Feb/March Issue 2023

FEMALE FRONTIERS

Meet the women who are pushing the creative boundaries

TOUCH POINTS

Innovation in surfaces for kitchens & bathrooms

Open Your Mind

Removing the barriers to create spaces for living

VIEW THE FULL COMPREHENSIVE AND VERSATILE PRIME RANGE OF BUILT IN HOODS AT

A very warm welcome to the February-March issue of Designer

e best thing about the early part of the year is that it o ers an ideal opportunity to look ahead, embrace new ideas and follow new creative paths. For many in the industry, the word ‘trend’ is increasingly treated with caution, since it can o en re ect a here-today-gone-tomorrow fad rather than a style of substance, built to last.

However, this month we do dare to step forward into the unpredictable waters of future trends as we ask a several experts for their take on the issues, styles, and creative forces that are likely to shape all of our work for the months and years ahead. But forget thoughts on which hue has been picked out as colour of the year, this is far more fundamental – topics of signi cance that will without doubt have a bearing on the industry include sustainability, inclusivity, technology, and continually-evolving consumer lifestyles and expectations.

None of these integral facets to the work of designers can be le to chance. ey demand in-depth consideration, discussion, understanding – and innovation. Ideas on the future shape of kitchen and bathroom design cannot simply rely on being able to pluck out the passing fashions as they blow past. To be truly e ective, they must be far more about developing an innate sense of what makes good design that works for homeowners right now and, crucially, is t to last for the long-term.

e: martin@designerati.co.uk

w: designerati.co.uk

@designeratiUK @designeratiUK

Martin Allen-Smith Editor, Designer

designeratiUK designerati

transition from closed spaces to open plan versatility

40 FEMALE FRONTIERS

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, we find out what drives and inspires some of the industry’s female leaders to push the creative boundaries

60 INDUSTRIOUS SOLUTIONS

Harnessing the industrial attributes of a loft space while creating a warm and welcoming home is not an easy task, but one in which materials make all the difference

70 DESIGNING FOR OUR FUTURE SELVES

A new display at the Design Museum showcases innovations that aim to help us all to age more happily and healthily

76 IN THE ZONE

Above the rooftops of Vienna and with a view of the Danube, this luxury penthouse boasts an interior scheme of simple beauty

84 TOUCH POINTS

The choice of material can be the critical component of any interior project. We round-up some of the very latest options for achieving the most sumptuous surfaces

90 SMALL HOUSE, BIG IDEAS

Vagabundo’s Tiny House Project explores the essence of what we really need in our homes in order to live comfortably

96 EXIT

Floating interior ideas for a simpler lifestyle

The tap that does it all

100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER

With a Quooker in your showroom you can offer your customers the only tap in the world that dispenses true 100°C boiling, chilled and sparkling water. Well-known, extremely popular, and already sought after by your customers thanks to our extensive national marketing campaigns. Quooker offers high-quality, innovative kitchen taps that are already being used by millions of households throughout the world. As an official Quooker dealer, our in-house service team will take care of all after sales matters for you, and we can even arrange installation by a Quooker engineer. We also have a unique industry-leading virtual online platform that enables consumers to choose the right product for their kitchen without your involvement. This way, you can focus on what you are good at: selling beautiful kitchens.

Contact us for more information on how to become a Quooker dealer.

Explore handles for kitchens, bathrooms and furniture.

Villa by Furnipart. A handle inspired by the classical architecture of Greece. Straight lines, symmetrical; harmonious in its construction.

EDITORIAL

EDITOR MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH martin@designerati.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGE DEAN george@designerati.co.uk

BRAND AMBASSADOR MELISSA PORTER

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CLARA PERRY clara@thedsgroup.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR ALLISTAIR HUNTER

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR TRACY MEAD

ADVERTISING

SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE

CHANTELL KESTON chantell@designerati.co.uk

MARKETING

CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER DOM LITTLER dom@thedsgroup.co.uk

SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE TYLER CHASE tyler@thedsgroup.co.uk

PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR LEE THOMAS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER BEN EMMERSON

ACCOUNTS

FINANCE DIRECTOR CHRIS CORKE accounts@thedsgroup.co.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER DONNA FENNELL

To subscribe email subscriptions@thedsgroup.co.uk or phone 020 3538 0268. Only those who meet the terms of our controlled circulation are eligible to receive a free copy of Designer Magazine. If you do not reach the criteria, subscription rates are UK £35, Europe £70, Worldwide £115

sales@bathroom-engineering.co.uk

www.bathroom-engineering.co.uk

MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH

CLARA PERRY MELISSA PORTER

Integral Extraction

Falmec’s new Elements collection aims to transcend the traditional boundaries of extraction by transforming the function into a modular, multifunctional structure that is fully integrated into the kitchen. The range consists of three new systems – Monolith, Shelf, and Air Wall – the technology for each being concealed within modular elements and are intended to be integrated within interior design projects.

DESIGNER

MAGAZINE /

Venetian Grande

Grande Plans

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

VitrA has launched a new bathroom range that aims to offer multiple for designers and specifiers, particularly in working with small spaces. Designed by Design Studio VitrA, the new ArchiPlan collection is modern and minimalist, available in a variety of sizes, including narrow cabinet widths and reduced projections.

Storage options include shelves in two sizes (45cm / 60cm) and open shelving in the mirrors and mid-units. Cut-out holes instead of door handles keep the design simple and add to the feeling of space.

The furniture is available in a choice of neutral matt colours – white, black, and taupe. Wall-hung furniture units with washbasins are available in 45cm, 60cm and 90cm. Pictured is a 60cm mid-height wall unit in matt black showing its plywood edge complemented by display shelves, and mirror shelf combination unit, all in black metal framing.

ASTON MATTHEWS

This year Aston Matthews is celebrating its 200th anniversary and its showroom on London’s Essex Road – where it has traded since 1823 – has been refurbished to reflect the extensive range of bathroom fittings available from this family business

The company stocks the largest range of new cast iron baths in the UK and these are well represented with plain and painted roll top baths featured in three of the four showroom windows.

Last year the freestanding bath offering was expanded to encompass copper and composite models and these now feature in displays inside alongside a selection of basins, WCs, furniture, heating and brassware.

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

SHOWROOMS

“We are particularly proud of our range of brassware,” said Director Howard Birch. “We’ve worked hard to curate collections of chrome, brass, black and bronze taps, shower fittings and accessories so that customers can source all the items for their bathroom in a matching finish. If we can’t find the right piece to complete the collection we have it made.”

Throughout the showroom there is a mix of both traditional and contemporary pieces, from pedestal to concrete basins, wall hung sanitaryware to high level WCs and the wallpapers and tiles used in the displays are for sale too.

Aston Matthews says its customers, who range from individual consumers to interior designers, are confident shoppers who like to mix and match elements from across the showroom to create their own look, so the design of the space is intentionally fluid to avoid being too prescriptive.

Birch added: “It’s all a far cry from when I joined the family business in 1978 when it was more of a builder’s merchant. Then my father put a bathroom suite in the window and it took off.

“Our USP was colour. We stocked complete bathroom suites in 23 colours, the most popular were Penthouse Red and Penthouse Blue. We didn’t have displays as we do now, there wasn’t a single bath lying down, instead they all stood against the wall with the basin in front and the WC to the side.”

