Country & Town Interiors - 2020 by Country & Town House Magazine

Â£12.99

2020/21

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Contents Regulars 8 10 152

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS INDEX

Features 12

NATURAL SELECTION Bringing nature into your interiors scheme, whether through real plants or colours, materials and textures, is known as biophilia. It’s a trend we can’t currently get enough of, says Kate Crockett

MANUAL LABOUR Using your hands is as important as using your brain. Jessica Doyle meets four women who have taken their craft to the heights of artistic success

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS Choosing art for your home takes an expert and experienced eye, so Amy Bradford talks to interior designers to find out who they turn to for help

THE 50 FINEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS The wait is over as this year’s entries are in, as chosen by our panel, which includes Carole Bamford, Whitney Bromberg Hawkings and Juan Santa Cruz

Directory 86 102 112 134

Design Services Kitchens & Bathrooms Fabrics & Walls Furniture Home Accessories

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Crafty interiors; photograph on the cover was shot by Joshua McHugh and taken from Nina Campbell Interior Decoration; Elegance and Ease (Rizzoli, £45); meet our 2020 50 finest interior designers

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 Alex Bloom-Davis Creative & Production Director Parm Bhamra Production Designer Samuel Thomas Online Editor Rebecca Cox Online Writer Ellie Smith Online Assistant Daniella Saunders Technical Manager Hannah Johnson Associate Director, Property & Marketing Gemma Cowley Senior Account Manager Pandora Lewis Advertising Sales Director Ellie Rix Group Publishing Director Tia Graham Finance Controller Lauren Hartley Finance Director Jill Newey Managing Director Jeremy Isaac

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Copyright © 2020 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

PHOTO: © MOLLY MAHON

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Editor’s Letter O

ur third issue of C&T Interiors feels particularly special. Due to the global shenanigans of the past few months we’re later than usual getting it to you. Like an elephant pregnancy, the creation of this glossy tome has been prolonged, which makes me even happier to see it come to fruition. As always, we chose our 50 finest interior designers with a panel of people whose lives are immersed in design. We all have ideas about what makes a beautiful interior, it’s a subjective assessment, not a tick box procedure, which is why I think it is so important to invite guest panellists with divergent tastes, styles and viewpoints. This year it’s the stellar cast of Juan Santa Cruz, designer, restaurateur and founder of Santa Cruz Co, Carole Bamford of Daylesford, Bamford and editor of Seed magazine, and thirdly, Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, founder and CEO of FLOWERbx. Together with myself and Lucy Cleland, editorial director of Country & Town House, we have whittled the treasure trove of interior design and decorating talent into a selection that covers all types of project, from farmhouse to folly, château to chalet, as well as a range of budgets. You may just need a helping hand rejigging a few rooms – the ubiquitous home office is now a priority for many – or wish to inject glamour into a familiar space. From tiny tweaks to total new builds, there is someone within these pages who can help. Alongside the 50 designer profiles, are essays from our favourite writers. Jessica Doyle forages into pottery, rug-making, crochet and fabric printing, profiling four artisans elevating craftwork into art (p16). Handmade pieces with originality, provenance and narrative are current musthave adornments for the home. Amy Bradford wanders into the galleries of the art world, getting advice from the professionals on where to find pieces and how best to display them (p20). And finally, Kate Crockett explores the world of biophilic design, a philosophy for design more pertinent now than ever before – surrounding yourself with nature to boost wellbeing (p12). I hope that delving into these beautiful pages will help lift your spirits.

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TH E PAN EL

JUAN SANTA CRUZ Designer, restaurateur and founder of Santa Cruz Co

Born in Chile, raised in Uruguay, schooled in Switzerland and a university student in Boston, global citizen Juan Santa Cruz is a designer, restaurateur and founder of Santa Cruz Co. Since launching his first restaurant in Buenos Aires in 2004, the former investment banker has opened successful outposts in London’s Notting Hill with Casa Cruz and Mayfair with Isabel and Nathalie, which serves raw and vegan dishes in sustainable takeaway containers.

CAROLE BAMFORD Founder of Daylesford, Bamford, and Editor of Seed magazine

WHITNEY BROMBERG HAWKINGS Founder and CEO of FLOWERBX

Natural, sustainable living has been the heart and soul of Carole Bamford’s Daylesford organic farm shops since she opened its first farm shop and café in 2002 on the Daylesford House estate in Gloucestershire. Daylesford has since won numerous awards in recognition of its sustainable farming methods and animal welfare commitments, and expanded its sustainable credentials with the launch of Bamford’s spas and eco-friendly product range.

Dallas-born Whitney Bromberg Hawkings began her career in Paris working for Tom Ford at Gucci. Following an 18-year career with the designer, she left to pursue her passion project which launched in 2016. FLOWERBX, an online service that delivers handpicked flowers straight to your door, was dubbed the Net-a-Porter of the floristry world. It has since become the first global flower brand, launching in 22 countries across Europe and launched across the East Coast and West Coast of the US this year.

CONTRIBUTORS

AMY BRADFORD Choose one piece from your home to take to a desert island? A very old, Dutch repoussé mirror in blackened metal with foxed glass and a coffered frame. It’s so beautiful it would be the first thing I’d rescue. If you had to house share, who would you choose to live with? William Morris, just so I could try out living at his gorgeous Cotswold retreat Kelmscott Manor, which dates back to 1570. What’s your favourite colour and why? Colours come alive for me chiefly in combination, so it changes all the time. At the moment it would be a mix of soft pinks, mushroom browns and chalky yellows.

EMMA LOVE Choose one piece from your home to take to a desert island? If I was being practical I would say a fishing rod and line but really, I’d like to take a Kindle loaded up with books so I could spend my days reading under the shade of a palm tree. If you had to house share, who would you choose to live with? A yet-to-buy, longed-for puppy to take for walks and cuddle up with on the sofa. What’s your favourite colour and why? I’m often drawn to calming shades of blue. They remind me of the south coast where I grew up and countless holidays by the sea. At home, I have an abstract oil painting of the Cornish coastline, which is especially soothing.

KATE CROCKETT Choose one piece from your home to take to a desert island? With little to do except to lie reading in the sun, I’d need my much-loved three-fold Lai Thai cushion, purchased years ago in Bangkok. If you had to house share, who would you choose to live with? Right now it would probably be the lovely Oliver Heath (who I interviewed for this issue). Like everyone, I’ve spent far much time cooped up during lockdown. I’d welcome his ability to bring the natural world into my home. What’s your favourite colour and why? I love indigo – which probably explains why I’m always in deep blue jeans. It’s everywhere in Japan, a place I’m constantly drawn to.

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INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE - INTERIOR DESIGN - FURNITURE - FABRICS - ACCESSORIES louisebradley.co.uk

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NATURAL SELECTION

Not just a trend, more a philosophy for living, Kate Crockett shows how biophilic design can enhance our connection with nature and boost our wellbeing

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ith its cascading foliage, succulent leaves, draping fern fronds and red, purple and yellow sprigs, Green Wall is the quintessential vertical garden. But this ‘living wall’ isn’t all it seems: in fact, it’s an intricate wall covering from Osborne & Little – one of its most popular recent designs, and one that captures the 2020s zeitgeist for all things botanical. From wall coverings, carpets and objets – such as Mary Katrantzou’s Garden of Eden for The Rug Company and Lalique’s exquisite new Botanica Collection vases – to that monstera deliciosa (aka cheese plant) taking over your living room, the botanicals trend is just a small part of the craze for biophilia. First coined in the ’60s by psychologist Erich Fromm, biophilia means ‘affinity with nature’ and describes our innate connection with natural processes – and the benefits of channelling nature’s restorative presence. In the home, biophilic design can strengthen our connection to nature through greenery, natural textures and colours, which in turn improve our health and relationships. ‘Biophilic design is a subject that has been rising up the domestic agenda,’ says Brightonbased biophilic design consultant Oliver Heath (oliverheath.com). ‘It is well established in the commercial space because there is a strong business case [for it], such as reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Now there’s an upsurge of interest in how this can be applied to the home and how it can benefit our wellbeing.’ Indeed, research has shown that being surrounded by elements of nature can reduce stress levels, blood pressure and heart rates, enhance a feeling of calm, and boost immunity and brain function, as well as creativity. ‘Traditionally we have used interior design to express style, wealth and power, or as an extravagance,’ Heath continues. ‘Biophilic design is not about extravagance, it is about: What can this space do for me? How can this space help us get back to our best?’ It’s a radical shift in thinking. There are three main principles of biophilic design: incorporating direct forms of nature, such as natural light, views and the movement of air; indirect representations of nature, such as natural materials, patterns and textures; and crafting spaces that serve our practical and emotional needs. The latter two are particularly pertinent to interior designers. ‘Biophilic design is an essential element

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE: Osborne & Little’s Green Wall, one it its most popular recent designs; GP & J Baker Botanical garden fabric; de Gournay’s hand painted Alto obsidian wall covering; Fromental’s silk Carp and Moon wall covering

in providing people with healing places in which to live and work,’ says Nicola Holden, BIID member and founder of Nicola Holden Design (nicolaholdendesigns.co.uk). ‘It is not a luxury, it is a necessity.’ Holden is particularly interested in two key features of biophilic spaces, ‘prospect’ and ‘refuge’. ‘Prospect ensures we have an unimpeded view over a distance, for surveillance and planning, while refuge gives us a place for withdrawal and offers protection,’ she explains. ‘Open-plan layouts, balconies and landings, where we can stand and survey, should be balanced with intimate refuge spaces, where we can relax, meditate or read.’ Think a plump window seat upholstered in GP & J Baker’s Botanical Garden, or a snug enveloped in de Gournay’s Alto obsidian wall covering – a hand painted, metallic silk skyscape filled with cirrocumulus cloud forms – or with the lotus leaves and rippling waters of Fromental’s hand-painted silk, Carp and Moon. One gorgeous example of a biophilic refuge is the library at La Maison d’Estournel, the new country house hotel in Bordeaux from Michel Reybier of La Réserve. Created by architects Michaelis Boyd, it combines rich timber panelling with natural stone, vibrant velvet, and floral-printed linen upholstery – textures that cocoon and nurture guests while connecting them with the estate beyond. ‘The great thing about biophilic design is that there is no particular “look”,’ explains Sally Coulthard, author of Biophilia: You + Nature + Home (Octopus, £9.99). ‘Many key features of current interior trends fit perfectly with the biophilic philosophy – COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 13

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FROM TOP: Farrow & Ball’s Lake Red, from its Colour by Nature collection; Forest to Home solid timber table; biophilic design permeates The Newt hotel in Somerset

indoor plants, raw timber, sustainable crafts such as macramé and pottery, organic paints and warm neutrals.’ Soane’s new rattan Asscher ceiling lights immediately come to mind (soane.co.uk), as do Wiltshire-based Forest to Home’s solid timber pieces. ‘Humans have a strong innate preference for natural materials,’ says co-founder William Hibbert (foresttohome.com). ‘Whether it’s a statement oak and walnut coffee table or a live-edge timber chopping board – each has its own distinctive patterns and formations. These make us feel grounded, calmer and connected to the natural world.’ Natural colours – from the sea, earth, plants and sky – are intrinsic to biophilic design. ‘Nature feels like a dependable force in our topsy-turvy world,’ says Joa Studholme, esteemed colour curator at Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com). ‘In these uncertain times, we are drawn to colours that are rooted in nature because they feel familiar but also protective.’ The company recently launched Colour By Nature, a palette of 16 new shades inspired by the true tones of the natural world, created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. ‘Many of the Colours By Nature are strong and uplifting, which some may be wary of,’ Studholme continues, ‘but they have all come direct from the natural world, whether from plants or animals – and nature never gets it wrong when it comes to the combination of colour.’ Neither, it seems, does Karen Roos, owner and designer of new country house hotel The Newt in Somerset, whose interiors are replete with natural hues, from the green palette of its garden-view bedrooms to the Piet Jonker tiles in the Croquet Lounge, which shimmer with all the shades of the

ocean (thenewtinsomerset.com). ‘For me it is important to capture the spirit of a place, whether that’s bringing the gardens inside or using local craftspeople and local materials,’ Roos explains, highlighting her use of Hadspen and Blue Lias stone, sourced from a nearby quarry. One of the simplest ways to embrace biophilia is by introducing live plants. ‘People think, “If plants can thrive here, I can too”,’ observes Oliver Heath. Developers are catching on: the key feature of Wardian London, the apartment towers under construction in Canary Wharf, is their double-height, glassed-in gardens featuring over 100 species of exotic plants, including a rare Wollemi pine. The development was inspired by the Wardian case, a sealed unit invented by 19th-century botanist Nathanial Bagshaw Ward, for transporting exotic plants. Lighting is also crucial to biophilic design. Circadian lighting – which mimics the natural cycles of light throughout the day and night in order to promote healthy sleep and wakefulness – is an increasingly important consideration at work and at home. ‘Most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, and losing that connection to nature could be affecting our sleep,’ says Jonathan Rush, head of lighting design at Hoare Lea (hoarelea.com). ‘It’s about time we started considering our lighting “diet”, as we do with nutrition.’ Rush recommends using a system that moves towards a warmer, amber colour in the evening: all made possible by app-controlled LED technology. ‘Think of how relaxing it feels to sit in dim, warm candlelight,’ he adds. ‘How quickly would you fall asleep? Well, your whole lighting system can do the same.’ Complementing this is ‘daylight design’, which aims to maximise uality daylight. ‘The path of the sun is completely predictable, so one can design or orientate a space to benefit from the best sunlight or daylight,’ says Rush. At home, this could be as simple as moving a chair closer to a window. ‘It’s about nature-based placemaking,’ concludes Heath. ‘When we fill buildings with biophilic features, people walk in and light up. We’ve got to make places where people can enjoy nature.’ 

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PHOTOS: ALEXANDRA DAO

ABOVE & OPPOSITE PAGE: Florence St George took part in The Great Pottery Throw Down after barely five years at the wheel and now sells tableware and larger individual pieces

MANUAL LABOUR Handmade needn’t mean homespun, says Jessica Doyle. She profiles four professionals elevating craftwork into an art form

PHOTOS: ALEXANDRA DAO

he past few years have seen an explosion of interest in craft and the handmade. Uniformity and mass production have become decidedly old hat; rather than craving what others have, what feels relevant right now is to find something unique, with a story all its own that will add character and soul to an interior. That’s where modern artisans have found their niche: a generation of makers are deploying traditional craft techniques to make exciting and innovative pieces – less homespun homewares, more cool, contemporary collectables. One such is the potter Florence St George (formerly Brudenell-Bruce), who first came to ceramics just over five years ago after working as a model and actress. After experiencing post-natal depression following the birth of her first child in 2014, she realised she needed a new direction. ‘I’d always loved art and ceramics and I studied history of art,’ she says. ‘My mother and brother are artists, my sister Alice writes… it’s sort of in the genes. So I went out and bought a bag of clay.’ She started by experimenting, then took a course at Central St Martins. ‘What was so nice is that it wasn’t for anyone else, it was for me,’ she says. ‘I wasn’t trying to do it to sell, so there was no expectation.’ That has changed somewhat since St George’s appearance on the Channel 4 television programme The Great Pottery Throw Down earlier this year, where she made it to week five. ‘There’s nothing glamorous about it,’ she says. ‘It’s Stoke-on-Trent, it’s freezing, you’re waiting around a lot. I loved it so much.’ Since leaving the show, she has been focussing on the tableware she produces for Chelsea homeware shop The Edition 94 (theedition94.com) and the large sculptural pieces she makes and sells via the Sladmore

Gallery (sladmore.com). These larger works are inspired by the natural landscape of the Bahamas, where St George, her husband Henry and their two children, spend a lot of time. She forages Bahamian clay from the forest, adds porcelain and makes her own glazes. The colours and textures of her work are inspired by the sun on the water and the foam on the waves, she says. Working with ceramics proved to be a healing, meditative process, and in turn St George is passing on her experience to others, teaching a group of Bahamian children with special needs how to collect clay from the ground and work it on a wheel. ‘It was life-changing for me, getting my hands into the soil,’ she says. ‘When you’re on the wheel you can’t touch your phone. To get rid of that noise is really nice.’ Block printer Molly Mahon (mollymahon. com) also found her craft after starting out in a completely different career, working in events organisation. ‘I started on a day workshop, and it really appealed to me,’ she says. ‘When I realised I could do it myself, it was a light-bulb moment. I love every element of it; it makes me feel alive and joyful.’ That sense of joy comes through in her colourful designs, inspired by the plants and flowers she sees around her home in the Sussex countryside, the work of the COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 17

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Bloomsbury group at nearby Charleston House, and patterns she sees while travelling. ‘I see something and it stays with me,’ says Mahon. ‘When I get a moment I go to the studio and draw it, then I play with the scale a bit, carve it into lino and start to print. Block printing has an incredible rhythm which is very relaxing.’ Most of her fabrics are printed by hand, either at her studio or in India; others are digitally printed in northern England. Colour choice is ‘a gut reaction’, she says. ‘I settle on a colour that will make me feel good when I print with it. If my heart doesn’t sing with joy I won’t continue with it. Trends don’t direct me, I have to want the colour in my house.’ Colour is also an essential tool for Brighton-based textile artist Kate Jenkins (katejenkinsstudio.co.uk), who was taught knitting and crochet as a child by her mother and grandmother. ‘Once I had learned the basic stitches, I was hooked,’ she says. After a degree

PHOTOS: CHRISTABEL BALFOUR BY DEBORAH PANES

ABOVE & RIGHT: This pattern-rich interior belongs to Molly Mahon (below), featuring her own colourful block-printed fabrics such as Luna Khaki and Oak Blue (above right)

in fashion and textiles, she worked as a fashion knitwear designer for global brands like Missoni, and set up her own label, Cardigan, in 2003. These days, Jenkins is best known for her intricate, witty, food-based textile artworks. ‘I love the fact you can create so many different ideas, structures and textures with a ball of wool, a hook or needles,’ she says. ‘I start with a visual idea in my head and use a crochet hook and knitting machines like my pencils and paintbrushes, and my large library of yarn as my paints.’ She achieved her first solo show in Asia this January, a Hong Kong exhibition comprising over 1,000 knitted and crocheted breads, cakes and tarts, which people took home in individual, signed cake boxes. Jenkins notes that knitting and crochet have become fashionable again over the past few years, a trend partly driven by millennials looking to engage in mindful activities. ‘There has been a shift in attitudes,’ she says. ‘Instagram has had a huge, positive effect.’ Social media has ignited interest in heritage crafts across the board, enabling artisans to show their work to a new audience. This is partly what inspired Christabel Balfour (christabelbalfour.com), a young weaver based in east London, to set up her studio five years ago. ‘Previously, people wouldn’t have seen behind the scenes of what [crafts] people do,’ she says. ‘I saw films that people posted of themselves at work on Instagram, and thought, that’s something I could do.’ Balfour had been weaving from a young age and created woven sculpture at art school,

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BELOW & RIGHT: Kate Jenkins and her delectable-looking crochet work

but in the past few years has focused on 2D tapestry and rug weaving, using recycled and offcut wools and linens. Informed by the natural world, historic tapestries and work by more recent makers such as the pioneering modernist, Anni Albers, her works have an incredibly calming quality. ‘I’m a bit of a magpie in terms of inspiration, I pull sources from everywhere,’ she says. ‘I build a design around a central colour or idea; there’s usually an emotion I want to evoke.’ Balfour is currently working on an altar cloth for Hackney Church in east London, as part of a multi-million pound restoration project involving renowned architectural designer John Pawson. Other recent collaborations have been with designers-du-jour Studio Ashby and Chan & Eayrs. Proof, were it needed, that craft is definitely regaining status as a respected art form, and that handmade pieces with originality, provenance and narrative are the current must-have adornments for the home.

RIGHT & BELOW: Christabel Balfour working on her Hackney Church commission; one of the weaver’s previous wall hangings

PHOTOS: CHRISTABEL BALFOUR BY DEBORAH PANES

House of Print: A Modern Printer’s Take on Design, Colour and Pattern by Molly Mahon is out now. 

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HOME’S WHERE THE ART IS

Artworks can make or break an interior, so how do you develop an eye for visual and sensual synergy? Amy Bradford seeks advice from the experts

or those used to thinking of art as a finishing touch to a room, it may come as a surprise to learn that interior designers often plan entire homes around clients’ art collections. Rather than viewing it as an afterthought, therefore, planning an art scheme in advance – as you would with lighting or furniture – can have a radical impact on your home’s visual impact and character. But if you’re not a connoisseur, where do you start? ‘Whatever level you’re at – whether you have a 100-piece collection or have never bought art before – the first step is to decide why you want an art collection in the first place,’ says Patrick McCrae, CEO of Artiq (artiq.co), an art consultancy and art rental service that works with institutions like the V&A as well as with commercial and private clients. ‘It’s important that it reflects your personality and complements your space, but it should also tell a story. When curating collections for clients, we often look for links with works they already own or causes that are important to them. We also take time to understand artists’ backgrounds, and why they create the work they do. This helps us find the most captivating pieces to suit people.’

Petra Arko hung this portrait by Elena Gual to complement the colours of the bedroom of the show flat she designed for Bollo Lane by Pocket London

Once you have an idea of the story you want to tell, McCrae recommends exploring online and on social media to find artists you engage with. ‘Instagram is particularly good, as it allows you to connect with artists directly,’ he says. ‘Try searching by your local area, or by medium. There’s also a great initiative started in response to Covid-19 called the Artist Support Pledge (@ artistsupportpledge). It showcases thousands of artists around the world who are selling works for around £200. Not only does it support artists, it’s also a great way to discover affordable work.’ Before you start buying, define your budget and get to know the artists that interest you. ‘Galleries are usually happy to offer advice to collectors,’ says McCrae. As for the tricky business of displaying art, he advises against the obvious – trying to match pieces too closely to architecture. ‘Juxtaposing old and new is a great way to curate a collection. For new collectors, I love the “salon hang” – a mix of different works on the wall as you’d see at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition – which you can lay out on the floor beforehand.’ For further inspiration, we asked three decorators to tell us how their designs are influenced by working with artists and artworks.

