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A custom weaving house specialising in hand woven carpets
17 Editorial
18 Lateral Living In Belgravia A project by Candy & Candy and Foster & Partners
30 The Sophisticated Beach House Nantucket Home by interior designer Kathleen Hay
40 On Top Of The World One Hyde Park, London – designed by Richard Roger, Interior design by Candy & Candy
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Architecturally Authentic English Period Joinery
48 A Home With Spirit and Style Riviera Villa, near Cannes by designer Michela Fabbri
58 Beyond Aesthetics Selbourne Place – A U.K project by Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves, of Hill House Interiors
68 Dunedin House A project in New Zealand by Susie and Tess Paynter
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This has to be one of my favourite issues of the year and research tells us that it is one of yours too, which is always nice. Selecting some of our favourite projects and featuring aweinspiring schemes is nothing short of ‘dreamy’. Do you know, I don’t think I have ever described something as ‘dreamy’ - it’s not a word I use, but in this instance it just summed up my personal impression of this collection of homes. We have selected a variety of projects all very different in structure, stance and design scheme,from beach houses to town houses – country homes to state of the art city apartments; the mix is diverse and interesting. From a personal perspective I am delighted to feature ‘One Hyde Park’ - an incredible project and a building that has been described as possibly the best residential building in the world. It is certainly London’s most exclusive address and much talked about, but once we take away the hype, the cynicism and the speculation it is, without doubt, one of the most glamorous places in the world to live.
In total contrast, the beach house in Nantucket would be my choice of home, both for the interior scheme and equally for the location. Having featured several homes in Nantucket over the past few years, I was inspired enough by this little island to take a holiday there last year. Incredible, it was simply blissful, less than an hour by a very small plane from New York and it is the perfect getaway for those longing for relaxation and tranquillity but wishing to choose somewhere with a true sense of style and history. This is the last in our current series of hard back book issues, from here we move to our “Autumn collection” issues in September, October and November, filled with the latest looks, design ideas and innovation, however we will be bringing out an additional hard back issue at the start of September. This issue is dedicated solely to the International Design & Architecture Awards 2010 and will feature every project short-listed, in brief. Between 1 September and 8 October you will be able to vote for your favourite scheme online www. thedesignawards.co.uk. Who wins? The choice is of course yours. Until next month.. Kind regards Joanne
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Lateral Living In Belgravia A project by Candy & Candy and Foster & Partners
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In the heart of the prestigious and fashionable area of Belgravia in London, you will find an innovative project designed by eminent architect Norman foster and leading global design company Candy and Candy. The area is know form its quiet elegant streets yet its proximity to the highlights of London life make it a location which has traditionally been home to dignitaries and aristocrats.
“The unrivalled combination of distinct architecture and innovative design ideas create a truly outstanding spectacle”
The unexpected collaboration has resulted in six of London’s largest and most luxurious lateral apartments, on the site of the former Belgraiva telephone exchange. “The façade of the building is in keeping with the proportions of the period homes on the road” Martin Kemp of Candy & Candy explained. “ It is a contemporary interpretation of its neighbouring addresses, incorporating a richly layered composition of glass, stone and mesh. The rear elevations however are quite different, its is very angular and a bold statement.” The exceptional detail for which Candy & Candy are renowned is demonstrated throughout the scheme. The design team have sourced the finest materials and skilled craftsmen in order to create a rare living environment. Natural materials ranging from onyx and marble to a selection of hard woods have been incorporated into the design scheme resulting in a refined look, with each apartment boasting an individual style and finish. We took a closer look at one of the apartments, designed for living, entertaining, relaxing and just about every other comfort
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you can imagine. The interior scheme is sophisticated yet not understated by any means; the finest materials, bespoke furniture and individually sourced pieces create an inspirational home. State of the art security and home technology comes as standard, and the apartment houses a smart system wiring to control lighting, security, video entry, audiovisual, curtains and external doors. Internal temperature is controlled via advanced comfort cooling systems, with unique UV solar filters integrated into windows, category five security systems including movement detectors, panic buttons, CCTV, access control and an intruder alarm. The unrivalled combination of distinct architecture and innovative design ideas create a truly outstanding spectacle of interior and building design in one of the very best locations in London. Attention to detail is of paramount importance when designing for clients and Candy & Candy offer a true turn key service which extends to selecting and sourcing everything from art work, to books, music and china for clients. More than this, each aspect is considered carefully, not merely in relation to the design scheme but also to the client themselves as individuals. Despite the type of project they are usually associated with and also their profile as a design company, I have to say that their approach is far from being austere or rigid, in fact it is probably amongst the friendliest service I have experienced from any design company in London. And that has to be a recommendation!