Matthews

Essex Road, Islington, London N1 2SN / astonmatthews.co.uk

Aston

/ 141-147A

The Shape of Things to Come

Much in our lives and the spaces around us has changed over the past few years. With more of the same unpredictability ahead, we asked industry experts for their best guesses on the trends that could shape design decisions to come, starting with some interior future thinking from trend forecasters WGSN…

Sweaters for Furniture

One of the best ways to warm up the human and the home is with cosy upholstery and textiles. Consumers will dress and undress furniture and decor to renovate, update, customise, protect and soften home goods for both outdoor and indoor spaces. This is an evolution from last year’s tufted textures, where WGSN forecast tufted designs emerging globally, and applies to every part of the home, from the bathroom floor to living room armchairs and dining room walls. By covering old and new furniture with textiles and knits, consumers can bring colour and tactility into interiors, and maximise the life of much-loved products with minimal cost. Even better when you can share a sweater with your favourite chair and cut down on energy bills.

Solar Energy Revolution

Solar energy is starting to go mass, now that solar power has finally become the cheapest source of electricity. With the global polycrisis sending energy prices skyrocketing, energy that is free, local and green is now considered a solid investment. It is here, as we move towards a post-carbon world, that architects and designers have started to push this agenda on the macro scale. All manner of innovative solutions are being demonstrated in the built environment, not to mention transport; an electric car powered by the sun is now in production.

But with consumers struggling to pay energy bills – and many even forced to choose between heating and eating – there is a bigger role to play in helping people to use solar energy in their homes in the easiest way possible, not just in rooftop solar panels, but in everyday accessories such as lamps, kettles, heated blankets, toys and even fans.

The Entryway Update

Even as household budgets shrink, consumers will still want to welcome friends and family into a well-designed space, so they will pick and choose which areas of the home to update. Entryways played a practical, germ-busting role during the pandemic, but now their function is becoming more aesthetically driven.

The entryway is the first thing people see when they arrive in a home, and its small size makes it the perfect budget-friendly place for a makeover, from walls and floors to eyecatching accessories. Its ease of redecorating also makes it the ideal opportunity for seasonal and holiday swaps, for a festive home upon entry. Combining efficient storage with decorative displays, consoles and credenzas are perfect for the entrance hall, while mirrors open up new perspectives in narrow spaces. Finishing touches including plants, flowers, books and baskets personalise the space and make it one that consumers will give greater focus to in 2023.

Jewellery for the Home

DIY continues to be a key area of consumer interest, and in the quest to refresh the home or hack furniture, hardware will increasingly embellish interiors in the style of jewellery. Ceiling lamps connected by golden chains, diamond-cut knobs on cookware tops and accents that enhance and elevate the everyday, such as mirrors, stained glass and hardware, will rise in importance and appeal. From nails and hooks to doorknobs and shower rods, there will be interest in bringing an added touch of luxury to hardware with carefully chosen colours, materials and finishes.

‘Allclusive’ Design

The demand for inclusive design is rising, and the need to consider the full range of human diversity during the design process has never been more important: 15% of the world’s population experience some form of disability. Designing for a diverse range of people and abilities ensures that the end result, whether a space or product, engages and serves as many as possible, whether that means soundabsorbing materials for neuro and acoustically divergent people, a table universally designed to accommodate wheelchairs, or simply floor mats that create a smooth transition for thresholds.

A growing number of brands and retailers are ’designing out’ stigma, and creating beautifully designed, inclusive spaces and items that are intuitive to use. The bathroom and kitchen are key for this trend, as they are functional spaces devoted to wellness, and need to be comfortable, practical and pleasurable.

On the Horizon…

Other trends likely to gain traction over the next year and beyond include…

Decentralised social media: Social media moves towards decentralised models, which are set to redefine connection and community.

Mindful gaming: Gaming will increasingly become a source for healing, influencing product design for hardware, accessories and environments.

Algae-based alternatives: Algae is set to be the new fashion super-solution for creating lower-impact fibres, foams and materials.

Fantasy Fitness: ‘Exercising for fun’ takes on a new meaning with gamified workouts. Consumers are increasingly likely to enter the fitness metaverse for their daily workout in 2023.

Everyday AR: Augmented reality will become a daily tool, moving from smartphones to AR navigation and AR smart glasses. WGSN / wgsn.com

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Architect Tom Rutt of TR Studio on why the key design decisions transcend short- or medium-term trends…

What are the most significant ways in which clients’ needs and expectations have changed in recent times? There are a number of things. Clients have become increasingly savvy and more informed with regards to energy efficient interventions, ASHP, solar etc, which is great. Clients are much more engaged when it comes to these elements of the project and are doing a lot of research beforehand. As such, they are coming to us with sustainability at the forefront of their plans.

As a studio, we are always exploring emerging technologies and engage with consultants to see which intervention can be incorporated so that we can choose a solution which is best for the property, the client’s budget, is cost saving in the long term, and is environmentally friendly.

Working from home has also changed the landscape and people’s perception of the home. Our personal spaces now need to work harder to accommodate the ways which working life has infiltrated the home more over the last few years.

What are the key design trends, materials, and ideas that are currently driving specification decisions?

As a studio, we have always avoided ‘trends’; we’re solely influenced by what our clients need to help improve their lives and day-to-day living and we spend a lot of time with clients before projects start in order to achieve this. If improved technology meets our clients’ needs then we integrate that, but similarly we try to reduce the amount of tech to ensure usability and to align with client preference.

We are driven by both the property itself as well our clients in terms of aesthetics. It is fair to say that we have gained a reputation for using a lot of natural materials wherever possible to create a very texturally rich and contemporary look. As a team, we are very conscious to understand a material’s provenance to ensure that we work in a sustainable way. We also purposely retain and re-use wherever possible to reduce the impact our design has on the environment. Our clients are becoming much more conscious of this also, both in terms of environmental and cost perspectives.

What are some of the emerging creative trends that you expect to see influencing your own projects over the next year and beyond?

Again, we don’t really work with trends per se, but instead focus on larger, overarching principles of design. Sustainability, natural and energy efficient products or materials combined with beautiful texture, colour and making sure something stands the test of time. It’s absolutely about longevity over trends for us.

Something we will continue to do is to keep a keen eye on new ways to heat the home. Gas will be replaced in coming years but there is a long way to go to make ASHP and hydro the replacement to do so. Planning restrictions on noise levels, space requirements, cost and capacity, for example, all factor in.

TR Studio / trstudio.co.uk

SAVING RESOURCES

Stephen Johnson, MD at Quooker UK, on the impact that sustainable priorities have had on his product sector

Over the last few years, there has been a significant shift in customers’ needs and priorities. Climate change has played a big part in this, as people are quite rightly increasingly concerned with where their products come from and how they directly impact the environment.

Across the kitchen and bathroom industry and beyond, companies have had to rethink and adapt their product offerings or services to meet this shift; boiling water taps are no different. In addition to the hot, cold and boiling water functions, manufacturers are turning their attention to new water modes. Offering filtered, chilled and sparkling water from the same tap at the touch of a button is one of the ways in which Quooker is tackling the issue of sustainability through product development.