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PETRA ARKO The Slovenian-born founder and director of London studio Bergman & Mar is known for cool, contemporary interiors that incorporate characterful artworks, which she hunts for wherever she goes. ‘London has lots of small galleries that I am forever stumbling upon,’ she says. ‘I also thrift in vintage shops and on eBay, and browse Instagram for emerging talents.’ She takes a high-low approach to art, mixing investment pieces with affordable finds. The latter are often found at Desenio (desenio.co.uk), Spacey Studios (spaceystudios. com) and The Poster Club (theposterclub.com). Arko’s latest art-led project is the Makers apartment, a show flat at the new Bollo Lane project in west London by developer Pocket Living. ‘We invited British artisans and artists to showcase their work in the space,’ she explains. Working with art consultancy Cramer & Bell (cramerandbell.com), she found pieces that complement the colours and textures of each room, including a rosetoned portrait by Elena Gual (elenagual. art) for a pink bedroom, ceramic wall hangings by Unit 89 (unit89.co.uk) that echo textured rugs, and an abstract oil painting by Sarah Needham (sarahneedhamartist. co.uk) that reflects the markings of a wooden sideboard. This sensitive approach is typical for Arko, who allows art to guide her on style, colour, patterns and finishes. ‘It works like a conductor for my creative process,’ she says. Arko’s practical tips for working with art centre on proportions and framing. ‘The most common mistake is buying a work that’s the wrong size,’ she points out. ‘I think works always look better if they’re larger, so hang a paper mock-up on your wall before you buy. Moreover, don’t forget that the frame can create just as much interest as the piece itself.’ bergmanandmar.com

ABOVE: Natalia Miyar’s design for the bar area of a show apartment at Battersea Power Station centres on two striking oils by Beñat Olaberria LEFT: An abstract painting by LA artist Hiejen Yoo makes a vivid pop of colour in the minimalist entrance

NATALIA MIYAR

Arko chose this Sarah Needham oil because it echoes the wooden sideboard markings

Chelsea- and Miami-based interior designer Natalia Miyar is known for her richly layered spaces, which combine one-of-a-kind furniture and artworks with fine materials. One of her favourite projects in which art took the lead was a London apartment for a client with an impressive modern art collection. ‘It was a contemporary space with crisp, modern lines, and the brief was for a masculine, clean and neutral interior as a backdrop for the art,’ Miyar explains. ‘I chose to complement the colours in the artworks with mink-toned flooring, grey stone and accents of blue, ochre and rust, which also created a warm feel.’ Details

in bronze, richly veined marble and linen added depth and character, along with a mix of antiques and one-off pieces. ‘This project was about encouraging the client to play with colour, texture and pattern,’ adds Miyar, ‘but generally I think it’s important to decorate with colours and textures that complement rather than overpower artworks – you don’t want things to fight. Lighting is also key when there is lots of art – if necessary, I will install additional windows or skylights.’ When it comes to building an art collection, Miyar recommends trusting your tastes. ‘Buy things you want to look at every day; don’t be distracted by recommendations from others,’ she advises. ‘Even if you’re using a designer to help, make sure they follow your tastes, not their own.’ Equally, don’t be in a hurry. ‘It takes time to hone your eye,’ she explains. ‘Start by buying a few small pieces and see how they work in your home before investing in anything expensive.’ Miyar looks at online auctions and visits art fairs to see what’s out there, and recommends seeing art in person before you buy to get a true impression of its tactile qualities. Which artists does she love right now? ‘I recently discovered LA artist Hiejin Yoo (hiejinyoo.com). Her work is defined by abstract pops of colour and layered marks – it makes a bold statement in a hallway.’ nataliamiyar.com

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FROM TOP: A suspended abstract sculpture reflects the aqueous light in this basement pool room by Shalini Misra; an Antony Gormley figure stands by Italianate panels in the same Victorian villa; Misra designed this Mayfair apartment around the client’s impressive art collection

WHERE TO BU Y A RT ONLINE... RISE ART Famous names like Sir Peter Blake and Bruce McLean jostle with emerging talents in this gallery, where you’ll find everything from an affordable print for £175 to bronze and neon sculptures that cost thousands. The advisory service, where you can get help from a team of expert curators and commission bespoke designs, is a great extra, as is the art rental service if you want to experiment before you invest. riseart.com AFFORDABLE ART FAIR Even if you can’t make it to an Affordable Art Fair (they’re held in Battersea and Hampstead), you can still buy art from this insider source, which boasts photography, prints, collages and sculptures as well as drawings and paintings. It’s easy for beginners to navigate, as you can search by budget as well as by medium. Check out what’s popular in the ‘Bestselling Artists’ section. affordableartfair.com

SHALINI MISRA Art and statement furniture play a leading role in the work of this London designer, who creates homes, hotels and restaurants around the world. She has relationships with a network of major galleries, but also tours every art fair she can. ‘I enjoy Art Basel, Frieze, the Affordable Art Fair and PAD – you get to see the big names alongside newer artists’ work,’ she enthuses. ‘The Royal College of Art graduate show is also great for commissioning new talent.’ A particularly memorable project for Misra was designing a Chelsea home for a major art collector. ‘The starting point was a large, heavy sculpture by Antony Gormley, which we had to reinforce the floor to accommodate,’ she remembers. ‘The location had to be decided early on – it took a primary spot in the ground-floor atrium and greets the family and visitors as they enter the house.’ The project also demonstrated the importance of factoring lifestyle into art choices – Misra didn’t shy away from putting a favourite artwork in the kitchen, because the family spends much of its time there. Unsurprisingly, Misra advocates planning an

PARTNERSHIP EDITIONS Whether your taste runs to Petra Börner’s whimsical botanical ink illustrations or Emily Forgot’s punchy, Modernist-style painted plywood sculptures, there’s a real sense of discovery on this website, which features lots of young talent. Prices start at £180 and it’s straightforward to search by style (choose from abstract, figurative, botanical or colourful). partnershipeditions.com

... A ND WAYS TO DISPLAY IT art scheme in advance. ‘I measure the weight, size and volume of each piece before deciding where it goes. Major pieces go in ‘hotspots’, such as reception and dining rooms, but staircases are also great for encouraging people to pause between floors.’ Misra has lots of useful advice for those working on their own. ‘First, be mindful of the artwork’s colour and shape – you don’t want a “loud” piece in a quiet room,’ she says. ‘I like placing sculptures on plinths and positioning them like side tables, so they frame a sofa. Lastly, consider longevity and versatility: you may move home and [need to] position your art in different locations.’ To develop your eye, Misra recommends taking note of artworks in restaurants, clubs and hotels – you might discover a new favourite. ‘Right now there are two artists who inspire me,’ she says. ‘Rana Begum (ranabegum.com), who makes colourful abstract works, and Natalia Kapchuk (kapchukart. com), who uses mixed media to explore ecological issues.’ shalinimisra.com 

TM LIGHTING When Hampton Court Palace and Waddesdon Manor need picture lights, they call on this brand, which crafts timeless, subtle designs that use cutting-edge LED bulb technology. Ingeniously, they both flatter artworks and help to conserve them via controlled light levels. tmlighting.com JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING Shalini Misra comes here for advice on lighting artworks – it not only has a collection of spotlights fit for purpose, but also boasts a consultancy service that will bring specific projects to life. johncullenlighting.com WELL HUNG Patrick McCrae of Artiq loves this Shoreditch gallery and workshop – not only for its exhibitions by emerging artists, but also for its bespoke framing service, patronised by many a museum. Everything is made by hand on site, and it works with 3D objects as well as pictures. wellhung.co.uk

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The

FINEST INTERIOR

DESIGNERS Our panel of experts has taken a good hard look at the UK-based designers who are pushing boundaries, consistently delivering excellence and inspiring on every level. Welcome to our chosen 50 for 2020/21. Words by Emma Love

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AXEL VERVOORDT

Set up by Belgian antiques dealer Axel Vervoordt in 1969, this Antwerp-based practice bridges the worlds of art, architecture and interior design (the latter is now overseen by Axel’s son Boris). Their trademark is refined simplicity; homes that are restorative and re-energising, and somehow feel like they’ve always existed – whether it’s a riverside sanctuary in Kerala or a historic Surrey estate. ‘We believe that each home is an oasis. To achieve this, we collaborate in a quest for harmony, beauty and the creation of atmospheres that are rooted in the past and connected to the future,’ writes Axel in the studio’s recently published Portraits of Interiors. Art and artefacts; the wabi-sabi notion of celebrating beauty in imperfection; and, according to Boris, ‘the notion of discovering what is essential’ within a space are all major strands of their design philosophy. axel-vervoordt.com

‘We love to design to a narrative; every space has a story and its own sense of place,’ says Marie Soliman, who co-founded Bergman Interiors four years ago with Albin Berglund. Both have a background in hotel design and decided to team up on what turned out to be a big break: the Anthony Joshuabacked BXR London boxing gym in Marylebone where they channelled industrial-chic (they have since finished a second site in Canary Wharf and Battersea Power Station is slated for 2021). Playing with light and shadow by using interesting dividing screens is a recurring detail: ‘once we used braided straps to act as a partition which cast thousands of shadows on the floor,’ says Marie. Past clients include Eagle Island Lodge Belmond Botswana, the Ritz Carlton in Oman and Four Seasons London at 10 Trinity Square; residences are ongoing in India, the Middle East and the UK. bergmaninteriors.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

BRADY WILLIAMS

Shayne Brady and Emily Williams first met while working for RPW Design before going their separate ways (he went onto David Collins Studio; she did a stint at Louise Bradley). Then in 2013, they decided to set up a studio together and BradyWilliams was born. ‘Across the board there is a common language of timeless, classic design but our residential style focuses on refined elegance whereas the hospitality side is more dramatic,’ says Shayne, of which the latter include big name restaurants such as Fischer’s, Café Wolseley in Bicester Village and Brigadiers in the City. Although the studio is roughly split – Shayne oversees the commercial side, Emily is more involved with residential – they both give input to all projects. ’Within residential, we love mixing textures with neutral tones and caramels. Maximising any beautiful features is key while at the same time ensuring that the layout works for the functionality of the space,’ concludes Emily. bradywilliamsstudio.com

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CELINE INTERIOR DESIGN

‘A Celine Interior Design home is synonymous with opulence and luxury whilst simultaneously feeling cosy too,’ explains director Noor Charchafchi, a former aviation finance lawyer who switched careers eight years ago. She is renowned for her flawlessly finished spaces which often feature handpainted chinoiserie wallpapers (‘there’s a subtle extravagance in using such unique wallcoverings and it’s a real privilege to be able to do so’) and light, neutral tones. ‘We want to make sure that the shapes and forms of the interior speak for themselves so rather than allowing too many bold colours to overshadow the balance of the room we use soft accent colours like blues and greens.’ Projects in the pipeline span the globe from London to Pakistan, the Middle East to Monaco. celineinteriordesign.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

CHESTER JONES This long-established eponymous studio was set up by revered interior designer Chester Jones and is now run by his two sons, Ben and Toby. ‘Our design style is investigative. It combines a respect for history with the clients’ interests and lifestyle, which we weave together into a story they can own,’ explains Toby of their restrained, refined approach. The studio has recently completed a mid 19th-century house in Highgate where they spent several months designing furniture and carpets, sourcing antiques and specially-made pieces, and choosing fabrics and colours. ‘Rather than use exotic woods, increasingly we find it more responsible to employ exciting treatments such as shou sugi ban [a Japanese way of preserving wood by charring it with fire before coating in natural oil],’ he continues, ‘and patinated black steel usually finds its way into our schemes too.’ chesterjones.com

Having completed Thomas Keller’s Tak Room restaurant within the Hudson Yards development in New York, designed new lodges on the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa and unveiled the Dining Hall at Harrods within the Grade II-listed tiled hall, it’s understandable that David Collins creative director Simon Rawlings recalls 2019 as one of his favourite years yet. ‘It really illustrated the depth of design quality we are producing at the moment and emphasised the global reach of the studio,’ he says. Whether working on commercial spaces such as these or residential commissions, he likes to use materials and techniques, such as tapestry in unexpected ways. ‘For instance, each of the stools within Harrods Dining Hall has an embroidered detail, which I love, as it adds a whimsical touch and there is always embossed leather, marble and timber somewhere.’ davidcollins.studio

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DAVID COLLINS STUDIO

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

ELICYON

At the age of 11, Charu Gandhi knew that she wanted to be an architect, but it wasn’t until a stint working for Candy & Candy that she fell in love with interior design, too. She opened her practice in 2014, specialising in tailored designs for super prime clients, and four years later won several career-defining contracts including creating private apartments in Clarges Mayfair and a number of spaces with the landmark Chelsea Barracks development. ‘At Chelsea Barracks we were heavily influenced by the history of the site and its links to chalk and clay,’ says Charu. ‘We chose a calm new neutrals colour palette and bold statement pieces such as a wall panel designed in collaboration with artist Geraldine Larkin and a rug with graduating earthy tones inspired by the process of silting clay.’ 2020 is proving to be just as busy with residences in China, Dubai, London and yacht designs and a hotel in Sri Lanka in the planning. elicyon.com

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ENSEMBLIER LONDON When Tara Craig launched Ensemblier Atelier six years ago with a range of customisable headboards, beds and sofas, the idea was to champion British craftsmanship and vanishing artisan trades. This principle is integral to her interior designs too, so furniture is made with natural, sustainable materials and traditional upholstery produced, where possible, in British workshops and mills. ‘I particularly love linens and corduroys. Quality is paramount so we create pieces of longevity,’ explains Tara, who often works closely with Marcus Ayshford Sanford of Archidrum on the interior architecture and joinery detailing. She has recently completed an apartment in Kensington and a house in Notting Hill, and in both instances the owners had wonderful art collections. ‘My spaces are built over the long term as I consider the antiques and artworks, and I work a lot with art dealers. Beautiful interiors don’t happen overnight; any noteworthy interior is embellished over time.’ ensemblierlondon.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

FIONA BARRATT INTERIORS

GUY GOODFELLOW

A trained architect who was a director at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler before setting up on his own 18 years ago, Guy Goodfellow is an expert in restoring grand listed houses (noteworthy properties include West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire, Hopetoun House in Scotland and Garsington Manor in Oxfordshire), as well as more modern homes and new builds. He describes his design style as ‘rich and clubby’, often incorporating furniture from all eras, red for warmth and antique textiles. He has also developed his own range of wallpapers and fabrics (his most famous is ‘Fez Weave’ which has been adopted by the Soho House Group). ‘We are working on a new print inspired by a Persian tile and striving to get the tones as close to the hand painted original as possible whilst playing with a new palette for the additional colourways,’ says Guy. guygoodfellow.com

FLORA SOAMES Rich colour and bold pattern are the backbone of Flora Soames’ aesthetic which puts a contemporary spin on country-house chic. Last year marked a decade since going solo (prior to that she was creative director of Talisman) and the launch of her much talked about fabric and wallpaper collection. Many of these re-worked patterns (more are on the way in the autumn) are threaded through her interior schemes alongside nostalgic prints by the likes of Pierre Frey and Jean Monro. Recently, Flora has been working on a house in Gloucester where the design was inspired by the client’s art collection and appreciation of vibrant hues, and ‘a streamline penthouse in London with a more minimal architectural shell than I’m used to.' Here, a pared-back approach and championing British craftsmanship were crucial – the latter is an integral part of the company’s ethos. florasoames.com

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Sophisticated neutrals interlaced with interesting and unusual materials are characteristic of Fiona BarrattCampbell’s highly textured spaces. For instance, for an in-progress ski chalet in Chamonix she has chosen micro-cement over more traditional marble in the bathrooms, paired with contrasting dark gunmetal and bronze sanitaryware finishes. Of her design style, she says, ‘Provenance, a sense of locality and a love of objects with a narrative meld together to bring the client’s vision alive.’ Alongside the interiors studio, she is also behind FBC London (the collection includes furniture, lighting and kitchens): a New York showroom is opening imminently and she is working on the first FBI/FBC London branded residence, just off Cadogan Square. Her current mood boards include marquetry (she has just commissioned a headboard in an Aztec-style pattern) and boucle fabrics. fionabarrattinteriors.com

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GUY OLIVER ‘Working as an interior designer is a bit like being the conductor of an orchestra or the director of a film, bringing artists and artisans together to create one harmonious space,’ says Guy Oliver, whose spectrum of work ranges from commercial commissions such as The Connaught hotel to private planes and country houses. Having cut his teeth working alongside his mentor Michael Inchbald, Guy joined David Laws as co-director in 1995, assuming ownership (and changing the company name) seven years later. For Guy – who has just reached the end of five years spent restoring and refurbishing The Shelbourne hotel in Dublin – ‘understanding volume and sight lines’ is important. His most challenging task to date? ‘A magnificent restoration of a yacht which the client described as a loose association of rust held together with air. His brief was to make her look like she has been in continuous ownership since she was built in 1937 – which I did.’ oliverlaws.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

HELEN GREEN DESIGN

Since it was founded 18 years ago, Helen Green Design has become known for its considered, understated style. ‘The brand is synonymous with a very British aesthetic which we fashion around the skilful use of layering and pared-back detailing, ever faithful to Helen Green’s legacy,’ says new studio director Ivana Allain, who joined the company last summer from Martin Kemp Design and is working on a family penthouse in St Petersburg and a London townhouse, among other projects. ‘I believe simplicity is the key, and steer towards a look that is unfussy and clean-lined but thoughtfully curated. Working with specialist artists and artisans, I like to create a piece specific to the client, location or property which always makes an interior feel personal.’ Expect warm, earthy neutrals as a backdrop, interspersed with engaging pops of colour. helengreendesign.com

HENRY PRIDEAUX INTERIOR DESIGN Having cut his teeth at Nicky Haslam’s NH Design and The Studio Harrods, Henry Prideaux set up on his own in 2014. ‘My main goal is always to design a house that feels complete by using as many different layers of textures, artwork and decorative lighting as possible to create interesting vignettes and unexpected features,’ says Henry, who likes to think outside the box when it comes to floor plans, too. He has just completed a trio of London townhouses, one of which was a Regency family home in Kensington. For this, the finishes included custom de Gournay wallpapers, specialist polished plaster and a ‘secret door’ to the study made using cherry-picked vintage books. ‘A design trick I am particularly fond of is creating a border out of ribbon on the walls to frame a room and define architectural elements. I also love a tassel: as embellishment on cushions or to dress the handles on fitted joinery.’ henryprideaux.com

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K&H DESIGN

Whether planning a Hong Kong apartment according to the principles of feng shui or designing a bespoke bas relief panel for a powder room as part of the renovation of a neoclassical duplex in London’s Belgravia, K&H Design co-founders Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson always begin the design process with a sketch. The pair, who set up their studio five years ago, cite ‘thinking projects’ as their favourite kind and are interested in designing homes for people to really live in, which make the most out of every inch of space. Unique touches might include designing their own curtains (some are dyed and hand-woven in Laos, others are hand-smocked in Suffolk), lining under-bed jumper boxes with vintage fabrics embroidered with the clients’ initials, or favouring sustainable materials such as Pyrolave, a volvic lava stone, for kitchen worktops. ‘No nook goes unnoticed; it’s the details that make each project so interesting and rewarding,’ confirms Katie. kandhdesign.co.uk

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

KATHARINE POOLEY A self-labelled visual magpie who takes much of her inspiration from travel, Katharine Pooley officially launched her business in 2004 with a home accessories boutique in Knightsbridge. She is renowned for her ultraluxury look, whether it’s a minimalist villa in Hong Kong or an English country retreat. She does lots of work in the Middle East and Asia – but always has several London projects ticking along too. ‘It is wonderfully freeing not to have a specific house style; I design with the client, their life and happiness in mind,’ she says. For Katharine, one of the most enjoyable aspects is commissioning bespoke pieces such as couturelevel embroidery that elevates an item from the ordinary to the extraordinary. ‘There is artistry to interior design – albeit on a rather large scale – and to my mind it is the seemingly effortless balance of light and colour that creates a beautiful room.’ katharinepooley.com

It was refurbishing flats for her lettings company that ultimately led Emma Deterding to the interiors industry. Since 2006 she has injected her passion for colour into a range of properties. ‘Without colour, Kelling Designs wouldn’t have an identity,’ confirms Emma. ‘You can use it in so many ways: warm shades for optimism, cool shades for a calm atmosphere. How can you achieve that with neutrals?’ Her current roster includes working with Adam Architecture on Spetchley Park, in Worcestershire. ‘Our initial proposal featured greens, pinks and oranges; then we learnt the owners had discovered 25 rolls of original chinoiserie with identical shades to the ones we had chosen.’ Her favourite hue? ‘Orange. It really is the new black.’ kellingdesigns.com

KELLY HOPPEN One of the most high profile – and prolific – interior designers today, Kelly Hoppen’s affinity for taupe, texture and a subtle East meets West aesthetic is legendary. Neutral palettes are often contrasted with matte black accents (‘matte finishes are much more forgiving and durability in the home is key,’ she says) and materials such as wood, metal and marble. ‘Lately we are using more ceramic as it's practical and you can create anything you want, as well as cork, which I’m loving.’ One of Kelly’s most anticipated recent launches was her design for the Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Apex and she cites designing the interiors of a train as a dream commission. The studio has more than 45 global projects on the go, including hotels in Mauritius and the Caribbean and private residences throughout Europe. kellyhoppeninteriors.com

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KELLING DESIGNS

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

LAPLACE

Co-founder and head of design at Laplace, Argentinean-born, Paris-based architect Luis Laplace predominantly conceives spaces that are centred around collections of contemporary art (he was behind Hauser & Wirth Somerset and is now creating another arts centre for the gallery in Menorca, which involves repurposing the disused outbuildings of a decommissioned naval hospital). ‘Iwan Wirth calls me the silent architect because I put the art in front of my work,’ says Luis. ‘Decorative arts and objects are part of our DNA and we love to dive into flea markets and antique shops – I believe it’s the way to get great finds and having the experience of the discovery is magic.’ The majority of the studio’s output is residential (currently these include a house on the coast of Mexico and a flat in Hong Kong) and their furniture line, Laplace, is on display at the Parisian showroom, open to clients only. luislaplace.com

Creative directors Michael Keech and Graham Green head up the interior design division at Linley, where their unobtrusive aesthetic is based around ‘updating classical themes to fit in with a modern way of living’. Whether working on a palace or a penthouse the approach is the same: ‘we strip back the structure to make sense of the function and flow; it’s fundamental to the design,’ says Michael of his architecture-first philosophy. ‘There is always a natural rhythm to the positive and negative spaces.’ Most recently, the pair has waved their wand over 22 rooms and suites in Claridge’s, two apartments in the 1 Queen Anne’s Gate development in St James’ Park, and a huge new build baroque-style house in Yorkshire alongside Adam Architecture. ‘We like the combination of working on big and small jobs. It keeps things fresh and keeps us on our toes.’ davidlinley.com

LOUISE BRADLEY

Fashion might have been her first calling but it wasn’t long before Louise Bradley realised that interiors was her real passion. That was almost 30 years ago. Since then she has made her mark with timeless, classic contemporary interior designs and an acute attention to detail. Natural materials and a muted palette often feature, as does unexpected joinery – a hidden bar, say – or a powder room. ‘It's a space that often gets overlooked but can make such a statement within the home,’ she enthuses. Projects include a recently completed Grade I-listed townhouse in Regent's Park which involved working closely with English Heritage to ‘create an interior that enhances the architecture while also satisfying the modern needs of its owners’ and the Magna Carta Park residences just outside Windsor. ‘The grounds of the private estate have several ancient trees so that was the starting point for the tones and textures inside; we intended to ensure that residents felt like the woodland was part of their everyday life.’ louisebradley.co.uk

