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April 2022 NOW
21 News This month’s launches, featuring superior sofas from a land down under, homeware by Dior and the reworked archive of Print Sisters. Plus, five minutes with designer Bethan Gray, whose first foray into living room and bedroom design is not to be missed
27 London Design Week What to watch out for at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Also, how to book your ticket to see us in conversation with design’s rising stars
29 Clicks & mortar Add to basket – meet the entrepreneurs changing the way we shop for homeware online
32 Design hero The story behind Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lighting designs for Louis Poulsen and how his career took flight
34 My cultural life Award-winning fashion designer Christopher Kane on what inspires and influences him
37 Laura Jackson on… her green-cleaning journey, as she seeks out less-toxic options that benefit the environment and her home
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39 Architecture Innovative new builds from the Azores to the Cotswolds and a celebration of social housing. Plus, a look at the legacy of The Homewood
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42 Gardens Green-fingered jobs to do this month, as well as Japanese kit to elevate your craft and much more
45 At home with… Matthew Williamson, the maximalist maestro who has recently created a new collection for John Lewis & Partners
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STYLE
PICTURES: DAMIAN RUSSELL, VILHELM LAURITZEN ARCHITECTS, MASSIMO COLONNA
55 Make pattern a priority Transform the boring into the bold by mixing together this season’s finest fabrics and wallpapers
67 Dare to be different How the maverick spirit of textile brand Harlequin continues to rise
70 A life in colour Revisiting the work of textile trailblazer Althea McNish
73 The happiness project Kit Kemp and Annie Selke join forces for a kaleidoscopic rug collection that aims to bring joy home
79 Into the woods With wood panelling being reinvented for modern homes, we explain the looks to know and how to achieve them
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90 View to a thrill Sneak a peek at the (imagined) masterful Italian interiors found in four of Milan’s legendary landmarks APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 11
CONTENTS
HOMES 102 Practical magic Game of Thrones
star Carice van Houten’s chic Amsterdam abode reflects the actor’s inimitable – and very much to be envied – fashion sense
114 Surprise and delight Functional design is key in this newly built extension to a Victorian property in Melbourne, but that doesn’t exclude some bold details
126 House of fun In this family home in Notting Hill, a carefree approach sets the tone with splashes of colour in abundance
136 And just like that… Inside the Milan pad of La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin, vivid shades and fantastical patterns intertwine – with not a plain, white wall in sight
144 Mid-century mission A love of the furniture designs of the 1950s and 60s was the driving force behind the renovation of this villa in Finland
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Escape Finally cradle of Western civilisation for a reason – and for 2022, Greece is the place to holiday. Let us guide the way, with our pick of the best design-led hotels, from Athens to Antiparos, Milos to Mykonos and more
The covers Newsstand Summing up the power of pattern and colour, this home is a testament to decorating without fear. See it on p102. Photography by Thijs de Leeuw ELLE Decoration Kitchens Our annual guide can be found at the back of this issue – just look for the striking cover by Reign & Hail
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18 Subscriptions Never miss an issue with this great offer
219 Stockists Where to buy your favourites in this issue
226 Treasured Space Copenhagen founders on their best-loved chair PICTURES: HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE, VESELA VACLAVIKOVA/ UNSPLASH, THIJS DE LEEUW, REIGN & HAIL REIGNANDHAIL.COM
155 Follow the sun It’s considered the
From the Editor
A
PICTURE: BEN ANDERS
s always at this time of year, I’m positively giddy to see the back of grey. As I write this, the country is being buffeted by the deceptively cute-sounding Storm Dudley, and with it there’s a seemingly endless cycle of scudding rain clouds, dank puddles and soggy socks. However, there are a few glimmers of hope. My 7.30am windswept dog walks are definitely getting lighter and there are hints of colour around: crocuses breaking through the soil, verdant shoots on the trees and the odd iridescent parakeet squawking overhead. Johannes Itten (1888-1967) was a Swiss expressionist painter, designer, writer and one of the founding members of the Bauhaus school. He was quite a character, an advocate of using music and relaxation techniques to fire his students’ creativity and, more importantly perhaps, a colour theorist. He shaped modern thought regarding the way we consider and combine the various hues that surround us. One of Itten’s quotes (of which I’m a big fan) is: ‘Colour is life: for a world without colour appears to us as dead.’ This stuck in my mind this month, along with the words of his fellow expressionist Wassily Kandinsky: ‘Colour is a power, which directly influences the soul.’ While we’ve explored ideas of maximalism and bold decorating decisions before in our pages, I wanted this issue to go further and to reflect the truly life-affirming and empowering effects of bringing colour and pattern into your home. To my mind, it’s a stylish shock to the system, revealing not only the latest fabrics and wallpapers of the season (which we do with aplomb), but also showing you the spectacular results achieved by some of the world’s most daring and chic individuals when transforming their spaces. A few years ago, my team will tell you, I was down on the colour lilac. I didn’t get it. Now though, seen gracing the Dutch home of actress Carice van Houten and also our new pared-back punchy cover, I just can’t get enough of it. As this is the season for embracing new projects, it seemed only right to also include our annual ELLE Decoration Kitchens special magazine (handily bound to the back of this issue from p163). Now in its seventh year, it’s an indispensable 56-page guide perfect for those planning to rip out and renovate – or simply those who love all things related to the most important area of our homes. So whether you’re exploring shades of purple, putting up wood panelling (more on that big trend on p79) or transforming your kitchen, let ELLE Decoration give you the confidence to go bold, bright and brazen. You’ve got the power!
