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CONTENTS ⁄ ETC
DECEMBER 2018 56
32
COVER STORIES Our cover stories are highlighted by a spot. Cover photography: Helenio Barbetta/ Living Inside
News & Views
Shopping
17 NEWS This month, we’re all over intricate
21 OWNABLE Shop this issue with
velvets, batty about brass, and getting into the festive spirit with snazzy nutcrackers
a great new app
67 LIVINGETC DISCOVERS The Lacquer Company London gets a taste of the Orient at this buzzing studio
125 DESIGN PROFILE A glimpse into the wild and wonderful world of House of Hackney co-founder Frieda Gormley
166 ONE LAST THING Christmas wreath classes Unleash your crafty side with these creative workshops
29 TREND Rocking Balmoral
49 EDITED CHOICE Fairy lights Twinkle, twinkle… Get a load of these bright sparks
Tartan-tastic prints and Highlands-inspired designs with a modern twist
50 EDITED CHOICE Modern wreaths Adornables to set the festive tone
30 TREND Peacock Show off your plumes with pride this season
52 EDITED CHOICE Artificial trees
44 EDITED CHOICE Heirloom baubles You’ll want to hang on to these
139 EDITED CHOICE Hi-tech hobs
47 EDITED CHOICE Icon baubles
143 EDITED CHOICE Double basins They’re the answer to your sharing woes
Give your Christmas tree some star power
Some of the finest faux firs in town The design stakes are hotting up in the kitchen
livingetc.com / December 2018 9
CONTENTS ⁄ ETC
43
153
72
125 47 Design Ideas 56 DECO A jolly holiday Since we
Modern Homes 32 A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS Work meets play in the artful family home of Farrow & Ball’s creative director Joa Studholme
82 STYLE HIGH Silvia and Andrea’s
hired Mary Poppins, the most extraordinary things seem to have come over the household…
70 PAINTBOX Navy The possibilities are endless with this classic hue 72 DECO Decorating with baubles It’s not all about the Christmas tree! Spread the love
passion for skiing inspired the build of their holiday chalet in the Alps
77 STYLE STORY #disco fever
90 DESIGN A LA MODE Chelsea and
121 DESIGN NEWS Kitchen kit and
OTT and OOC – we’re diggin’ the Studio 54 vibes
Rob’s London townhouse exudes Parisian chic
hi-tech solutions for an instant update
100 BACK FOR GOOD Cathrine and
128 PROJECT INSPIRATION Deck the hall Bring one of the home’s
Anders reconfigured their Copenhagen apartment into a forever home
110 COUNTRY CHIC Sophie and Pierre turned an old barn into a characterful abode just in time to host relatives at Christmas 10 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
most common areas in on the festivities
140 BATHROOM CASE STUDY Sense of drama Luxe surfaces and industrial fittings elevate this urban space
Lifestyle 145 THE HOT LIST From the Netherlands to Tanzania and Brazil, we round up the newest must-visit hotels
153 SCANDI-LISE CHRISTMAS Yuletide dishes with Nordic flavour
Offers & Info
136 KITCHEN CASE STUDY Rhapsody in Black Blue The hunt
26 SUBSCRIBE for top offers 109 READER OFFER Enjoy 20 per cent
for the perfect shade paid off handsomely
off at Graham and Green. Merry Christmas!
photo Emanuele Tortora
bookcase Airport coffee table Spiral coffee tables Sting rugs Radja
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Today I went to the new Anni Albers exhibition at Tate Modern. The first major show of the Bauhaus designer’s work to be held in the UK, it’s a true celebration of pattern and the craft of weaving. Anni Albers was the most influential woman in textiles, known for her use of bold colour in dynamic combinations. Her designs still feel very ‘of the moment’, and I love Christopher Farr Cloth’s recent collection based on her work. It’s proof that good design will always stand the test of time. The woman who might be seen as today’s ultimate colour influencer is Joa Studholme, creative director at Farrow & Ball and owner of our House of the Month – a Somerset schoolhouse (page 32). In preparation for our shoot, Joa decorated her home in her pick of the nine new shades she launched in September. As expected, the names are a riot – my personal favourites are Sulking Room Pink and Jitney – and the colours include some trend-led showstoppers: check out the wildly bold pink Rangwali and luscious green Bancha that Joa has used for her pantry and entrance hall respectively. To make way for these new hues, nine older shades have been retired as Farrow & Ball’s thing is always to retain a colour card of 132 hues. I love this, as it remains a considered edit. My visit to the Albers exhibition offered a welcome break from all things festive; for this month’s issue, we’ve gone all out on Christmas. We start creating the December issue at the end of May, when the first press show diary dates come in. We spend the (sometimes) sweltering summer months mince pie tasting and picking out the most beautiful/timeless/kitsch/irreverent festive products. It’s an overwhelming task but one that, whether you’re into the holiday or not, is always good fun, especially when you spot smile-raising mini trends, such as this year’s vogue for icon baubles (page 47). Because who doesn’t need a decoration shaped like Amy Winehouse hanging from their tree? We also had a particularly good time pulling together this year’s gifting supplement, which is a veritable explosion of shopping ideas, edited by theme. I hope you enjoy it. And get ready for a nostalgic moment when you see the angle for this year’s Christmas decorating story. With the new Mary Poppins film opening in cinemas soon, we looked back at the Julie Andrews Sixties original to add a whimsical twist to each vignette. After all, everyone wants their Christmas to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious… Sarah Spiteri, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 13
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AGENDA
SHOPPING ⁄ NEWS ⁄ PEOPLE ⁄ DESIGN ⁄ EVENTS
TOP TA BLE Although Christmas needn’t be a blingy affair, a little glitz never goes amiss at this time of year. Stick to one metallic finish on a few striking pieces and suddenly your festive look is more ooh la la than OTT. Broste Copenhagen knows the deal. Its weighty, brass-finish candlesticks are guaranteed to get the family peering up from their Christmas dinners. Each individual piece has been given a sculptural twist, which is a thing this season. Tabletop delights that really are worth their weight in gold.
PHOTOGRAPHY LINE KLEIN STUDIO
Ball, from £32 each; Plexi, £40; Flower, £36.50; and Geog, £129 (brostecopenhagen.com)
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 17
A FI N E FE A ST You’ve got to hand it to The White Company. Its festive table retains the neutral-hued simplicity the brand is known for, while being fittingly OTT for the Christmas season. The trickery at work? Texture. Think etched glass, burnished metal and lightly frosted accessories, all offset with casually thrown sheepskins and plumes of pampas grass. Consider your Christmas 2018 ‘look’ sorted.
Mercury pillar candleholder, £25; Mercury Frill top tealight holder, £6; Diamond-etched curved candleholder, £25; Mercury Dinner candleholder, £20; gold mercury 8cm bauble with etching and glitter, £6; gold mercury mini bauble, £4; and Tibetan sheepskin rug, from £125 (thewhitecompany.com)
THE BRIT PACK
[ Divine decs ] Spare a thought for the creatures not normally name-checked in the Nativity story. We’re talking alpacas, cows and lobsters, of course. These have now been given glitzy, sequin-studded makeovers courtesy of Yonder Living to guarantee top-tier status on your tree. Decorated Llama Alpaca pink gold decoration, £20 (yonderliving.com)
18 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
What do you get if you cross Radley London with furnishings house Sanderson? An accessories collection bursting to the brim with Brit charm. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Radley has taken the Roslyn print (first designed by William Morris as a wallpaper in 1910), reworked it in autumnal hues of blush, grape and port, and painted it across its leather bucket bags and backpacks. Our verdict? An under-the-tree dream. Backpack, £199 (radley.co.uk)
AGE NDA/ NEWS
TH R EE O F TH E B EST PLAYING CARDS It’s wise to have a few cards up your sleeve should a power-cut strike on 25th December, though these design-led numbers really do deserve to be on full display. Time to lock away the iPad, disconnect the TV and champion good, old-fashioned fun.
[ In good taste ] Mention ‘legend’ and ‘chocolatier’ in the same sentence and chances are you are talking about John Cadbury, the greatgreat-great grandfather of Love Cocoa founder James. So that’s one reason to invest in these Salted Caramel, Gin & Tonic and, yes, Avocado-infused numbers. The other is the pretty packaging that’s almost too good to be peeled away. Love Cocoa avocado 70 per cent organic dark chocolate bar (johnlewis.com)
PA ST PER FECT Hark back to a bygone era of unbridled decadence with the Lost Horizon collection from Prestigious Textiles. Part Oriental Express with a dash of The Great Gatsby, its sumptuous velvets are digitally printed with painted landscapes of cranes and willow trees tied together with diamond embroideries and a selection of plain linens in hues of Nutmeg, Oxblood and Sapphire. Now just to find a chaise longue and fluted leaf lamp… Geisha in Clay Pot cotton mix, £110.99m (prestigious.co.uk)
Couvertures Nouvelles playing cards, £85, Hermès (harrods.com); Maison de Jeu playing cards, £32, Christian Lacroix (amara.com); and Frank Lloyd Wright playing cards, £13 (indish.co.uk) l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 19
AGE NDA / NEWS
AL FRESCO
[ New leaf ] If you’re thinking about buying a loved one jewellery this Christmas you might struggle to part ways with pieces from Daisy London. Its Nature’s Way collection features designs studded with vines, bark, feathers and sycamore leaves in 18ct gold plate. Sycamore leaf necklace, £99 (daisy jewellery.com)
PLAYING FOOTSIE
When it comes to disappointing Christmas gifts, socks have long been in a league of their own. But elevating the humble foot warmers to new heights, Desmond & Dempsey’s offerings are design-focused enough to command genuine ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as they’re dug out from a stocking. Zebra Print socks, £18 (desmond anddempsey.com)
Take any image and blow it up to fill the space from skirting board to ceiling and suddenly you have walls with serious wow-factor. Surface View is a dab hand at this, and its latest edit, Greenhouse, sees historical botanical drawings from archives at the Royal Horticultural Society, New York Botanical Garden and the V&A given new life as dramatic wall panels. For 18th-century high drama, go for Ludwig Czerny’s Winter Garden Antoine Mural (left). From the Royal Horticultural Society collection at Surface View, from £65sq m (surfaceview.co.uk)
PU R E A N D SI M PLE The simple route to a happy home? Surround yourself with things you love. Such is the ethos at new furniture brand &Bespoke. Launched by industry veterans Roger Bannister and Steven Owens (previously of Benchmark furniture), the brand champions simple, beautifully crafted pieces made using sustainably sourced woods. Its Edition One collection of 12 functional and timeless pieces, including the Thorpe dining table complete with natural timber knots and defects, and enhanced by butterfly patches and raw, live edges. Also featured are the Bure dining chairs with Danish cord seats, and the stand-out, velvet-clad Malvern sofa. These are essential pieces set to be cast down the generations and loved for just as long.
Malvern sofa, from £3,700, designed by Steven Owens (andbespoke.com) 20 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
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Temple linen in Berry (background), £142.50m; and Orchestra linen in Ochre (inset), £150m (christopherfarrcloth.com); and Chagal chairs (julianchichester. com)
FEELING MERRY
We’ve come to expect pretty marvellous things from Belgian master chocolatier Pierre Marcolini. Open up its merry-go-round-style advent calendar and you’ll find beautifully illustrated hot-air balloons, gift-bearing giraffes and leaping reindeer, all concealing doors to mouthwatering praline, nougat and caramel treats. Advent calendar, £49 (eu.marcolini.com)
SET THE TONE
Paint & Paper Library has a trick or two up its sleeve when it comes to using colour to transform a room. Abandoning a one-shade-fits-all-four-walls approach, the latest images of its Architectural collection prove neutral shades are anything but boring; layer walls, woodwork, ceilings and cornices in a choice of 95 chalky, graduating tones and watch as rooms appear bigger, cosier, more harmonious and ultimately, more interesting.
FI N E PR I N T Only a handful of textile prints truly stand the test of time. Take Marimekko’s classic poppies, or the ditzy florals of Liberty Fabrics. Rightly deserving of a place on that list are the works of Anni Albers – one of the best-known textile artists of the 20th century. At Christopher Farr Cloth, two new fabrics feature Anni’s designs with simple blocks of colour screen-printed onto pure Belgian linen. Orchestra, above, was inspired by her trips to the Berlin Opera in the Twenties and oozes a graphic yet effortless style.
[ Easy tiger ] For Christmas morning treats with serious rock’n’roll edge, you can’t beat Brit designer Jan Constantine. What could be better than reaching into this divine faux fur number for your Terry’s Chocolate Orange. We’re predicting it will be a, er, roaring success. £55 (janconstantine. com)
Ceiling in Muga; walls (above dado) in Paper III; walls (below dado) in Paper V; architrave in Paper III; and hall in Morning Room and Paper I, all £48.50 for 2.5L pure flat emulsion (paintandpaperlibrary.com) 22 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
AGE NDA/ NEWS
P IL LOW TA L K MOTHER OF PEARL As creative director of Mother of Pearl, Amy Powney has married Dutch-style florals with a hint of granny-chic to catwalk acclaim. She tells us about her new digitally printed, pattern-smothered homeware line HOW DID YOUR CAREER IN FASHION BEGIN? I began at Mother of Pearl fresh after graduating 12 years ago, beginning as astudio assistant and progressing to apartner and creative director. Before this, I interned at Giles Deacon just as hewas becominga bigname. It was an incredibleexperience and taught me huge amounts. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MOTHER OF PEARL AESTHETIC? It’sa real balance of playful and serious. Thebrand philosophy is seriousquality and ethics balancedwith playful visuals and tone of voice. My designs feature masculine silhouettes with femininedetailing, using juxtaposing references like the workof socialist photographer Nick Waplington and royal Tudor dresses. Thekey to the clothing is that it appeals to our different emotions;I havedays whenI want to hide under agiant hoodie but also days whenI feel more adventurous. HOW DID THE INTERIORS COLLECTION COME ABOUT? I’m always inspired bymaximalist wallpapers, upholstery fabrics
[ Flower power] With Seventies-era Carnaby Street as its inspiration, botanical brand Crabtree & Evelyn’s new look is suitably revolutionary. Expect home fragrances in festive scents of fir, mulled spices and juniper berries, gift sets and beauty baubles decked in psychedelic prints with a side serving of petal power. Right on! Rock ’n’ Rose gift set, £55 (crabtreeevelyn.com)
and curtains,so whenI started to renovate my house,I couldn’t resist a Mother of Pearl interior range. Who wouldn’t want to match WKHLU RXWÀW ZLWK WKHLU FXVKLRQV" DESCRIBE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME. It has a minimal backdrop of HERQ\ à RRULQJ DQG ZKLWH ZDOOV givingmea blank canvas to lift with lots of plant lifeand VFDWWHU ZLWK FRORXUHG à RUDOV printsand hints of dark green includingFarrow & Ball’sStudio Green. It’sa Victorian house but I’m obsessedwith Georgian proportionsso I’ve cheatedwith tall, doubleGeorgian style doors into my livingroom.
Hollywood Soldier nutcracker, ÂŁ900; Hollywood King nutcracker, ÂŁ400; Glitter hat gold/silver nutcracker, ÂŁ65; red and white stripy hat nutcracker, ÂŁ75; Drummer nutcracker, ÂŁ35; and hanging nutcracker decorations, from ÂŁ10 each (harrods.com)
WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PRINTS COME FROM? It usually comes from old Dutch à RUDOV RU ROG SDLQWLQJV OLNH Hieronymus Bosch’sTheGarden of EarthlyDelights.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT? Sustainability is my major passion. Wehave just launched No Frills, a core collection of everyday pieces made with a low-carbon footprint and using organic materials, as well as a sustainablecapsule collection of eveningwear.
GO N U TS FROM TOP Chrysanthemum Olive; Autumn Bloom; Amber Tulip; Vienna Floral; Amber Tulip quilted; and Zebra Baroque quilted cushions, all from ÂŁ125 each (motherofpearl.co.uk)
Pop into Harrods and you’ll find the Nutcracker rocking an array of novel looks, from candy-cane stripes to jester-style pantaloons and head-to-toe glitter, all topped off with an impressive assortment of fluffy headwear. And if you’ve tired of a traditional Christmas, invest in the tallest statue and use as an alternative to the tree, meaning someone will always be on guard to keep an eye on the gifts below‌ l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 23
AGE NDA / NEWS
THREAD CAREFULLY
If you think material items lack sentiment, imagine being gifted a totally bespoke, intricately hand-embroidered map, stitched onto ivory matt silk and dotted with the parks, pubs and local landmarks visited by you and your beloved (or BFF). Pretty thoughtful, right? Working from her Cockpits Arts studio – home to some of Britain’s finest craft talent – Ekta Kaul’s bespoke StoryMaps are set to warm cockles far and wide over the festive season. For the less mushy among us, commissioned pieces can be labelled with locations of architectural icons, favourite walks or simply your local area, all adding up to one-off pieces with exceptional charm and character. Try your hand on one of Ekta’s embroidery workshops to master the art of the needle on a smaller-scale.
Bespoke wall-hangings, price on request; and workshops, from £75 (ektakaul.com)
[ Chalet chic ] Turning heads and helmets on the slopes is as much about style as it is skill. With this in mind, Dutch sportswear brand Protest is donning its skiwear with leopard print this season. It’s bound to cause quite a stir with the ski crowd, even if you are just on the baby slopes. Revet ski jacket, £149.99; and Soribel ski trousers, £109.99 (protest.eu)
BOLD A S BR A SS A penchant for the weird but wonderful has given Timothy Oulton a wild child reputation on the British design scene. Yet that’s not to say his eponymous brand doesn’t also excel in the ultra-glam. From the handcrafted Daring lighting collection, this super-sized chandelier boasts 261 cast glass prisms, all finished with a textured surface designed to mimic tree bark. Now that’s what we call a Christmas corker. Bark pendant, £3,825; Shabby sectional sofa, from £1,775; and Shabby coffee table, from £2,600 (timothyoulton.com) 24 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
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XLE CODE: BDD8
Discover our stylish collection of handmade, ethical and eco-friendly homeware, Christmas decorations and gifts.