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MARTIN BRUDNIZKI DESIGN STUDIO Over the last 20 years, Martin Brudnizki has designed some of the most recognisable bars, restaurants, retail spaces and members' clubs around the world, from Scott’s and the newlook Annabel’s in London to The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami and Fortnum & Mason in Hong Kong. Happily, he also has a small, dedicated residential design team who take on select private commissions. ‘Materiality is at the heart of our designs,’ says Martin, whose bedtime reading ranges from a biopic on Dorothy Draper to a collection of furniture drawings by René Prou. ‘We enjoy working with marble, brass and timber as well as high gloss lacquer, sea-grass wallpaper and rich fabrics. Recently, we’ve explored using straw marquetry and hand-painted murals too, which bring another level of detail and craftsmanship into a scheme.’ mbds.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

MARTIN HULBERT DESIGN Free-thinking design duo Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson are best known for putting a fresh twist on traditional country house hotel style at properties such as Coworth Park, the Treehouse Suites at Chewton Glen and The Grove in Hertfordshire which they have recently decorated for a second time (case in point: the marble sculptures in the garden are tattooed by an artist in Camden). Recent residential projects include a classic Greek villa in Corfu where the chalky colour palette was inspired by the sea views and a house in Regent's Park which combines antique furniture with specially-designed pieces. ‘We have also just created a new textile range which will launch next year and right now, find ourselves attracted to using handmade and hand-printed fabrics in warm citrus shades.’ martinhulbertdesign.com

MARTIN KEMP DESIGN The super prime market’s go-to designer, Martin Kemp is known for being incredibly discreet and detail-driven. His impressive roll call of past achievements includes yachts, private jets and residences such as the landmark development Clarges Mayfair overlooking Green Park; a private bolt-hole apartment in New York’s Time Warner Center; and a showcase sub-penthouse in China for an international property company. What links them all is his client-first agenda: ‘we endeavour always to reflect the philosophy of our clients, bringing their aspirations to life through our own creative approach,’ he says, recalling a surprise picnic on the exact spot where a dining room would eventually be as one instance of helping someone envision a scheme. He prides himself on working with the finest materials and using craftsmanship in an inventive, original way. martinkempdesign.com

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Design that lasts a lifetime

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

MARTIN WALLER

‘My vision of design has long been buffeted by travels in the most remote places,’ says globe-trotting founder of Andrew Martin, Martin Waller. For more than 40 years he has featured treasured finds from his far-flung trips in his interior schemes, from maize grinding tables sourced in Nagaland to hand-woven textiles from South America (‘the weavers there are not circumscribed by the tyranny of taste, so they are fearless and inspirational colourists’). The result is always a cohesive multilayered, multi-cultural mix of art and artefacts, colours and textures (‘fusion interiors’ was the phrase once coined to define his style). His international outlook extends to his collections of furniture, wallpaper and fabrics which can be viewed at his flagship showroom on Walton Street and new space in Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. andrewmartin.co.uk

‘Materiality, spatial planning and good proportions are always important elements,’ says Natalia Miyar, a trained architect and former design director at Helen Green Design who set up her own studio in 2016. She has made her name with tactile spaces that are woven together with bold colour, pattern and a glamorous sensibility. ‘The natural, earthy elements and the effortless luxury in my work play a vital role. I love classical design with a modern interpretation and think that having travelled a lot has influenced my style too.’ More and more she is focusing on conscious design, encouraging clients to invest in oneof-a-kind, long-lasting pieces. As usual, her work spans the globe, from a historic house in Miami which is being given ‘a new tropical flair’ to a contemporary villa in Ibiza where she is employing shades of blue, green and coral. ‘Blue is both an anchor and a versatile colour for interior schemes; it can feel calm or invigorating, bringing a wonderful energy to a room.’ nataliamiyar.com

NICOLA HARDING & CO

Nicola Harding excels at creating eclectic spaces that combine flea market finds, unusual colours and bespoke furniture. ‘I like to accentuate the character of a building and craft interiors that feel as if they have effortlessly evolved out of the spirit of a place,’ she confirms. ‘Clients come to us because they want a home filled with thoughtful details and interesting finds; something nurturing rather than showy.’ Various shades of green, mauve and chocolate – balanced out with muted neutrals – are a particular favourite, and often complemented with unexpected natural materials such as heavy canvas. ‘I also enjoy the imperfection of hand block prints which add depth and lend a relaxed feel to a space,’ adds Nicola, naming Nancy Lancaster as an eternal inspiration. Recently, she has been working on a Marylebone townhouse where the brief was ‘1960s Laura Ashley meets the Bloomsbury set’ and modernising an apartment in a 1930s block in Westminster. nicolaharding.com

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NATALIA MIYAR

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NINA CAMPBELL A much in-demand doyenne of the interiors world, Nina Campbell’s extensive portfolio includes a recently completed residential complex in Maine with a pool house and a party house; a small apartment in London for a client downsizing from the country; and the exclusive women-only Alexandra Club in Melbourne. ‘In one section, it’s gone from being hospital green to marvellous crushed raspberry; it’s electrifying,’ says Nina, who established her eponymous company in 1972. She adores the comfort of a high bed and often incorporates fabric lined walls into a scheme: ‘now we all have wooden floors, fabric on the walls absorbs the noise; it means you can have 12 people round for dinner and still hear. I like natural linens or a print such as toile de jouy which is very cosy.’ Colours of the moment include amethyst (‘I’ve got every fabric, wallpaper and paint from amethyst to deep purple and back again’) and Persian blue. ninacampbell.com

PHOTOS: © PAUL MASSEY; © SYLVIE COGRANNE; © PAUL RAESIDE

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

PAOLO MOSCHINO FOR NICHOLAS HASLAM

Whether tasked with creating ‘the most beautiful garden property on the Mediterranean’ or a ‘sophisticated interior around an art collection’, for design duo Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, capturing the personality of their client is always the main objective. The pair began working together in 2008 after Paolo took over Nicholas Haslam. In-progress projects include a hotel in Palermo, houses in the Dominican Republic, chalets in Gstaad and a hunting lodge in Berkshire – a testament to the breadth of the studio’s output. ‘We are working increasingly with wallpapers, especially the hand-painted collection we developed with San Patrignano,’ says Philip, who also attributes the secret to a welcoming space as ‘good lighting and a fully stocked drinks trolley’. nicholashaslam.com

Whether she’s lacquering a wall in an especially dark corner to reflect the light or mixing favourite shades such as dirty pink and French blue, South African born Penny Morrison likes a room to always ‘have a little surprise, something not expected’. Over the years, she has turned her hand to hotels in the Caribbean, cosy Welsh cottages, slick urban crash pads and country houses on the Scottish Borders: uniting them all is her injection of colour and character, often evidenced through an abundance of paintings, lamps and vintage textiles that she has collected on her travels. ‘I think providence is vital to making a room interesting; I often buy bits and pieces made by local craftsmen and then find a place for them later,’ says Penny. She has her own collection of patterned fabrics and bespoke wallpapers which are on display in The Fabric Collective, her showroom in Chelsea, alongside a curated selection of textiles by other designers. pennymorrison.com

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PHOTOS: © MIKE GARLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

PENNY MORRISON

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Vispring makes supremely comfortable beds, and has done since 1901. Only the finest natural materials, inside and out. Designed for durability. Crafted for comfort. Made for the very best sleep. www.vispring.com

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Former fashion designer Peter Mikic made the fateful leap to interiors after his designs for uniforms for a yacht crew led to him being asked to create the soft furnishings, too. That was nearly 15 years ago and since then he has become known for his playful yet considered spaces. ‘My design style is eclectic and luxurious, mixing contemporary with antiques. I like rooms that look a little loose, but well thought through. It’s OK to go off piste a bit to avoid symmetry,’ says Peter. Inspiration can come from anywhere but he has been ‘studying the design principles of the greats, such as Jean Royére and Carlo Scarpa. Their mastery of scale and refined detail are elements we’re continuing to integrate into our design work.' Right now, he is splitting his time between properties in West London, St Tropez and Sussex. petermikic.com

RITA KONIG

A design authority on both sides of the Atlantic, Rita Konig is renowned for creating effortlessly relaxed, pretty spaces. ‘The first move is always to work out how to make each room really useful: that’s where the luxury is, and when it starts to become exciting,’ she says, naming carving out shallow cupboards for extra glasses or finding the best place for a drinks trolley, as examples. She also focuses on the finishing touches from the beginning. ‘A room comes to life through plants, objects, jugs and the things that someone has accumulated and we can help with that.’ She’s working on an 1820s-style new build home in Nashville with architect Gil Schafer (‘collaborating with Gil is always amazing, he’s a classicist so everything is always beautifully detailed’) and reconfiguring several rooms in a historic property in Chiswick Mall. ‘I like creating spaces that have multiple functions so there will be a dining room, which is also a study. It’s about making more out of the space than the clients have got.’ ritakonig.com 46 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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PHOTOS: © FELIX CLAY; © KATE MARTIN; © JAKE CURTIS

PETER MIKIC

THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

PHOTOS: © FELIX CLAY; © KATE MARTIN; © JAKE CURTIS

ROBERT KIME An antique dealer and textile collector with a passion for putting rooms together, Robert Kime is renowned for instilling an abundance of pattern and comfort into what are often quite grand homes. ‘I always layer patterns and colours, styles and cultures,’ he says. ‘It is important that the designs are easy on the eye, timeless and comfortable, always comfortable. Textiles are about warmth; the more you layer in a room, the more comfortable the room becomes.’ Special interest lies in the historical element of textiles and the process of discovering something unique (‘I love the hunt; a recent trip to Japan was very successful’). He is busy refurbishing a farmhouse in France, a pub and restaurant in Norfolk and a villa in London. Plus, alongside his annual collection of prints and weaves, he has recently launched The Nara Collection of fabrics in collaboration with Tory Burch. robertkime.com

33 ROSE UNIACKE Multi-talented Rose Uniacke is a trained furniture restorer, gilder and a specialist in paint and lacquer – all of which come in handy when creating uncluttered, harmonious homes for her A-list client list (which includes the Beckhams, Peter Morgan and Jo Malone). A room should be ‘welcoming, contemplative and effortlessly comfortable,’ she says. ‘Generally, I want to make the best use of somewhere by enhancing the way it flows and functions, focusing on the architecture first. I love breathing space and sometimes leave rooms fairly spare to balance with something else, or to create energy of some sort.’ The business continues to grow with a new in-house architectural arm and additional ranges for RU Editions, her collection of furniture, lighting and accessories, and RU Fabric. ‘In interiors we use antique and collectible furniture, as well as our own collections and always try to be sensitive to sustainability.’ roseuniacke.com

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35 SALVESEN GRAHAM

Co-founded by friends Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham seven years ago, Salvesen Graham is known for reinventing typically English-style spaces with a fresh, modern spin. ‘We like to create classically beautiful and carefully curated homes that feel stylish and comfortable now and in years to come,’ says Nicole. The pair, whose work covers everything from London apartments and a Mayfair club to alpine chalets and family homes, have recently completed a Georgian vicarage in the countryside and an apartment in India. They combine a flair for colour and pattern (‘whether fabrics, wallpapers, paint or artwork, colour will always be included in a scheme in some shape or form’) with mismatched antiques to anchor a space. ‘We also love including small details such as a trim on a cushion or a braid around the edge of a room – it’s the little details that really make a difference.’ salvesengraham.com

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A former art director who set up her eponymous practice eight years ago, Samantha Todhunter creates relaxed informal interiors infused with a dash of glamour. Favourite projects to date nod to the eclectic narrative at the studio’s core: these include a ski lodge in Aspen that was completely gutted and remodelled, transforming it from a pastiche Colorado townhouse into a lightfilled contemporary space; a family home in San Francisco filled with iconic furniture and bespoke designs; and a series of listed barns in Devon, each given its own distinct style depending on its function. Underpinning every commission is a dynamic use of colour and pattern. ‘We thrive on colour,’ she confirms. ‘It’s a very important theme throughout our designs and we regard leopard print as a neutral.’ samanthatodhunter.com

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PHOTOS: © MICHAEL SINCLAIR; © LUCINDA DOUGLAS-MENZIES; © SIMON UPTON

SAMANTHA TODHUNTER DESIGN

THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER

Since the 1930s, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler has been renowned for its integral role in evolving English decorating style. Once a purely traditional interior decorating firm, now the eight leading designers bring a contemporary touch to a diverse portfolio that ranges from refurbishing a classic motor yacht to an artist’s Victorian studio-house in Chelsea. ‘The common thread is that a space is calm, coherent and reflects the architecture of the building,’ explains managing director Wendy Nicholls. ‘What we do is help the client realise their vision of themselves.’ Unusual colours, marvellous prints and considered lighting are all signature touches. ‘Lighting is enormously important: a mix of candlelight and electric light is lovely. It is essential to be able to read and to see one’s dinner but few things are more depressing than sitting in a drawing room under a blaze of overhead light.’ sibylcolefax.com

PHOTOS: © MICHAEL SINCLAIR; © LUCINDA DOUGLAS-MENZIES; © SIMON UPTON

SIMS HILDITCH

Since setting up her Cotswolds-based design studio over a decade ago, Emma Sims-Hilditch has been an advocate of ‘elegant and contemporary English’ style, favouring natural materials and calming tones (such as the blues and greens found in nature). ‘We believe that a house should first and foremost feel like a home and lived in from the offset,’ she says, citing the layering of antiques, modern furniture, art and accessories as a way of creating depth. ‘We have really enjoyed the revival of colourful patterned wallpapers and particularly love using block prints on gathered lampshades and bed valances.’ One word she keeps at the forefront of her mind when designing is drama: for instance, varying scale and proportion in a classical dining room with an eye-catching oversized pendant light. The team usually has around 15 homes on the go, all at different stages; at the moment, this includes a beach house in Guernsey with an American East Coast feel and several properties in Perthshire and Yorkshire, in collaboration with Adam Architecture. simshilditch.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

SOPHIE PATERSON INTERIORS Over the last 12 years Sophie Paterson has made a name for herself working on listed properties across the capital but the Surrey-based interior designer’s portfolio also runs the gamut from a holiday home in Portugal to a new build in Oman. Clients typically lean towards either opulent luxury or the rustic chic look. ‘I have a personal affinity with rustic chic so when appropriate, I love to combine classic contemporary interiors with finishes such as limed weathered oak, jute rugs and heavily textured linens,’ she says. Her ongoing hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper collaboration with Fromental has led to a new-found love of burgundy: ‘I used one of the wallpapers in my own bedroom and now I’m increasingly drawn to this colour; I also love using tan and rust accents.’ With every home, the goal is to ‘ensure it still feels relevant in ten years’ time and feels as good to live in as it looks.' sophiepatersoninteriors.com

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SPINOCCHIA FREUND For Italian-Greek designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, a specially commissioned piece of artwork is integral to any interior whether she’s working on a villa in the Balearics or a European ski chalet. ‘We recently created two suspended lighting sculptures featuring fine ceramic with gold detail, steel and canvas. Both pieces were conceived at the earliest stage of the design concept and give each location a unique sense of arrival,’ says Brigitta who also designs furniture, lighting, dinner services and linens in-house. ‘We curate a home in a similar way to an exhibition by creating conversation pieces for every corner and view. And bespoke pieces are a big part of providing surprise.’ More commercial ventures are being added to the studio’s portfolio too – watch this space. spinocchiafreund.com

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Design Centre - Chelsea Harbour samuel-heath.com Made in England

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STUDIO ASHBY

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‘With any room, we often start with the art, sometimes literally taking an artwork and building an interior around it, and other times more figuratively using art as the start of a narrative journey,’ says creative director Sophie Ashby whose recent designs include an apartment in Holborn where the colour palette was inspired by the Bloomsbury Set and a joyfully bold Covent Garden penthouse. ‘For the penthouse, we designed some really unique bespoke pieces including a dining table in collaboration with Berlin-based flower styling studio Mary Lennox who created a floral installation beneath a glass surface.’ Typical features include a compelling mix of vintage furniture, hand-crafted objects and unique inexpensive pieces that add up to a richly layered space. ‘I love colour and don’t really think you can have too much of it. Generally speaking, I am drawn to simple, natural materials: raw timbers, stones with real movement, ceramics that show the hand of the maker.’ studioashby.com

THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS STUDIO DUGGAN

PHOTOS: © JON GORRIGAN; © PHILIP DURRANT WITH STYLING BY OLIVIA GREGORY; © JASON ALDEN; © PHILIP VILE

With experience in set design and interior styling it’s perhaps no wonder that Tiffany Duggan has spent the last nine years creating liveable yet dramatic spaces that fuse an eclectic range of eras and styles. ‘I have a real mix of inspirations: right now, I’m very into 1970s colours – oranges, browns, greens and blues – juxtaposed with natural materials such as jute and rattan, and I love everything by the late Italian artist-designer Gabriella Crespi, who is known for her sculptural furniture designs of the 1960s and 1970s,’ says Tiffany, whose studio team only takes on a handful of homes at a time. These currently include a listed, converted boathouse in Henley and a pair of new builds in northwest London. ‘One is classic with an emphasis on timeless design; the other is an homage to colour, contemporary architecture and mid-century vintage furniture.’ The studio has also recently launched home and lifestyle brand, Trove, with an in-house bedroom collection alongside a lovely selection of global finds. studioduggan.com

42 TARA BERNERD

Industrial chic paired with soft tones and warm textures are the hallmark of Tara Bernerd's inimitable design style. ‘Drawing on the local culture, history and atmosphere, we seek to create a design DNA that embraces the character and identity of the location in which a space is set,’ says Tara. ‘That being said, I do find myself drawn to more structural elements such as exposed brickwork or ironmongery.’ The majority of the studio’s time is taken up with hotels (currently this includes a new brand in Japan, the Four Seasons in New York and working alongside Frank Gehry on the Equinox Hotel in LA) but Tara does take on select private residences and yachts too, whether it’s a villa in Ibiza, an apartment in Central Park or a penthouse in Hong Kong. tarabernerd.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TAYLOR HOWES INTERIORS

Since Karen Howes co-founded Taylor Howes 26 years ago (she took over as sole director in 2011), she and her team have completed more than a thousand projects, from royal palaces to penthouse apartments and country cottages. ‘We pride ourselves on our ethos of “true design for living”: a space will have details, bold use of colour, balance and symmetry,’ says Karen, who has recently finished two properties within the Lincoln Square development in Holborn and a penthouse within Landmark Place. ‘We are using a lot of natural materials at the moment and working with our suppliers on sustainable materials and finishes. For instance, we’re looking at how Piñatex, a leather substitute can be introduced into our schemes.’ taylorhowes.co.uk

TH2 DESIGNS Founders of Th2 Designs Gail Taylor and Sheila El Hadery sum up their style as ‘relaxed luxury’. Diverse projects range from designing 40 apartments for a high-end private rental scheme in W1 (‘these are aspirational spaces that reflect the demand in the London property market for luxury homes to rent’) to a penthouse in the south of France. ‘As well as looking good, an interior has to feel comfortable and welcoming,’ says Gail. ‘Our interiors are often described as being calm and peaceful, which comes from really considering how a space is to be used at the outset and, primarily thinking about hidden storage so that excess clutter can be tucked away.’ Multi-functional interconnected spaces with hidden sliding doors have become a signature, alongside soft palettes and natural materials. The studio also recently completed two show apartments in Battersea Power Station. ‘It was a privilege to work in one of the capital’s most recognised landmarks and a good example of where we were able to reflect the architecture, designing an urban space with vintage touches.’ th2designs.co.uk 54 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE

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TIMOTHY CORRIGAN INC Over the last 23 years, Timothy Corrigan has garnered a reputation for creating timeless, elegant spaces that are brilliantly comfortable, too. ‘I believe that even the most beautiful room should be used every day; comfort is not antithetical to elegance but rather its backbone,’ says Timothy, who previously had a career in advertising before moving into the world of interiors. ‘I have always gravitated towards a mix of European elegance with Californian casual and incorporate antiques into my schemes.’ Based between offices in Paris and LA, his global clients include Hollywood A-listers, Middle Eastern royalty and government leaders – all of who appreciate his classically rooted design style. Ongoing commissions include what will be the world’s largest private yacht and a château in the Dordogne area of France. timothy-corrigan.com

TIM GOSLING All of Tim Gosling’s interior schemes are rooted in architecture, whether he’s designing a new build in New York’s Greenwich Village or a palazzo in Venice. ‘I’ve loved the many palazzos I’ve worked on along the Grand Canal which were about respecting the 15th-century starting point but also taking into account the light and water,’ recalls Tim, a trained theatre designer who was a director at Linley for 18 years before setting up his own studio in 2005. For Tim, using deep colours such as Soane Yellow, Atomic Red and Roman Purple, is one of the best ways to make a space feel welcome. He is known for designing bespoke pieces, such as a recent miniature Dome of Celestial Curiosity which was created ‘to hold a pair of miniature globes and other extraordinary objects. The leather is embossed with names of historic astrologers and thinkers.’ He is also creating furniture for a superyacht and restoring his own French château in Normandy. tgosling.com

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TODHUNTER EARLE Dream team duo Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle have been successful interior design partners for more than 20 years and their experience shines through in a diverse range of projects, whether that's country mansions and New York apartments, ski chalets or Hoares private bank, not to mention yachts and boutique hotels. ‘We don’t impose a Todhunter Earle design style but rather respond to each individual house: its architecture, location and how our clients would like to live,’ says Emily. ‘Comfort is our overriding aim, and for homes to look un-designed.’ Works in progress include a farmhouse in Jersey and historically important Arts and Crafts Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire, one of the last country houses to be built where everything was made by hand, by specialist craftsmen. todhunterearle.com

VEERE GRENNEY ASSOCIATES ‘Contemporary design shaped in classicism’ – that’s how internationally revered interior designer Veere Grenney sums up the sophisticated output of his eponymous studio, which he set up nearly 25 years ago. Wooden floors, upholstered walls, and cherry-picked colours from either end of the spectrum (for instance, in an entrance, he might pair off-white with a dark green) are all signature, elegant touches for this former director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler who began his career selling furniture and decorative objects from a stall on Portobello Road. Current commissions include a Regency townhouse in Norfolk and a modern apartment in Manhattan. Any especially memorable assignments? ‘A house on an archipelago in Sweden; it was set in beautiful countryside and the architecture had a nod to the 1930s.’ veeregrenney.com

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SUSTAINABLE HEALTHY LIVING IN STYLE

CONCORDIA INTERIORS LTD, 17 Ashworth Road, London, W9 1JW +44 7463 785649 • info@concordia-interiors.co.uk • concordia-interiors.co.uk • @concordia_interiors

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THE FINEST 50 INTERIOR DESIGNERS

VSP INTERIORS For the last two decades, Inchbald-educated Henriette von Stockhausen has made a name for herself working on country houses – specifically listed properties and homes of architectural interest. ‘I always look to work with local craftsmen, often drawing on traditional techniques that would have been used when the properties were first built. I also incorporate antiques while still creating a modern contemporary feel through the selection of art,’ says Dorset-based Henriette who has just finished a grade I-listed, ten-bedroom Scottish castle. Trimmings around architraves, fabric wallcoverings and exquisite tapestries such as one by Watts of Westminster, which is being installed for a client in a double height hall, are all staples. A listed dairy in Dorset and several grand-scale Georgian country houses (in one, the kitchen extension will feature two prep kitchens, a pantry, a flower room and three islands) are a sample of her current commissions. vspinteriors.com 

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ASPIR ATIONAL HOMES FROM AN INSPIR ATIONAL COMPAN Y Recognised as pioneers of luxury housebuilding, Octagon has an unrivalled reputation for building and restoring homes throughout London and the Home Counties. Our in-house team of architects have been designing award winning homes for over 40 years, combining classical exteriors, beautifully landscaped gardens and contemporary interiors to create truly remarkable properties. From extensive refurbishment and restoration of Listed homes, to state-of-the-art new builds and elegant interior design, Octagon offer clients the complete turnkey service, from concept through to completion. The current Octagon collection includes spacious family homes in prime locations, with prices starting from £625,000 – rising to over £20 million.

