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HOME ACCESSORIES
It’s all about the finishing touches
ARMAC MARTIN
The finest brass cabinet hardware
Established in 1929, Armac Martin designs and manufactures luxury brass cabinet hardware and accessories for the world’s finest interiors. A fourth-generation family business based in Birmingham with over 90 years’ experience, its reputation is built on quality and skills that have been passed down over time. Dedicated to creating beautiful brass fixtures and fittings of exceptional design and exquisite detail, the company designs every product in-house, crafting them from solid brass and finishing them by hand.
The go-to destination for luxury hardware, Armac
Martin products are highly sought after for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture. With a portfolio of over 20 finishes and styles ranging from modern to Art Deco and traditional, there is hardware to suit all projects. The company is always adding new lines too, such as shelf brackets and wine glass holders, and has future plans to expand into bathroom accessories.
Inspired by the English countryside, the renowned
‘Cotswold’ collection is favoured by interior designers looking for a classic-yet-contemporary farmhouse aesthetic (it works beautifully in Shaker-style kitchens) while the innovative ‘MIX’ is a series of interchangeable solid brass hardware that offers customers more control over their design: simply select the style and finish of cabinet pulls, knobs and caps, as well as the size and finish of the backplate. Suited to modern interior cabinetry and industrial freestanding furniture alike, the ‘MIX’ collection is ideal for those seeking truly personalised hardware.
The company’s latest collection, ‘Digbeth’, is the
Armac Martin has been making its exquisite brass fixtures and fittings in Birmingham for almost a century most exclusive design available. Advanced engineering is used to create the ridged detailing and cuboid shape that makes for an effortlessly bold statement. With plenty of choice for designers, the collection consists of both T-bar and pull handles, matching cabinet knobs, appliance pulls, optional backplates and over 20 finishes. Other ranges to check out include ‘Bromwich’, for industrialinspired cabinet pulls and ‘Arbar’, for contemporary handles.
Sustainability is part of the design process from the get-go. Before any manufacturing happens, the product development team thoughtfully design pieces with timeless appeal. And, while they do draw influences from current interior trends, producing hardware with longevity that celebrates true craftsmanship and uses the best possible materials is what sits at the forefront of their minds. Other eco-friendly initiatives include switching to plastic-free packaging, electric vehicles, and updates within the factory that reduce energy usage.
In 2022, Armac Martin was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. An incredible accolade, it recognises the significant growth in export sales. Commercial Director Richard McGrail reflects on this success: ‘Our business has gone from strength to strength over recent years and winning this award highlights how our international growth strategy has really paid off, despite a global pandemic. We have streamlined and automated processes within our factory to help meet demand, allowing us to reduce lead times which has given us an edge over competitors.’
Now, over 50 percent of orders are shipped overseas. This leading name in luxury brass cabinet hardware continues to invest in both people and technology – and the future looks bright.
Armac Martin
160 Dollman Street Birmingham B7 4RS +44 (0)1213 592111 armacmartin.co.uk armacmartin
DAVID HUNT LIGHTING
Bold, beautiful designs from the heart of the Cotswolds
Abrand that can trace its lineage as far back as the 17th century is unquestionably enduring. However, what really characterises David Hunt Lighting is not only its provenance but also its pioneering spirit. Born in 1687, master brass founder John Hunt (the earliest family member on record) made his name crafting ornate candlesticks. During the late 1700s, as the Industrial Revolution began to transform the British landscape, the Hunt family seized the opportunity and began to innovate, pivoting from candlesticks to outdoor gas lamps. The company was not only selected to exhibit its exciting new designs at Prince Albert’s prestigious Great Exhibition in 1851, but also became among the first to light the streets of Britain.
As technology developed further by way of electricity and the National Grid, the David Hunt Lighting brand was once again at the forefront. It was a leader of electroplating by the 1890s, then overhauled the then Birmingham-based factory to become one of the first manufacturers of electric lighting – a decade before the technology was rolled out nationwide. The exciting and ornate designs from this period captured the Art Deco sensibilities of the day and beautifully adorned the newly built Odeon cinemas of the 1930s.