The new and improved Quooker CUBE was launched last year to provide a lighter, more compact and easier to install alternative to our successful CUBE accessory, initially released in 2019. The new CUBE boasts an improved water flow for the chilled water mode and two different effervescence levels, so users can pick their preferred level of fizz in their drinks. This improvement was crucial to provide a more long-term sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles. Considering that the average UK household uses a staggering 360 single-use plastic bottles per year, taps that can deliver filtered, sparkling and chilled water will help to reduce this figure dramatically.

Quooker

/ quooker.co.uk

TIMELESS QUALITIES

Howard Miller, Co-founder of H. Miller Bros, shares some of the prominent items on the kitchen wish-list for consumers…

Clients are approaching us with these incredible images of retro interiors, modernist design influences, and also vivid memories of mid–century interiors that they grew up with. Our theory is that there is something about the general optimism of post-war interior design and the accompanying design flair that feels really refreshing right now.

Nostalgia is running through the national psyche at the moment, it appears in TV shows such as Stranger Things, and in the appeal of retro technology such as Polaroid cameras and cassette tape players. There may be a few reasons for this. It tends to evoke fond memories like buying your first single, or of good times on childhood holidays or with grandparents; it puts us in a good mood. Another cause may be to do with a digital detox and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the 24hr switched-on culture we live nowadays.

In practical terms, we’re conscious that many people are looking for opportunities to display special things they love in their kitchens. Incorporating open shelving, especially a single shelf at eye level for special things, and cabinetry with reeded glass doors, allows objects being stored within to bring vibrancy, texture and visual richness to a curated kitchen.

Storage solutions like pantries and breakfast cupboards have become a key part of our designs and are increasingly seen as one of the must-have items in a modern home. The rise in popularity of the pantry cupboard is linked to self-sufficient living with so many more of us growing food and cooking from scratch with the pantry space playing an important role for kitchen and food storage.

The other great advantage of a pantry and cupboard is that the kitchen space no longer needs to be full of wall cupboards so entire walls are left free for a strong design aesthetic allowing it to become more of a relaxed environment.

H. Miller Bros / hmillerbros.co.uk

Howard (left) and Hugh Miller

LOCAL INTEREST

Hristina Atlavanska, Senior Interior Designer at SHH, explains some of the key factors shaping specification decisions in the hospitality sector

What are the most significant ways in which clients’ needs and expectations have changed in recent times? Since the pandemic, clients are more attuned to the way interior spaces make them feel. The importance of wellbeing and mental health has become a priority and interior designs need to address that. Consequently, the design of interior and outdoor space seeks to create stronger ties between nature and indoor living.

At SHH, we have worked on several international projects where the client’s expectation was geared towards drawing connections with the local culture and landscape. Clients are after spaces that can adapt easily to accommodate different uses, so the need for flexibility is growing. Individuality and identity also score high in terms of clients’ expectations. Sense of space, differentiation and unique characteristics that stem from the location or associations to the local culture can really help a venue stand out.

What are the key design trends, materials, and ideas that are currently driving specification decisions? Authenticity plays a big part on specification decisions. Using locally sourced materials will not only offer a more indigenous look and feel to the space but it will also help it perform better. At the start of a project, we tend to research local materials that will define the look and feel of a space. Boosting the local economy and minimising our carbon footprint from imports is another parameter to consider when choosing materials.

In terms of aesthetics, softer and earthy colours and textures continue to trend into 2023. Creating an organic environment from materials like cotton, stone, wool, marbles will help create comfortable and beautiful experience for guests. Introducing crafty details, different shades and textures will keep interiors fresh and airy. Same floor finishes such as stone slabs or tiles that are equally suitable for indoor/outdoor use, can promote a seamless feel.

What are some of the emerging creative trends that you expect to see influencing your own projects over the next year and beyond?

We recently worked on a mixed-use project in Holland where we have created a long glass link to connect two separate buildings. The glass link is the result of a requirement to create a comfortable communal space for guests and residents who can socialise, work or just relax somewhere different from their own residence by staying connected to nature. Our selection of materials and colour palette was inspired by the surrounding landscape and aims at enhancing guests’ experience and wellbeing.

SHH / shh.co.uk

SHH’s Qingpu project in Shanghai. The architects wanted to reference the water element in their design as the building is located on a recreational promenade along canals that connect to the Yangtze river. An internal water feature was impractical, so the team applied mirror embossed metal panels to the ceiling, their ripple pattern creating connections with the water element of the canals.

FUTURE TRENDS

LAYERING TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

Helena and Keith Myers, Directors at The Myers Touch, suggest that materials will remain the vital ingredient for upcoming projects

Combining colours, materials and textures is a dominant trend that will likely increase in popularity during 2023. “We use an expert blend of modern cabinetry, natural stone, concrete-effect worktops, eco appliances, sleek materials and finishes to create a sleek and contemporary look in both period and modern properties,” says Helena Myers. “Our designers are confident that the trend of using slatted wood walls in darker tones to provide further textural contrast and definition will expand further in 2023. For example, soft-toned grey and warm-wood effect cabinetry juxtaposes beautifully with nickel cabinets and marble and moody-toned quartz worktops, to provide a connection with the other luxury materials in the space.

“We are seeing two interesting approaches regarding layering; the first is the subtle layering of similar-toned textures to create a clean, gentle and soothing space and the second is the bold juxtaposition of many shapes and colours that result in an atmosphere of joy and creativity with a highly personalised outcome in a kitchen space.”

Keith Myers adds: “By incorporating different textures, materials and features, we bring individuality, personality and interest to their kitchen design, creating atmospheres which are perfect for our new way of living.”

The Myers Touch / themyerstouch.co.uk

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

FUTURE TRENDS

Photography: Paul Craig

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

KITCHEN DESIGN

Family Reunited

With the aim of breaking down barriers, an imaginative re-work of this home in Scotland enabled a transition from closed spaces to open plan versatility

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

KITCHEN DESIGN

This mid-century terraced house in the west of Edinburgh had been home to its owners for several years. The house had previously been extended to the front, resulting in a long narrow kitchen, separated from the living room. The disjointed layout meant that the family were often in separate spaces, unable to speak to each other. Instead, the owners were keen to create a more open-plan and sociable layout, with the kitchen at its heart.

Moving the living spaces to the back of the house was a key design proposal for AGORA Architecture + Design. The idea was to create a full-width space, which benefits from the natural light provided by the large windows to the garden. The kitchen and dining areas are arranged along the outside wall, to maximise natural light, and a ‘snug’ living space sits at the centre of the plan, defined by the exposed steel structure.

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

KITCHEN DESIGN

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

KITCHEN DESIGN

Outside of the main living space, a study / spare bedroom has been created to the front of the house in place of the old kitchen. The hallway has been widened to accommodate a bench, and a built-in coat cupboard has been created in the hall, providing a welcoming and practical entrance.

As the kitchen sits within the main living space, the units have been treated as a piece of furniture.

AGORA worked closely with the kitchen manufacturer to achieve a

minimal yet practical design. Ovens and other appliances are concealed behind full height oak doors, with a central alcove for the sink, and bespoke full-height shelving provides a home for the clients’ personal items, and also frames a large oak lined window seat.