The Sophisticated Beach House Nantucket Home by interior designer Kathleen Hay
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I was fortunate enough to take a holiday a couple of years ago now over in New England. We flew to Boston, spent two nights in this wonderful city and then drove down through to Cape Cod, over to Martha’s Vineyard and then onto Newport, before driving back to Boston for one night before flying home. It was what you might call a whistle stop tour of the area, we were over there for just eight nights in total, but it left me wanting to see more of this beautiful part of America and looking forward to my return visit. I think however that my favourite part of the trip was the time that we spent in Martha’s Vineyard; it was so pretty it was almost a film set.
“The success of the scheme can be measured by the fact that when the house was sold the new owners didn’t change a thing about the scheme.”
Since this time I have met several people who have told me that if you like Martha’s Vineyard you must visit Nantucket it is even more special. One couple that we met last year whilst on holiday in Barbados, lived for the most part in New York but had a summerhouse in Nantucket and were positively brimming with excitement and praise for the little island. I was discussing this point with designer Kathleen Hay who divides her time between Nantucket and the mainland and she quite agreed, the little island really is a special place, full of charm and unique characteristics. Located thirty miles on from Martha’s Vineyard it is an island that I for one plan to visit very soon. “ I have lived in Nantucket for twenty years,” she told me. “ But these days I divide my time between here and New York. When your children get older it is important that they see a little more of the world I think, Nantucket is beautiful but it can be quite a protected environment to grow up in.” Her featured project is a new build house. “My client wanted to build a high end home and the specification was great. We didn’t cut corners and the brief meant that I could get a little wild and crazy rather than just play it safe with a traditional Nantucket theme,” she continued. The success of the scheme can be measured by the fact that when the house was sold the new owners didn’t change a thing about the scheme. They loved it as it was and moved straight in. In fairness this is a very sophisticated scheme for a beach house, from the outside one is greeted by a traditional exterior, a pretty home typical of the island style
once inside however the interior has been designed for a discerning well travelled and highly sophisticated palette. Yet the real beauty comes from the fact that Kathleen has retained the quaint charm of the area by marrying more design led pieces with more traditional elements that one would expect to find in design from this particular area. This eclectic mix is exciting and refreshing whilst remaining sympathetic to the surrounding area and its heritage. The project took two years in all, from drawing stage to completion and Kathleen was involved from the start. “The site was two acres in total, “ she explained. “So it was a good size plot but it was narrow so there where naturally restrictions and this presented design challenges accordingly.” The home is 10,000 square feet in total and has four well-appointed bedrooms providing a superb second home, for someone fortunate to have a beach house in Nantucket. “We opted for clean lines, a sophisticated look which has a contemporary vibe rather than one which is austerely contemporary,” Kathleen continued. “Outside it appears to be a sweet looking house, but when you enter the house, it blows you away, it is just not what you would expect.” The tones used throughout the design scheme are predominately soft neutrals, natural blues and sands. “The palette was inspired by the sand, sea and sky.” Kathleen explained. The dining room is very glam but also has an element of fun about it too. This is style that does not take itself too seriously, which is great and certainly makes for a comfortable home. “I love the living room,” Kathleen enthused. “ I love the tranquillity here, this room really has a personality of its own. It is comfortable without being stuffy. The sort of place where you could just come in from a jog and sit down without feeling restricted or as though you shouldn’t do so. The fabrics here are subtle chenilles and velvets so they work well.” I think that the test of a well designed home is in if you can see yourself living in it, design should not be a gallery space or museum room set, and this certainly ticks all the boxes on this account. Nantucket here I come!
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On Top Of The World One Hyde Park, London – designed by Richard Rogers Interior design by Candy & Candy
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“The position is enviable situated in the heart of Knightsbridge yet with the splendour and beauty of Hyde Park as a backdrop.”