The long-awaited design revival of the 1950s and 1960s saw a young David Hunt move the company factory to the northern edge of the Cotswolds, while continuing to embrace new ideas and technology. At this time, it was an industry leader in spun metal and fine resin casting techniques that typified this futuristic and
Product Manager Steve Hillman and Creative Director Hollie Moreland forward-thinking era. Over the last 20 years, the company has driven some exciting changes, including a rejuvenation of its design archive, the genesis of a talented new design team and an unashamed revival within the British interior design sector.
Creative Director Hollie Moreland joined David Hunt Lighting in 2005 and initially worked alongside the tenth generation of the family, Peter Hunt. She now works in partnership with Product Manager Steve Hillman and Managing Director Andrew Cooper, who, alongside their talented team, are collectively continuing to inspire within the modern lighting industry. David Hunt Lighting’s spring/summer 2022 collection is a perfect example of this. The ‘Scallop’ pendant, launched at London Design Week and the hero product of the collection, characterises Hollie’s methodology: ‘This launch was about reintroducing some fun and colour back into the world after a prolonged hiatus,’ she explains.
‘For the London Design Week launch, we combined our ‘Scallop’ design with sumptuous paint colours by fellow British brand Little Greene,’ continues Hollie. ‘This culminated in a series of stunning one-off pieces that we showcased at our Chelsea showroom during the event. The bold and expressive combinations, seen on the spun pendant, have now been echoed on our own product configurator, allowing our customers to really explore their own tastes.’
The David Hunt Lighting product configurator, available on the brand’s website, enables its customers to build and visualise their potential product combinations in real time, which really helps when selecting accessories for an interior design scheme. It also underlines the brand characteristics of innovation and exploration that John Hunt initiated almost 350 years ago.
David Hunt Lighting
Third Floor, Centre Dome Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 7349 8111 davidhuntlighting.co.uk davidhuntlighting
EMMA J SHIPLEY
Homeware and accessories for nature lovers, dreamers and maximalists
Emma J Shipley’s mission is to share the magic of nature and spark the imagination. The joyful and vibrant homeware brand is known for its fantastical prints based on founder Emma’s hand-drawn illustrations. Her inspiration comes from the unique beauty of the natural world, and her designs explore myths, legends and surreal fantasy.
The brand’s collections include home furnishings, accessories and lifestyle items (such as scarves, phone cases and notebooks), all adorned with
Emma’s colourful and intricately drawn artworks.
Everything is made ethically, in premium materials, while always considering and minimising the impact on the environment. Sustainability is a key part of the brand, and all pieces are meant to be treasured for years to come. Bestselling styles include the zebrastrewn ‘Lost World’ bedding, the ‘Zambezi’ luxury velvet cushion with its elegant elephant design and the ‘Lynx’ wallpaper.
The brand launched at London Fashion Week in 2012, after Emma graduated from the Royal College of Art. She won multiple awards for her drawing and designs on graduation, and has since won business recognition in the UK and internationally, including the WGSN Global Fashion Award for Emerging Brand. Fashion boutique Browns launched her graduate collection of printed scarves; today, the homeware and lifestyle collections are stocked in some of the best department stores around the world, including Harrods and Liberty London, with the full range available on emmajshipley.com.
The company has always been committed to
protecting the environment, and, in particular, endangered species. ‘We have given back to nature with a number of charities over the years, and in 2020 we launched an ongoing partnership with World Land Trust,’ says Emma. ‘As part of their Plant a Tree programme, WLT are planting native trees to save, protect and restore critically threatened habitat for wildlife. We have currently donated over 3,000 trees, funded by purchases on emmajshipley.com, and we will continue to support endangered wildlife in the future.’