I wanted this issue to reflect the LIFE-AFFIRMING and EMPOWERING effects of bringing COLOUR and PATTERN into your home
Editor-in-Chief
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ELLE DECORATION AND ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK BEN SPRIGGS
CHIEF LUXURY OFFICER JACQUELINE EUWE
EDITORIAL Deputy Editor CLARE SARTIN Features Editor KATE WORTHINGTON Acting Features Editor CAT OLLEY Acting Commissioning Editor PHOEBE FRANGOUL
Executive Assistant to the Chief Luxury Officer NATASHA MANN Group Brand Director, Luxury SHARON DAVIES-RIDGEWAY Head of Homes JOANNE O’HARA Senior Client Manager STEPHANIE TOMLINSON 020 7439 5462 Director of Luxury Fashion CHARLOTTE HOLLANDS Senior Watches & Jewellery Client Manager OLIVIA HORROCKS-BURNS Luxury Client Manager JESSICA DAY Luxury Fashion Client Manager HANNAH HOWELLS
ART AND PICTURES Creative Director PHILIPPE BLANCHIN Art Editor JACK MELROSE Picture Director SHARON O’NEILL Brand Coordinator ELLIE SUMMERS With thanks to ELLIOTT WILMOT PRODUCTION Group Managing Editor CONNIE OSBORNE Workflow Director CARLY LEVY Group Luxury Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor DOM PRICE Deputy Chief Sub-Editors JOSH BOLTON, OLIVIA MCCREA-HEDLEY Sub-Editors CAITLIN BUTLER, DINA NAGAPETYANTS, CYNTHIA PENG CONTRIBUTORS CLAUDIA BAILLIE, HANNAH BORT, AMY BRADFORD, DESPINA CURTIS, AMY FREARSON, LAURA FULMINE, NATASHA GOODFELLOW, LAURA JACKSON, EMMA LOVE, FIONA MCCARTHY, TESSA PEARSON, SANIA PELL, AMANDA SMITH-CORSTON, KASSIA ST CLAIR, SUZANNE STANKUS, BECKY SUNSHINE, JAMES WILLIAMS, EVA WISEMAN
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NOW NEWS
/ SHOPPING/ OPINION/ TRENDS
ROYAL WELCOME The name might draw blank faces on this side of the world, but furniture brand King is a design heavyweight Down Under. Still run by David King, who founded the company in 1977, its sleek, flexible sofas have made it a favourite of Australia’s architects and designers. The brand has just arrived in the UK, with a showroom on London’s Tottenham Court Road (kingliving.co.uk).
‘Fleur’ three-seater chaise longue, £2,990; ‘Fleur’ swivel armchair, £1,290; ‘Fleur’ ottoman, £990; ‘Issho’ coffee table, from £1,420; and side table, from £990, all by King
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TO THE LETTER For Dior’s latest homeware edit, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri turned to the now-signature toile de Jouy pattern used to upholster the French fashion house’s first boutique in 1947. The ‘ABCDior’ collection includes candles, stationery and valet trays, but it’s the exquisite Limoges porcelain plates, in sets that celebrate the seasons as well as enigmatic notions of utopie and rêverie, that feel like future heirlooms. £650 for a set of four (dior.com). BRAND TO KNOW
Holloways of Ludlow A store in the city of Bath is a new era for this salvage shop-turned-design institution
Into the archive Galvanised by a love of heritage illustration, the duo behind the online store Print Sisters rework their diverse collection dating back to the 1800s into limited-run prints and textiles. The new ‘Swirl’ blanket, which features beautifully fluid lines inspired by geology, revives a 1931 blockprint. £199 (printsistersarchive.com).
Amid tales of retail woe, the arrival of a 370-squaremetre design store feels like a breath of fresh air. Housed in a Georgian building with original plaster walls, Holloways of Ludlow’s new opening in Bath is a striking backdrop for brands including B&B Italia, Cassina, Gubi and &Tradition. Though it launched at the same time as a revamped online offering, CEO Mark Holloway is convinced ‘customers still want to touch and feel’. The guardian of a company founded in 1985 by his stepfather Bob Dickinson as Dickinson’s Architectural Antiques, he’s adamant that, while ‘the business has changed enormously, the core values remain the same’. When Mark took over 20 years ago, his priority was elevating the now-vast lighting range (think Bocci and Moooi), but adding furniture in 2015 propelled the brand to new heights. Perhaps that sense for sniffing out exciting design is courtesy of his antique-dealer grandparents, or days spent doing up ramshackle cottages with his stepfather and mother. Either way, it’s been rewarded with a roster of industry-leading brands and exclusive releases. Head to the new Bath store for Carl Hansen & Søn’s ‘CH24 Wishbone’ chair in a black satin finish, or to shop from Norway-based Northern at their only UK outing. Next up for the bricks-andmortar treatment? All eyes on Winchester... (hollowaysofludlow.com). ‘CH24’ chair with a black satin finish, from £508, Carl Hansen & Søn
‘Daybe’ daybed, from £1,525, Northern
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NOW
5 MINUTES WITH
BETHAN GRAY The award-winning British designer’s instinct for marrying contemporary shapes with artisanal techniques is on full show in her first living and bedroom ranges Tell us about your new living lines, ‘Ripple’ and ‘Shell’… I’ve wanted to design my own range of seating since I launched the studio in 2010. The ‘Ripple’ sofa, my first modular piece, is based on my own way of living – I love huge sofas where everyone can come together, though I’m always fighting with my son over who gets the cosy corner! The two collections are connected by an undulating ripple – a reference to scallop shells. A lot of my inspiration comes from the natural world. What were the challenges of introducing upholstery? We produced the pieces with Coakley & Cox in Norfolk. Working with craftspeople is a big part of what I enjoy about designing, and it’s all about knowing how far you can push things. It took two people to upholster the threeseater sofa in this huge piece of heavy leather, but it’s so worth it for that seamless end result. Those little details are important to me. We’ve selected some fabrics, but we use customers’ choices too. The alpaca bouclé from Rosemary Hallgarten is the softest I’ve ever felt. Why did you decide to launch a bedroom range? I knew I wanted to expand into different rooms and I’d had a lot of requests for bedroom furniture. It can be quite complicated, as standard sizing varies between markets, but this is all made to order by Shamsian in Oman. They introduced me to these incredible metal marquetry techniques. The ‘Nizwa’ pattern is inspired by the castellations of a fort there, while the ‘Dhow’ traces the undulating lines of a sailing vessel. It’s beautiful, but it must be useful, too – adjustable feet, cable management. I want people to really live with these designs (bethangray.com).