Minimal finishes were selected to enhance the feeling of space, utilising flush skirtings, frameless doors, a simple fireplace, transparent switches and sockets. The same oak

herringbone floor runs through the entire ground floor, while the colour palette chosen by the clients runs through all finishes, from the kitchen, through walls and steelwork, to the soft furnishings.

AGORA worked closely with the client, main contractor and specialists to achieve a high-quality finish. The result is a calm and warm family space, flexible enough to accommodate large family gatherings as well as cosy nights by the fire.

TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS

AT SPEKVA WE CARE ABOUT QUALITY

Therefore, we manufacture everything ourselves from scratch, something that is unique nowadays. Every single piece of wood is sawed, planed, sanded and glued by hand by our experienced craftsmen. During the journey from raw material to a finished surface individual items are meticulously checked during each of the 9 stages in production, to ensure you receive the very best. We cater for your every wish and have something to offer for every taste and purpose.

Contact Sales Manager Mark Williams on 07894698682 and visit us online at spekva.com

Designed by Steven Christopher Design, photographed by Sam Lock

Female Frontiers

To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, we find out what drives and inspires some of the industry’s female leaders to push the creative boundaries

ANNABEL KARIM KASSAR

Architect and Founder, AKK Architects

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.

I chose to study architecture in the Seventies, the heady decade of freedom and possibilities that followed the May events of 1968 in Lebanon. Architecture combined my interests in art (how we see the world), psychoanalysis (how we see ourselves) and politics (how we live). I have stayed and practiced in many countries, including France, Lebanon, Morocco, and the UAE and also worked in China and the US. Each cultural experience influenced my creative process.

In 1994, I founded my own architecture company, now with offices in several countries, and latterly branching out to cover interiors, lighting and furniture design. Restaurant design has become a major activity, although we have designed everything from factories in Chengdu to a golf club in Ajman. Today, AKK consists of an international team of talented women and men whom I’m very proud to work with.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

At the start of the Nineties, I was working in Morocco when the chance came to enter an international competition to rebuild the old souk in Beirut, which had been devastated in the civil war. We were a small practice, but I had lived in Lebanon and felt an affinity with old Beirut and its unique street life and urban pace. In short, we won the competition.

Who has most inspired you creatively?

I am inspired by the old masters – Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, di Vinci – who were engineers and artists as well as architects. I was brought up on the 20th Century greats such as van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and, especially, the Bauhaus school. I am fascinated by the experimental architecture of the American artist-designer Lebbeus Woods. Among female architects, I like the work of Lina Bo Bardi, the extraordinary Brazilian architect and designer.

Your favourite project?

My recent architectural installation at the V&A in London. I do architectural installations as a way of capturing the essence and soul of a building, so everyone can experience it. In this case, it is an old Ottoman mansion in Beirut – one of the last remaining – which was badly damaged in the 2020 explosion and which I am restoring.

What advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

Always be curious – questions are better than answers. Take risks otherwise you will never gain insight. Never be afraid to change your mind in a project; good design work is always a process. And be prepared to fight for your ideas, especially if you are a woman. The best ideas emerge when you argue for them.

AKK Architects / annabelkassar.com

NOOR CHARCHAFCHI

CEO & Founder, Celine Interior Design

What was your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

The most pivotal career moment for me came when after a few years working as an aviation lawyer, I made the major decision to change career and become an interior designer. I’d worked on a few projects with my husband and realised that design and interiors were my real passion and what I wanted to focus on and develop into a career.

Now that I’m in the industry, there is very little I don’t love about it and I really haven’t looked back since. I do think my legal training and time spent working at large scale firms gave me a good business understanding and I’ve been able to bring that level of professionalism to my business, whilst also embracing my creative side so, for me, it’s the best of both worlds.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

I’m inspired by different cultures, through travel and also fashion, which is my other passion in life. My team also inspire me on a daily basis, without their creativity and diverse skillsets I couldn’t take on the incredible projects that Celine has become known for.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. We have worked on so many wonderful projects but the most important and significant would have to be the renovation of our own family home in Fulham. We really changed each and every room and designed it around how we live as a family. We extended the house out, up and down, added a sixth bedroom in the loft and double the basement which is now home to our business, as well as a gym.

We wanted to create a large, open plan kitchen and living space that spans the entire ground floor, as this is where we spend most time together. I love combining my Middle Eastern heritage and my British upbringing in my designs, and you can really see this within our home, especially in the kitchen, where I added a touch of art deco Arabic glamour to the traditional shaker style kitchen with gold handles. As our children grow up, we’re making changes to the house so that it can evolve with them. We’ve recently renovated my sons’ bedroom and created a space that works as well for a teenager as it does for my younger son.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

As a designer, knowing the rules is a good tool to have – but having the courage to break them is the only rule you must follow.

ALISON EVANS

Showroom Manager, Obsidian Interiors

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.

I have over 20 years of experience in the design industry. For five years, I was the director of the luxury interior design studio, Water and Stone in Woodchester, Gloucestershire, offering luxury bathroom, bedroom and general interior design services. Then I moved to Obsidian in Cheltenham to become the Showroom Manager and Head of Design. I have been in this role for nine years and have won Designer of the Year and Showroom of the year a few times over this period.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

I have had a wonderful career to date and have been lucky enough to work on some exciting projects over the years. Whilst with Obsidian, I have been proud to lead our talented design team, creating innovative and beautiful spaces in homes and businesses across the Cotswolds. In my early days of working for myself, I was lucky enough to work on the famous Hempel Hotel in London and a luxury apartment in Cadogan Square; both were definitely standout moments in my career.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

Since childhood, I have always loved music and colourful objects and interiors. As I grew up, I fell in love with brands like Valentino and Gucci. Nature and architecture have always played a big part in my life too, from stunning sunsets to the colours of the Cotswolds countryside (where I am lucky enough to live). Kelly Hoppen and Kelly Wearstler are probably my biggest designer influences today. Since a trip to Coachella a few years ago I have also become a huge fan of California, it fills me with inspiration every time I visit; the views, the art and the architecture. Mainly I need space and quiet time to be creative.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. My favourite project was a barn conversion I did here in the Cotswolds a few years ago. The weekend home of a London-based family, the barn had to be completely renovated before we could even begin to think about the comprehensive interiors. Working on an old building makes you think and work completely differently; for instance, when we removed the old beams to replace them with RSJ’s, I repurposed them to hang the lights from. It’s a very different way of working. The project went on for five months and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone but the result was stunning and I am very proud of it.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

I would start by getting your HND in design. It’s a necessary, basic qualification. When I started out everything was hand drawn but now you will need to know your way around a CAD or SketchUp system. Then it is about getting experience – especially try to find a position as a trainee in a showroom like mine and with a head designer like me who is willing to teach you and make sure that trainees do not feel overwhelmed in the beginning.

If necessary, offer your services for free, just to get your foot in the door and gain some valuable experience. Then taking it steady and gradually with the onsite experience as this is just as important as the design; making sure you understand how the installation works in each property.