The last few years have seen the product range grow, and in spring 2022 the first ‘Fine China Dining’ collection was launched. It comprises plates, bowls and mugs, all crafted expertly in Stoke-on-Trent from fine bone china, and adorned with four of the brand’s bestselling illustrations: ‘Lynx’, ‘Zambezi’, ‘Kruger’ and ‘Rousseau’. The series has been designed to be as practical as it is magical, with all pieces being dishwasher and microwave safe.
‘It’s been so exciting to work on a completely new category and material for me, especially collaborating with such talented makers here in the UK,’ says Emma. ‘It wasn’t easy translating my detailed designs, which required 12 layers of screen-printed colour; however it was worth all the hard work and I’m delighted with the outcome. I can’t wait for people to be able to spark their imagination with my designs over a meal or cup of coffee!’ The product range will continue to grow this year, with more pieces to add to the table, new cushions and prints, plus some special collections to celebrate a decade of the brand. These are original designs, to be treasured for years to come.
Emma J Shipley
81 Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY +44(0)20 4538 4201 emmajshipley.com emmajshipley
JAMB
The finest antique and reproduction fireplaces, lighting and furniture
Jamb continues to be synonymous with the English country house aesthetic, taking endless inspiration from the layered, evolved interiors of the finest private homes in the land and the objects therein, which so often surprise and delight. From the finest Palladian mirror to an unadorned, robust oak pantry table, the thread that binds the Jamb collections together remains the quality and patina of quintessential country style.
Once an antique is sold, it’s gone forever, but a faithful reproduction continues its design life: that was the inspiration behind antiques dealer Will Fisher’s decision to set up Jamb 19 years ago. He began by creating a reproduction collection from antique lighting and chimneypieces that he had once owned; in 2004, Will’s wife Charlotte joined him and together they have continued to grow the business.
Antique fireplaces form the backbone of the business and Jamb has a reputation for having the most extensive reclaimed antique fireplace collection in the UK. This includes period pieces from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries that recall the work of Britain’s finest architects such as Inigo Jones, William Kent and John Nash.
Jamb is fastidious when it comes to historical detail leading to the most faithful of designs, and having these important antique fireplaces in the company’s possession enables the highly skilled craftsmen in the workshop to create replicas with an unparalleled level of historical accuracy.
Bespoke fireplace commissions range from creating a collection of one-off mantels for a Neoclassical mansion, to the demands of designing and building a unique Gothic centrepiece for a château in France. Currently, Jamb is making many reproduction fireplace
Taking inspiration from antique pieces, Jamb’s modern reproductions are made using traditional skills and materials
designs in wonderful Italian marble, as well as stones from the oldest English quarries.
The constantly changing Pimlico Road showroom can also be visited to view fireplaces, foundry-made grates, lighting and furniture. Clients can make an appointment to view the 200 antique chimneypieces at the company’s warehouse, which is a former tank factory on the outskirts of London. When it comes to reproduction lighting, a globe lantern is still Jamb’s signature, yet there are more than 100 designs in the collection, all of which stem from antique originals.
This year, Jamb has continued to grow in new and exciting directions, announcing several new collections whilst operating at the highest level of the design industry across the world.
Exciting developments included a definitive range of ‘Country House’ furniture, including the spectacular ‘Upton’ sofa, and exploring sophisticated, layered painted and gilt finishes in the ‘Tavern’ and ‘Heddon’ tables. Jamb has also acquired quantities of rare marbles, informing a new series of chimneypieces from the George I period that showcase these exquisite blocks. The ‘Berrington’ and ‘Skibo’ lanterns lead the new line of lighting, drawing inspiration from the golden age of lighting design, constantly pushing the possibilities of antique finishes and patinas.
Pulling these efforts together into one publication, Will and Charlotte created the Jamb Journal II, bringing writers and photographers behind the scenes to tell the story behind the finished designs.