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The Highlands got hip at Michael Kors’ autumn/winter 2018 show
Autumn Leafe Dipper check scarf, £125, Holzweiler at Opumo
ROCKING BALMORAL Heigh-ho your way up to the Highlands this season with enough tartan, tweed and herringbone check to deck out Her Majesty’s sprawling Scottish estate. Bringing a punk twist to plaid, Versace shook things up in arresting shades of blue and yellow this season, with models at Michael Kors ready to hike the hills in checked scarves and double-breasted coats. For the castle, opt for tartans with a modern twist – from the deconstructed print on Neri&Hu’s rugs for GAN to the simplified wool upholstery on Anta’s Benbecula cube. Add a few regal decorations and you’re all set for some royally rollicking festivities.
Food Series cushion in Avocado, £149, Simon Key Bertman at Urban Avenue
CH7 Car 2 sofa, £ l Ha nsen 2,932, & So n at Nes t.co .uk
O W har an e t t L ar es tan Es sh se op nt p ie er ls at tote Li be bag rt , £ yL 2 on 15, do n
Use the Ownable app to buy now
RESEARCH ⁄ Maudie Manton
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 29
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PEACOCK ’Tis the season to shine bright, so why not look to our most fabulously-feathered friends for inspiration? Fashion did. Models at Akris strutted down the autumn/winter runways in simple combinations of emerald green and sapphire blue. These colours, plus plumage, are set to take flight in the home. French furnishings house Casadeco is smothering walls in oversized, exotic feathers, while The Conran Shop’s hand-painted backgammon set should be top of the pile for festive family games. Perch in Marni’s woven chair and watch as its curved sides fan out like a peacock’s tail. Time to put on your most magnificent display.
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Peacock backgammon set, £4,200, Alexandra Llewellyn at The Conran Shop
o ca Ca iller & illa a M an , Sar V , 5 Fig , £2 e l nd ca
Look-at-me greens and blues reigned at Akris
Eleonora sapphire blue velvet chest of drawers, £1,150, Graham & Green
Mirror, £758, Studio Roso for Fritz Hansen at Monologue London
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RESEARCH ⁄ Maudie Manton
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS It’s no surprise that Joa Studholme’s home at Christmas is as much about paint shades as decorations… after all, she is Farrow & Ball’s colour curator Photography / James Merrell
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Production / Marianne Cotterill
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Words / Jenny Tucker
HOMES ⁄ ETC
HOME PROFILE
THE OWNERS Joa Studholme, who works as Farrow & Ball’s paint colour curator, her husband Andre and their two grown-up children, Nancy and Cosmo. THE PROPERTY The 1840s schoolhouse in Somerset is the family’s country home. The house has one level that is comprised of a large living area (the original main school room), kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a WC.
LI V ING AREA
The high ceiling and walls painted in School House White create impact. ‘On Christmas Day, this is where we open presents, dance and toast until we collapse on the sofas to watch TV,’ says Joa. Get the look The pink sofa is an heirloom – try Designers Guild for similar. The pendants are by Tom Dixon. The tree decorations are from John Lewis and Habitat. The paper decorations are from RE.
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 33
K ITCHEN
A diverse palette, from dark hues to the yellow highlight at the window, adds focus. ‘I chose Babouche because it mimics the golden colours in the garden,’ says Joa. Get the look The bespoke units are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. The vintage table is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black. The overhead light is from Original BTC.
HOMES ⁄ ETC
‘I like to decorate the outside so there is an anticipation of what’s to come’
EXTER IOR
A bundle of cotton plant branches hints at snow and echoes the pale shade of the wreath. Get the look The door is painted in Black Blue by Farrow & Ball. The wreath is by The Shop Floor Project. l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 35
HOMES ⁄ ETC
‘I’m a super-festive person – I love every element of Christmas’
T
here is no other time that is as drenched in enchantment as the lead-up to Christmas. With breath-catching anticipation, the decorations are displayed, the days are counted down, and even that raw nip in the air inspires a delirious eagerness to believe something extra special is about to happen. Joa Studholme, a self-confessed advocate of all things festive, adores Christmas. ‘Out come the kitsch Santas we’ve collected over the years, the nativity scenes from around the world and even the Ken and Barbie we’ve dressed up as Mary and Joseph,’ she laughs. As colour curator for Farrow & Ball, Joa is an expert in creating ambience. Colour for her is all about how it makes a person feel. She describes the choices she makes as being innate: ‘I see everything in colour rather than form,’ she explains. ‘Even as a child I spent hours messing around with my Caran d’Ache crayons. I am a total colour geek!’ And Christmas is certainly a time for introducing additional elements of colour to a home. This year, Joa will be spending the holiday with her family at their country retreat. When Joa bought the 19th-century schoolhouse 18 months ago, she was looking for an escape from her busy urban existence in west London. Her tick box cited ‘secluded’ and ‘bucolic’ so, ultimately, it was the location that seduced her. ‘The house is simple and compact, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by gorgeous countryside,’ she reveals, ‘Even so, the town of Bruton is only a couple of miles away so we can still tap into everything that provides. It’s the best of both worlds.’ While the structure and refurbishment of the property was pretty much to the family’s liking, the fact that it was painted white throughout was something that just had to change. ‘Of course I couldn’t stick with an all-white backdrop,’ says Joa. ‘For me, colour is about creating an atmosphere. I want to take anyone who walks through the rooms on a sensory journey. In the time we’ve had this house, I’ve repainted it twice. I’ll be surprised if these current colours last more than a year.’ And so, each wall has recently been doused in a particular shade, selected to create a reaction that goes way deeper than the usual throwaway comment of, ‘Ooh, that’s a lovely colour’. Joa explains: ‘There is an embedded and relevant thought process behind my choices. With the nine new paints recently launched from Farrow & Ball, I wanted to create colours that fit with the time we live in. Currently there is a lot of turmoil in the world, so I believe homes should feel more nourishing. To me, the use of hard greys is over. Our new colours are rich and more tender than grey. Although they are perfect for the contemporary home, in some ways
these shades are very traditional because when life is tough people often crave the comfort of nostalgia.’ It makes complete sense that Joa would want to experiment in her own home. ‘I sometimes wonder if my rooms are getting that bit smaller because of the continual new coats of paint,’ she laughs. So, like that small child who dabbled with her crayons, Joa still messes about with a palette of varying hues. ‘I chose Bancha for the entrance hall for a reason,’ she says. ‘When you arrive at the house, you are immersed in an idyllic location. As you walk through the garden to the front door, plants and greenery surround you. I wanted that feeling to carry on, and so as you step into the house you are faced with this deep olive shade. The outside comes indoors, so to speak.’ Other examples of her jiggery-pokery follow. Moving into the hallway there is a dark area, painted in Inchyra Blue, to create an atmosphere of cosiness and protection. Then, passing through into the living area, you are suddenly hit with a huge, dazzling room painted in School House White. And it’s no accident. The transition from dark to light hits you between the eyes and fools you into thinking the room is even bigger and even brighter. ‘That’s my job,’ says Joa. ‘It’s not just colours. It’s about illusions, emotions and reactions.’ It only seems logical to wonder what colour Christmas Day might be? ‘Corny I know,’ she smiles, ‘but green and red, of course.’ This year the family are going all out for tradition. That means being woken up by the morning bells from the church next door, opening stocking presents before breakfast, taking a long walk and then home for a late lunch of the usual turkey and trimmings. And while Joa may represent one of the most stylish interiors names in the business, there is always room for an element of quirkiness. ‘Last year was all about the garish green tinsel,’ Joa says. ‘This year I’m pulling in bits from the garden as decorations to enhance the new house colours – but not holly. Far too ordinary!’ See the new Farrow & Ball colour range at farrow-ball.com
LI V ING AREA
A gallery wall gets a festive feel with eclectic decorations and paper chains. Get the look The paper chains are from The Shop Floor Project. 36 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
HOMES ⁄ ETC
PA NTRY
Joa’s husband chose this striking colour for the pantry-cumbar. The colour is taken all the way over the ceiling, which gives the impression of ‘being encased in a jewel box,’ says Joa. Get the look The walls are painted in Rangwali by Farrow & Ball. Madonna tea towel, £6.50, RE.
ENTR A NCE H A LL
Joa loves her garden and often decorates – especially at Christmas – with all things botanical. Get the look The walls are painted in Bancha by Farrow & Ball. The console table is from a Monaco flea market. The child’s school chair is from a charity shop. For a similar pendant, try John Lewis. The painting is by Joa’s grandfather.
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 39
HOMES ⁄ ETC
H A LLWAY
‘This is a long, thin and very boring corridor. I wanted a strong colour but if I’d taken the blue all the way to the ceiling, the space would have felt very enclosed. By using a light shade at the top, the area feels more open,’ says Joa. Get the look The lower half of the wall is painted in Inchyra Blue; the upper half in All White, both by Farrow & Ball. The overhead light is from Gong. The bauble decoration is from Habitat.
‘Colour is an innate part of my life. It completely encompasses who I am’
SEE MORE GREAT ROOMS AT LIVINGETC.COM
HOME TRUTHS
What are you hoping to find in your Christmas stocking? A paperback book and a ball of string! What do you love most about the holidays? Having my family around me. There is nothing better than all being together. Your greatest achievement of 2018? Launching nine new colours for Farrow & Ball. Your favourite winter tipple? Drambuie is like Christmas in a glass. Ice skating or fireside? Definitely fireside, after a long, brisk walk. What do you tell yourself every day? Face your demons.
GU EST BEDROOM
Joa embraced the intimacy of this space by using delicate Setting Plaster on walls and woodwork to treat guests to a room that feels tender and soothing. Get the look The bedlinen is from Cox & Cox. The curtains are from Joa’s grandparents’ house; they are at least 65 years old! The vase is by Astier de Villatte.
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HOMES ⁄ ETC
IDEAS TO STEAL
Bring some of Joa’s vibrant style to your home with these bold pieces
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Basketweave Pattern oak flooring, from £246sq m, Reclaimed Flooring Co; Sutton Charcoal F0420/01 cotton, £20.50m, Clarke & Clarke; Petrol Panelling wallpaper, £70 a roll, Young & Battaglia for Mineheart at Limelace; Inchyra Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball; Wallis velvet in Old Gold 333001 viscose-mix, £125m, Zoffany at Style Library
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Glitter and tassel honeycombs, from £7 each, Talking Tables; Mevagissey arched window mirror, £335, Oka; Loch Ness collage, £300, Chica Seal at Partnership Editions; Svana light, £319, Light & Living at Houseology; Murat headboard, from £2,332, Ensemblier; Hen decorations, £12 each, Raj Tent Club; Ultimate metal wreath, £65, The White Company; Natterbox chairs in Inky Blue, £230 for two, Loaf. Use the Ownable app to buy now
RESEARCH ⁄ Maudie Manton
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 43
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
HEIRLOOM BAUBLES
Add luxe to your tree with these investment buys you'll want to keep forever
Copper and marble personalised couple, £12.50, Thebridge and Taylor, at Notonthehighstreet.com. Buy now with Ownable
Dove, £25, Wedgewood. Buy now with Ownable
Orn star hot air balloon, £18, Anthropologie. Buy now with Ownable
Fortnum’s mini hamper, £15, Fortnum & Mason. Buy now with Ownable
Ogham love ball, £60, Waterford. Buy now with Ownable
Monica Förster gold-plated winter bird, £45, Georg Jensen. Buy now with Ownable
Cuore e Cuora, £31.50, Marcello Jori for Alessi.
Elephant in Platinum, £28, Jonathan Adler. Buy now with Ownable
Liberty building, £39, Liberty. Buy now with Ownable
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RESEARCH ⁄ Jesse Harris
Furniture for Dining, Living, Bedroom & Home Office
For our new 2019 catalogue visit ercol.com or call 01844 271800 Ercol Furniture Ltd, Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks. HP27 9PX
BALLATTA
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
ICON BAUBLES
Turn your festive guest list into the ultimate who’s who with these gems
Santa bauble, £12 for four, Debenhams. Buy now with Ownable
Bill Murray bauble, £10.95, My World Publishing at Baltic Shop. Buy now with Ownable
Glass Buddha bauble, £16.95, Liberty London. Buy now with Ownable
Mona Lisa bauble, part of the Little Paris set, £65, Bombki at Fortnum & Mason. Buy now with Ownable
Suffragette decoration, £12, National Portrait Gallery. Buy now with Ownable
David Bowie bauble, £14, Selfridges. Buy now with Ownable
Amy Winehouse bauble, £14, Rockett St George. Buy now with Ownable
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip bauble, £19.95, Liberty London. Buy now with Ownable
RESEARCH ⁄ Jesse Harris
Pink hand-painted Frida bauble, £19, Harrods.
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 47
FREE UPGRADE. A LUXU RY K I N G S I Z E B E D FO R T H E P R I C E O F A D O U B L E B E D.
F O R S O M E , S L E E P I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT J U S T H A P P E N S . AT S O M N U S I T H A P P E N S B Y D E S I G N . Our handmade craftsmanship, combined with innovative Sensa Intelligent pocket springs and home-grown natural fillings, from our farm in North Yorkshire, makes every bed unique. We’ve redesigned sleep. And you’re invited to see the results. H A N D M A D E I N YO R K S H I R E S I N C E 1 840
TO S E A R C H FO R YO U R LO CA L S O M N U S ST U D I O V I S I T
W W W. S O M N U S . C O . U K P R O U D T O B E PA R T O F T H E H A R R I S O N S P I N K S F A M I LY
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
FAIRY LIGHTS Strings of festive sparkle to strew all over the house…
Gold pine cone fairy LED lights, £7.99, TK Maxx. Buy now with Ownable
Holly micro light garland, £9.99, Lights4fun. Buy now with Ownable
Wooden heart lights, £19, Gisela Graham London at The Contemporary Home. Buy now with Ownable
Bronze star bauble lights, £10, Marks & Spencer. Buy now with Ownable
LED pink pom-pom garland, £25, PomPom Galore at Habitat. Buy now with Ownable
Disco ball LED light chain, £12, Rockett St George. Buy now with Ownable
Heaven Sends snowflake lights garland, £20, Debenhams. Buy now with Ownable
Twinkle leaf garland, £42, Rowen & Wren. Buy now with Ownable
Whistler forest bottle fairy lights, £15, Urban Outfitters. Buy now with Ownable
RESEARCH ⁄ Marina Combal
l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 49
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
MODERN WREATHS Have the most stylish door on the street
Star and twig glitter wreath, £22, National Trust Shop. Buy now with Ownable
Tinsel star wreath, £8, Paperchase. Buy now with Ownable
Pine cone glitter wreath, £18.99, Dobbies. Buy now with Ownable
Extra large lit snowy berry wreath, £35, Marks & Spencer. Buy now with Ownable
Pre-lit outdoor wreath, £24.99, Lights 4 Fun. Buy now with Ownable
Frosted glitter Christmas wreath, £125, Selfridges. Buy now with Ownable
White pom-pom wreath, £18, Next. Buy now with Ownable
Large festive wreath, £20, Hotel Chocolat. Buy now with Ownable
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Ultimate metal wreath, £65, The White Company. Buy now with Ownable
RESEARCH ⁄ Jesse Harris
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
ARTIFICIAL TREES Sometimes you just have to fake it…
5ft unlit matt foil artificial pine tree, £180, A by Amara. Buy now with Ownable
Fejka unlit Christmas tree, £35, Ikea. Buy now with Ownable
6ft unlit spruce Christmas tree, £199, The White Company. Buy now with Ownable
7ft unlit fabulously full Christmas tree, £450, Cox & Cox. Buy now with Ownable
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7ft snowy pre-lit tree, £525, Harrods.
