgerton and its

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A colourful living space designed by Barlow & Barlow

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A joyful clash of vibrant prints and colours brightens this room designed by Natalie Tredgett

adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, as did several spectacular pieces of gilded furniture by British company La Maison London (lamaisonlondon. com), which specialises in antiques and bespoke, period-style furniture. Louise Bacou, the brand’s creative director, believes that exposure to beautiful television and film sets such as these are emboldening people to be inspired by the decor styles of the past and go for a more dramatic look at home. Indeed, one current client who owns a large country house in Oxfordshire commissioned La Maison to make furniture for a suite of rooms after seeing stills from Rebecca on the company’s Instagram feed. And yes, social media is playing its part – because an interior drenched in colour, pattern and fabulous furniture stands out on the grid, so maximalist images are increasingly infiltrating our feeds. ‘We’re becoming more visually aware,’ says Bacou. ‘With Instagram, with all the visual platforms, we send pictures to each other and we take pictures of everything, all the time. As a result, people are more confident about their own taste, and saying what they want. Maximalism is a brave move, so I’d have expected people to be overwhelmed by the idea of how to put a room like that together, yet it doesn’t seem to be the case. There was a time when we used to say “Less is more”, but that has changed, we want to feel freer to express ourselves without rules.’ For those who feel moved to let their inner maximalist loose, there has never been more choice. The rise of country-house style over recent years has led to a joyful explosion of decorative detail, with frills, flounces and fringes firmly back on the style agenda, and colours and patterns being clashed with abandon. It has also given a boost to the renaissance of patterned wallpaper,

which is no longer confined to a lone feature wall but is spreading over all four walls and, in some cases, to the ceiling too. Natalie Tredgett recommends brands such as Christopher Farr Cloth (christopherfarrcloth. com), Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com) and Peg Norris, stocked by Schumacher (fschumacher.co.uk), for stylish statement prints. When it comes to putting together a palette, she suggests looking to nature to find colour combinations in the patterns of flowers and birds, and adds that a bold, bright scheme can also be restful: ‘When using strong colours, if you mix in softer shades from the same family, it tends to calm things down a bit and take the edge off.’ Where different patterns are being used in the same space, a combination of organic and geometric designs will balance each other out and give interest to the eye. For instance, try florals paired with stripes, or soft curves juxtaposed with a chequerboard motif. A scattering of oversized accessories, such as lamps and mirrors, adds scale and impact. An alternative to patternmixing is to take the matchy-matchy approach, a trend harking back to the 1980s that is gathering pace again, with brands such as Soane Britain (soane.co.uk) and House of Hackney (houseofhackney.com) wrapping entire rooms in the same pattern, from the walls and windows to the furniture and cushions: an approach that is undoubtedly playful and maximalist, but also cohesive. In the end, the only rule of maximalist design is that there are no rules; by definition, a happy, uplifting room is one that brings joy to those who are in it. ‘It should come from a place of self; you’re your own guide,’ says Tredgett. ‘If it feels good to your eye, then it will work.’ n

PHOTOS: © GEORGINA VINEY

‘We’re becoming more VISUALLY aware... As a result, people are more CONFIDENT about THEIR own taste, and saying what they WANT’

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INSIDE LANE

From floors to walls and everywhere in between, Carole Annett has the insider knowledge

THE LINEN LADDER This Fern Tip design began life as a pencil sketch of a fern leaf, later translated in a lino cut. It’s printed in England. £90 p/m, thelinenladder.com

LELIEVRE Flabella, an Art Deco-inspired jacquard from the Rétrospective collection. £300.30 p/m, lelievreparis.com

LARSEN Koa fabric in duck. £89 p/m, larsenfabrics.com

LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY Fabrics are your friend, to live with and love

GUY GOODFELLOW On the walls: Garsington in cognac, £170 p/m. On the chairs: Hintlesham in marine, £210 p/m. On the tablecloth: Roussillon in aqua, £160 p/m. guygoodfellowcollection.com

SUSI BELLAMY Dusk Scape square cushion, £110; Curtain in jade velvet, £22 p/m. susi-bellamy.com

FLORA SOAMES Pavilion outdoor stripe fabric in sea blue, emerald, sage, lilac, ruby and blush, £170 p/m. Pavilion outdoor stripe umbrella, £1,462; Houghton sunlounger, £2,040. florasoames.com

NINA CAMPBELL Turfan, a soft chenille weave featuring multi-coloured diamonds. £83 p/m, osborneandlittle.com

MULBERRY HOME Berber stripe in denim from the Stripes II collection at GP & J Baker. £95 p/m, gpjbaker.com

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ARTE Curve wallcovering, a 3D textile made from bouclé fabric with a pattern of overlapping curves. £289 p/m, arte-international.com

KARUN THAKAR Arabesque wallpaper for Soane Britain. £150 p/roll, soane.co.uk

GALLERY OF GREAT IDEAS Wallpapers to make you swoon

HOUSE OF HACKNEY Andastra wallpaper in Almandine. £185 p/ roll, houseofhackney.com

COLE & SON Court Embroidery from the Historic Royal Palaces Great Masters collection. £130 p/roll, cole-and-son.com CHRISTOPHER FARR Belle de Nuit wallpaper from the archives of Raoul Dufy. £103.50 p/m, christopherfarrcloth.com

ANDREW MARTIN Latitude wallpaper. £420 p/roll, andrewmartin.co.uk

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON Celestia wallpaper from the Daydreams collection. £198 p/roll, matthewwilliamson.com

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CA’ PIETRA Memphis, a 20x20cm porcelain tile with star print available in six colours including denim, khaki and coral. £1.96 each or £48.90 per sq/m. sarsenstonegroup.com

LOOMAH Eclipse from The Frida Collection, a collaboration with Celine Interior Design – six designs featuring smoky tones of cool grey and blue. £829 per sq/m, loomah.com

LUKE IRWIN The Vitruvian Collection explores the blurring of the lines between heaven and earth, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s own exploration of this subject, heavily influenced by the Roman architect Vitruvius. Mirandola Persian hand-knotted silk rug, from £1,330. lukeirwin.com

Flooring ideas to capture the eye and imagination KERSAINT COBB Cathedral flooring from the Heritage Parquet range. £49.99 per sq/m, kersaintcobb.co.uk

RIVIERE RUGS Jigsaw monochrome wool and silk rug from the Riviere Rugs x Zoffany collection. £973 per sq/m, riviererugs.com BRINTONS Abbotsford Macinnes carpet. £75.99 per sq/m, brintons.co.uk

TED TODD Floorboards from the Rare Finds collection of reclaimed Victorian pine, sourced from locations across Yorkshire and Lancashire. Available in lengths up to four metres. £POA, tedtodd.co.uk

PHOTOS: © RENEE KEMPS

ALL HANDS ON DECK

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est. 1937

New collections in all our showrooms 0345 600 1950 | www.cphart.co.uk

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ABOVE: Table linen by Gayle Warwick; BELOW: Dining room created by Natalia Miyar

DINING IN

The hottest new restaurant? Your dining room. AMY BROOMFIELD explores our renewed love for setting the scene - and the table – within our own homes

rom one lockdown to the next, when sitting on a bench a metre apart from a loved one became a rare luxury, this last year has forced us to relearn the true value of being social. And nowhere has the loss of interaction been felt quite so keenly as across the dining table. Often bought with the dreamy ideal of hosting low-lit dinner parties surrounded by friends’ shining faces, those tables were transformed by the pandemic into hot desks, home-schooling stations and spots for ‘zombie eating’ – an apt term coined by the New York Times in March to describe dining in front of a screen. While open-plan living will always be popular, designers and architects have observed renewed interest in formal dining rooms. Although restaurants are open and there is no restriction on groups (in England, at least), hosting friends in our homes has become an event in its own right – and a safer-feeling environment for many. ‘Before the pandemic, the dining room was a means to an end, where we ate because it was dinner time or because we were expecting guests,’ says head of Harrods Interiors, Letitia Fitzgibbon. ‘Now, it is our event space, our celebration space, our break from the home office where we feel safe to gather with loved ones.’ In response to the resurgence of interest in formal dining, Harrods Interiors recently launched a wellreceived ‘end-to-end’ tablescaping service. Its purpose is to guide clients through all the steps for throwing a memorable dinner party, plotting everything from room layouts and furniture selection to cutlery and decorative objets (harrods.com). ‘We are an increasingly digital and show-and-tell society,’ Letitia says. ‘So naturally with this increase we begin to seek forms of expression beyond

fashion and beauty. Today, what you purchase to adorn your dining table – the stylistic choices you make, the mood you create on a tabletop and the food you serve – is as much a reflection of who you are as a new designer handbag.’ Fiona Dreesmann, specialist curator of one-off decorative finds such as ceramics and glassware at Fiona Finds, also sees the value of bringing back the dining room (fionafinds.co.uk). ‘It is often the room with the most beautiful things, that happens to be used the least, which is a great shame,’ she says. ‘History repeats itself and if you look back to baroque paintings

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Impeccable taste every time Found in the world’s finest kitchens, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are designed to simplify and enhance your life from morning to night.

SU B Z ER O-WOLF. C O.U K

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we can see tables laid beautifully for a feast. While we may have less food on the table, dining is a festivity and should be treated as one. If you ask guests into your home then I think you should make an effort to give them a treat. For me, I relish the opportunity to be creative.’ For interior designer and architect Natalia Miyar, the shift towards more designed spaces is incredibly welcome and one that should be considered a luxury (nataliamiyar.com). ‘For me this is one of the happy consequences of lockdown, to have spaces that are visually and physically distinct from another,’ she says. ‘If you have the space, you should make the dining room the most beautiful room in the house, with well-considered lighting that can be dimmed at night for ambience, and finishes and accessories in jewel tones, copper or gold that shimmer and sparkle in candlelight.’ It’s not just the act of dining together that has returned. When it comes to cooking, quick kits are out and the ritual of preparing food has returned. While ready-to-eat solutions during the pandemic sky-rocketed to help us cope with multitasking at Olympian levels, the joy of preparing a meal from scratch has returned along with the semblance of normal. ‘My instinct tells me people are cooking far more,’ Natalia says. ‘There is so much produce that can be sourced locally now, which is far more exciting to cook with. Food is fresh and accessible plus we are more educated about choices and provenance. When I entertain, everything is made in advance and there is definitely a ritualistic element to the preparation.’ Gayle Warwick, founder of her eponymous handembroidered table linen brand, noticed an increase in sales across tableware as people spent more time at home and wanted to make their space a sanctuary (gaylewarwick.com). To Gayle, a well-laid table is nothing new, however. ‘It’s something my grandmother took very seriously, but then again they had more time,’ she notes. ‘Investing in the home is definitely on the rise, and the joy of entertaining is coming back. Now, every occasion is a major celebration: seeing family, setting the table and enjoying food together.’ Gayle also observes that customers are

more willing to experiment, another outcome of the pandemic. ‘When everything else felt so controlled and out of our control, we had to find ways to create the fun and excitement at home, whether that is playing with themes, colours or new foods when dining,’ she says. ‘Dining is a sensory experience bringing together taste and smell,’ says Ruth Douglas, managing director at Heirlooms, a leading producer of bespoke linens (heirlooms-linens.com). ‘We provide the extra visual element to create a practical but compelling table display.’ Her advice on how to get started? ‘Begin by choosing fabrics for your tablecloth, napkins and placemats. Our experts can help decide what works best, adding a pop of colour or metallic detailing through bespoke embroidery to add that wow factor, then finishing the look with decorative items such as napkin rings, candelabras, flowers, lights and mirrors.’ However you choose to style your table, most experts are agreed: the more personal the better. ‘Every client and request is unique, and so our approach to tablescaping is both bespoke and seasonal,’ says Letitia. ‘Personal context creates the most vivid design stories.’ So once you have mastered the setting, all that’s left is to perfect that memorable menu. n

‘Investing in the HOME is definitely on the RISE, and the joy of ENTERTAINING is coming back. Now, every occasion is a major CELEBRATION... enjoying FOOD together’

AMY BROOMFIELD IS THE EDITOR OF HARRODS HOME & PROPERTY MAGAZINE

ABOVE: Dress your table with pristine Heirloom Linens RIGHT: Beautiful one-off tableware curated by Fiona Finds

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Ball gowns for light bulbs upmarket style, street-market prices

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INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS SHOULD RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT I’m not an eco-warrior, but I try to protect and preserve our wonderful world. I reclaim and reuse beautiful antiques and pre-loved pieces to create comfortable, perfectly imperfect interiors.

INFO@ANAENGELHORN.COM . ANAENGELHORN.COM . INSTAGRAM @ANAENGELHORN

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THE

FINEST INTERIOR

DESIGNERS The names lighting up the British design world right now, as chosen by a panel that included Bill Amberg, Anna Mason and Matthew Williamson. Words by EMMA LOVE

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

1508 LONDON Over the last 11 years 1508 London has grown into an 80-strong team of interior designers and architects with offices around the world (Dubai, São Paulo, North America and Hong Kong) and a portfolio of clients to match. Currently these include The OWO Residences by Raffles at the landmark Old War Office in London, the Rosewood hotel in Doha and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in LA. ‘The lessons absorbed from our residential designs about how the world’s elite live their lives filter up the creative ladder to influence every project, but it works the other way round too,’ says partner Hamish Brown of the company, which has an equal split between private homes and hospitality, yachts and residential developments. ‘If we analyse the common threads in our work, they would be quality of materials, attention to detail and an immersion in local vernacular and culture.’ 1508london.com

ABBIE DE BUNSEN Joyous, stylish spaces with soul: that’s the aim of Abbie de Bunsen, who launched her Balham-based business 12 years ago. ‘I am endlessly fascinated by how much we are consciously or otherwise influenced by our surroundings,’ she says. ‘It is so often the details that you can’t quite put your finger on that turn a space into something truly memorable.’ The minutiae is what interests Abbie who, for one of her first interior schemes, recreated an antique map she found in the archives at the British Library using tea staining for effect and turning it into the top of a coffee table. Bursts of colour and layering textures are also staples. In progress is a 16th-century house on the River Test, a modernist home in Richmond and a property in Sussex with a 1970s California feel. abbiedebunsen.com 26 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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BARLOW & BARLOW

As a springboard to launching Barlow & Barlow eight years ago, Lucy Barlow designed the interiors for a 20,000 sq/ft listed building on the Strand that was transformed into four luxury apartments (which sold for record breaking prices). She joined forces with her brother Max – a lighting designer – and now her architect and landscape designer husband Joshua Sear is on board too. Her trademark use of colour and pattern ranges from flashes of leopard print (‘It’s my go-to; I definitely consider it a neutral,’ she says) to the graphic style of Aboriginal art – her latest inspiration. ‘It’s so important to focus on a sense of fun. Homes should have a cheerful character and warm charm to them; it’s about creating a space that makes you feel happy.’ The studio encourages clients to make braver choices than they would on their own ‘mixing old with new, chintzy and plain, rough with smooth to make things a tiny bit unexpected.’ barlowandbarlow.com

ADAM BRAY Adam Bray started out as an antiques dealer with a shop on Ledbury Road before turning his hand to interior design, so it’s no wonder that he has the edge when it comes to sourcing unusual objets d’art and furniture. ‘Antiques bring soul to a room; nothing gives a scheme more depth than the patina of age,’ says Adam, who also has a knack for bringing in gloss finishes, richly hued velvets and rare textiles to his comfortable and unpretentious schemes. Together with his small team he is wrapping up work on houses in Suffolk and Sussex, and has launched a wallpaper with Hamilton Weston (a second is coming soon). Plus he has a shop in Camden full of his latest vintage finds, which range from a French 1950s floor lamp to a Russian straw marquetry box. adambray.info

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

BASE INTERIOR

Swedish-born Beata Heuman opened her studio in 2013 after a nine-year stint working for Nicky Haslam. Since then she has been creating beautiful, comfortable rooms with playful, considered details such as brass handles or a Dodo Egg pendant light (part of a bespoke collection of pieces that can be bought from her online store Shoppa). Off-beat palettes and an otherworldly element are also signatures, as are the charming watercolour design sketches she paints for clients. At the moment she’s splitting her time between houses in Manhattan, London and Rotterdam, as well as a property on her family’s farm where she grew up. ‘It’s from the 18th century and I’m getting quite inspired by the elegant simplicity of that time, especially in a countryside setting,’ she says. ‘I often end up doing green and blue combinations in rooms as I find the association with nature both calming and invigorating.’ beataheuman.com

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CELINE INTERIOR DESIGN

‘There is a recognisable sophisticated and glamorous look to all Celine Interior Design spaces,’ explains director Noor Charchafchi, who set up the studio seven years ago after switching careers from aviation finance law. Flawlessly finished interiors feature a mix of textures – leather hides against a soft bouclé, say, or beautiful onyx and marble. ‘What makes a material interesting is how you choose to use it. At the moment, I’m exploring Marmorino plaster and seeing how it works with different techniques such as bass relief to create sculptural wall surfaces.’ One recent and particularly exciting commission was the redesign of Blue Bird, a 1930s yacht built for Sir Malcolm Campbell that was also used for the evacuation of British forces from Dunkirk. She has also co-founded new fabric company Smith & Noor specialising in linens and wools, and collaborated with Couture Editions on Nahla, a series of limited-edition photographic prints sparked by her desire to create original artwork for clients. celineinteriordesign.com

PHOTOS: © SIMON UPTON

BEATA HEUMAN

Set up by Deborah Bass in 2010, Base Interior is renowned for producing timeless interiors that feel organic and effortless. Often spaces have a handmade touch – such as a painting, sculpture or tapestry – plus ‘a layering up of texture and geometry to create balance.’ Deborah sees the practice as a ‘catalyst that communicates the client’s unique vision and gets it built’ while taking considerations such as proportion and practicality into account. ‘Colour and texture both inform my interiors and, having been so very at home this year, I have really focused on the paintings that I live with for inspiration: the Rococo-style works of Flora Yukhnovich and the delicacy of collage by María Berrío,’ she says. The team has just completed several residences close to the Marylebone studio and there are two exciting firsts in the planning: a London restaurant and branching out to the US with a house in Virginia. baseinterior.com

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The Londoner Hotel

BRINGING ART TO LIGHT Transforming Art Collections in the Finest Hotels, Great British Treasure Houses, Galleries and Museums, Private Collections, and Your Home. TMLIGHTING.COM

The Londoner Hotel, Y Bar -

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Lighting design: Inverse Lighting

Spotlights: TM ZeroFifty

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

8 COLLETTZARZYCKI

DAVID COLLINS STUDIO

It might be best known for its roll call of high-end hospitality and retail spaces – Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa and Harrods Food Halls to name a few – but David Collins Studio takes on private residences too (current locations include Hong Kong). For Creative Director Simon Rawlings, inspiration ranges from books on other interior designers (such as Studio Peregalli) to Japanese ceramics and sustainable materials. ‘I keep going back to Marmoleum as an amazing surface for tabletops: it’s Scottish-made, 97 per cent natural, carbon neutral, fully recyclable and compostable.’ He believes that the best designs are a collaborative effort. ‘It is a sum of so many experts coming together and finding a harmony of creation. Whether it’s sound, light, feeling, touch or taste, these all play such a huge part in crafting the perfect experience.’ davidcollins.studio

PHOTOS: © JACK HARDY

Directors Anthony Collett and Andrzej Zarzycki began their creative partnership in 1988 and have since garnered a reputation for classic contemporary interior schemes. The majority of their fixtures, fittings and furniture are bespoke – usually in natural materials such as timber, stone and metals, as well as handcrafted fabrics – and they work with artisans to realise their vision (they recently tasked Object Studio with manufacturing two large, cast bronze sculptural seats for a family home in Zurich). Eye-catching bolts of bright colour – a yellow velvet sofa, for instance, or a contemporary sea-green panel of stained glass – often appear too. Inspiration comes from the context of each individual residence, which right now translates to a rustic, organic style for a beach house in Corsica and clean-cut boxy shapes for a hypermodern penthouse in Tel Aviv. collett-zarzycki.com

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Wallpaper, Addison Daybed and bed panels in Antilles Toile. Bed panels lined in Saybrook Check. Cushions in Clipperton Stripe. Bolsters in Javanese Stripe.

Antilles Collection: Wallpaper, Print & Woven Fabrics Anna French is a division of Thibaut, Inc. www.annafrench.co.uk tel: 020 7737 6555

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

EDWARD BULMER INTERIOR DESIGN The first building Edward Bulmer worked on in his own right was Althorp: an enormous ten-year undertaking for Earl Spencer that involved re-hanging 500 pictures. Since then the architectural historian, interior designer and founder of eco-friendly Edward Bulmer Natural Paint has had a hand in restoring many of England’s country houses (he is currently working on the fine rooms at Somerley and new bedrooms for Arundel Castle). A growing amount of time is now spent on the refitting of old houses as well as the creation of new buildings in traditional styles. For Edward, this is all about the contrast between formality and informality, old and new. ‘Above all it must be practical, comfortable and harmonious,’ he says. Colour of the moment? ‘London Brown. It puts everything else in a good light; it is strong and warm but somehow respectful to other hues regardless of weight and shade. I think it might be time for deep browns to enjoy a resurgence.’ edwardbulmerinteriordesign.co.uk

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‘To be a good designer you need to have an innate interest in people and the way in which they aspire to live in their homes,’ says Charu Gandhi, who set up Elicyon seven years ago and specialises in curated, tailored interiors. ‘I find the process of collaborating with clients to bring out their individual expression one of the most delightful aspects of my work. It’s a cornerstone of my design philosophy.’ Past career-defining contracts have included creating private apartments in Clarges Mayfair and a number of spaces at the landmark Chelsea Barracks development. Most recently she has completed a listed house in Belgravia, family home in Chelsea and a five bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge that references the whitewashed tones of Ibiza and Mykonos, and comes complete with gallery space for the owner’s collection of pop art and sculpture. Right now, blonde timbers, woven leather and tapestries are all part of her moodboard. elicyon.com

PHOTOS: © ANDREW CROWLEY; © PATRICK WILLIAMSON

ELICYON

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FIONA BARRATT INTERIORS Elegant neutrals interlaced with interesting and unusual textures are characteristic of Fiona Barratt-Campbell’s luxurious aesthetic. ‘I start with a neutral palette but bring in strong materials like sandblasted wood, cast bronze and stone. Then I create balance by adding soft and tactile finishes,’ confirms Fiona, who cites the natural world as a huge inspiration. Lending a home a sense of place, as well as maximising the potential of existing elements within the building are both priorities. ‘A successful interior should enhance, not dictate, the way someone lives through well thought-out spaces that possess true design integrity,’ she says. Alongside the interiors studio – where on-the-go properties include a pair of chalets in the French Alps and a Grade II-listed mansion in Berkshire – she is behind FBC London, which has a new furniture collection launching in September and a series of handcrafted lighting on the way. fionabarrattinteriors.com

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

HELEN GREEN DESIGN Founded nearly 20 years ago, Helen Green Design is synonymous with considered, understated style and timeless interior schemes. ‘We are focused on specialist craftsmanship and championing British design, and proud to say that all our sourcing is done in the UK from specialist artisans and suppliers,’ says Creative Lead Alexandra Jurkiewicz, who cites her inspiration as historical houses, which she reimagines in a contemporary setting. ‘Each project we take on embodies the same pursuit of excellence, meticulous attention to detail and perfection.’ Projects in the pipeline include a modern villa in Vienna, a listed duplex apartment in Knightsbridge and a manor house in Surrey. Expect layering, pared back detailing and beautifully crafted bespoke joinery and furniture peppered throughout. helengreendesign.com

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HENRY PRIDEAUX INTERIOR DESIGN ‘Whatever the colour scheme, I like to use pattern and texture in a slightly unexpected way to create interesting, characterful spaces,’ says Henry Prideaux, citing a family home in Chelsea where he combined blue, red and white in a range of patterned and textured fabrics for a living room as an example. Having cut his teeth at Nicky Haslam’s NH Design and Harrods Interior Design, he set up his practice in 2014 with the aim of creating authentic interiors that subtly reflect the lifestyle and interests of the owners. ‘Ensuring the design nails spatial planning with a scheme that flows through the house is crucial for a successful interior. We aim to surprise our clients whenever possible by over delivering on expectation to give them the very best version of their original ideas and our initial design concepts.’ henryprideaux.com

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ASPIRATIONAL HOMES FROM AN INSPIRATIONAL COMPANY Recognised as the pioneers of luxury housebuilding, Octagon have an unrivalled reputation for building brand new and beautifully restored homes throughout London and the Home Counties. Our in-house team of architects have been designing award winning homes for over 40 years, combining classic exteriors, beautifully landscaped gardens and contemporary interiors to create something truly remarkable. From extensive refurbishment and restoration to speculative builds and interior design, we offer a turnkey service from concept right through to completion. The current Octagon collection offers wonderfully spacious family homes in prime locations, starting from £625,000, rising to over £20 million.