It’s also important for new entrants to really understand the difference between various professionals in the industry, such as stylists, interior decorators, interiors designers, interior architects etc. Researching each of these, seeing which route interests them the most, and then finding out the qualifications and experience that are needed for each role. The design industry is very fast-paced and most employees now don’t have the time to train you on the job, so it’s really using your own initiative to educate yourself.

JEN BERNARD Founder & Creative Director, Bernard Interiors

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.

I have always had a passion and a keen eye for art, colour and design and, after gaining a degree in Interior Architecture from Edinburgh College of Art, I pursued a career in interior design. In 2008, I started my own design business so that I could create meaningful interiors which, initially, was for just a handful of clients.

Since then, we have ensued extensive growth, seeing the team grow to 21 and counting. We have been lucky enough to work on and be part of the development team for a multitude of care and later living developments, as well as a selection of private properties of high-net-worth individuals across the UK and abroad.

As Founder and Creative Director, I am still very much hands-on and oversee the creative elements and planning of each project, though I am continuously blown away with the innovative ideas the team comes up with against even the most challenging of briefs.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

There have been a lot of highs throughout my career journey, even at some of the toughest times. When we first went into lockdown during the pandemic, that was hard for a team of creatives who thrive on collaboration and love to be in the office together bouncing ideas around. We have such a strong team culture which is so important. We survived lockdown and all came out of it together and much stronger.

When I initially set up the business in 2008, a recession hit shortly afterwards which was unnerving to say the least. At that time, the care industry was one of the first sectors to receive investment and North East care provider Hadrian Healthcare commissioned me to design for their well-established care home group.

It was from this work that Bernard Interiors began to grow and six years ago, gave us the credibility to win other commissions in the sector. This included a fiveyear framework agreement with later living provider Audley Retirement Villages. This completely changed the face of the business for us, and we now work with several other leading names in the sector.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

Honestly, our team of designers and even the newly qualified younger members of the team inspire me daily. They are so passionate about what they do and have an insatiable drive to deliver outstanding work. It is great to be able to give them the opportunity to flourish and grow, as well as giving them the freedom to develop their ideas and creative vision. A collaborative approach is in itself a powerful product and is the ethos of our brand.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.

I am immensely proud of the team’s efforts on the restoration of the magnificent Grade II listed Northcote House, set in the grounds of Sunningdale Park, Berkshire for Audley Retirement Villages. Inspiration was taken from the parks historic background its close proximity to Ascot Racecourse to influence the tailored design and transformation to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable ambience.

Of course, and like with all projects, there were challenges. Being listed, we faced many constraints with building regulations to be able to bring it back to its former splendour whilst being sympathetic to the buildings heritage and history. Though in the end, it was really rewarding to be able to deliver something which exceeded our client’s expectations. Working within the later living and care sector, allows us to not only be creative, but to care about every detail, resulting in positive change for our clients and theirs.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

My advice would be to get as much on-the-job experience as you can and always believe in yourself and your ability, and never give up. Don’t be afraid to ask peers or someone who you admire professionally for advice and learn from their experiences, good or bad. Interior design can be very challenging but, above all else, it can also be the most rewarding outlet for creativity and making a difference to the ways in which people live and work.

Bernard Interiors / bernardinteriors.co.uk

JO PLISMY

Founder, Gong

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. My first business was actually a restaurant in Brussels, which I had for four years before deciding to take a break. I came to London to practice my English for a couple of months, at which point I was in my midtwenties. I got immediately hooked by the dynamism and the openness of the city.

Having grown up surrounded by 20th century furniture, Asian and African art dealers in Belgium, I had developed a passion for eclectic and timeless objects and scouring flea markets was a favourite pastime. I was very fortunate to begin working for the amazing interior designer, David Champion for a time, before opening my home interiors boutique on Portobello Road in 1999. This was like a dream come true and Gong was born. A few years later, a second Gong boutique was opened on Fulham Road.

I started to design my own lighting models for Gong and inspired by their success and the desire to be more creative I decided to progressively dedicate my time exclusively to the creation of lighting collections. Today that is what we are, a lighting design company, and we collaborate on residential and commercial projects with architects, interior designers, hotels, restaurants and real estate developers throughout the world, as well as numerous independent boutiques where you can find Gong lamps.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

After having my children, I made the decision to sell my shops and specialise purely in lighting design and this was a really pivotal moment for myself and the future of Gong. I quickly realised the huge potential in this field and I loved being able to spend more time on the design side, exploring new materials to work with and discovering how different shapes and colours diffuse the light.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

My inspiration comes from so many sources, whether it is a piece from the 1950s or from a forgotten past, that I can reinvent to give it a new life, whether it is the nature that surrounds us with all its organic shapes, or an everyday object whose form I think I can transform to make a great light.

I remember during a trip on the island of Sumatra, I was lying on my bed in a modest hotel, overcome by the heat and the humidity typical of those tropical regions. Whilst I was daydreaming, excited about my excursion to the jungle the next day, my eyes were fixed on the mosquito net hanging over my head, it was not fully hanging but knotted halfway as they are usually kept during the day. I noticed it was in a really bad state and I was pretty sure it wasn’t going to protect me against mosquitoes that night, but I thought, actually this could be a nice shape for a light. This is how I got the idea of the Meduse model.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.

It’s very hard to pick a favourite but I am especially fond of our most recent designs, namely the Dusia Collection. These elegant lights feature delicate latticework which diffuses the light beautifully. I took inspiration from the sea for the design, specifically the favolaschia fungus with its mesmerising patterns. The sea and its inhabitants have always been a rich source of inspiration for me and inspired many of our silk designs too.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

I would say try not to be influenced too much by trends and try to start each project with a blank white page. Original ideas are not easy to create. So much has already been done that even when you think you may have an original design, it’s always worth checking there is not something similar that is already out there.

Gong / gong.co.uk

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

WOMEN IN DESIGN

CHANTEL ELSHOUT

Founder & Creative Director, Chantel Elshout Studio

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.

I started my design career with a foundation course in Art & Design at London Metropolitan University, and moved on to Chelsea College of Art & Design where I specialised in Interior & Spatial Design. During this time, I also worked as a stylist for Homes & Gardens, Elle Decoration, Sunday Times Home, and Sunday Times Style, before embarking on a career in kitchen design.

I set up my own studio in 2011 and since then have had the opportunity to work on some wonderful projects across the UK, collaborating with talented architects, interior designers and developers but also designing full interiors for our own residential clients.

We have also been a small, design-led studio working closely with our clients, providing knowledge and experience in one of the most technically challenging areas in a home. I am Founder but also Creative Director working on every project that we take on and, along with my team, we create beautiful, memorable interiors for the whole home.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

Last year was an incredible year for our studio’s design recognition – winning two awards for Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 at the kbbreview Awards and another from the coveted Designer Awards 2022. Being recognised by your peers is a huge achievement which we are over the moon with!

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

I was lucky enough to travel to some amazing destinations over the years and always feel invigorated and inspired seeing design in different countries – not only their use of colour, geometry and materials, but also what is important to them in terms of ergonomics and the feeling that design instills. For me, a home should reflect the personality of their owner and be a haven from the outside world – especially these days where there can be a lot of sensory overload.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.