Much has been said and read about London’s most luxurious address to date ‘One Hyde Park’, the striking development housing London’s most exclusive and expensive penthouses and apartments. The timing, mid recession was a brave move, it is almost like sticking two fingers up at the world and saying this is going to work despite a global downturn, recession, whatever term you choose to quote. The spirit of all parties concerned in the scheme was criticised, admired and also left onlookers feeling intrigued. The press eager to praise, but always waiting for ‘the fall’ observed closely, sometimes with the cynicism that we British are sadly known for. The result however I am very pleased to say was entirely positive. Creating London’s most exclusive address to date, mid down turn is beyond ambitious, but for the recession proof end of the market, it worked and the conclusion is nothing short of spectacular.
The development is housed on the site of the former Bowater House in Knightsbridge, a very unattractive building that dated back to the 1950’s. The position is enviable situated in the heart of Knightsbridge yet with the splendour and beauty of Hyde Park as a backdrop. It has been described as the most iconic work of architecture that London has ever seen. Designed by pre –eminent architect Richard Rogers, the development of eighty apartments and three exclusive boutiques within four pavilions, has created a unity between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park. As development managers and interior designers for the project Candy & Candy’s highly skilled design team have delivered unparalled style and expertise. “ This extraordinary project will make a major contribution to this prime central London location,” Nicholas Candy commented. “ We are delighted to have had the opportunity to
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play a part in the development of one of the best, if not the best residential buildings in the world.” Exceptional buildings are rare, but Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners have been able to encapsulate the very best in urban living in their design. The drawings and sketches alone are awe-inspiring and the overall effect of romance and grandeur is evident even now. Though full of subtle moods and qualities the design is clear and eloquent, devoid of fuss and complications. The apartments, which are hidden from public view, are wonderfully luxurious and have been described as unlike anywhere else in the world, by those working on the project. The structure has been designed to synthesize with the existing landscape- on one side the vibrancy of Knightsbridge – stylish, international and quintessentially English, with an exuberant mix of European architectural styles. On the other, tall groves of trees from which the tranquillity of the park unfolds, opening out onto lush greenery, lakes and fountains. One Hyde Park overlooks this, but more than that, it is integrated into it. The transparency of the structures magnificently opens up the space between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, creating a flow of light and a new energy between the two. The light is drawn into the north facing areas and recesses of the buildings and their shape provides residents with both panoramic views onto the park or city, with total privacy. The pavilions shape and structure adds shadow and definition, their sparkle and rhythm breaks up the roofline. Covered garden spaces inside the buildings bring the essence of the nearby park inside and glazed screens open during the day add to the organic flow of energy entering and leaving the building. In short the pavilions are a celebration of light and nature, even in the midst of the city.
A Home With Spirit and Style Riviera Villa, near Cannes by designer Michela Fabbri
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After graduating from the Florence University of Architecture, Michela Fabbri began her career in London at United Designers and then Kelly Hoppen Interiors. In 2004 she decided to branch out, launching her own agency in London and on the French Riviera. Her recent projects include - a bungalow hotel in the Caicos Islands, a villa in the Caribbean and Bruce Willis’s apartment in New York as well as several leading hotels. She is also behind the Shambhala Spa, a new concept for the Shu Uemura and Spa Fontaine boutiques in Paris. “Interior decor is the art of creating a unique, harmonious atmosphere suited to the spirit of the venue and the personality of its occupants,” she explained. “I think every person has a unique style. In my design I try to understand the uniqueness of my client’s style and translate it into the project. I think this approach determines my personal style.”
“Interior decor is the art of creating a unique, harmonious atmosphere suited to the spirit of the venue and the personality of its occupants”
“The design of my projects always has a different source. Sometimes, especially in private residences, the client is the biggest inspiration. Their personality is what defines the project more than anything else. In commercial projects there are factors such as the history of the place, the surroundings of the building and of course the natural elements.” “I can’t say that I prefer modern design spaces to others”, she continued. “ I prefer ‘style’ to anything else. A properly designed period interior can be as beautiful as a cutting – edge minimal and contemporary one as long as the materials and products are well chosen and thoughtfully placed in the space. I can see myself living equally well in a Provencal bastide as in a city loft, but I would not design the two places with the same objects and products.” Her featured project is a Riviera villa located close to the glamorous resort of Cannes in Southern France. A client, for whom she had worked with in the past, commissioned Michela to design his French home. “I had full freedom to create the design for the newlybuilt villa,” she explained. “The property has large, spacious rooms which are filled with wonderful Provencal light, which radiates through windows and doorways.”