Contact our team for more information on our award winning homes and service.

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

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DESIGN SERVICES

There are some things you just shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do yourself, so leave it to the professionals

Taylor Howes, p84

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: It isn’t just the end result that makes Bergamot Interiors stand out, it is the whole process that is personal and seamless

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DESIGN SERVICES

BERGAMOT INTERIORS

A London-based design practice specialising in mood-lifting, feel-good interiors

PHOTOS: © NICK SMITH

Bergamot Interiors hopes to make its design projects as enjoyable as the end result, by offering great service, a personal approach and transparent costs

Bergamot Interiors +44 (0)20 7459 4504 bergamotinteriors.com bergamot_interiors

hen interior designer Jess McDonald was looking to rebrand her award-winning company last year, she settled on a name inspired by the bergamot plant, the oil of which is often used to elevate mood and reduce stress. ‘It’s just how we think good interior design should be,’ confirms Jess, who set up on her own in 2016 after four years spent working for Caz Myers Design. Born out of the idea of putting the homeowner at the heart of a residential project – her philosophy is ‘creating wonderful

living spaces for happy clients’ – she hopes to make the entire process as enjoyable as the end result, by offering great service, a personal approach and transparent costs. ‘Starting out on a design project can be quite daunting for clients; we guide them through each step, helping them to understand what matters in terms of interiors, their personal style and how they want to use their space.’ Initial projects were organic, through client recommendations and word-of-mouth; now Jess and her team occasionally work with developers alongside private residential commissions which are mostly in London and the Home Counties. ‘Whether it’s an urban pied-à-terre or a country house, ultimately we want to create a home that’s a sanctuary,’ she continues. Current countryside projects include a Grade II-listed thatched yeoman’s farmhouse and a 16th-century Tudor-style hay barn in the New Forest, which is being transformed into holiday rentals. ‘It’s quite a unique building: it was transported from East Sussex at the turn of the century and has a large stained glass window.’ In the capital, completed interiors include the reconfiguration of a home for a young family, which included remodelling the floor plan to create an extra shower room and additional bedroom; a ground floor refurbishment of a period property including cornicing, specially-commissioned joinery and contemporary Italian pieces; and a 4,000 sq/ft townhouse for a couple, where bespoke designs such as a Hollywood Regency-style Palmette crystal chandelier in the formal reception room added to the glamorous aesthetic. ‘We work with a range of talented craftsmen and antique specialists who can bring truly special elements to a project,’ says Jess, who cites visits to Alfies Antique Market and international art and design fairs among her design influences. Existing furniture is reused and revamped where possible (perhaps painting a chest of drawers or changing the handles, say), and paired with antiques which add a layer of history. Despite the current challenges of Covid-19 and the fragile economy, Jess believes that there are silver linings. ‘What we have seen is that people are valuing their homes a lot more, and priorities are shifting,’ she says – which of course, is where the power of great interior design comes in. ‘From ensuring that a space functions properly to something as simple as knowing where to find your keys when leaving home, or using colour, pattern and texture to lift a mood, design really can be life changing.’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 63

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DESIGN SERVICES

BERNARD INTERIORS

An interior design practice renowned for creating timeless spaces

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

talking about projects that took almost three years to complete. Of course, the studio’s approach is adapted to each individual project, but what remains the same is their tailored service, which is executed with exceptional attention to detail – whether the team is working on space planning and architectural intervention, bespoke joinery, furnishings or a lighting design scheme. The success of Bernard Interiors, says Jen, is built on delivering an outstanding, confidential and personable experience that begins with her natural intuition and ability to put clients at ease. She is involved throughout, driving projects forward with her infectious energy and creativity. ‘As a practice, we are always inspired by our client’s vision. We invest time into researching the history of the property, its surroundings and our client’s lifestyle, all of which influences our comfortable,

PHOTOS: © NEALE SMITH

ward-winning interior and architectural design studio Bernard Interiors has been working on highend residential and commercial projects throughout the UK and abroad for more than a decade – and this year, they’ve never been busier. ‘During lockdown we received more residential enquiries than ever before, as people began to reassess their homes and way of living,’ says founder Jen Bernard, who delivered two back-to-back projects during Covid-19 – a spa in Hampshire and Nightingale Place, a luxury retirement development in Clapham. The latter involved designing a myriad of social spaces: the restaurant, library, bar bistro, cinema and health club. ‘We took our inspiration from Clapham Common, London and popular culture, mixing classic and contemporary to create a unique interior that would appeal to all,’ she explains,

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Private town house residence dining room; the residence’s sumptuous drawing room; private town house residence kitchen and living space; the residence’s master suite

timeless designs.’ Typically, a residential interior might bring together vintage and salvaged pieces with specially commissioned furniture, reflecting the owner’s character and interests, or, where appropriate, existing schemes may be refurbished instead of replaced. Behind the scenes, meticulous processes are in place from concept presentation through to completion, which ensures that every project runs smoothly. ‘It’s all well and good delivering beautiful interiors, but the way we get there is just as important,’ says Jen. ‘By having a clear process, it manages expectations, keeping relationships with clients, professional partners and suppliers strong, and enabling us to complete on time and budget.’ Combining luxury and sustainability is also an important consideration for the practice, which strives to use high quality materials that will stand the test of time. And nowhere is this more in evidence than its own workspace, The Church, a 5,000 sq/ft former church hall, built in 1900, that last year was completely transformed into a bright, airy studio, complete with a full materials and specification library that clients can visit by appointment for consultations. Other past projects include refurbishing a Grade II-listed, six-bedroom Arts & Crafts family home in Northumberland; a contemporary mansion in Surrey whose owners’ brief specified that space for formal dining and entertaining was a priority; and a private residence on Marbella’s Golden Mile, where outdoor living was as important as the interior. ‘Exceeding the expectations of our clients is of the utmost importance to us – and we deliver this time and time again,’ concludes Jen.

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DESIGN SERVICES

KIM PARTRIDGE INTERIORS High-end hospitality spaces and super-prime residences with a personal touch

or the last 18 years, London-based property developer turned interior designer Kim Partridge has been quietly flying under the radar, creating elegant, timeless homes throughout Europe for her little black book of super-prime clients. Joining forces two years ago with accomplished architect, Ultan Foley, the studio provides a complete or partial package of interior and architectural services from concept to handover. ‘We’re known for taking huge spaces and making them very personal,’ confirms Kim of the practice. And no project better sums this up than her first venture into high-end hospitality: the momentous renovation of Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, which re-opened as a hotel in 2017 to huge fanfare and has scooped countless awards since. Celebrating the manor’s architectural history while reinvigorating the interiors, Kim employed meticulous attention to detail throughout – from the specially commissioned Pugin-inspired furniture in the Gallery, to the drapery in the Drawing Room that was adapted from an archived 18th-century French brocatelle and re-woven on traditional looms, and the bespoke hand-knotted silk

PHOTOS: © KIM PARTRIDGE INTERIORS

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The sitting room at Moor Park, designed by Kim Partridge Interiors; Moor Park’s staircase; the Adare Manor relaxation room; Adare Manor Library

Kim Partridge Interiors 112 Faraday House Battersea Power Station London SW11 8EF +44 (0)7963 610563 kimpartridge.com kimpartridgeinteriors

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PHOTOS: © KIM PARTRIDGE INTERIORS

‘We are always trying to imbue a sense of history and interest through bespoke pieces. It’s the objects that add to the narrative’

and wool rugs in the Grand Hall. The library is lined with over 3,000 leather-bound books sourced from a bunker in Sweden; individual pages from an original mid-1800s political satire book of cartoons, found in a flea market, have been framed and hang along the corridors. ‘There is much that I find rewarding about my work, but I get the most thrill out of sourcing those final items that make a space personal,’ says Kim, who spent many happy hours hunting for treasures in auction houses, markets and antique shops as a child. ‘We are always trying to imbue a sense of history and interest through bespoke pieces with integrity. It’s the objects that add to the narrative, the personality of the clients, as well as the building itself, which tells the complete story.’ Since that first hospitality success there have been many more for Kim Partridge, including Moor Park, a Grade I-listed Palladian mansion and country club in Hertfordshire, and the Royal Norwich Golf Club, which bagged the runner up position in last year’s Golf Inc World Development of the Year awards. In-progress projects include a new-build development on an enchanting heritage site in Devon, a contemporary residential new-build in Dublin and the interior restoration of The Bearsden Club in Glasgow, where the neoclassical clubhouse was recently devastated by fire. ‘Our work there is centred on maintaining the building’s strong historical references whilst bringing warmth, a touch of modernity and new commercial life to the club,’ she explains. The practice is also about to complete on the Padel Club at Adare Manor, which features padel tennis courts, a golf simulator, pool and fitness studio. Whether it’s a sensitive renovation or a contemporary new build, an entire building or a single suite, every project is led and ultimately brought to life by Kim and Ultan. ‘With every project we try to layer in personality, realising the aspirations of the client through really understanding them – and working to ensure that we always exceed expectations.’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 67

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DESIGN SERVICES

MARIAN BOSWALL

Marian Boswall Bailey Farm, Cradducks Lane, Staplehurst Kent TN12 0DN +44 (0)1580 890141 marianboswall.com marianboswall

f ever you’ve strolled round the gardens at Chevening House in Kent or Charleston in East Sussex and wondered who was behind the new hedgerows or the additional wildflower meadow, the answer is celebrated landscape designer Marian Boswall. Renowned for creating original outdoor spaces, Marian Boswall Landscape Architects’ impressive portfolio of projects range from large trusts and estates to art galleries, boutique hotels to private gardens. Combining a deep respect for the natural world with a practical approach to achieving results, she specialises in contemporary designs that encourage biodiversity and conserve habitats, and planting plans 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, of the small team of specialists at her award-winning practice, which was founded 16 years ago. ‘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 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 of 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 dealer whose garden features three-metre high statues of Kate Moss practising yoga. As part of the practice’s sustainable design outlook, the team always works with the local vernacular and highly skilled craftsmen, using materials that are of the land, such as oak, sandstone and hand-made pavers; they also collaborate with sculptors like Alison Crowther, who made oak seats for a project. Marian was recently made a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, the highest recognition of her work across the industry to promote sustainable design. The practice offers a complete landscape design service from conception, planning and tender, to construction and planting (the team can also advise as the landscape matures).

PHOTOS: © JASON INGRAM

Holistic garden design that creates a meaningful connection to the land

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PHOTOS: © JASON INGRAM

Combining a deep respect for the natural world with a practical approach, Marian specialises in contemporary designs that encourage biodiversity

Marian Boswall has a team of 16 specialists to bring her wondrous horticultural and architectural landscape projects to life and offers all services from complete design to construction and planting

Marian grew up gardening with her grandmother but it wasn’t until years later 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 a Masters in landscape architecture, she was asked to teach the Historic Gardens Conservation module of the degree which 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. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 69

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DESIGN SERVICES

MILLIER

Timeless architecture and interiors, from city residences to grand country estates

London and Stockholm-based architecture and interiors practice established in 2010 by Alexandra Nord and Helen Westlake, Millier has a reputation for delivering timeless, sophisticated residential and commercial spaces both in the UK and around the world – from grand townhouses to high-profile country estates. ‘Whether we are working on a listed, heritage home or a new build scheme, we are passionately focused on combining interior detailing and materiality with architectural form from the earliest sketches, to deliver beautifully considered, contextual spaces,’ says Helen. This is a milestone year for Millier which is not only celebrating its tenth anniversary but also unveiling a number of landmark projects. These include a groundbreaking re-imagination of an iconic John Nash crescent in Marylebone, the Grade I-listed Regent’s Crescent, into beautiful spaces for contemporary living that still honour the historic significance of the building; and the complete interior architecture scheme for the residences and communal areas of The Bryanston, Hyde Park. The latter is a striking new address opposite Marble Arch where developers Almacantar took the decision to build fewer, larger apartments. ‘Every interior detail at The Bryanston

Millier 4 Fitzhardinge Street London W1H 6EG +44 (0)20 7229 5506 millierlondon.com millierlondon

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A bedroom in Millier’s recent country estate project; a terrace at The Bryanston, Hyde Park; the design for the kitchen in the country estate; the sitting room in the Regent’s Crescent apartment; the dining room in the Regent’s Crescent show apartment

has been chosen to reflect the unique character of its location; materials are in two complementary palettes, one reflecting the natural forms and textures of Hyde Park, the other the blues, greys and glittering lights of London,’ says Alexandra who, together with Helen, leads the Millier team. Whatever the project, designs are rooted in context and place, often involving collaborations with artists and artisans on bespoke elements. For instance, at The Bryanston the pair commissioned surface finish specialists Seamless to create a showstopping, cast liquid bronze lattice table inspired by the paths and dappled sunlight of Hyde Park while within an apartment at Regent’s Crescent, the Regency-era Royal Astronomical and Horticultural Societies are subtly referenced through the

hallway’s gilded specialist ceiling finish and custom-made sideboard featuring hand painted botanicals in relief. Millier has significant experience in heritage buildings, having also worked on the conversion of 17th-century Islay House, one of Scotland’s grandest country houses, into a boutique hotel. Other past projects include the interior dressing of a Georgian home in St John’s Wood and the redesign of an imposing country estate with sumptuous interiors for multi-generational family living. Tailoring projects to changing client demands is crucial, and, in response to Covid-19, the practice has expanded its already extensive offering to include a new virtual interior design service. ‘We are hugely proud of the work Millier has achieved since 2010 and of the team we have built around us,’ concludes Alexandra. ‘Our architects and designers bring a wealth of experience to every project and respond with sensitivity and creativity to each scheme’s location and history. We also deliver on what we promise; this has always been and continues to be the key to our business success.’

‘Our architects and designers bring a wealth of experience to every project and respond with sensitivity and creativity to each scheme’s location and history’

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PHOTOS: NINA CAMPBELL; PAUL RAESIDE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Nina Campbell is beloved by clients for her inimitable sense of style, colour, and just the right amount of drama

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DESIGN SERVICES

NINA CAMPBELL

PHOTOS: NINA CAMPBELL; PAUL RAESIDE

The legendary doyenne of interior design

Recent residential projects include a chalet in Gstaad, a palazzo in Rome and a clapboard family house in Maine, complete with pool house, bowling alley and glamorous party pad with violet-lacquered walls Nina Campbell 9 Walton Street London SW3 2JD +44 (0)20 7225 1011 ninacampbell.com ninacampbellltd

ina Campbell is one of the country’s most respected and influential interior designers, with a roll call of clients that includes the rich, the famous and the royal. Beginning her design career at the age of 19, Nina worked as an assistant to John Fowler at Colefax and Fowler. She soon became known for her unmistakeably rich and elegant colour palette, which caught the eye of club owner Mark Birley, who asked her to redecorate his famous Annabel’s private members’ club. They joined forces once again in 1970, when they opened

Campbell & Birley, a shop in London specialising in ‘unashamed luxury’. It was here that Nina introduced her signature hearts design, a recognisable motif that is still available today on a range of elegant bone china. In 1972 Nina set up her own business, Nina Campbell Ltd, where one of her first commissions was to decorate the monumental Cullen House in Banffshire, Scotland. Twelve years later Nina opened a shop and design studio in London’s Knightsbridge, where she continued with fabric printing but expanded her business into a broader decorative arena: designing everything from matchboxes to bespoke furniture. In 1990 Nina launched the first of what was to become her annual fabric, wallpaper and trimming collections, internationally distributed by Osborne & Little. All her collections are made in Britain as far as possible, from furniture to fabrics and wallpaper. The interior design side of Nina’s business continued to flourish alongside these new ventures, with notable high-profile projects including the Hotel Parc Victor Hugo in Paris, the Groucho Club in London and the Campbell Apartment Bar at New York’s Grand Central Station, alongside private residences all over the world – some of which can be seen in Giles Kime’s monograph, Nina Campbell Interior Decoration: Elegance and Ease (£45, Rizzoli), published in 2018. Recent residential projects include a chalet in Gstaad, a palazzo in Rome and a clapboard family house in Maine, complete with separate pool house, bowling alley and glamorous party pad with violet-lacquered walls and a silver ceiling. Whether traditional or contemporary, Nina’s practical approach to projects starts with asking clients key questions about their lifestyle, such as how they will use the space and how many people they entertain. This ensures that rooms not only look comfortable and welcoming but function properly too. Nina is continuing her collection of indooroutdoor fabrics with Summit Furniture. The high performance endurance textiles include patterns inspired by nature and colourways evocative of organic elements such as minerals and gemstones. She also has an ongoing partnership with American painted furniture makers Oomph, representing the brand withing Europe. Both can be seen at her second destination London showroom in Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, which has recently been rearranged into room sets. ‘The idea is that visitors can sit on a sofa in the living room or climb onto a bed to really feel what a room might be like,’ she concludes.

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DESIGN SERVICES

OCTAGON

A world-class property developer with a bespoke division and a new interior design service

Octagon Weir House Hurst Road East Molesey Surrey KT8 9AY +44 (0)20 8481 7500 octagon.co.uk octagondevelopments

PHOTOS: © OCTAGON

hen Octagon was founded in 1980, the aim was to design and build exceptional residential properties in prime locations to the highest standards of specification and finish. Forty years later and the award-winning company is still doing just that, with brand new and beautifully restored homes in and around London and the Home Counties starting from £625,000, rising to more than £20 million for a super mansion. From their riverside office on the Thames overlooking Hampton Court Palace, the talented team of in-house designers and architects are responsible for designing unique homes that retain the unmistakable Octagon style. New this year is the company’s comprehensive interior design service (available to all Octagon clients purchasing a new home or building a home through the Bespoke division), whereby owners work directly with the in-house team to create a personalised scheme that mirrors the magnificent architecture. ‘Many of our clients want a home that is ready to move in to from day one, and this of course includes designing and dressing the inside of their property,’ says Rachel Hall,

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: The impressive entry hall in Hampton Place, Wentworth; Octagon Bespoke home in Northwood; the beautiful sittiing room in Titlarks House, Sunningdale; Hampton Place’s handsome red brick exterior; the house’s unique indoor swimming pool

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PHOTOS: © OCTAGON

‘We love to work with clients to help find their style, whilst contributing our expertise to create spaces that they will love’

head of the interior design team. ‘We love to work with clients to help find their style, whilst contributing our expertise to create spaces that they will love. Our established relationships with suppliers across Britain and Europe means we can offer the very best in bespoke furniture, creating an interior that is just as special as the property itself.’ Many properties are designed and built to clients’ precise requirements under the Octagon Bespoke division. Past projects include large custom homes on some of the most exclusive gated estates and roads, such as St George’s Hill in Weybridge, the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water and the Crown Estate in Oxshott, as well as on the prime leafy streets of south-west and north-west London. Handing over the keys to a client at the end of a build is not the end of the relationship with Octagon either. A specialist after sales team is in place to make the process of moving in as easy and enjoyable as possible. Armed with a black book of trusted suppliers and local service providers, from dog walkers and cleaners to nurseries and tutors, they have exceptional connections and local area knowledge. Although best known for building one-of-a-kind properties, Octagon Bespoke also has an experienced team dedicated to significant home improvements, and welcome projects from £1 million. For instance, currently in-progress is the complete refurbishment of a Grade II-listed Regency home in Knightsbridge, which involves meticulously restoring the original elements both inside and out, marrying the design to the neighbouring homes along the terrace. Inside, Octagon is taking moulds of original details to replicate throughout, whilst integrating modern technologies. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, Octagon’s classic exteriors are combined with energy efficient, contemporary interiors featuring the latest high tech gadgetry. Over the years many purchasers have returned since building their first homes in the 1980s – surely the only proof needed that this company has a winning formula within the world of property development. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 75

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DESIGN SERVICES

RANDLE SIDDELEY Transforming gardens the world over

espite the pandemic, Randle Siddeley enjoyed a triumphant year, completing vast projects here and abroad and winning the Independent Publishers’ Gold Medal for his book, The Garden: Before and After (Papadakis, £37). ‘Lockdown has made people more appreciative of outdoor space than ever before’, says Randle. ‘It’s an extraordinary time to be in outdoor design.’ Randle established his business over 40 years ago and now works with a team of 80 but he still relishes converting nondescript, small spaces, even lightwells, into imaginative, flowering havens. No challenge is too daunting, as dismal muddy fields and shabby urban courtyards are reincarnated as magical green oases, lending the houses they adjoin newfound stature and beauty. In Hong Kong, Randle completed a project, the first of its kind in the world, creating six complementary but different six to 8,000 square metre gardens for a luxury development of new mansions, one neo-classical and the rest contemporary. Randle personally hand-picked and transported 900 mature trees from the Chinese mainland to transform a vast area of dirt into desirable real estate with expansive views over Discovery Bay. Each garden called for an individual design,

PHOTOS: RANDLE SIDDELEY

Randle Siddeley Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1GY +44 (0)20 7627 7272 office@randlesiddeley.co.uk randlesiddeley.co.uk randlesiddeley

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Randle has brought his innovative design sense and intuitive knowledge of nature to gardens all over the world

PHOTOS: RANDLE SIDDELEY

each with a pool and an emphasis on privacy. The Classical Garden incorporated a sweeping tree-lined drive and a David Harber water wall to accentuate the house’s neo-classical grandeur. Fernando Gonzalez designed a sensuous, sinuous 3D sculptural wall for the Wavy Garden, in which everything curves, from the pool to the seating area and steps. The tropical Water Garden has an infinity pool and three smaller pools while the Sculpture Garden features six dramatic sculptures by David Harber, including a Mantle Globe appearing to float on the pool’s surface, Water Dark Planet in the bedroom courtyard and Quill that creates a focal point on the lawn. For the Glass Garden, Randle commissioned specialist Andrew Moore to create a glass wall depicting a forest and five glass monoliths. Finally, the

Mediterranean Garden is lush with ornamental grasses, agaves and junipers and includes a textured rubble wall and Jura Beige limestone paving. At home, near Salisbury, Randle completed a 12-acre garden around a Georgian house that has been completely restored over the last five years. He spent most of lockdown next to Kenwood House in Hampstead, designing the 7.5-acre garden for Athlone House, which involved restoring a sunken garden by Gertrude Jekyll. He also worked with Finchatton to complete the gardens for the Four Seasons’ new serviced apartments in Grosvenor Square. Here he created visual theatre, using sculptural artificial Californian silver birches, Bonsai trees and a huge living wall inset with slips of bronze mirror for maximum drama. Randle’s creativity is underpinned by simple but meticulous rules and practical common sense. ‘You can spend a fortune on a garden but you must know how the plants will survive,’ he says, ‘and you do that by employing the best and if overseas, working with the local landscape architect who understands the constraints.’ It’s his vision combined with this pragmatic approach that has placed Randle firmly at the epicentre of the outdoor design world.