CHAPEL VIEW East Molesey

HILLSIDE MANOR Weybridge

BROADOAKS PARK West Byfleet

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

JESSICA BUCKLEY Edinburghbased Jessica Buckley worked in commercial property investment before retraining and setting up her interior design studio a decade ago. Comfortable spaces layered with pattern and colour are her hallmark – for instance, placing an abstract rug over a larger sisal one and using curtains for cosiness. ‘I like to make sure that a room is set out in a very easy way, with soft seating and a spot nearby for placing drinks down,’ says Jessica, who is soon starting work on a home in Wimbledon as well as three houses in the Cotswolds – a location that taps into her rural influences. ‘I moved to the countryside about a year ago and it’s very much inspired my taste for slightly dirtier tones, chintzy prints and very traditional English decoration.’ jessicabuckley.co.uk

15 ‘We believe that most great design is subtle; it can be quietly appreciated over time and through its use. It’s about perfect scaling and harmony with the surroundings,’ says Katie Glaister, who started K&H Design in 2015 with co-founder Henry Miller-Robinson. Their skill at combining practical and creative considerations results in ‘exquisite homes that work hard’, whether it’s a rooftop apartment in Hong Kong that was planned according to the principles of Feng Shui or a listed neoclassical flat in Belgravia that has been reconfigured with Brutalist interventions. Designing kitchens for clients using interesting materials (such as sustainable Pyrolave within a bespoke terrazzo worktop and splash back, say) and introducing out-ofthe-ordinary pieces by artisans and craftspeople (as they are currently doing for a client in Stockholm) are also part of their refined design DNA. kandhdesign.co.uk

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K&H DESIGN

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

KATHARINE POOLEY Katharine Pooley describes her residential interiors as ‘international eclectic luxury’ – and not because their far-flung locations range from Kuwait to Zermatt. Instead she’s referring to the aesthetic, which typically draws on her globe-trotting travels. ‘The natural world continues to be a great inspiration,’ she says, referencing the last lockdown year. ‘I find the colours, textures and organic forms of the great outdoors endlessly thought provoking. I based a recent bedroom design on a piece of sea glass found on a coastal walk; it was a sublime shade of green and totally serene.’ She officially launched her business in 2004 with a home accessories boutique in Knightsbridge. The design studio followed a year later and now there’s a second office in Qatar. For her, the best design is about ‘the balance of memorably beautiful statement pieces such as joinery, art and directional lighting, with an overall feeling of effortless comfort.’ katharinepooley.com

17 For the last two years Clara Ewart has been head of design at Kitesgrove (previously she was associate director at Todhunter Earle) overseeing a residential portfolio that includes a Grade II-listed vicarage in Oxfordshire, a Hampstead penthouse and a Surrey family home that involved a two-wing extension, full refurbishment and updating much-loved heirlooms to give them a new lease of life. ‘A successful interior is one that feels authentic, as though it has always been that way; a space that has come together over time,’ says Clara, who has also been developing a collection of sustainable rugs with Jennifer Manners made from recycled plastic, which is launching this winter. The studio’s current portfolio is equally diverse. It includes a contemporary villa in Kuwait (their first client in the Middle East), several houses in London and the Cotswolds, and the curation of a farm shop in Oxfordshire which covers everything from the design to staff uniforms and food displays. kitesgrove.com

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KITESGROVE

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H a rd w a r e | Sw itc hes & Soc kets | Lig hting c orston. com

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

LAWSON ROBB Whether working on a superprime development, superyacht or private residential commission the multi-disciplinary team at Lawson Robb has a reputation for pushing design boundaries. ‘Our principle foundation is to create approachable yet thought-provoking spaces,’ says Co-Design Director, Lena Cottray. The buzzword here is curation: nature vs architecture, rough with smooth, organic materials against hand finished surfaces, and a playful flourish through art. ‘We curate everything from considered optimal layouts to the final dressing of an interior,’ confirms fellow Design Director, George Wolstenholme. ‘As a studio we relish opportunities to work on a variety of schemes from heritage to futuristic.’ Most recently this has included the renovation of a Grade II-listed town house in Little Venice, a luxury development in Mallorca where ‘the brief was more essentialism than excess’ and the sleek, groundbreaking superyacht, Phi, in collaboration with Royal Huisman. lawsonrobb.com

LAURA HAMMETT Run by Laura Hammett and her husband Aaron, this Fulham studio stands for pared-back luxury underpinned with opulent, elegant touches. ‘The way a home feels is always at the forefront of our minds when we design,’ says Laura. ‘I love an interior to slowly reveal itself as you take in its details, rather than be too overpowering.’ Creating bespoke pieces is integral to their schemes, as is thinking practically when choosing fabrics and finishes – especially for clients with young families. ‘We love a tailored look but without it being overly formal; we almost always work with a neutral base but there are a few favourite colour combinations we use, such as navy and bronze.’ Ongoing projects span ten countries and the studio has recently launched its first lighting collection in collaboration with Bella Figura. laurahammett.com

20 After repeated requests from clients, it was a natural next-step for Linley to branch out into interior design. That was 14 years ago, and since 2018 creative directors Michael Keech and Graham Green have headed up the division with their trademark architecture-first approach to the flow and function of a building. The results are typically unobtrusive, a sensitive reimagining of traditional themes for modern living. ‘We always ask questions: is the client out to impress or are they after comfort and cosiness? Do they have a collection of art or a grand piano that needs to be housed perfectly?’ explains Michael. ‘The one constant is lighting: good lighting is key to any kind of space.’ The pair has just put the finishing touches to a Baroque palace in Yorkshire and a French Empire-inspired Palladian house in Buckinghamshire. davidlinley.com

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LINLEY

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LOUISE BRADLEY A self-labelled perfectionist, Louise Bradley has been creating classic schemes that nod to contemporary for the last three decades. For her, context comes first: ‘I take inspiration from what you can see outside and then try to weave this into the interior through colour, texture or bespoke furniture designs,’ says Louise, who has not long completed a family home in Jersey and an apartment overlooking Regent’s Park. ‘Often people make the mistake of viewing a room in isolation but it’s vital to bear in mind the transition between spaces, to build up a fully considered home.’ Her favourite part of a project is the initial design stages and she loves ‘creating new soft furnishing schemes and being inventive with layouts and joinery details.’ To celebrate this anniversary year she is launching a book, Interior: Louise Bradley (Merrell, £50) and a new collection of furniture. louisebradley.co.uk

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

MAISON ARABELLA Having honed her skills at Candy and Candy and Katharine Pooley, Arabella Bassadone set up her design practice in 2016. She has a natural leaning towards clean geometric lines, classical proportions and big statement colour, always creating individual schemes with understated glamour. ‘Our portfolio balances art, craft and architectural dynamism to create life-enhancing spaces,’ says Arabella, whose versatility is evidenced in commissions that range from an office for her family’s automotive business to a spa and a new-build residential villa integrated into a cliff-face. ‘It is such an exciting opportunity to get involved with the full architecture and landscaping. Working on a home from inception can really create unique interior opportunities that we can normally only dream about.’ She also has a homewares collection of furniture and objects, available online and at the by-appointment Belgravia studio. maisonarabella.com

MARTIN BRUDNIZKI DESIGN STUDIO From Scott’s to Sexy Fish, Martin Brudnizki is best known for shaping the look of London’s restaurant scene. That’s not all: over the last 21 years he has also set the visual tone for bars, retail spaces and members’ clubs around the world including Annabel’s in Mayfair, the Soho Beach House in Miami and his latest launch, The Britely in LA. ‘We tried to make it feel evocative of the elegance of the Hollywood of old to offer members and their guests a feeling of escapism and fantasy,’ he says about the thinking behind the design. Several members of his 70-strong team focus solely on private residences, taking on two or three at a time for clients drawn to Martin’s eclectic creativity and unique way of putting things together. ‘The trick to a welcoming space is personality: fill it with life through art, accessories, fabrics, lamps and wall coverings,’ he enthuses. mbds.com

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HAMI S H MAC KI E S C U L P TU RE LIFE IN BRONZE

Catalogue available, get in touch if you would like to be sent one. Sculptures shipped worldwide directly from my UK studio. www.hamishmackie.com • hamish@hamishmackie.com • + 44 (0) 7971 028 098

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

MARTIN HULBERT DESIGN In addition to residential projects, design duo Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson are best known for putting their contemporary stamp on traditional country house hotels, most recently devising new interiors for The Grove, Hertfordshire and The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, as well as No. 15 Great Pulteney in Bath. ‘We have no rules; our minds remain wide open when it comes to inspiration,’ says Jay, for whom the natural light and aspect of a room determines the choice of colours. ‘We are working on two new hotels in Brighton and York and having complete creative freedom has put a real buzz in our step.’ One of their main aims is ‘creating atmosphere so people instantly relax’. martinhulbertdesign.com

From private jets to sleek yachts, landmark developments to spectacular residences, Martin Kemp is the super prime market’s go-to designer, as renowned for his absolute discretion as he is his acute attention to detail. ‘It’s important that we challenge expectation and deliver something that has been given that extra little bit of consideration – a chamfer, a trim or inlay perhaps,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t need to be a bold step. It may only be a subtle detail which helps a piece of cutlery stay upright inside a drawer, for instance. Though equally, we relish transforming architecture, removing walls and opening up previously unimagined height or vistas.’ Keeping him busy is the ground-up fit-out of two grand historical mansions in London, a vast estate comprised of four houses in France, a sky-scraper apartment in New York and a 64m superyacht in Italy. martinkempdesign.com 44 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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MLINARIC, HENRY AND ZERVUDACHI First established in 1964 by David Mlinaric, the studio initially garnered a reputation for working on important London and country houses, often in association with the National Trust. These days MHZ is something quite different: a global outfit with offices in London, Paris and New York (the latter two are overseen by Tino Zervudachi) that work both together and separately on a portfolio that ranges from chalets in Europe to houses in the US, Japan and UK. An emphasis is placed on creating understated harmonious interiors that don’t feel overdesigned through a sympathetic use of colour and combining antiques with modern furniture. ‘We like to get the interior architecture right then the schemes follow in an organic way,’ explains Tino. ‘Good design should at its heart be functional and simple. And it’s important to be able to edit: less is really more where possible.’ mhzlondon.com

NICOLA HARDING & CO. Behind Nicola Harding’s design approach is a self-confessed fascination with what makes a house a home – something which can be seen in her confident yet unexpected colour palettes, thoughtful details and interesting finds. ‘For me, finding the line between relaxed unpredictability and reassuring order is the secret to a welcoming space,’ says Nicola, whose recent work includes a family home complete with a boat house on the River Thames and Beaverbrook Town House in Knightsbridge. Next on the list is reimagining the internal layout of a Jacobean manor house to make it fit for modern living, as well as creating a walled kitchen garden and banqueting greenhouse in the grounds (her background is in garden design so she is often asked to tackle the outdoors for clients too). Sustainability is always a critical consideration and the studio is in the process of becoming B Corp-certified. nicolaharding.com

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

NINA CAMPBELL It’s a milestone year for interiors doyenne Nina Campbell, who is celebrating half a century of working in design. As in-demand as ever, she has spent recent months juggling global requests that include updating a home for a member of Jordan’s royal family (‘I seem to have got into a coral mode at the moment,’ she says of her colour palette choice) and waving her wand over another floor of the exclusive women-only Alexandra Club in Melbourne (she has previously completed the first section). ‘I used trompe l’oeil panelling for the doors to the private dining room, then punched in rather strong turquoise, watermelon and orange so the whole room sings.’ One of the greatest changes she has witnessed in interiors, she says, has been in embracing open-plan living. ‘You used to have a drawing room that you barely went into and a kitchen buried in the basement. Everything has become much more interactive. Now the kitchen really is the hub of the home.’ ninacampbell.com

From a Chelsea townhouse to a new build holiday home in Comporta or a stable conversion in Wales, what unites Penny Morrison’s designs is her ability to infuse a space with colour and character. ‘The most important thing to consider is that real luxury means comfort: deep sofas, feather cushions and plenty of side tables,’ she says. ‘In order for somewhere to feel welcoming, it’s important to build up layers by using different colours, patterns and textures.’ She is often inspired by vintage textiles collected on her travels including, most recently, French fabrics (she has also scooped up a range of Mexican and Andalusian painted textiles from Casa Gusto, an antique shop in Florida). To her own collection of home accessories, she has just added water repellent performance fabrics suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. pennymorrison.com

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PENNY MORRISON

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THIS IS NOT A LAMP. IT’S A TOOL FOR ANGLEPOISE.COM

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS RIGBY & RIGBY ‘Understated, refined luxury with a holistic approach to design’ that’s the ethos behind a Rigby & Rigby scheme. The multi-award winning architecture and interior design studio combines sophisticated technology, architectural elements and a personalised service to create its functional yet luxurious interiors – whether the team is working on a superprime residential property in London or the Aero Wing suites at The Maybourne Riviera on the Cote d’Azur in France. A respected player on the global design stage, other international projects in the pipeline include redesigning a prestigious private family office in a scenic setting in Oslo and an ultra-prime private residential property in Tokyo, in collaboration with the world-renowned Kengo Kuma architects. Look out for the recently launched first collection of furniture, Unknown Editions, too. rigbyandrigby.com

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PETER MIKIC Since setting up his eponymous studio 15 years ago, former fashion designer Peter Mikic has made his name with eclectic, playful spaces. He’ll often start, quite literally, from the ground up: ‘Flooring, carpets and rugs can be such a prominent feature, so considering how these aspects create a cohesiveness is really important,’ he confirms. Colour-wise he counts dusky pinks, forest greens and navy as favourites (‘when used well and with confidence, they can be transformative to a space,’) and right now is researching sustainable materials and ways to incorporate them into his schemes. Commissions under way include a bespoke private train, a house in the Hamptons and a Swiss chalet, plus he has just launched an online shop filled with antique finds and pieces from top artisanal brands. Any design rules for pulling a space together? ‘Don’t over clutter and listen to your gut.’ petermikic.com

ROOMLAB Founded four years ago by Suzann Bozorgi as an online platform, RoomLab is based on her belief that a high-end interior design service should be accessible and easy for everyone, whether a home needs a simple decorative refresh or a complete overhaul. ‘Online interior design is still fairly new,’ says Suzann of the service. ‘We tend to begin on a single room basis initially but then once people become comfortable with the way we work, more often than not they add other parts of the home too.’ They also tend to return. Around 70 per cent of clients are repeat business. One of her most memorable spaces to date was the redesign of a living area to incorporate blue cabinetry and orange wallpaper from Knowles & Christou. ‘It really pushed our boundaries as a team and made us look at colour and pattern in a whole new way.’ roomlab.co.uk 48 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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SALVESEN GRAHAM Since teaming up eight years ago, friends Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen have become known for their playful use of pattern and colour, and for putting a fresh, modern spin on English interiors. ‘You can be bold and a room can still feel really calm as long as nothing shouts too loudly,’ confirms Mary. ‘We both love green, a colour we find ourselves using when decorating our own homes, and have been drawn to some really vibrant prints lately, but we like to balance these so they don’t become dominating.’ They label their look Future Heritage: classically beautiful and carefully curated homes that feel stylish and comfortable now as well as in years to come. Recent projects include a Grade I-listed house in Cornwall and a London home full of unique architectural details. salvesengraham.com

PHOTOS: © SIMON BROWN; © KATE MARTIN; © JAMES MCDONALD

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

SAMANTHA TODHUNTER DESIGN

Since setting up her practice 19 years ago, Samantha Todhunter has turned her hand to an array of interiors. Currently, this includes a 16th-century manor house in Hertfordshire with an uber modern glass extension, a spa in San Francisco and a series of sprawling listed barns in Dorset. ‘Our MO is to create spaces that are ultimately timeless and effortless. A very large part of that is driven by the client’s brief, the room’s functionality and end use, but also it is driven by wanting to create a little bit of magic,’ she explains. ‘Layering is key to creating interesting connections between style and period, texture and colour.’ The latter, believes Samantha, is crucial for adding personality. ‘We aren’t fickle about colour. It’s absolutely central to our identity and we rarely favour one over another.’ samanthatodhunter.com

For trained architect Shalini Misra, interior design always starts with spatial appreciation. ‘Part of our approach is addition through subtraction, which is taken from Japanese design principles,’ says Shalini, who founded her eponymous design studio in 1996. ‘In practical terms for instance, sliding doors – which I like to think of as movable walls – can be used to divide a large space into smaller rooms.’ A client’s artwork is often the starting point for the design language, textures and colours too. ‘We get involved in art in many ways, sometimes to curate works for homes and often we work closely with master craftsmen and artisans in a close collaboration.’ Currently she’s working on a villa in Dubai, a New York townhouse and a large-scale luxury development in central London. shalinimisra.com 50 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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PHOTOS: © MEL YATES; © SIMON UPTON

SHALINI MISRA

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SHH ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN Founded in 1991 by David Spence, Graham Harris and Neil Hogan, SHH has a core aim of creating a seamless aesthetic with the highest attention to detail. The team works primarily in the UK, but also has large amounts of international project work in China, Hong Kong and the Middle East. ‘We collaborate with the most skilled artisans worldwide to create the unexpected,’ says the creative head of residential interiors, Susie McLaren. ‘An SHH signature touch is the integration of hidden features and unique design detailing influenced by an element of the owner’s personality or life.’ So while a mansion on an eight acre estate was restored and transformed into a family home with a new wellness wing, another new-build residence was developed around the concept of The Art of Contrasts, with fun laundry shoots for the children’s rooms, a dumbwaiter connecting all floors, and a tropical aquarium. shh.co.uk

SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER The longest-established interior decorating firm in the UK – as well as one of the most respected – Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler is renowned for its integral role in evolving English decorating style. The company’s eight leading decorators are as experienced at creating 21st-century homes as they are working on important historic buildings, with recent projects in their diverse portfolio ranging from a Swiss chalet to a pair of yachts and revamping a flat in Athens. ‘The most important thing with a scheme is letting your individuality come across. It’s a very emotional thing,’ says Chairman Wendy Nicholls. ‘Half the fascination of being an interior designer is helping extract from people their view of themselves and bringing that to life.’ Proper consideration of the space and how that reflects the architecture, the right lighting and excellent upholstery are all a priority. sibylcolefax.com

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

SIMS HILDITCH Elegant and contemporary English style is the byword at this Cotswolds design studio set up by Emma Sims-Hilditch over 20 years ago (it now has a base in Parsons Green too). Renowned for its use of natural materials and calming tones to create interiors that feel lived in and homely, the team also works closely with clients to incorporate art and antiques. ‘Antiques paired with a fresh, fun palette and patterns inspired by nature is something that we have played with in our recent designs,’ says Emma. ‘Nature is a great source of inspiration for us and we always look at a property’s natural surroundings to help determine the colour, texture and materials that will be used.’ Recently completed commissions include two London town houses, an Oxfordshire farmhouse and a Grade II-listed home that has been in the same family for 500 years. Louise Wicksteed is now design director, in charge of the day to day running of projects, and the studio is soon to launch its firstever furniture collaboration with George Smith. simshilditch.com

STUDIO DUGGAN A background in set design and interior styling proved to be the perfect foundation for Tiffany Duggan, who has spent the last decade creating dramatic yet liveable spaces. ‘I’m loving a contemporary take on English country house style at the moment: blowsy floral prints, stripes and decorative hand-painted furniture, alongside mid-century pieces and a splash of bold colour to mix it up,’ says Tiffany who has recently finished a Grade II listed former boathouse in Henley and two new builds – one traditional and the other super modern. Whatever she’s working on, detail is everything: ‘We want to help our clients create a mood. It’s about developing a singular cohesive look unique to them, so we might source tableware or vintage barware. We once even made a playlist to cement the vibe!’ She also has a home and lifestyle brand, Trove, that features an in-house collection of furniture, lighting and accessories. studioduggan.com

40 Former magazine editor-turned-designer Suzy Hoodless describes her interiors as a kind of alchemy: ‘By layering the best designed pieces from a mix of eras and styles we can create a space that feels as if it’s been slowly curated and built over many years. The alchemy comes with designing each element with beauty and functionality in mind.’ For a recent Mayfair apartment she combined rare Scandinavian furniture, 18th-century rugs, bespoke upholstery and 20th century art to create an eclectic ‘treasure trove of a 19th century world traveller set against the modern backdrop of central London elegance.’ All schemes are based around the core concepts of timelessness and practicality, whether she’s working on an Arts & Crafts family home in Hampstead, the private women-only members’ club AllBright in Mayfair or show apartments at the former BBC Television Centre in White City. ‘I want spaces to work, be comfortable and uplifting but also surprising,’ she says. suzyhoodless.com

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PHOTOS: © MARIELL LIND HANSEN; © WILL PRYCE

SUZY HOODLESS

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TAYLOR HOWES ‘The soul of Taylor Howes is echoed in our “true design for living” approach,’ says Karen Howes, who co-founded the studio nearly 30 years ago (she took over as sole director in 2011). ‘Our job is to add the wow factor while also ensuring that the way a home feels is never sacrificed for the way it looks.’ She naturally leans towards a bold, playful use of pattern and colour but ultimately the aim is to ‘get into our clients’ heads and create something that is both completely unique and right for their everyday needs.’ She and her team have completed more than 1,000 projects, the latest of which are a Cotswolds country estate, a seven-bedroom home in Knightsbridge and the Chateau Denmark hotel in Soho. Other initiatives include a collaboration with Aga and the official charitable roll-out of Rest Nest – redesigned break rooms for hospital staff. taylorhowes.co.uk

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TH2DESIGNS Relaxed luxury: that’s how Gail Taylor and Sheila Elhadery describe the th2designs look. ‘We always consider the colour palette to make sure there are underlining warm tones and layer textures to make a space feel like somewhere you want to kick your shoes off,’ says Gail of the practice, which is also known for using natural materials where possible and creating multifunctional interconnected spaces. ‘We are driven by a passion that everyone should benefit from living in a comfortable home that enhances wellbeing and makes you feel better as soon as you walk into it.’ Projects run the gamut from designing 48 apartments, a residents’ club and cinema for a high-end private rental scheme in Fitzrovia, to a family clifftop beach retreat in Cornwall. th2designs.co.uk

43 THESE WHITE WALLS Former scenographer, stylist and events designer Rose Murray takes a ‘blank canvas approach to creativity’, which centres around the client’s concept and creating a narrative. She founded These White Walls in 2017. The studio’s first commission, Hide restaurant in Mayfair, launched a year later with interiors based on the theme of ‘dwelling’ and a sitespecific art installation for each floor. ‘Our schemes are boldly elegant with a sense of unconventional beauty,’ confirms Rose, who is working on houses in the UK and Middle East, as well as a boutique hotel in Italy. ‘Devilish detail combined with emotive materials and contemporary craft make each space feel inspiring.’ Restrained palettes are often paired with raw materials for depth. ‘Wood and brass are ever present and appear in a number of guises, and I’m obsessed with plaster,’ she says. ‘There is always movement in the materials we pick, which give our designs a sense of aliveness.’ thesewhitewalls.com

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THORP DESIGN ‘The setting of a house is everything; it creates the tone for what’s coming with levels, trees, planting and outside living vital to modern families,’ says Philippa Thorp of her 360-degree vision that encompasses architecture, interiors and landscape design. ‘It is the views out from the house and the calm that gives our lives value.’ The result of taking such a holistic approach for nearly 40 years is a portfolio of properties that feel sophisticated and timelessly elegant, from a country house in Oxfordshire to an apartment in Miami’s iconic Surf Club to a listed chapel in Fulham, which she converted into a pair of homes. ‘Natural daylight and overall good proportions are the watchword of all our projects. And it is also vital to have a good balance to the colours, allowing the heroes to shine through.’ thorp.co.uk

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TIM GOSLING

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Trained in theatre design and director at Linley for 18 years before setting up his own studio in 2005, Tim Gosling is passionate about beautifully crafted furniture. ‘I have always believed that making something using the best quality materials means it will have longevity,’ he says. ‘What has changed since lockdown is trying to make spaces more versatile so the home can truly be a place to live, work and play.’ Projects range from fitting out superyachts to creating a miniature museum for a client in New York collecting small-scale books, paintings and artefacts, and decorating Apothecaries’ Hall in the City of London. ‘It’s fascinating as the room above is where Henry VIII divorced Katherine of Aragon. To be part of history and the continuation of the interiors in such buildings always excites me.’ tgosling.com

Dream team Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle have been working together for more than two decades. Highly experienced and with a vast design scope, their in-progress projects include a beach house in the Bahamas, a new-build country home in Somerset with earth walls and layered glass (to embrace the view and the British weather), an Arts & Crafts building and a Scottish lodge full of pretty wallpapers. ‘We try to make our homes reflect the character of their owners. There’s something about a genuine interior that isn’t too try-hard that makes it inviting,’ says Emily. ‘When you walk into a room with thought-out details – it can be a moulding or a handle, a trim or a pleat – if it’s evident that it has been put together with care and attention to detail then it’s much more successful.’ The duo’s first book, Modern English, will be published on 21 Sept (Vendome Press, £50). todhunterearle.com 56 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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PHOTOS: © JULIET MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

TODHUNTER EARLE

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VANESSA CAYATTE With a background in architecture and a design outlook that draws on her American roots, Vanessa Cayatte has been creating classic, comfortable interiors with a modern edge since launching her eponymous studio 15 years ago. ‘Once the architect is right, I focus on lighting, furniture placement and joinery. Fabrics and colour comes last,’ explains Vanessa of the design rules she follows when pulling a scheme together. Recurring details include café curtains, cosy dark rooms and art gallery feature walls. She has just put the final touches to homes in Kensington and Notting Hill (‘they are only three streets away from each other but worlds apart in their aesthetic’) and is collaborating with New York-based designer Jeffrey Bilhuber on a Grade I-listed Jacobean manor house in Somerset. vanessacayatte.com

VSP INTERIORS Inchbald-educated Henriette von Stockhausen is an expert in country houses – specifically listed buildings and homes of architectural interest – and instilling what she calls a sense of ‘settled comfort’, so a space feels as though it has evolved over time. ‘I always try to add unexpected items in an interior so it doesn’t become predictable and staid. ‘This can be the addition of a modern piece in an otherwise traditional scheme, or an amazing antique piece in a modern environment. That juxtaposition makes it exciting and special,’ explains Dorset-based Henriette, who works worldwide but looks to work with local craftsmen and incorporate traditional techniques where possible. The lengthy and varied list of completed commissions – including an old dairy, a Georgian rectory, a castle and a manor house – are testament to the breadth of her knowledge and skill. vspinteriors.com

PHOTOS: © JULIET MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

WARD & CO Mother-anddaughter-team Sarah and Rosie Ward pride themselves on creating homes that stand the test of time. This is achieved through clean lines and neutral palettes, layered with bold colours from a specific spectrum, and by taking time to fully understand the brief. ‘Culture, passions and lifestyle always feed into our designs. One client might require a spice kitchen, another a prayer room, whilst the next might need dedicated space for a supercar collection,’ says Sarah, who set up the studio in 1986 (Rosie joined in 2013 and it was rebranded in 2021). Location also sets the tone. For a recent project in Covent Garden, they incorporated nods to the neighbouring piazza and the area’s 400-year-old history by installing a bespoke shelving unit for 400 books, while at a listed property in Suffolk, sprawling wisteria inspired the interiors. wardandco.com n

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THE HEVENINGHAM COLLECTION STYLISH, ELEGANT IRON FURNITURE CUSTOM MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

www.heveningham.co.uk sales@heveningham.co.uk +44 (0) 1424 838483

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DESIGN SERVICES

The interior design names to add to your little black book

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Interior design studio Elicyon knows its way around a stylish bedroom

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DESIGN SERVICES

1508 LONDON

Established experts in interior design and architecture

508 London was born from design. The name 1508 is the year that the Pope at the time invited the great and good of the design world to pitch for the commission of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and an unknown artist called Michelangelo turned up with a pencil and drew a perfect circle free hand. The Pope was so impressed that he commissioned him to paint the ceiling of the chapel. Accordingly, all of 1508’s designs have a story around them, and a reason for being. The practice was established around 12 years ago, working mainly with private clients in London. As the company has expanded its expertise has developed, and now the team also works on residential developments, hospitality projects and yachts. However, the way each project is developed

is completely unique and bespoke. To best assist clients abroad, 1508 London opened an office in Dubai in 2018; more recently, offices have also been added in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Sao Paulo and North America. The ethos at 1508 London is what makes it stand out from the competition. ‘We are an open, expansive company not led by one design style,’ confirms CEO, Stuart Horwood. ‘We invest a lot of time in understanding our clients’ every need in order to best tailor a design to meet their exacting specifications.’ There is huge strength and experience within the senior team, with eight design principles, so each client can expect a tailored interior scheme and dedicated attention. In addition, the practice has a collaborative philosophy. To define the look and feel of each project,

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1508 London blends vision, sense of place and transformation to deliver exceptional interior schemes

‘We invest a lot of time in understanding our clients’ every need in order to best tailor a design to meet their exacting specifications’ three different parameters are considered. The first of these is the vision: the company endeavours to provoke a distinctive brief that drives any overarching concept. The second is the sense of place, where the team considers the proportion, form, order, symmetry and materiality in the site context. Finally, there’s the transformational opportunity which is when the design team interprets the brief and delivers the client’s vision. ‘We have worked on projects all over the world which look completely different one to another, from traditional to contemporary and everything in-between,’ says partner, Hamish Brown. ‘However, if we analyse the common threads in all our projects, it would be quality of materials, the attention to the details and immersing ourselves in the local vernacular and culture, but most of all, in our clients.’ Working exclusively with private clients remains the foundation

of the studio and the practice is currently working on the design of an important historical town house in London, an incredible property in Reykjavík and villas in the South of France and Italy. 1508 London’s dedicated team also has a wealth of experience designing larger scale projects such as the Raffles Residences at the OWO (the Old War Office), a landmark in London, the Four Seasons Resort in the Middle East, and the Rosewood in Doha which will be ready for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Its most recently completed project is the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, along with its flagship restaurant, Al Mare. The company was involved from concept to completion, appointed to bring its exceptional vision and design expertise to the architecture, interior design and FF&E of the full hotel and public spaces.