Jamb
95–97 Pimlico Road London SW1W 8PH +44 (0)20 7730 2122 jamb.co.uk jamb_london
NOSTI
A handmade astrological orrery, designed for luxury gifting and exquisite interiors
It was a fascination with the cosmos and an interest in world faith systems that led PR veteran Alison Canning to astrology – and ultimately to set up her brand Nosti.
‘We’re made of energy,’ says Alison, who worked in London and New York for 30 years before selling her business and returning to her native Cornwall in search of something more meaningful. ‘The idea that we receive an energetic blueprint from the heavens at the moment of our birth seems wonderful to me.’ The surprising accuracy of her own natal chart led her to model it in 3D. ‘The more I studied my chart, the more I found it helped me know myself better,’ she continues. Hence Nosti, which is short for ‘Nosce te ipsum’, the Latin form of the Delphic maxim, ‘Know Yourself’.
As well as the company name, Nosti is an astrological orrery (an interactive model of the solar system) handmade in brass, granite and leather. Its arms and cups each contain a crystal that represents the sun, moon or planets; these rotate around a stationary earth crystal at the top. The wheel shows the 12 signs of the zodiac. Each crystal arm can be placed in any position on the wheel and so, in any of the signs. Rotating arrows at the base of the column also show the 12 houses of astrology, along with other items of astrological significance. As all its parts move independently, Nosti can be used to construct a 3D natal chart – a personal map of the heavens at the moment you were born – or to track the daily
Nosti’s bewitching orreries come in three designs, for all tastes and interiors styles movement of celestial bodies. Or it can simply be enjoyed for its aesthetic appeal as a stunning objet d’art.
Interest in the ancient knowledge system of astrology is booming. According to Washington-based analytics company Gallup, one in four Brits and Americans believe in it. ‘Astrology has always been central to Asian and Middle Eastern cultures,’ Alison explains, ‘and it’s making a comeback in the West as people try to make sense of an increasingly complex world and look to more esoteric answers to life’s questions.’ And does really astrology work? ‘Well JP Morgan certainly thought so,’ she laughs. ‘He claimed millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do!’
Alison produces Nosti in three editions. The ‘Antiquarian’ model features images inspired by the medieval clock tower in Venice printed on ivory leather to resemble old parchment and mounted on a black granite wheel with aged brass components. Meanwhile, ‘Empyrean’, with its highly polished brass, royal purple leather and golden granite wheel has a more mystical feel for anyone with spiritual leanings. And finally ‘Neoteric’, a sleek modern version of the orrery in stainless steel, ebony leather and nero granite suits the styleconscious minimalist who wants a conversational piece to their living space.
All editions are sold with a handblown glass dome to protect the workings from interference by children or animals, and to keep the orrery clean and dust free. Each piece is handmade and sells for £4,000 to £5,000. Bespoke models are also available.
‘The orreries make special gifts and beautiful ornaments,’ sums up Alison. ‘We can design them to reflect your personal taste and interior decoration.’
Nosti
+44 (0)1726 870304 nosti.co.uk info@nosti.co.uk nosti_astrology
THE SOHO LIGHTING COMPANY
Exquisite lighting and accessories, handcrafted with the planet in mind
For Lee Lovett, co-founder of The Soho Lighting Company, an obsession with beautiful lighting and accessories stems from years spent as an interior designer and period renovation consultant on numerous London and home county projects. The challenging quest to source lighting products with a perfect blend of authenticity, quality and finish led to the design and creation of Lee’s own innovative lighting products and ultimately, the birth of her company in 2017. She and her team design and create their own range of timeless lighting in an array of elegant finishes and materials.
It all began with a mission to create a completely screwless collection of switches and sockets, made from the finest materials. ‘We engage more with switches and sockets than most other design features in an interior,’ reasons Lee. ‘Each time a light is switched on, or a charger or appliance plugged in, your design choices are being subconsciously viewed, used, and appraised. Our switches and sockets are designed to provide a beautiful aesthetic, eliminating the use of unsightly screws and plastic rockers.’ They work seamlessly with, or without, home automation technology.