Randle’s creativity is underpinned by simple but meticulous rules and practical common sense

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DESIGN SERVICES

SKIN

The Chicago-based lifestyle brand bringing its bold, boundary-pushing aesthetic to the UK

hen top interior designer Lauren Lozano Ziol and successful graphic designer Michelle Jolas decided to join forces four years ago to launch their Chicago-based lifestyle brand SKIN, the aim was to take interior design to a whole new level. ‘We like pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone to do new and different things. Every project we take on is timeless, classic and chic, with an edge,’ says Lauren, whose oldworld aesthetic, knowledge of art history and auction house background neatly complements Michelle’s graphic sensibility, photographic eye and love of vintage finds. The name SKIN was initially a play on wallpaper but the duo quickly realised that it has many more meaningful connotations too, from digging below the surface to get to know and understand a client’s personality, to the in-depth layering of colours, paints and style references that they apply to each project they complete. Now the pair are bringing their avantgarde approach the interiors lovers across the Atlantic, opening an office in London later this year. SKIN’s bespoke interior design schemes are often characterised by their bold use of wallpaper and palettes, as well as a compelling,

PHOTOS: SKIN; AC MILLER PHOTO

SKIN’s signature design aesthetic uses a combination of bold colours, unique finds and a graphic sensibilty

SKIN 5252 North Damen Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60625 (+1) 312 343 0904 skinyourworld.com skinyourworld

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PHOTOS: SKIN; AC MILLER PHOTO

Interior design schemes are often characterised by their bold use of wallpaper and palettes, as well as a considered mix of vintage, antique and modern furniture

considered mix of vintage, antique and modern furniture, sourced from all over the globe. ‘We would easily combine a Louis XIV table with mid-century Milo Baughman chairs,’ confirms Michelle, citing go-to brands such as Pierre Frey, Dedar and House of Hackney, whose products often appear in their spaces. ‘We have a passion for provocative combinations and the use of the unexpected.’ SKIN also has its own custom-made furniture line, designed by Lauren and inspired by French Art Deco and Paris flea market pieces from the 1920s and 1940s. Self-labelled Francophiles, it’s perhaps no surprise that travel plays such an important part in their globally influenced design aesthetic, with Lauren and Michelle both scouting estate sales, furniture markets and shopping districts around the world in search of unique pieces to include in their projects. As part of this international approach, they welcome clients to join them on their design journeys by offering one-on-one or small group shopping trips to London, Paris, New York and San Francisco. The pair have also recently founded the Trinity Luxury Group with entrepreneur Jeff Goto, which has an ambitious mission of restoring old European chateaux and turning them into art-minded hotels. The idea is that they’ll become havens for creative talent, offering cultural experiences and provoking new ideas and creativity, while guests are also able to fully escape and unwind. At its heart, SKIN’s philosophy stems from the belief that a beautiful home environment has the power to alter a person’s mood and general wellbeing – something that is set to be showcased in their forthcoming book, which looks at past projects and how interiors can have a transformative impact on someone’s life. Educating clients on design, art and furniture, while taking into account their needs and vision, ensures that each of SKIN’s spaces is as unique and diverse as the home owners themselves. As Lauren concludes: ‘People want to be in a space that makes them feel good – that’s why we create interiors that inspire confidence, passion and creativity.’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 79

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DESIGN SERVICES

STUDIO INDIGO A multi-disciplinary design practice that seamlessly integrates interiors and architecture

PHOTOS: © LUKE WHITE; © BREED MEDIA

ased in a converted warehouse in Chelsea overlooking the Thames, Studio Indigo is a multi-disciplinary practice encompassing architecture, interior design and building management. Since being founded by creative director Mike Fisher 15 years ago, it has become known, not just for its expertise in prime residential properties (which often leads to record breaking sales) but luxury yachts, planes, hotels, restaurants and offices, too. What unites this diverse portfolio is an ambition to create unique, expressive spaces through integrating the architecture with the interiors – in other words, thinking from the outside in and inside out. With a team that consists of 40 architects, technicians and designers from around the world, the studio has the flexibility to work on every stage of a project, from concept to design, planning to construction and styling. The majority of the studio’s work involves thinking up imaginative, bespoke solutions that fit a client’s requirements – whether it’s an 18m cantilevered staircase sheathed in travertine with striking bronze balustrades as a contemporary homage to Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for a private residence or the timelessly sleek

Studio Indigo Unit 37 Chelsea Wharf 15 Lots Road London SW10 0QJ +44 (0)20 7349 1290 studioindigo.co.uk studioindigoltd

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PHOTOS: © LUKE WHITE; © BREED MEDIA

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The living area on the Brigadoon 36m yacht; a grand, modern staircase; Ven House entrance hall; a Studio Indigo drawing toom

Inspiration can come from various sources: a piece of furniture, art, fashion, fabrics, nature or iconic architects such as Charles Cameron and Norman Foster

interior of 36m yacht, Brigadoon, which resulted in winning a prestigious World Superyacht Award in 2019. Mike makes a point of working with only the top craftsmen and artisans in the industry, such as wallcovering firm de Gournay, antique lighting specialists Jamb and furniture designer Simon Orrell. One example of this was Ven House, an historic grade I-listed estate in Somerset, where the studio orchestrated a wonderful collaboration between a range of antique dealers, conservation specialists and artisans (it was so successful that it was highly commended by the Georgian Group Awards for restoration of a Georgian country house). Inspiration can come from various sources: for instance, a piece of furniture, art, fashion, fabrics, nature or iconic architects such as Charles Cameron and Norman Foster (Mike especially loves British artist Diarmuid Kelley for his contemporary take on 17th-century portraits). Ultimately, though, the biggest cue for a project is the client themselves. ‘Getting to know our clients and how they live plays an important role in understanding their aesthetic which we interpret through beauty, proportion and balance,’ explains Mike. ‘We don’t aspire to shock or be strident, but to create warmth and comfort with a sense that the space can adapt as the client grows with it.’ Other completed projects include designing the London showrooms for two world-renowned fabric houses – Rubelli and Chelsea Textiles – and the interior of the Clockspire restaurant in Sherborne, which is set in a 19th-century school; currently the studio is working on a new Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hanover Square, several new yachts, a large residential complex near Moscow, a ski chalet and various houses and apartments in London and the countryside. All of which demonstrates the studio’s capacity to offer high quality service and design, tapping into the holistic relationship between architecture and interiors – whatever the nature of the space. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 81

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PHOTOS: © STUDIO YPSILON

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The master bedroom in the Soho pied-à-terre; the sitting room in Bushey Heath’s Arts & Crafts cottage; a corner detail of the Soho pied-à-terre project

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DESIGN SERVICES

STUDIO YPSILON

An innovative interior architecture studio creating luxurious modern residential spaces

PHOTOS: © STUDIO YPSILON

The aesthetic combines comfort and practicality with pieces from different eras and complementary styles that sit together in harmony

Studio Ypsilon 44 Eldon House 52 Aerodrome Road London NW9 5ZP +44 (0)20 3623 2398 studioypsilon.com studioypsilon

yprus-born, London-based Yiannis Stylianou only set up his interior architecture studio five years ago but he has already made his mark designing modern luxury residential spaces for private clients in the capital. Specialising in design, renovation and project co-ordination, his eclectic aesthetic combines comfort and practicality with pieces from different eras and complementary styles that sit together in surprising harmony – for instance, the line of a bespoke, brightly coloured chair might be echoed in the curve of a contemporary abstract artwork. A building’s architecture also influences every element of his

interior design, from the joinery and furniture to lighting and soft furnishings, and all members of the in-house Studio Ypsilon team have an architectural background. Yiannis first completed a degree in architecture at the University of Greenwich, going from there to complete secondary degree in Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Hertfordshire, to enhance his knowledge of the interior design sector. He then gained experience working at several design practices in London, before deciding to start up his own – a move that has already proven to be a huge success. The studio began this year with the completion of a lateral apartment at one of Mayfair’s most prestigious addresses, Berkeley Square, and the continuation of one of its largest projects to date: a Hampstead Garden Suburb cottage that is undergoing a full renovation. The property has been dramatically reconfigured inside while still maintaining the beautiful original features outside. One particularly important commission was a Soho pied-à-terre, a real labour of love for Yiannis. In response to the client’s passion for wood and bold colours, the Studio Ypsilon team collaborated with bespoke joiners to develop a special bleached oak finish, which was used as the main material throughout. This was offset by architectural lighting details in metal, dramatic accent hues and richly smoked oak herringbone floors to inject a timeless glamour into the sophisticated urban home. Following the delivery of this project, the private company that owns the residential building has commissioned the studio to completely redesign all the communal areas. With a ‘Soho-meetsMayfair’ brief, the team’s proposal has evolved into a luxurious yet pared-back look that’s due to be realised in November. Other projects include the modernisation of an Arts & Crafts cottage in Bushey, Hertfordshire, designed by the celebrated architect Charles F.A. Voysey, and two residences in Greece, one in Mykonos, the other in Cyprus – both islands that Yiannis has a strong connection to. But whatever the type of property, he always tries to highlight its architectural attributes, bringing in furniture with organic shapes and employing natural materials, such as stone and wood, to create refined, elevated spaces rather than a scheme that is overly glossy and ‘done’. Ultimately though, for Yiannis the most important aspect is always his relationship with the client, and ensuring that the finished design is a true reflection of their needs.

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DESIGN SERVICES

TAYLOR HOWES

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

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 a strong team of 35 people of whom 30 are designers. Karen sums up the Taylor Howes philosophy as being ‘an underlying structure of perfect proportions and immaculate symmetry, enriched through the poetics of colours, exceptional craftsmanship and the finest materials.’ With projects in Dubai, Vietnam and Bangladesh, the practice’s work-in-progress illustrates its international scope. Closer to home, in the Cotswolds, Taylor Howes has recently completed an 18,000 sq/ft new-build country house with the largest thatched roof in Europe. In London, the

practice is working on Chateau Denmark in Soho, a new hotel, described by Karen as ‘new age gothic glam’ (it’s part of a wider transformation project by the client, intended as a celebration of the area’s status at the forefront of the fashion, media and music industries) and a large 33-apartment superprime development in Knightsbridge. ‘The residential component of The Estate will have market implications, not just here in the UK, but internationally, as it is developing London’s most significant super-prime rental proposition,’ says Karen of the Knightsbridge project. ‘The unique nature and highly covetable address of the development make this a challenging brief and we are relishing the opportunity to present something new to the residential rental market.’ Sustainability is an important part of Taylor Howes’s work in an industry in which waste is an intrinsic part of the design process. As Karen says, ‘It’s no longer

PHOTOS: TAYLOR HOWES

An international interior design studio that specialises in luxury living spaces

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: A bedroom at Taylor Howes’ Chelsea Barracks development; the accompanying sitting room; a beautiful bathroom at Hamilton Terrace; one room of the studio’s Landmark project

enough to say that “my designs have longevity”.’ Emphasis is increasingly on reusable materials and the environmental impact of projects, plus the miles travelled by materials and people. At the same time the business is entering new fields. The practice’s charitable initiative Rest Nest – which focuses on redesigning nurses restrooms in hospitals to improve their working life – is soon being rolled out on a much larger scale, and, in response to the pandemic, Karen spearheaded the #KeepCreativityGoing campaign to support and profile smaller brands and artisans. Taylor Howes also regularly partners with other designers and manufacturers (past collaborations include an ironmongery collection with SA Baxter and wallpaper with De Gournay); next up is a project with AGA at the end of the year. Taylor Howes is in the process of diversifying and expanding, but there are other reasons for optimism. Relationships with its clients are closer than ever, reflected in the recent wave of repeat business following projects from ten to 15 years ago. Client experience and the team’s engagement and creativity are of paramount importance to the practice. A world leader in its field, Taylor Howes is a go-to for private clients and developers looking for luxury interiors and exquisite living spaces.

PHOTOS: TAYLOR HOWES

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS Though highly functional, if well designed they offer sanctuary, too

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Saracen cast-iron bath; the copper bateau with antique copper exterior and silver nickel interior; the Pyrford washstand

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

CATCHPOLE & RYE Celebrating thirty years creating timeless luxury bathrooms

‘Attention to detail, quality materials and craftsmanship is what sets Catchpole & Rye apart from the rest’

‘T Catchpole & Rye 282-284 Fulham Road London SW10 9EW +44 (0)20 7351 0940 catchpoleandrye.com catchpoleandrye

o create something original, you must first fully understand your past’ is an appropriate maxim for a company that first began thirty 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. So 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 that came from stately homes or castles, were 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 the of 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 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 the 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, metal 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 best-selling 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 just 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.

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

CLIVE CHRISTIAN FURNITURE CO

Bespoke statement kitchens and design-led spaces, created with the finest materials and traditional artisanal craftsmanship

S Clive Christian Furniture Co St Germain Street Bolton BL4 7BG +44 (0)1204 702200 clivechristianfurniture.com clivechristianfurnitureco

ince it was founded more than 40 years ago, the Clive Christian Furniture Co has garnered a global reputation for its ultra-luxurious kitchens and bespoke fitted cabinetry. Now under the stewardship of owners David and Heather Dare, the company is once again at the forefront of British manufacturing as it continues to apply the same exacting design principles used in its kitchens to other spaces across the home, including dressing rooms, studies, libraries and bars (of which there has been an increase in enquiries post-lockdown). With showrooms across the UK, US, Europe and now Asia (the company opened in Vietnam earlier this year), Clive Christian Furniture has an impressive international presence yet still remains a valued part of the local Lancashire community, offering apprenticeships in the workshop and investing in skilled craftspeople who wish to keep the tradition of cabinetmaking alive. The brand has an exceptional collection of kitchens and finishes, which, thanks to its honed network of trusted British suppliers, can be further customised to suit a client’s

requirements – whether one wants to integrate a personalised marquetry symbol of meaning, a one-off glass feature or technology that will streamline the running of the home. From the very first pencil sketch, each component is carefully considered to deliver a one-of-akind scheme, wholly bespoke to taste and space. Sketched concepts are transformed into technical product designs, uniting beauty and functionality in harmony with the world’s finest materials. This autumn, Clive Christian Furniture Co is set to announce new brand alliances with Hatchards, London’s oldest bookseller, and Champagne Louis Roederer. Through these two partnerships, the company’s clients will benefit from library curation and rare book collection, as well as cellar services and champagne procurement. To celebrate the collaboration with Hatchards, the ‘ultimate Zoom backdrop’ will be released, which sees some 300 books, cherrypicked by Hatchards, adorn a Clive Christian Furniture bookshelf – perfect for those keen to keep colleagues and friends engaged during virtual, onscreen chats. Also set to be unveiled imminently is the Clive Christian x Glancy Fawcett Client Lounge. Situated within luxury lifestyle supplier Glancy Fawcett’s Manchester showroom, it consists of a meeting room, dining area and relaxation space, and will be furnished with a Clive Christian bar, cabinetry and pieces from the brand’s Flare collection. In response to a growing number of multigeneration families living together under one roof, the company has seen a rise in requests for more fragmented, flexible living spaces with a dual purpose. Once again home entertaining, dinner parties and the idea of the kitchen as a hub is on trend and having a showpiece space that is both functional and almost art-like in design and finish, is back. 2021 and beyond will see new launches and further extension of the Clive Christian Furniture portfolio, all aimed at an audience looking for future-proof, detail-oriented, imaginative designs that truly elevate a space.

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British manufacturing with a strong international presence, Clive Christian has been making bespoke fitted cabinets and kitchens for over 40 years

Sketched concepts are transformed into technical product designs, uniting beauty and functionality in harmony with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest materials

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: This stylish kitchen maximises the varying heights and shapes of the space to create a blend of open-plan charm and functionally distinct working spaces; this design is a synthesis of Shaker, Scandinavian and contemporary British design principles

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

MOWLEM & CO

Designing bespoke kitchens for a quarter of a century

Eighty per cent of clients come to Mowlem through personal recommendation – an impressive statistic virtually unheard of in the bespoke kitchen industry Mowlem & Co 555 King’s Road London SW6 2EB +44 (0)20 7610 6626 Mowlem & Co Newcastle 21 Clayton Road Jesmond NE2 4RP +44 (0)1912 813443 mowlemandco.com mowlemandco

owlem & Co has been crafting bespoke kitchens and furniture for more than 25 years. Founded in Newcastle-upon-Tyne by Gary Mowlem, the company has become widely known for its high level of design, attention to detail and customer service that begins with an initial sketch and continues through to the installation. The design team enjoy genuine creative freedom, allowing them to meet the most exacting of requirements in the most inspired way possible. This is one of the many reasons Mowlem & Co is a favourite with interior designers and architects, who know they can trust the company to deliver a top quality, unique kitchen every time, that is in keeping with the house and clients’ style (in fact, 80 per cent of clients come to the company through personal recommendation – an impressive statistic which is virtually unheard of in the bespoke kitchen industry). Every element of Mowlem & Co’s awardwinning work is constructed and finished using carefully selected materials. Traditional, hand-crafted techniques are combined with the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment

and computer systems in the company’s vast Newcastle factory to produce aesthetically beautiful furniture that is also impeccably functional. And, rather than branch out into other areas of joinery, the company has grown its expertise and knowledge over the years by focusing entirely on kitchens, bedroom furniture and media units. The company presses all the veneered doors and book matches nearly all elements themselves (pairing up adjoining surfaces so they mirror each other); they also make all their own doors (except for those in the ‘Parapan’ kitchen) and construct the made-to-measure carcasses in house. Mowlem & Co has a showroom in Newcastle, and the flagship store in London. Design director Jane Stewart has been integral in developing the brand to its current position and has consistently set trends in the bespoke kitchen industry by offering clients something original. Always at the forefront of design innovation, the company is not constrained by what’s available from suppliers and instead uses the newest fittings and finishes available. For instance, the addition of liquid metal paint finishes which have been in development for the last 18 months. They are also constantly on the lookout for the latest handle designs and incorporate the newest appliance models that manufacturers have to offer. The kitchen collection includes ‘Virtuoso’, a design that effortlessly blends the traditional with the contemporary through timeless Shakerstyle furniture hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, island worktops in raw concrete and a Carrara Gioia marble splashback; ‘Connoisseur’, a bold design with a double height island and the mix of a flat veneer finish in Palladium Stained Oak with worktops in Frosty Carrina and smoked glass elements and ‘Arcadian’, an open-plan scheme with a cosy dining booth and breakfast bar. For Mowlem & Co it has never been about how many cabinets are sold; instead the company gets satisfaction from taking a client through the design and installation process as smoothly as possible and seeing them enjoy the seamless service and quality of the final product.

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

NEPTUNE

I Neptune Blagrove Swindon Wiltshire SN5 8YG +44 (0)1793 427300 neptune.com neptunehomeofficial

t was a hammock that started it all. Founders John Sims-Hilditch and Giles Redman were old friends who met through their love of sailing and made their first-ever hammock around the same kitchen table that still stands in John’s family home in Wiltshire. That was 24 years ago. Today, Neptune is a studio that designs pieces for every room of the home, from kitchens and solid timber furniture to lighting, fabric and paint. The duo’s unwavering belief in the power of good design still stands – and that doesn’t just concern aesthetics, either. It also extends to using the highest calibre materials, how well something is made and, perhaps most importantly, how thoughtfully something is designed. A lot of thought goes into making sure each and every piece feels distinct and different from the other but that they’ll 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, all designed so that once you step through the door it’s as if you’ve just arrived in someone’s home. For autumn, Neptune presents a collection that is green in every sense of the word. From its nature-inspired palette and the quality materials used, to the design values at the core of every piece, this eco-minded approach is being built on and nurtured with pride. As the company heads towards its 25th anniversary next year, responsible design and respect for the environment become more crucial than ever – which is why it is determined to ensure that all Neptune products remain as beautiful, functional and relevant from the day you bring them into your home, ‘til long into the future.