1508 London 7 Howick Place London SW1P 1BB +44 (0)20 7802 3800 1508london.com 1508London

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DESIGN SERVICES

BERNARD INTERIORS

A team of personal, polished, passionate and professional individuals

nterior and architectural design studio Bernard Interiors has had a busy year, ‘with more residential enquiries than ever as people reassess their homes and way of living,’ says founder Jen Bernard. Over the past year the team has almost doubled in size to meet the growing demand both for entirely new projects as well as requests for revisiting existing schemes ‘with space, comfort and functionality now being the main drivers’. From an early age, Jen Bernard had a passion for all things creative including art, interiors and styling. At her first Saturday job, aged 16, she had the chance to style room sets for magazines including Elle Decoration and from then on she was hooked. Jen studied interior architecture at Edinburgh College of Art, and on graduating in 2002 took her first job in an architectural practice specialising in commercial

interiors. It was the time spent on site, building a rapport with clients and contractors, and problem solving that fuelled Jen’s desire to run her own design practice. And so, at the height of the 2008 global recession, Bernard Interiors was launched from her kitchen table. Eleven years on from the inception of Bernard Interiors, and after outgrowing two previous premises, current HQ The Church was purchased in 2019, complete with dry rot, woodworm and rising damp. Now renovated in the style of a New York loft and the base for Bernard Interiors, it ‘serves as an inspirational and innovative platform to promote creativity for our 21-strong team.’ Personal, polished, passionate, professional – these are the four core values of Bernard Interiors that guide the design studio daily in its work and

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A Bernard Interiors-designed bar for a games room in a private residence; a formal living room; detail from a Bernard Interiors bedroom

‘We create timeless environments that facilitate our clients’ lifestyle or business aspirations ’ relationships with clients, professional colleagues and suppliers. ‘Our design approach adapts to each individual project and client,’ says Jen, whose portfolio ranges from private residences in the UK and abroad, to hotels and luxury retirement villages. ‘We create timeless environments that facilitate our clients’ lifestyle or business aspirations.’ The goal is simple: to exceed expectations. Jen and the team have just finished working on a second phase at a private residence, originally completed in 2009, highlighting those lockdown projects and the shift in priorities since people have been spending more time in their homes. The redesign includes a new snug and a whole reconfiguration of the top floor to include a games and cinema room, complete with a bar. As a practice, Bernard Interiors is experienced

in working with period properties and heritage buildings. Projects include an award-winning Category A-listed Victorian townhouse in Scotland, a Grade II*-listed Tudor manor house in Hampshire and a Grade II-listed Arts & Crafts country home in Northumberland. ‘We love bringing older buildings back to life, with our carefully curated schemes,’ says Jen. Upcoming projects include a grade II-listed Neo-Georgian mansion in Berkshire, a late 19th-century manor house in Solihull and a new build luxury retirement development in Cobham, Surrey. ‘It’s important to understand the building, its history and uniqueness,’ she concludes. ‘Our role is both to create beautiful environments and to respect the building’s heritage. We never mimic the existing style of period, we aim to provide a new layer of history.’ And an alluring one at that.

Bernard Interiors The Church Greystoke Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1PN +44 (0)1661 821427 bernardinteriors.co.uk bernardinteriors

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DESIGN SERVICES

ELICYON

Exquisite tailored interiors, from private residences to yachts

riven by a desire to combine the rigours of her architectural training with creative flair, Charu Gandhi set up multidisciplinary design studio Elicyon in 2014. Since then, the Kensington-based practice has designed some of the finest London townhouses, remote spa villas, country residences, penthouses and hotels across the globe for its high net-worth roll call of clients. Today, together with Creative Director Cecilia Halling and Projects Director David Harris, Charu leads a team of experienced designers, architects and project managers. The studio relishes the chance to delve into the heart of each brief, establishing a personalised design language that is appropriate to the client, project, location, architecture and history of a building. ‘Our process as a team is journey-based and one we are

constantly refining depending on the brief and the overall concept,’ says Charu. ‘We want each client to fall in love with design, with craft, and to have a sense of self-discovery.’ In 2020, the studio installed an impressive 11 projects, deftly overcoming the numerous challenges presented during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the home becomes an ever more important haven, the team is working in collaboration with a growing roster of clients to design their dream spaces. Elicyon’s vision is inspired by the story of the property and those who occupy it, believing that above all, a design must be authentic to the client. With the aim of creating what Charu describes as ‘exquisite interior couture’, the studio delivers schemes that speak to an individual’s aspirations for their home. Full of personality, each one evokes a very particular feeling that is fitting to the space. Having worked with clients

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The concept of good design at Elicyon is a journey that is constantly being refined so that the client falls in love

‘As a studio, we are focussing on natural materials such as linen, wool, rattan and light blonde timbers’ from every continent, Charu has learnt to combine her knowledge and understanding of various cultural needs with specific interior tastes. One current trend the studio is witnessing is an increase in informal layouts, with people moving away from traditional entertaining or dining spaces in favour of more laid-back living arrangements. Here, curved, sculptural furniture can work particularly well. ‘Sculptural furniture helps break up a space and create a more fluid ambience,’ confirms Charu. ‘We’re using a lot of textured fabrics such as suede, wool and bouclé for our upholstery and these lend themselves to rounder, softer pieces. It’s all about placement too: a curved sofa for example, can draw the eye to a particular view.’ Charu is also finding that the move away from silk and sheen-textured fabrics continues. ‘As a studio we are focusing on natural materials such as linen, wool, rattan

and light blonde timbers,’ she continues. ‘Also, a lot of clients are in favour of new neutrals, so these feature heavily on our mood boards. We typically start with a fairly muted ivory base and then add a scattering of additional tones which might include rust, pink, beige, mustard, terracotta or burnt orange.’ A bolder approach is being seen when it comes to pattern with skilfully clashing prints and geometric monochrome styles becoming more widely used, and contrasting scale featuring across wallpapers and upholstery. ‘Something else I think is special is the element of surprise. For example, a piece of furniture may appear formal on the outside but have a pop of colour on the inside as a wow factor,’ she concludes. ‘It’s important as a designer to be playful and push the boundaries so clients can enjoy those unique moments in their homes.’

Elicyon First Floor Avon House Avonmore Road Kensington Village London W14 8TS +44 (0)20 3772 0011 elicyon.com elicyon

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DESIGN SERVICES

HELEN GREEN DESIGN

An interior design studio renowned for its elegant, timeless schemes

‘We have been busy developing beautiful schemes, collaborating with exceptional British artisans and detailing stunning interiors for our clients to grow and love for years to come’ 72 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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FROM LEFT: King’s Library dining room; a town house living room in Eaton Place, Belgravia

elen Green Design is one of Britain’s most respected luxury interior design practices. Founded by the late Helen Green in 2002, the studio creates luxurious yet liveable, residences and strives to deliver exceptionally high, personalised levels of service – values which lie at the very heart of the business. Known for her style and love of design, Helen Green was a passionate mentor of emerging talent with a unique ability to inspire the young designers who sought to follow in her footsteps. Over the past 19 years, the team has developed an invaluable reputation for creating sophisticated, timeless interiors for its international roster of private clients. Helen Green Design shines the spotlight on specialist craftsmanship and British design, through sourcing one-off pieces in the UK produced by specialist artisans and suppliers. ‘We pride ourselves on creating outstanding, tailored concepts in response to the needs of our clients,’ says creative lead Alexandra Jurkiewicz of the studio’s signature classic British aesthetic. ‘Our style is elegant, liveable, considered and beautifully curated. As all our projects are unique, we tend to steer away from repetitive accents and details but we do love to use furniture and accessories from our HGD collection.’ ‘We also try to stay away from seasonal trends and fashions as we pride ourselves in creating timeless spaces and schemes which don’t date, however we reach inspirations from industry editorials, fashion and ever-changing world of social media,’ she continues. ‘More than using popular colours or materials, which can date fast, we like to make sure we are always aware of the latest home tech, keep educating ourselves on sustainability as well as how to create healthy and progressive working environments.’ The Helen Green Design portfolio includes prestigious developments,

luxury penthouses, townhouses, boutique hotels and country estates, and the studio has been recognised for its work in super prime property in London. Projects completing towards the end of 2021 include a breathtaking contemporary villa in Vienna, as well as a listed duplex apartment in Ennismore Gardens and a manor house in Surrey. Earlier this year, the team completed a lateral apartment in South Kensington and an apartment in Eaton Place. Helen Green Design is committed to making informed choices – and starting a dialogue on eco considerations with makers, suppliers and clients – to ensure that future projects are more sustainable. ‘We have been busy developing beautiful schemes, collaborating with exceptional British artisans and detailing stunning interiors for our clients to grow and love for years to come,’ says Alexandra. ‘Our commitment is to continue to create the same luxurious interiors synonymous with Helen Green Design while being mindful of the environment.’ Helen Green Design is a member of the luxury design group Allect, alongside Rigby & Rigby and Lawson Robb. While each individual company excels in its respective field, together they are some of the finest names in architecture, interior and product design – all with a mission to foster an unrivalled level of creativity, innovation and excellence. Rigby & Rigby’s research and development influenced architecture and interior design strikes a complementary balance with Helen Helen Green Design Green’s elegantly British sensibility and 29 Milner Street Lawson Robb’s vibrant interior and yacht London SW3 2QD design, providing clients with a unique +44 (0)20 7352 3344 opportunity of choice within the fullhelengreendesign.com service design and delivery model. hgdstudio COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 73

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DESIGN SERVICES

HUX

Beautiful bespoke joinery with innovative design and finishes

espoke storage solutions and cabinetry are often at the very heart of interior design schemes – and that’s exactly where HUX comes in. The company began life 10 years ago as the in-house joinery arm of London’s Zulufish, a premier architectural practice and interior design consultancy. Then, in 2017, it became a standalone brand with a mantra to shape and deliver a client’s vision for exceptional living spaces through cabinetry and furniture. HUX specialises in bespoke kitchens and whole-house joinery packages, designing and producing everything from dressing rooms, media units and fireplace walls to studies, home bars and bathroom vanities for discerning private clients and industry professionals. While high street kitchen and joinery companies offer a degree of flexibility, fundamentally they are working to a pre-determined palette of styles, materials and finishes. At HUX, each commission is tailored to a client’s lifestyle, taste and the character of their home, as well as an understanding of their needs. The small, family-run Chiswick studio (since last year the company also has a new 8,000 sq/ft workshop 20-minutes’ drive away, just off the M25) comprises eight in-house designers who are backed by a team of highly skilled craftsmen and installers. The process is as important to HUX as the end product. Designers encourage clients to explore ideas through Pinterest (or other mediums) before clearly defining the brief and putting together mood boards to help them visualise the look they want to achieve. Each client also has a dedicated portal to keep them up-to-date with installation timings and information during the design, sampling and sign-off process. Heritage and expertise are combined with the latest

precision manufacturing software and machinery, but technology alone cannot deliver the final product – for that HUX relies on the age-old skills of its master cabinet makers. When it comes to finishes and product innovation, HUX always strives to stay ahead of the curve. The company produces its own range of metallic spray finishes and is up-to-speed with the latest cutting-edge surface materials, from metal inserts and antique mirrors to 3D grooved panelling. The latter is a major trend, whether chunky vertical strips of walnut veneer or thin scalloped veneers mounted onto a substrate that are stained or sprayed in any colour. Other trends the HUX team are seeing currently include microShaker cabinet doors (a Shaker door with a much thinner outer frame profile) and Art Deco Shaker doors that come with a small inset detail. ‘We are also seeing fireplace walls with integrated specialist joinery around a feature fire, be that gas, electric or gel,’ says Felix Milns, managing director of HUX. ‘Popular finishes for these include polish plaster and natural stone, as well as veneers and metal-trim details.’ The company thrives on collaboration, recently teaming up with interior studio Owl Design to create a standalone bar cabinet for singer songwriter Olly Murs. The curved scalloped doors in 1950s Americana colours open to reveal a glossy orange bar cabinet inside. ‘We’ve seen a real increase in demand HUX for home bars during lockdown,’ 26 Arlington Gardens continues Felix. ‘Sometimes these London W4 4EY are combined with a television to +44 (0)20 8994 3582 create a drinks dresser, which is the hux-london.co.uk ultimate in home entertainment.’ huxlondon

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Heritage and expertise are combined with the latest precision manufacturing software and machinery

FROM LEFT: Ultra-marine blue bespoke shaker style kitchen by HUX; stylish soft pink 3D panelled wardrobes with an antique mirrored doorway by HUX

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DESIGN SERVICES

KING’S ROAD PARK

Transforming part of London’s heritage into a new neighbourhood

ucked away a stone’s throw from the King’s Road and the River Thames, King’s Road Park is set to be the latest most sought-after address in south west London. A stylish collection of suites, one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses set within six acres of beautiful landscaping, it is the vision of St William, a joint venture between Berkeley Group and National Grid. Their aim is to redevelop sites that have been closed to the public for years and reconnect them to the local community – and that is exactly the thinking behind King’s Road Park. Part of the South Fulham Riverside Regeneration Area, the development will provide over 1,800 homes and see the restoration of three listed buildings,

including the world’s oldest surviving gasholder set within a leafy park. In line with Berkeley Group’s commitment to sustainability, the natural environment takes centre stage at King’s Road Park. This means the green areas will also include a new public square and a first floor residents’ courtyard garden that draws inspiration from English country gardens in its design, incorporating a maze, formal lawns and a water feature. The public spaces within King’s Road Park have also been given as much careful consideration as the buildings themselves, with a team of renowned architects, landscape architects and interior designers working on the project and all ensuring that wellbeing and positive design is a priority. ‘King’s Road Park is foremost a story about people and nature, and how to live well,’ says Stephen Richards, partner at Gillespies,

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: King’s Road Park open-plan living area; the 25m residents’ pool with skylight; a bedroom designed by Nick Auston Design; the King’s Road Park development

The landscaped areas will also include a new public park, square and a first floor residents’ courtyard garden, inspired by English country gardens a leading landscape architects and urban design practice. ‘I am genuinely excited by this prospect and the opportunity it brings to create a series of beautiful outdoor places and spaces.’ These open spaces allow residents to breathe, and sit in harmony with the apartments. Inside the development, the thoughtfully-designed specification by interior design experts Johnson Naylor are inspired by natural elements, resulting in a refined feel that’s rich in detail. There is also a unique offering of exceptional residents’ facilities created by EPR Architects (which has worked on hotels and private members’ clubs across the globe such as The Ned, Rosewood London and NoMad London) with the aspiration to promote wellness through good design. The offering includes a sensational 25m pool with a huge skylight, a spa featuring a vitality pool,

sauna and steam room and treatment rooms, plus two fitness studios and a gym. Entertaining and relaxation zones at King’s Road Park range from a retro games room and virtual golf simulator to a contemporary spacious lounge, a private dining room and a pair of cinemas. There is also a 24-hour concierge and private meeting rooms for residents to use. Alongside these residentonly areas, there will be 100,000 square feet of commercial space providing a variety of restaurants, cafés and shops that make King’s Road Park the ideal place to meet up with friends and family. Perfectly located in Zone 2 and under a ten-minute walk to both an underground and overground station, well-connected King’s Road Park will be a fantastic place to live, celebrating everything London has to offer.

King’s Road Park 1 Sands End Lane London SW6 2FP +44 (0)20 3944 0399 kingsroadparksw6.com kingsroadpark

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DESIGN SERVICES

KLAFS UK

Uncompromising on quality, defining luxury, delivering wellbeing

stablished in Germany in 1928, KLAFS is renowned for its premium range of specialist spa facilities, from saunas, steam rooms and ice lounges to caldariums, tepidariums and hammams. Every spa plan and build is crafted to each customer’s exacting requirements. In 2016, KLAFS partnered with luxury swimming pool specialist Guncast to bring its quality products to the UK, with three regional offices located across the country. ‘Over the past year, demand has skyrocketed for home wellness suites, no doubt impacted by lockdown, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of wellness in the home,’ Gilles Darmon, director of KLAFS UK, comments. ‘Fundamentally, our attitude towards health and wellness has shifted dramatically in recent years. While wellness was once reserved for the very best luxury hotels and boutique spas, many clients currently don’t feel able to visit and instead want their own personalised wellness experience in their home. We’re increasingly finding ourselves integrating our full wellness range into properties, so clients can have a tailored oasis of calm that specifically suits their needs, whenever they want it.’ One of the most innovative products in the KLAFS UK range is the sanarium with SaunaPUR that’s turned five saunas into one. The humidity and temperature is automatically adjusted to create different climate zones within the same cabin: a traditional sauna, a warm air bath, a tropical bath, an aroma bath and a soft steam bath. With SaunaPUR, bathers can enjoy an authentic, traditional Finnish relaxation with no electromagnetic radiation or noise from the heater to disturb the experience. Additionally, the InfraPLUS infrared seat, designed to be used

mainly inside a warm sauna, can have an intense effect on the body. On top of the many benefits provided by a traditional sauna – strengthened heart and blood circulation, detoxification, rebalance of blood pressure, improved immune system and sleep disorder reduction, to name just a few – the InfraPlus seat with its infrared technology provides targeted relief for muscle tension in the back, shoulders and neck. Sustainability is naturally at the core of KLAFS UK’s offering and is a part of its everyday work. The company ensures that it uses only certified woods in its saunas that conform to ecological, social and economical standards. ‘We strive to use energy and raw materials responsibly and keep our carbon footprint to an absolute minimum,’ the company pledges, while constantly looking for ways to reduce it further. For the most eco-minded clients, the KLAFS Green Sauna package can be added to most KLAFS UK saunas, which lowers electrical use by over 40 per cent with each use while producing the same amount of heat. Guncast, established in the 1970s, is a family-run business and has built an unrivalled reputation for expertly designing and installing the most luxurious swimming pools. The partnership with Klafs UK KLAFS gives customers access Unit 4 Hampers to a one-stop-shop when it comes Common Ind Est., Petworth to at-home wellness. The in-house West Sussex GU28 9NR team manages all aspects, +44 (0)1798 343725 from initial design through to klafs-uk.com complete installation. klafs_uk

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Demand for KLAFS’ innovative, luxurious athome spas has skyrocketed since the pandemic

‘We’re increasingly finding ourselves integrating our full wellness range into properties, so clients can have a tailored oasis of calm that specifically suits their needs, whenever they want it’

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DESIGN SERVICES

LAWSON ROBB

Approachable yet thought-provoking spaces that are totally unique

ver the last 18 years, Lawson Robb has been fortunate to design beautiful interiors and exceptional spaces worldwide. From private apartments and townhouses to superyachts, luxury villas and hotels abroad, nothing is impossible for the design team. Under the new direction of creative leads George Wolstenholme and Lena Cottray, the company’s mission is to continue delivering the unexpected and unconventional, producing spaces like no other. Design for Lawson Robb means extracting the DNA of an idea and seeing what can be developed from it. Each project has its own story to tell and it is this one-of-a-kind identity that sets it apart from the rest. The creative duo’s schemes never merge into the uniformity of today’s trends but relate back to

the studio’s key principle: to design with an atemporal, considered and curatorial style. It stands, whether it is chimes of heritage or timelessness that are required, or whether a more futuristic and innovative scheme is what’s called for. Lawson Robb’s style is a moving part, it’s constantly evolving, and the objective is to create approachable yet thought-provoking spaces that are totally unique to the client. It is this that accounts for the studio’s success: ‘Good interior design is more than the way things look, it is about how the space is to be used, the person who inhabits it and enhancing the environment,’ says George. With a master’s in yacht design and a total of ten years of experience working internationally in superyachts, ultra-prime residential properties and bespoke furniture design, George Wolstenholme’s expertise is in the details and the art of the bespoke, designing complex and strikingly beautiful creations.

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The company’s mission is to continue delivering the unexpected and unconventional, producing spaces like no other Complementing him, design partner Lena Cottray brings a wealth of expertise from her years working in the high-end hospitality and residential sector. Her career started in the art world where she specialised in modern masters. Contemporary artists fed her passion and innate eye for art, something which is ultimately translated into her curated designs. The two began collaborating three years ago. Since, they have gone on to undertake various large-scale projects around the world, most notably the eminent launch of their project with the superyacht Phi (below left), a groundbreaking 58.5m sub 500GT vessel that was designed in collaboration with Royal Huisman, Cor D Rover and Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The exterior details of Phi have been released, but the interiors remain under wraps until its final launch towards the end of the year. Another project that was recently completed was the renovation of a Grade II-listed townhouse in Little Venice for discerning clients wanting to retain the heritage of the building, while elevating it with clean, contemporary and bespoke details that align with and function alongside their lifestyle. There was also the opportunity to design Lawson Robb’s first piece for the Allect Design Group’s new bespoke furniture brand, Unknown Editions. George and Lena take From London townhouses to superyachts, inspiration from the new Lawson Robb brings its timeless and ideals of luxury that they are considered style to all its projects seeing emerge from their clients and translate it into the design schemes of Lawson Robb. ‘Alongside this we are continuously inspired by various curiosities in the design world from the new and exciting, to the work of classic design masters,’ sums up Lena.

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DESIGN SERVICES

MARTIN KEMP DESIGN

A second decade heralds global launches and expansion into America

FROM LEFT: One57 private apartment in New York; London Clarges lounge and staircase; London Clarges Marketing Suite

highly creative studio renowned for its focus on the superprime residential market, Martin Kemp Design (MKD) also works across interiors, developments, architecture, yachts, private jets and furniture. Now approaching its tenth year, the studio continues to discreetly grow, cementing its reputation for refinement and exclusivity within the global interior design industry. Led by Martin, the company delivers the very best schemes without fuss while guarding its client confidentiality in the most loyal manner. These qualities, together with the expert personable team, have ensured that it remains in demand by the world’s elite. A favourite with aspirational clients who seek an extraordinary level of sophistication and finish, MKD takes a versatile approach to design. The studio embraces any vernacular from classic to ultra-modern, country-rustic to dynamic city, floral to geometric: the only limit is how far a client is keen to explore. Whether someone is seeking the full restoration of a traditional mansion in London or the creation of a contemporary penthouse in New York, MKD lends each commission with its trademark flair, to find the right solution for each project. ‘We look at the lifestyle of each individual very carefully, noting their personal taste; whether they are left or right-handed, their colour sensitivities and so forth, all of which lend an added dimension to our work,’ says Martin. ‘Couple this with a level of detail seldom seen and I hope we exceed expectations.’ With a skilled team of designers, each project is perfectly honed to satisfy the most demanding of briefs, with the majority of the interior design being custom-made. Furnishings are often entirely bespoke; carpets and textiles are woven to unique designs; and items sourced from the most exclusive international suppliers.