8ft unlit canyon pine, £250, Pines and Needles. Buy now with Ownable
7ft unlit Peruvian pine, £199, John Lewis. Buy now with Ownable
6ft LED woodland spruce, £439, Balsam Hill. Buy now with Ownable
RESEARCH ⁄ Marina Combal
PURE BRASS In a choice of resplendent Chrome, Nickel, Gold and Living Brass finishes
F O R A M AT K I S H O W E R I N G B R O C H U R E A N D N E A R E S T B AT H R O O M S P E C I A L I S T C A L L 01 4 5 4 3 2 8 811 | W W W. M AT K I . C O. U K | M AT K I P L C , B R I S TO L B S 3 7 5 P L
A JOLLY HOLIDAY Red velvet, stripes, parrots and oodles of baubles are all you need to create a festive home that’s practically perfect in every way…
Photography ⁄ Oliver Perrott
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Styling ⁄ Lucy Gough
E x tr a o rd i n a r y th i n g s c a n h a p p e n to a h o u s e h o l d . . . DETAILS Washi tapes in Lip Stick 01, Lip Stick 03 and Royal Pearl 01, around the columns, all £11 for a 10m roll, Haru stuck-on design at Nitto. Limited-edition Chateaux Christmas wreaths, £210 each; and ribbons, on the hats, from a selection, all VV Rouleaux. Osby star window lights, on the walls, from £9.99 each; and Frosted Mountain spruce pre-lit Christmas tree, £329.99, all Lights4fun. Geometric penguins, £1,195 each, Andrew Martin. On the penguins: Berkhampstead school boater hats, £28 each, John Lewis; Bert hair bows, £5 each, Little Bow London at Etsy; and tinsel, £3 each, Amazon. FiFi umbrella parasols, £27.95 each, Umbrella Heaven. Paper decorations, from £9 each, RE. Shop our favourite brands with the Ownable app 56 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
DECORATING ⁄ ETC
W i n d s i n th e e a s t , m i s t c o m i n g i n . L i ke s o m eth i n ’ i s b rewi n ’ a n d ’b o u t to b e g i n … FURNITURE Roselle sideboard, £1,200, Graham and Green. DETAILS Artworks, from left: Self Portrait in a Straw Hat by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun; Portrait of Richard Milles by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni; and Mrs Siddons by Thomas Gainsborough, all from £20 each, The National Gallery. Luxury garland, £68.75 for a 2.7m roll, The English Garland Company. Glitter leaf garland, £24.95, VV Rouleaux. On the stairs, from top left: Studio king penguin, £275, Steiff; wings, £180, Rockett St George; and paper globe decoration, from £3.75; and paper decorations, as before. On the sideboard, from left: Nutcracker Lewis bear, £28, John Lewis; Nutcracker music stand, £75, Selfridges; Dorset Post light, £738, Vaughan Designs; cards, from a selection, Aram Store; tree decorations, £30 for three, Rockett St George; and red and gold foil decoration, £18, Harrods. Memorabilia coat stand, £336, Calligaris. Sequin stocking, £5, George Home. Carpet bag, £249, London Jacks at Etsy. Pencil umbrella with parrot handle, in the bag, £95, James Smith & Sons Umbrellas. FiFi umbrella parasols, as before. Download the app to buy with Ownable
DECORATING ⁄ ETC
Let ’s g o f ly a kite . WALLS For details, see opposite. FURNITURE Hazel chest, £859, Graham and Green. Riverlyn dining chair in Blue Velvet, £475, Out There Interiors. DETAILS Vintage over dyed fuchsia 2889 hand-knotted wool rug, £1,600, Floor_Story. Wrapping paper, on kites: Believe, £1.50 a sheet, Polar Post; Emperor Penguin luxury, £3.20 a sheet, Bird Brain London; Luxury tree, £3 a sheet, Plewsy; and personalised London, £6.50 a sheet, Abigail Warner, all at Notonthehighstreet.com; Candy Stripe, £1 a roll, Sainsbury’s; Fancy letters incised; and New Pavement, above the chest, both £3.50 a sheet, Pentreath & Hall; London Snow, £9.95 for five sheets, Nancy & Betty Studio; Floral, £2.50 a sheet, Aria Shop; and Thistle, on the chair, £3, Marks & Spencer. Ribbons, from a selection, VV Rouleaux. Pateela jug, on the chest, £45, Habitat. Shop our favourite brands with the Ownable app 58 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
I n eve r y j o b th a t m u s t b e d o n e th e re i s a n e l e m e nt of f u n … WALLS Painted in Viridian Tide flat matt emulsion, £27.56 for 2.5L, Dulux. FURNITURE TV & Sound sideboard in China Red, £1,657, Peter J Lassen for Montana Møbler at Aram. Ashbee mirrored coffee table, £380, Graham and Green. Pinter armchair in Voluptuous Velvet Slate, £965, Barker and Stonehouse. Rander ceramic stool, £150, Oka. DETAILS Liberty rug, £975sq m, Loomah. Forenza cotton-velvet mix in Lacquer Red 7558/02, over the doorway, £62.50m, Romo. Frosted Mountain spruce pre-lit Christmas tree, as before. Baubles, from £6 for six, Debenhams. Velvet Santa sacks, £45 each, Kip&Co at Antipodream. Striped sacks, £30 each, Luna & Curious. On the sideboard, from left: Ero velvet tassel table lamp, £65, Oliver Bonas; Nutcracker soldier, £10, Dunelm; and Azzura centrepiece bowl, £3,350, William Yeoward Crystal. On the coffee table: Christmas trees in tropical colours, £14 for eight, Rocket and Fox at Notonthehighstreet.com; and Lattjo tambourines, £10 for two, Ikea. Leandra velvet trunk, £195 for three, Out There Interiors. Striped cushion, on the armchair, £70, Bungalow at Liberty London. Player Precision bass guitar in Sonic Red, £659, Fender. London by LMS by Norman Wilkinson birch ply artwork, £595, Surface View. Download the app to buy with Ownable
DECORATING ⁄ ETC
N eve r j u d g e th i n g s by th e i r a p p e a r a n c e , eve n c a r p e tb a g s . DETAILS Antique 19th-century birdcage, £375, Lorfords. Christmas Robin clip-on decorations, £10 for six, Pipii. In the birdcage, clockwise from top left: Red bejewelled drop bauble, £3.95, VV Rouleaux; Gold fabric and jewel St Paul’s Cathedral decoration, £12, Gisela Graham; Parrot caipirinha muddler, stylist’s own; Emerald green jewel bauble hanging decoration, £22, Rockett St George; and Union Jack bauble, £12, Selfridges. Vernon travel bag in Soft Red, £410, Roger Oates Design. Shop our favourite brands with the Ownable app 60 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
O u r d a u g hte r s ’ d a u g hte r s will a d o re u s … We l l d o n e , s i s te r s u f f r a g et te … FURNITURE Costellini velvet ottoman, £195, Oka. DETAILS Lustre rug in Berry, £650, John Lewis. Noel Christmas neon light, £59.99, Lights4fun. On the mannequin: Parrot, £39.95; and multicoloured embroidered chenille braid, used as a belt, £24.95m, both VV Rouleaux; jacquard asymmetric jacket, £699, Emporio Armani at Harrods; Votes for Women sash, £2.95, Fancy Pants Party Store at eBay; and bespoke foliage tree skirt, price on request, Titania’s Garden. On the floor, from left: Gold plain foil wrapping papers, £3.99 each, Studio.co.uk; Red gift box, £2, Flying Tiger Copenhagen; Botanical Robin snow globe, £20, Talking Tables; and Woodland Robin Christmas wrapping papers, £3 each, Laura Crow at Notonthehighstreet.com; Christmas Robin clip-on decorations and Emperor Penguin luxury, Candy Stripe, and London Snow wrapping papers, all as before; King and Queen penguin ornaments, £110 each, MacKenzie-Childs at Harrods. Download the app to buy with Ownable
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DECORATING ⁄ ETC
J u s t a s p o o n f u l of s u g a r… DETAILS Tartan Christmas cracker, £275 for six, Fortnum & Mason. I-Wares sugar bowl in Gold, £28, Seletti; bright gem cocktail picks, £50 for six, Joanna Buchanan; and Goa cutlery in Matt Blue Gold, £391 for a 24-piece set, Cutipol, all at Amara. Penguin Christmas collection teaspoon, in the sugar bowl, £21 for four; Penguin Christmas collection cake plate, £41.50 for four; and Celestial dinner plate, £64 for four, all Sara Miller London for Portmeirion. Disney biscuit gift box Spoonful of Sugar biscuits, £30 for 12, Lady Bakewell-Park at Notonthehighstreet.com. Forenza cotton-velvet mix in Lacquer Red 7558/02, used as a tablecloth, as before. Shop our favourite brands with the Ownable app 62 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
S u p e rc a li f r a g i l i s ti c ex p i a li d o c i o u s . H ave we s a i d it l o u d e n o u g h? FURNITURE Branch dining table, from £1,539, Blu Dot at Heal’s. Hamilton Arm dining chairs, £250 for two; and Holborn chair, £350, all Next Home. Home Hotel bench, £4,364, Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform. For a similar chest of drawers, try Heal’s antiques department. Geometric marble stool, £595, William Yeoward. DETAILS Karma rug, £259, Woven. Luxury wreath, £25ft, Titania’s Garden. Round-topped Chinese bamboo birdcage, £195, Orchid Furniture. Jazz wall lamp, £210, Graham and Green. On the chest of drawers: Strata candlestick, £392, William Yeoward; Le Pingouin by Pablo Picasso print in a black stained ash frame, £90, King & McGaw; and tinsel tabletop tree, £10, B&Q. On the dining table: Tatra champagne/cocktail glasses, £85 for four, LSA International at Amazon; Gold dipped gin glasses, £24 for two, John Lewis; and Pomegranate-Blueberry cocktail mixer, £15, Williams Sonoma at Harrods. Cotton velvet cushion cover in Dark Pink, £6.99, H&M Home. Penguin cocktail shaker, on the stool, £35, Rockett St George. Download the app to buy with Ownable
T h o u g h yo u r p i l l ow ’s s of t a n d d e e p, yo u ’re n ot s l e e py a s yo u s e e m; s t ay awa ke , d o n ’ t n o d a n d d re a m … WALL For details, see opposite. FURNITURE Ming 24-drawer apothecary chest, £368, Shropshire Design. DETAILS Baroque floor lamp, £460, Nathan Yong for Ligne Roset at Harrods. Kiko decorative mirror, from £39.95; and wire Ferris wheel, on the chest, £79.95, both Nkuku at LillianDaph. On the chest, from left: Djungelskog panda, £10, Ikea; The Elf rosettes, from £11.95 each, Polar Post; Botanical Christmas lucky silver sixpence, £5, Talking Tables; and giant baubles, £4 each, Flying Tiger Copenhagen. In the drawers, from top: Christmas crackers, £20 for eight, Habitat; Ivory and Gold glitter gift tags, £3.49 for 10, Pipii; Sweet Santa teddy bear, £175, Steiff; and velvet Christmas wreath embroidery hoop, £40, Betsy Benn at Notonthehighstreet.com. Shop our favourite brands with the Ownable app 64 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
STYLING ASSISTANTS RODDY CLARKE; INDIA JACKSON; AREESHA RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MATT KERR
DECORATING ⁄ ETC
S p it s p ot! WALLS Painted in Deep Green Sea premium blend V700 walls & ceilings paint, £28 for 2.5L, Valspar. FURNITURE Chichester single beds in Shell, on the left, £895; and Burnham Red, on the right, £1,025, both Neptune. DETAILS Stockholm 2017 rug in Striped Red, £270, Ikea. Single linen duvet sets in Indigo, on the left bed, and Tuscany, on the right bed, both £150; and Cherry cushion cover, on the right bed, £35, all The Conran Shop. Quilted velvet bed throws in Mustard, on the left bed, and Violet, on the right bed, both £125, Raj Tent Club. On the left bed: Velvet stocking, £45, Tinker Tailor; patch stickers, from £15 each; and Candy Cane stripe children’s pyjamas, £74.95, Yolke, all at Harrods; and Penguin cushion, £6, George Home. Soft toy polar bear cushion, on the right bed, £8.99, H&M Home. On the floor: Strolley, £79, Olli Ella; Runner ducks, £495 each, Andrew Martin; tree train, £30, Cox & Cox; and toy box push-along penguin, £17.50, Luna & Curious. Classic radiator in Ombré effect, from £426, Bisque. Christmas wall hanging stitch kit, £49, Cotton Clara at Notonthehighstreet.com. Metallic orb balloons, £4.50 each, Talking Tables. Kids Rule giant ruler height chart, from £115, Lovestruck Interiors. Practically Perfect in Every Way framed artwork, £195, Vintage Playing Cards. The Amen Chorus, from The Messiah by George Frideric Handel birch ply artwork, £480, Surface View. Download the app to buy with Ownable
# ! ! " ! "
AGE NDA / SHOPPING
THE LACQUER COMPANY Purveyor of contemporary furniture with an Asian sensibility (and a seriously glossy finish) What exactly is The Lacquer Company? It’s a gorgeous furniture design studio that manufactures exquisite pieces using ancient Asian craftsmanship techniques. In short, it’s a temple to all things lacquer.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Pyramid box, £425; globe box, £595, both The Lacquer Company; James Lowther, founder; Belles Rives tray by Rita Konig, from £175; Righe coffee table by Flair New York, £2,995, both The Lacquer Company
Who’s behind it? Designer James Lowther, who first fell in love with lacquerware while travelling in Burma at only 19. Following this was a career in London working for brands such as Colefax and Fowler, and later in events and interior design in New York. While there, James started importing lacquer from Saigon as a sideline, which lead to making custom pieces for designers such as Rita Konig. This led to a collaboration between the two that formed the foundations of The Lacquer Company. Since then, James has worked on product lines with an endless cachet of worldclass designers, including Martin Brudnizki, Veere Grenney, Pentreath & Hall, John Derian and Luke Edward Hall. How is the lacquer actually created, then? It’s made from the sap of the lacquer tree, which grows throughout Asia. The sap is dyed, treated and applied in layers to a base, usually made from wood, before being allowed to slowly dry till it forms a hard surface. James’ lacquer comes from trees in the Phu Tho province in northern Vietnam and Nam Vang in Cambodia, and it’s the blend of the two that creates superlative results. Once the lacquer is dried, it is wet-sanded in fresh water until perfectly smooth – a meticulous process that can be repeated as many as 15 times. After this, external decoration and colour can be applied. Big names, handcrafted products – these must be investment pieces? James Lowther is to lacquerware what David Linley is to marquetry – this is the best that money can buy. However, price points aren’t as eye-watering as you might think. An entry
WORDS AND RESEARCH / Patrick Hamilton Courtney
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AGE NDA / SHOPPING
point Belles Rives tray by Rita Konig comes in at £175, while a sophisticated Righe coffee table by Flair New York will set you back £2,995. These pieces will last beyond a lifetime, though, and are guaranteed antiques of the future.
Any sure-fire collectibles? Unique pieces from the collaborations with Rita Konig, KRB and Luke Edward Hall will always have a special appeal. We love the simple lines of the Pentreath & Hall trays, Flair’s collectible geometric boxes and the stunning Portsea side table by Veere Grenney.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Martin Brudnizki square chiseled tray, £345; KRB drinks table, £1,575; banded chest of drawers from the Flair Home collection, £4,750; Pentreath & Hall large tray, £575, all The Lacquer Company
Give us the gossip – any new designer collaborations coming up? Keep it to yourselves, but the brand is launching a collection with Miles Redd, an American interior designer who formerly served as creative director of Oscar de la Renta Home. There’s also a line coming out with Jeffrey Bilhuber, a designer who has previously collaborated with wallpaper masters de Gournay.
PHOTOGRAPHY BITE STUDIO
Where can I get my hands on one of these beauties? There’s a design studio at Worlds End Studios on Lots Road in the Chelsea Design District, where highlights from the range can be viewed by appointment. You’ll also find selected pieces at Pentreath & Hall. There are also several stockists in New York and Los Angeles. Watch this space for an upscale, dedicated bricks and mortar store scheduled to open soon in Pimlico. Meanwhile, check out the complete collection online (worldwide shipping is available for those who can’t wait for the UK rollout). With all that time spent in Vietnam, James must have some top travel tips? James has a soft spot for the hidden corners of Saigon, where glimpses of old world Vietnam still shine through. The waterfront restaurant The Deck is a favourite spot. Hoi An, an ancient town in central Vietnam is also worth a visit before spending beachy weekends on Phu Quoc island, where the Mango Bay Resort gets James’ thumbs up. thelacquercompany.com
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NAVY Choose this moody blue for a look that’s bold, dramatic, yet very liveable
WRAP-AROUND COLOUR Painting walls and ceilings the same inky shade makes a statement and plays a visual trick by blurring boundaries between different areas – useful in smaller spaces or low-ceilinged rooms. Walls and ceiling in Squid Ink 698 pure flat emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L; woodwork in Squid Ink 698 architects’ eggshell, £66.50 for 2.5L; woodwork and cornicing in far room in Lead I 681 architects’ eggshell, £66.50 for 2.5L; wall in far room in Lead V 685 pure flat emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5L, all Paint & Paper Library
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AGE NDA / TREND
[ How to use it ] * Navy is a surprisingly
CALMING BACKDROP A moody blue can take on a restful vibe when teamed with classic white and warming wood. Keep the ceilings white as well for a harmonious look and to make the room appear more spacious. De Nimes estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
versatile neutral that works well paired with other colours, as paint and colour H[SHUW $QQLH 6ORDQ WHVWLÀHV ‘For something quiet, colours like grey-greens, pale pink and white look amazing. If you’re more daring, go for browns and oranges – just remember that a small amount of orange goes a long way.’
Best for a relaxing bedroom Napoleonic Blue chalk paint, £19.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan
* Don’t struggle
against the poorer light
you get in north-facing rooms, rather take the opportunity to go for a bold navy-based scheme. ¶,QVWHDG RI WU\LQJ WR ÀJKW the gloom with a white, embrace it and make a virtue of its potential for drama,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘Navy is fantastic for the way it creates a timeless feel and adds style.’
* If you are not yet
Best as a foil for pops of colour Mythical Nights Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, £28 for 2.5L, Valspar
ready for coloured kitchen units, try using navy as an accent colour instead. ‘Navy on a kitchen island will ground the space and create a focal point for the room,’ says Charlotte. ‘Or in a small galley kitchen, paint the shortest wall navy – it will create a feature and bring the wall forward, creating the illusion of a more symmetrical space.’