PHOTOS: © NEPTUNE

Beautifully-made investment pieces, designed as future heirlooms for the home

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New products launching in-store and online this month take their design cues from antiques and occasional pieces. These include the smart Ardingly cabinet (it has bespoke options such as a honed marble top, mirrored interior and additional lower shelf, which means it can be used for drinks, as a television stand or even as a desk), the glazed Shepton cabinet and the neat Sunbury sideboard, which provides plentiful storage for crockery, books or treasured objects. Designed to suit any space, these ultra-versatile compact pieces work just as well individually, with our existing ranges or with your own furniture. Chevron-weave and linen cushions are edged with delicate fringing that adds subtle personality. All-natural sheepskins contrast with rough handle hemp rugs and embroidered bedspreads hand-crafted by artisans in India. And throws are woven in the historic village of Delph in Greater Manchester where integrated Victorian textile mills spin, dye, weave and finish locally-sourced fleeces to create the softest blankets possible. Neptune has come a long way since that initial hammock but the company’s original ethos still very much remains: designing enduring, elegant pieces that stand the test of time and will, one day, become muchloved future heirlooms, handed down from generation to generation.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Neptune’s Chawton cabinetry in Olive and Matilda armchair; Suffolk kitchen painted in Charcoal; the Caspar two seater sofa; the Ardingly cabinet painted in Olive

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SIEMATIC

An industry leader in timelessly elegant kitchen design

For more than 90 years, SieMatic has been on the quest for perfection, developing concepts that continue to reinterpret the world of kitchens SieMatic Holding GmbH Pure Building Brooks Drive Cheadle Royal Business Park Cheadle Royal Cheshire SK8 3TD +44 (0)1616 606895 siematic.com siematic_uk

family-run company in its third generation, German manufacturer and industry leader SieMatic revolutionised the concept of the kitchen when it was established in 1929. Since then, the company has gained an international reputation for exemplary kitchens with innovative high quality design, elegance and a high level of functionality. There are exclusive SieMatic showrooms and retail specialists in more than 70 countries including 40 studios in the UK, each of which showcase the company’s three style collections that appeal to all tastes: Urban, Classic and Pure. Inspired by the idea of cities that are constantly in motion, the on-trend Urban style collection is a kitchen that fits harmoniously into an open plan scheme. The Classic style collection showcases hand-finished materials such as gloss ebony walnut and polished nickel, while the Pure collection gives the minimalist kitchen completely new contours. For more than 90 years, SieMatic has been on the quest for perfection, developing concepts that continue to re-interpret the world of kitchens. Since its foundation the manufacturer has stood for timeless elegance: long-lasting design using

quality materials that are as beautiful as they are suitable for everyday use. Take, for instance, the unique patented ‘multimatic tracking’ system in the cabinet carcass and inside the door, which is based around aluminium trays and frames in various widths and depths that allow for at-home customisation and maximising storage space by up to 30 per cent – a key consideration in kitchens. The company has invested in employing interior designers, trained in its own academy, who complete an extensive learning programme on topics such as anthropometrics, ergonomics, technical planning and interior architecture to ensure that they are constantly one step ahead of the rest of the kitchen design world. At SieMatic, the focus is firmly on the future. In the 1960s it invented the first handle-less kitchen, the SieMatic 60, which had flexible cupboard configuration and several groundbreaking functions. In 1988, it was once again celebrated as an avantgarde gamechanger. And this year, the company continues to set standards with its new, award-winning SLX Pure kitchen. The central design detail is the completely redeveloped recessed grip channel: decisive simplicity on the outside, and a complex interplay of technical ingenuity, craftsmanship and superior materials on the inside. This innovation was only made possible by the perfect angle and an individually controllable lighting system consisting of an LED light strip that is integrated into the shadow gap. Service at the international SieMatic studios is second to none (the nearest studio can easily be found by searching on the company’s website) so that clients can be assured that a design professional will guide them through the process from start to finish, considering the interior architecture and design of the room as a whole – not just the kitchen furniture. And as homes open up, the idea of the ‘culinary living space’, incorporating design philosophies and materials more prominently found in the living room, is taking off, offering a more holistic approach using herringbone veneer, glass and metal elements to soften the space. This is a forward-thinking manufacturer that continues to carve a place at the forefront of kitchen design.

PHOTOS: © SIEMATIC

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Introducing the new, award-winning SieMatic SLX Pure kitchen

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

SMALLBONE

S Smallbone 197-201 Brompton Road London, SW3 1LA +44 (0)20 7589 5998 smallbone.co.uk smallbone.devizes

mallbone has been at the forefront of British kitchen design for more than 40 years, earning global success and a reputation for innovative design and uncompromising craftsmanship. The brand is now part of Lux Group Holdings, home to some of the world’s finest design and furniture companies, including Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Brookmans by Smallbone and McCarron & Co. This has ensured its continued growth, allowing it to develop a diverse portfolio of wares that range from whole-house solutions to unique residential interiors, as well as to invest in key, new manufacturing technology at the Wiltshire workshop. Now the brand is about to mark the beginning of a new chapter – and redefine luxury retail at the same time – with the forthcoming launch of its sensational new 15,000 sq/ft flagship showroom

at Brompton Gate, Knightsbridge. Initially open by appointment only, the multi-sensory, four-storey space will feature several installations of iconic Smallbone collections alongside a curated selection of luxury brands, ranging from home technology to contemporary art. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to experience Samsung’s immersive cinematic six-metre-wide screen, ‘The Wall’, while Senso’s seamless, recyclable natural flooring can be found in various finishes throughout, inspiring clients as they explore the impressive showroom. On the first floor, a dedicated Omakase area for special events is set within a showcase of Smallbone’s classic and most recognisable kitchens, while the bar below – serving coffee, wine, champagne and spirits – brings new heights of refinement to retail.

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A leading purveyor of bespoke handmade fitted furniture

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Centre stage on the showroom’s ground floor is Smallbone’s latest offering: the Icarus collection. Named after the character in the Greek myth, this elegant yet highly technical kitchen fuses traditional furniture-making skills and 21st-century engineering. With parabolic curves inspired by the wings of Icarus, the collection is made in a handsome grey cerused oak with a white bronze treatment. Comprising kitchen islands and standing furniture, hidden rebate handles bring ergonomic ease to the elegant curved doors which can each take up to two weeks to perfect on the craftsmen’s bench, before they are sent to the finishers. Scalloped cabinets form a dramatic ‘floating’ centrepiece to the showcase, with magnificent curved glass doors created in collaboration with an artisan glass atelier (the glass was shaped at high temperatures over curved moulds then allowed to cool, a process that dates back to Roman engineering). Working with the automotive industry, a unique hinge system was developed for the glass doors while, for the wooden cabinets, the same technology currently used in protection zones for cars in F1 motor racing was employed to reinforce their strength. In the early days Smallbone pioneered the concept of hand-painted kitchen cabinetry (the Original Hand Painted Kitchen was re-named to Iconic this year, and is still evolving) and it continues to innovate today through the unveiling of both the groundbreaking Icarus collection and its truly extraordinary showroom.

Inside Smallbone’s new flagship showroom you’ll be able to discover the latest innovative designs, like ‘The Wall’ by Samsung and the studio’s magnificent Icarus kitchen

Smallbone is about to mark the beginning of a new chapter – and redefine luxury retail at the same time

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

WEST ONE BATHROOMS A leading supplier of luxury bathrooms

West One Bathrooms 45-46 South Audley Street London W1K 2PY +44 (0)333 011 3333 westonebathrooms.com westonebathrooms

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. The company first started trading under its current name in the 1970s, selling baths and sanitary ware to the trade – and even supplying the bathrooms for the James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever. The official launch was in Mayfair in 1978, a time when luxury bathrooms were an untapped market in London and the Middle East, and there was no other showroom like it. Such was the quality of the products that the fittings and accessories supplied then are still available now. Breaking the mould in the industry, it led the way in transforming bathrooms from being a functional space into a real sanctuary. Over the years, West One Bathrooms has expanded to nine showrooms across London and the South East. Today, it is run by the third generation of the family, brothers and joint managing directors, Duncan and Kevin Waters. All the team – many of whom have worked for West One Bathrooms for over 30 years – have a real passion for design and, through their technical and product knowledge, offer the very best client experience possible. In fact, staff will go out of their way to make clients’ dreams a reality; those who are finding it difficult to visualise their finished bathroom, for instance, can pay a visit to West One Bathrooms’ new Clerkenwell Studio. Reshaping the bathroom showroom as we know it, the studio has been designed to showcase the company’s forward-thinking approach, with a mood board to emphasise texture and finish, and a select number of bathroom displays and accessory ranges. The company is also proud to offer exclusive access to one of the largest product selections in the UK market, with the ability to source from over 750 international suppliers (it is the exclusive European stockist of Ann Sacks and New Ravenna tiles). This means, alongside award-winning service, it has the ability to cater for all tastes, project sizes and budgets. New and exciting ranges include a technologicallyadvanced Wet System by Wall & Deco and the Opale collection of freestanding washbasins

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‘Breaking the mould in the industry, it led the way in transforming bathrooms from being a functional space into a real sanctuary’

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Belgian farmhouse project, featuring Antonio Lupi vanity unit and basin and Victorian shower room project both by West One Bathrooms; the new Frieze collection by Ex.t.

by Antonio Lupi in innovative transparent coloured resin. One of the latest design trends in the bathroom is colour, especially the idea of integrating soft pastel shades or adding a pop of a stronger tone in the same palette as the rest of the room – be it with wallpaper, basin, different brassware finishes or updating plain tiles with a splash of pattern. Of course, sustainability plays an important role too, and West One Bathrooms sells useful water-saving devices such as low flow taps and showers. They can also advise customers on the best natural and recyclable materials and products for making a bathroom more eco-friendly. Whichever style of bathroom you choose though, it should be a calming place of relaxation.

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FABRICS & WALLS

Whether used to create maximum impact or subtle tonality, if you want to play with pattern, print and texture these materials are magic

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FABRICS & WALLS

GAYLE WARWICK Beautifully crafted linens, made to last

s a child Gayle Warwick often spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at her grandmother’s house, where dinner would be served on a love-worn, hand-embroidered tablecloth. 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 a spectacular piece. ‘The tablecloths that I saw were covered in exquisite embroidery that took hours and hours but the fabrics being used were cheap. I thought, if you’re going to do all this extraordinary decorative work, it should be on a base that will last,’ recalls Gayle. The idea for her eponymous linen business was born. It took three years of research and planning before there was a product to sell; first, she tried unsuccessfully to source high-quality organic cotton and then decided to weave her own. ‘I was a bit naive in wanting to do organic cotton and 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. Over

PHOTOS: © GAYLE WARWICK

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Lotus table linens come in a choice of hues; the Victoria Trellis collection was inspired by an English country garden; Les Jours, Confetti, Horizon and Lotus all in shades of pink; floral embroidery on the Victoria napkin; Nuage blanket covers and Wabi bed linen

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

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PHOTOS: © GAYLE WARWICK

time, the under-the-radar brand has expanded its range to encompass so much more than textiles for bedding and dining, with handembroidered cushion covers, organic towels and cashmere throws sold alongside napkins, placemats, duvet covers and sheets. Gayle now works with her daughters – Eliza, who looks after sales, and Megan, who is in charge of operations and finance – and has a global network of skilled artisans and craftsmen: embroiderers in Vietnam, block printers in India and weavers in Italy, Thailand and Belgium. ‘We marry original designs and time-consuming craftsmanship with fabrics that are either sustainable, like organic cotton, or beautiful linens that are made all over the world. We try to find the right partners who

can weave fabrics that are a little bit different,’ says Gayle, citing a new line of woven cashmere as an example. Teaming up with a weaver in London, the cashmere has been made to large block print patterns inspired by Josef Albers’ colour field paintings (Gayle has a background in art history and her design ideas come from all kinds of sources – whether it’s an English country garden or the jewellery gallery in the V&A Museum). Also new this year is a collection of block printed bed and table linen, made by a third-generation artisan in India. ‘Each of the steps, from carving the blocks to mixing the paint colours is done by hand,’ explains Gayle. ‘There are no short cuts: we always try to do the best we can with any particular craft.’ A large part of the business involves custom work for interior designers (such as Nicky Haslam, Francis Sultana and Todhunter Earle) looking to commission personalised linens for clients’ houses, yachts and private planes but there is plenty in the range to suit all design tastes too. This includes an Art Deco-style set of ‘Patricia’ napkins named after Gayle’s mother, which re-imagine the heirloom tablecloths from her childhood. This is a collection of beautiful linens, designed to be treasured for years.

‘We marry original designs and timeconsuming craftsmanship with fabrics that are either sustainable, like organic cotton, or beautiful linens’

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PHOTOS: GP&J BAKER

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: GP & J Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fascinating archive of richly detailed prints dates back to the 19th century

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FABRICS & WALLS

GP & J BAKER Designing exquisite fabrics and wallcoverings since 1884

PHOTOS: GP&J BAKER

‘We are extremely appreciative of artisanal craftsmanship, which in our case sometimes dates back hundreds of years’

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

hen two young entrepreneurial brothers, George Percival and James Baker, started importing Persian, Turkish and Turkoman carpets and re-exported them to France and the US in 1884, GP & J Baker was born. Gradually the brothers started producing beautiful prints and weaves, their designs influenced by George Percival’s admiration for Indian and Oriental art. In the late 1800s GP & J Baker bought the renowned Swaisland Fabric Printing Company in southeast 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 to their collection.

The brothers were adventurous travellers and became avid, discerning collectors of rare designs. Over the years they built up one of the largest and most diverse privately owned textile archives in the world. The textiles represent the last 100 centuries and hail from round the globe, including handpainted Chinese wallpapers, rare 17th-century Italian and Turkish velvets, Indienne prints, Indonesian batiks, 500-year-old Peruvian textiles and Art Nouveau original paintings. By the turn of the century, GP & J Baker was employing leading arts and crafts designers and its in-house studio began developing designs from its extensive archive. George Percival was a passionate horticulturalist and served as president of the Iris Society, so naturalistic English garden flowers became a popular design and part of GP & J Baker’s enduring signature style. Many of GP & J Baker’s exquisite prints are still sourced and adapted from its original, 19th-century archives. Some have been in production for 50 to 100 years, each re-issue adding another layer to their considerable charm. More recently, some of these prints have been re-imagined as beautiful embroideries, woven fabrics and wallpapers. Of course, it takes more than an exceptional archive to maintain a successful heritage brand or, indeed, to retain a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen, as GP & J Baker has done for more than 37 years. ‘We’re always challenging ourselves and innovating to maintain our individuality,’ explains managing and creative 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 sometimes dates back hundreds of years. For some collections we still employ the centuries old technique of hand block printing, for example. The result is the thrilling and extraordinary diversity of our GP & J Baker collections. They range from beautiful silks, classic prints, elegant linens and the exquisite GP & J Baker Signature designs, to contemporary geometrics and gorgeous cutting edge textures. The inspired colour palettes across all the collections fit perfectly into any period and any style of architecture.’ With showrooms in London’s Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, as well as in Paris, 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 one inspiring resource for the design community.

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FABRICS & WALLS

GRAPHENSTONE Eco-friendly paints combining artisanal techniques and innovative 21st-century technology

s brands are increasingly called to account for their sustainability efforts, it’s perhaps inevitable that ‘greenwashing’ – implying eco credentials without the facts and figures to back them up – is becoming ever more common. But a company that leaves no doubt as to its planet-first agenda is Graphenstone, one of the most sustainable paint businesses in the world. It has been recognised by a swathe of prestigious independent organisations globally, securing gold and silver Cradle to Cradle Institute certifications, among many others. Founded in 2013 by Spanish chemical engineer Antonio León Jiménez, the aim from the beginning has been to encourage consumers to switch from paints that contain plastic to a coating that ticks all the boxes: natural, health-conscious and environmentally friendly yet durable. Jiménez’s solution was to create a range of mineral-rich paints in matt colours using lime (and other natural ingredients) alongside a groundbreaking polymer that contains carbon-based graphene technology. The former is made using an artisanal production process involving cooking limestone in traditional wood-fired kilns. The lime cycle is entirely natural, from the wood used to feed the ovens through to the production of

Graphenstone Border Valley Estate Speedwell Way Harleston Norfolk IP20 9EH +44 (0)1379 772940 graphenstone.co.uk graphenstonepaintsuk

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: No greenwashing here: Graphenstone takes its ecological and sustainable credentials very seriously, from factory to packaging and delivery of the final product

the paint base, which, in turn, actively cleans and purifies the air in your home or office. The latter is a 21st-century discovery that acts as a structural support mesh at the molecular level, to improve resistance and conductivity (graphene also helps to capture the heat and resist the cold, enhancing a building’s insulation). These tough, long-lasting paints contain no plastics, petro-chemicals, VOCs or formaldehyde; the packaging is also entirely recycled and recyclable. From the factory powered by renewable energy to the use of recycled water, every step of the production process has been designed with the environment in mind. The range includes Biosphere and Ecosphere Premium, exterior and interior pure lime paints with a matt finish; GrafClean Premium, suitable for general use

indoors and out, plus GrafClean MidSheen for woodwork and trim; and the latest VOC-free emulsion, Nevada-Ultra, a trade paint that can also be used as a mist or first coat to reduce cost. There are over 1,000 colours available, as well as putties, finishes, treatments and primers, such as the new Primer Plus that, according to a test by Eurofins laboratory, eliminates viruses and bacteria (it’s part of the company’s ‘Triple Action Kit’ specifically designed to naturally disinfect healthcare institutions, offices and homes). Big-name clients include everyone from Facebook to Historic Royal Palaces, the French Embassy in Washington to the W Hotel Barcelona, where Graphenstone products were chosen for their ability to counter humidity and improve indoor air quality (plus no lingering smell after application allowing the rooms to be reoccupied immediately). The company’s paints have been used for eco and passive housing developments, hospitals, and heritage buildings, including the recent restoration of the Cathedral of Santa María la Antigua in Panama City. ‘At Graphenstone, we are on an essential mission, to shift decision makers from using VOC heavy plastic paints, choosing instead ecological, natural and far healthier options,’ concludes UK distributor and Director of The Graphene Company, Patrick Folkes. ‘These paints are a game changer for both people and our planet.’

From the factory powered by renewable energy to the use of recycled water, every step of the production process has been designed with the environment in mind

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FABRICS & WALLS

SANDERSON

On its 160th anniersary, this year Sanderson is celebrating the beauty of nature through design

Sanderson Style Library Design Centre Chelsea Harbour Lots Road London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com/sanderson sanderson1860

PHOTOS: © SANDERSON

ounded in 1860 by Arthur Sanderson, who imported luxury French wallpapers before producing his own, Sanderson was granted its first royal warrant by King George V. From such a prestigious seal of approval, the company grew quickly: now one of England’s oldest soft furnishing brands, it’s internationally renowned for taking inspiration from the wonders of the countryside and furnishing every kind of home with products in its nature-influenced style. The range – which is sold in over 70 countries – encompasses printed fabrics, weaves, embroideries, paint, home accessories and, of course, wallpaper. Holders of the Royal Warrant since 1923, it also continues to supply fabrics, wallcoverings and paint to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal households today. Sanderson’s distinctive floral signature combines beautifully observed, hand-drawn designs, inspired by nature and elegant and easy to live with. All patterns begin as a piece of artwork sketched from real life by the talented Buckinghamshire-based design team, on their regular field trips to the countryside. Additionally, the extensive archive is a wonderful resource, containing precious

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: The Witney wallpaper; all of Sanderson’s prints are hand-drawn from nature; the collaboration with the National Trust is inspired by the Trust’s properties across the UK; choose from seven embroideries, two weaves and 11 prints in the collection

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PHOTOS: © SANDERSON

The production process is managed by highly skilled in-house craftsmen from start to finish, from designers to colourists, and from engravers to printers

collected pieces that date back to the Renaissance. It’s no wonder that time spent delving through the drawers can often spark creative ideas. What’s more, working to a definitive core colour palette (which is injected with new highlights each season) means that there is effortless coordination across the full range. And the production process is managed by highly skilled inhouse craftsmen from start to finish, from designers to colourists, and from engravers to printers. New this year is ‘A Celebration of the National Trust by Sanderson’, a collection of fabrics – seven embroideries, two weaves and 11 prints – inspired by the nature and culture found throughout the Trust’s country homes, gardens and fenlands. The five themes include The Fens, where the weaving grasses and wild flower patterns represent the tranquillity of Cambridgeshire’s Wicken Fen nature reserve; Under the Greenwood Tree, which is based on cottage gardens such as Thomas Hardy’s Dorset home, and The Lookout, all darting seabirds and rolling waves that signify the 780 miles of coastline and wildlife within the Trust’s care. Paired with documents from the Sanderson archive, and with a wide and varied colour palette, it makes for a compelling design story – as well as highlighting the shared values of the two brands and the Trust’s commitment to conserving our natural and cultural legacy. ‘We’re delighted to launch this collection which coincides with Sanderson’s 160th and the National Trust’s 125th anniversaries,’ says Rebecca Craig, head of design at Sanderson. ‘This is a collaboration between two heritage brands, where we proudly translate the wonder of the National Trust into a range of stunning fabrics using eco-inks and sustainable cotton.’ Whether you want to embrace the bright, abundant blooms found within the secret walled gardens of a rural estate or prefer the contemporary greys and laid-back neutrals that reflect the tones of age-old buildings, there’s nothing more enchanting than recreating nature’s beauty at home. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 111

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FURNITURE Invest cleverly and these pieces will last a lifetime, ready to be handed down to the next generation

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Westend Bed Co, p132

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FURNITURE

THE DINING CHAIR COMPANY

Bespoke upholstered furniture, from chairs to ottomans and sofas

ver the years interior designer Amanda Huber regularly sourced furniture from The Dining Chair Company for her clients. So when she heard the business was for sale in 2017 it seemed like an unmissable opportunity. ‘I thought it was a gem of a company with a potentially great brand presence,’ she says. ‘Chairs are always a staple, whether in a formal environment or in more relaxed living and dining spaces.’ First up, she refurbished the showroom in the Pimlico Road design district, and then she expanded the range of styles on offer, both to include more contemporary pieces and to reintroduce some popular favourites. The company philosophy is to create beautiful, handcrafted, bespoke furniture that is made in England using traditional techniques yet at an accessible price point. Standard styles can also be fully customised. For instance, the William chair has evolved as a result of client need and is now available in three styles: the William, Prince William and what is affectionately known as the Van Gogh, because it has no side wings. Chairs can be made up in any type of wood, with the stain and polish matched to existing furniture or to create a specific piece. Starting with measurements and an initial sketch, Amanda and

PHOTOS: SIMS HILDITCH

The Dining Chair Company 4 St. Barnabas Street London SW1W 8PE +44 (0)20 7259 0422 diningchair.co.uk thediningchairco

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The Dining Chair Company’s designs evolve with the company, always meeting the highest of standards, with clients including interior designers, retailers, hotels and private individuals

PHOTOS: SIMS HILDITCH

her team ensure all their designs evolve to meet the company’s exacting standards. With a keen eye for imaginative reinterpretation of fabrics, trimmings and finishing details, The Dining Chair Company is a showcase for stunning upholstery effects, from frayed edges, leather piping and mixed textures to seams. Clients include interior designers, retailers, hotels – The Dining Chair Company has supplied The Pig hotels and Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, among others – and private individuals. ‘We take personal pride in nurturing projects from initial enquiry through to delivery as well as in our commitment to quality and attention to detail,’ says Amanda, who cites art, architeacture and vintage design as inspirations. ‘At the recent Decorative Antiques Fair we

saw a pair of 1960s vintage Italian upholstered chairs with wonderfully curved wood carver arms, so now we are developing a design incorporating an essence of that.’ New designs this year that are launching now are The Mark, a very smart club like chair that is ideal for more sophisticated settings, and the Madison, a contemporary evolution of the Alexa, which is ideal for smaller areas and works equally well as a desk or dressing room chair. And, despite its name, The Dining Chair Company makes much more than chairs – there is not only a range of upholstered furniture, from bar stools and ottomans to bedheads and sofas, but also a collection of dining tables in oak, ash, stone, marble and glass. Keen to work closely with the latest fabrics from key fabric houses such as de Le Cuona, there is an exciting collaboration in the pipeline with digital designer Charlotte Jade, for next year’s Belgravia in Bloom. ‘We love using new and beautiful fabrics,’ concludes Amanda. ‘There’s nothing nicer than when clients ring us and say they have had our chairs for 20 years and still love them but would like them re-covered to fit in with a new interior.’