Over the last two years we have been working on a very special project; our own home and new studio. We relocated from London to the Cotswolds and have been designing and building a new barn with a separate work studio – our biggest project to date! This will give our clients a true sense of our style, as well as somewhere to see and test products in a real life environment.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

Get as much experience as you can! I designed my own tiny flat – and anyone else’s who would let me – several times over during my early years. I also regularly attend trade shows and events to keep up-to-date with new products, designs and trends as well as doing our own research on finding more sustainable products. To run a successful project, you need a good team of suppliers and tradesmen so I have spent a lot of time building relationships over the years. I live and breathe design and it influences my life in every way. It means that it doesn’t ever really feel like work.

Chantel Elshout Studio / chantelelshout.com

SARAH WARD

Founder, Ward & Co.

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. I began my career in the commercial design sector, delivering interiors for hospitality chain Pitcher & Piano before turning my hand to boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. I worked on many commercial projects including bar design for Alps-based travel firm Mark Warner, a 15th Century boutique hotel conversion in Buckinghamshire and a three-phase development at Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

My passion for creating uniquely impressive, timeless spaces led me to establish Interiors by Sarah Ward in 1986, now Ward & Co Interiors, which I run alongside my daughter Rosie. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry and multiple awards to our name, we are currently working on a variety of London, home counties and Caribbean residential and commercial projects.

Like many creatives, I’m a storyteller at heart, and each of the interiors crafted by my team have different narratives. Whether the brief is for a private home or commercial space, we always take a bespoke approach. Through my long-standing experience within the interior design industry, I’ve always had an unusual ability to work across different sectors managing all aspects of a project. I love nothing more than creating inviting spaces, full of soul and charming details.

What was your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

There are a few pivotal career moments I look back on fondly. I‘d say being on the board of the BIID years ago, winning design awards, working on key projects for Octagon for many years. Recently opening an office in the Caribbean after winning some statement projects has been a refreshing challenge. Each time we win a new project we are fully focussed and inspired.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

Without a doubt, a life of travel has brought me most inspiration. As much as it is eye-opening, it also grants you that necessary down time to allow creative thought to flow. The world is a melting pot of fabulous culture and it is inspiring. Then, of course, being obsessed with other designers’ work inspires me daily. Throughout my years in the industry, it’s been fascinating to watch how styles have evolved over the years, and in many cases improved.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. We have recently completed Villa Papillon, an eclectic six-bedroom mega-villa in Antigua. Set back into the hill, the villa spans four floors and enjoys some of Antigua’s most sensational views. A passion project of mine since we took possession of the rocky plot four years ago, I worked closely with local architects and landscape designers, overseeing the complete construction and interior design of the villa.

Somehow, the house has an unexplainable vibrance and warmth which, when coupled with the panoramic view, is incredible. Creating flow between the four different levels was challenging, so it has been extremely rewarding to have received such glowing feedback on the interiors. The project has provided our team with a golden gateway to the Caribbean to showcase our work and bolster our project portfolio in the region.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

I’d definitely say training is essential, particularly a course offering drawing and FF&E. Gain as much experience as possible through work placements, and always stay on the lookout at new bars, hotels and show houses to build your knowledge of what works – and equally what doesn’t. Look at scale, colour palettes, balance of colour and texture and learn how they best work together. Really immerse yourself in magazines rather than simply flicking through. Finally, make sure to visit John Cullen’s light room on the Kings Road!

WOMEN IN DESIGN

MELISSA KLINK Creative Director, Harvey Jones

Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. Having graduated with an undergraduate degree in Fine Art and a master’s degree in Interior Architecture from UCLA, I went on to work within several design industries including visual merchandising, project management, editorial graphic design, and interior design in the luxury furniture industry.

My current role is Creative Director at Harvey Jones. This places me in charge of all things relating to brand and design within the business. Whether designing and project managing our showroom displays, working alongside marketing for brand presentation and presence in the media, designing and developing new product and kitchen ranges, styling photoshoots and designing layout for website, brochure and point of sale material, working alongside the sales team to integrate the best practice of design to our client journey… the role covers all aspects of creative and design application.

What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?

Perhaps this was getting recruited by Christopher Guy, a luxury furnishings company, whilst finishing my master’s degree. Stepping into the world of international design was a big milestone for my career and has forever changed the way I view the output of design and the process. Understanding there are values that are inherently the same and those that are extremely different from culture to culture forced me to be adaptive in my process.

Who or what has most inspired you creatively?

My current inspiration is watching life through the eyes of my young children. Their innocence and raw curiosity are such a magical reminder that we are surrounded by beauty. The world of design has such an individual influence to it, so many of us are fuelled by our own passion within our careers. It is a gift, but incredibly easy to get overwhelmed with pressure because it always feels personal. My children are the best remedy to take a step back and just enjoy the world we live in.

Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. I’m blessed to have designed projects all over the world, but my favourite and most important are the ones I do for my family and loved ones. Whether it is just picking a paint colour for a bedroom wall or full-fledged design overhaul, being able to actually see the transformation and watch the real-time joy it brings to the people I care about the most is priceless. It’s in those moments that you realise how powerful what we do as designers is and how lucky we are to do it each and every day.

Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?

Stay off your phone and get outside. Building a relationship with nature will become invaluable. Understanding the way nature can really inspire and influence a space – as well as providing you with a retreat when the busy and chaotic world of design needs a pause.

Harvey Jones / harveyjones.com

Impeccable taste every time

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

SUBZERO-WOLF.CO.UK

Industrious Solutions

Harnessing the industrial attributes of a loft space while creating a warm and welcoming home is not an easy task, but one in which materials make all the difference

Photography: Peter Baas

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

Designer François Hannes teamed with Egon Deuze and the Willuks interior design studio to create the material-rich scheme for this home, located in Dutch design capital Eindhoven.

This loft, with its prime location and numerous layout possibilities, posed a challenge for the designers – particular in achieving a warm, cosy ambience to counterbalance the coldness of its industrial details.

The mission to create an atmosphere where luxury, warmth and light came together – while at the same time preserving the industrial charm of the space – meant that the choice of materials, furnishings, accessories and lighting was crucial. The designers decided to make wood one of their main choices, as its warmth and natural beauty flow in perfect harmony with the cold, modern nature of the exposed concrete beams.

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

In the kitchen, the large island and dark-coloured appliances share the space with oak veneer units, resulting in a modern but also homely aesthetic. The two tables, positioned at either end of the central island, give the room continuity, tying it together with the dining room and creating an attractive social gathering space.

Taking advantage of the large windows that make this loft a bright and airy space, the designers were able to choose both a light

oak veneer for the kitchen area, as well as another darker colour for the bedroom and the reading area, behind the dining room. The highlight of the reading room is the made-to-measure bookcase with warm lighting details that provide a cosy, elegant touch.

To further counterbalance the coldness of its industrial origins, this home’s interior design took advantage of soft, warm materials such as velvet, sherpa fleece and

wool, present in cushions and rugs in both the bedroom and dining room.

The lighting was also a factor that had to be considered carefully. Despite already having a space with a large amount of light coming into it, the choice of lamps and fittings with warm-toned bulbs was key in achieving the welcoming atmosphere.