Locations are as varied as the projects themselves, with private houses, estates and residential developments ranging from the world’s most major cities (Paris, Los Angeles, Beijing, Mumbai et al) to ocean and mountain idylls (Nassau, St.Tropez, Gstaad). In each, the studio is unfaltering in its approach: challenging and refining architecture, carefully matching fabrics with marble, or wood with verre-eglomise and installing intriguing and beautiful lighting. The studio regularly collaborates with key consultants, from architects to engineers, cabinet-makers to embroiderers, all of whom are regarded as the best in their field. With such a global reputation it’s no surprise that MKD has attracted several product collaborations, notably with THG Paris where the Corvair range of sanitaryware is now available, commissioned exclusively through MKD. Other partnerships are soon to follow, including luxury homeware with an emphasis on ethics which will further define the business as a ‘thinking brand’ synonymous with sensitivity and vision. Rolls Royce has requested exclusivity on a piece of furniture which is soon to go into their new Mayfair showroom, such is the growing perception of MKD as an important studio for partnership. Despite the glamour of this fascinating world, Martin and the team retain a humble, welcoming charm, always remaining discreet, flexible, and eminently approachable. Martin Kemp Design ‘We challenge a client’s brief Greencoat House, Francis St and encourage exploration, so London SW1P 1DH the results we bring are often +44 (0)20 7183 3885 unexpected and always special,’ martinkempdesign.com he concludes. martin_kemp_design

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‘We look at the lifestyle of each individual very carefully, noting their personal taste, whether they are left or right-handed, their colour sensivities and so forth’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 83

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DESIGN SERVICES

MISCH_MISCH STUDIO

Bringing clients a fully tailored home that is distinctively them

isch_MISCH is a multi-disciplinary London studio delivering detail-focused, luxury interior design, interior architecture, styling and artistic collaborations. The studio’s signature style is a distinctive juxtaposition of balance, contrast and cohesion. The founder and Creative Director of the studio, Mischa Sedova, is an iconoclastic designer who challenges clients to push the boundaries of what they know when it comes to aesthetics. She established the company to connect people and their lifestyles to the spaces they occupy, creating a unique identity. ‘The pandemic has brought out a greater appreciation for well crafted interiors that have the power to shape our sense of wellbeing,’ says Mischa. ‘And so, to be truly satisfied with your life, the home is the place in which to invest.’ ‘At misch_MISCH we are a tight-knit team of designers, architects, artists and creatives with a wealth of experience in a range of disciplines,’ Mischa explains. It is the team’s creative diversity that equips the studio to take on comprehensive interior and architectural projects that go one step further. In offering ‘a fully tailored experience’, misch_MISCH creates one-off, custom made pieces for its clients, whether it be furniture with specialist finishes, upholstery, objets d’art or lighting, allowing each project to form its own unique narrative. In addition to its work in residential interiors, the studio looks to form collaborations with other designers and brands to create exclusive collections and even art installations. At the start of 2022, the studio is to launch its first furniture collection. No matter the scale of the job the company embarks on – largescale town house, country estate, city apartment or luxury villa –

the key focus remains the same: to understand the client’s lifestyle as well as their objectives, while maximising the property’s full potential. This is achieved by looking at the client’s daily rituals and habits, the polished and the chaotic. ‘A home is a space like a theatre, projecting a life,’ Mischa states, ‘a place to indulge whims, to grow, to throw roaring parties and let loose – somewhere you are proud to show off and that creates joy.’ To bring clients a home that is distinctly them, the brand believes in mixing styles, eras and mediums. The artistry of each project is expressed through materials, textures, colours, forms and patterns that are naturally drawn from a client’s life, as well as the property’s architecture, its surroundings and history. In this way, the studio is free of a house style. No two projects are alike. ‘We seamlessly combine warm minimalism with the new maximalism, contemporary with classic, masculine elegance with comfort, and bold with subtle. From English classic to New York 1920’s Art Deco to mid– century modern.’ Luxury sits alongside ordinary, contemporary with vintage, creative and functional, old world elegance with the current. As you can imagine the results are richly layered, stimulating spaces that are functional and fluid with carefully curated detail reflecting the client. And above all, spaces that are comfortable and enrich the lives misch_MISCH Studio of those who live within. ‘The new 1 Pancras Square maximalism,’ they say at misch_ Kings Cross MISCH, ‘is to embrace the fullness London N1C 4AG of life and have fun. We are here to +44 (0)20 7424 8513 take the bold steps with you, when mischmisch.com you are ready. This is your story.’ _mischmisch_

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Referencing a range of eras and design styles, a misch_MISCH interior is like no other

‘We seamlessly combine warm minimalism with the new maximalism, contemporary with classic, masculine elegance with comfort, and the bold with the subtle’

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DESIGN SERVICES

NINA CAMPBELL

The interior design doyenne celebrates 50 years

ina Campbell is one of the country’s most respected and influential interior designers with a roll call of clients that include the rich, the famous and the royal. Her first job with the General Trading Company ignited a passion for china, glass and accessories; this was followed by a stint worked as an assistant to John Fowler at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. A hugely pivotal moment for Nina’s career, she was fully immersed in English interior design and soon became known for her unmistakeably rich and elegant colour palette. A few years later, she left to work on her own before meeting Mark Birley who had set up Annabel’s in 1963. He asked her to make a few decorative changes which led to her designing Mark’s Club and a long friendship and working relationship soon formed. The pair opened a shop together, Campbell & Birley, which specialised in ‘unashamed luxury’ – wonderful items found on their travels that weren’t available in the UK. Nina’s career went from strength to strength. In 1972, she set up her own business, Nina Campbell Ltd, where one of her first commissions was to decorate the monumental Cullen House in Banffshire, Scotland. Then, in 1984, she opened her shop and design studio in London’s Knightsbridge. Here, she continued with her fabric printing and expanded her business into the wider decorative arena, designing everything from matchboxes to bespoke furniture. In the late 1980s, she formed a licence with

From china and glass to furnishings and wallpaper, Nina Campbell has become a legend in the interiors industry over the last half-century

Osborne & Little that to this day remains a wonderful collaboration producing annual fabric, wallpaper and trimmings collections. The interior design department has become a truly global business working on a number of exciting projects both in the UK and abroad, residential and commercial, all with Nina at the helm. There are a number of interesting and exciting projects far and wide currently in motion. The retail side of the business is run with Nina by two of her children, Max and Alice. This is all run from the Walton Street shop, the true home of Nina Campbell. Here, she continues to sell home accessories and gifts; some of which are designed by Nina, others she has curated and sourced. From the much-loved china and glassware to table linens, home fragrance, desk accessories, photograph frames, wash bags, jewellery boxes, Walton Street is a treasure trove of beautiful things. In 2010, Nina’s furniture collection was launched and what started as a small offering is now a full-scale range of upholstery, metal furniture, wooden furniture and lighting. Often inspired by an antique or something she has inherited or found, pieces are adapted and re-designed by Nina and always display a fine attention to detail as well as a sense of fun or the unexpected. All furniture is made in England by the finest craftsmen, something Nina is truly passionate about. ‘It is incredibly exciting to be reaching our 50th anniversary,’ reflects Nina. ‘There have been so many changes in the industry over the last 50 years but the things that remain important to me are quality and craftsmanship. We have so many exciting things happening both now and in the future and I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support throughout my career so far.’

Nina Campbell 9 Walton Street London SW3 2JD +44 (0)20 7225 1011 shop.ninacampbell.com ninacampbellltd

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‘There have been so many changes in the industry over the last 50 years but the things that remain important to me are quality and craftsmanship’

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DESIGN SERVICES

OCTAGON

A world-class property developer delivering bespoke homes and a personal service

stablished over 40 years ago, Octagon has become synonymous with the very best in residential property. Catering to the most selective clients, Octagon has proven time and time again that it deserves all its accolades, continually setting new milestones in the industry. From marketing the first new build £1 million property in the 1980s to pioneering the kitchen, dining and living super room – now a staple of open-plan living – Octagon continues to excel, becoming a source of inspiration for the entire market. As more people realise the importance of a beautiful home in determining the way they live and feel, Octagon Bespoke has gathered momentum. The made-to-measure service offers clients the opportunity to build their dream home in collaboration with the company’s expert in house team. From sourcing a suitable plot of land and navigating the planning process to interior design and landscaping, Octagon Bespoke offers unparalleled personalisation and imagination from start to finish. While perhaps best known for its signature Georgian-style mansions, it’s Octagon Bespoke’s breadth that sets it apart. From Bauhaus-inspired villas to characterful ‘gentleman’s residences’, the bespoke team works with each client to realise their vision. As well as new build homes, an award-winning restoration team specialises in renovating listed buildings and catering for substantial extensions – one of the many reasons some clients return years later to adapt and expand their property. Two years ago Octagon Interiors was launched, offering those who purchase a new home a highly professional service for all their decorative and furnishing needs. A game-changer in the luxury property sphere, this service bridges the traditional divide between house builder and interior designer, making for a seamless client experience. Liaising

collaboratively with Octagon’s in house architects, planners and builders, the interiors team is involved in conversations from day one to bring important decorating considerations to the table. Octagon Interiors takes its inspiration from the grandeur of the properties themselves, while tailoring each project to the client. Its signature classical contemporary look incorporates natural textures and finishes, combined with luxurious materials, to enhance the sense of light and space in each room. Current projects include an Octagon Bespoke house in Kent, where the interiors team have combined new furnishings with the client’s existing collection of chandeliers and artworks to create a glamorous home that feels truly personal. Meanwhile, at another residence in Chigwell, the team is combining a sleek aesthetic with the client’s passion for colour, featuring burnt orange in the kitchen and opulent alabaster lighting. The brand’s flagship development of 115 homes, Broadoaks Park in West Byfleet remains a key project for Octagon in the coming years. With two phases now launched and virtually sold through, and more homes soon to come, the development is quickly establishing itself as Surrey’s most exciting luxury estate. Additionally, Chapel View in East Molesey is already attracting buyer interest: an elegant Victorianinspired building, it comprises nine two-bedroom apartments. Super mansions – a hallmark of the brand over its 40 years in the industry OCTAGON - also remain in high demand. Hillside Weir House Manor, which is set in 1.6 acres on the St Hurst Road, East Molesey George’s Hill Estate, launches in spring Surrey KT8 9AY 2022 and will feature six bedroom +44 (0)20 8481 7500 suites, five reception rooms and a stateoctagon.co.uk of-the-art leisure suite. octagondevelopments

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Titlarks House bespoke hallway; Titlarks House exterior; Thames House

From sourcing a suitable plot to interior design and landscaping, Octagon Bespoke offers unparalleled personalisation and imagination from start to finish COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 89

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DESIGN SERVICES

RANDLE SIDDELEY

No space too large or too small for a beautiful garden

andle began his professional life working for his father, interior designer John Siddeley. He quickly realised that designing a garden was very different to renovating a home. ‘With interior design, you can see fairly instantly whether a particular paint colour or piece of furniture works,’ says Randle. ‘But with gardens you have to wait months, years, to see the fruits of one’s aspirations. Rooms stay static but gardens are everchanging with Mother Nature very much in control.’ Just over 40 years ago, Randle Siddeley formed his landscape construction company, which quickly grew into a full-service landscape architecture practice with a contracting division offering a full turn-key service, from initial sketches to ongoing maintenance. Today he works globally with a team of 80 with offices in London, Hong Kong and New York, transforming everything from tiny backyards to vast fields into magical green oases. His designs are classic and timeless but contemporary, often excitingly innovative and always respectful of the heritage of their surroundings. His philosophy remains rooted in a refusal to compromise, working with some of the most talented craftspeople in their fields to ensure every detail, from bespoke trelliswork to stonework, is finished to the highest standard. Randle’s firm belief is that any space, whatever size or scope, can be transformed. He is practical at all times, whether he is creating the perfect spot for a swimming pool or choosing plants that require little maintenance to survive and flourish.

Nature and art combine in Randle Siddeley’s global projects, with careful planting alongside work by leading artists and artisans

Randle seeks out the best artisans and artists to provide eye-catching features and talking points. Specialist Andrew Moore made a decorative glass wall, renowned sculptor David Harber has provided beautiful water features and last summer Gaze Burvill created an extraordinary piece of garden furniture, the Meander Loveseat – a threeseater bench crafted from prime grade oak. With his focus ever on practicality as well as design, Randle might even supply an Ooni Koda portable gas-powered pizza oven. ‘I always love to see good, innovative design paired with functionality,’ he says. Since the start of lockdown, the garden has become increasingly important as people have looked to it as a valuable extra room. ‘It has made people more appreciative of outdoor space than ever before’, says Randle. ‘It’s an extraordinary time to be in outdoor design.’ This year the team has been designing a garden in north London with a new swimming pool, working closely with the client to ‘bring the inside outside’ adding a generous dining and entertainment space, an outdoor kitchen, a snug, a fireplace and integrated heating so the space could be used year-round. A future plan of Randle Siddeley is to embrace 3D design so that clients may see realistic CGI models of their future gardens and envision Randle’s signature transformation. Randle considers his designs to be constantly evolving as he adapts to his clients’ changing needs. ‘As someone passionate about the beauty of nature, it is a privilege to help our clients design their perfect garden spaces,’ he says. ‘A garden is both an intensely personal project and very public. Creating a space that is both beautiful and usable is the most satisfying challenge we face.’ Randle Siddeley Limited Trafalgar House Juniper Drive London SW18 1GY +44 (0)20 7627 7000 randlesiddeley.co.uk randlesiddeley

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Randle Siddeley’s designs are classic and timeless but contemporary, often excitingly innovative and always respectful of the heritage of their surroundings

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DESIGN SERVICES

RIGBY & RIGBY

A multi award-winning international design studio

igby & Rigby is an award-winning multi-disciplinary design and delivery studio based in London with a holistic approach to design. The company has a reputation for developing unrivalled residences and stunning commercial spaces, designed for luxury lifestyles. Considered one of the leading names in ultra-prime property, Rigby & Rigby has delivered projects in some of the world’s most exclusive destinations. From heritage houses to contemporary new builds, current projects include luxury private residences, superyachts, private family offices and high profile developments in the UK, across Europe, in the Middle East and Asia. While Rigby & Rigby continues to grow, commitment to the client experience remains at the heart of each project, and the qualities that define the company remain unchanged: intelligent design combining traditional craftsmanship and hand crafted materials with cuttingedge technology and an unparalleled attention to detail. The result is perfectly resolved residences, with a style defined as understated refined luxury, delivered with a service that is second to none. The company is renowned for delivering carefully considered authentic design that is bespoke to each client’s needs. Whether it’s a contemporary interior design for a lateral cliff top hotel overlooking one of the world’s most stunning beaches, or the sensitive restoration of a classically elegant town house, Rigby & Rigby designs for style, character, luxury, and comfort. ‘Every day we have the opportunity to work on the finest homes and residences – this in itself is inspiring,’ says Studio Director of Interior Design, James Ashfield. ‘We improve the lives of our clients through a combination of great design, research and technology. We aim for

a refined end product and there is a long and enjoyable journey to reach it. Patience and flexibility are important. Our clients, our design and our research provide a wealth of inspiration to keep pushing and being at the forefront of the high-end market.’ The Rigby & Rigby team is finding that the lifestyle of its clients has changed as a response to the pandemic. ‘To some extent, we were ready to spend more time at home; it has taken some getting used to but our homes are smarter and more connected than ever,’ says Iain Johnson CEO and Creative Director. ‘We were already familiar with concepts such as such as studio training, retail, media, gallery and fine cuisine and we are proud to be the first studio in the UK to develop a wellnesscertified private residence. We’ve seen a lot of people adapt and make the home more inclusive, enriching these aspects to accommodate their restricted activities. With our knowledge base we have encouraged our teams to become specialists in each of these areas to ensure more comprehensive and responsive possibilities.’ Recent projects include suites in the Aero Wing of the Maybourne Riviera hotel on the Côte d’Azur and three super-prime residential properties in London. Currently in progress is a 17,000 sq ft mansion in Knightsbridge; a private family office in a picture-postcard setting in Oslo; guest rooms and suites at a world-renowned five star Mayfair hotel; an ultra-prime residential Rigby & Rigby property in Japan (in partnership 80 Brook Street with Kengo Kuma architects); and London W1K 5EG a 4,000 sq/ft apartment on one +44 (0)20 3418 0446 of Knightsbridge’s most soughtrigbyandrigby.com after squares. rigbyandrigby

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The qualities that define the company remain unchanged: intelligent design combining traditional craftsmanship and hand crafted materials with cutting-edge technology and an unparalleled attention to detail

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Yacht Haze; the exterior of Rigby & Rigby’s Lancelot House project; detail from a project by the studio at 11 Relton Mews

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DESIGN SERVICES

TAYLOR HOWES

An international interior design studio that specialises in luxury living spaces

ounded in 1993, Taylor Howes now has more than 1,000 projects worldwide to its credit. Since 2016, it has been based at the former Tesla and Aston Martin garage in Knightbridge’s Cheval Place, now handsomely refurbished. Founder and chief executive Karen Howes is the animating spirit of the practice, which employs 30 people. The soul of the practice is echoed in its ‘true design for living’ approach: Karen believes that the team’s job is to inject the wow factor while also ensuring that the way a home feels is never sacrificed for the way it looks. The Taylor Howes style signature tends to be a bold and playful use of colour and pattern, which is something the practice tries to bring into all its projects. Ultimately, however, it’s about responding to each and every brief in an individual way: no

two projects are the same, and neither should the design be. The aim is to get into its clients’ heads and create something that is both completely unique and right for them and their everyday needs. ‘As a design studio we pride ourselves on the fact that all our projects are as personalised as a piece of art or couture,’ says Karen. It has been a busy year for Taylor Howes with some once-in-a-lifetime projects wins including a villa in Dubai, a 60,000 sq/ft new-build in the UK and a 20,000 sq ft home in London. The practice is currently working on Knightsbridge Gardens, a 33-apartment super prime development in Knightsbridge, tipped to be prime central London’s ‘stand-out build-torent scheme’. It is also about to complete Château Denmark in Soho, a new hotel experience that will see the standardised room model re-imagined. ‘It’s part of a wider transformation project by our client, a

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Karen believes that the team’s job is to inject the wow factor while also ensuring that the way a home feels is never sacrificed for the way it looks substantial landlord in that part of London, intended as a celebration of the area’s status at the forefront of the fashion, media and music industries for decades, and we as an interior design studio have been privileged enough to be part of this journey,’ continues Karen. Karen and her design team are proud to have partnered with a number of contemporary luxury lifestyle and interior brands. The team relish the opportunity to bring something new and innovative to the arena via its collaborations – the next of which is a launch with Aga in September. The new-look Aga cooker features the signature Taylor Howes navy blue, with the addition of copper-coloured hardware – the first time this metal finish has been available commercially in the brand’s history – giving it a truly contemporary and elegant feel. Another very exciting initiative rolling out this year is the design studio’s charitable initiative Rest Nest, in which it is redesigning NHS staff Rest Rooms pro bono. This is particularly pertinent as it is a way to give back to the NHS and say thank you for the incredible work they have done this past year. This year, Taylor Howes has partnered with Imperial Trust and will be rolling out 20 Rest Nest rooms as part of its Covid 19 legacy programme. ‘We have an amazing array of projects in our studio at the moment, which is a testament to our incredible team, but also shows how diverse our portfolio and clientele are,’ concludes Karen. ‘We pride ourselves on being a progressive interior design studio and believe that these achievements serve as a barometer for our profile in London’s creative heart.’

The Taylor Howes aesthetic is known for its bold use of colour and its personalisation to each client’s needs and tastes

Taylor Howes 49-51 Cheval Place London SW7 1EW +44 (0)20 7349 9017 taylorhowes.co.uk taylorhowesdesigns

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DESIGN SERVICES

THORP DESIGN

Creating immaculate bespoke spaces that fuse function and form

ounded by Philippa Thorp, Thorp Design is a highly creative, multi-disciplinary practice of architects and designers with a wealth of experience and a heritage spanning four decades. The company’s international portfolio ranges from new build private houses to classical refurbishments (often with a contemporary twist), private jets, yachts, health clubs, restaurants and hotels. Each project is unique but what unites them is Thorp’s ethos. The studio prides itself in designing every element with the client’s needs as the focus, working hand-in-hand to create impeccably designed, integrated spaces that respect the building and its location. The aim of the practice is to exceed client’s expectations, both in terms of design, creative thinking and spatial use, together with a high level of service. Philippa believes good design is the fusion of function and form. It stems from understanding the brief and the context at the outset, and translating this into reality with environments that are effortlessly practical as well as beautiful. ‘I always strive for perfection, so when it comes to defining the requirements I take a meticulous approach to every aspect of the process,’ she says. ‘For me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a space come to life, and distilling a client’s personality into distinctive designs, whether for a residential or commercial space.’ Taking an artistic and holistic overview, the team never follow the crowd and ensure that what they do best serves the client. Each finished project has its own distinctive character and sense of place, wherever it is in the world. Every commission is a journey into the history and cultural significance of that particular site and its surroundings. Recently completed works include the conversion of a listed chapel in Fulham into two separate five storey houses, each finished to the highest of standards for luxury living; the spatial planning and interior design of an apartment within the wellknown Surf Club in Miami; and the extensive refurbishment of Wentworth Golf Club, Tennis and Health Club. Thorp’s 360-degree design vision continues to grow, and landscaping gardens and outside rooms are now an integral part of most projects. Colour, shape, form and vistas are all taken into account. Art is also a consideration that can tie a whole space together and Thorp has an in-house gallery where clients can view rotating exhibitions and pieces available to buy including artists such as Sandra Blow, Victor Pasmore, Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth and, currently, Damien Hirst. At present the practice is working on projects both in the UK and overseas that include the refurbishment of a Victorian house in Hampshire, a riverside house in Devon, the design and build of a large villa on the edge of Lake Como, and the design of a private mountain ranch residence in Yellowstone, Montana. ‘Living spaces are emotional places as much as physical ones. Thinking about a home in terms Thorp Design of its light and volume helps to create a 190/192 Sloane Street beautiful backdrop, designed to reflect a London SW1X 9QX calm and serene life,’ concludes Philippa. +44 (0)20 7235 7808 Such a mentality means unforgettable thorp.co.uk designs come as given. thorp_design

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A country house kitchen created by Thorp Design

‘For me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a space come to life, and distilling a client’s personality into distinctive designs’

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DESIGN SERVICES

An interior design company and manufacturer producing bespoke fine furniture made to last

reland’s leading interior design firm and bespoke furniture manufacturer, Ventura Design, was founded by Arlene McIntyre in 2005 after years spent working in the industry. The name nods to her sunny Californian heritage while the luxurious West Coast aesthetic is frequently mirrored in the company’s classic contemporary designs, which can be found in private residences, hotels and property developments across the globe. First and foremost, Arlene believes that homes should be more than just comfortable and beautiful – they should be interesting and an extension of the owner’s personality, too. With her ability to map out a room and instinctively understand what should go where, it’s no surprise that she is a much sought-after interior designer with a growing list of celebrity clients, including Irish model Vogue Williams and television star Millie Mackintosh. She is also the talent behind the recent revamp at Luttrellstown Castle. But the skill of the Ventura Design team – a 50-strong group of exceptional artisans, craftsmen, dreamers and lateralthinkers – extends way beyond designing. The team travels the globe to source the finest pieces to sell. And the company has established a manufacturing facility that allows it to create unique pieces, often inspired by Italy; elements of Italian design can often be seen in Ventura’s bespoke product range, which is tailored to each client’s taste, from sumptuously upholstered dining chairs to skilfully carved headboards. Other products include cabinetry, soft furnishings and joinery that can be fully customised with coordinated finishes across the collection, as well as a vast number

Ventura’s Marina Village project is a defining example of the studio’s talent for timeless yet contemporary elegance

Ventura Design 2nd Floor Design Centre East 216 Lots Road London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3976 9448 ventura.ie venturainteriordesign

PHOTOS: © MIKE GARLICK

VENTURA DESIGN

of accessories that are perfect for adding the finishing touch. Best-selling furniture includes the Bentley sofa, a classic in its own right set on a wooden plinth combining angular, architectural lines with soft cushions and an elegant double row of piping on the arm. There’s also the striking Sullivan sideboard that comes in a wide choice of wood and metal finishes; the Conrad bed that marries a stylish design with handy storage for keeping clutter out of sight; and the retro Mia dining chair which provides support while still being a complete show stopper. Arlene has also collaborated with Trinny Woodall, and Paul Costelloe on his first bespoke furniture range; stand out pieces from the latter include the Allyson dining table – an oval table that is flexible on seating numbers and makes for a sophisticated centrepiece to a room. Look out too for the new Luxe armchair launching at Focus, during London Design Festival in September. The pandemic has not held Ventura Design back, with the company remaining operational throughout, delivering exceptional quality furniture to clients. In fact, demand has increased for luxurious and stylish homes with both functional and relaxing spaces. It is also continuing with its expansion plans for the UK and Europe, adding a new state-of-the-art showroom in Portugal later this year to its existing portfolio of showrooms in Dublin and London. Plans in the pipeline include, excitingly, a new six-part interior design-focused television series entitled Designed for Life that will be hosted by Arlene. She and the team at Ventura Design don’t just create a concept: they also design, craft and fit, working tirelessly to ensure that the company’s bespoke products are exceptional and the finished look is exquisite.