* When building up a softer colour story
S
ophisticated, smart and pretty darn sexy, navy blue is the warmer way of embracing on-trend dark side hues. It also has a rather luxe feel – just think of all those châteaux and stately homes, where it is teamed with plenty of gold or used as a backdrop to collections of Old Masters. These associations are less surprising when you realise that blue pigments once cost more than gold. ‘Historically, blue was a colour that was one of the most expensive to produce and spoke of the wealth and extravagance of the homes it appeared in,’ explains David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene. ‘In art, blue paint was reserved for depicting royalty, dignitaries and religious figures and still, to this day,
WORDS ⁄ Kara O’Reilly
holds that same luxurious appeal.’ Navy is adaptable, with a useful ability to offset other colours, as well as straddling many seemingly contradictory moods: timeless or contemporary, glamorous or relaxing. ‘It’s ultimately usable and versatile,’ agrees David. Not only that, navy is particularly useful for us Brits, as our northern light enhances its pigments. ‘Our eyes have difficulty tuning into the depth of navy hues and for this reason the colour gives the sense of endless space and the feeling of endless opportunities,’ says David. Because it’s on the warmer side of the blue spectrum, navy creates an inviting, cocooning feel. Put this down to the fact that all blues evoke feelings of calm and serenity, as well as aiding concentration, making navy the perfect antidote to our 24/7 lives.
with navy as its base, take on board Designers Guild founder Tricia Guild’s advice to look to our Scandi cousins for ideas for complementary colours. ‘Their northern landscape LQIRUPV WKH SDOHWWH QDY\ and faded denim blues are paired with soft chalky white, fern green, slate blue and lead-pencil grey. There is a natural coolness to it, yet it doesn’t feel cold.’
* 1DY\ LV LQÀQLWHO\ ÁH[LEOH and works just
as well in a bedroom or bathroom. ‘Because it’s such a deep colour it’s universal,’ says Annie. ‘When using it in different rooms, you just dress them differently. For instance, in a child’s room, I’d add lots of pictures. The navy makes a tremendous backdrop and the images would make it a little more playful and colourful.’
Best for wrap-around colour Midnight Navy Feature Wall matt emulsion, from £14 for 1.25L, Crown Paints
Best for a statement wall Blueprint matt emulsion, £46 for 2.5L, Mylands
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DECORATING WITH BAUBLES Show-stopping ways to display your decs
Ad d inte re s t to wa lls by h a n g in g e m pt y f r a m e s f ro m r i b b o n s a n d d r a p i n g with b a u b l e s – s ti c k to o n e o r t wo c o l o u r s m a x fo r a s o p h i s ti c ate d s t ate m e nt .
U s e a s i n g l e s h a d e to u p th e s t y l e a nte . M ix a n d m atc h w h ite d e co rati o n s in dif fe re nt sh a p e s a n d h a n g f ro m b a re b r a n c h e s o n s h ow i n a va s e f i l l e d with c l e a r b a u b l e s .
Similar frames from Ayres & Graces. For similar baubles, try Gold finial; Jet finial, both £10 for five, John Lewis; Gold star, £5, Wyevale Garden Centres; Gold onion-faceted, £1, B&Q; and Gold leaf stripe, £4.50, Gisela Graham London.
Mini bud vases, £16 for six; Ceramic hearts, £15 for six; Spun glass baubles, £25 for six; Little mountain houses, £6 each; Faceted glass droplets, £3 each; and Sparkle berry branches, £15 each, all The White Company.
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PHOTOGRAPHY (FRAMES) TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Feature ⁄ Thea Babington-Stitt
DECORATING ⁄ ETC C re ate a d r a m ati c s e t ti n g fo r d i n n e r by d i s p layin g o r n a m e n t s a n d g re e n e r y at d if fe re nt h e ig ht s f ro m a h a n g i n g c a n d l e h o l d e r. Candleholder (hung on wire), £35; Pine cone bauble, £4.50; Small brass votive, £7.95; Brass Christmas trees, from £13.95 each; Wine glasses, £7.95 each, all from House Doctor at Idyll Home.
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A CUR ATED DISPLAY OF DECOR ATIONS ADDS INSTANT CHIC TO A FESTIVE SCHEME
U p e n d a d e co rative tr ay a n d use th e su btly ref l e c tive b a ckg ro u n d to cre ate a 3 D ef fe c t . St a g g e r th e l e n gth s of yo u r d e c s to evo ke a g e ntl e wate r f a ll s h a p e . Luxe Splendore wallpaper, from £20.95 linear m, Fardis. Emerald satin ribbon, £1.45m, VV Rouleaux. Butterfly Ginkgo oval tray, £275, Michael Aram at LuxDeco. For similar baubles, try Open jewelled in Silver, £20, A by Amara; Glass with foil detail, £10, Selfridges; Glass swirl, £5.95, Liberty London; Antique tapered, £12, Harrods; and Emerald feather flower, £6, John Lewis.
Pick up some simple glass b a u b l e s a n d u s e a m et a l l i c p e n to t u r n th e m i n to p e r s o n a li s e d p l a ce s e t ti n g s fo r yo u r C h r i s tm a s t a b l e – th ey ’ll m a ke a cute f avo u r fo r yo u r g u e s t s to t a ke h o m e , to o . For a similar bauble, try Mazi, £16.95, Nkuku. Similar heart dish, £12 for two, Nordic House. For preserved moss, try Amazon.
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DECORATING ⁄ ETC
G ive a n u n u s e d c o r n e r of a ro o m s o m e l ove by usin g silk rib b o n s to h a n g a fo r a g e d b r a n c h d r a p e d with yo u r m os t b r illia nt trin ket s .
PHOTOGRAPHY TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
For similar baubles, try Shell sequin, £6.95, Liberty London; Pineapple, £16, The Shop Floor Project; Hummingbird, £10 for two, Gisela Graham London; Glitter silver snowflake, £3.99, Dobbies; Green crackle Indian glass, £10 for six, Marks & Spencer; and Jewelled letter, £25, Tinker Tailor.
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LIVINGETC/PARTNERSHIP
ART APPRECIATION Meet the artist at the forefront of a new movement and the Runway Gallery
ARTIST PROFILE: SYRETT Artist and designer SYRETT’s hypnotic paintings push creative boundaries between art, design and couture With an impressive background in textiles, design and fashion styling, SYRETT moved into fine art 14 years ago, and his work is now represented in galleries and collections around the world. SYRETT’s latest pieces use nail varnishes and lacquer in swirling, abstract paintings that are steeped in romanticism. We talked to him about his work… What’s your process for creating an image? I start by choosing the right colours, and I’m very fortunate to be working with True Brit London nail varnish and using its colour lab, which is a treasure trove of beautiful powder pigments. One of my favourites at the moment is based on microscopic pyramids that create an iridescent colour change, depending on how the light hits them. To begin with, I worked with 10x10cm images, which were photographed and enlarged to create colour prints ten times their original size. More recently I’ve been painting on square metre-sized pieces of Perspex and aluminium. Moving the varnish is challenging on this scale, so I use glaziers’ suckers to hold and manoeuvre the perspex.
Out Of The Darkness by SYRETT
E
xperimentation is at the heart of artist SYRETT’s work and with his latest abstracts worked in nail varnish and laquer, it’s no surprise he’s in the vanguard of XIII Untitled, a new art movement fusing fashion with art. He’s also the creative brain behind Runway Gallery, an online portal that unites artists inspired by fashion. Its line-up of 14 celebrated contemporary artists whose work has been exhibited internationally includes Louise Dear, Dara Vandoor, Astrid Vos and Bruce Atherton. Runway Gallery houses biographies and information about the inspiration behind each artwork, plus you can purchase online with prices starting at £200 for a print, rising to £20,000 for an original, signed artwork. SYRETT has also launched the Soho Salon Supper Club, a monthly event for art enthusiasts to celebrate new work from XIII Untitled. At each supper club, there will be an artist’s talk, the opportunity to do a short, guided life-drawing session, plus a cocktail and three-course supper. It’s a superb opportunity for buyers to meet artists and view art in the convivial surroundings of the Scarlett Green restaurant in Soho, plus there will be discounts available to attendees.
Find out more at runway-gallery.com and book tickets for the next Soho Salon Supper Club on January 30, £45 each, at designmynight.com
How important are trends? Fashion designers have to anticipate or create trends – and as a textile designer, I worked four years ahead of production. Now, as an artist, I have the freedom to be an image maker in real time, though I still work seasonally, creating two collections a year. Forecasting change and being different are really important to me. What’s your current style? I describe my art as haute couture abstraction. Any advice for someone buying art for their home? Buy what you like – investments can be tricky in the artworld. If you love looking at it, that’s enough. If you could own one painting, what would it be? Bildnis Der Journalistin Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix. It was painted during a difficult period in German history and inspired the opening scene of Cabaret.
ST Y LE⁄story #DISCO FEVER
PHOTOGRAPHY (NEON BARS) PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Grab your mirror balls and sequins – it’s time to embrace this gorgeous and glamorous retro trend
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT These neon bars arranged in two Christmas tree silhouettes create a contemporary festive decoration; as the reigning master of disco couture, Halpern has Seventies-inspired, bedazzled designs that are a hit with party people and fashionistas everywhere – sequinned flared trousers, £1,600, and sequinned embellished high-neck top, £840, both at Matchesfashion.com; spell it out loud and clear with Hurn & Hurn’s Neon disco sign acrylic box light, £74.95; the Ozone bar on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has a Saturday Night Fever vibe; let the kids get in on the act with these neon LED wall lights by Australian brand Sunnylife, from £50 each at Amara. RESEARCH ⁄ Patrick Hamilton Courtney
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PHOTOGRAPHY (DINING ROOM) JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIA CONTENT.COM; (LACQUER CABINET AND MULTI-COLOURED NEON) SIMON BEVAN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (LIVING ROOM) PAUL RAESIDE/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Tom Dixon’s futuristic Mirror Ball pendants offer a practical way of introducing disco flair to modern spaces, from £310 each; rich colour and glittering metallics give this dining room a Studio 54 edge; a sleek lacquer cabinet pairs fabulously with the retro metallic chairs for a luxurious neon-nights look; keep the party going with an exciting flash of multi-coloured neon; Italian furniture gods Gufram recently launched After Party, a series of lacquered tables and storage units adorned with Dali-esque glitter balls, price on request; the daddy of all things neon, Chris Bracey has been providing stunning lighting to the creative industries from his London warehouse Gods Own Junkyard for the best part of 40 years; Nam Cho’s statement diamond and sapphire earrings take glitter ball luxe to the next level, £7,524 at Moda Operandi; this living room makes a subtle nod to disco style with its oversized ceiling mirror ball.
PHOTOGRAPHY (SEXY FISH) MARK BRUMELL; (WALLCOVERINGS) ALBERTO MASSIGNAN; (TONIGHT JOSEPHINE) SEBASTIAN BARROS PHOTOGRAPHY; (SWEATER) VALERIO MEZZANOTTI
STYLE⁄stor y #DISCO FEVER
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Sling on the heels and head to Sexy Fish for a night of sake and sashimi at this Mayfair hotspot; the metallic leather wallcoverings at Studioart will create an upbeat ambience, particularly the Delta Tesoro Oro by Elaine Yan Ling Ng and The Fabrick Lab, £1,645sq m; set a moody scene with West Elm’s Sculptural glass globe 7-light chandelier in Metallic Ombre, £558; London Waterloo’s cocktail bar Tonight Josephine has a Seventies meets Fifties feel; satin and sequins join in the glitzy Zita bedlinens by Kylie Minogue at Home, £85 for a double duvet cover and £20 for a pillowcase at Amara; feel like a dancing queen in Gucci’s embellished knitted sweater, £3,150 at Net-a-Porter; retro LA style finds a home in Zinc Textile’s Casino collection – sofa shown in Grimaldi in Silver Grey, £158m; Joel & Son Fabrics’ Yellow gold overlapping stretch sequin fabric, £109.90m, is perfect for a disco dress. l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 79
HOMES I N S PI R I N G ⁄ B E AUTI FU L ⁄ R E L A XE D
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BACK FOR GOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY MARTIN SØLYST/LIVINGINSIDE
Cathrine and Anders made this Copenhagen maisonette their forever home
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STYLE HIGH
DESIGN A LA MODE
COUNTRY CHIC
Silvia and Andrea’s Chamonix ski chalet teams mountain style with modern ideas
Architectural details are key to the Parisian look of Chelsea and Rob’s London home
Character abounds in Sophie and Pierre’s cool barn conversion l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 81
STYLE HIGH Modern design icons meet an authentic Alpine look in Silvia and Andrea’s fabulous family ski retreat
Photography Helenio Barbetta / Living Inside
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Styling Chiara Dal Canto / Living Inside
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Words / Steven Efstathiou
HOMES â „ ETC
M A IN LI V ING ROOM
With its vast expanse of glazing and soaring double-height ceiling, this space is as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the Alpine views outside. Get the look The bespoke Murano glass and bronze chandelier is by Italian brand VeniceM. The fireplace, designed by Annalisa Mauri, is clad in Cor-Ten steel with metalwork by Fratelli Rusconi. The Utrecht armchairs are by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina. The rug is from Tappeti Contemporanei in Milan. The floor lamp is by Viabizzuno. For a similar curtain fabric, try Rubelli.
ITH ITS STARTLING VIE WS OF SNOW-COVERED ALPINE peaks, Silvia and Andrea’s mountainside retreat puts other ski chalets literally in the shade; a stunning location to not only enjoy the winter slopes, but also for the couple’s family to enjoy a Christmas break in high – very high – style. Astonishingly, this beautifully conceived building, nestling in its surroundings as though it has always been part of the landscape, is just three years old. ‘We were inspired by the architecture of the entire old Savoie region, which at one time also included some of Piedmont, where I was raised in Italy,’ says Silvia. This influence is highlighted through the use of ancient timbers and stone for both the interiors and exterior of the house. When Silvia and husband Andrea first came to view the site, it was nothing more than a green field ‘with a couple of silver birches in the middle’, as Silvia recalls. ‘We were so lucky because we discovered this place within months of starting our search. As keen skiers Andrea and I knew Chamonix well, but this location was even more important
H A LL
The pendant contrasts brilliantly against the oak flooring and cladding. Get the look The vintage Venini pendant was bought at auction – try 1stdibs for similar. The reclaimed larch door was made by Luxury & Rustic by Brondello Erminio.
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for us because we wanted an easy-to-reach destination from across Europe as travel is intrinsic to both our careers. Also, we’d like our daughters to have plenty of options for study and work in the future,’ says Silvia. ‘Transport links are ideal and compared to other ski resorts in the Alps, Chamonix offers a great mix of public services and facilities, as well as excellent entertainment and shopping. There’s also a true international community here.’ While based in their main home in Milan, Silvia worked alongside architect Annalisa Mauri to draw up plans for the chalet, which, naturally, had to be constructed from the foundations up. ‘Our brief to Annalisa was for a comfortable, easy-to-use building, teaming elegant, contemporary fixtures with a touch of classical mountain style,’ says Silvia. The idea was to source reclaimed timber for the structural elements, such as the beams and roofing, while securing the core with reinforced concrete. The double-height living area was an integral part of the design. ‘I oversaw all of the work once the site was excavated,’ adds Silvia, ‘and continued to supervise right until completion, even though I was pregnant with Anna [the couple’s youngest daughter] for the final four months of the project.’ In all, it took a little over 18 months for construction to be finished. ‘Then we drew on Annalisa’s expertise to help fit out the chalet,’ says Silvia. Reclaimed oak flooring and cladding is a constant theme throughout the house, while more on-trend touches, such as the steel lining the chimney breast and supporting the floating staircase, add an industrial element to the look. Practical considerations are well to the fore, too – the ski/boot room and bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor give the family the chance to change in comfort once they return from the slopes, so freeing the living spaces up above of any clutter. These latter rooms also offer a measure of privacy, as the upper floors are not overlooked by any of the neighbouring properties. The kitchen is one of Annalisa’s designs, chiming in with the decor downstairs with its waxed-iron extractor hood and African black marble worktop. Italian excellence is evident wherever you look: ranging from the stunning, custom-made chandelier hanging in the double-height living area to the chic seating, subtle soft furnishings and stylish accessories. The bedrooms and bathrooms are also masterclasses in modern minimalism, showcasing standout pieces while keeping the schemes pared back and pristine. Furnishings were sourced from a mix of well-known brands, small independent companies and second-hand shops, and some pieces were designed by Annalisa and made to order. In keeping with the low-key ethos of the decor, Silvia doesn’t go overboard when dressing the house for the Yuletide festivities. And who would, knowing that the sparkling and snowy slopes of the Alps can provide all the Christmas cheer one could need. ‘It’s just perfect,’ says Silvia. ‘I’ve been skiing since I was four and now my daughters can enjoy my passion, too. I know they’re going to love this place as much as I do…’ To see more of Annalisa Mauri’s architectural and design portfolio, visit annalisamauri.it
HOMES ⁄ ETC
K ITCHEN
Stained-oak cabinets, black marble worktops and sink, and a sculptural waxed-iron extractor hood make a striking combo. Get the look The kitchen was designed by Annalisa Mauri and built by Alessandro Sormani for Esse81. The waxed-iron extractor hood was created by Fratelli Rusconi. The hob is by Gaggenau. The tap is by Zucchetti.
HOME PROFILE
THE OWNERS Silvia Rovere, CEO of a property management company, her husband Andrea, a banking executive, and their daughters Margherita and Anna, plus Audrey the dog. THE PROPERTY A chalet in Chamonix, France, built in 2015. On the ground floor is the entrance hall, boot room, three en-suite bedrooms, a bathroom and garage. In the basement is a living area, media room, kitchenette, laundry room, utility room, wine cellar, gym, guest bedroom suite and sauna. The first floor comprises the kitchen/breakfast room, dining area, living room with mezzanine living area and the master bedroom suite.
DINING A R E A
Part of the main living room and enclosed by reclaimed cladding and rafters, this space has a snug, embracing atmosphere. Get the look These are Motek chairs by Luca Nichetto for Cassina. This is the Royal chandelier by Mario Nanni for Viabizzuno. The glassware is by littala. The artwork is by Mimmo Rotella – Christie’s occasionally auctions his work.
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HOMES â „ ETC
MEZZ A NIN E
A few bookcases have turned this area of the main living room into a library. The open staircase allows for views of the alpine scenery. Get the look The farmhouse table is antique – try The French House for similar. The chair on the mezzanine is the Louisiana by Vico Magistretti for DePadova.