A real design highlight is bathroom, which makes the most of the Alpine White S028 shade of HIMACS, combining with the wood

and other materials for a natural aesthetic. The room echoes the spirit of unity between the different elements shown elsewhere in the home. Here, a personal spa has been created, including a Jacuzzi bath and sauna, as well as a large doubleheight shower. In this spacious and well-considered layout, simple cladding features alongside other accessories with a warm and natural inspiration, such as the oak veneer furniture, plants and decorative details in shades of gold.

The eye-catching result achieved by Hannes and Willuks is not only based on aesthetics, but also a choice of materials that is intended to ensure the durability and functional nature of the home. This was a key factor in specifying HIMACS for the sink unit, for which the Alpine White was chosen. The overall result is one that captures the essence of the building’s former industrial use, while embracing its future as a place to call home.

HIMACS / himacs.eu

Willuks Interior Design / willuks.nl

DESIGNING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

The Design Museum and Design Age Institute have created Designing for our Future Selves, a new display that invites visitors to explore the ways innovation and design are responding to the needs, interests and aspirations of an ageing society. The display, which is on show in the atrium of the Design Museum in Kensington, London, until 26 March 2023, builds on last year’s Future of Ageing display.

The 21st century is shaping up to be a century of centenarians. Someone born in the developed world in 2000 is expected to have a 50% chance of living to 100 or beyond. With more people living longer, an increasing proportion of the UK’s population will become part of an older, healthier, more financially secure, and technologically savvy demographic, but with that also comes challenges.

Designing for our Future Selves aims to show how design can help people to not only live their later years independently, sustainably and healthily but also with joy and fulfilment. The display includes information on research and design projects in the form of video and audio content, consultation feedback, design concepts, prototypes, materials, sketches and user experience.

Colum Lowe, Director at the Design Age Institute said: “Designing for our Future Selves allows us to explore how design innovation could improve our lives as we grow older. The exhibition will open this dialogue up to younger audiences who may not have questioned what it means to grow older in today’s society, the potential challenges that lie ahead and how we seek to solve them.”

Design Museum / designmuseum.org

Design Age Institute / designage.org

DESIGNING FOR OUR FUTURE SELVES

A new display at the Design Museum showcases innovations that aim to help us all to age more happily and healthily

DESIGNING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

Living and Working in Later Life

More and more people are extending their working lives, and older workers represent a valuable source of experience, talent and financial contribution to the economy. Flexible working is key to keeping older people in the workforce. However, while many are increasingly working from home, few homes are designed to support healthy, independent and active living and working beyond the traditional retirement age.

Home Office to Age in Place brings together architects, designers for ageing and digital designers from Northumbria University, along with furniture designers from Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy. Together they have created a purpose-built, flexible, and supportive live-work space for older residents in South Seaham Garden Village, County Durham for Karbon Homes.

Photo: Paul Jones, Chris Brown & Adam Cosheril

REACHING THE BIG NUMBERS:

Why age is a big deal for designers…

£320bn – annual household spending in the UK by over-50s, who hold ¾ of the nation’s financial wealth

11m – the number of people aged 65 and over in England, representing 19% of the population. This is expected to increase to almost 13m in 10 years’ time.

71% of over-50s consumers said they would trust specialists for good advice on products that could help with their changing needs as they get older, compared with 49% who would trust mainstream retailers.

Over ¾ of over-50s consumers that had structural/layout changes to their kitchen did so to make them easier-to-use.

More than 60% of over-50s expect to carry out improvements to their kitchen and bathroom in the next 5 years, with brighter lighting, easier-to-use taps, and lighter cookware among the stated priorities.

Sources: ECI Partners (ecipartners.com) / Centre for Ageing Better (ageing-better.org.uk)

Redesigning the Walker Lady Helen Hamlyn, Patron of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, described the walking frame or ‘walker’ as “the most degrading object that we can give to anybody”. Walkers are functional products, but highly medicalised and stigmatised, so many people who would most benefit from using them abandon, avoid or postpone getting one, compromising their mobility.

Confident that good design can shift the negative stigma of walking frames, Lady Hamlyn commissioned Design Age Institute to launch The Hamlyn Walker Challenge. Product designer Michael Strantz’s winning proposal was for a single frame that can meet the needs of different generations. Strantz is now working with design agency Priestman Goode and user groups to explore further possibilities and continue to challenge the current stigma about walking frames.

DESIGNING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

Function Without Compromise Riser Chair aims to assist users with sitting and standing while being a beautiful piece of furniture that people will not only need but will want in their homes and offices. Creator Ali Jafari, founder of Designed Healthcare, based at Innovation Studio Arts University Bournemouth, was inspired to create Riser Chair by his experience as a nurse assisting patients to sit and stand.

Photo: Michael Strantz

In the Zone

Above the rooftops of Vienna and with a view of the Danube, this luxury penthouse boasts an interior scheme of simple beauty...

There are virtually no partitions in the open-plan structure – this living space is zoned with object-like furniture that conceals plenty of storage space. Each room has an individual terrace exit, with the aim of forming ‘a world of its own’, and yet is organised along a coherent and interlocking path.

Photography: Jürgen Grünwald

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

The centre of the spacious living room is a floor-to-ceiling open fireplace that functions as a shelf at the back. The open boundary between the living and kitchen zones is formed by the staircase to the upper floor, which is backed by a glass wine cabinet.

Anthracite is the tone-setting colour of the interior design by Marion Fussi and Johanna Jelinek of Vienna-based Destilat Design Studio, which appears in different nuances depending on the specific application. The solid kitchen unit, made of porcelain stoneware, is in keeping with the stringent colour concept, with all fittings in gunmetal, a rich shade of grey.

The master bedroom has its own en-suite master bathroom, featuring free-standing bathtub and backlit mirrors, preceded by a spacious dressing room.

Guest bathrooms maintain the apartment’s colour and material theme, as well as other aspects of aesthetic continuity, such as the circular mirrors.

KITCHEN LIFE PERFECTLY HARMONISED.

Everything consumers need, all within arm's reach. Multi-functional sink, stylish mixer tap dispensing water on demand and waste management with in-cabinet organisation. Seamlessly combined creates a BLANCO UNIT, giving your consumers the best possible kitchen water place experience.

Now including our newest SILGRANIT® colour; soft white, which makes a subtle statement in any kitchen. Soft white works in harmony with satin gold finishes; adding that touch of decadence to your consumers' kitchen. blanco.co.uk

The two-storey family flat extends over 500 sqm, with a long rectangular floor plan whose spatial structures flow into one another and continue across terraces on both long sides; crowned by a roof garden that includes a pool, outdoor kitchen, custom-made plant troughs, and an irrigation system.