Today, this British brand meticulously and ethically sources high-quality, traditional materials from the UK and around the world. It designs its collections in London and then manufactures, handcrafts and hand finishes them from its workshop in Cornwall. ‘There is a wealth of artisan talent in Cornwall and a passion for sustainable creativity,’ says Lee about the brand’s headquarters. ‘Combining this with our London design roots, we strive to bring the very best
of our country’s talent to lighting.’
As well as switches and sockets The Soho Lighting Company produces interior and exterior lighting: ultra-efficient LEDs, Edison-style bulbs, high CRI (colour render index) bulbs and downlights, all of which are stylish and kind to the planet.
‘Understanding light, how it illuminates, falls and changes the mood of your interior, lies at the heart of what we do,’ says Lee. Alongside great design and craftsmanship, sustainability and the environment are front of mind for this creative brand, and it is always pushing the boundaries of exciting and new ways to approach luxury lighting.
April 2022 saw the launch of its inspirational pendant range, ‘The Ocean Collection’, in Selfridges, London. These exquisite pendants are made using old, discarded fishing nets and other plastics retrieved from the sea, which are then recycled into 3D printing nylon. Each design is made to order, resulting in not only a chic aesthetic (they come in a choice of surf white, sea green, emerald green and clear water) but one with an environmental message that shines the spotlight on our diminishing oceans and sea life.
‘We are very proud of this collection and the response has been overwhelming,’ continues Lee. ‘With each pendant being created individually for a customer, the experience feels incredibly personal and special.’
Lighting Industry Association-accredited, The Soho Lighting Company is passionate about creating inspirationally lit spaces while still striving to protect the world that we live in. An innovative company creating beautiful lighting with a conscience.
The Soho Lighting Company
85 Great Portland Street London W1W 7LT +44 (0)20 8106 1221 soholighting.com thesoholightingco
ULTIMATE LIBRARY
Beautiful, bespoke book collections for hotels and homes
Ultimate Library’s team carefully curates bespoke libraries for hotels, homes and later living residences BELOW: Ultimate Library at the Patina Hotel, Maldives
Over the past 13 years, Ultimate Library has invigorated and curated libraries for countless hotels, homes and long-stay residences around the world. Founded in 2009 by former CEO of Blackwell’s, Philip Blackwell, the London-based company replaces worn and secondhand book collections with libraries that revitalise and entertain readers in hotels and resorts such as Pan Pacific, Four Seasons, and Soneva. Ultimate Library also works extensively with interior designers and private clients, bringing its expertise to a more domestic setting. The inspiration behind the business came from Philip’s love of travel and the extra time it gave him to read. His thinking being: why not read books that help you explore the local area and give a greater sense of place?
No matter the size, Ultimate Library has experience in creating intelligent and beautiful collections to suit all reading tastes and design aesthetics. From vast libraries spanning 180 metres of shelves to a small space in a super yacht and everything in between, the expert team at Ultimate Library ensure that all reading matter is tailored to a property’s location and a client’s interests.
Understanding the importance of both style and content, Ultimate Library provides books that can give either a modern or vintage look. The key to every collection is the personal, bespoke service that the team offer, beginning with the design concept, right through to installation.
Working with interior design firms such as Fiona Barratt, Victoria Fairfax, Albion Nord and Sophie Patterson, Ultimate library is bringing bespoke and curated libraries to more longstay residences and private homes than ever before. Last year saw a move to personalise and enhance domestic spaces, while 2022 is looking towards a sustainable and timeless version of this personalisation that people can enjoy for longer. The trend is highly suited to a bespoke book collection or library, with classics and contemporary titles coming together to create a design feature and source of entertainment that can be used time and again by both residents and guests.
Another change the brand is seeing is the increase in retirement living as an option for those wishing to downsize. Working with companies such as Auriens and Riverstone Living, Ultimate Library is creating rounded book collections that will continue to enrich residents’ lives for many years to come and support their ongoing health and wellbeing – it is now widely reported that continued access to new materials and actively reading can make sure you stay sharper for longer.