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PHOTOS: © MIKE GARLICK

The luxurious West Coast aesthetic is frequently mirrored in the company’s classic contemporary designs, which can be found in private residences, hotels and property developments across the globe

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DESIGN SERVICES

WARD & CO

The design duo delivering refined, classic modern interiors

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The kitchen of a Ward & Co project in Covent Garden; a Ward & Co designed sitting room; mother and daughter duo, Sarah and Rosie Ward

un by mother daughter duo Sarah and Rosie Ward, studio Ward & Co spans both commercial and residential sectors. From historic country estates to modernist developments, coastal retreats to alpine escapes, it has delivered an impressive range of projects. Originally established in 1986 as ‘Interiors by Sarah Ward’ – and recently rebranded to celebrate Rosie’s long standing contribution to the business – the pair have gained a reputation for delivering classic contemporary schemes with a bold flair, and an authentic, highly personalised approach to interior design. As a family business, Ward & Co offers a unique proposition: Sarah and Rosie’s relationship allows for maximum collaboration and agility, and clients enjoy the combined expertise and imagination of

two creative directors at the helm. The studio’s work stands out for its clean lines and neutral tones threaded with confident colour across a variety of textures and patterns. This, combined with bespoke effects on joinery and thoughtfully considered lighting schemes, creates its signature style. ‘We tend to work within a specific “season” when it comes to colour; this allows us to deliver maximum impact in an elegant and subtle way,’ explains Sarah. ‘Working with a spectrum of colours, for example, the calm, warming tones of autumn, provides a great opportunity for creativity while still maintaining continuity and sense of flow throughout.’ Recently completed projects include an apartment directly overlooking Covent Garden; a beachfront villa in Antigua; a listed property in Suffolk; and townhouses in Marlow and Kensington.

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‘We often look back at projects we completed ten years ago and find them very current; they can easily be adapted over time as a client’s needs evolve’ Whatever the team is working on, their respect for culture and context is examined through a contemporary lens, enabling them to deliver impressive spaces that stand the test of time. ‘We often look back at projects we completed ten years ago and find them still very current; they can easily be adapted over time as our clients’ needs evolve,’ continues Sarah. ‘Above all else, a home should be a welcoming place in which to relax and escape the daily stresses of life.’ Sarah and Rosie share a deep rooted passion for travel and this often translates into their projects as a marriage between modern design, traditional British elegance and a timeless quality. Rosie’s extensive visits to European countries and Sarah’s childhood spent in the Far East has instilled in the studio a wealth of knowledge; the exposure to diverse cultures, striking architecture and varied landscapes around the world has inspired

numerous designs over the years. Ward & Co takes on conservation, renovation and redesign commissions, working harmoniously with planning consultants where necessary, to finish projects on time and within budget. The studio’s dedicated interior architects combined with the wider team’s technical expertise in spatial planning, ensures interior and exterior layouts are always functional and fitting, for each unique design brief. ‘Many designers can create a beautiful space, but there is a whole other level that needs to be considered to make that space truly liveable, and that comes down to understanding a client and their needs,’ Sarah concludes. Over the next year, the studio will complete a boutique hotel, a furnishing project in London’s West End, a penthouse in St John’s Wood and a multi-unit residential development in Mayfair.

Ward & Co Michelin House 81 Fulham Road London SW3 6RD +44 (0)20 3667 7796 wardandco.com wardandcointeriors

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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Clive Christian’s Metro Deco walnut kitchen with steel inlay

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

CATCHPOLE & RYE

More than 30 years of creating timeless luxury bathrooms

‘T

o create something original, you must first fully understand your past’ is an appropriate maxim for a company that began more than 30 years ago when founder, Tony O’Donnell, spotted a gap in the market for restoring baths. Having purchased a house with an old cast iron roll top bath, he tried to find someone to renovate it but couldn’t. ‘The restoration of this bathtub led me on a merry journey through the salvage yards of Kent,’ recalls Tony. ‘I quickly realised there was a forgotten heritage within Britain and set about understanding the origin of these plumbing products and how they were made.’ He started Catchpole & Rye by enamelling cast iron baths, then quite quickly began visiting France to buy antique sanitary and bath ware (although many pieces, such as the impressive canopy baths from stately homes or castles, came from the UK). These antiques would otherwise have been discarded but he recognised their beauty and history and carefully restored them to their former glory. These days, although he doesn’t often sell antique pieces, Tony is regarded as a leading expert on the subject and is often called on to offer advice on the restoration of grand country mansions. And it’s this 19th-century sanitary ware that informs all of the timeless cast iron and bateau baths Catchpole & Rye makes today. The cast iron bath collection is mostly produced at a foundry in Kent using the same techniques that have been employed for the past 100 years (many of the products are also made from

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Pyrford basin in arabescato marble with Fontaine chrome taps; a brass bateau bath framed by intricate fretwork; the La Parisienne single vanity unit

recycled metals). For example, the original Bain de Bateau bath was made over 120 years ago, but the design and methods used to produce the piece remain the same today. The result, whatever the bath design, is a work of both art and engineering. Attention to detail, quality materials, and craftsmanship is what sets Catchpole & Rye apart from the rest – and everything from design to manufacturing is completed in house. Time and effort is invested into employing and training local artisans to produce the highest standards possible and many of the pieces are finished by hand. For instance, the head metal polisher has more than 30 years’ experience and is able to polish a tap or cistern to near-perfection. Although Catchpole & Rye’s primary aim is to ensure that products are well designed so that they stand the test of time and won’t date, finishes on taps such as weathered copper and aged brass are proving increasingly popular (the company has its own plating facility on site to cater for this) and beautifully complement the company’s bestselling copper and brass baths. The variety of marble and stones on offer, and different types of metal finishes, also mean that products match brilliantly with nearly all types of design schemes. The company is fully equipped to offer a bespoke and customisation service for customers, from casting emblems, names or logos onto baths or cisterns to even designing and manufacturing an Art Deco-inspired bath for a specific project. Catchpole & Rye has recently built new workshops and is in the process of hugely expanding its engineering and foundry capabilities. The company offers a full design service as well as site visits to ensure a beautifully finished bathroom, featuring a bath that’s worthy of taking the plunge. Catchpole & Rye Saracens Dairy Pluckley Road, Ashford Kent TN27 0SA +44 (0)1233 840840 catchpoleandrye.com catchpoleandrye

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The cast-iron bath collection is mostly produced at a foundry in Kent using the same techniques that have been employed for the past 100 years

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

CLIVE CHRISTIAN FURNITURE CO

Inspired design opulence in the world’s most outstanding homes

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Clive Christian Furniture’s new Garden Kitchen; a bespoke dressing room; the Wentworth kitchen; a detail from a library designed in collaboration with Taylor Howes

or nearly five decades the Clive Christian Furniture brand has been creating extraordinary interiors of exquisite quality. The design studio and cabinetry workshop, nestled within the Lancashire countryside, is owned by entrepreneurial husband and wife, David and Heather Dare. From its inception, Clive Christian Furniture has sought to deliver an unparalleled level of opulence in design for its discerning global client base. The studio is perpetually focused on designing rooms that speak to the wider brand philosophy of detail-led design made from the world’s finest sustainably sourced materials, all executed with imagination. For Clive Christian Furniture’s clients, no project is too ambitious. Summer 2021 has seen the Great British brand, renowned for creating the statement kitchen, shake

things up with the launch of its new Garden Kitchen collection, bringing its exceptionally designed luxury outdoors. What started as a private commission for a loyal client turned into a complete ‘passion project’ for the studio’s Head of Design, Oliver Deadman, taking the company into its first foray in the outdoor arena. ‘It is long established that a Clive Christian Furniture room is timeless, and it was imperative for the brand that this core value be imbued in the Garden Kitchen,’ explains David. ‘Research led the team to look to the superyacht industry where the marriage of great design and all-season materiality is standard practice.’ Inspired by the glamour of classic yachts, ‘our outdoor cabinetry has been constructed using the processes, materials and techniques employed in creating some of the greatest and most recognisable yachts in the world,’ adds Oliver. In true brand style,

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From its inception, Clive Christian Furniture has sought to deliver an unparalleled level of opulence in design for its discerning global client base it is a collection delivered with quality at its core and the first in what could be a series of brand designs fit for outdoor use. This year, Clive Christian Furniture set out its sustainability agenda, recognising that being socially conscious and sustainable in its business practices is now an assumed attribute of a luxury brand. This saw the brand partner with the Used Kitchen Exchange in the UK and Renovation Angel in the US to offset the carbon emission of removing existing kitchens in favour of a Clive Christian Furniture kitchen. On average, every kitchen sold via these partners that is re-styled in another home saves six tonnes of carbon, equating to approximately one complete year of being carbon neutral for a family of four. The end product must not come at the cost of the environment. Every length has been taken to diminish the impact of the elements of production and to ensure the standard of finish for which Clive Christian Furniture is known. Looking ahead, the brand is shaping up for an exciting 2022 with the opening of a flagship New York penthouse apartment for private view, the launch of the Clive Christian Furniture town house in Marbella, Spain and further expansion of the brand in Europe, the US and the Middle East. The increased time spent indoors over the past 18 months has led to increasingly intricate client briefs with exceptional finishes and designs, reports David, as people seek to create absolute luxury, comfort and escapism in their surroundings. ‘It’s an exciting time to be in the world of design,’ he concludes.

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

DURAVIT

Philippe Starck designs his first complete bathroom range for the leading manufacturer

hether dreaming up a minimalist bed frame or sophisticated lighting, prolific multi-disciplined French industrial designer Philippe Starck believes that each new product of his should improve the lives of as many people as possible – a philosophy he calls ‘democratic design’. Now, he has turned his attention to bathrooms with White Tulip, his first complete range for Duravit, a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms founded in 1817 in Germany’s Black Forest. As you’d expect from the name, the elegant shapes of each piece echo the silhouette of a tulip in bloom, lending the range an almost sculptural appearance. It’s versatile, making it ideal for almost any interior, from an urban loft to a timeless country house. The monolithic design of the free-standing ceramic washbasin is particularly eye-catching and can be attached to the wall or the floor as required, while the round above-counter basins are designed in the same style with a delicately outward sloping edge (it is also available as a furniture washbasin and a hand rinse basin). Matching freestanding and wall-mounted toilets and bidets are all equipped with new cutting edge HygieneFlush technology. Independent tests show that this new flushing technique cleans the entire inner surface of the toilet using just 4.5 litres of water. The corresponding White Tulip furniture (which comes in widths of 350 to 1300 mm) has miter-cut, finely crafted edges. The furniture, which includes the coordinating semi tall cabinets, is available in a choice of five colours with a high gloss or satin matte lacquer finish; a solid wood natural oak or American walnut can also be selected. The distinctive chrome handles contrast beautifully with the matte lacquers and solid wood surfaces.

This is not just a range that looks aesthetically pleasing though – it’s practical and hard-wearing too. The satin matte lacquer is especially durable and has a protective coating so that small scratches ‘disappear’ almost automatically, leaving the furniture looking as good as new. Fitted with ring pull handles, the drawers feature a self-close action. Meanwhile, the option without a handle features state-of-the-art technology, enabling the drawers to be opened with a gentle tap. Other crucial items in the bathroom, such as the mirrors and lighting, have been given equal design consideration and thoughtful details. Matching mirrors have glass that has been brought forward so that the surface appears almost transparent around the illuminated area. The light temperature has a ‘memory effect’ which can be synchronised with other lamps throughout the home and controlled via Casambi, an app that can also be used to dim the mirrors and switch the mirror heating on and off. Finally, there’s the freestanding bathtub with seamless acrylic panelling to mirror the form of the ceramics. There are two versions – round and oval – both of which are available in two sizes (including 1600 by 900 mm for smaller rooms). White Tulip also includes the first range of taps developed by Philippe Starck. Easy to operate, and with 160 finely engraved vertical stripes, they produce an Duravit impressive effect. ‘White Tulip is Unit 7 Stratus Park a very sophisticated collection Brudenell Drive, Brinklow with a strong sense of ergonomics, Milton Keynes MK10 0DE but it is above all delicate and +44 (0)1908 286680 affectionate, which makes all the duravit.co.uk difference,’ concludes Philippe. duravit

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The elegant White Tulip range by Philippe Starck; White Tulip his and hers sinks; a sleek, sculptural sink with metal console; the White Tulip round above-counter basin

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

LIFE KITCHENS

Tailored state-of-the-art kitchens built to last a lifetime

fifth-generation family kitchen company with its roots tracing back over 110 years, Life Kitchens believes that its British heritage plays a large part in inspiring customer trust. Proud of its tailored, hand-finished cabinetry, stateof-the-art paint finishing and work surface manufacture in its own UK factory, Life Kitchens is living proof that focusing on what you do best will bring success, regardless of the prevailing conditions. During the challenging months of 2020 and several lockdowns, Life moved to online consultations. As so many customers found this convenient in their initial kitchen planning stages, it’s an option that is still offered today. One advantage of a Life kitchen is that every aspect is manufactured and managed in house from bespoke cabinetry to work surface fabrication, handles,

lighting and internal storage, as well as appliances, sinks, taps and installation. This means the team can quickly react to the changeable nature of project timelines. Renowned for crafting trend-leading kitchen collections of the finest quality, Life takes customers on an immersive and personal journey toward their new kitchen. Product diversity and a passion for working closely with each individual to tailor every part of the kitchen to their lives is what truly sets Life apart. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and handle-less look or a classic in frame timber design, there is something for everyone. No set rules or ranges means that customers are always encouraged to create a look that reflects their personality and lifestyle. Plus, through Life’s virtual reality theatre and 4D headset customers can literally take a step into their new kitchen before buying. A unique innovation for the company, it really brings the whole experience to life.

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: A relaxed Life Kitchens design concept; statement materials and colour take over in this impactful design; Life Kitchens’ unique 4D concept allows clients to visualize their kitchens ahead of build; one of Life Kitchens’ luxury-led designs; owner and director, Oli Stephenson

Life’s collections put people at the heart of the design, taking into account the way we live now with the kitchen as the hub of the house The expert team scours the globe for the latest trends, bringing kitchen products to the market that are accessible, relevant and exciting in the interiors industry. ‘We’re constantly looking to expand our product and material offering, so that we can always offer customers something unique and ahead of the curve,’ says owner and director Oli Stephenson. ‘We take inspiration from interior trends, and collaborations with design professionals, as well as customer feedback and we’re most at home bringing all of those elements together in a tailored design to meet the customer’s vision.’ Life’s collections put people at the heart of the design, taking into account the way we live now with the kitchen as the hub of the house. The company has recently launched seven new colours for 2021, which are available across every product range. ‘These build upon our popular blue and green hues, and also add new

depth and warmth with two exciting new red shades,’ comments Head of Design Graeme Smith. ‘There’s also a major new collection launch coming shortly that will offer our customers unprecedented choice to create a really signature look for any setting.’ Kitchens start at £30,000, but with the wide choice of creative finishes, colours and fittings on offer, as well as an ultra-personalised design and planning service, a Life kitchen is to be seen as an investment – materially adding to a property’s value, as well as its desirability for living. With the most established supply relationships in the industry, comprehensive manufacturing capabilities in place and a trio of showrooms spread across the country (in London, County Durham and Slough), Life can support and inspire all of its existing and future customers in creating the kitchen of their dreams.

Life Kitchens flagship Newnham Terrace Hercules Road London SE1 7DR Design Centres also in County Durham, Slough +44 (0)20 3972 0150 life-kitchens.co.uk life_kitchens

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

SMALLBONE

Creating the finest luxury kitchens and bespoke cabinetry for discerning global clients

globally renowned furniture brand, famed for beautiful design and quality, Smallbone is the world’s finest luxury kitchen and bespoke cabinetry maker. With such a reputation, it’s also the preferred partner of many of the most distinguished property developers, interior designers and architects. A design pioneer with craft at its heart, Smallbone has been meticulously hand making furniture for more than 40 years. Today, the brand continues to innovate; unique schemes are created to exacting standards by combining traditional skills and state-ofthe-art manufacturing equipment at its workshop in Devizes, Wiltshire. Time-honoured artisan techniques sit alongside the latest robotic woodworking machinery to produce furniture for any conceivable space within the home – from kitchens to bathrooms, wine rooms to

boot rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and libraries alike. Although Smallbone’s capacity to make fine furniture has never been in doubt, its ability to work with clients’ design teams to take a visual language that has been created for the architecture of a building and produce a fully formed unique piece – whether that be for a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or other key space – is something that has not been championed until now. The spaces Smallbone is asked to furnish range from grand scale private homes to luxury multi-apartment residences. Smallbone furniture graces the most prestigious addresses around the world, and its most recent project, the Old War Office in Westminster, is set to be unveiled later this year. Past commissions include The Shephard, a timeless reimagining of a 125-year-old, low-rise building in Lower Manhattan’s West Village. Smallbone was selected to add some British pedigree and its enviable back-catalogue of classical finishes

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Time-honoured artisan techniques sit alongside the latest robotic woodworking machinery to produce furniture for any conceivable space within the home and mouldings were perfectly suited to reflect the property’s architecture. The use of contemporary flat-fronted floor cabinets with custom bronze pulls was juxtaposed with wall cabinetry that features a discrete moulding and forged tee-handles. Also in New York but on the Upper East Side, Smallbone was asked to deliver ‘considered groups of furniture’ for 1010 Park Avenue, a boutique development of 12 apartments. Working in collaboration with the project’s prestigious Londonbased interior designers, the Smallbone team prepared three material palettes for the scheme; two built around hand raked oak door fronts, and one hand painted option that enabled purchasers to use colour to put their own stamp on their homes. Onyx worktops and geometric marble wall and floor tiles were used to add a layer of luxury. On a much larger scale, the Smallbone team worked on Central Park Tower, the world’s tallest residential building. It developed a palette of materials that reflected the design language of the building: four cabinet finishes including three sets of veneer and a bespoke hammered metal that was inspired by an antique European nickel sink. Elsewhere, the development at 35 Hudson Yards required a style of furniture that was both modern and elegant. Smallbone’s solution was to create a minimalistic bespoke cabinet design by using hand-selected bleached eucalyptus veneered doors, walnut veneered carcasses and solid walnut timber draw boxes. These are a snapshot of projects that show Smallbone’s capacity to take an agile and collaborative approach to the design and manufacture of bespoke furniture, and create the finest cabinetry, covetable kitchens and elegant bedrooms.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Smallbone’s Icarus kitchen; the New York skyline, where Smallbone dominate Billionaires’ Row; an elegant apartment at 35 Hudson Yards; the timeless kitchen at The Shephard; Central Park Tower, NY’s supertall skyscraper

Smallbone 197-205 Brompton Road London SW3 1LB +44 (0)20 7589 5998 smallbone.co.uk smallbone.devizes

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

WEST ONE BATHROOMS

A leading supplier of luxury bathrooms

ith more than 40 years’ experience of providing luxury fittings, West One Bathrooms has long been regarded as Europe’s most illustrious supplier of bespoke bathrooms. Established in London’s Mayfair in 1978 and run by the Waters family ever since, West One Bathrooms rapidly became known for sourcing the most beautiful products and accessories. Breaking the mould in the industry, it led the way in innovation, transforming the perception of bathrooms being seen as merely functional and basic into an indulgent sanctuary. What puts West One Bathrooms a head and shoulders above is that everything is tailored to the client. The company is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for expert advice, renowned design and an infinite product selection. The team understands that planning a bathroom is a big decision – a balance of the desire for the finer things along with practical considerations of who will be using the space. After all, everyone starts and ends the day in the bathroom so it has to be a place of refuge from the outside world. It has unrivalled access to over 750 global manufacturers, including the prestigious tile and stone makers, Ann Sacks and New Ravenna. West One Bathrooms is its exclusive stockist in the UK and Europe, with a dedicated showroom in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. This showroom is constantly updated with the most beautiful luxury tile designs, including the Chinoiserie mosaic from New Ravenna. Designers receive constant training on the latest

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A bespoke West One project in Devon; a West One bathroom in Islington; West One’s Jazz vanity unit

products and software, and visit leading international trade shows as well as the manufacturers’ factories to experience the craftsmanship behind the products first hand. The aim at West One Bathrooms is to make the purchase as streamlined and as fulfilling as possible. With its own fleet of vehicles, the company can ensure prompt and reliable nationwide delivery, while for overseas clients it offers a full packing and exportation service. Dedicated sales, design, project and contracts teams have the expertise to cater for all sizes of projects, budgets and styles. With a constant flow of new and cutting-edge products, the showrooms across London and the south east (these include locations in Battersea, Clerkenwell and Oxshott) are regularly updated to reflect trends as well as timeless classics. This September, West One Bathrooms will also launch a new showroom in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. At just under 4,000 sq/ft, it takes a forward-thinking approach to retail, showcasing signature luxury bathroom displays and brands while providing a unique offering and experience for customers. The new space will be home to the Virtual Worlds 4D virtual reality theatre which can demonstrate what a new bathroom looks like before it becomes a reality. Sustainability is also becoming a key focus for the company, which is working with architects and designers to promote water saving and eco-friendly products when approaching bathroom design. With many consumers unaware of the volume of water used throughout the home (and in the bathroom in particular), the average amount of water consumption in the Western world is increasing. At present, the contracts department at West One Bathrooms is working with leading hotel groups to measure and manage their impact on the environment.

West One Bathrooms 610 King’s Road Chelsea London SW6 2DX +44 (0)33 3011 3333 westonebathrooms.com westonebathrooms

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Sustainability is becoming a key focus for West One Bathrooms. It is working with architects and designers to promote water-saving and eco-friendly products

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GP & J Baker’s Magnolia wallpaper; a modern classic

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS Beauty, statement and timeless appeal – these designers have them spades

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AMY KENT RUGS

Beautiful authentic rugs, made to order and hand crafted in India and Nepal

nspired by life and mindfully made: that’s the ethos behind Amy Kent’s beautifully crafted bespoke rugs. The company began in 2005 when Amy was working for an interior designer and realised that there was a gap in the market for high-quality, one-off pieces that don’t cost the earth. After putting together a portfolio of designs, she went to stay with a family friend in India who suggested a visit to Bhadohi, a rug-making region around Varanasi. She had a lucky break, meeting a husband and wife team who have produced her handwoven, knotted rugs ever since (some are also now made in Nepal). What sets Amy apart is her personal, one-to-one approach to the business. There’s no showroom (the rugs are stored in a converted stable); instead she prefers to travel to a client’s home to meet either the owners’ or their interior designer, rolling out the samples in-situ and helping them decide on the pattern, size and colours (there are hundreds to choose from) that best suit the surroundings. Designs can be completely adapted, whether someone is looking for a square or round rug, or a runner. If nothing appeals, she will work with the client to create a fresh piece from scratch. Amy then creates a life-like CGI visual of the design, often superimposing it onto a photo of the room it’s intended for, to give the most accurate impression of what the finished product will look like. A bespoke service from start to finish, the result is unique, made-to-order rugs that fit perfectly in any style of home.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Medina rug from the Rapture & Wright collaboration; Autumn, from the Four Seasons collection with Willow Crossley; a Cloud Garden rug made with Rapture & Wright

‘I want to create rugs that work for each individual’s interior and lifestyle,’ says Amy, whose wide range of influences include the countryside around her, architecture and geometric shapes. ‘Sometimes I am brought in because a client has seen a design they have completely fallen in love with and everything else in a room is based around that, or I come in last when they want a rug that pulls everything together. I love working out what a rug needs to provide for a particular space – whether it’s texture, warmth or seen as a piece of artwork for the floor.’ Alongside her own designs, Amy regularly teams up with other creatives such as artists, photographers and designers, too. Her first collaboration was with her artist sister Lucy Kent on an ‘art on rugs’ range; this was followed last year by a series of rugs with florist and stylist Willow Crossley that each reflects a different season. In September she is launching a new collection at Chelsea Design Centre with Rapture & Wright, a design duo specialising in handprinted fabrics and wallpapers. The four rug designs are each based on their prints and include Moroccan-inspired ‘Medina’ and ‘Moorish’ designs. Future plans include working with Gabby Deeming, founder of Daydress, translating her blockprint dress designs that are printed in Jaipur, into rugs. She will also be continuing her ongoing collection of ‘Recycled Rugs’. These are flatweave rugs in fun, geometric patterns woven from leftover wool that has been dyed for custom orders in Kathmandu – a great way to reduce wastage and build up a small stock for those who would rather purchase a rug immediately. Amy is also looking at extending this recycled concept to her producer in India, focusing on hand-knotted pile rugs with a patchwork design.