Her brief was to create a home that reflected the personality of its owner and a home where friends would feel welcome. It was important that there should be a big space for dinner parties and entertaining and that the villa should be equally welcoming in winter and summer. “The owners have a great love of Asia and Africa,” Michela explained. “So I wanted to reflect these cultures in design details throughout the villa. As an interior architect, it was important for me to understand and define the space in each room, so I used furniture and accessories to draw attention to the architectural spaces.” Typically for Provence, the walls in the villa are neutral and so this gave her a wonderful blank canvas against which she could place magnificent tall vases and beautiful wall hangings. She used red and gold tones in the sitting room to express a “ joie de vivre” and to reflect the warm welcome that the owners like to give to their guests. This is a comfortable room, where one would feel relaxed with friends as much as it is a design statement. The dining area blends seamlessly with the living space throughout and is again a relaxed space. “My favourite area of the home is the dining area,” Michela continued. “ I would love to go to a dinner party at the villa and enjoy sitting at the long table des amis”, she jested. “I love the huge dining table in the Riviera villa’s dining area made from natural wood. It evokes an era of eloquent banquets and fine dining. I placed the beautiful wall hanging on the wall above to show that whoever you are and wherever you are in the world, one can enjoy eating with friends.” I think that the scheme perfectly balances the eclectic mix of preferred cultures, with the architecture of the region, thereby creating a relaxed family home, which has a unique and individual style and presence of its own.
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Beyond Aesthetics Selbourne Place – A U.K project by Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves, of Hill House Interiors
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Set back off the road, and approached through a video controlled entry gate, a private drive leads to just a few sumptuous homes. The classically designed exteriors in mellow stock brick, with elegant stone dressings, and full height bespoke sash windows, have deep rear terraces and are surrounded by fully landscaped gardens. ‘We were brought in by the property developers to create a scheme for Selborne Place with a concept of luxurious family living. We were briefed to reflect that in our scheme, as well as incorporating all the practical elements, that would make this property a very attractive proposition to prospective purchasers.” Jenny explained. They asked us to concentrate on illustrating how to make the most of the space, so we were determined to create a look that went beyond aesthetics. The interior had to be stunning, yet extremely practical as a family home too. There are five bedrooms in this property, and we wanted to show the potential owners how they could use this space effectively. We’ve presented the fifth bedroom on the top floor as an ultra stylish study, and another bedroom as an amazing children’s bedroom.”
kitchen, with it’s sleek and glossy dark walnut units, cream granite work surfaces, and of course, a never ending menu of sophisticated appliances. The stylish breakfast bar, dividing the kitchen from the dining area, is perfect for hosting anything from the ultimate dinner party for 10, to a causal family supper. The star-piece of the dining area is the show-stopping silk and metallic glass chandelier, suspended over the bespoke Italian leather round dining table. The chairs are upholstered in rich mocha leather too, which is really luxurious, but immensely durable. Another focal point in the dining room is a Hill House Interiors special- one of our “Tranquil Landscapes”- which is a specially commissioned art work, designed to blend in harmoniously with its surroundings, and create a soothing ambience in the space. In the living space, the real ‘pièce de résistance’ is the feature wall of two supersized aquariums, set within a specially commissioned tinted mirror. The stunning feature combines the ultimate in glamour with the calming powers of water.
“We were brought in by at the planning stages to advise on fixtures and fittings, and all of our ideas began to evolve from there. It’s great to be involved from such an early stage.” Helen continued.
“We’ve stocked these effervescent aquaria with fish and coral in blushing tones of pink,” Jenny told us. ‘The water is set aglitter with bespoke lighting in shocking Schiaparelli. The twin-tank installation also includes a mirrored, ‘now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t’, plasma television.
The entrance hall is one of the most important spaces in the house, as you only get one chance to make a first impression. In this particular case, the designers have created a feature wall, using a breathtaking hand embroidered and painted metallic wallpaper. It has an organic oriental feel to it, with splashes of vivid pink, which wonderfully contrasts with the smooth cream porcelain floor.
We were going for something immensely therapeutic with this space. The aquarium effect goes well beyond nirvana. Fish-tanks are thought to mimic the soothing effects of hypnosis, and can even lower blood pressure. The mirrors enhance the tranquillity, creating an iridescent shimmer across the whole room.
The ‘hub’ of the open plan kitchen/living/ dining area is the immensely sociable
We’ve adorned the rest of the living space with über tactile materials, with hints of pink reprising the rosé tones of the mini marines.”