The company philosophy is to create beautiful, handcrafted, bespoke furniture that is made in England using traditional techniques

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FURNITURE

GAZE BURVILL

Outdoor furniture and kitchens, beautifully crafted from sustainably-grown oak

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Super comfort with Splash Lounge; vertical ALC grill station; furniture from the Levity collection

Good design and true originality that doesn’t compromise on craftsmanship or the eco-minded ethos is the byword at Gaze Burvill

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

hen Simon Burvill predicted at the start of the year that spending more time in our gardens would be a huge trend for 2020, little could he know that a countrywide lockdown was imminent. As the importance of having an outdoor space has grown, so has the interest in choosing exterior furniture – which is where Gaze Burvill comes in. Founded in 1993, the company makes the finest outdoor furniture and kitchens using prime grade, sustainably grown wood from well-managed forests. Every piece is designed to last for generations, adapting to the caprices of the climate and gently turning silver with time. Consideration for the environment has always been at the heart of the business. Oak, the primary wood, and chestnut, are both sourced from certified, sustainably planted and re-planted British and European forests (Simon is a Trustee of Woodland Heritage). These materials are also greatly valued by craftsmen as being lovely to work with, and, unlike tropical hardwoods, can be steam bent, to give graceful, strong curves which contribute to comfort as well as to the aesthetic. The Hampshire farm where the company is based is also a beacon

of environmentally-friendly practice with solar panels to help power the site and a biomass boiler that’s fuelled with sawdust. However, Gaze Burvill’s biggest counter to throwaway culture is to offer well-made contemporary classics such as poolside sun loungers and parasols; generously proportioned sofas; dining collections such as ‘Levity’ made with Dekton® tabletops; and the renowned ‘A La Carte’ (ALC) kitchen, which pushes the boundaries of cooking outdoors through its design and engineering. It includes a ‘Grill Station’, a mini-kitchen in its own right, with exquisite oak cabinetry for a grill or ceramic oven, plus a fridge, worktop for prep, and plenty of storage. For the quiet moments there is seating, such as the popular Cloisters and Court seats, and the sculptural ‘Broadwalk Spirals’ which creates a visual point of interest in a garden’s composition. 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. Dimensions and detailing can be adjusted; customers often come looking for a solution to a specific outdoor furniture problem and in solving it, new creations are made. For instance, both the concept for the Broadwalk collection and the newest garden seat, the Wisley seat, came from a commission from the Royal Horticultural Society. Good design and true originality that doesn’t compromise on craftsmanship or the eco-minded ethos is the byword at this company whose outdoor furniture elevates any alfresco space.

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FURNITURE

GEORGE SMITH

George Smith 587-589 Kings Road London SW6 2EH +44 (0)20 7384 1004 georgesmith.com georgesmithfurniture

eorge Smith’s story began in 1985 when it opened as a re-upholstery business specialising in Howard sofas and kilims. Since then, it has grown to become one of the leading British upholstery manufacturers, with a flagship showroom on the King’s Road and a tailored collection of handmade indoor and outdoor furniture and upholstery fabrics that can be found in top hotels and members clubs (such as Soho House), as well as private residences around the world. The collection comprises more than 200 designs of sofas, chairs, chaises and stools, in a variety of classic designs to suit both contemporary and traditional interiors. Over the years George Smith has collaborated with a raft of talented designers on capsule collections. These include Ilse Crawford’s range of tactile, simple pieces whose honed dimensions were the result of rigorous research into ensuring that they supported the changing sedentary habits of modern living, and low-level seating for bars and homes by &Objects, designed for Annabel’s in Mayfair with entertaining in mind. This year, the company has launched a new website, which offers customers the opportunity to digitally select their own customisable features for a piece of furniture (bespoke designs can also be commissioned from scratch). This year, George Smith has undertaken a senior living project for Inspir in New York (there is another in the pipeline for London’s Chelsea), where furniture for the communal areas of the residence has been tailored to suit the unique comfort requirements of older residents. Specific adjustments to seat depth, arm height and pitch were made to increase mobility and comfort for all. The overall traditional aesthetic of the furniture, combined with the luxurious natural fabrics, personifies the warmth of a welcoming home. Applying the same high standards of craftsmanship to this project as to everything it makes, each George Smith piece was meticulously handmade by the team of master joiners and upholsterers in the north of England, using traditional techniques handed down through the generations and sustainable, natural materials. ‘The George Smith team is

PHOTOS: GEORGE SMITH

Traditionally handcrafted furniture and upholstery fabrics for modern living

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PHOTOS: GEORGE SMITH

‘Living in an ever changing world means that we need to be adaptable and flexible, whilst remaining authentic and true to our values’

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Almack sofa from the Cocktail collection with &Objects; relax in the sumptuous Ilse sofa designed by Ilse Crawford; one of George Smith’s master craftsmen pleating the arms of the Minster chair; a George Smith Signature chair upholstered in kilim; chairs from the Cocktail collection with &Objects

truly fantastic, full of energy and dedicated to providing the best service; I consider myself lucky to work on incredible global luxury projects alongside our team of master craftsmen,’ says Amanda Barrett, Sales Director at George Smith. ‘Living in an ever changing world means that we need to be adaptable and flexible, whilst remaining authentic and true to our values.’ As interior designers Stephenson Wright testify, George Smith sofas aren’t just stylish, they are exceedingly comfortable, too. ‘When we were asked to furnish our client’s grand hall with Chesterfield sofas there was a natural leader in the right brand for the job. It’s easy to relax when you know that your client will be able to lounge for hours in a deeply comfortable sofa.’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 119

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FURNITURE

JOHN SANKEY Sofas, chairs and furniture, crafted with exceptional attention to detail

ased in an old lace-making factory on the Derbyshire border, John Sankey has been crafting exceptional, covetable upholstery for more than 60 years. Beautifully shaped and made by hand, each sofa, chair and item of furniture in the John Sankey collection will stand the test of time, thanks to its carefully considered design, fine tailoring and attention to detail, and precise technical build. A short walk around the workshop reveals a meticulous approach to producing each shape in the John Sankey range, with makers taking time to develop the techniques required for a particular brief and refining them in pursuit of perfection. Often, multiple prototypes are made before the team is satisfied that they have come up with the best possible design for comfort and style. For instance, if a crisp edge is required, each member of the team will work tirelessly to combine sharp contours with soft layers, resulting in a polished sofa that is a perfect demonstration of the skills used in its construction. In recognition of this lasting commitment to producing the highest quality designs, The Furniture Maker’s Company has awarded John Sankey the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark (it is one of only

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Matilda sofa and Small Clover ottoman; the Fairbanks sofa in velvet; once customers choose a design, they can select from the company’s vast collection of fabrics; every item is made by hand

John Sankey Milner Road Long Eaton Derbyshire NG10 1LB +44 (0)1159 462121 johnsankey.co.uk johnsankeyfurniture

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Beautiful colours and textures adorn shapes that run the gamut from formal to casual, with the occasional flamboyant flourish

five upholstery companies in the country to hold the mark). ‘In a world where fast production and short-life furniture have become more prevalent, we are determined to keep product longevity at the heart of everything we do – something that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and camaraderie that exists within our team,’ explains managing director Suzanne O’Flynn with enthusiasm. ‘We make all the frames right here on our premises and because we know they’re absolutely steady, they come with a lifetime guarantee. We really want our customers to love what we make for them and to keep the pieces until they’re ready to pass them on to the next generation. For this reason, all of our shapes have a classic foundation that ensures that they remain loveable over time.’ Beautiful colours and textures adorn silhouettes that run the gamut from formal to casual, with the occasional flamboyant flourish. More ornate detailing like appliqué and quilting are deployed to elevate individual pieces. Once customers have settled on a design, they can choose from the company’s vast collection of fabrics, including leathers, velvets, flat weaves and florals, all from suppliers who share their values when it comes to ethical sourcing, production, performance and sustainability. What’s more, as part of its mission to establish itself as an industry benchmark for manufacturing sustainability, all the company’s timber comes from FSC-certified suppliers and it has an informal arrangement with local charity shops to donate fabric remnants. John Sankey works with a network of premium boutique retailers around the country, including Liberty of London. Interior designers and private clients can also visit the Derbyshire showroom (open by appointment) to speak to the team about its new, fabulous furniture pieces. Future plans include reintroducing designs from the recent archive and creating a timeless piece of furniture in collaboration with Guy Goodfellow, the first of a number of upcoming partnerships between John Sankey and renowned interior designers. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 121

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PHOTOS: JULIAN CHICHESTER

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Make a statement with the Monty bedside table; store your stuff in style with the Alfred chest

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FURNITURE

JULIAN CHICHESTER Timeless furniture inspired by the past, designed as heirlooms of the future

PHOTOS: JULIAN CHICHESTER

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

Julian Chichester 1-4 Queens Elm Parade London SW3 6EJ +44 (0)20 7622 2928 juianchichester.com julianchichesteruk

In 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 homeware (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 Turo, 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, or 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, The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town and The Astoria in St Petersburg. This autumn, Focus at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is Julian’s launch pad for his new season designs, which include 16 additional pieces that form part of the much-loved Bobbin collection, as well as furniture that will showcase soft palettes alongside his signature style of beautiful exaggerated shapes and specialist 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 midcentury 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.

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FURNITURE

NEATSMITH

Specialists in crafting made-to-measure wardrobes, custom furniture and home offices

Neatsmith 544 King’s Road London SW10 0UB +44 (0)800 195 6595 neatsmith.co.uk neatsmith

igh quality, well-designed wardrobes with a service to match: that was the principle behind family-run business Neatsmith when it was launched by Andrew Nagel and his two sons, Philipp and Mathew 15 years ago. From a small industrial estate in London where the showroom was above the workshop, the business has grown to an 80-strong team of dedicated designers, cabinet makers and highly-skilled fitters. Now, there are five showrooms in and around London, including the flagship in Chelsea, where clients can browse the extensive collection, see the quality of craftsmanship first-hand and discuss potential projects. While bespoke wardrobes are still the backbone of the business, over the years the Neatsmith offering has expanded to cater to the needs of its growing client base – and right now, that means a significant number (and rising) of enquiries asking for a madeto-measure home study. ‘Two important areas of development are technologies and finishes as we are dedicated to ensuring that the home offices we design are both highly functional and beautiful places to spend time in,’ says Philipp, citing wireless charging points and integrated pop-up sockets as ways of minimising wires and clutter. ‘A home office is a workplace but it needn’t be austere; elements such as the considered placement of warm LEDs within the units and use of leathers and fabrics for the doors or back panels all contribute to creating a welcoming space.’ When it comes to bedrooms, Neatsmith not only designs, makes and installs wardrobes – from those for first-time buyers wanting practical yet stylish storage solutions to those commissioning large walk-in wardrobes and dream dressing rooms – they also create bespoke furniture and offer a colour-match service to complement any interior scheme. Nothing is mass-produced or pre-drilled, with each wardrobe component manufactured entirely by hand. Ensuring their clients are well-looked after is fundamental (both brothers have a background in hospitality), with design, quality and service always a priority. ‘Selling a brilliant product is one thing but the service has to match,’ confirms Mathew who oversees the manufacturing and installation side of the business while Philipp

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While bespoke wardrobes are still the backbone of the business, Neatsmith has recently seen a significant increase in demand for its madeto-measure home offices

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Neatsmith’s Castille hinged door wardrobe; Anthracite study; bronze Reflex mirror door wardrobe with walnut internals and LED lighting

concentrates on the showrooms. Current wardrobe trends include pairing traditional door styles, such as their Castille, Shaker and Luna designs, with modern finishing touches in brass – think handles and recessed door detailing. Integrating a distressed mirror into a classic door is another popular way to create a striking contrast. Aesthetically, the brothers name Italian design as their biggest influence but also insist that for a wardrobe or study to be a true success it needs to function efficiently. In other words, not just look stylish but have substance too. ‘Helping to organise and simplify our clients’ lives through design, bringing them beauty on the outside while maximising their storage space on the inside – that’s what’s at the heart of the Neatsmith brand,’ concludes Philipp. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 125

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POLIFORM At the forefront of Italian furniture design for 50 years

W Poliform 276-278 King’s Road London SW3 5AW +44 (0)20 7368 7600 poliformuk.com poliform_official

alking along Wigmore Street in London’s West End, it’s hard to miss the vast, new-look Poliform flagship showroom. Set in a beautiful, sensitively restored Victorian building, the old labyrinthstyle structure has been replaced with an inviting open-plan space spread across two floors, showcasing the Italian brand’s elegant, contemporary furniture designs. The wideranging collection features products for the whole house to suit different kinds of lifestyles, including kitchens, storage systems, sofas, bookcases, beds and wardrobes. An integral part of Poliform’s DNA is its renowned partnerships with celebrated design talents such as Paolo Piva and Carlo Colombo, Marcel Wanders, Emmanuel Gallina and Jean-Marie Massaud. The latest collaborative pieces includes the elegant yet minimalist Kay lounge armchair (clients can choose from a leather or hide seat on the metal frame) and a multifunctional Westside sofa, both designed by Jean-Marie Massaud. The sofa has a series of padded modules that create diverse

configurations, from the two-face island to the classic corner sofa, while elements such as the ergonomic chaise longue, the movable backrest, and the coffee tables enrich its functionality. There’s also the Gentleman Collection by Marcel Wanders featuring a fixed sofa, ottoman, and three armchairs of different sizes, and Henry, a solid wood extendable dining table with rounded corners, refined cabinetwork and a wood, marble or glass top by Emmanuel Gallina. New to the Senzafine range of wardrobe systems is a range of carcasses with textured, laminate back panels; the Cover door which is clad in techno leather and can be finished in six different colours; and the new Plus door with its chamfered handle in black elm. The drawers have had a makeover too, with seamless glass panels that run the full length. All products reflect the needs of an international clientele: for instance, the modular systems have the utmost versatility and the wardrobes allow for personalisation in both aesthetics and their internal organisation. Part of being ahead of the curve and able to continually adapt furniture to anticipate and interpret trends in luxury living comes from the company’s industrial ethos. Since launching in 1970, its aim has always been to exploit the full potential of automated production line methods and upgraded technology, constantly monitoring change in an increasingly more global market. It has proved to be a huge success: all Poliform products are made in Italy and distributed in more than 76 countries to 800 shops and showrooms, including the 11,000 square foot King’s Road showroom, which re-opened in August. Furniture and kitchens can be designed in comparable finishes so that a subtle thread unites every area of the home. The company can provide a complete design to installation service, starting with initial drawings to show how each unique composition will look. Pieces are timeless and designed to last a lifetime so although colour palettes and textures are refined, the clean lines and quality craftsmanship so synonymous with Poliform always remain.

FURNITURE

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Poliform’s Kelly bed, designed by Emmanuel Gallina, has a sinuous, enveloping line; the Bellport sofa in brown suede, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud; the sculptural Kensington table is balanced by the sleek lines of the leather Seattle chairs

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SOHO HOME A new way of living, inspired by 25 years of Soho House design heritage

The new collection by Soho Home sees the brand modernised, diversified and unique in aesthetic. We want you to live with us, entertain with us and be inspired by us

Soho Home sohohome.com sohohome

rom the rustic, laid-back country look of Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire to the city townhouses around the globe, like Soho House Barcelona and Soho House New York, each of the Soho House private members’ clubs has its own, completely individual style and a unique sense of time and place. Over the years, Soho House members had repeatedly asked founder Nick Jones where they could find furniture and other pieces used throughout the Houses. So it was the natural next step when the company

launched its own interiors brand back in 2016, giving members and non-members alike the chance to bring a piece of the House home. Now, to coincide with Soho House celebrating its 25th anniversary, Soho Home has launched a new collection of 350 pieces, each designed for casual, laid-back everyday living – from textiles and furniture to lighting and accessories. Focusing on modern, design-led furniture alongside more expressive and unique styles, envisaged to create homes with personality, all the products are either used in, or inspired by, Soho Houses around the world. For instance, the velvet sofas, polished marble coffee tables and lived-in brass details nod to the 1960s sensibility of Soho Warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles, whereas low, bouclécovered armchairs speak to the easy, laid-back charm of Soho Roc House in Mykonos. ‘The most important thing about good design is to create atmosphere when no-one is there,’ explains Nick of the new collection, which is available to buy online. This year, Soho Home has also expanded its very own fragrance range with the introduction of Leather and Oud, Tonka and Florum, and Bergamot and Mandarin Zest candles from mid-October. These are all housed in unique marble and alabaster vessels and together create three bespoke, signature scents for Soho Home inspired by the Houses and the distinct aromas that welcome you in. The in-house Soho House design team is known for both setting trends and also transcending them, responding to the history of the buildings that the Houses are situated in; an approach that translates to the new Soho Home collection too. ‘The new collection by Soho Home sees the brand modernised, diversified and unique in aesthetic. We want you to live with us, entertain with us and be inspired by us. Through our 25 years of experience creating beautiful social spaces, Soho Home provides a destination to furnish your home,’ says Andrew Carnie, Chief Commercial Officer at Soho House. Also new this year is the introduction of SOHO HOME+, an interiors membership model (and the UK’s first home subscription service) where customers can shop for their home with 15 per cent off purchases all year round. So whether you prefer a relaxed country aesthetic or modern city style, shopping the new Soho Home collection is a simple way to recreate the Soho House look at home.

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Now you too can capture a piece of Soho House’s inimitable aesthetic with Soho Home’s lastest collection

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FURNITURE

ST JAMES INTERIORS

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

‘I

come from three generations of craftsmen; my grandfather, father and now me. St James Interiors stems from years of handeddown knowledge and skills, that idea of really taking the time to produce beautiful work,’ explains Pritesh Lad, who founded his bespoke joinery and furniture company back in 2018. ‘I want to pass on that legacy by infusing craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver timeless luxury furniture and interiors.’ The company has already begun to build strong relationships with interior designers and architects as they discover the northwest London showroom and capabilities of the workshop. Working collaboratively is important to Pritesh and he has partnered with designers, developers and private clients on all styles of project, including American architect and designer Dara Huang and Bentley, creating a bespoke table for the car manufacturer’s Mayfair boardroom that incorporates its signature Mulliner stitching pattern into the design. St James Interiors 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. As well as producing pieces that will last for life, this also means, on a practical level, using only FSCsourced timber, heating the workshop with sawdust and creating smaller homewares such as chopping boards and coasters from off-cuts so that very little goes to waste. Following on from their success (including an influx of enquiries from clients in the US), Pritesh is designing his

PHOTOS: ST JAMES INTERIORS

A bespoke joinery design company based on heritage and craftsmanship

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PHOTOS: ST JAMES INTERIORS

Everything is bespoke, from the materials used to the size of a piece of furniture; detail is at the heart of every piece

Heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary luxury at St James Interiors. Every piece is made with dedication, passion and finely honed skill

own line of furniture, which he is hoping to launch in early 2021. The 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 (many of who knew Pritesh’s grandfather) 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. Already an exciting journey thus far, Pritesh is eager to see what the future brings, working with new designers and clients to create more impeccable joinery and furniture. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 131

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PHOTOS: WESTEND BED COMPANY

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Each Marshall & Stewart bed is handmade in the UK by master craftsmen; Treca Interiors Paris is the latest addition to the impressive Westend Bed Company collection

FURNITURE

WESTEND BED COMPANY The largest collection of luxury beds in the world

PHOTOS: WESTEND BED COMPANY

The rule goes: the higher quality the bed, the better the night’s sleep

Westend Bed Company 215 Upper Richmond Road West London SW14 8QT +44 (0)20 7723 2925 westendbedcompany.com westendbed

hen it comes to getting a restorative night’s sleep we all know how important it is to choose the right bed. Cue the Westend Bed Company in southwest London, a specialist showroom that not only partners with the best luxury global bed brands but also has a team of experts who offer in-depth sleep consultations – something that sets it apart from competitors. In fact, other companies often refer clients, as they know that the Westend Bed staff are dedicated to helping someone find the perfect bed, whatever their budget may be. Buying a new bed is both an important decision and an investment, especially when you consider that a third of our life is spent sleeping. This is why the Westend Bed Company puts so much time and effort into ensuring that clients understand what they should be looking for when purchasing a bed and the benefits that come from choosing the ideal one for them. The rule goes: the higher quality the bed, the better the night’s sleep. Heat control is an important factor, and this is better managed

in a bigger bed. And mattress comfort – both the filling and number of turns in the springs – are crucial, as is the upholstery. All beds in the collection are hand-stitched for edgeto-edge support, mattresses are hand-tufted for lasting performance and only natural, sustainable materials are used in the upholstery. The newest addition to the Westend Bed collection is Treca Interiors Paris, which has developed a reputation for French craftsmanship across the globe. When it comes to technology, the pioneering Supercad bed (which can be experienced by clients in the showroom’s dedicated sleep room) is unlike any other: the pocket spring suspension gives all the comfort of a traditional fixed bed base, but four silent motors means that each side of the bed will move separately, ensuring both people sleeping on it can find a position that is individual – and comfortable – to them. The innovative radio remote control allows users to recall up to three memorised positions. The Westend Bed Company has the largest range of luxury beds in the world, and this also includes the Marshall & Stewart Diamond Collection. Each one is handmade in the UK by master craftsmen using the finest natural materials and comes with a 25 year guarantee. Alongside this, the showroom has a selection of French bed frames and classic reproduction antiques. Tall, wide headboards are popular and these are available with fabrics that upholster the bed to fit fantastically with a clients’ décor. Of course, quality is paramount when the company is considering adding a new bed to the collection (the team visits the furniture shows in Milan and Cologne to stay informed on current industry trends), and this is matched with superb Italian linens, all created using age-old traditions and precise finishing. With more than a century of combined experience in the industry, the Westend Bed Company is brilliantly placed to help clients find a bed with the ideal model, design and support system to achieve satisfying slumber night after night.