Top ‘Dhow’ bed, £17,100 and bedside cabinet, £5,200 Right ‘Ripple’ sofa, from £3,700 for a corner unit; ‘Lustre’ coffee table, £6,850; ‘Dhow’ cabinet, from £7,850
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PICTURES: JULIAN ABRAMS
‘I WANT PEOPLE TO REALLY LIVE WITH THESE DESIGNS’
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LONDON DESIGN WEEK The capital is the place to be as the decorating world descends on Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
From top ‘Rhodonite’ rug by Jennifer Manners Design. ‘Mate’ magazine rack by Christophe Pillet for Flexform. ‘Rag’ carpet by Tufenkian Artisan Carpets. ‘Essa’ carpet in ‘Multi’ by Tim Page Carpets. ‘Freda’ fabric by Pierre Frey
With design shows in Milan, Paris and Stockholm already postponed this year, London Design Week 2022 (14-18 March) will be the first IRL opportunity to explore what’s new in the world of fabric, wallpaper, furniture, craft and more. And this year, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s rostrum of events looks more riveting than ever. As well as the chance to explore the venue’s 120 showrooms, 600 international brands, 25 House Guests (temporary exhibitors) and soak up the season’s trends, there will also be chances to get involved – whether it be attending a workshop or one of the popular Conversations in Design (see below). Throughout the week, historic pattern experts Morris & Co will be holding blockprinting sessions, there will be a masterclass in kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with precious metals) at Phillip Jeffries, or you can join the race to assemble one of Samuel Heath’s ‘Landmark Industrial’ handles – the fastest time wins a Fortnum & Mason hamper. There will also be the opportunity to delve into new collections in the presence of the designers who made them, from Sebastian Herkner discussing his new range for Canadian studio Man of Parts in the Tollgard showroom to legendary fashion designer Zandra Rhodes sharing the secrets behind her ‘Britannia’ fabrics for Gainsborough. There’s inspiration at every turn (dcch.co.uk).
C O N V E R S AT I O N S I N D E S I G N
WORDS: CLARE SARTIN PICTURES: CHARLIE FORGHAM-BAILEY, BEN ANDERS
Join the discussion with ELLE Decoration and other influential names The list of experts sharing their insights through this year’s must-book talks includes the likes of interior designer Nicola Harding, architect Richard Parr and gardener Kitten Grayson, but it’s ELLE Decoration Editor-in-Chief Ben Spriggs’s discussion with 27-year-old star of the future Mimi Shodeinde and the duo behind trailblazing studio Holloway Li (Alex Holloway and Na Li) that you should add straight to your diary. Join them at 11.30am on Wednesday 16 March – tickets are £10 and available to book at dcch.co.uk/london-design-week
COM I N G SO O N … Get ready to be wowed at WOW!house. Opening from 1 June to 1 July, this is set to be Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s most ambitious project to date as 20 acclaimed interior designers create an immersive and maximalist decorating experience in a new 400-square-metre showhouse. Tickets available at dcch.co.uk APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 27
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Clicks & mortar Whether driven by a desire to champion emerging makers or a belief in democratising design, these online stores are shaking up shopping for good
THE CORNROW A Christmas tree decoration – or rather, the lack of one – inspired Kemi Lawson to launch The Cornrow. ‘I couldn’t find a Black angel with Afro hair and dark skin that looked like my little girls,’ she explains. Realising that there was nowhere offering a curated edit of homeware tailored to Black families, Kemi took action. ‘I wanted to start a business celebrating Black representation; luckily, my sister Lara felt the same.’ They chose the name because ‘cornrows represent not just hair, but the timeless heritage, beauty and skills inherent to Black design.’ The Cornrow sells products under its brand alongside items by other makers. One bestselling cushion features a siren called ‘Aanu’, after Kemi’s daughter. ‘When you think of a mermaid, you picture Ariel, not a dark-skinned woman. Of course, Black tradition has these myths too,’ she says. More products are planned and maybe, one day, a concept store like Colette in Paris or Alára in Lagos. ‘We’d love to create an amazing space where you could learn about these stories,’ says Lara. Ultimately, they’re building a community as well as a brand. thecornrow.com
CROUCHERS After 20 years working in fashion, 2021’s enforced pause gave Ben Matthews time to reflect: ‘I was thinking about whether there was another way, something closer to home with a little more heart.’ He found his future in his family’s past. ‘Crouchers was my great-grandad’s shop, established in 1910 on the Isle of Wight. It had a wonderful sense of community that I wanted to bring to the digital relaunch.’ The store stocks objects from British makers. ‘Supporting local businesses is incredibly important, plus there’s the sustainable benefit,’ says Ben. Hero products include Studio Arbor’s ebonised wood designs and pieces by The Glass Studio. ‘Craft is not dead, I’m pleased to say.’ ‘I’m used to working in a team, but this has been more of a solitary endeavour,’ he explains. ‘Learning to trust your own instincts can be challenging. Luckily, I have a very patient partner and friends who keep me buoyant.’ The low start-up costs and ability to reach a wide audience are clear benefits to online business, but for Ben: ‘The future of retail is a blend; I love the idea of pop-ups, inviting craftspeople to mix with customers for workshops.’ He plans to launch new brands and work with makers to develop bespoke pieces. ‘Uplifting small businesses has never felt so good!’ crouchers.com APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 29