Amy Kent Bespoke Rugs +44 (0)1666 715151 amykent.co.uk amykentrugs

PHOTOS: © KIRSTY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTOS: © KIRSTY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

‘I love working out what a rug needs to provide for a particular space – whether it’s texture, warmth or seen as a piece of artwork for the floor’

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

DEIRDRE DYSON

Contemporary hand-knotted rugs, crafted in Nepal

wenty years ago when fine artist Deirdre Dyson was struggling to find contemporary rugs for her home, a carpet dealer suggested she design her own. This led to a collection, a successful partnership between the pair and, in 2000, Deirdre taking over the now eponymous company herself. Fast forward to today and she is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning rug designer supplying global clients from her showroom on London’s Kings Road, and, more recently, a dedicated gallery in the St-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris. Deirdre and her experienced team pride themselves on giving both commercial and residential clients a dedicated service, taking time to get all aspects of the bespoke process right. Colour choice is key and these are selected from a vast palette of over 5,000 hues, which are observed in different lights to ensure that they sit together tonally. Once the client is happy with the completed design render, artwork is sent to the company’s Nepalese weavers who confidently replicate it to knot precision by hand in either Tibetan wool, pure silk or both. Each rug is made to an exacting quality. The weavers first create an intricately detailed coloured ‘map’ of the design that is printed full-size and hung over the top of the loom for each worker to follow. It is painstaking work: 100 knots make up the size of a postage stamp. The combination of Deirdre’s sketches and colour selection realised as carpets through the age-old craft of handknotting is slow design at its finest. Each year Deirdre creates a new themed collection, inspired by both organic and abstract sources (in the past she has drawn on elements such as plants, trees and birds). Some are technically challenging while others appear apparently simple, depending on

the direction she chooses to take. The outcome is a stunning archive of diverse designs available to view on the company’s website. Of the design process, Deirdre says: ‘I let ideas float around for quite a while, mulling them over with vague colours in my head. I draw, then colour the designs, checking them all to make sure that each is different enough to hold interest on its own but at the same time work together as a group.’ Created during the first Covid lockdown, last year’s Paper and Stone collection was based around everyday materials, with seven new carpet designs exploring the myriad effects of folded, torn and crumpled paper. The stone aspect of the series was represented by three hand-knotted wall hangings, primarily rendered in silk and inspired by stonework, mosaic and paving. As an artist, a large part of Deirdre’s success as a carpet designer is her eye for colour and there is no better showcase than her newly launched graded rug, Melting Sun. ‘I love grading colours; I just decided to make a seamless transition from red to blue, shading from dark to light in the middle to give a similar sensation to a watercolour wash,’ she explains. ‘The secret is to select each colour so it moves on to the next, but so closely that it doesn’t appear to the eye to jump.’ For Deirdre’s upcoming 2022 collection, which launches next Deirdre Dyson January and is titled All at Sea, 554 King’s Road the designs are centred around London SW6 2DZ her studies of the movement of, +44 (0)20 7384 4464 and light reflected on, water and deirdredyson.com the objects found in the ocean. deirdredysonrugs

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It is painstaking work: 100 knots make up the size of a postage stamp. The combination of Deirdre’s sketches and colour selection realised as carpets through the age-old craft of hand-knotting is slow design at its finest

FROM LEFT: Love Letter wool and silk rug; Concertina wool and silk rug

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

GAYLE WARWICK

Beautiful hand embroidered bed and table linens

s a child Gayle Warwick often spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at her grandmother’s house, where dinner would be served on beautiful handembroidered tablecloths. But it wasn’t until years later on a visit to Vietnam in 1995 that she really began to understand the level of craftsmanship involved in creating such special pieces. ‘The embroidery I saw on my first trips to Vietnam was exquisite and detailed, and time consuming to make. Hours and hours were spent hand embroidering with single threads. But the designs were often copies and the fabrics not of good quality. It was then that I thought of combining original design with fine fabrics that would last,’ recalls Gayle. The idea for her eponymous linen business was born. ‘To develop our very first collection of bed and table linen we started each idea with a pencil drawing; this has remained an essential part of our process,’ says Gayle of the first range, which took three years of research and planning. ‘We explore the nuances of line, form, tone and colour ensuring that every design has a strong basis in draftsmanship and an eye for detail.’ Drawings are translated onto fabric by a team of hand embroiderers with a level of skill that is very rare in this world of mass production. ‘The embroidery is literally done by hand – a single needle, a single thread and a very skilled hand.’ First, she tried unsuccessfully to source high-quality organic cotton for the bed linen and then decided to weave her own. ‘I was a bit naïve in wanting to begin my first collection with organic cotton 22 years

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Gayle Warwick’s Sweet Pea table linen; Cosimo pillowcases; Gayle Warwick fine linen drapery

ago. I didn’t realise what it was going to take,’ continues Gayle. ‘It certainly wasn’t a commercial decision, more a labour of love.’ She teamed up with spinners and weavers in Switzerland who used a unique construction to produce a very crisp percale and smooth, soft sateen. That exclusive weave, which is still made today, quickly became her signature. The company also weaves a bespoke range of colours in Italian linen and is investigating other new sustainable fibres such as nettle and hemp to add to the collection. Over time, the under-the-radar brand has expanded its range to encompass so much more than textiles for bedding and dining, with hand-embroidered cushion covers, organic towels and handwoven cashmere throws sold alongside napkins, handmade leather place mats, duvet covers and sheets. Gayle now has a global network of skilled artisans and craftsmen: embroiderers in Vietnam, block printers in India and weavers in Italy, Thailand and Belgium. ‘We partner with weavers all over the world to develop sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or yarn dyed linen in custom colours or hand woven cashmere. Our goal is to make products that are unique to us and our clients,’ she says. A growing part of the business is working with clients and interior designers (such as Nicky Haslam, Francis Sultana and Todhunter Earle) to create bespoke designs. From an individual monogram for hand towels to a large custom tablecloth and personalised bed linen for houses, yachts and private planes, the company is able to offer a hands-on approach that allows clients to create something unique. ‘At every stage in our development we maintain a respect for the integrity of the process, the craftsmanship and the time it takes to create a luxury product made to last,’ Gayle concludes.

Gayle Warwick 116b Draycott Ave London SW3 3AE +44 (0)20 7493 5567 gaylewarwick.com gaylewarwickfinelinen

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Drawings are translated onto fabric by a team of hand embroiderers with a level of skill that is very rare in this world of mass production

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

GP & J BAKER

Designing exquisite fabrics and wallcoverings, inspired by the archive

hen two young entrepreneurial brothers, George Percival and James Baker, started importing Persian, Turkish and Turkoman carpets and re-exporting them to France and the US in 1884, GP & J Baker was born. Gradually the brothers started producing prints and weaves, their designs influenced by George Percival’s admiration for Indian and East Asian art. In the late 1800s GP & J Baker bought the renowned Swaisland Fabric Printing Company in south east London, acquiring most of its printing blocks and a collection of pattern books dating back more than a century. A few years later, George Percival added 400 antique block prints from Paris’s Holzach studio, followed by a further 250 rare Indian printed cottons.

The brothers were adventurous travellers and became avid collectors of rare designs. Over the years they built up one of the largest and most diverse privately owned textiles archives in the world, including hand painted Chinese wallpapers, rare 17th-century Italian and Turkish velvets, Indienne prints, Indonesian batiks, 500-year-old Peruvian textiles and Art Nouveau paintings. This extensive archive still inspires many of the authentic fabrics and wallcoverings in the collections today. Some have been in production for 50 to 100 years, each reiteration adding another layer to their considerable charm. Signature prints, weaves and embroideries sit alongside beautiful silks, elegant linens and gorgeous textures – all designed to be timeless and suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors. ‘We’re always challenging ourselves and innovating to maintain our individuality,’ says Managing and Creative

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: A Lorfords sofa in Camden Trellis; the Portobello collection; a sofa in Rockbird; a Lorfords armchair in Winchelsea; several of GP & J Baker’s collections are still hand block printed

The brothers were adventurous travellers and became avid collectors of rare designs. Over the years they built up one of the largest and most diverse privately owned textiles archives in the world Director of GP & J Baker, Ann Grafton, ‘yet while we embrace the latest technological advances, we are extremely appreciative of artisanal craftsmanship, which in our case dates back hundreds of years. For some collections we still employ the centuries-old technique of hand block printing. The result is the thrilling and extraordinary diversity of our GP & J Baker collections.’ GP & J Baker enjoys an international reputation for supplying creative solutions to interior designers for domestic, hospitality and contract projects including luxury boutique hotels, spas and restaurants through to cruise ships and luxury yachts. A holder of the Royal Warrant since 1982, it takes pride in providing a personal, tailored service which supports the design process. Recent projects include the supply of outdoor performance fabrics for the garden area at The Ivy on the King’s Road in Chelsea, supplying decorative fabrics for

the new bar in The Pig hotel at Madehurst, and working with the design team of the Four Seasons in Hampshire on its suites and rooms. It was also commissioned by Anouska Hempel to produce bespoke velvet fabric for the Monsieur George hotel in Paris. In addition, GP & J Baker has developed a useful virtual pattern book library, hosted on its website, which contains in-stock fabrics and wallcoverings curated by colour, as well as new products that can be accessed 24/7 – another way in which the company aims to assist clients in creating stylish and comfortable spaces. With showrooms in Paris and London’s Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, GP & J Baker’s declared philosophy is to lead the way in textile elegance, creating beautiful products to meet its global customers’ desires and offering a comprehensive resource for the design community.

GP & J Baker Design Centre East Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XF +44 (0)20 7351 7760 gpjbaker.com gpjbaker

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

LOOMAH

Loomah is at the forefront of the design and supply of traditional and contemporary luxury bespoke carpets and rugs

PHOTOS: DAVID CLEVELAND; MEGAN TAYLOR

Exceptional bespoke carpets and rugs

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FROM LEFT: Mizar rug in roomset styled by Lucy Gough; custommade rug for master bedroom suite, designed by Callender Howarth

PHOTOS: DAVID CLEVELAND; MEGAN TAYLOR

ounded in 2001 by husband and wife Andrew and Natalie Cotgrove, Loomah is at the forefront of the design and supply of traditional and contemporary luxury bespoke carpets and rugs. With over 30 years experience of working with the best artisans and factories in the industry, the couple decided to set up Loomah from their London home with the vision of creating a brand focused on delivering a unique personal design service. Now with a showroom in heart of the King’s Road, Loomah is renowned for its exceptional quality, personalised customer service and going the extra mile to ensure the end product is the ultimate in elegance. With no set look or style, the focus at Loomah is on creating designs tailored to each client’s individual specifications. The company can supply fitted carpets or loose laid rugs in any size, any shape and any colour – no matter the size or scope of a commission. Whether it is the simple opulence of a luxury silk carpet in a plain, custom-dyed colour or an intricate border that follows the contours of an elaborate staircase, every project is designed to suit the unique requirements of an interior. All carpets and rugs are designed by the team in-house and expertly hand tufted to the most exacting standards by highly skilled craftsmen in Thailand. Whether a client has a concept in mind or would like to tap into the expertise of the designers, the team will work closely with them to develop the finished product, ensuring that it harmonises with the overall look and feel of a space. Loomah’s founders have remained positive throughout the pandemic, using the enforced slow down as an opportunity to work on a new portfolio that presents the best of the company’s extensive archives alongside practical information to help customers navigate the process

of designing a bespoke rug. ‘With endless possibilities in colour, material and texture, we understand the process of commissioning a tailor-made design can be overwhelming,’ says Andrew. ‘Loomah has such a diverse range of rugs and carpets, and our new portfolio will showcase both our design and technical capabilities.’ Lockdown also provided the unique opportunity to collaborate with Noor Charchafchi of Celine Interior Design. The result is a collection of six stunning rugs featuring unique repeating patterns in a palette of calming greys and blues. Handmade to order, the collection is available exclusively online from the Celine Interior Design boutique. Loomah also continued working with its clients on commissions throughout. These included a recent installation for interior design practice Callender Howorth to deliver eight hand-tufted rugs for a contemporary country house in Buckinghamshire. ‘After approaching us with concept images, we met with the client for meetings to refine the designs and select the colours and specification for each rug,’ says Andrew. ‘The order was confirmed just before lockdown in March last year but as a small family-run business we are able to adapt quickly to the changing climate and our longstanding relationship with our factory meant we were still able to deliver the order on time.’ Despite the uncertainty faced Loomah by many small businesses, Loomah Bespoke Carpets & Rugs continues to grow, adding a new 592 King’s Road dimension to the in-house team with London SW6 2DX the appointment of a dynamic new +44 (0)20 7371 9955 designer, who will help push the brand loomah.com forward into 2022 and beyond. loomahltd COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 127

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

MORRIS & CO

Celebrating 160 years of iconic patterns and exquisite craftsmanship

s a political theorist, publisher, environmental campaigner and poet, William Morris was one of the most influential figures of the 19th century. Yet his most enduring legacy belongs to the realm of interiors where he played a pioneering role in developing British design and supporting traditional craftsmanship. His company, Morris & Co, came to be known as the leading light of the Arts & Crafts movement, loved for its beautifully crafted fabrics and wallpaper that depicted compelling scenes of nature and iconic patterns. Now, to celebrate 160 years in business, the company is sharing its favourite original Morris works, alongside the release of a stunning new wallpaper panel, Owl & Willow. ‘Since 1861, Morris & Co has gone from strength to strength. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and we’re marking the occasion with an exciting new wallpaper that captures the spirit of our founder, the master of pattern and repeat,’ says Rebecca Craig, head of design for Morris & Co. ‘We know Morris was passionate about medieval forms and we suspect this influenced his 1890 Holy Grail tapestry, commissioned by Stanmore Hall in London. Inspired by Verdure, which sat behind the tapestries, we have created Owl & Willow, a captivating, colourful scene of enchanting wildlife, stylised trees and delicate florals that pays homage to both William Morris the man and his remarkable designs.’ The hand-picked collection of 42 fabrics and 67 wallpapers chart the decades that Morris & Co has been popular – and used in everything from feature walls to pattern clashes – through both original and re-imagined designs such as Daisy, Bird & Pomegranate, Strawberry Thief and Golden Lily. Other key patterns include Willow Boughs, originally designed by William Morris in 1887 and the perfect expression of his love of nature and the English countryside. As a visual motif, the willow was an enduring source of inspiration, appearing as the background in many earlier designs and even being the subject of his earlier Willow design. Fans of the company’s work will also recognise Blackthorn, thought to be designed by JH Dearle for Morris & Co in 1892, which is a radiant depiction of the blackthorn tree that draws on its rich folkloric heritage (it plays a significant role in Celtic lore) with a densely-packed design of bright white blossoms and accompanying daisies against a background of deepest green; and Pimpernel, from 1876, a near symmetrical design describing the delicate pimpernel flower set atop a base of swirling tendrils. At Morris & Co today, original archival documents

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Model wears Mary Isobel sleeves and Blackthorn blanket; Owl & Willow wallpaper

are used to faithfully reproduce William Morris’s cherished designs from the 19th century. Although it makes considered adaptations to reach new audiences, the company retains the artist’s high regard for traditional craftsmanship and incredible eye for timeless pattern, while ensuring that his reputation lives on with a new audience of traditionalists and millennials alike. Rebecca concludes: ‘We’re bridging generations and creating a coming together of those whose paths may never normally cross, but for whom William Morris holds a special place in their hearts, enabling freedom of expression and an enduring sense of style.’ A hundred and sixty years after he launched his namesake company, we think William Morris would approve.

Morris & Co Chalfont House Oxford Road, Denham Uxbridge UB9 4DX +44 (0)20 3457 5862 morrisandco.sanderson designgroup.com wmorrisandco

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‘We have created Owl & Willow, a captivating colourful scene of enchanting wildlife, stylised trees and delicate florals that pays homage to both William Morris the man and his remarkable designs’

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

RIVIERE

Exquisite rugs, custom-designed and handcrafted in Nepal

or Camilla and Leo Riviere it all started 16 years ago in Sweden. Inspired by extensive travels in Europe and Asia, and with backgrounds in art and design, this is where the couple set up their company, Riviere. Having found a partner – a workshop in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal – they began by creating a small sample collection of handknotted custom rugs that sold at interior boutiques in Stockholm. Their signature look combining wool and silk in understated neutral colours was a huge success and, two years later, they launched in the UK. In an increasingly mass produced world, Riviere is proud to be part of a highly skilled artisan tradition. From the hand dying of the yarns to the highly labour intensive weaving process (rugs have a minimum of 100 knots per square inch), their rugs

are produced using age-old traditional techniques passed down through the generations, with each step of the painstaking process carried out by hand. Made from only the finest sustainable materials, such as hand spun Tibetan wool from sheep reared in the nearby Himalayas, pure Chinese silk and biodegradable botanic silk, each piece has a low impact on the environment (wool is one of the most eco-friendly fibres of all). The design process is lengthy, and involves choosing the scale of the pattern and colourisation as well as multiple samplings which can take months to perfect. Inspiration comes from everywhere – nature, architecture, old paintings, fabrics – and Riviere has a collection of more than 100 designs to suit all tastes and styles of interior. Each one can be customised with a choice of colour, size, shape and materials. In addition, the company provides a colour matching service

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In an increasingly mass produced world, Riviere is proud to be part of a highly skilled artisan tradition

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Riviere’s Ocean design by O&A London; the Riviere x Zoffany rugs collection; Suminagashi from the Zoffany collection; the Jigsaw design in chalk

and an extensive library of more than 2,000 colour poms at their showroom on Lots Road in the heart of London’s Chelsea Design Quarter. Working closely with leading interior design practices worldwide, the company also offers a fully bespoke design service that gives the industry the scope to create one-off pieces for their clients. Whereas in the past all collections were developed internally, in 2019 Camilla and Leo began collaborating with select artists and interior designers on a series of exciting projects. They kicked off with the Caledonia collection of rugs designed by award-winning duo Anna Agapova and Oleg Klodt, who are behind O&A London. The five designs – Celtic, Heather, Shells, Sound of Fingal’s Cave and Ocean – each reflect the natural beauty of the majestic Scottish landscape. More recently, Riviere has developed six rugs with

Peter Gomez, head of design at Zoffany. The brand is a firm favourite of Camilla and Leo who have worked with Peter on numerous design shoots, so creating a collection together seemed like an obvious next step. The pair were given exclusive access to Zoffany’s archives where they selected designs that were carefully translated from fabric or wallpaper into rugs, taking into account composition, scale and colour. After a fantastic initial response, the Jigsaw design – which features a low loop knot and blended silk and wool base with distinctive raised cut-pile details in abstract forms – has proved to be the runaway favourite (new colourways of all the designs will be launching soon). Like the rest of its collections, these are unique pieces of floor art, designed as timeless heirlooms to be treasured for years to come.

Riviere 46 Lots Road London SW10 0QF +44 (0)20 3601 4600 riviererugs.com riviererugs

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

TANIA JOHNSON DESIGN

Custom contemporary hand knotted rugs, inspired by photography

Each distinctive hand-knotted rug starts with a moment that inspires Tania, as captured through her photography

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Custom Rainstorm wool and silk rug; Dapple in navy cream; the Abstract Floral design in wool and silk; the Waterlines silk rug in navy taupe

ania Johnson Design specialises in custom, contemporary, hand knotted rugs. Using her own photography as inspiration, designer Tania Johnson translates each image into intricately woven wool and silk rugs that are handmade in the finest natural materials to last generations. Tania graduated from London’s Royal College of Art with a master’s in woven textiles before working in Switzerland and New York. As a textile designer for Calvin Klein Home, she designed the brand’s first rug collection, discovering her passion for innovative rug design. She went on to launch her debut collection of hand knotted rugs in New York under her own label in 2010, and has since returned to London. Each distinctive hand-knotted rug starts with a moment that inspires Tania, as captured through her photography: the way light creates shadows and reflections and the microscopic details found in nature. Documenting these fleeting moments in time, the patterns that form and change around us, constantly influences Tania. This love of nature’s impermanence is reflected through combinations of mixing wool and silk in different ways and the interplay between matte and shine that this creates, with each piece retaining the intricacy and depth of the original idea. With her woven textile background, Tania creates every weaving graph herself and specifies how each pixel should be translated into yarn and colour. This attention to detail can be felt in each of her characteristically intricate designs and sets her apart from her competitors. Every rug in the collection is also certified by GoodWeave, which aims to eliminate child labour and improve working conditions for adults. Tania has been a member of GoodWeave since starting her business and is a strong supporter of its work. From the start, she wanted to make sure that her

rugs were produced ethically and to help the communities involved in production. Being a member of GoodWeave has ensured this can happen. For her newest collection, Tania was inspired by a visit to the beautiful city of Venice. Losing herself in the labyrinth of walls, she was mesmerised at every turn by the myriad of surfaces and the faded grandeur of crumbling palazzos. Designs include Imprint, a random border created by inky smudges printed on paper, Facade, taken from the colours and textures that emerge as layers of torn and dampened paper are peeled back, and Drift, a linear pattern that represents an ancient wall streaked and stained by time. Tania Johnson Design also now has a handloom collection comprising of simple hand carved, gradated and geometric designs that are the perfect partner to her hand-knotted rugs. The company offers a completely bespoke service and works with both interior designers and private clients. Every rug is made to order and can be produced in any colour, shape or size. Clients are always welcome to visit the studio where they can view full size rugs. Tania and her team are also very happy to make site visits with a range of samples and their extensive set of colour poms. With an emphasis on a highly personalised service, Tania loves the process of developing the perfect individual rug for each and every client. Every rug in the collection is Tania Johnson Design produced by highly skilled weavers Unit 12 Crane Mews in Nepal. Designed with integrity 32 Gould Road from beginning to end, each Tania Twickenham TW2 6RS Johnson Design rug conveys a unique +44 (0)7979 193971 connection between inspiration, taniajohnsondesign.com design, tradition and skill. taniajohnsondesign COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 133

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

WARNER HOUSE

A historic textiles house, creatively reimagining designs for the 21st century

he Warner House mission is simple: to provide exquisite home furnishings for the luxury interiors market while preserving the charm and rich heritage of the historic brand. Founded in 1870, Warner rapidly became one of the greatest names in British textiles and, just 30 years later, was considered the foremost furnishing silk weaver in Britain. A royal warrant holder (the firm has woven articles for every single coronation since 1902) and supplier of exceptional furnishing fabrics to institutions ranging from the Palace of Westminster to the White House, as well as interior designers such as Nancy Lancaster and John Fowler, it has a longstanding history of collaborating with contemporary designers. In more recent years, frequent changes of ownership saw the name eclipsed. That is, until husband and wife team, Lee and Emma Clarke (founders of innovative

textile house Clarke & Clarke) became enthralled by the achievements of the prestigious brand and saw an opportunity to bring its design excellence to the 21st-century consumer. Warner was acquired in 2020 and reborn as Warner House. Now an exclusively online company, it encompasses brilliantly conceived ranges of woven and printed fabrics, wallpapers, paints, furniture, and home accessories. The brand has also launched a tailored collection of outdoor fabrics and cushions, featuring beloved Warner prints. Drawing inspiration from Warner’s extraordinary heritage, the duo have distilled its essence into a contemporary lifestyle collection. Iconic patterns are skilfully recoloured and reimagined for modern living but always presented with the narrative of the original design to honour its story. The revived range showcases a myriad of beautiful designs including exotic botanicals, damask, animal print, ikats, historical

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Warner House is looking to the future with every element of the business carefully considered for its environmental impact toiles and more whimsical pieces. However, it is the quintessential English chintz that is most associated with the brand and very much forms a major part of Warner House today. In addition, this autumn the company is releasing a new collection of over 60 archival designs. Complementary to the current offering, the latest fabrics and wallpapers feature an array of large and small-scale designs, in both bold and muted palettes, to fit seamlessly into a range of interior styles. Unashamedly decorative and luxurious, the Warner House concept is cleverly put together to provide both standalone elements and coordinated collections. This approach makes it easy to create lush, layered interiors that celebrate creativity through pattern, colour and texture. Pulling together a cohesive space is made simpler still through the moodboard offering of 40 tailored schemes that allow consumers to see how different prints and complementary hues can sit together in perfect harmony. Warner House offers the flexibility for clients to create personal statement pieces, from bespoke curtains and blinds to hand crafted furniture in a vast choice of fabrics and trimmings. Highly interactive, the website perfectly showcases the outstanding quality of Warner’s products and offers a user-friendly way for people to experience an exceptional interior design service. While this heritage brand is undoubtedly built on history, Warner House is looking to the future with every element of the business carefully considered for its environmental impact. Materials chosen are of the highest quality and sustainably sourced, and the range is produced predominantly in the UK by skilled craftsmen, ensuring the utmost attention to detail and a beautiful end product that is made to last.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Warner House fabrics sit seamlessly in an elegant library; Knotted Sash wallpaper in charcoal; a bespoke headboard in Chinese Garden Ochre; pattern power with Afsana Spruce

Warner House The Church Mobberley Road, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5NT +44 (0)330 055 2995 warner-house.com warnerhouse_1870

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FABRIC, WALLS & FLOORS

ZOFFANY

Spotlighting Kensington with an exquisite new range

amed for its town-meets-country feel, world-class museums and cosmopolitan vibe, Kensington is an escape from the frenetic pace of the city. This season, fabric and wallpaper specialist Zoffany introduces a snapshot of this west London neighbourhood, expressed as three design stories: Eastern Palace, Paradise Row and Artist’s House. The Kensington Walk collection’s eight wallcoverings, seven prints, two weaves and embroidery are all produced using the finest materials, artisan techniques and modern processes. ‘Kensington Walk is a partnership between craftsmanship and technology, and how they combine to make something new,’ says Peter Gomez, head of design at Zoffany. ‘The scenic designs in this launch are an interpretation of Kensington life, using a pictorial narrative and international flavour. From Tyndall’s cascading canopy to Long Water’s turning brushstrokes, the prints and panels have a fresh and versatile colour palette, across a range of new and archive designs. Once again, we’re excited to collaborate with Sam Wilde whose striking Eastern Palace artwork shares the symbolism of Japanese culture.’ Celebrating the diverse international background of its inhabitants and the glory of global travel, Eastern Palace takes its design cues from Japan. Royal College of Art graduate Sam (he first worked with Zoffany on the Palladio collection last year) has created a delicate drawing which chronicles the country’s four main islands: Shinto shrines, temples and castles are interspersed

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Zoffany’s Kensington Walk collection, with wallpaper in Eastern Palace, cushions in Kanoko and Eastern Palace; Tyndall wallpaper with cushions in Tuscan pink wool satin and Arion; footstool in Kanoko with Long Water Botanical curtain

with endemic flora and topiary as well as native animals such as sleeping giant kami, samurai crabs and stone turtles. Other patterns in this story include Akaishi, a woven textural wallpaper inspired by the southern Japanese Alps; Taisho Weave, a glorious representation of lotus leaves; and Floating Mountains, a classic Chinese scene of rolling waterfalls and towering peaks based on an archive document and illustrations on an ancient hanging scroll. Paradise Row is an elegant story of greenery and gentry, hidden arts and leafy royal parks. Influences for the eponymous fabric – which is hand-drawn on fine linen – are botanical studies and flora gathered from around the world. Meanwhile Arion, a satin, references the horses that rode the centuries-old bridleways of London’s Hyde Park and Kanoko is inspired by a 1930s Japanese kimono from the archive, produced using shibori dying methods. Finally, Artist’s House focuses on Kensington as a haven for creatives – and specifically Holland Park Circle, a series of houses with studios at their heart. Typically palatial and filled with works of art, archives and treasures sourced on voyages to far-flung lands, this story includes designs such as the whimsical Copes Trail (named after Holland House, formerly Cope Castle) which nods to the old orchards that surrounded the Jacobean residence and Persian Tulip, a modern take on a traditional motif from the 17th century with colours that echo the riches of Leighton House. With its richly pigmented and diverse palette, Zoffany’s signature Alchemy of Colour – hues created from natural plant dyes and crushed minerals, based on pigments from silks and documents in the archive – is in evidence throughout the Kensington Walk collection.