M A RGHER ITA A N D A N NA’S BEDROOM
An artfully crafted wood bed blends seamlessly with the chalet’s timber structure. The balloon lights punctuate the scheme. Get the look The bed was designed by Annalisa Mauri and made by Alessandro Sormani for Esse81. The bedding is by Ivano Redaelli. These are Memory wall lights by Boris Klimek for Brokis.
M A IN BEDROOM
The picture windows throughout the chalet were designed to look like frames to make the views appear like artwork. Get the look This is the Maxalto Lucrezia-Erik bed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. The bedding is by Ivano Redaelli.
M A RGHER ITA A N D A N NA’S BATHROOM
The architect showed her eye for detail by sourcing this reclaimed stone basin, then designing a vanity unit to suit. Get the look The vanity unit was made by Alessandro Sormani for Esse81. Find a similar basin at The Stone Sink Company. This is Pipe brassware by Marcel Wanders for Boffi.
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HOMES â „ ETC
M A STER EN SUITE
Stylish contemporary fittings make bathing a breeze. Get the look This is the Sabbia bath by Naoto Fukasawa, with Aboutwater bath/shower mixer by Piero Lissoni, all for Boffi. These are Leis ceiling lamps by Peter Zumthor for Viabizzuno.
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DESIGN A LA MODE
Drawing on their pooled creative talents, Chelsea and Rob were inspired by Parisian style when it came to renovating their rundown London townhouse Photography ⁄ Paul Raeside
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Production ⁄ Mary Weaver
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Words ⁄ Serena Fokschaner
HOMES â „ ETC
DINING AREA
The contemporary extension at the back of the house is a seamless space with a uniform ceiling height that mirrors the living area at the front. Get the look Find similar pink chairs at My Furniture. The painting over the table is by Brian Nissen. The Glass doors were made by Maxlight.
K ITCHEN
Rob and Chelsea designed the new kitchen. It was made by Chelsea’s father, an accomplished amateur joiner. Get the look Arabescato marble has been used for the island, worktop and splashback. Decorative Collective has a range of similar mirrors.
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HOME PROFILE
serene space is all part of an extension, but thanks to a skilful co-design by Rob, an interior architect, and Chelsea, an interior designer, it feels more like a grand salon. ‘It’s a Victorian house with Georgian proportions, which is one of the reasons we bought it,’ says Chelsea. ‘I’d just come out of hospital after having our son, when I spotted an ad for the house in an auction catalogue. It contained seven bedsits and was in dire need of work. But I’ve always loved this street, so I knew we could do something with it. A week later, Rob rang to tell me: “I’ve bought the house. Now we have to find the deposit”,’ laughs Chelsea. Rob, who trained at the Architectural Association, and Chelsea, a former actress with a knack for interiors, set up a property and design business four years ago. Their speciality is transforming lacklustre properties for re-sale, and all of their projects are defined by an eye for proportion, light and budget. Their own house reflects their shared priorities. While the decoration is simple – grey and white walls, subdued linen curtains – the emphasis is on architectural detailing. ‘Purely contemporary interiors date quickly, but if you define rooms with traditional features it makes everything timeless,’ says Chelsea, pointing out the restored cornices and re-spun spindles. Chelsea’s father, an amateur joiner on the Isle of Man, made the new doors, their fielded panelling echoing 19th-century proportions. In a guest bedroom, slim mouldings create a faux-panelled look on the walls. The fireplace, salvaged from their first flat, seals the classical-meets-modern Parisian look. Downstairs, it was Chelsea’s father who made the kitchen. Lined in walnut, the cupboards provide stealthy storage for toys and paraphernalia. The La Cornue range cooker and tall mirror add Gallic élan. ‘I love the way French interiors can be both classical and minimal,’ says Chelsea. Her father also made the sturdy, glasstopped dining table, which is the setting for convivial Christmas Eve suppers of pheasant casserole – a nod to Rob’s Swiss heritage. The artworks are another reminder of Rob’s childhood. During the early Nineties his mother ran a gallery in both London and Zurich that promoted young artists and he has inherited her eye. There are paintings by Brian Nissen, Sarah Haffner and Arrigo Wittler. Elsewhere, discussion-point oils and drawings populate the three-storey house, spilling into bedrooms and bathrooms. Even two-year-old Forest slumbers beneath a tranquil abstract painting by Edward Bell. But it’s not just collectable art that gives the house its cultured air. Reflecting their commercial nous, there are plenty of chic-on-a-shoestring touches, too. The set of blush-pink dining chairs was an eBay steal, as was the 19th-century Thomas Crapper cistern in the bathroom. In the living room, Rob and Chelsea designed the marble coffee table using an offcut from a now-defunct workshop across the road. Elsewhere, silvered mirrors snapped up at auction cement the feel of this home – chic, relaxed, and oh-so Parisian. See more of Chelsea and Rob’s work at vadacollective.com
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THE OWNERS Chelsea Dixon, an interior designer, her husband Robert Bühler, an interior architect, and their two children, Forest, two, and Vada, three months. THE PROPERTY A Victorian semidetached house in west London. Arranged over three floors, the house has a living room that flows directly into a dining and kitchen area, plus a utility room, wine cellar and larder, on the ground floor. Upstairs there are five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
LI V ING ROOM
Panelled doors and reinstated architectural detailing give the interior a timeless appeal. Get the look The curved velvet armchair is from India Jane.
HOMES â „ ETC
LI V ING ROOM
Designed to accentuate the height of the ceiling, the new bookshelves bring definition to the large ground floor space and, in particular, to the area around the piano. Get the look The bookshelves are painted in Livid intelligent matt emulsion by Little Greene. The painting is by Arrigo Wittler.
LI V ING ROOM The large bay window (right) floods the space with light. Formerly a series of down-at-heel bedsits, the house had lost many of its period features. Rob and Chelsea had them put back in. Get the look For similar consoles, try Adam Williams Design. JRM French Interiors sells similar chandeliers. The sofa is from Camerich. Art photographs are by Isabelle van Zeijl.
HOMES ⁄ ETC
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‘I’ve always wanted a bath in M A STER BEDROOM
Chelsea designed the bedroom with pared-back furnishings and subdued colours to add to the relaxed feel of the space. Get the look The bath
the bedroom: it’s luxurious is from W4 Bathrooms. The curtains are in Romo’s Launay Thistledown linen. The side table is from DI Designs. Barker and Stonehouse sells a similar table lamp and shade. The bed is by The White Company.
but also practical. I can bath the children in there and then change them on the bed’
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HOMES ⁄ ETC
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HOMES ⁄ ETC
HOME TRUTHS M A STER BATHROOM A former kitchen is now a bathroom complete with a glazed wall that echoes the back of the ground-floor extension.
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Get the look Find a similar mirror at Lots Road Auctions. Porcelanosa sells similar marble tiles. Aston Matthews sells wall-mounted brass towel rails.
Chelsea, what’s your perfect white? I just love regular Dulux Pure White – it brightens up any space. And the space you would most like to have designed? The Sketch restaurant gallery. What’s your perfect Christmas getaway? Going back to the Isle of Man and having Christmas at my mum’s. I still put out carrots and mince pies for Father Christmas and read The Night Before Christmas. Luckily, I now have two small children so I have someone to read it with! Your fail-safe Christmas party food? Take a whole Brie, cut the top off and put it in the oven for 20 minutes with brown sugar sprinkled on top. Serve with a broken-up baguette… sooo good! The best present you’ve ever had? A parlour guitar. And Rob, where do you find inspiration? Sir John Soane’s Museum – there is a great synergy of light and colour. It speaks of scale and proportion.
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BACK FOR GOOD After years of living abroad, Cathrine de Lichtenberg deployed colour, texture and a smattering of structural tweaks to make her Copenhagen apartment a home for life
SN UG
This smaller living area is used for drinks and entertaining. Get the look The eye cushion is by LRNCE. This is the Sinnerlig sofa by Ilse Crawford for Ikea.
Photography ⁄ Martin Sølyst/LivingInside 100 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 / l i v i n g e t c . c o m
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Styling ⁄ Eva Marie Wilken/LivingInside
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Words ⁄ Serena Fokschaner
HOMES â „ ETC
SITTING ROOM
Artist Jakob Steen painted the wall mural to bring interest to one corner of the large room, which leads to the smaller snug, left. Get the look The Flag Halyard chair is by Hans Wegner. The teapot is by KAM Design in Marrakech. The mirrored side table is by Danish artist FOS. The Sputnik pendant light is by Paul de Haan for Jolina Lighting.
HOME PROFILE THE OWNERS Cathrine de Lichtenberg, a consultant and entrepreneur, and her husband Anders, a management consultant. THE PROPERTY A maisonette in a late 19th-century villa in the Frederiksberg area of Copenhagen. The property has two living rooms, a kitchen-diner, office, two bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, two bathrooms, a laundry room, games room, two terraces and gardens at the front and back. There is also a basement.
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on this Copenhagen apartment. Stepping inside the maisonette was, she says, ‘like returning to your parents after a long time away’. For Cathrine and her husband Anders, it was also a chance to put down roots after four peripatetic years of living ‘out of a container’ in countries including Angola and South Africa. ‘By the time we came back to Denmark, we’d grown out of the one-bedroom flat that we’d bought before we went abroad. We needed light, space and somewhere to start a family.’ But there were changes to be made to the apartment, which is set on the ground and basement floors of a handsome, late-19th century villa. ‘It needed to be modernised,’ says Cathrine. ‘The kitchen was tiny, the hall was dark, and there were four living rooms and not enough bedrooms.’ Help came in the form of Anders’ brother Michael, founder of Folk – an architectural practice. ‘It took Michael five minutes to sketch a plan that reorganised the space,’ says Cathrine. Like cards in a trick, the floor plan was shuffled to create a roomy kitchen and dining area, to remove an awkward bathroom to open up the hall, and to divide the dining room to become the main bedroom and office. For Cathrine, the pleasures of creating a home by paint-matching and picking out fabrics has special resonance. Two years ago she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, triggered by incidents abroad. ‘It’s a condition that affects the nervous system, so I find it meditative to look at colours, arrange flowers and move things around. For me, decorating is a form of therapy.’ In the new kitchen, the pink walls remind her of ‘fresh flowers… and I like the way the undertone changes throughout the day from warm beige to lavender in the evening.’ The panelling in the kitchen is original, but the generous French doors that lead to the garden are a new addition. Nature plays a big role in the apartment’s look. Most of the rooms have potted plants and the sitting room has a tree mural on one wall painted by rising artist Jakob Steen. Cathrine’s condition has made her adept at armchair decorating and trawling online auctions for overlooked gems. In the sitting room, a mirrored side table is by Danish artist FOS – ‘it has been on my wish list since I was a student’; a tiled table is an Ikea hack – ‘my homage to Superstudio’; and a trio of vases, a collaboration between CristaSeya and Giacomo Alessi, was hauled back from the couple’s honeymoon in Sicily. Elsewhere, Moroccan rugs, vintage Murano glass and artisanal cushions converge happily in a look that’s easy to emulate. ‘I love a mix of surfaces – metal against linen or chunky wood. To me, it’s contrast that gives balance.’ For Cathrine, the apartment also has a symbolic value. ‘After living in 10 different places in four countries, this is the end product of my search for calm. To have a safe base is one of the most important things in life. At last we can unpack and feel at home.’ To see Folk’s portfolio, go to folkarkitekter.dk
SN UG
Throughout the apartment, original features such as these glass doors were conserved and enhanced with a playful mix of fresh colours, contemporary furnishings and vintage finds. ‘I don’t follow styles or trends,’ says Cathrine. ‘I choose materials and pieces that make me happy.’ Get the look The coffee table, just seen, is by Romeo Rega. For a similar Berber rug, try Beni Qurain. The sofa, in the sitting room, is the Cocoon by Eilersen.
HOMES ⁄ ETC
DINING AREA
‘I spent six months thinking about painting this room pink,’ says Cathrine. ‘I’m so glad we did it. It gives off such a great energy.’ Get the look This is the Eat table by Via Copenhagen. The Vertigo pendant light is by Constance Guisset. The walls are painted in Deco Pink by Jotun.
HOMES ⁄ ETC
K ITCHEN
Cathrine likes how the pared-back, grid-like units ‘don’t make a sound’ and let the other features in the room stand out. Get the look The kitchen is by Uno Form. The white globe lights are by Michael Anastassiades for Flos. The light over the island is by Anour.
HOME TRUTHS
The work of art you’d most like to own? An Ettore Sottsass mirror or the Street lamp by the artist FOS. Favourite restaurant? Wherever my cousin Casper Sobczyk works. At the moment he’s executive head chef at Marienlyst Strandhotel in Helsingor, north of Copenhagen. Your fail-safe outfit ? An oversized dress and sneakers. The best present anyone has given you? My ‘Africa’ necklace by Sophie Bille Brahe, which Anders gave me when I turned 30 this year. Where would you most like to spend the winter? I think the perfect combo would be to spend it in Cape Town, but still have Christmas in Denmark.
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HOMES ⁄ ETC
BATHROOM
This space used to be the apartment’s small kitchen. The wallpaper is a nod to the dense foliage in the garden. Get the look The wallpaper is by Tapetforum. The basin is by Uniform.
M A IN BEDROOM
Pale walls and furniture are warmed by orange accents, which, Cathrine says, ‘bring a feel of summer to the space throughout the year.’ Get the look The curtains are from &Drape. The Belvedere mirror by Vaughan Designs is similar.
H A LL
A bathroom was removed to open up the hallway and Cathrine took the decision to paint the ceiling navy to act as a foil for the Flos light. Get the look The ceiling is painted in Deco Blue by Jotun. The coat hooks are from Sally Xenia Studio Glass. The bench is by Via Copenhagen, with bespoke leather cushions from By Thornam.
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LIVINGETC ⁄ OFFER
ENJOY 20% OFF AT GRAHAM AND GREEN Shop homeware, gifts and accessories for your Christmas home Majesty swan head , £48
Percy Pelican dish, £21; concrete and brass hexagon table lamp, £115, Midnight Velvet lampshade, Dia14in, £99
Matty & Maise Mouse tea-light holders, £30 a pair; Townhouse lanterns, medium, £22; large, £26
Gold sitting mouse lamp, £73; mistletoe and cone light-up garland, £29; mercury glass tea-light holders, £3.95 each
T
o get into the spirit of the festive season, Graham and Green is offering Livingetc readers an exclusive 20 per cent discount online and in stores. The go-to destination for unique homeware, Graham and Green has everything you need to make your house beautiful and guest-ready – from statement sofas to handcrafted dining tables and chairs. The new collection is also brimming with unusual gift ideas for everyone on your list. And if you’re looking to create a Yuletide display with a difference, head to the Graham and Green website to explore the bountiful choice of baubles, garlands, lights and more. Better still, visit the brand’s boutique emporiums in London’s Notting Hill and Primrose Hill, their flagship store in the heart of Bayswater, or take a trip to Bath to explore the store on Walcot Street. Each one will give you all the inspiration you need for a happy holiday.
To receive your 20% discount, simply take this page to a Graham and Green store or visit grahamandgreen.co.uk and enter the code FESTIVEETC at the checkout. Alternatively, give the friendly customer services team a call on 01225 418200 and quote FESTIVEETC before you buy.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS The 20 per cent discount at Graham and Green is valid from 31 October 2018 until 24 December 2018 inclusive. The offer is only valid when the discount code is used when purchasing online or via the telephone, or in store when this page is handed over before completing a purchase. Store locations: 4 Elgin Crescent, London W11 2HX; 164 Regents Park Road, London NW1 8XN; 36 Porchester Road, London W2 6ES and 92 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG. Graham and Green reserves the right to reject any application and change or withdraw the offer without notice at any time. There is no cash alternative, in whole or part. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount, on any products already reduced, gift vouchers, postage charged or Kartell products. Photocopy versions of this page will not be accepted. For full terms and conditions, visit grahamandgreen.co.uk/terms-conditions
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country chic Sophie and Pierre’s innovative barn conversion blends contemporary, industrial and rustic styles, adding up to a cool yet cosy look for Christmas
Photography ⁄ Julien Fernandez
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* Production ⁄ Amandine Berthon * Words ⁄ Amandine Berthon and Jo Leevers
HOMES ⁄ ETC
HOME PROFILE
THE OWNERS Sophie Mao, a marketing project manager, her husband Pierre Derville, a management controller, and their daughter Eva, aged two. THE PROPERTY A renovated barn in the countryside near Lille, France. The ground floor has an open-plan living room with kitchen and dining area, plus the master suite, a shower room and dressing room. The stairs lead to Eva’s bedroom, a bathroom and a guest bedroom.
K ITCHEN-DIN ER STA IRCA SE
Simple, strong textures are key to this home, with blocks of timber bolted into the roughly plastered wall to create the staircase. Get the look Try Reste.co.uk for rustic chopping boards and ceramics.
Natural elements are sandwiched between solid structural slabs of matt black for a hard-soft contrast. Get the look The kitchen is by Nolte Kitchens with Bosch appliances. Find a similar table at Made.com. Graham & Green does similar rattan chairs. The fireplace is from Kbane.com; try Modus Fireplaces for similar.