Over the past couple of years, book sales have soared as people rekindled their love of reading. And, now more than ever, it has become important for spaces to reflect individual personalities. Using neutral hues to create a calming atmosphere or pops of colour to stand out, an Ultimate Library collection can fit any brief. The end goal is to create libraries that are entertaining, inspiring, and educational for everyone, whether a luxury hotel, private home or an entire community.
Ultimate Library
Studio 9, 115 Harwood Road London SW6 4QL +44 (0)20 8705 0765 ultimatelibrary.co.uk ultimatelibrary
YVES DELORME
A historic home linen brand, whose new collections are inspired by nature
Founded by Ernestine Fremaux in France in 1845, Yves Delorme is a family-owned, international luxury linen brand. It is recognised by the French government as an ‘Enterprise of Living Patrimony’ – an indicator of the highest quality manufacturing that originates from its authentic savoir-faire, cultivated over the past 175 years. Over 125 skilled artisans – including specialists in engraving, embroidery and weaving – are based in the company’s studios in Nieppe and Sevelinges, where they work diligently on all the fine detailing that goes into making an Yves Delorme piece. Since 2001, Yves Delorme has also been a member of The Comité Colbert, which unites the most prestigious French and European brands and cultural institutions. The first Yves Delorme boutique opened in Paris in 1979, followed, in the 1980s, by more in the United States and United Kingdom; now it has over 400 stores worldwide including the flagship on Walton Street in south-west London.
As a conscious linen house, Yves Delorme is committed to the preservation of the planet. Collections are manufactured with certified organic cotton, solid fibres of excellent quality that are also particularly resistant. Organic cotton not only eliminates toxins and pesticides from its production, it also respects soil fertility, has less impact on air quality, uses 88 per cent less water and 62 per cent less energy than cotton that is made by conventional methods. What’s more, each studio operates autonomously in order to optimise logistics and avoid pollution, while maintaining ecological requirements, such as systematic recycling, using energy-certified appliances,
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Fremaux family; ‘Eaux’ bed linen and robe; ‘Éclats’ bed linen details; in the creative studio; ‘Soierie’ bath linen
the re-use of excess threads and fabrics in workshops, harvesting rainwater for washing and ironing, and no single-use plastics.
While the Spring/Summer 2022 collection evoked ideas of freedom and journeys suspended time, the soon-to-launch Autumn/Winter 2022 range will focus on cosy, decorative designs befitting the colder seasons. Enveloping fabrics and misty, water-coloured patterns combine with deep, sophisticated colours, all inspired by nature. Designs include ‘Boréale’, which conjures up images of the first frost with trees drawn in blue and amber tones set against a white background; floral ‘Eaux’, featuring vibrant orchid and peony blooms that appear as if they are floating on water (a full bath linen range completes the look); and opulent ‘Foulard’, inspired by the modern dandy with a striking paisley jacquard pattern. Others, such as ‘Rameaux’ which takes its design cues from autumnal trees, and ‘Soierie’, with a Rococo-inspired floral motif that is reminiscent of a delicate lace, are equally elegant.
Complementing the readily available classic designs, Yves Delorme also has an exclusive couture collection for those seeking the ultimate luxury. The quality and rarity of these fabrics, combined with the finesse of the tailoring (which often includes exquisite hand embroidery), makes each creation truly unique. At the Walton Street boutique, clients can also find the signature Monogrammed Linen Shop homeware collections, which include ranges for children, beautiful gifts, decorative accessories and a bespoke monogramming service. With an emphasis on excellence and craftsmanship, and designs that celebrate nature, this heritage linen house is going from strength to strength.
Yves Delorme
158 Walton Street London SW3 2JL +44 (0)20 7589 4033 uk.yvesdelorme.com yvesdelormeparis