NOW
GLASSETTE Laura Jackson launched Glassette in November 2021 with her brother-in-law Daniel Crow, determined to democratise the homeware market. A nimble drop-ship model is key to keeping the business lean, as the brands she curates for the site send orders straight to customers. ‘We don’t have the stress of a warehouse,’ she explains. ‘This is the future of shopping.’ Bestsellers include Harlie Brown’s squiggle-handled mugs, Amuse La Bouche cushions and the famous wavy candlesticks from Bias Editions. Cornish glass artist David Perry is equally popular – ‘We can’t ship his coasters fast enough’ – and a collaboration is planned for this spring. A small run of exclusive prints by Lucy Mahon is also coming and, in the summer, collections with Artemis Deco and Late Afternoon. With each one, the goal is to create pieces that the labels wouldn’t ordinarily do – ‘something that we can put our creative stamp on’, Laura says. In March, Glassette launched its art kiosk, selling works under £600 by 12 artists. ‘It’s not as scary as some of the other places to buy art,’ she says. Only brands that tell a story and have something special to offer make the cut. ‘We don’t want to bring out collections for the sake of it,’ Laura says. ‘We’re always thinking about where it’s made, who makes it, what its purpose is in the world.’ She’s in love with the possibilities of e-commerce, but wouldn’t rule out a bit of experiential, Anya Hindmarch-style marketing. ‘Something immersive is absolutely what we’re trying to create at Glassette, so who knows?’ glassette.com
Despite freely admitting to finding the technical side of running his online store challenging, Yod Suntanaphan wouldn’t have it any other way. Since launching Yod and Co from his flat, he’s had such success that two moves were necessary: one to a studio, the next to a fulfilment warehouse, which now handles shipping so that he can ‘work remotely from anywhere in the world’ – the perks of being a digital shopkeeper. A career as a Colour, Material and Finish designer inspired his love of functional products with a wellconsidered palette. It’s this collector’s eye that he brings to the site, which offers a mix of his own pieces and designs from other brands. As for functionality, Yod is willing to stretch the definition. ‘It’s nice to have a use for things, but I will always make room for interesting objects!’ Popular pieces include prints by Hôtel Magique, a range of recycled-cork coasters and placemats, and his playful ‘Stack’ candles, recently launched in an exclusive colourway for The Conran Shop. The logistics of opening a physical store are daunting, but he may consider it. ‘The experience of walking through a well-curated space is hard to replicate online. It’s challenging to communicate the tactility or weight of an object on a screen.’ yodandco.com
WORDS: PHOEBE FRANGOUL PICTURES: ANDREW URWIN, JON GORRIGAN
YOD AND CO
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DESIGN HERO
VILHELM LAURITZEN The Danish modernist who created elegantly simple lighting and had a major influence on airports around the world If you’ve ever been to Copenhagen, you’ll probably have encountered the work of Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894-1984). The Danish architect was responsible for the design of the city’s Kastrup airport, not once, but twice: both the 1960 terminal most passengers see today, and the older one, inaugurated in 1939, now reserved for VIP arrivals. They were groundbreaking concepts – arranged on a longitudinal plane, with ‘landside’ spaces on one side and ‘airside’ zones on the other – that formed the template for airports worldwide. Born into a merchant family in the town of Slagelse, Lauritzen graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922 and founded his studio, Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter, later that year. His subsequent travels throughout Europe introduced him to Functionalism and led him to develop an understated modern style. Lauritzen believed that architecture was applied art for all: an enhancement of life that every individual could enjoy. Interior design was vital to his buildings, which demonstrated a sophisticated sense of space and light. The elegant Kastrup terminal of the 1930s featured an undulating, canopy-like concrete 32 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