The master bedroom had to have the wow factor. So the designers installed a dramatic full height headboard in deep truffle, which stretches the whole width of the room and frames the master bed. It really has that feeling of grandeur. One wall is dedicated to black lacquer and mirrored wardrobes. “ As big fashion addicts ourselves, we always insist on installing plenty of space in the master bedroom, to store those vintage Dior’s and Louboutins.” Helen jested. There is a vanity unit too, which is a contemporary take on a traditional dressing table. It’s super modern, black lacquered with polished chrome detailing, with a focal mirror above it- the perfect spot for the lady of the house to apply her makeup. The master bathroom had to be rather au courant to fit in with the rest of the scheme. So they used a dramatic black glass on the bath and vanity units. Storage can be a real issue in bathrooms, but here clever hidden storage has been installed, snuck under the vanity basin surrounds and behind large wall mirror panels, ideal for hiding all those lotions and potions. “As well as the stunning twin tanks in the living area, one of our favourite areas has to be the children’s bedroom on the top floor, a fun space that kids could really retreat to. We started out by building up a mezzanine level and installing glass room divider. This helped to split the room into two zones- with one area dedicated to play, and the other designed purely for rest. Plus, there’s a fabulous pull out bed under the mezzanine level, ideal for sleepovers!” Helen concluded. ‘We’ve used a kaleidoscope of vivacious colours to really make the space stand out. As with all our schemes, there is real attention to detail here, we’ve even attached a reading light to the headboard of the bed, and installed a feature clock on the wall- it’s a delightful touch! “
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Dunedin House A project in New Zealand by Susie and Tess Paynter
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Dunedin House was built on the pinnacle of Maori Hill, on the site of an old croquet and bowling green which overlooked Dunedin. Susie and Tess Paynter a dynamic mother and daughter design duo were brought in to work on the project at the planning stages. “The client bought the land about five or six years ago” Tess explained. “And then they commissioned one the oldest architectural companies in New Zealand - Mason and Wales to build a home.”
“ It is the kind of place where you feel that you can walk in, sit down on the couch, put your feet up and relax - it’s a real family home.”
“Like most of the projects we work on, we were involved right from the planning stages prior to the build” Tess continued. “The house is classically designed and very large over 1500 square feet in total with an internal swimming pool.” Tess and Susie worked on the project for over two years, during which time they ommuted from the North Island. “But our clients were worth it” Tess enthused. “We were brought on board before the building work commenced, So in the early stages it was very cold and draughty. It was mid–winter out there and absolutely freezing at times. The building was vast and very stark- and during these conditions we had to strive to achieve perfection. The clients were great though and they really enjoyed the journey.” The first stage of the project was the conceptual fit out - in short the arpets, stone floor, kitchen and bathroom design. Basically anything that was hard, went in first and they worked from the floor upwards.” We used a dark colour for the floor to contain the vast space and warm it all up” Susie told us. “Using silk for the walls had a similar effect of making the space feel a lot warmer yet luxurious, and we found some
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amazing chandeliers by Swedish designers. In order to counter balance the size of the rooms we placed over sized - furniture, and sourced the most incredible Argentinean chandeliers to hang over the dining table.” “The home is very tactile; we chos materials with comfort in mind. It is the kind of place where you feel that you can walk in, sit down on the couch, put your feet up and relax - it’s a real family home. The ground floor is a large open plan space, so we decided to use a neutral palette but accent it with bright citrus which we carried though to the first floor alongside the black.” Meanwhile, the stone floor runs throughout the ground floor and like the colour applied, it unifies this open plan area. The ground floor also houses an entertainment room, which is a relaxed area with a bit more of a ‘clubby’ feel to it. Upstairs there is a master bedroom, two guest bedrooms and two children’s bedrooms. “For the master bedroom we used a sophisticated neutral palette and silk wall coverings to give a luxurious feel” Tess continued. “We also created an area to sleep, one for work and a third area where it was possible to simply sit and talk.” The guest bedrooms have a more classically inspired look, with delicate soft colours and fabrics. As the Winters on South Island are cold and icy, it was important to make the space feel comfortable and warm. “It was a real pleasure to work with the clients and architects on this project” Tess concluded. “When the clients are happy it makes everything worthwhile.”
N E W C A S T L E
F U R N I T U R E
C O M P A N Y
Timeless furniture individually designed and handcrafted to the highest quality NEWCASTLE: 0191 2618900
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EDINBURGH: 0131 2211342
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PORTUGAL: 0035 1214602198
www.newcastlefurniture.com
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