Destilat Design Studio / destilat.at

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

SURFACES

Inspired by the natural tones of marble, yet with all the durability and versatility of ceramic, Meteora Gris from CRL Stone is available in three thicknesses – 6mm, 12mm and 20mm – the slimmest of which can be used for bathroom walls to create a spa-like, wetroom style shower area. CRL Stone / crlstone.co.uk

TOUCH POINTS

The choice of material can be the critical component of any interior project. We round-up some of the very latest options for achieving the most sumptuous surfaces

Surface specialist Königstone has introduced its Rio Blanco surface. The light background is combined with copper, gold and brown swirls which vary in colour and shape across the surface. It is part of the KönigQuartz range which aims to offer the look of granite with the hard-wearing properties of quartz. Königstone / konigstone.co.uk

The kitchen in this home by Brussels-based Bruno Vanbesien Architects fits into a shared space with the living area. A large island running the length of the entire space divides the two areas, utilising HIMACS Alpine White S028 for a strong contrast between the white surface and the dark grey floor. The functional part of the kitchen – with an induction cooking area and hood integrated into the wall unit – was deliberately almost ‘hidden’ behind the cupboard doors. When these are opened, the heart of the kitchen reveals the dark polished larch finish, contrasting with the bright white of both the island and the doors. HIMACS / himacs.eu

Francisco Sutherland

Architects were commissioned to refurbish the interiors of an penthouse duplex in London’s Barbican. They worked with materials distributor James Latham to select Decospan Querkus Oak Natural panels for the bespoke wardrobes, as well as bathroom finishes using HIMACS Alpine White. James Latham / lathamdigitalshowroom.co.uk

Photo: Tim Van De Velde

Durasein solid surface, available exclusively from IDS, offers 60 curated decors spanning onyx, concrete and marble effects that mirror the natural material, plus plain and particle-based whites and accent colours. Pictured is Durasein in Blush. Durasein / durasein.co.uk

Lundhs Antique Silk was utilised in this kitchen design by A-FORM, working closely with architects Lund Hagem. The project was a new build cabin in Oslo, Norway. The customer wanted a kitchen in solid oak wood with a worktop in natural stone, with the aesthetics and feel to be in harmony with the architecture of the cabin, as well as with its remote location – which required all materials to be delivered to site by boat. Lundhs / lundhsrealstone.com/uk

Photo: Ellen Sorbe

SilverKoast Salina is part of the Dekton by Cosentino range of surfaces. It has a polished finish that aims to recreate the salt patterns left by the low tide on the sand and rocks. Delicate white crests materialise as an asymmetrical pattern of grey veins on a white background which reinterpret the elegance of Carrara marble. Dekton / cosentino.com/dekton

This year’s Surface Design Awards attracted 130 entries from 12 countries across a number of categories. Included in the finalists for the Housing Interior category were three British projects: Wiltshire Farmhouse by Emil Eve Architects, Southwark Brick House by Satish Jassal Architects and Spitalfields House by Common Ground Workshop (pictured), plus India’s Earthitects Private Residences by Earthitects. Surface Design Show / www.surfacedesignshow.com

“Natural stone surfaces are popular for the kitchen and bathroom due to the luxury look they create, but the downside of these can be the level of maintenance required to keep them looking their best,” says Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK. “Natural stone-inspired surfaces, such as the ceramic and porcelain ranges from RAK Ceramics, provide a suitable alternative for designers to suggest to their clients.”

“For the bathroom, tiles are still very much the go-to surface, particularly for walls but also increasingly for floors too, creating a seamless flow. A key trend in bathroom tile design is a move towards large format tiles. These are popular due to the stylish and minimal look they create, with less grout creating a clean and uninterrupted finish. Style-wise, nature-inspired designs are popular for creating a sense of tranquillity.”

Preziosi from the RAK Ceramics Signature Collection is a porcelain surface that is inspired by the natural beauty of marble. The porcelain tiles are available in a choice of five colourways as well as a range of sizes and thicknesses. RAK Ceramics / rakceramics.com/uk

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

Small House, Big Ideas

Vagabundo’s Tiny House Project explores the essence of what we really need in our homes in order to live comfortably

Designed by architecture start-up Vagabundo, the mobile Tiny House project aims to re-evaluate what homeowners actually need to live a comfortable existence. Intending to be sustainable living spaces with a long lifespan, these mobile homes explore a specific ethos: less space paves the way for freedom to live. The home boasts two floors of living space with a minimal ecological footprint, achieved by using regional materials such as wood and resource-saving production to protect the environment.

Photography: Sophia Hünnekens / Andreas Müllner

DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Making use of local production systems, the project avoids using long delivery routes. Because the house stands on supports, the floor does not have to be sealed. In addition, all greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be avoided are compensated for. In order to show that sustainability does not necessitate sacrificing luxury, Vagabundo have also included climate-conscious luxury elements, such as Kaldewei products in the bathroom space.

Andreas Müllner, co-founder of Vagabundo, said: “Structurally built according to the same principles as a conventional wooden house, these houses can have an equally high life expectancy. But raw materials alone do not necessarily make construction sustainable. Only the possibility of using it over several generations and adapting to changing circumstances make a property truly sustainable. The living comfort is crucial.”

“Our Vagabundos create a great sense of space without foldaway solutions and use nature as an extended living room,” adds Müllner. “In this way, inside and outside become one living space. At the same time, we see another cornerstone of our sustainability in mobility. Our small and large space miracles are not structurally bound to a property and can react much more flexibly to changing life situations. This is how we set new standards.”

“In any house, laying the foundations for a comfortable home always involves meeting two opposing needs: the need for protection and at the same time the desire to relate to the environment,” Müllner says. “These two needs form the essential basis for the house and can be experienced vertically. On the ground floor, the room is conceived horizontally and expands accordingly to the outside. The living space becomes a delicate threshold between house and nature. While the upper floor is designed in an introverted manner, the almost completely closed facade encloses the room and creates a strong contrast to the ground floor. The clear distinction to the outside enables an intimate experience and the room becomes a firm protective wall against the environment.”

Vagabundo / vagabundo-tinyhouse.com Kaldewei / kaldewei.co.uk

RAK-CLOUD

The latest addition to the popular RAK-Cloud collection, designed by Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, offers back-to wall or wall-hung sanitaryware, elegant freestanding bathtubs and washbasins, softly curved bowls or wall-hung solutions. Now available in matt black as well matt white and glossy alpine white.

At a time when all priorities are shifting towards more sustainable solutions, the idea of self-sufficient living comes into focus as never before. Design studio Crossboundaries has re-designed a solar-powered motorboat with high-end, scaled-down home characteristics to enable the craft to function as a ‘travelling nest’.

Photography: Johanna Link

Currently moored in Berlin, Germany, the home has an overall length of about 15m, and a maximum width just over 4m, and includes a set of interlinked and multi-purpose areas utilising a pop-up table for the kitchen and foldable work desk.

Its designers say the main purpose of the project was to explore the possibility of adapting, while challenging assumed and conventional norms. For the full story, visit designerati.co.uk Crossboundaries / crossboundaries.com

NIKOLATESLA UNPLUGGED

Never so easy

Precision control for your cooking - elegance for your kitchen NikolaTesla Unplugged is the new extractor hob with easy, responsive control. Its beautifully balanced, easy clean knobs give you intuitive, precise control of the power and advanced cooking functions of your induction hob. Powerful whisper quiet built-in extraction with environmentally friendly 5 years regeneratable filters keeps your living area odour free.

elica.com

design Fabrizio Crisà

THE BEDROOM

Our all new brochure featuring new ranges, innovative storage solutions and working from home inspiration. Perfect for a New Year makeover. Available now exclusively from Waterline.

CROWN - INNOVATIVE THINKING