ceiling, a dramatic curved staircase and beech-parquet walls. At this early point in aviation history, Lauritzen helped to establish the ground rules: he gave passengers a sense of having arrived somewhere special, while his inclusion of large windows, offering views of the runways and aircraft, served to heighten the thrill of travel. These windows faced different directions, bringing in a mix of cool and warm light and bathing the space in complex shadows. Superb lighting became a signature of Lauritzen’s, and a medium he strove to refine throughout his career. From the 1930s, he collaborated with Danish manufacturer Louis Poulsen, which still makes the opal-glass lights he created for his Radiohuset project, formerly the home of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation and now the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Influenced by engineering and functionality, simple designs such as the ‘VL45 Radiohus’ pendant and ‘VL38’ table lamp sculpt light wherever they’re placed. The newly reissued ‘VL Studio’ series once hung outside the Radiohuset studios, where it indicated with green or red light whether recording was in progress. Now, it comes in multiple formats to add glow to walls, floors and tables, and is available in brass or matte-black finishes. Together with the famed furniture designer Finn Juhl, Lauritzen created all of the Radiohuset interiors, including buttoned wing-back sofas and the ‘Musician’ chair (1942), which had an adjustable seat and backrest to suit players of various instruments. Sadly, they now exist only as rare vintage pieces, but Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter is still going strong today, overseeing the preservation of its venerable founder’s masterpieces alongside new projects throughout Denmark. vla.dk; louispoulsen.com
LAURITZEN BELIEVED THAT ARCHITECTURE WAS APPLIED ART FOR ALL
Right and below ‘VL38’ lamp, £480; ‘Studio’ floor light, from £295, both for Louis Poulsen, Chaplins (chaplins.co.uk)
WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURES: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, VILHELM LAURITZEN, LOUIS POULSEN, RUE BUCH, COAST STUDIO
Clockwise from below The Vilhelm Lauritzen Terminal at Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport; an exterior view in the 1960s; ‘VL45 Radiohus’ pendant for Louis Poulsen, £340, Chaplins (chaplins.co.uk); ‘Crown’ lighting in the Radiohuset
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CHRISTOPHER KANE One of Britain’s best loved fashion designers, Scottish-born Christopher Kane had attracted the attention of Donatella Versace by the time he’d graduated from Central Saint Martins. His eponymous brand, launched in 2006 with sister Tammy Kane, draws on a wealth of references from bondage to botanical diagrams, while The Joy of Sex mantra ‘More Joy’ evolved into an accidental slogan and sparked its own accessories and homeware collections. The winner of five British Fashion Awards, he was named Designers’ Designer of the Year in 2019. christopherkane.com The first album I loved? Illuminations by Buffy Sainte-Marie (5) has had a profound impact on my personal and working life. Buffy was, and still is, a pioneer. She is authentic in everything she has done in her life in terms of the look, the music, the activism. Currently, I’m listening to a lot of Italian disco. I love Patty Pravo (2) and Mina. My partner Mao is Italian so he shares music with me. My guilty pleasure is audiobooks. I’m listening to Francis Bacon in Your Blood by Michael Peppiatt (1). I can multitask while listening to Peppiatt talk about spending time with such an iconic artist. I love TV. I binge-watched Westworld, which was fantastic, and I’m re-watching some old British classics like Band of Gold (8) and This Life. Also, you must watch RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s hours of drama, entertainment, comedy and buckets of glamour. My favourite film is The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (3), which I’ve loved since I was a kid and watch about six times a year. Maggie Smith is mesmerising – it’s an acting masterclass – and her style is iconic. My most recent cultural discovery was my first Thanksgiving in 34 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
America. I had American flatmates at college, but never experienced it in the US. I enjoyed a very festive gathering in upstate New York. One of the most impactful exhibitions I’ve seen was Egon Schiele’s works (7). They’re breathtaking: so sexual but also alive and emotive. The gallery that has really stayed with me is The Galerie Gugging in Vienna (9). It’s such a special place that houses some of today’s most talented Outsider artists in residence. I’m a huge fan of Outsider Art (works produced by self-taught creatives with little or no contact with the mainstream art world), and I have many pieces from their collection. The works are pure, with no pretence, no ego – they are just beautiful expressions straight from the heart. I have a collection of name cards. I take them from almost every dinner party. I tend to find them in jacket pockets, and each one holds a memory from that night. My most-loved quote is ‘To me, bad taste is what entertainment is all about,’ said by John Waters (4). You can’t argue with Waters. Taste is something I play with in my work. I don’t think there is such a thing as good or bad taste, as it’s all about different tastes. That said, some of Waters’s characters really do look the height of bad taste; they have made me laugh so hard over the years. One of my favourite places to visit is Palm Springs (6). Sun, amazing architecture and nightlife. What’s not to love? I also adore India and Japan – I enjoy immersing myself in the local cultures, shopping and staying at the most amazing hotels. This year is about good health, travelling and exciting new projects for Christopher Kane and More Joy. I also turn 40 in 2022, so I’ll make sure to do something fun with friends and family.