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HOME ACCESSORIES Pull together a project like a pro with these fabulous finishing touches

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Rivere Rugs, p150

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Amy Kent’s ‘Spring’ collaboration with Willow Crossley; ‘Ziggy’: a bright collaboration with Parker & Jules; shimmering tones of the ‘Ripple’ design

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AMY KENT BESPOKE RUGS

Fabulous contemporary rugs, made-to-order and hand-crafted in India and Nepal

What sets Amy apart is her personal, one-to-one approach to business. She travels to a client’s home to meet them, rolling out samples in-situ and helping

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

t was while working for an interior designer 15 years ago that Amy Kent first realised there was a gap in the market for beautifully crafted bespoke rugs that don’t cost a fortune. 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 hand-woven, knotted rugs ever since (some are also now made in Nepal). Today, three of her most popular designs – Blossom, Copper Beech and Table Stripes – are from that first collection, which was inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show and the Wiltshire countryside around her home. Every stage of the process is completed by hand using celebrated age-old techniques, from the dyeing and washing of the wool and silk yarns to the knotting, trimming and finishing the rugs. Many of the designs are Amy’s own, often inspired by nature or everyday details (for instance, tiles, architecture, even the central railings of a dual carriageway) but she regularly teams up with other creatives such as artists, photographers and designers, too. For London Design Week 2020, she is launching a

series of rugs with florist and stylist Willow Crossley that each reflects a season. ‘Willow has a sustainable ethos, using seasonal, locally-cut flowers, so she is very much a British brand like us,’ explains Amy of the cohesive partnership. In the last year Amy has also introduced an ongoing collection of ‘Recycled Rugs’. These are flatweave rugs in fun, geometric patterns woven from leftover wool that has been dyed for custom orders – a great way to reduce wastage and build-up a small stock for those who would rather purchase a rug immediately. Future plans include working with Rapture & Wright, a design duo specialising in hand-printed fabrics and wallpapers, and continuing her occasional ‘Art and Interiors’ pop-ups with Georgie Grandy of Grandy Art. Original designs and creative collaborations aside, what sets Amy apart is her personal, one-toone approach to the business. There’s no showroom (the rugs are stores 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 and colours (there are hundreds of poms to choose from) that best suit the surroundings. She can also offer advice on how to place a rug and what the ideal size would be. These designs can be completely adapted, whether someone is looking for a square or round rug, or a runner. Next, Amy creates a life-like CGI visual of the design, often super-imposing 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 which results in a unique, made-to-order rug that fits perfectly in your home.

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BOOKS BY ULTIMATE LIBRARY

Bespoke book collections for hotels, private residences and retail spaces

PHOTO: PAUL MASSEY

Books by Ultimate Library Studio 9, Chelsea Gate Studios, London SW6 4QL +44 (0)20 8705 0765 ultimatelibrary.co.uk ultimatelibrary

here’s nothing more disappointing than a naff hotel library. Which is why the likes of Four Seasons, Firmdale, Raffles and Soneva Resorts have all turned to the Ultimate Library for intelligent collections of books that guests actually want to read. Set up by Philip Blackwell in 2009 after he stepped down as the CEO of the bookselling arm of Blackwell’s, the London-based company began by supplying books to hotels and resorts around the globe; now it also works extensively within the design sector, curating bespoke collections for private clients and interior designers that add personality and soul to residences, retail spaces and offices. From vast libraries with over 2,000 books to a handful of large-format illustrated titles, authentic vintage leather-bound tomes to modern classics, Ultimate Library can provide books to suit all reading tastes. What all the collections have in common is that they are tailored to a property’s location and the client’s interests, chosen with precision by a dedicated team of expert bibliophiles to inspire, educate and entertain. For instance, for one chalet-owning couple in the French Alps, they combined thrillers set in snowy destinations with interior design books on Alpine style and inspirational climbing tales. And Ultimate Library’s personalised process takes care of every aspect, from the design and shelf layout to supply and installation. For interior designer clients working to a specific palette, the colour of a book often matters as much as the contents and Ultimate Library has a range of looks that it can work to – colourful contemporary say, or heritage hues. One of the most recent trends Ultimate Library has seen in luxury projects is a desire for art, fashion and photography titles in neutral tones, as well as a more general significant increase in clients’ investing in installing books as a way of creating a haven at home (a heartening shift in today’s digital-first world). To keep collections interesting, the company can also supply regular updates of the latest and best titles. As well as Ultimate Library’s current focus on interior projects (the team has worked with designers such as Sophie Paterson, Noor Charchafchi and Todhunter Earle) it is also branching out to provide book-related content to influencers, designers and hotel clients

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PHOTO: PAUL MASSEY

They are chosen with precision by a dedicated team of expert bibliophiles to inspire, educate and entertain

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Working from The Hoxton, Southwark; design by Studio Vero; The Merchant House, Bahrain

– something that has been received with great interest over the last few months. The most challenging part for the team, though, is not only ensuring that the selection of titles reflects every aspect of a client’s interests, within a set budget, but also getting them to trust their judgement. It’s especially rewarding when a client is genuinely taken aback by the results and their understanding of the brief. The goal, always, is to go beyond ticking the obvious boxes to create a unique, often playful library that excites, whether that’s for a top hotel who wants to harness the power of books to lend a sense of place and engage with guests, an interior designer adding beautiful tomes as decoration or an avid reader being introduced to new authors for the first time. COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 139

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DEIRDRE DYSON Bespoke painterly carpets inspired by nature and crafted in Nepal

‘Deirdre Dyson carpets are designed to be contemporary collectibles that stand alone as artworks for the floor, and increasingly, walls’ Deirdre Dyson 554 King’s Road London SW6 2DZ +44 (0)20 7384 4464 12 Rue Des Saints-Pères Paris 75007, appointment only deirdredyson.com deirdredysonrugs

ver the last 20 years, nature has been a constant inspiration for renowned fine artist and carpet designer, Deirdre Dyson. Past collections have drawn from elements such as plants, trees, birds and the sea, but for this year’s themed Looking Glass range she focused on the refraction of light and colour. Unveiled at Maison et Objet in January, the nine designs include Transparent, a reinterpretation of decorative shapes on a coloured vase and Light Between, a play on contrasting monochrome grading with the illusion of light. ‘With this collection, my aim was to simulate a visual glassy appearance using wool and silk. A challenge indeed but I hoped that even if I failed to achieve this, I would still create exciting and interesting results and effects,’ explains Dyson, who initially came to carpet design by accident when trying unsuccessfully to source suitable contemporary rugs for her home. There’s also Slivers, which stems from a series of small flat discs of overlapping glass and combines 33 colours in wool and silk. Looking Through began as a painting of the distortions seen

through a water-filled flask against the actual shapes behind. Alongside the annual collection, Dyson produces bespoke designs and receives commissions from around the world from individuals, designers and architects. Her original concepts, drawings and paintings are accurately reproduced digitally, which allows her and her clients to visualise the designs before they are produced and ensure that the carpets – which are either handknotted in Nepal by artisan craftsmen or gun tufted here in the UK – are as close as possible to the original artwork. ‘My passion has always been to explore form and colour. My works in oils on canvas are figurative and colourful, mainly life painting, still life and landscape work,’ she says. The attention to detail in the design process (Dyson personally selects colours from over 5,000 different hues of pure Tibetan wool and Chinese silk) is mirrored in the production, with each rug made to an exacting quality. The weavers first create an intricately detailed coloured map of the designs, which is then 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. Dyson has a close working relationship with the artisans who create her carpets, which enables her to meet with them regularly and talk through new ideas and technical possibilities. Deirdre Dyson carpets are designed to be contemporary collectibles that stand alone as artworks for the floor, and increasingly, walls. With the resurgence in interest in textile art and clients choosing to hang carpets (the pile height can be lowered to reduce weight), Dyson has recently begun creating limited edition carpet artworks. The combination of Dyson’s sketches and colour selection realised as carpets through the age-old craft of hand-knotting is slow design at its finest and a comprehensive collection of her work can be seen at her gallery on the King’s Road – as well as a space just-launched in Paris. Whether displayed on the floor or the wall, these are heirloom-quality pieces designed to last a lifetime.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Magnify rug; the Slivers carpet combines 33 colours in wool and silk; Light Between is a play on monochrome grading

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LONDON CRAFT WEEK

‘S London Craft Week London Craft Week runs from 30 September to 10 October 2020; londoncraftweek.com londoncraftweek

ix years ago, the cultural scene in London saw every week packed with design, art, architecture, fashion and food events but somehow a celebration for the craft industry was missing,’ recalls founder and chairman Guy Salter of the initial thinking behind London Craft Week. ‘We set out to shine a spotlight on unsung creative talent whether that’s an artisan working in a Paris atelier for a famous luxury house or a littleknown independent maker in Chile’s Atacama Desert.’ Fast forward to 2020 and this September the festival will once again showcase the work of established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from across the globe – albeit some of them virtually. Delayed and adapted to Covid-19 with a safetyfirst approach that includes a line up of both online and in-person ticketed, small group events,

the spirit of the festival – championing all kinds of exceptional craftsmanship – remains the same. Exhibition highlights include 300 Objects in St James’s, where a series of guest curators (including designer Yinka Ilori, actor Russell Tovey and interior designer Martin Brudnizki) choose work by an artist, maker or designer they love, all of which are then for sale, and The Craft Takeover |at Mayfair Gallery, a collection of modern masterpieces in glass, ceramic, furniture and textiles. London Craft Week isn’t just a chance to see beautifully handcrafted wares, though. There are also brilliant artisan-led demonstrations, fascinating behind-the-scenes tours and handson classes where visitors can try making for themselves. From a guided look around the botanical-inspired art collection at the Belmond Cadogan Hotel to a tutorial by ceramicist Gregory

The sixth edition of this one-of-a-kind festival brings global craft to the capital

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Go behind the scenes in the workshops and ateliers of some of the world’s best craftsmen, from leatherworkers to weavers to jewellers

Tingay at Studio Pottery London on the processes involved in making moonjars, or creating a bespoke fragrance in a one-on-one session with perfumer Sarah McCartney to an online marketplace hosted by gin pioneers Sipsmith, the packed 11-day programme is about so much more than what is conventionally understood by craft. ‘By watching a craftsman demonstrate their skills, asking them questions or having a go, it can fundamentally change a person’s appreciation of, and relationship with an object,’ says Guy. Other exciting events to look out for this year include online workshops in leather belt making, weaving and mending (by Kingsley Walters, Áine Byrne and Celia Pym, respectively), an introduction to book binding by artist Rahel Zoller at the Design Museum and weaving demonstrations at Christabel Balfour’s east London studio, which is opening to the public for

the first time. Plus, the festival will culminate on 10 October with Create Day, an ambitious new 24-hour initiative where back-to-back video content will be shown from over 300 makers, designers and creators around the globe, beginning in Asia and ending in North America – think German jeweller Silvia Weidenbach who is currently creating 3D printed platinum gold jewellery, Mexican designer Fernando Laposse who is developing a veneer for furniture from endangered heirloom corn; and American metal and leatherworker Jason Ross who makes accessories for some of the world’s biggest fashion houses. ‘We unashamedly celebrate beautiful, special things, as well as the human ingenuity that goes into making them,’ concludes Guy. And what could be more inspiring, especially in such uncertain times, than that.

We unashamedly celebrate beautiful, special things, as well as the human ingenuity that goes into making them

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LOOMAH

Bespoke carpets and rugs, beautifully designed and hand-tufted

Loomah Bespoke Carpets & Rugs 592 King’s Road London SW6 2DX +44 (0)20 7371 9955 loomah.com loomahltd

ounded in 2001 by husband and wife Andrew and Natalie Cotgrove, Loomah are at the forefront of the design and supply of traditional and contemporary luxury bespoke carpets and rugs. With over 30 years of experience 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 personalised service. Now with a showroom in heart of the Kings Road, Loomah is renowned for its exceptional quality and a team that goes the extra mile to ensure that the end product is the ultimate in elegance. Today the company’s client base is as diverse as its design scope, with a portfolio that includes Madonna’s London residence, a villa for the Emir of Qatar in Cannes, and The Berkeley and The Connaught hotels. Whether for a large

commercial project, yacht or residential interior, Loomah can supply fitted carpets or loose laid rugs in any size, any shape and any colour (they are made in one piece, avoiding unsightly joins). From a one-off silk carpet in a specially dyed colour to a deconstructed horse shoe motif reimagined for a modern setting (as was the case for The Mews house at The Connaught Hotel), every project is designed to suit the specific requirements of an interior. It is this approach to design that sets Loomah apart from its competitors. ‘While we have a large portfolio of designs available for customisation, it is our bespoke service that allows our customers to create something truly individual to their space,’ says designer Antonina Depczynski. Whether it is a simple sketch, photograph or an image in the buyer’s head, the in-house designers can transform an idea into a unique design and

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Loomah’s traditional-style Yves rug, which can be made in any size, shape or colour; a bespoke Loomah rug for a living room designed by Schiller Beynon; a custom Loomah stair runner; the Dawn rug, commissioned for a kitchen styled by Lucy Gough

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advise on colour selection – there are more than 600 hues to choose from. Recent projects include collaborating with Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel to develop carpets inspired by global travel destinations for French luxury cruise operator Ponant; a new collection of water-resistant outdoor rugs; and a stair runner for a Grade II-listed Mayfair townhouse based on a detail from the company’s archive that was re-worked with a pared-back colour palette. ‘The character and charm of period buildings can often pose challenges but Loomah has the experience and expertise to tackle the wonkiest of staircases,’ says Andrew. Only the finest and most luxurious yarns are used in the manufacturing of their carpets including the purest wool, silk and bamboo (one of the world’s most sustainable resources, the latter is becoming an increasingly popular choice for customers wanting an affordable alternative to silk). All the carpets and rugs are tufted by hand to the most exacting standards by highly skilled craftsmen in Thailand. Loomah also offers custom machinemade carpets and these, too, can be dyed to any colour and supplied to exact room measurements, in one piece, without seams. The company continues to push the boundaries of carpet design, experimenting with new techniques. ‘When someone approaches us to commission a bespoke carpet or rug, they are making an investment,’ concludes Andrew. ‘Our design service allows them to create something truly unique to their space.’

The in-house designers can transform an idea into a unique design and advise on colour selection – there are more than 600 hues to choose from COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK/INTERIORSGUIDE | 145

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Nostaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soy wax candles feature understated design details; the soy-based reed diffusers are also sustainable, and ethically sourced in the UK

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HOME ACCESSORIES

NOSTARA Understated all-natural home fragrances that smell divine

Nostara’s ethos – bringing a sense of luxury to the everyday – was immediately evident, not just in the fragrances but in the design-led details Nostara nostara.com nostaraluxury

hen Somerset-based Nikki Holt was trying to think up a name for her new brand of luxury home fragrances in 2017, she stumbled across Nostara, derived from Ostara, the goddess of spring. Symbolising new beginnings, it seemed like the perfect metaphor. From the get-go, the idea was to produce handpoured, soy wax candles and soy-based reed diffusers, all sustainable and ethically sourced within the UK, and sell them online. She began with a collection of six unique fragrances, made using essential oils in collaboration with an award-winning local perfumer, including refined Bergamot & Black Tea, zesty Lime & Juniper and the fabulously fresh Linen & White Gardenia. The brand’s ethos – bringing a sense of luxury to the everyday – was immediately evident, not just in the fragrances

themselves but in the design-led details, from the simply frosted glassware to the sophisticated rose gold and silver candle lids. ‘A lot of people want an understated candle in their home; something that doesn’t shout with its appearance but has a gorgeous scent,’ says Nikki, who spent the first two years personally connecting with potential buyers at country shows, craft fairs and pop-ups all over the UK. The strategy was a huge success: year-on-year the business has doubled in size and a selection of retail partners are now on board, stocking the products too. ‘I’m always excited to meet new customers and help them find their ultimate fragrance. The last few months have been particularly challenging as fairs and exhibitions have been cancelled but demand for beautiful fragrances in homes and offices is ever present,’ continues Nikki. Having run the business with a close friend until recently, she is now flying solo and has temporarily shifted the focus towards online sales and corporate gifting. In response to requests, a ‘more manly’ fragrance with rich, dark undertones, Leather & Vetiver, was added to the collection last year and this year sees another launch: Winter Wonderland. ‘I am a huge fan of Christmas so wanted to create a traditional winter candle, something cosy and warm,’ she says. ‘The fragrance is a medley of winter spices and fruits based on clove, lemons, ginger and cinnamon with backdrop of jasmine.’ Room mists and travel candles are also now part of the range, and there is another new home scent in the pipeline for spring, as well as an earthy eau de toilette and floral, oceanic eau de parfum. ‘I’m such a lover of fragrance, whether for the home or as a perfume, so it’s really exciting for the brand to be evolving in this way.’ Currently, there are two collections of home fragrances, differentiated by their packaging (grey boxes for the core range, black for the premium). ‘Design is at the heart of everything I do at Nostara and creating fragrances with a perfumer will continue to be a key pillar of the brand’s uniqueness,’ she concludes.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Customers can choose from a range of mix-and-match shades and stands; a linen lampshade in an ikat print; Cecilia pendants update a kitchen space

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POOKY

Decorative yet affordable lighting that doesn’t compromise on style

The company prides itself on top level service. More than 10,000 near perfect reviews from satisfied customers don’t lie

S Pooky 25 Chelsea Wharf 15 Lots Road London, SW10 0QJ +44 (0)20 7351 3003 pooky.com pookylights

et up six years ago by Rohan Blacker, Pooky is a company all about beautiful decorative lighting that doesn’t break the bank. It took two years for Rohan to plan: sourcing the right suppliers, coming up with great designs and developing a website that would appeal to those looking for a fun, fresh and innovative approach to lighting. Key to this was the idea of being able to mix and match different bases with any number of shades – something that traditional retailers were simply not able to offer in the same way. Over time this principle has been applied to

other areas of the business, too, so now Pooky (a name chosen mainly because it’s memorable and punchy) also has a market-leading selection of wall fittings, to which shades in all kinds of materials, from ceramic to glass, can be added according to individual taste. Today, the company has a loyal following with clients ranging from home owners to interior designers, and from restaurants to hotels (including Belmond La Residencia Mallorca, The Painswick in the Cotswolds and the Artist Residence group, to name just a few), as well as a pair of showrooms in Chelsea and Gloucestershire that customers can visit for inspiration for it comes time for their next big lighting decision. Perhaps one of the important developments for the growing business has been the opening of its own shade manufacturing facility that means exciting new designs can be launched quicker and more efficiently. This includes a new collaboration with Matthew Williamson (it’s as bold and brilliantly colourful as you’d expect), as well as a collection of shades based on old Damascan tile designs (think striking geometric patterns that will bring colour and pattern to any home) where some of the proceeds of sales will be donated to the Hands Up for Syria Foundation, a charity that funds health and education programmes in Syria and other neighbouring countries. Other additions to the range include stunning chandeliers and wall lights, tiny ceramic pendants, new lamp bases and numerous outdoor lights. As part of the latter, there are contemporary cylindrical pillar lights in copper; understated round wall lights in aged brass that will mellow and darken naturally over time; and discreet downlighters. Combine the new shade factory with Pooky’s already extensive global network of specialist craftspeople – working in disciplines such as glass blowing, brass casting, weaving, block printing, marbling, wood carving and glazing – and the company is perfectly set-up to offer a bespoke design and delivery service for large commercial developments and projects. Almost everything in the range can be customised too, using alternative colours, fabrics or finishes. What’s more, the company prides itself on its top level service (more than 10,000 near perfect reviews from satisfied customers don’t lie) and its positive working relationships with suppliers. But above all it understands how important lighting is to any interior design scheme and simply wants to offer thoughtfully designed, well-made solutions that are accessible to all. Lighting that’s made to last, that will add colour and warmth to any space.

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RIVIERE

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

or the last 15 years Camilla and Leo Riviere have been designing custom rugs, which are handcrafted in their own workshop in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal and in Rajasthan. Inspired by extensive travels in Europe and Asia, and with backgrounds in art and design, the couple founded Riviere in 2005. Since the beginning, the idea has been to combine craftsmanship and creativity to produce original rugs that will last for generations. In an increasingly mass-produced world dominated by synthetic materials, Riviereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugs stand out as a more natural and truly unique alternative (no two projects are ever the same). Using only the finest grade, handcarded and hand-spun Tibetan wool and pure Chinese silk, the rugs are hand woven with a minimum of 100 knots per square inch (there is also a wide range of other knot counts). Wool is one of the most eco-friendly fibres of all, completely sustainable and renewable, with little environmental impact throughout its production process. Other yarns available include mohair, nettle, linen, and Tencel, which is derived from wood pulp. From the hand dying of the natural yarns to the highly labour intensive weaving process, the whole process is carried out by artisans using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Today, Riviere has a collection of more than 100 designs and each one can be customised with a choice of colour, size, shape and materials. In addition, the company provides a colour matching service and an extensive library of more than 2,000 colour tufts at their showroom on Lots Road in the heart of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chelsea Design Quarter. Working closely with some of the leading interior

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PHOTOS: ZINC TEXTILE, PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS EVERARD

Exquisite natural rugs, custom designed and handcrafted in Kathmandu, Nepal

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Faded coral hues weave throughout Ocean Blush; the Rothko Jade design derives inspiration from the works of ‘50s impressionist, Mark Rothko; bold geometric shapes of Gio nod to the iconic mid-century Italian designer Gio Ponti; Titania is made from 100 knot Tibetan wool and botanic silk; Caumont Symphony Patina, a re-edit of Riviere’s classic Caumont design

PHOTOS: ZINC TEXTILE, PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS EVERARD

architects in the UK and worldwide, Riviere also offers a fully bespoke design service that gives the industry the scope to create one-off pieces for their clients: rugs from Riviere’s Modern Classic, signature Geometric and understated Elemental and Abstract collections have all been commissioned for mansions and superyachts around the world. Although they tend to avoid trends in their own designs, the couple has recently noticed the return of colour blocking and geometrics to the world of

interiors. Both Camilla and Leo have a thorough appreciation of architecture, paintings and interiors, and are influenced by art forms such as fabric prints, wood carvings and fret works. For instance several of their designs, such as Moma, Rothko and Raku, take inspiration from renowned artists such as Mark Rothko; while the pattern on Nam Khong stems from the wood carving on the monks quarters at the Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang, Laos. Whereas in the past all collections were developed internally, last year the couple began collaborating with select artists and interior designers, kicking off with Caledonia, a range of five rugs co-created with O&A London that were inspired by the Scottish landscape. Like the rest of the collections, these are unique pieces of floor art hand designed to become cherished antiques of the future.

Since the beginning, the idea has been to combine craftsmanship and creativity to produce original rugs that will last for generations

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I N D E X

A Amy Kent Bespoke Rugs

M 136

B Bergamot Interiors Bernard Interiors Books By Ultimate Library

62 64 138

C Catchpole & Rye

Clive Christian Furniture Co

D Deirdre Dyson The Dining Chair Company

140 114

92 70

N Neatsmith Neptune Nina Campbell Nostara

124 94 72 146

O Octagon Interiors

Poliform Pooky

126 148

R 104

Gaze Burvill

116

George Smith

118

GP & J Baker

106

Graphenstone

108

J John Sankey

120

Julian Chichester

122

K Kim Partridge Interiors

G Gayle Warwick

Marian Boswall Mowlem & Co Millier

Randle Siddeley Riviere

S Sanderson Siematic SKIN Smallbone Soho Home St James Interiors Studio Indigo Studio Ypsilon

London Craft Week

142

Loomah

144

110 96 78 98 128 130 80 82

T Taylor Howes

76 150

W Westend Bed Company West One Bathrooms

132 100

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High Society www.baobabcollection.com

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GPJBAKER.COM GPJ Baker.indd 1

your partner in design since 1884 01/09/2020 12:56