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W
hen Sophie Mao and Pierre Derville bought a derelict barn in the French countryside, it was a no-frills version of rustic living. ‘It consisted of just bare-brick walls and a dirt floor scattered with straw,’ remembers Sophie. But the couple were unfazed. ‘Just four bare walls was perfect. It meant less demolition work and less rubble to remove – it saved us time,’ she says with a smile. They gave themselves a strict six-month deadline for the work in order to be able to host Christmas for their families. ‘Our new home sits equidistant between both sets of in-laws and it will be a first for us because we usually go to my parents. We’ll be cooking for 23 adults, plus children. No pressure, then…’ Not surprisingly, those six allotted months were quite intense. ‘We headed out here in the evenings, at weekends and through the holidays, because we were determined to finish on time,’ says Sophie. Today, their renovated barn home is anything but basic. The airy ground floor is largely devoted to an open-plan living space, sleekly divided by a contemporary double-sided fireplace, its matt black surface acting as a dramatic backdrop to both the seating area and the kitchen-diner. The kitchen and bathroom are also peons to the power of black, interspersed with shiny marble or touches of stainless steel, while floating wooden steps are bolted into a roughly plastered wall, like a modern-day version of a ladder to a barn hayloft. The end result is rustic modernity, with plenty of character where it matters. It is woven through the spaces, from the stripped-back original barn doors to the rough-and-ready coffee table that Pierre, whose day job is as a management controller, made from a pallet. Sophie ingeniously fashioned some pendants out of chicken wire,
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total cost around three euros, she reveals with a smile. ‘I preferred to put money into longer-term structural elements, such as the staircase and the kitchen,’ she says. The couple were determined not to narrow down their vision for the home to a single style. ‘Instead, it is a blend of our favourite looks: rustic, ethnic and modern,’ explains Sophie. Even with its contemporary rework, the barn’s interior retains the lofty, spacious feel of the original building. ‘We sketched the floorplan out ourselves on the computer and nothing much changed from our first, simple drawings,’ she says. The couple were closely involved in the build from the beginning, when the structure was enhanced with a poured concrete floor, plasterboard walls and new electrics and plumbing. They were on the same wavelength when it came to the design and finishes. ‘We’re both into interior design,’ says Sophie. ‘Luckily, we have similar tastes and it’s pretty rare that we diverge.’ In the finished spaces, the vivid contrasts of slick black against soft timber brings out the beauty of the building. In the master bedroom, deepest black walls are softened by macramé, feathers and peacock shades of green and blue. Furniture is a mix of old and new, including a dented old workbench that serves as a sideboard. ‘I’m not a fan of houses where all the furniture is instantly recognisable as being from a particular shop,’ says Sophie. ‘I prefer to look for vintage pieces or handcrafted items that feel unique.’ After Christmas, Sophie and Pierre have promised themselves they will take things easy for a bit. ‘We did three big life events – wedding, baby, new home – in quick succession. So we’re looking forward to slowing things down,’ says Sophie. ‘And now we have just the right place.’ Find Sophie at @sosoomao on Instagram
HOMES ⁄ ETC
DINING A R E A
‘The table top is made from sleepers from the Indian railways,’ says Sophie. She chose touches of blush pink, natural foliage and candlelight for her table settings. Get the look Cox & Cox sells a similar rattan pendant. You can find tableware like this at Dassie Artisan.
SE ATING A R E A
The barn’s original doors were refitted beside this low-level seating area. As for the Christmas tree, ‘I had to insist on some soft pink decorations – Pierre is more of a monochrome purist!’ says Sophie. Get the look The sofa is by Emmanuel Gallina for Am.Pm at La Redoute. Sophie made the wire pendants, but Lampandlight.co.uk has a similar style. Pierre made the coffee table from a pallet; find similar on Etsy.
LI V ING A R E A
Underfloor heating was fitted beneath the poured concrete floor. ‘We love this space – it’s perfect for Eva who has lots of energy and runs everywhere,’ says Sophie. Get the look Concreate can supply poured and polished concrete flooring. The workbench is vintage.
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M A STER BATHROOM
Inky blacks give impact to the bathing space, with the solid black textures contrasted with softer natural leather, jute and rope. Get the look The basin is from Leroy Merlin in France, mounted on a vintage table. Marblemosaics does a similar stone basin. Find
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similar mirrors at Maisons du Monde. Decorative Antiques UK sells rustic stools. Olli Ella does a jute rug. Dowsing & Reynolds sells leather drawer pulls. The bath is also from Leroy Merlin, but the Charlotte Edwards Belgravia bath at Drench is similar. Take a look at the Manhattan polished marble tiles at Mandarin Stone.
HOMES ⁄ ETC
‘This home is a blend of several different styles. I prefer a personal mix rather than an instantly
. . FOR CONTACTS, SEE LIFESTYLEETC.CO.UK/STOCKISTS
recognisable look’
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HOMES ⁄ ETC
M A STER BEDROOM
Strikingly shaped accessories and rich tones dominate in Sophie and Pierre’s room. Get the look The pendant is homemade, but the Vertigo
pendant by Petite Friture is available at David Village Lighting. The bedlinen is Calvin Klein. The macramé is Balinese; find similar on Etsy. The stool is from Maisons du Monde. Dulux’s Rich Black matt emulsion is a paint match.
HOME TRUTHS
Favourite shop? I adore Slots Decoration in Belgium (slotsdeco.be). It’s like walking around the most amazing house ever. Best place for vintage finds? We always check out the French Emmaus charity warehouses, a reclamation yard near the Belgian border and the flea markets of Lille’s Saint André neighbourhood – a quieter alternative to the city’s main flea market. Most memorable holiday? Two years ago we went to Cambodia, where my father is from. We got married in Angkor Wat with both our families there – we surprised them! What’s for Christmas dinner? Plenty of amuse-bouches with aperitifs, then roast guinea fowl with honey and fresh rosemary.
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SEE MORE GREAT ROOMS AT LIVINGETC.COM
DESIGN
I N S P I R AT I O N ⁄ P E O P L E ⁄ P L A N N I N G ⁄ S H O P P I N G
136
KITCHEN CASE STUDY Deep, dramatic colour and a clever tiling trick
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DESIGN NEWS Product innovation and reviews of the latest launches
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DESIGN PROFILE House of Hackney’s Frieda Gormley reveals her design inspiration
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PROJECT INSPIR ATION
BATHROOM CASE STUDY
Festive first impressions: how to decorate your hallway
Add a touch of theatre with terrazzo and brushed brass
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HI-TECH HOBS Innovative cooking kit that’s hot
TWIN BASINS Double up for a little bathroom luxury
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DESIGNNEWS
The latest updates for kitchens, bathrooms and big projects
[ Open invite ] As any host knows, air-kissing and canapé art leave little time for wrestling with wine bottles mid-Christmas drinks party. Luckily, Cuisinart’s automatic wine opener will have you uncorking in mere seconds, all at the push of a button. Cordless wine opener, £45 (cuisinart.co.uk)
MOOD SW I NG
Give us a sleek, Scandi-feel, veneered Nordic Oak breakfast bar and chances are we’ll be kitchen-smitten. Add a fresh update for units in a navy lacquered finish and we’ll fall hook, line and sinker. Such is the case for Silvano Barsacchi’s Mood kitchen for Scavolini. Dubbed Moon Blue by the Italian firm, the new hue is just the ticket for bringing a dark and mysterious edge to your scheme, all beautifully offset with clean-cut silhouettes and anthracite porcelain worktops. Mood kitchen in Moon Blue lacquered finish, from £10,000 (scavolini.com)
[ Tickled pink ] GO FOR GOLD
’Tis the season for excess. So why not pop a bathroom basin finished in 18-carat gold on your Christmas list? And within Catalano’s new ceramic collection is a pure silver WC complete with inbuilt flushing technology and a scratchresistant coating. Because even toilets can be fabulous… Green Lux 80 basin in Gold and Black, £1,108.80 (catalano.co.uk)
WORDS AND RESEARCH ⁄ Maudie Manton
Marry ‘Christmas Day essential’ with ‘nifty little stocking filler’ and you get Alessi’s Noè wine and champagne bottle stopper, relaunched for the festive season in this soft and chic Golden Pink shade. Giulio Iacchetti for Alessi, £29 (alessi.com) l i v i n g e t c . c o m / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 121
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SLOW BU R N
IN A SPIN
While a few ill-advised gifts might leave you cold on Christmas morning, Arada’s i600 Slimline woodburning stove certainly won’t. Unlike most models that draw an air supply from the room to burn fuel, which can result in draughts, this clever design is connected to an exterior air duct to prevent the cold from leaking in. We’re fans of the neat under-stove storage space and wide flame views, too. i600 slimline freestanding flexifuel stove, from £1,315 (aradastoves.com)
It’s the gadget set to top all Christmas lists this year. The i-Top is an electronic update of the classic tin spinning toy. Set to unleash competitive spirit around the dinner table, the device counts its revolutions to crown a winner, with tasks including the 99 challenge and compass mode. Made for kids, but likely to lure in Nan and Grandad too! £14.99 (johnlewis.com)
[ Movie magic ] Home theatres are all the rage. But who really has room for a 75-inch TV? Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, Kodak’s Pocket portable projector brings the big screen to any wall in the house. Simply connect it to your mobile device wirelessly and stream your favourite flicks. Try it in the garden for a novel alfresco date… £179.99 (very.co.uk)
LIGHT TOUCH
Tala’s objective? Elevating the humble light bulb to a design object. One glance at the Oblo Oak touch lamp and we think you’ll agree it’s a mission that’s been achieved. Marvel at its mouth-blown glass sphere and pure American oak base, all controlled with a three-phase, turned brass touch dimmer. £155 (tala.co.uk)
[ Stow away ] Boarding passes might be accessible from our smartphones, but no digital device is set to replace the paper passport any time soon. Stow’s First Class leather tech case offers the best of both worlds, with compartments for essential documents on one side, and pockets for chargers, cables and plugs on the other. No holidays booked to use them? New colours such as Provence Yellow should inspire some planning. £350 (stowlondon.co.uk)
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DE SIGN / PROFILE
FRIEDA GORMLEY – HOUSE OF HACKNEY One half of the east London design duo on breaking design rules and giving print and colour a rock ’n’ roll vibe (while loving white bedlinen) Wallpapers in House of Hackney’s distinctive florals and stripes (clockwise from top left): Artemis in Azure; Artemis in Off-White; Mamounia in Midnight and Azurite; Blackthorn in Teal; all £185 a roll. De Beauvoir screen in Mamounia Moss Green and Black Velvet, £3,295 BELOW Frieda in the brand’s flagship store
PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT) SOPHIA SPRING
W
hen Frieda Gormley and her husband Jav v y M Royle launched House of Hackney in 2011, the brand’s exuberant wallpapers, fabrics and accessories soon gained a loyal following of designistas enthralled by the couple’s unapologetic maximalist approach. Their instantly recognisable creations, inspired by historical botanical prints but infused with a modern wit and colour palette, are now sold worldwide as well as at House of Hackney’s flagship store in Shoreditch. The fashion crowd loves them, too, snapping up last year’s collaboration with & Other Stories, which used some of the brand’s most iconic prints. Here, Frieda shares her design inspirations… When did the design bug first bite? While studying law at Trinity College Dublin, I worked at a vintage clothes shop and loved the buzz of buying and selling. So I applied for a trainee buyer programme at Dunnes Stores. At 24, I went to work as an assistant buyer at Topshop in London. How did House of Hackney start? After we met, Javvy and I were living in a minimalist Scandi space but we’d grown bored with all those white walls. We were
Words ⁄ Fiona McCarthy
livingetc.com / December 2018
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT In Frieda’s study is the Equus wallpaper, £165 a roll, Wild Card jacquard, on chair, £120m, and the Equus Daley lampshade with Cheetah base, £667.25, all House of Hackney; Artemis velvet, £120m, House of Hackney; Patterns from the Zuber collaboration, photographed at Leighton House Museum, including Majorelle, Mamounia and Palme Cashmir. On the table: Equus tea set, £99; plates, from £35 each; napkins, £50 for four; Serpentis candle and brass pineapple candleholder, £145 each, all House of Hackney; Limerence wallpaper, £185 a roll, House of Hackney
working in fashion and noticed print, jacquards and wallpapers creeping into fashion shoots and ad campaigns, but when we started to hunt it down, we couldn’t actually buy it anywhere. What inspired the brand’s distinctive style? My grandmother Peg has been key. I’ve inherited her magpie eye for textiles and colours. We also visited lots of historic houses – we loved the stories of their past – and antique markets such as Kempton. Hackney, where we live, has always played a big part. But we’ve never wanted to just create a pastiche of the past, we wanted to give the brand a modern, sexy, rock ’n’ roll edge. Tell us about your latest collections? For our new collaboration with Zuber, a French wallpaper company from the 1700s, we played with the colour and scale of archive patterns to create a very psychedelic, Moroccaninspired collection. Majorelle is named after Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Marrakech garden, Jardin Majorelle; Mamounia’s stripe is influenced by the patterns found in riads. How do you layer colour and print? We love a heady mix of patterned wallpapers and prints with richly painted woodwork and intricate tiling. And I have a thing for borders at the moment, also inspired by the 1800s Aesthetic Movement and William Morris. We worked with the William Morris Gallery in 2015 to bring new life to patterns such as Artemis and Acanthus. What if someone is pattern shy? Start with something like a powder room. We papered the walls and ceiling in our downstairs toilet; it feels like a chocolate box.
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But if still in doubt, we’ve just launched a wallpaper and fabric consultancy where one of our in-house designers will advise on redecorating one or more rooms [from £295 for two hours]. What’s your idea of luxury? Keeping things uncluttered – having just a few things, but things that are well made and will last. What’s your design rule of thumb? We’re all about being playful but everything still needs to feel beautiful, never crazy, with a sense of symmetry that brings balance and calm. We want to inspire people, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and everyone has their own taste so we’re really about no rules. Gravitate to what makes you happy. Greatest inspirations? France’s 20th-century grande dame of decoration, Madeleine Castaing, was the interior punk of her time. I feel a real affinity with her – like me, she hadn’t studied interior design. Barbara Hulanicki inspired how we designed the store, which opened in 2013. What she did with Biba was completely outside the box – her aesthetic and modus operandi were a breath of fresh air. How do you design a room? Generally it depends on the story behind it: what’s the building’s history? What are the key features? Our home would have been a very simple Victorian terrace, so we put in details like much nicer cornicing. It lifts the height of a room because your eye is drawn up to it. We’ve called the house Loddiges, inspired by the Victorian nursery and hothouse that stood in nearby Mare Street. It inspired our popular Palmeral print, too. What’s your favourite colour palette? We love colours derived from nature. A pattern like Limerence, for example, captures the contrast of light and dark in a garden. And pink is the most magical colour – it brings an alchemy to
DE SIGN / PROFILE
[ P.S ]
PHOTOGRAPHY (BLANKET) ANGUS BREMNER
Dream buy? Lee Broom’s Tile lamp (from his SS14 collection). If you could live anywhere else? Cornwall. Letter, text or email? All of them, but I do love the written word so receiving a letter is the most romantic and thoughtful. Favourite cocktail? Tequila on the rocks. Dream date? My other half.
an interior, especially in evening light. We’ve used a dusty pink in our bathroom and a darker shade in the sitting room. Tell us more about your recent home renovation? It gave us the opportunity to redesign the flow of the house. Our priority was creating a spatial configuration and style of decoration that would work for a small, growing family. There are no ‘good rooms’; nothing is saved for best. What are your favourite pieces? Our slightly Gothic 18th-century mahogany antique kitchen table – it’s beautifully made from an amazing piece of wood. We chose it carefully, hoping it will be an heirloom for our children. How do you lend your interiors a modern twist? We love to showcase the work of our artist friends, like Nicolette Ann Vine. I like modern art and photography against wallpaper – it makes the artwork stand out even more. Plus, you can never go wrong with leopard print: it feels chic, calming and seductive. Where to invest, where to save? I invest in wool pillows – they give a great night’s sleep and last a long time – and blankets by Johnstons of Elgin. I save on bedlinen from Zara Home – white sheets feel clean and fresh. How do you get festive at home? We like a traditional Christmas tree with a twist – laced with wallpaper chains, made by the kids, and hung with decorations collected over many years. This year we’ll add our new Bowie, Elvis and KISS decorations, too. We burn incense and candles, such as Cire Trudon’s Spiritus Sancti, to capture the scent of Christmas in church. And on Christmas Eve, midnight carols by candlelight at St Leonard’s church in Shoreditch is magical – the city has emptied, the community comes together and this ancient church, bathed in the simple light, is mesmerising. For more info about House of Hackney, visit houseofhackney.com
FROM TOP KISS Christmas bauble, £22, House of Hackney; Russet heritage lambswool throw, £195, Johnstons of Elgin; and Saber loveseat, £3,495; Mamounia Tilia lampshade with Ananas base, £870; and Palme Cashmir velvet cushion, £195, all House of Hackney
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DECK THE HALL
From cool and minimal to bold and ostentatious, make the right first impression this Christmas
Words and research â &#x201E; Arabella Youens
CIRCLE OF LIFE Usually hung on front doors and in windows, a festive wreath can be just as effective elsewhere in the home. Whether hung individually or clustered together to form a display, heavily embellished or strikingly plain, indoor wreaths are a simple nod to traditional Christmas decorating, but with a modern twist.
Project details Easily overlooked at other times of the year, the wall beneath a flight of stairs is an ideal backdrop for a wreath display, which makes an all-important impact on entering the house. Simple hoops of rattan or cane work as frames for some fir fronds. Or find similar ready-made at The White Company. Be sparing to achieve this understated result.
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PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) JAMES MERRELL; (OPPOSITE PAGE) CATHERINE GRATWICKE
PAPER TRAIL Keep your hallway floor clutterfree by suspending decorations from the ceiling. Retro-style honeycomb lanterns create dynamic focal points. ‘I love the way they start off as boring piles of paper and then unfold to become the most fantastic and intricate shapes,’ says Nicoline Falmer-Nielsen, founder of Pipii. Try iridescent decorations, too. ‘They’re very effective at picking up the light, creating shimmering, cloud-like formations,’ says Talking Tables founder Clare Harris. Project details In this cheerful hallway, traditional Edwardian detailing has been brought up to date through the use of aquatic wall paint shades. Hung from the ceiling and echoing the hues on the statement chandelier are a collection of large tissue paper honeycomb balls, £4.75 each, Pipii. The walls are painted in Arsenic and Cook’s Blue estate emulsions, both £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.