WORDS: CAT OLLEY PICTURES: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, CODY BOARD/UNSPLASH, ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
An arbiter of style tells us what they’re watching, listening to and more…
NOW
L AUR A JACKSON ON…
Going green for the spring clean
PICTURES: TARAN WILKHU, CALLUM TEGGIN, PAUL COX
This month, our columnist is on a journey of discovery as she investigates toxin-free ways to spruce up her home I would certainly never claim to be a naturally tidy person. I do, however, like things to be clean. It’s a bit of a cliché, but I really do feel that when everything is in order the result is not just a happy house, but a happy mind. The next natural step for me this spring is to be more careful about the cleaning products I use. Since having children, I’ve been giving the issue some thought, seeking out greener, less toxic options. But, because of those same kids (not to mention the dog!), I need to be sure that any new buys will actually work on dirt and stains. A while ago, I asked my followers on Instagram to recommend some planetfriendly but effective cleaning products, and I received loads of great answers. I was drawn to Seep’s plastic-free, compostable sponges made from wood pulp, and I like Purdy & Figg ’s refillable essential oilinfused multi-surface sprays. I have been eyeing up Daylesford’s low-chemical range too, while Colt & Willow’s plant-based, all-purpose cleaner also impressed me – I bought its ‘Geranium Leaf’ version and it smells absolutely gorgeous. One brand that came up a lot in people’s comments was an ‘eco-effective’ company called Smol. I’ve heard from friends that its dishwashing tablets (which get regularly posted through your letterbox) are excellent. This was all a step in the right direction, but recently I’ve been inspired to take my green-cleaning adventures to the next level. I read an article in the Financial Times by former ELLE Decoration Editor-in-Chief Michelle Ogundehin, where she discussed how she had successfully substituted her normal toxin-heavy cleaning products for some simple, eco-friendly, do-it-yourself essentials. Her words struck a chord. I started thinking more and more about regaining autonomy over the chemicals I’m introducing into my home by making my own alternatives to my usual products. Galvanised, I went online and ordered some citric acid, which can be used as a limescale buster for everything from taps to kettles, as well as some liquid soap, white wine vinegar and citrus peel that can be combined to make a simple surface cleaning spray. I’m now saving used bottles to put my own
Clockwise from left ‘Counter Clean’ starter kit, £15, Purdy & Figg; dishwasher tablets, £4.60 for 30, Smol; ‘Geranium Leaf’ all-purpose cleaner, £12, Colt & Willow; ‘Lavender’ laundry liquid, £22, Daylesford; natural sponges, £9.60 for four, Seep
tinctures into – I feel like I’m back at the science lab in school! To begin my new regime, I spent about £30 on ingredients. It felt like a lot at the time, but when you think about it as cost per spray, it actually works out cheaper than what I usually buy – so it’s better for the planet and better for the pocket. Plus, having a clean house that doesn’t smell at all like chemicals makes for a nice change. I’m very much at the beginning of my green-cleaning journey but, so far, it’s all positive. If anyone has any top tips for other swaps I can make, or any ‘recipes’ they want to share with me, please drop me a line on Instagram, as I’d love to add to my new spring-cleaning arsenal. Making these little changes under the sink is only a small step to help the environment, but at least this spring I can feel like I am doing myself, and my home, proud. APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 37
ARCHITECTURE /
BRICK by BRICK The Victorian railway viaducts framing London’s Borough Market are given a new lease on life in this project by architecture studio SPPARC. The Borough Yards development opens up 8,500 square metres of historic brick arches to create over 50 restaurants and shops with cathedral-like interiors. New buildings are thoughtfully slotted in amongst the old, with intricate façades that make them feel right at home, while playful neon signage helps to guide visitors around the space. The district launched in December with Soap Yard, which centres around an Everyman cinema, and the remaining sections are set to follow throughout this spring (boroughyards.com; spparcstudio.com).
UNSUNG HEROES Council housing may not immediately come to mind when you think of London’s best buildings. Yet the capital’s numerous pioneering examples, from modernist icons like the Trellick Tower to hidden gems such as Dawson’s Heights, are monuments to a time when high-quality social housing was a symbol of national pride. In ‘The Council House’, author and photographer Jack Young has created the definitive guide, including 68 iconic designs accompanied by personal interviews and expert insights (Hoxton Mini Press, £20).
WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURES: ED REEVE, IVO TAVARES STUDIO
EYE TO THE SKY Portuguese studio BOX Arquitectos has completed a compact city home that shows the transformative power of skylights. The location, a long and narrow infill site in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, presented few opportunities to bring daylight into the property other than from above. Instead of discreet rooflights, architects Bárbara Morgado and Oscar Catarino decided to extrude the roof volume upwards, creating a pair of generous openings that funnel light straight down into the stairwell. These singular volumes are picked out in black, lending the building a sculptural quality (boxarquitectos.com).
Signed, sealed, delivered The latest project by modular-building specialist Koto, this Cotswolds home is formed of two prefabricated volumes simply slotted together, resulting in a cleverly twisted geometric design. Built from robust, sustainable cross-laminated timber for a Scandinavian-cabin feel, it also features large picture windows, allowing its owners elevated views of the countryside (kotodesign.co.uk). APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 39
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURAL ICON
THE HOMEWOOD BY PATRICK GWYNNE Villa Savoye may be the most famous house of the modernist era, is only in the particulars of the layout that the country house but the UK has its own version tucked away in leafy Esher, Surrey. sensibility comes through, from the flower room located on the Built in 1938, seven years after Le Corbusier’s masterpiece, The ground floor to the dedicated quarters for live-in staff. Homewood adopts many of the principles that defined contemporary Time in the house turned out to be short-lived for Gwynne’s architecture of the time and fuses them with the traditions of the family due to the arrival of World War II. His father rejoined English country house. With its lustrous white walls, elevated living the Navy while his mother rented out the home, but both died spaces and expansive glazing, it is a building that before peace was declared. His sister Babs joined has rightly earned its own place in design history. THE HOMEWOOD the Wrens, then married soon after the war The Homewood was designed by British architect was over. But Gwynne returned, following service HAS RIGHTLY Patrick Gwynne, aged 24, to replace his childhood in the RAF, with a head full of ideas for the home positioned uncomfortably close to the A307. property. He spent subsequent decades bringing EARNED ITS His parents, Commander Alban Gwynne and interior up to date and installing customOWN PLACE IN the wife Ruby, had decided to knock down their old designed furniture. He treated the garden with Victorian house and construct a replacement in DESIGN HISTORY equal importance too, installing a lily pond, a more secluded corner of their eight-acre estate. a serpentine bridge and a rhododendron tunnel. Gwynne designed the two-storey building with most of its living Fellow architect and friend Sir Denys Lasdun described The spaces on the first floor – a move made possible by slender Le Homewood as ‘the great love of Patrick’s life’. Corbusier-inspired pilotis (supporting columns). Divided into two Gwynne transferred ownership of The Homewood to the National wings and organised around a glazed atrium with a grand spiral Trust ahead of his death in 2003, with the stipulation that it must staircase, one side is a sequence of bedrooms and bathrooms, and remain in use as a private home. Tours, then, are limited to one the other a spacious, open-plan living and dining room with kitchen a week, six months of the year, and only through advance booking. and utility areas slotted in behind. Each wing has its own character, Its status as one of only two modern properties in the entire National but both carry all the traits of the modernist style, particularly in Trust portfolio (the other being Ernő Goldfinger’s 2 Willow Road) the free-flowing nature of the plan and the detail-free aesthetic. It speaks volumes: this is British modernism at its very best. 40 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURE: JEFFERSON SMITH
The work of a talented young architect, this radical country residence is one of Britain’s best modernist buildings
GARDENS /
URBAN GROWTH This year’s Floriade – the Netherlands’ horticultural event held once every 10 years – takes ‘Growing Green Cities’ as its theme. Situated in Almere, just outside Amsterdam, pavilions from France, Japan, Indonesia and more will explore how nature and related technologies can improve the urban experience. After the show, the 150-acre site will be turned into a green residential neighbourhood, Hortus. From 14 April - 9 October ( floriade.com).