Zoffany Chalfont House Oxford Road, Denham Uxbridge UB9 4DX +44 (0)20 3457 5862 zoffany.sanderson designgroup.com zoffanyfw

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The Kensington Walk collection’s eight wallcoverings, seven prints, two weaves and embroidery are all produced using the finest materials, artisan techniques and modern processes

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FURNITURE

Fill your house with timeless pieces you’ll treasure forever

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Neatsmith’s bespoke dressing rooms are unrivalled for design, functionality and high-end luxury

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FURNITURE

THE CONRAN SHOP

The home of iconic designs and future classics

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Conran Shop in Chelsea; a Hauser & Wirth installation at the Marylebone store; Magnus Long’s Cross Leg collection; Hans J Wegner’s PP225 Flag Halyard lounge chair

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The Conran Shop has inspired our homes with its innovative, well-considered designs for nearly five decades

global destination for the latest and greatest in furniture, lighting and lifestyle, The Conran Shop has inspired our homes with its innovative, well-considered designs for nearly five decades. Founded by the late Sir Terence Conran in 1973, the brand is cherished for an inimitable blend of iconic contemporary furniture and compelling new collections, premiering future collectibles while paying homage to the rich design history of the 20th century. Continually evolving to reflect our changing ways of life, The Conran Shop is also expanding its global reach. With ten international locations and an online presence delivering over 8,000 lines to 70 countries, the brand’s 2020 expansion in South Korea won multiple awards, soon to be followed by a second location in Dongtan. This year also saw the opening of a space in Japan’s reputable Isetan department store in Shinjuku. A heritage brand with a modern edge, The Conran Shop continues to work closely with esteemed design manufacturers, among them Knoll, Vitra and Carl Hansen & Søn. Offering limited editions and exclusive collaborations, each product is chosen in the image of Sir Terence’s design philosophy – crafting plain, simple and useful objects for everyday living. In 2021, this includes a collaboration with the world-renowned PP Møbler, presenting an exclusive re-issue of Hans J. Wegner’s PP126 Rocking Chair and PP225 Flag Halyard Lounge Chair. Furthering its commitment to continuing the legacy of the likes of Wegner, other exclusives include the CH24 Wishbone Chair with a leather seat from Carl Hansen & Søn, and a brass-clad Pendant Light from Pandul. Also new this year are Matthew Hilton’s Arbor Sofa and Domus Desk collections, Daniel Schofield’s Mag Table in multiple new shapes and

hues, employing an intensive ceramic firing and glazing technique; and a redesign of Magnus Long’s award-winning Cross Leg collection, only available at The Conran Shop. Under the ownership and guidance of Sir Terence since its inception, The Conran Shop was acquired by British businessman Javad Marandi OBE in early 2020, asserting a bold new future for the brand. Since then great strides have already been made, focusing on ecommerce expansion as pandemic restrictions have permanently altered the retail landscape. Following the passing of Sir Terence Conran last September, his design ethos remains integral to the future vision of The Conran Shop. This formidable legacy is prolonged through initiatives like New Designers, introducing this year’s Designer of the Future Award supported by The Marandi Foundation. The award aims to offer exposure and development to the most promising young creatives in product design, honouring Sir Terence’s commitment to nurturing emerging British talent. 2021 alone welcomed an impressive 97 entries judged by the likes of Lord Norman Foster, Anya Hindmarch, and Narmina Marandi, with a daring dozen candidates highlighted by The Conran Shop. Both in its dynamic stores and online platforms, The Conran Shop remains at the forefront of the luxury retail industry. Inspiring and exciting visitors through objects that reflect the way we live now, the brand The Conran Shop seeks to enrich our enjoyment of the 81 Fulham Rd home, the heart of life. With its sights London SW3 6RD firmly on the future, The Conran Shop +44 (0)20 7589 7401 boldly perpetuates Sir Terence’s vision conranshop.com of a truly design-led lifestyle. theconranshopofficial COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 141

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FURNITURE

GEORGE SMITH

Makers of beautiful, enduring, comfortable furniture

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: George Smith Signature sofa in Beige Albany wool; Dog Kennel bed in Ruby Cotton velvet; Edwardian chair in Petrol Cavendish herringbone; Jules sofa in Chamois Heath herringbone

eorge Smith is a globally recognised furniture brand able to meet any upholstered product requirements. Originally founded as a boutique upholstery shop specialising in Howard-style furniture, it has grown steadily and now has the largest team of master upholsterers in the UK. With a 35-year track record in delivering high profile hospitality and residential projects, George Smith partners with clients to create inspirational bespoke furniture. A variety of pieces can be found in iconic locations, including Annabel’s in Mayfair, Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel in New York and the Soho House members’ clubs. United by passion and enthusiasm, George Smith is a maker of beautiful, enduring, comfortable pieces, and believes in quality without compromise. Its flagship showroom is located on the King’s Road in Chelsea where clients can see first-hand the extensive collection of sofas, chairs, chaises and stools, all in a variety of classic designs to suit both contemporary and traditional interiors. George Smith also has an established presence in the US, with further showrooms in the design districts of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, in addition to its numerous global partners. The beating heart of the company is the factory in the north of England where each piece of furniture is meticulously hand crafted using a fusion of traditional techniques, precision technology and natural materials. Sustainability has always been integral to George Smith, and this resonates in the way its products are made and the choice of materials. Frames are guaranteed for 25 years and furniture is handed down through generations, requiring nothing more than a fabric change, resulting in heirlooms that can be revived time and

time again. Production is all in house which provides flexibility when it comes to ensuring eco-minded practices. For example, Tulipwood – usually a less desirable option due to colour variations – is used in the concealed internal frames. A more sustainable option, it replenishes quickly through natural growth. Looking forward, the next focus is to remove the need for plastic packaging through reusable quilts and fully recyclable paper-based materials This year has been an incredibly busy one for George Smith. In spring, the company added a sizable range of fabrics to its core collection; carefully chosen and thoughtfully organised to offer clients a library of options. Comprising 300 colourways, the collection is designed to offer exclusive complementary and contrasting combinations in a variety of velvets, wools, herringbones and linens. These are currently on display in the UK and US showrooms, as well as on the website. Over the years George Smith has collaborated with a raft of talented designers on capsule collections. These include Commune Design’s take on English classics, reimagined for a casual Californian lifestyle, and Ilse Crawford’s range of tactile, simple pieces with honed dimensions to support the changing sedentary habits of modern living. Looking ahead to October, George Smith is excited to launch a new collection with interior design studio Sims Hilditch, whose elegant and contemporary English George Smith style makes it the perfect partner. 587-589 King’s Road Once again, the company will London SW6 2EH bring to life a design aesthetic and +44 (0)20 7384 1004 ethos in a truly unique, George georgesmith.com Smith way. georgesmithfurniture

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FURNITURE

JULIAN CHICHESTER

Timeless furniture inspired by the past, designed to be future heirlooms

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Julian Chichester’s Toby desk paired with the Cube lamp and Dorothy chair; Turin chair, Sue Lawley nesting tables and Roxy lamp

style of beautiful, exaggerated shapes and specialist combined finishes – just a couple of the key factors that really set this company apart from the rest. In the past, Julian Chichester finishes have included faux shagreen in cobalt blue, honed white granite, zinc on linen and fine-stitched leather. ‘We have anything from pieces coated with brass and bronze to gesso and our beloved goat skin, which we often return to. We’ve also been using lots of bleached, pared-back oak,’ explains Julian, who is constantly conjuring up out-of-the-box ideas, developing new finishes and testing new designs. Furniture can also be customised to suit a customer’s individual needs, whether that involves adapting the finish and size, or making larger, more distinctive alterations altogether. So whether someone is looking for a traditional chest of drawers, a mid-century leather dining chair or a contemporary floor light, the joy of Julian Chichester is that it’s very likely to be a part of the brand’s brilliantly diverse offering.

Julian Chichester 1-4 Queen’s Elm Parade London SW3 6EJ +44 (0)20 7622 2928 julianchichester.com julianchichesterltd

n 1987, Julian Chichester swapped a busy job as a market trader in the city for travelling through Thailand with the idea of buying furniture to sell back in Britain. ‘In the early days it was very low key and relaxed: I had a motorbike with a sidecar to put the pieces I found in,’ recalls the designer, who began selling his eclectic selection of furniture and treasure trove of decorative homewares (four-poster beds, teak sculptures, ikat silks) from a shop on Portobello Road. Later, Julian started designing teak garden furniture himself, followed, in 1995, by the launch of his first interior collection of five pieces, all in black with gilt detail, which was received to great acclaim at the Decorex interior design show in Chicago. The eponymous business has grown organically; today Julian has showrooms in London, New York, Atlanta and High Point, North Carolina, where clients can view a selection of the current collection, which consists of over 400 pieces of stylish, utterly unique furniture, accessories and lighting. ‘The very nice thing about what I do is that I have never felt as if I had to have a certain look or repeatedly use the same materials,’ Julian says, discussing the breadth of his furniture collection nowadays. ‘Our pieces are always completely fresh, made to different styles and with a variety of finishes all going into the mix.’ Inspired by great furniture designers such as Jean-Michel Frank, Jacques Adnet and Aldo Tura, to name a few. Julian’s skill lies in taking classical shapes from the 19th and 20th centuries, and altering them in innovative ways – think transforming motifs into something new and fresh, or adding contemporary finishes and detail. Renowned for their quality craftsmanship and original design, these pieces are strong enough to sit within any interior, whether modern or traditional, high-tech or low. Around 30 to 40 new pieces are added each year, made in factories in the UK and Vietnam. It’s this manufacturing set up that enables the company to produce one-off bespoke furniture as well as large volumes for big brands and the world of contract and hospitality, where Julian is proud to partner with names that include The Pig hotels, Soho House, Rocco Forte, Red Carnation Hotels and Harbour Hotels Group. This autumn, Focus at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is Julian’s launch pad for his new season designs, which include 14 additional striking pieces that feature bold palettes alongside his signature

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The current collection consists of over 400 pieces of stylish, utterly unique furniture, accessories and lighting

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FURNITURE

NEATSMITH

Crafting made-to-measure wardrobes and custom furniture

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FROM LEFT: The new Castille Laces wardrobe; the Anthracite walk-in wardrobe; the new Rattan design

family business launched in 2005, Neatsmith is run by Andrew Nagel and his two sons, Philipp and Mathew, both of who had previously worked in hospitality. This prior experience played a significant role in defining the founding principles of the brand: to provide highquality, well-designed wardrobes with – crucially – the service to match. From its beginnings on a small industrial estate in London where the showroom was above the workshop, the company has since grown to an 80-strong team of dedicated designers, cabinet makers and highly-skilled fitters who continue to prioritise excellent craftsmanship and client service from start to finish. Over the last 18 months, Neatsmith has seen more and more customers commissioning luxury walk-in wardrobes and dream dressing rooms, as the knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. ‘At a time when unused areas of the home came into focus and spare rooms became very spare, our clients have decided to make the most of the space in their homes to create something special that they can enjoy spending time in every day,’ says Philipp of the past year and a half. ‘Whether it’s a wide landing space next to a bedroom that we could transform into a walk-in wardrobe or a guest room that swapped a bed for an island unit, seating area and floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, each project transforms an underutilised space into something both useful and beautiful.’ This summer the business has added two new wardrobe designs to its roster: Laces, created as a bespoke piece for a client and now part of the Castille range, and Rattan, showcasing a beautiful material that is both on-trend and timeless. The Otto style options have also been

extended. Launched last year in a walnut veneer with brass inlay, it is now available in all 13 of Neatsmith’s carefully curated lacquer colours. The brand also offers a bespoke colour-match service, both on the Otto collection and across a range of wardrobes to ensure that each design complements an interior scheme perfectly. Sustainability also plays a large role in the manufacturing process at Neatsmith. Wooden panels come from a certified Forest Stewardship Council UK supplier, while at the production facility in north London the business has installed a pair of wood waste heaters that have reduced the amount going to landfill by over two tons each week (the heaters work all year round and are fully compliant with the clean air act). Any timber that isn’t burned in the workshop is recycled, and put back into the industry. But it’s not just through its manufacturing processes that Neatsmith is making a difference either: it’s in the process of electrifying its fleet of work vehicles – an important step in ensuring that it does all it can to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. While there is plenty of modernity and innovation implemented in its manufacturing processes, each of Neatsmith’s wardrobes are still made to the millimetre by hand, before being installed in your home by a highly-skilled Neatsmith fitter. Nothing the company makes is mass produced or pre-drilled, and no installations are Neatsmith ever subcontracted. These steps all live 544 King’s Road up to the original, unchanged principles London SW10 0UB of the brand, which were developed +44 (0)800 195 6595 by the father and sons team over 15 neatsmith.co.uk years ago. neatsmith COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 147

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FURNITURE

NEPTUNE

Enduring designs, expertly crafted to last a lifetime

ow in its 25th year, Neptune started out around the same kitchen table that still stands in John and Emma Sims-Hilditch’s family home in Wiltshire. Today, Neptune designs pieces for every room of the home, from kitchens and solid timber furniture to lighting, fabrics and paint. John and co-founder Giles Redman’s unwavering belief in the power of good design still stands as it has from day one – and that doesn’t just concern aesthetics either. It extends to using the highest calibre materials, taking into account how well something is made and, perhaps most importantly, how thoughtfully every piece is designed. A lot of thought goes into making sure each design feels distinct and different from the next, but also that they all work wonderfully together no matter what combination of products are arranged in a room. The idea is that it all looks – and feels – effortless. The Neptune stores are a huge part of this vision too; each designed so that from the moment you step through the door it’s as if you’ve arrived in someone’s home. Launching in September its autumn/winter collection takes cues from walks through a woodland landscape, where deep, earthy shades act as the backdrop to fresher, lighter greens, creams and pinks. Textures are timeless and natural – whether it’s the rough twill of Harris Tweed, the weightiness of stonewashed linens or the smooth grain of solid oak. The collection is designed to meld together with previous seasons because Neptune understands that a home is built over time; favourite

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Shoreditch sofa, armchair and Wycombe oak armchair; Neptune’s Suffolk larder cabinet in Old Rose; the Montague bed, painted in Clove

pieces collected and blended into existing schemes. As always, their new designs share a continued focus on detailed craftsmanship, on responsibly sourced materials and on inviting natural beauty into your home. The new seasonal shade for autumn/winter is Clove, a rich, earthy neutral that defies a colour label. Not quite as purple as the Juniper paint shade nor as brown as Walnut or Fine Mahogany, Clove is the ultimate dark shade for those looking to balance warmth and modernity. Deep but not overwhelming, it works on all four walls (and even the ceiling) of a snug but is equally effective as an accent on a kitchen island or the underside of a freestanding bathtub. Contrast it with the freshness of Silver Birch, Old Rose or Moss for subtle balance, or even combine it with stronger hues like Olive and Mustard for a hint of eccentricity. Now, more than ever before, our homes are the most important place and at the heart of everything we do. Neptune is on hand to help customers with every step of the design journey, from choosing paint colours through to redesigning a whole home. In store designers are able to work with you to reimagine or design any space from scratch – including kitchens – much like an interior design service but with the flexibility to collaborate on as few or as many rooms as needed. A visit into any one of Neptune’s stores across the country also means that you can benefit from the advice of knowledgeable home specialists in choosing furniture, along with a host of smaller services such as madeto-measure window treatments and fitted furniture design. The possibilities of virtual consultations and video calls make sure that those not within striking distance are cared for too. A family business much loved for country and town homes alike, Neptune is one British brand which just keeps getting better. Neptune 87-93 Wandsworth Bridge Road London SW6 2TD +44 (0)1793 934011 neptune.com neptunehomeofficial

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Now more than ever before our homes are the most important place and at the heart of everything we do

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FURNITURE

ST JAMES INTERIORS

Bespoke joinery based on heritage and craftsmanship

ward-winning bespoke joinery business St James Interiors was set up in 2018 as a way for Pritesh Lad to share the expert knowledge and skills that have been handed down through three generations of craftsmen in his family. ‘St James Interiors stems from that idea of really taking the time to produce beautiful work,’ says Pritesh. ‘I want to pass on that legacy by infusing craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver timeless luxury furniture and interiors.’ Although only three years old, St James Interiors already has a reputable name within the industry. It is known for its impeccable knowledge, personal service and experience in designing and manufacturing bespoke joinery. His signature pieces – the ‘Vithal Jesse’ desk which is made from solid

walnut with a criss-cross pattern cut on an angular curve, and the sculptural, black gunmetal ‘Dhan’ desk with brass inlays and double-ended walnut drawers – were both designed to showcase the company’s joinery skill set. The team is expanding and the company has invested heavily in its workshop in West London, which has some of the latest 5-Axis CNC machinery as well as dedicated spray rooms. It also has a commitment to sustainability which, on a practical level, means burning residue sawdust to create the heat that warms the factory, using an electric forklift and reusing off cuts of materials by creating smaller homewares such as chopping boards and coasters so that very little goes to waste. Clients are encouraged to visit the workshop, meet the team and learn more about how the company works. St James Interiors is also building on its established

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St James Interiors’ motto is to ‘see a world where beauty and design enrich lives’, as well as to inspire the next generation of craftsmen relationships with interior designers and architects. Working collaboratively is important to Pritesh and he has partnered with designers, developers and private clients on all styles of projects. The company focuses on two key areas: manufacturing and designing bespoke interiors (such as kitchens, wardrobes and wine rooms) and highly crafted furniture tailored to individual requirements. Key to Pritesh’s values are honesty (‘we always give honest advice to a client, be it on material selection or design direction, because it’s all about building long-term connections’), creating original, high-quality work and sustainability. St James Interiors’ motto is to ‘see a world where beauty and design enrich lives’, as well as to inspire the next generation of craftsmen. Everything is bespoke, from the materials used to the size of a piece of furniture; detail is at the heart of every piece to ensure the absolute best finished product. The experienced workshop team has a can-do attitude, unafraid of pushing design boundaries, testing out-of-the-box ideas or experimenting with new ways to work with innovative materials and machinery. Long-lasting relationships with clients, designers and architects – as well as a welcoming, friendly and downto-earth approach – has enabled St James Interiors to navigate the pandemic and come out the other side of a tough year with renewed optimism. ‘We feel blessed and privileged as a company to have been nominated for another award later this year. It really is an honour that our hard work and originality are being recognised worldwide,’ says Pritesh. Already an exciting journey thus far, he is eager to see what the future brings, working with new designers and clients to create more impeccable joinery and furniture.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Dhan desk; a detail from the Vithal Jesse desk; a bookcase designed by Andrea Visus and made by St James Interiors for a project in Chiswick; a craftsman in action

St James Interiors Vithal House 35 Gorst Road London NW10 6LA +44 (0)20 8961 1342 stjamesinteriors.com stjamesinteriors

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David Hunt Lighting’s designs fit seamlessly in both modern and traditional homes

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HOME ACCESSORIES It’s all about the finishing touches

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BOOKS BY ULTIMATE LIBRARY

Bespoke book collections for private homes, hotels and long-stay residences

ooks are back in fashion, which is why the likes of Four Seasons, Firmdale, Raffles and Soneva Resorts have all turned to Ultimate Library for intelligently selected tomes that guests actually want to read. Founded by Philip Blackwell in 2009, the Londonbased company began supplying book collections to hotels and resorts around the world; clients also include interior designers, long-stay residences and private home owners. The original inspiration for the business came from Philip’s love of travel and the extra time one gets when away from home to read for pleasure. His thinking was that ‘there is a right time and place to read certain books,’ so why not immerse yourself in titles that can teach you about the local area or the true meaning of relaxation? From vast libraries with over 2,000 tomes to a handful of large-format illustrated titles, authentic vintage leather bound volumes to modern classics, Ultimate Library can provide books to suit all reading tastes and, if required, design aesthetic. What all the collections have in common is that they are tailored to a property’s location and client’s interests, chosen with precision by dedicated, expert bibliophiles. The company has worked on projects of all sizes, even down to a perfectly curated single shelf. The key to every collection is the personal, bespoke service that the team offer, beginning with the design concept right through to installation.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Founder Philip Blackwell in Sensei Lanai, Hawaii; Albion Nord, Chelsea Barracks; Ennismore’s Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder

During the past 18 months, book sales have soared. As people rekindled their love of reading and spent time at home, it has become more important than ever that a space reflects their personality – and that includes the books on the shelves. Ultimate Library is curating more home libraries than ever before, working directly with clients and interior designers such as Rose Uniacke, Albion Nord and Elicyon. Not only are its collections designed to engage and delight readers, but they can also be carefully chosen to tie in with specific design aesthetics or palettes. Using neutral hues to create a calming atmosphere or pops of colour to stand out, an Ultimate Library bespoke collection can fit any brief. One of the most recent trends Ultimate Library has seen is the increased interest in smart thinking and wellness titles. Working with several spa resorts opening around the world, such as Six Senses Ibiza and Joali Being in the Maldives, the company has become experts on the best titles available. The craze for ‘self-care’ has evolved into a desire for ‘shelf-care’ as consumers digitally detox and reconnect with themselves and their environment through reading. Books not only provide a grounding escape from our devices, they are also a costeffective and environmentally sustainable form of entertainment. In addition, it’s now widely reported that continued access to new reading materials and actively reading can make sure we stay sharper for longer. This health impact of reading and the tactile nature of physical books is something that Ultimate Library has been researching over the last 18 months providing book collections that enrich people’s lives. The goal is to go beyond ticking the obvious boxes and to create unique libraries that entertain, inspire, and educate – whether for a luxury hotel, a private home or a whole community. Ultimate Library Studio 9, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road London SW6 4QL +44 (0)20 8705 0765 ultimatelibrary.co.uk ultimatelibrary

HOME ACCESSORIES

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From vast libraries to a handful of illustrated titles, authentic vintage leather bound volumes to modern classics, Ultimate Library can provide books to suit all reading tastes

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HOME ACCESSORIES

CASA LUIZA

A new brand of luxury home accessories, inspired by global travel

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Casa Luiza’s opulent designs are inspired by Luiza’s travels; the private Casa Luiza room at Mosimann’s; Casa Luiza cushions; the Estella trims collection; the collections feature fabrics from some of the world’s finest artisans

ondon-based Luiza Pardellas-Marra has long had a serious passion for interior design, but it wasn’t until she swapped a career in finance for working with the top international fabric houses 17 years ago that she discovered a whole new realm of creative possibilities. Now, driven by a desire to make a big impact on residential spaces while only making a small change, she has launched her first collection of luxury home accessories. Inspired by Luiza’s own design taste and her global travels, Amore is a limited-edition range of vibrant patterned cushions, all two-of-a-kind and handmade in the UK. Meticulously chosen high-quality fabrics are sourced from some of the world’s finest artisans and producers, and each cushion is reversible (designs include cheetahs and tigers, set on backgrounds of pale pink, rich yellow and soft blue). The idea behind this, she says, is ‘to give clients flexibility in their interiors as well as the opportunity to have some fun with accessories. I see these cushions as jewellery for the home.’ Her love of travelling began at a young age; as the daughter of a diplomat she lived in and visited many countries from birth, immersing herself in fascinating cultures along the way – and it is these international influences that she aims to reflect in her elegant designs. As a busy working mother, Luiza’s biggest hurdle has always been a lack of time, so during the pandemic she dedicated her new found spare time

to further developing designs for Casa Luiza. In addition, she has embarked on several interesting projects. These include the selfsponsored Casa Luiza room at Mosimann’s, the private club in Belgravia. There, each of the plush private dining rooms has its own unique character. To create her opulent, jewel-box space, she teamed up with world-renowned interior design firm Lambart & Browne (well known for being behind Loulou’s, the members-only nightclub at 5 Hertford Street) to curate a grand room furnished with luxurious fabrics and wallcoverings from Colony and Ardmore. One of the stand-out features in the room at Mosimann’s is the floor, a specially commissioned interpretation of an original oil painting by artist Lauren Mele. Luiza also worked with sixthgeneration, family-owned luxury paint company Mylands, who she represents at her showroom in Chelsea Harbour. Contemporary art is another of her great loves and she has been advising clients for several years in a bid to make collecting more accessible. Her ideas for the field of interior design are limitless and include exclusive workshops and some exciting collaborations (recently she teamed up with Objekti on a series of decorative objects and art created by Mexican artists). Earlier this year, Luiza launched her first luxury trims collection, Estella. In addition to complementing Casa Luiza’s accessories, it will feature in her next collection, Felicita, which is slated for release in the autumn. ‘Felicita will feature a series of flexible seating alternatives,’ she explains. ‘Whatever home accessories I design, they will always sit within the principles of what Casa Luiza is based on: namely, sustainably made, limited-edition products that are a form of my self-expression and creativity.’