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MINIMAL CHIC Turn the decoration volume down a notch and choose something simple. It can be just as effective as going all out at Christmas. Be it a small spray of greenery across the mantelpiece, or a single branch in a vase, the minimalist route brings a stylish air of Nordic simplicity to the festivities. Less really can be more. Project details Another space thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often ignored during the rest of the year is the landing or turn in a staircase. Such spaces can be used to create displays that are ideally positioned at eye level. This young Christmas tree in a simple jute bag is crowned by a star fashioned from pipe cleaners. Potted tabletop trees by Clas Ohlson are ÂŁ19.99 each, while Trouva offers jute baskets.
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SHOWTIME Colours and displays that might overwhelm other rooms can be just right for the space that you spend the least time in. For a playful option, think beyond traditional decorations and welcome guests with a colourful light installation. Project details A group of vibrant character circus lights and other ephemera creates a theatrical effect and a conversation point here – great fodder for getting the Christmas party started. Arrange your own display using clean wellingtons or other rubber boots. The Letteroom sells similar Hollywood letter lights, from £340 each. Find the arrow LED light at Partyrama.co.uk, £10.99.
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE, MAIN IMAGE) SIMON BEVAN; (THIS PAGE, INSET) PAUL RAESIDE
MIDAS TOUCH ‘Gold provides a great welcome to the home,’ says gift entrepreneur Gisela Graham. ‘It’s warm, luxurious and twinkling, making every visitor instantly feel special. I’m amazed by its versatility, from crackled, old gold with an almost copper tint, right through to bright, sparkling, virtually white gold. The opportunities to create different moods are endless.’
Project details Take a no-holdsbarred approach for showstopping results. This made-tomeasure gold eucalyptus garland cannot fail to impress. But don’t stop there. A giant disco ball, white and gold balloons, tassel garlands and silver paper chains together add an extra layer of impact. No need to try this one at home. Commission a florist for a similarly elaborate garland. Try eBay for giant disco balls. Metallic orb balloons in gold are £4.50 each at Talking Tables and glitter paper chains are £9 each from DZD.
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WILD SIDE Kick-start the party and create a few wry smiles with tongue-incheek decorating. Dispensing with a traditional tree has become de rigueur for those who want to make an anti-trad statement this season. So get on board!
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Project details Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bonkers, but it works. This Tex-Mex-inspired scheme combines the customary festive colours with modern results. Saguaro cacti stand in lieu of a tree and a zebra head is swathed in lights. Blooming Artificial has a convincing faux Saguaro, ÂŁ105.49.
FOLIAGE FESTOON Embrace the festive foliage trend for immediate impact – on the eyes and the nose. Bannisters make a great framework for a statement garland. ‘There’s more demand for a mass of varieties to be interlaced across mantelpieces, or made into huge garlands with plenty of ivy trails for bannisters,’ says florist Philippa Craddock.
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) SIMON BEVAN; (OPPOSITE PAGE) ALEXANDER JAMES
Project details This birds of paradise-themed arrangement lends an element of fantasy to this space. Philippa Craddock’s new faux garlands, from £75 each, have a neutral base, so you can customise the look every year. The Farthing has a similar vintage-style metal trolley, £175.
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FEATHER THE NEST According to Gisela Graham, there’s something regal about decorating with feathers. ‘They’re like costumes and there’s no better time than Christmas for a splash of the dramatic,’ she says. While peacock feathers have ruled the festive roost, delicate swans and strutting partridges are elbowing in this year. ‘Don’t be shy: feathers are meant to wow, so be extravagant.’ Project details Create a winter wonderland look for the staircase by looping a garland of delicate feathers in cool wintry hues around the bannisters. Lest the effect be too icy, vamp up the glamour and dress a chandelier with silk roses, tea lights and goose feathers. This bannister is adorned with ostrich feathers. You’ll need lots to recreate the effect. Try mixing in spadone, £3.70 each, and mini plumes, £10 for five, from The Feather Factory. The chandelier’s embellishments include goose nagoire feathers, from £7.20 for 10. Get the look with feather boa garlands, from £5.99 each, UK Christmas World.
LIGHT THE WAY Render decorations down to a single focus: lights. The advent of energy-efficient LED lights has brought many advantages with it, not least the ability to go to town with guilt-free Christmas lighting, safe in the knowledge that they’re not burning up precious fossil fuels. Net lights are a case in point and a beautiful way to give the hallway a touch of sparkle.
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Project details When decorating with lights for Christmas, Lights4fun’s co-founder Jo Naughton advocates choosing one space and doing it well. ‘Curtain lights have that unmistakable wow-factor, which is ideal for a high-impact entrance hall,’ she says. ‘If the staircase won’t accommodate them, think about hanging one against a wall for a similar effect.’ These are 288 LED curtain lights, £60, Lights4fun.
GOLDEN GLOW
PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE) PAUL RAESIDE; (OPPOSITE PAGE, MAIN IMAGE) OLIVER PERROTT; (OPPOSITE PAGE, INSET) JAMES MERRELL
Candles make wonderful hallway accessories, as John Lewis’ gifts and candle shop buyer Sara Allbright explains. ‘Both functional and decorative, candles can be used to light pockets of darkness, creating a welcoming atmosphere,’ she says. In large spaces, Sara recommends displaying candles in differing shapes and sizes within hurricane lamps. For smaller rooms, she suggests arranging a cluster in front of a mirror, which can give the illusion of more space.
Project details The warm glow of candles is a charming addition to this monochromatic scheme. Embrace the trend for alternative Christmas trees and use a simple tree-shaped candelabra instead, for a minimalist effect. To get this look, try Wayfair’s Christmas tree metal candelabra, £36.99.
CASE STUDY / KITCHEN
RHAPSODY IN BLACK BLUE Clever tiling and a brave use of colour bring drama to this family kitchen-diner. Here’s why it works… Photography / Mark Bolton
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Words / Linda Clayton
INSIDE STORY THE PROPERTY A townhouse in Chelsea. THE PROJECT A two-storey wing was built at the rear of the house, taking two bedrooms to four, and a side glass extension was added on the ground floor to open up what had been a tiny kitchen. KITCHEN SIZE 5x6m THE DESIGNER Irene Gunter, director, Gunter & Co Interiors. DESIGN BRIEF The clients are a family with two teenage children and two dogs. They cook a lot, so they requested the biggest appliances the space would allow. ‘I follow the “working triangle” principle – to chop, wash and cook without excessive travel,’ says Irene. ‘We toyed with the idea of an island unit for a long time, but, eventually,
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the need for relaxed family dinners took precedence and a table won the day.’ FURNITURE The bespoke kitchen was designed by Gunter & Co Interiors. ‘The family are full of personality, so it seemed natural to reflect this through colour,’ explains Irene. ‘The glazed extension could take a deep shade, but finding the perfect black was difficult. Little Greene’s Basalt is my usual go-to, but it doesn’t match well as a spray-painted finish. It took about 25 samples before we finally settled on Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue.’ SURFACES One of Irene’s favourite spaceboosting tricks is to increase the sense of height by taking tiles up to the top of the wall. Tiling behind the wall cupboards was a major job, but worth it to avoid having completely
dark cupboards. It lends a sophisticated slightly French feel to the space. The fluted edge on the worktop always draws comment. It is a popular style in Irene’s native Belgium. LIGHTING Listed building regulations meant that recessed downlights couldn’t be used, so tube-style fittings with gold interiors were installed instead. ‘They look like a deliberate choice, rather than a compromise,’ says Irene. ‘In design, there’s a solution for every problem!’ FLOORING Up close, the engineered wood has an amazing smoked finish, with blackened edges that appear burnt. ‘Unfortunately, it’s rather pricey and the clients took a little persuading,’ says Irene. ‘However, it’s super practical and will last a lifetime, so it’s an investment for the future!’
DE SIGN / PROJECT CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW RIGHT The Fabrice Berrux table with its Carrara marble base is complemented by the vintage chairs found in Germany; a fluted worktop edge creates an eye-catching detail; and finding exactly the right paint shade was a painstaking process
[ Where to buy ] Furniture Bespoke kitchen, designed by Gunter & Co Interiors and spray-painted in Black Blue by Farrow & Ball. Expect to pay around ÂŁ54,000 for similar (cabinetry only) from Emerald Bay. Appliances Elise 90 dual-fuel range cooker in White, 1,999, Rangemaster. ECBN 5066 PremiumPlus BioFresh NoFrost fridge-freezer, ÂŁ3,999, Liebherr. Sink & tap KBG 110 50 Fragranite Onyx sink, ÂŁ381, Franke. Gosford monobloc mixer tap in Antique Bronze, ÂŁ217, Abode. Surfaces Gelato Ivory Gloss wall tiles, ÂŁ47.47sq m, Mandarin
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Stone. Diresco Belgian Blue 3cm-thick quartz worktop with YHOYHW Ă&#x20AC;QLVK DQG EHVSRNH Ă XWHG HGJH GHWDLO IURP P Venice Marble. Fresco herringbone rustic grade HQJLQHHUHG RDN ZRRG Ă RRULQJ ÂŁ141.54sq m, Havwoods. Finishing touches Aqua dining table, ÂŁ6,910, Fabrice Berrux for Roche Bobois. Antique chairs in May Anniversary vintage velvet in Myriad, ÂŁ120m, Liberty. Pull bar handles in brass (on fridge freezer), from ÂŁ55 each, Buster & Punch. Cabinet knobs and pulls from US-based Schoolhouse Electric, similar styles from Buster & Punch.
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DRU Metro 130 XT/3 Eco Wave gas fire
THE INSPIRATION OF DESIGN, THE CONVENIENCE OF GAS
From stunning contemporary built-in gas fires to elegant freestanding gas stoves, DRU helps you to create the fireplace of your dreams. We create fires that can be viewed from all angles and fires that you can control with your tablet or smartphone, all with impressive levels of energy efficiency. To see the full range and to find your nearest DRU
www.drufire.com
dealer, visit: www.drufire.com or call 0161 793 8700
DE SIGN / SHOPPING
HI-TECH HOBS
Sizzle the smart way with these innovative cooktops
Cook on gas or induction using this clever hybrid. C896iBK induction and gas hob, from £1,425, Caple. Buy now with Ownable
A flat blade design delivers vertical flames, increasing efficiency. Dolce Stil Novo PXL675L gas hob, £749, Smeg. Buy now with Ownable
The PowerBoost Supreme function provides extreme heat to save time. IS777USC induction hob, £770, Gorenje. Buy now with Ownable
FlameSelect regulates the gas, so you can choose a precise flame size. Serie 6 PPS9A6B90 gas hob, £689, Bosch. Buy now with Ownable
Sensors adjust extraction speed based on air quality. NikolaTesla Switch induction cooktop, from £2,720, Elica.
Turn two cooking zones into one using the bridging feature. HN9850 Designer six-zone induction hob, from £950, CDA. Buy now with Ownable
A climateControl sensor extracts steam automatically. InductionAir EX875LX34E cooktop, £3,239, Siemens. Buy now with Ownable
Get even heat across your pan with burners that curl flames inwards. KM2357 gas hob, £1,569, Miele at AO.com. Buy now with Ownable
Remove the detachable magnetic dial for easier cleaning. iKnob IT 6450 induction hob, £829, Teka. Buy now with Ownable
WORDS AND RESEARCH ⁄ Rachel Ogden
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CASE STUDY / BATHROOM
SENSE OF DRAMA An inspired mix of terrazzo and brushed brass brings a theatrical flourish to this deceptively simple space Photography / Guy Archard
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Words / Linda Clayton
INSIDE STORY THE PROPERTY A Victorian maisonette in London’s Kentish Town. THE PROJECT Redesigning a master en suite. THE DESIGNER/OWNER Melissa Jenkinson at
Heirloom Studio. BATHROOM SIZE 3.6x3.1m DESIGN BRIEF Designer Melissa wanted to create something unexpected in her bathroom. ‘I grew up in the Caribbean and love an eclectic look. Hence the oversized palm tree and display shelf for artwork and treasures,’ says Melissa. SURFACES ‘The blue-green terrazzo was my
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starting point,’ says Melissa. ‘At the time, it was mainly used in a commercial context but I liked the thought of using it in a domestic setting. Going dark elsewhere took courage. I worried people would think I’d gone mad, but the rest of the house has a lot of rich colour, so it works as part of a bigger picture.’ FURNITURE A half-wall hides the plumbing and enabled the vanity unit to be wall hung. The chunky tops are black terrazzo and the drawers are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings. FITTINGS Melissa was familiar with The
Watermark Collection through her work, and its Brooklyn range bridges contemporary and vintage. Over time, the aged brass becomes patinated – which is perfect for adding character. ACCESSORIES The mirror was made by a local metalworker. ‘It’s insanely heavy, but I wanted it to straddle both basins,’ says Melissa. STYLE TAKEAWAY ‘I invested in luxurious brassware, but the flooring is standard porcelain and there’s an inexpensive radiator from Screwfix which I spray-painted. I believe in a mix of price points, as well as design.’
DE SIGN / PROJECT
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The stud half wall conceals the plumbing and also provides a shelf for Melissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s display of treasured finds; terrazzo tiles were the starting point for the bathroom design; distinctive Brooklyn taps by The Watermark Collection appeal to Melissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic sense of style; and both the mirror and vanity unit are bespoke
[ Where to buy ] Fittings Brooklyn bath tap, ÂŁ1,382; basin taps, ÂŁ1,310 each; showerhead, ÂŁ669; shower valve and hand-shower, ÂŁ1,793; towel bar, ÂŁ306; all The Watermark Collection. Ios bath, ÂŁ2,825, Victoria + Albert. Furniture Bespoke vanity unit, about ÂŁ1,400, Heirloom Studio. Surfaces Rhenish 7BAB026 terrazzo wall tiles, 60cm sq, ÂŁ50.40sq m, Solus Ceramics. 3RUFHODLQ Ă RRU WLOHV IURP ÂŁ50sq m, Johnson Tiles. Countertops and upstand in TE012 terrazzo, ÂŁ105sq m, Diespeker & Co. Half wall behind radiator in BTWN Dog & Wolf architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eggshell, ÂŁ65.50 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library. Vanity unit and radiator in Railings modern eggshell, ÂŁ67 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Walls in Mercury matt vinyl emulsion, ÂŁ24.82 for 2.5L, Leyland. Accessories TheKewlight, from ÂŁ306, Porter Bathroom, is similar. Bespoke mirror, about ÂŁ400, Heirloom Studio.
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LIVINGETC ⁄ PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
MOODY BLUES Add an extra layer of depth and drama to your home with this striking new palette of tiles, trims and skirting in the colour of the moment
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Attingham Earth Fern Decor, £61.03sq m; Patchwork Tidal, £71.44sq m; Lampas Marine Pattern, £78.30sq m; Minton Hollins Roker Scuba Blue Decor, £208.44sq m; Minton Hollins Roker Scuba Blue Border, £372.91sq m; Optiks, £59.95sq m; Syren Midnight Blue, £80.91sq m; Diamante Blue, £37.84sq m; Minton Hollins Victorian Blue Crampton Capping, £8.39 a tile; Minton Hollins China Blue Finishing Strip, £1.89 a tile; Attingham Earth Lagoon Decor, £61.03sq m; Minton Hollins Country Rustic Victorian Blue, £139sq m; Astrea Duck Egg, £78sq m; Lampas Peacock, £72sq m; Lampas Marine, £72sq m, all Topps Tiles
To see all of the new ranges at Topps Tiles, visit toppstiles.co.uk
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DE SIGN / SHOPPING
DOUBLE BASINS
For the ultimate in bathroom luxury, two is better than one
Plus 1100 double 1-taphole basin with chrome towel rail (taps and fittings not included), £684.48, Aston Matthews. Buy now with Ownable
Double Pyrford washstand in Nero Granito (taps and fittings not included), £7,140, Catchpole & Rye. Buy now with Ownable
Two H27xW47cm basins as part of an installation with a Hi-Macs worktop, which starts at £300m, Hi-Macs. Buy now with Ownable
Stratum-N double basin (taps and fittings not included), £632.29, Roca. Buy now with Ownable
Puro countertop twin washbasin in Catania Grey Matt, from £1,094.40, Kaldewei. Buy now with Ownable
Industrial console in Black with vessel sinks (taps and fittings not included), £21,000, Stone Forest at West One Bathrooms. Buy now with Ownable
Flor double FD.B4 wall or surface-mounted basin in Fossil, £2,316, Kast Concrete Basins. Buy now with Ownable
Rowan double washstand (basins not included), £3,315.60, Waterworks. Buy now with Ownable
Mode Burton wall-hung double basin vanity unit in White and Rustic Oak (taps and fittings not included), £659, Victoria Plum. Buy now with Ownable
RESEARCH ⁄ Rachel Ogden
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A PALETTE OF 180 COLOURS FREE COLOUR CARD | PAINT TO ORDER Nationwide Stockists | paintandpaperlibrary.com +44 (0) 161 230 0882 | info@paintandpaperlibrary.com London Showroom | 3, Elystan St, Chelsea, London SW3 3NT | +44 (0) 020 7823 7755
TRAVEL ⁄ ETC
THE HOT LIST Livingetc’s guide to the latest hotels lighting up our design radar Words / Patrick Hamilton Courtney
L’OSCAR London
The lowdown A converted baptist church becomes a temple to opulent, daring design. Best for Glamoristas and loved-up couples. The grand master of indulgent interiors, Jacques Garcia has recently undertaken his first London project. He brings the same luxuriant excess of the renowned Hôtel Costes in Paris to this dazzling new venture. Based in Holborn, the 39-bedroom property occupies a previously abandoned architectural gem, re-imagined as a marvel of modern baroque. The design is best summed up as El Dorado meets Willy Wonka – so expect a riotous colour palette of glittering gold and Cadbury purple. A quote by L’oscar’s key inspiration, Oscar Wilde, serves as the hotel’s motto: ‘Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future’, in reference to the former church’s decadent new start in life. Tony Fleming, who held a Michelin star at his previous kitchen, oversees the hotel’s main restaurant, Baptist Grill. While Café L’oscar, inspired by Parisian cafes, is perfect for more intimate, informal tête-à-têtes. After merrymaking downstairs, retire to one of the seductive, velvetadorned bedrooms for a night of beauty sleep. Book it Double rooms from £390 (loscar.com).