GARDEN JOBS TO DO THIS MONTH April is when the garden really starts to take off, so roll up your sleeves and get ready for the season ahead
Sow hardy annuals outside Sunflowers, nigella, calendula and scabious can all be sown into the ground once the soil has warmed (mild weather and germinating weeds are a sign), as can vegetables including carrots, beetroot, dill and lettuce.
C O V E TA B L E K I T
Stake taller perennials Install canes, netting or ring supports early on to support lofty plants such as delphiniums, peonies, phlox and oriental poppies (which can all be prone to flopping) as they grow.
NATURAL APPEAL Claire Takacs is one of the world’s leading garden photographers, and in her new book Wild: the Naturalistic Garden she captures some of the most revolutionary gardens of today – those turning away from formal (and formulaic) design toward something altogether looser and more sustainable. With insightful text by planting expert Noel Kingsbury, the range of projects includes both high-profile public spaces (New York’s High Line, Japan’s Tokachi Millennium Forest) as well as private gardens, such as James Hitchmough’s Sheffield plot, from which city gardeners can glean ample inspiration (Phaidon, £39.95). 42 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
Take dahlia cuttings Choose healthy shoots from overwintered dahlia tubers and cut off cleanly, keeping a sliver of tuber intact. Repot three into a 7cm pot in general-purpose compost and keep well-watered.
WORDS: NATASHA GOODFELLOW PICTURES: PHAIDON PUBLISHING, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO, GETTY IMAGES, JEREMY BAILE
Online flower delivery service Flowerbx has teamed up with The Oshirakawa Forestry Association in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture to create this minimalist gardening set. Comprising a fork, trowel, dibber and secateurs, it uses wood from the region’s native beech trees that would otherwise go to waste, and comes with a sustainably sourced leather wrap. £140 (flowerbx.com).
AT H O M E W I T H
Elevating the everyday Unmistakably maximalist designer Matthew Williamson knows how to make his home a joyful place, and he’s ready to share the secrets… Words CLARE SARTIN Photography DAMIAN RUSSELL
Portrait Matthew Williamson relaxes in his newly renovated living room, which has been updated with a lick of ‘Lido Pink’ from The Pickleson Paint Co. Redoing the colour of a room, says the former fashion designer, is like ‘buying new earrings for an old dress’ – a quick and effective way to update your look
AT H O M E W I T H
W
hen we caught up with Matthew Williamson in his London home, the usually confident and instinctively stylish designer was experiencing a moment of self doubt. The reason for this fleeting wobble is his characteristically exuberant new collection – his first for high-street stalwart John Lewis & Partners. ‘I kept thinking of my aunt, who lives in Cheshire,’ he says. ‘She is a big John Lewis fan, and I kept wondering, “Would she buy that?”’ He need not have worried, but more on that later… This latest product range, two years in the making, is just one of the things that Matthew has on the go at the moment. He’s been working on an interiors book focused on his famous love of colour (Thames & Hudson will be releasing it in 2023, he promises) and has filmed an appearance as a returning judge on the upcoming new series of BBC’s Interior Design Masters. He also continues with projects for his eponymous brand, which works on retail and residential interiors, as well as creating and selling products that run the gamut from wallpaper to stationery via vintage finds. All this, and he’s found time to give his home what he calls a ‘mini reno’.