Casa Luiza Colony Showroom, Unit 214 Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE casaluiza.com casaluiza

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Her love of travelling began at a young age; as the daughter of a diplomat she lived in and visited many countries from birth, immersing herself in fascinating cultures along the way

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HOME ACCESSORIES

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Combining a modern sensibility with traditional craft

ver the last three centuries David Hunt Lighting has become renowned for fine craftsmanship and, in particular, its resin casting and hand-finished metal surfaces that remain unsurpassed today. With a history dating back to the reign of James II, it’s easy to see why this brand is rich in heritage. Classic styling combined with a touch of quirkiness means that today’s lighting products are ideal, not just for country homes, but also hip urban bars and restaurants too. ‘People love the fact that our lighting is British made and based on traditional skills and materials,’ says creative director, Hollie Moreland. ‘We’ve noticed that, with the growing interest in sustainability and concerns about how companies source and manufacture products, customers want to know more about our long-established Cotswolds workshops.’ Making each item in its own workshops means that David Hunt Lighting has the ability to create textures and finishes that are unique to its collections, such as the ever popular Antler series and hand-stitched leather Saddler range. Newer additions to its offering also boast a variety of exquisite natural finishes, including the delicate Gingko table and wall light, which also features shimmering hand-applied gold highlights. This year, the historic brand has launched several new collections including understated Ealing pendants inspired by rustic interiors, and versatile Webster pendants that combine solid brass metalwork with a choice of smoked, clear or opal glass shades. Then there’s its latest design: the striking Panther range,

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: In the Cotswolds workshop; the new Panther collection; the Ealing pendant light

available as both a table and wall light, which is hand-cast using a unique resin composite and finished in an elegant matt black. Recent months have also seen the launch of the company’s first bathroom collection of striking IP44 rated wall lights and pendants. Designs include the Buckley wall lights, inspired by the bulbedged glamour mirrors of 1950s Hollywood, the Rydal pendant, reminiscent of classic schoolhouse pendants, and the Avon wall lights, featuring delicate hand-spun solid brass metal shades. The enduring designs offered in these new ranges are perfect for classic and contemporary bathrooms alike. The workshop also offers a bespoke service for the interior design industry – one advantage of being a niche, agile manufacturer. ‘Working with clients on custom projects is particularly enjoyable as it not only encourages mutual creativity but can sometimes open up new avenues for our own design development,’ explains Hollie. ‘This year has been challenging for everyone in many ways. As we have all spent more time at home, it seems people have been really thinking about their interior design, including the lighting – which is positive for us as a British lighting brand.’ This interest has also sparked an increase in bespoke orders, manufactured by its sister company The Light Shade Studio. ‘I think the bespoke service is really valued by customers and designers alike, offering an easy solution for transitioning from one season to another or switching up lampshades to reflect a new trend in a costeffective way,’ continues Hollie. ‘For A/W’21 we have a number of new collections underway including classic table and wall lights, statement pendants and our first task lighting collection’. Exciting times then, for this exceptional ten-generation, family-owned lighting brand. David Hunt Lighting Third Floor Centre Dome Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 7349 8111 davidhuntlighting.co.uk davidhuntlighting

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‘People love the fact that our lighting is British made and based on traditional skills and materials’

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HOME ACCESSORIES

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN

The finest home fabrics made in Scotland

Johnstons of Elgin has been making exceptional luxury fabrics for the home in Elgin for over 220 years

ohnstons of Elgin designs and weaves the finest cashmere and wool products. Established in 1797 by Alexander Johnston, the brand remains true to its founding principles: to produce superior quality textiles with outstanding craftsmanship using the finest natural fibres. It is these fibres that are at the core of the business, and the fabrics and throws that the company supplies to some of the world’s most luxurious homes and boutique hotels Founded on the banks of the River Lossie in Scotland, Alexander Johnston set up the Elgin mill to start a legacy of fine artistry and exquisite fabric. The business today is family run and employs 700 people at its mill in Elgin, which focuses on producing the brand’s woven pieces; at the mill in Hawick, 300 employees make the knitted items. It remains the only manufacturer in Scotland that has the capability to take natural fibres through from their raw state to a luxurious end product, using a combination of traditional methods and modern technology. Johnstons of Elgin believes in continuously innovating. From experimenting with fibres to investing in ground-breaking technology, such an approach ensures that it can deliver the highest quality products year after year. The company sources only the finest raw fibres available for their own-label home interiors and fabric collections. Working with natural fibres is part of Johnstons of Elgin’s commitment to sustainability. Items made from natural fibres shed less and are biodegradable. As a founding member of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, it works to restore grasslands and ensure the wellbeing of animals, whilst also securing herders’ livelihoods. It also supports the Australian Merino wool industry and is certified to use Responsible Wool Standard yarns for some of its products.

The location of the mills in the heart of Scotland provides further opportunities to improve its sustainability credentials: natural spring water enables the business to use fewer chemicals in its processes while a high proportion of the country’s energy comes from wind farms and hydroelectric dams. As Johnstons of Elgin carries out all its processes on site, it has full control over what goes into the products. The brand recently won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category for its 360-degree approach to sustainability. The balance of heritage and tradition with modern design and innovation is what makes Johnstons of Elgin’s story so unique. The company draws on its archives as well as on the experience gained over the last two centuries to ensure that it continues to produce the most luxurious products of exceptional quality. Whether for fashion or home, every item is designed and made with longevity in mind, celebrating craftsmanship of new and old. New fabrics Cascade Wool Linen Twill and Fresco Wool Linen Textures launch this autumn. The combination of lambswool and linen in both results in a super soft texture that makes them ideal for upholstery, drapery and accessories. Often perceived as opposites, these natural fibres are inherently temperature-regulating and Johnstons of Elgin suitable for almost any climate. Newmill Elgin Benefiting from the versatility Moray, Scotland of their natural composition, IV30 4AF these new lambswool linen +44 (0)1343 554000 fabrics also offer fantastic johnstonsofelgin.com longevity and style. johnstonsofelgininteriors

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The brand recently won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category for its 360-degree approach to sustainability

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HOME ACCESSORIES

LONDON CRAFT WEEK

eturning for its seventh edition, London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international creativity, and brings together established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. Held from 4 to 10 October, the programme of more than 250 events will shine the spotlight on the finest craftsmanship as well as presenting a unique opportunity for consumers to understand how beautiful objects are made and meet the creators themselves. Highlights include ‘Unveiled – The Meissen Edition’, curated by a trio of leading milliners, Noel Stewart, Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Edwina Ibbotson. A collaboration with Meissen, it will feature a selection of fine porcelain-inspired hats by the likes of Stephen Jones OBE, Harvy Santos and

Leo Carlton among others, and will be displayed at Thomas Goode & Company. There’s also the chance to see work by alumni of The Modern Artisan, a unique training initiative between Yoox Net-aPorter and The Prince’s Foundation, which involves British and Italian artisans partnering to produce a sustainable luxury capsule collection of menswear and womenswear. On Pimlico Road, Colefax & Fowler will host new work by architectural sculptor Geoffrey Preston who specialises in decorative plaster and the art of stucco, and at Tanner Krolle’s Belgravia townhouse there is an exhibition of unique pieces hand carved by Lucie Monin, available to purchase exclusively during London Craft Week as part of the Artisan Chelsea series. Elsewhere, collaborations include Milanese leather accessories brand Serapian and furniture company Azucena, which have teamed up on the Catilina

The annual city-wide festival that showcases outstanding local and global craft and creativity

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Visit the Tanner Krolle townhouse for the Artisan Chelsea series; craft-orientated tablescaping classes at Bonadea; Edward Barnsley in the workshop; a unicorn carved by Geoffrey Preston; an Edward Barnsley chair

There are also brilliant artisan-led demonstrations, fascinating behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on classes where visitors can try making for themselves chair, reinterpreting the seat cushion using Serapian’s signature Mosaico weave. Loro Piana Interiors has also joined forces with designer Raphael Navot on ‘The Palm Duet’, a soft, sinuous armchair inspired by the palm of a hand. Of course, London Craft Week isn’t just about seeing beautifully hand crafted wares: there are also brilliant artisan-led demonstrations, fascinating behind-thescenes tours and hands-on classes where visitors can try making for themselves. One hub for demonstrations and discussions is the British Luxury Craft Pavilion at Chelsea Barracks, where noteworthy events include a talk on ‘Why Craft Makes You Happy?’ with interior designers Ben Pentreath and Ben Johnson of Albion Nord. Continuing this focus on craftsmanship in design, Winch Design will lead a talk on ‘Superyachts, Private Jets and Architecture: the story of craftsmanship and design at the highest level’, alongside a series of demonstrations from

the artisans behind its work, including Max Bainbridge of Forest + Found, carver and sculptor Paul Jewby, textile artist Aiveen Daly, art and design studio Scabetti and furniture designer-maker Laurent Peacock. Royal warrant holders Purdey & Sons will host demonstrations at Audley House with their master craftsmen highlighting the discipline of gun-making in its seven stages and the craftsmanship that goes into each bespoke piece. Visitors can also try their hand at a wide range of workshops including craft-oriented tablescaping classes at Bonadea. And don’t miss product launches by the likes of Maison Lesage, Chanel’s embroidery house, during the week, too. Whether you’re interested in fashion or interiors, iconic heritage, contemporary brands or independent makers, this is a festival that champions all kinds of exceptional craftsmanship and creativity.

London Craft Week 42 South Molton Street London W1K 5RR londoncraftweek.com londoncraftweek

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HOME ACCESSORIES

YVES DELORME

A leading purveyor of French luxury linens since 1845

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Un Jour, Une Histoire collection; the Belle de Nuit bed linen collection; Dans le Vent nightwear; a detail from Alto

amily-owned since 1845, French luxury linen brand Yves Delorme is as renowned for its contemporary fashion prints based on original artworks as it is for its timeless classics. The company’s mission to provide the finest bedlinens has been passed down the generations and today its collections are often considered to be a benchmark in the home market sector. For more than two decades it has been a member of the revered Comité Colbert, an association that flies the flag for the best French luxury brands; more recently it launched Yves Delorme Couture to showcase its exceptional savoir-faire. Sleep is an important part of life and an essential element in maintaining health and wellbeing. To aid the best possible slumber, Yves Delorme’s luxury bedding collections are manufactured from the finest traditional

linen, percale, jacquard and sateen damask fabric. In addition, organic or Supima cotton is chosen to reduce the company’s environmental footprint. Plastics have also been eliminated from packaging (instead products come in recyclable silk organza pouches), rainwater is harvested to iron the textiles and the new production site in Lille is energy efficient – all of which is part of its commitment to sustainability. After opening Yves Delorme stores in Paris, Monaco, Geneva and New York, London was the next obvious location. First, the Yves Delorme Couture collection was sold at Harrods; now the company has five boutiques in Somerset and London, including one on Walton Street in Knightsbridge. Here, customers can find two floors of sophisticated, decorative and romantic bedlinen and homeware, including Yves Delorme Couture, Laurence Tavernier nightwear, Iosis cushions and

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Yves Delorme’s mission to provide the finest bedlinens has been passed down the generations and today its collections are often considered to be a benchmark in the home market sector exceptional Yves Delorme bedding. Not forgetting the signature Monogrammed Linen Shop monogrammed gifts, beautiful accessories, silk nightwear and quirky homeware goods that the company is known for. Complementing the readily available classic designs, the Walton Street shop also offers a bespoke monogramming service. This gives clients and interior designers the freedom to select from a variety of colours, fabrics, embroideries and sizes, tailoring designs to their own personal specifications. Each material offers gentle softness, exquisite comfort and excellent quality in every season; they are also characterised by their resistance to wear and ease of care. The linen collections in particular combine technical innovations with the most beautiful fabrics to create a feeling of luxury and sensuality. This month, Yves Delorme presents its new Autumn/ Winter 2021 collection. Nature is always at the heart of

the brand’s identity and this season it has been paired with the notion of travel to exotic lands. Highlights include the soft floral bedlinen, Belle de Nuit, where a contemporary look is created using pastels and dark blue ink. There’s also Un Jour, Une Histoire, a bed and bath collection featuring prints that depict a joyful menagerie of hummingbirds and monkeys; and Pour Toujours, a classic Toile de Jouy-style percale linen collection with a modern twist where the textile is re-imagined with a hand-drawn design in a fresh, pomegranate shade. For those who prefer something regal, the jacquard Tenue Chic range combines a Prince of Wales check with an ornamental floral motif in muted chestnut and white, while Nuit Blanche is a smart midnight blue design mixing florals and Ikat techniques. This is exquisite French luxury bedlinen, beautifully crafted for longlasting comfort – and a blissful night’s sleep.

Yves Delorme 158 Walton Street London SW3 2JL +44 (0)20 7589 4033 uk.yvesdelorme.com yvesdelormeparis

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OUTSIDE SPACES Landscape designers, accessories and furniture to take your garden to new heights

Gaze Burvill’s striking outdoor furniture is made from sustainably sourced oak

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OUTSIDE SPACES

GAZE BURVILL

Outdoor furniture and kitchens crafted from sustainable oak

ver the last 18 months, the importance of having an outdoor space has grown as we’ve all spent more time at home and in our gardens. There has also been an increased interest in choosing exterior furniture, which is where Gaze Burvill comes in. Founded in 1993, the Hampshire-based company has a leading track record in producing award-winning, modern classic outdoor furniture and kitchens for private clients, large organisations and landscape designers around the world. Consideration for the environment has always been at the heart of the business. Gaze Burvill works with sustainably grown wood: primarily rigorously certified European oak that is quarter sawn and carefully dried to retain its strength and stability (natural tannins are an

excellent preservative and oak is impermeable to water). Chosen for its durability and tactile beauty, in the team’s expert hands the oak is transformed into furniture and cabinetry designed to last, that will adapt to the caprices of the climate and gently turn silver with time. Everything is made by skilled craftsmen at the workshop in Hampshire (itself a beacon of environmentally friendly practice with solar panels to help power the site and a biomass boiler that’s fuelled with offcuts and waste), using both traditional techniques in jointing and steam-bending, and precise, state-ofthe-art digital manufacturing technology. Seating is uniquely comfortable. While certain pieces, such as the oak Splash sofas and Lizard loungers, come with cushions and some clients prefer this as an aesthetic choice, all the furniture is carefully designed and ergonomically contoured to be used without them.

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Gaze Burvill’s A La Carte outdoor kitchen, featuring a Big Green Egg; the round Broadwalk table in oak, with Broadwalk seats and benches; the oak Court seat; the A La Carte kitchen features modular oak cabinetry

Everything is made by skilled craftsmen at the workshop in Hampshire (itself a beacon of environmentally friendly practice) Gaze Burvill is also renowned for the innovative A La Carte outdoor kitchens, which push the boundaries of al fresco cooking through design and engineering. ‘Our clients know that there is something unbeatably enjoyable in cooking up a feast outdoors, whether for two or 12, in town or country,’ says Simon Burvill. ‘Add to that the outdoor equipment, grills, fridges and warming drawers, all of which are so good that no one has to compromise on what can be cooked, and this gorgeous kitchen is a must-have.’ Any number of modular oak units can be combined in a way that best suits the space, whether that’s a terrace, loggia or a secret haven in the garden. Each unit is handmade independently, which means there is a level of flexibility. As a client’s needs evolve, so the kitchen can too: it can be extended, reconfigured, and even transported to a new home just like any other piece

of furniture. All units have adjustable feet to account for subtle variation in ground level, and are fully lined and weatherproofed. Subtle under table heating can also be installed, and is ideal for evening dinner parties. Having a team that includes both designers and craftsmen enables Gaze Burvill to make custom alterations to individual pieces from its extensive range with ease, and also produce unique, bespoke, site specific designs to a brief. Whether a client would like a teppanyaki grill and ceramic ovens, high-spec grills, Bluetooth sound, or a breakfast bar complete with oak counter stools – this, and more, is all possible. A true counter to throwaway culture, Gaze Burvill offers original designs and well made contemporary classics that don’t compromise on craftsmanship or its eco-minded ethos. The result is gorgeous outdoor furniture and kitchens that elevate any al fresco space.

Gaze Burvill Lodge Farm East Tisted Hampshire GU34 3QH +44 (0)1420 588444 gazeburvill.com gazeburvill

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GOZNEY

use for all abilities, the Gozney Dome sold out globally in less than eight hours and has already received a coveted Red Dot Design Award. Enabling anyone to have a professional grade oven in the comfort of their own home, the Dome roasts, smokes, steams and bakes with temperatures reaching 500°C, meaning there are limitless possibilities for cooking enthusiasts. The team is currently busy fulfilling orders for Gozney’s existing customers, working hard to increase its production capacity to meet the insatiable demand for the Dome and is looking to release additional product drops ahead of next spring. For those who don’t wish to wait, the Gozney Roccbox is available now and is the perfect family-friendly gadget for a garden or next adventure. Available in olive and grey, the Roccbox is simple to use, portable and cooks Neapolitan pizza in just 60 seconds. This year the Roccbox received an esteemed Which? Best Buy endorsement, a testament to its design and ease of use. Alternatively, for anyone looking to create the ultimate outdoor dining experience with a larger oven, the Gozney Master makes a stunning centrepiece (it is available in two sizes). Found in leading commercial kitchens globally, it holds the power to transform a back garden into a private restaurant, with the ability to cook three to five pizzas at once. The future is looking bright for Gozney with the team and sales continuing to grow both in the UK and across the pond but its founder Tom, is keen to ensure focus remains on the creation of delicious food and innovative design. With the last 18 months bringing us all a renewed appreciation for nature, our gardens and the landscape we live in, Tom’s belief that real experiences taste better outdoors has never rung more true.

Beautiful wood-fired pizza ovens, designed for life outdoors

ince its inception in 2010 Gozney has been driven by a simple mission: to combine wood-fired engineering and beautiful design in products that will forever change the way we cook, connect and live. Founded by Tom Gozney who harnessed the knowledge he learnt from his first successful business, The Stone Bake Oven Company (which focused on commercial ovens for pizzerias), the eponymous brand offers a range of user-friendly, pro quality wood and gas fired pizza ovens. Today, multi award-winning Gozney is favoured by some of the biggest names in cooking with products in several of the world’s leading commercial kitchens, including two Michelin-starred L’Enclume, alongside gardens, courtyards and patios globally. When it comes to the design of the products, there is no stone left unturned with years of innovation, development and rigorous testing undertaken for every single oven launched. Tom, together with the team, sees the ovens as a tool to transform the look of a garden and prides himself on welding function to aesthetics using professional grade materials – even if that means compromising on profits. Initial concept designs are printed in 3D so that every knob, handle, and touch point can be trialled, and the company continues to push boundaries in both design and wood-fired cooking. This has been a pivotal year for Gozney with the launch of its latest and most versatile outdoor oven: the Dome. Built to the exact ratios of a traditional Neapolitan pizza oven but designed to be easy to

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Gozney’s portable Roccbox; the award-winning wood-fired Dome in Olive; a Gozney oven cooks the perfect Neapolitan pizza

Gozney Units 18-19 Christchurch Business Park Radar Way, Christchurch Dorset BH23 4FL +44 (0)1425 204999 gozney.com gozney

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The Gozney Dome sold out globally in less than eight hours and has already received a coveted Red Dot Design Award

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LEISURE PLAN

Luxury outdoor furniture, designed for superior living

hether relaxing by the pool on holiday, firing up the BBQ for a special gathering with friends or simply enjoying the feel of the sun on your face, spending time outdoors has never felt such an appreciated pastime as now. A specialist in high quality, original furniture, Leisure Plan aims to help clients enjoy their outdoor spaces in the most comfortable and stylish way possible. From its quiet corner of rural Essex, the company has been supplying the best European outdoor furniture designs to the UK and beyond for over 30 years. Suited to all kinds of outdoor environments from hotel gardens and yacht decks to health clubs, restaurant terraces and residential properties, Leisure Plan furniture not only looks great but is built to survive all weathers. Good design and a passion for durability have always been at the heart of the collections. One factor that makes the company stand out is its approach to supplier integrity by partnering directly with European manufacturers with strong intellectual property rights and complete control over quality, materials and production, as well as the flexibility to adapt and react to the latest trends. The roll call of manufacturers includes three of the most distinguished outdoor living brands: Dedon, Ego Paris and Fischer Möbel, for which Leisure Plan is the exclusive sales and distribution partner. The original pioneer of woven-style furniture, Dedon is now one of the most recognised brands in the world of outdoor living. Ego Paris showcases typically French flair through furniture with powder coated aluminium frames in a range of colours. And Stuttgart manufacturer

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Swingrest by Daniel Pouzet for Dedon; a Marumi dining set by Ego Paris; Sealine by Jean-Marie Massaud for Dedon; Suite Lounge by Fischer Möbel

Fischer Möbel (the very first of Leisure Plan’s partners, ever since the company launched in 1986) is known for its minimalist design and using only the highest grade materials, backed by the precision of German engineering. Over the last 18 months Leisure Plan has seen a significant increase in enquires, something that the team attributes to holidays abroad being limited and people deciding to make their outdoor space feel more distinctive and luxurious. Larger signature pieces such as Swingrest by Daniel Pouzet for Dedon, modular collections such as Suite by Fischer Möbel; and Sealine by Jean-Marie Massaud for Dedon, through to colourful Marumi dining sets by Thomas Sauvage for EGO Paris have proved to be especially popular, further demonstrating the desire for quality time outdoors in levels of comfort that match traditional indoor quality. With artisans in Leisure Plan’s own on-site workshop on hand to create bespoke cushions and finishing flourishes, the company can tailor an aesthetic to suit each client’s individual taste. There is a team of specialists ready to offer unrivalled product knowledge and advice while a personal white glove delivery service in the UK and even door-to-door shipments abroad mean that clients can rest easy in the knowledge that their new outdoor furniture is in the best possible hands. The year-round substantial stock makes it easy to order and the aftersale support is second to none. The 2,500 sq/ft showroom at Stansted Mountfitchet has easy access from M11 (close to Stansted Airport) and is just half an hour from London Liverpool Street by train. An inspirational space where clients can see the colours, textures and variety of furniture up close, it offers endless ideas for how to bring high style and luxury to an outdoor space.

Leisure Plan Silver Street Stansted Mountfitchet Essex CM24 8HD +44 (0)1279 816001 leisureplan.co.uk leisure_plan

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Leisure Plan aims to help clients enjoy their outdoor spaces in the most comfortable and stylish way possible

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MARIAN BOSWALL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

f you’ve ever strolled around the walled garden at Hole Park in Kent or through the new entrance at Charleston in East Sussex and wondered who was behind the planting, the answer is celebrated landscape architect Marian Boswall. With a reputation for creating beautiful outdoor spaces, often in historic settings, Marian Boswall Landscape Architects’ impressive portfolio of projects range from large trusts and estates to art galleries, boutique hotels and smaller private gardens in the UK and abroad. Established in 2004, the leading design practice comprises a small team of landscape architects and horticultural specialists. Led by Marian, their philosophy is to combine a deep respect for the natural world with a practical approach to achieving results. Designs encourage biodiversity and conserve

habitats while planting plans are informed by the naturally occurring varieties in the local area. ‘I love my studio’s ethos; we all work together to design exceptional landscapes for some very special clients,’ says Marian. ‘The people that are drawn to work with me are looking for more than just a social statement or place to entertain, they want to create something long lasting and meaningful, a connection with the land and themselves.’ This includes the botanist owner of Reighton Wood, a part-formal, part-wooded garden on the Kent Weald where Marian’s vibrant planting is designed to be a ‘mannered microcosm’ of the Wealden countryside beyond (Troy Scott Smith, head gardener at Sissinghurst has described it as ‘muscular yet free flowing and dreamy... a garden that feels like it has grown as a response to its surroundings’), and an art

Holistic garden design, working in harmony with the land

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Marian Boswall’s gardens are designed to create a long-lasting connection with the land and the nature that inhabits it

Designs encourage biodiversity and conserve habitats while planting plans are informed by the naturally occurring varieties in the local area dealer whose garden features three-metre high statues of Kate Moss practicing yoga. The practice offers a complete landscape design service and project supervision from conception through to planning and tender, construction and planting (the team can also advise as the landscape matures). Many projects involve working with listed buildings in sensitive locations, creating landscapes that reflect the rich heritage of both the owners and the place. ‘We seek to forge a continuum between the past, the present, and the future,’ continues Marian. ‘Although much of our work is in historic spaces we embrace contemporary design, and mix this with the craftsmanship and respect for the land of an age gone by.’ Using natural materials and careful construction detailing, the team works hard at listening in order to project each client’s vision and the site’s unique

personality into its designs. Marian grew up gardening with her grandmother but it wasn’t until years later, after a 20-year hiatus, when she left her job as an international management consultant to retrain in horticulture and garden design that she began to embrace the land. After her master’s in landscape architecture she was asked to return to teach the Historic Gardens Conservation module of the degree. This led to commissions at some of the UK’s most historic estates. Early designs were influenced by the structure of the Renaissance garden; over the years she has continued this in a more subtle way, turning instead to beautifully soft planting that draws on the wider landscape as inspiration. Far more than simply visual garden design, Marian’s holistic approach weaves together the history of a space with the people who care for it.

Marian Boswall Landscape Architects +44 (0)20 7305 7153 marianboswall.com marianboswall marianboswall studio

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I N D E X 1508 London

A Amy Kent

118

B Bernard Interiors

C Casa Luiza Catchpole & Rye Clive Christian Furniture Co

156 104 106

D David Hunt Lighting Deirdre Dyson Duravit

158 120 108

G Gayle Warwick Gaze Burvill George Smith Gozney GP & J Baker

122 168 142 170 124

72 74

J Johnstons of Elgin Julian Chichester

160 144

76 78

L Lawson Robb Leisure Plan Life Kitchens London Craft Week Loomah

82 84 128

Neatsmith Neptune Nina Campbell

146 148 86

O 88

R Randle Siddeley Rigby & Rigby Riviere Rugs

90 92 130

S 112 150

T Tania Johnson Design Taylor Howes The Conran Shop Thorp Design

132 94 140 96

U Ultimate Library

154

V Ventura Design

K King’s Road Park Klafs UK

174

Smallbone St James Interiors

Helen Green Design Hux London

Marian Boswall Martin Kemp Design Misch Misch Studio Morris & Co

Octagon

E Elicyon

80 172 110 162 126

Ward & Co Warner House West One Bathrooms

100 134 114

Y Yves Delorme

164

Z Zoffany

136

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Borgia www.baobabcollection.com

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11/08/2021 17:38

The Long Weekend Collection | mulberryhome.com GP & J BAKER.indd 1

Celebrating 30 years of Mulberry Home 29/07/2021 20:22