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Café L’oscar’s walls and ceilings are lined with mirrors, gilded panels and original art; bedrooms are all individually styled; and the opulent stairwell with velvet sofa and patterned carpet
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SOHO HOUSE AMSTERDAM The Netherlands
The lowdown The latest venture from the lifestyle group conquering the world. Best for Culture buffs keen to explore Amsterdam from its hottest new hang-out. The onward march of Soho House continues with its first Dutch opening, and it’s one of the best yet. Touching down at the Bungehuis, a monumental Thirties architectural landmark, the hotel and members’ club promises to be a cultural hub worthy of the artistically cultivated city it now calls home. Most fabulous of all the facilities is the soigné rooftop, a brand signature that includes an elongated swimming pool and voguish bar overlooking Amsterdam’s charming skyline. Two restaurants, Cecconi’s and House Kitchen, will keep visitors well fed and watered on fine Italian cuisine and classic clubhouse fare. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art gym with a view of the canal, a cosy screening room and, of course, the exclusive members’ spaces, which guests are free to roam at their will. And if all that wasn’t enough, the hotel’s location knocks it out of the park. Sitting canalside in the idyllic Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) quarter, there’s chic boutique shopping on the doorstep and major galleries such as the Stedelijk and Van Gogh Museum are just a short walk away. Book it Double rooms from approx £150 (sohohouseamsterdam.com).
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP There’s all-day dining at House Kitchen; the 79 bedrooms mix antiques with specially designed furniture and rugs; and check out the view of the city from the rooftop pool
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TRAVEL ⁄ ETC
CLOCKWISE FROM THIS PICTURE The infinity-edge pool has a breathtaking view; a penthouse at the Bürgenstock Hotel; and the resort’s Sharq restaurant is located on a spectacular overhanging platform
[ Mountain retreat ]
The Bürgenstock has more than 10,000 square metres of architectdesigned spa space dedicated to pampering. Knock yourself out with a diamond and rose quartz skin polish or just do some gentle stretching in the spa garden. And relaaax…
BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT Lucerne, Switzerland
The lowdown A £440 million renovation has made this Swiss resort the destination on everyone’s lips. Best for Cool-seekers and ski families looking for the alpine resort du jour. This historic retreat has once again become the hottest address in chilly Switzerland. From its origins in the 19th century to its heyday in the Sixties as a celebrity hang-out frequented by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, Bürgenstock Resort has continually reinvented itself to remain at the peak of alpine hospitality. Today the resort is made up of four distinctly different hotels. At the top of the pile is the ultra-contemporary Bürgenstock Hotel, a wonderful example of cutting-edge architecture and design. Not far behind is the Palace Hotel, a belle époque mountain masterwork. Striking a more modest note are the discreetly elegant Waldhotel and Taverne 1897, a rustic chalet offering a slice of the trad Swiss experience. The most anticipated element of the resort’s renewal is its Alpine Spa, a monumental shrine to tranquillity complete with an infinity pool that overlooks the snow-covered landscape. After a day in the sauna or on the slopes, you’ll return to no less than 12 dining options. From the Asian delicacies of Sharq, a restaurant that hangs precariously from the edge of the crag, to the French fine dining of RitzCoffier, all tastes are taken care of. With its world-class facilities and glamorous reputation, there are few better places to see or be seen. Book it Double rooms from approx £250 (buergenstock.ch).
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TRAVEL ⁄ ETC
[ White-hot wonderland ]
With icing-sugar white sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s little wonder the unspoilt beaches of Zanzibar consistently rank in best-in-the-world lists. Among the best (and most fun to say) are Bwejuu, Pongwe and Kizimkazi. CLOCKWISE FROM THIS PICTURE Chill out in a hammock on the terrace of your bungalow; or go for an ocean-front suite with Jacuzzi; and the pool restaurant and bar Maisha has an easy African vibe
ZURI ZANZIBAR Tanzania
The lowdown Exciting design-led resort overlooking the azure Indian Ocean. Best for Those longing for blissed-out relaxation in beach-shack-luxe surrounds. Ever wondered what paradise looks like? Probably a lot like the silky white shores of Unguja, Zanzibar’s idyllic spice island and home to brand-new resort Zuri Zanzibar. The design of this 13-acre estate has been carefully overseen by Jestico + Whiles, the talented team behind projects such as One Aldwych in London and Switzerland’s Villa Honegg. They’ve delivered a series of striking interiors that incorporate regional materials and traditional craftsmanship, elevating the typical Indian Ocean resort to stylish new heights. There are 55 bungalows, villas and suites, all boasting expansive terraces and outdoor showers, with the best allowing direct access down to the waterfront. Guests will thank the heavens for Zuri’s private beach – think warm turquoise water set against a dramatic cliff backdrop. Oasis-like gardens packed with baobabs, ylang-ylang and fruit trees provide welcome respite from the hot African sun, while those who prefer to bask poolside will fall head over heels for the 32-metre infinity pool and its dedicated cocktail bar. There are several food and drink possibilities, from Upendo, the hotel’s main restaurant that showcases an eclectic mix of African and Indian dishes, to the Dining by Design concept that creates bespoke experiences highlighting the resort’s natural beauty. Nirvana, just a plane ride away… Book it Double rooms from £331 (zurizanzibar.com).
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TRAVEL ⁄ ETC
PALÁCIO TANGARÁ São Paulo, Brazil
The lowdown A bastion of contemporary elegance in an exquisite neoclassical mansion. Best for Serenity after days in Brazil’s busiest metropolis. Once the private home of a playboy billionaire’s wife, Palácio Tangará is now better known as São Paulo’s most exclusive hotel. The impressive mansion sits in a luscious, rainforest-adjacent landscaped estate moments from Morumbi, the smartest residential district in town. An elegant grande dame shielded from the relentless buzz of the city, guests flock there for its sense of subtle, old-school glamour. Whether reclining by the pool, taking tea in the lounge or relaxing in the Sisley spa, this is the place for weary travellers to chill. The jewel in the hotel’s already well-adorned crown is its Jean-George Vongerichten restaurant, recently awarded a Michelin star. The light, Asian-inspired food incorporates a touch of local Brazilian cuisine and is proving a hit with international foodies. Supremely comfortable bedrooms are decorated in a palette of neutrals – our favourites are the Prestige rooms, all of which have glorious, balustrade-lined terraces ideal for gazing out over the gardens beyond. Book it Deluxe double rooms from £183 (oetkercollection.com).
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The Suite Panamby offers luxurious accommodation; Prestige rooms have private terraces; and head poolside for the perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of the city
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ENTERTAINING ⁄ ETC
SCANDI -LISE Take some tips from the Nordics with these perennial favourites for a festive gathering
CHRISTMAS Photography ⁄ Peter Cassidy
Norwegian butter cookies Makes around 40
* 300g plain DOO SXUSRVH ÁRXU baking powder * 1tbsp pinch of salt * 200g plus 2tbsp cold * butter, cut into cubes plus 2tbsp * 125g icing sugar sugar * 2tsp vanilla 1 egg * 1 egg white, lightly *beaten, for brushing pearl (also *known sugar as nibbed sugar) or chopped almonds, for sprinkling
Mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the cubed butter and mix with your fingers until it forms crumbs, then add the icing sugar and vanilla sugar and mix again. Add the whole egg and mix until the dough is even (but be careful not to over-mix). Pop the dough into a bag and leave to settle in the fridge for an hour. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Line several baking sheets with baking parchment. Cut the dough into around 40 equal pieces (around 15g), roll into small balls and place on the lined baking sheets. Make sure you leave space around each piece of dough, as they spread out while baking. Using the back of a fork, press each one down gently in the middle to a diameter of around 3cm (they will spread when baking). If you prefer a flat surface, use the bottom of a glass or similar. Brush the biscuits with the egg white and sprinkle the pearl sugar or chopped almonds over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes or until just baked through (don’t let them go brown – you want only a slight tinge of colour at the edges). Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Remove from the oven and leave to cool before storing in an airtight container.
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Snowballs
Serves 6 - 8
Makes 20
To make the compote, peel, core and chop the apples. Place in a pan with the vanilla, sugar and 100ml water and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, then leave to cool. Remove the vanilla pod/bean. To make the cake layer, you will need a 20x20cm cake pan. Preheat the oven to 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3 ½. Combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon and mixed spice in a bowl, and set aside. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and keep beating until incorporated. Fold in the dry ingredients, followed by 150g of the apple compote. Once combined, pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes, until just baked through. Insert a skewer into the centre – if it comes out clean, it’s done. This is a thin layer, so it won’t take long. Leave to cool. To make the hazelnut-oat crunch, melt the butter in a frying pan, then add the sugar and stir until melted. Add the oats and breadcrumbs and fry for several minutes, until crisp. Add the nuts and fry for a few more minutes – be careful not to over-toast, as they can go bitter. Once everything is crispy, turn out into a bowl and leave to cool, stirring occasionally. To assemble the trifle, put a layer of the remaining apple compote in a trifle bowl, then add a cake layer. Add more apple, followed by the crunch, then apple again. Add a layer of custard, then crunch, apple and cake. Repeat again, reserving a bit of the crunch to decorate. Spread whipped cream on top. Leave to set in the fridge for at least an hour. Just before serving, decorate with crunch..
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* 200g marzipan (63% almond content is the best for these sorts of treats, but you need at least a minimum of 50%) good-quality * 120g white chocolate desiccated * 100g coconut food-safe silver * glitter (optional)
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Cut the marzipan into 20 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then leave in the fridge so they are cold when you add the chocolate – this allows them to dry quicker. Temper the white chocolate – this can be tricky, but the easiest way is to melt half of the chocolate in a bain-marie, then remove from the heat and stir in the remaining chocolate to cool it down quickly. Gently insert a cocktail stick into a marzipan ball, then dip it in the melted chocolate so that it has a thin covering. Roll the ball in the desiccated coconut and leave to set on baking parchment. Repeat with the remaining marzipan balls. Decorate with a little food-safe silver glitter, if you wish. Variations: To flavour the marzipan, add a small amount of finely grated orange zest when rolling. For an adults-only version, 2tbsp amaretto works well.
PHOTOGRAPHY: S??????????????KISTS
APPLE COMPOTE 1kg tart apples, * such as Bramley or Granny Smith 1 vanilla pod/bean, * seeds scraped out, or vanilla extract 3tbsp sugar *CAKE LAYER 125g minus * SODLQ ÁRXU1tbsp * ½tspofbicarbonate soda pinch of salt * 1tsp ground * cinnamon mixed spice *75g1tsp softened butter * 100g caster sugar * * 1 egg HAZELNUT-OAT CRUNCH 50g butter * 40g golden * caster sugar rolled oats * 25g50g * panko breadcrumbs 50g chopped *hazelnuts OTHER LAYERS 150ml * coldgood-quality custard 200ml whipped cream *(forming soft peaks)
Apple trifle
ENTERTAINING ⁄ ETC
Meringue wreath
Finnish stars
Serves 6 to8
Makes 15
PASTRY CREAM (this will make 300ml) egg yolk * 1caster 50g sugar * WEVS FRUQÁRXU * cornstarch RU whole milk * 250ml Seeds from ½ * vanilla pod/bean butter * 15g/1tbsp pinch of salt * PAVLOVA MERINGUE BASE 4 egg whites * 125g sugar * 1tspicing white * vinegar wine vanilla sugar * 1tsp or extract WVS FRUQÁRXU RU * î cornstarch FILLING 200ml whipping * cream pastry cream * 150ml 50ml/3½tbsp * pistachio liqueur (try Serravinci Pistacchino) Homemade cherry * sauce or ready-made IUXLW ÀOOLQJ * 50g chopped, toasted pistachios
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To make 300ml pastry cream (use within 2–3 days in cakes or pastries), whisk together the egg yolk, sugar and cornflour/cornstarch. Place the milk in a pan with the vanilla seeds, bring to the boil, then take off the heat and pour one-third into the egg mixture while whisking. Once whisked, pour back into the pan and bring back to boil, whisking all the time. Let it thicken for a minute, making sure it does not burn, then remove from the heat and stir in the butter and salt. Pour into a bowl and leave to cool (place baking parchment on top to stop a skin forming). Use only when cold. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Add icing sugar one spoon at a time, whisking continuously. Whisk for about 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and vanilla. Add the cornflour/cornstarch and fold in. On baking parchment, use a pencil to draw a circle of 20cm diameter, then a 10cm one inside. Place parchment on a baking sheet. Spoon meringue into a piping bag and cut an opening at the end. Pipe into a circle on the parchment using the pencil lines as a guide. Turn oven down to 120°C/Fan 100°C/Gas ½. Place meringue on low shelf and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave inside with the door ajar for a few hours, or overnight if possible. To make the filling, whip the cream, then fold in the pastry cream, then the pistachio liqueur. Spoon into a piping bag, snip off the end and pipe on top of the meringue. Drizzle over as much cold cherry sauce as you like – serve the rest separately. Sprinkle on the toasted pistachios and serve immediately.
* 1 sheet of shop-bought puff pastry (approx 30x18cm) 1 beaten egg, for * brushing sugar, for * icing dusting PRUNE FILLING 150g dried pitted * prunes 50g cup sugar (or *more, to taste) 1–2tbsp freshly * squeezed lemon juice
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To make the filling, place the prunes, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan with water just covering them, and bring to a slow simmer. Cook for around 20 minutes or until the prunes are really soft. Purée if needed, then cool and use as directed. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Cut the pastry into 15 equal squares of around 6x6cm. On each square, make a diagonal cut from each corner towards the middle, stopping 1cm from the centre. Brush each square with beaten egg, then transfer to the lined baking sheets. Add 1tsp of the prune filling (or some jam, if you prefer) in the centre, then fold one corner into the middle, repeating all the way around to form a little star. In total, you’ll probably need around 150g of filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry has cooked through and is golden and puffed up. Allow to cool a little before dusting with icing sugar and serving.
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ENTERTAINING ⁄ ETC
Saffron layer cake Serves 6 to 8
* 50g butter, plus extra for greasing milk * 100ml small pinch * saffronground 4 eggs *caster 325g sugar * J SODLQ ÁRXU * baking powder * 2tsp vanilla sugar * 1tsp or extract salt * ½tsp 50g Greek yogurt * Frosted * redcurrants, to decorate (optional) MARZIPAN BUTTERCREAM * 75g marzipan (at least 50% almonds), grated 300g 2tbsp * icingplus sugar butter, * 150g softened tbsp of milk * a few (optional) squeezed * Freshly lemon juice (optional)
Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Grease and line three 18cm-diameter round cake pans. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the milk and saffron and set aside to infuse. Whisk the eggs and sugar together until thick and fluffy. Mix the dry ingredients together, then sift into the sugar mixture and fold in. Add the yogurt and the saffron milk to the mixture and fold again until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing it evenly, and bake in the preheated oven for around 12–14 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Saffron is quite drying, so take care not to over-bake. Leave the layers to cool in the pans while you make the buttercream. Add a few tbsp of boiling water to the marzipan and mix it with a fork to melt it slightly (this avoids lumps of marzipan in the buttercream). Using an electric beater, in a bowl mix the sugar and butter on high speed and add the marzipan. You may need to add a bit of milk, too. Beat and allow to fluff up for several minutes on high speed. If you feel it is too sweet, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Remove the cakes from the pans and peel off the paper. Place the first layer of cake on the serving plate, then add a layer of the buttercream. Repeat until you have used all three layers. You can leave the cake naked and just decorate the top with the remaining buttercream or you can use the buttercream to give a light coating all around the sides, as shown here, for a very frosty-looking cake. Decorate with frosted redcurrants for a festive look.
*
Recipes by Brontë Aurell from the book ScandiKitchen Christmas (£16.99, Ryland Peters & Small)
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CHRISTMAS WREATH CLASSES Turn your hand to the homemade with these festive foliage workshops
Nothing says ‘Welcome to Christmas’ quite like a lush, berryladen wreath. Florists and probably even your local Christmas forest can supply the finished article, but the festive season is also the one time of the year to indulge in a craft moment. What could be more fun than making your own? We’ve found the country’s best winter wreath workshops in venues ranging from a garden centre to an art museum to make sure your front door is looking its festive best. Secateurs at the ready… Petersham Nurseries, Richmond, London. £100 per person, 4-6 December (petershamnurseries.com). Culture Whisper x Ellie Hartley at Citizen M Tower of London Hotel. £55 per person, 5 December (culturewhisper.com).
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National Trust Avebury Manor, Wiltshire. £48 per person, 28 November (nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury). The Hepworth Wakefield, West Yorkshire. £40 per person, 28 November and 9 December (hepworthwakefield.org). Daylesford organic farm, Gloucestershire. £125 per person, 17, 21-25, 29, 30 November and 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18 December (daylesford.com).
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