Living room With its bay window picked out in ‘Hackney Gold’ from The Pickleson Paint Co, this space almost glows. Much of the furniture is vintage – Matthew credits his friend Lia Briamonte, who runs Anemone Interiors, with discovering a lot of the gems, including the 1970s Perspex coffee table, 1980s fan-back chairs (upholstered in Matthew’s ‘Ocelot’ fabric for Osborne & Little), the Italian pink marble dining table and 1950s floral sofa. Lia also designed the rug. The wall lamps are vintage from Vinterior, upgraded with lampshades from Matthew’s collection for Pooky. Above the 1960s bar cart hang mirrors from trips to flea markets, as well as one designed by Matthew for his new John Lewis & Partners collection. The bespoke shelving unit (right) is painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Arsenic’, and the artwork above is The Orange Door by Florence Hutchings. The mirror above the fireplace is a French flea-market find and the candleholders are vintage, sourced for Matthew’s own online store
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Kitchen These white cabinets are the next project on Matthew’s radar, but for the time being they are paired with the same ‘Lido Pink’ walls as the living room and a set of red chairs designed in Italy in the 1970s. The large industrial lights were found on Vinterior and spray-painted blue to add another splash of colour
‘I’ve never been drawn to neutrals. I admire people that use them and I love the aesthetic, but I’ve always gravitated towards colour’
Where there were once flashes of the designer’s signature neon pinks and turquoise, there is now a more toned-down palette. ‘I don’t know if it’s age and maturity or just a general mood,’ he muses. ‘It’s an appropriate sense of where I am at now. I’m quite busy when I’m in London, so I wanted a space that feels calm but also has impact.’ The change has been confined, so far, to the living room and main bedroom, although Matthew is already dreaming up plans for spray painting his white kitchen cabinets a rich olive green and adding sunny yellow tiles to his bathroom. ‘I’m forever tinkering,’ he admits. ‘Is a space ever finished? Possibly not.’ His home’s colour scheme may not be as punchy as it’s previously been, but this is definitely not the abode of a shrinking violet. ‘I’ve 48 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
never really been drawn to neutrals – the beiges, the greys. I admire people who use them and I love the aesthetic, but I’ve always gravitated towards colour,’ he says. Pink is his neutral. ‘Whenever you say pink, people think of Barbara Cartland. They think campy and saccharine,’ he jokes. ‘That’s not really what I am talking about. I mean plaster pink, putty and blush.’ It was in his newly tea-rose-pink living room, with its bay window picked out in gold paint to highlight the verdant garden beyond, that Matthew first met with the John Lewis & Partners homeware team. ‘They walked in and gasped,’ he recalls. ‘They saw all of the choices I had made and just sort of sat there and said, “This is what we want.”’ One of the key inspirations for the vast collection he has been dreaming up in collaboration with them (it includes everything from bedding and cushions to mirrors, lighting and accessories) was what Matthew calls ‘doorstep design’. Working on these pieces during the pandemic meant that his style, which usually draws influences from far afield, ended up focusing more on the local – ‘this idea that we can all access beautiful things just by stepping out of the front door’. There is a classically British sensibility to many of the items, like a duvet cover decorated with a view of the sky at night and another that depicts a hedgerow, but Matthew does admit to a few exotic flights of fancy. ‘I couldn’t resist a parrot and a cheeky little monkey here and there,’ he laughs. ‘My design DNA is still alive and well.’
AT H O M E W I T H
Bathroom A pale pink ‘Panton’ chair by Verner Panton for Vitra adds a dash of Matthew’s signature colour to this room, where graphic Bert & May floor tiles are paired with white metro wall tiles from Topps Tiles. The teal table in the shower is from John Lewis & Partners, while the mirror above the sink is a vintage find and the wall lamps were picked up during a trip to Istanbul
Matthew describes the process of creating this new range as being an act of self indulgence. ‘I sat down and thought, “What lamp would I want? What is not out there that I would pick up and buy? What would stop my heart?”’ That’s why it is perhaps no surprise that personal highlights from the collection can be spotted throughout his own home. The fantastical gilded peacock mirror in the bedroom is a favourite, as is the illustrated linen monkey cushion on the living-room sofa. We’re sure it’s not just Matthew and his aunt who will fall for the exuberance and generous eccentricity of these designs. They are landing at a moment when many people are discovering the confidence to be more experimental in their homes. Matthew is gutsy when it comes to his use of bright shades and bold patterns, and it’s just this freedom that he hopes to inspire and cultivate in others with his collection. ‘I don’t dilly-dally around Entrance hallway This space is painted in ‘Kyoto Blossom’ from Designers Guild, with the skirting board in the brand’s ‘Vintage Mint’. The drinks cabinet is one of Matthew’s silk-printed designs for Roome London and the 1960s rug is from Anemone Interiors Guest bedroom Tapestry of Goblin by George Wilson hangs on a wall painted in ‘Joa’s White’ by Farrow & Ball. The vintage bed is dressed in linen from The Conran Shop. The kantha quilt and velvet cushion are from Matthew’s John Lewis & Partners collection, as is the bedside lamp
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with colour charts and spend weeks on end debating whether to use this tone or that tone,’ he says. For someone who is so driven by instinct, the idea of judging other people’s style during his stint on Interior Design Masters was something that gave Matthew pause for thought. ‘I don’t like the word “judge”,’ he admits. ‘Who am I to judge anyone’s taste? It’s all so subjective.’ Indeed, for this light-hearted designer, whether you like something and if it makes you smile are the most important considerations. ‘We all need a bed, we all have a cushion and a towel, but why not make those things that are so mundane a little more special?’ he asks. Why not indeed? matthewwilliamson.com Main bedroom ‘Menagerie’, one of Matthew’s own wallpaper designs for Osborne & Little, is paired with walls painted in ‘Tequila Green’ from The Pickleson Paint Co. The ceiling is highlighted in ‘Basilica Teal’ from the same brand. Decorating the antique French bed are mustard sheets from The Conran Shop and a Kantha quilt from Matthew’s new John Lewis & Partners collection. The gilded peacock mirror is from that same range. A grand Venetian chandelier from a Murano glass dealer and a leopard spot rug, one of Matthew’s designs for Obeetee, completes this sumptuous space. In the corner of the room (right) a hand-painted shrine bought at a vintage store in New York contains a yellow shell necklace picked up on a holiday in Cape Town. It all sits on a 1970s marble console table See Stockists page for details
ST YLE D E C O R AT I N G
/ M AT E R I A L S / I N T E R I O R D E S I G N / I D E A S
STYLING AMY HEFFERNAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE CURTIS
Delve into a new season of opportunities, from must-have fabrics and wallpapers to brands and designers to know, PLUS how to embrace the trend for wood panelling…
From left ‘Regency Tulip’ velvet in ‘Lapis’, £130 per m, Liberty Fabrics (libertyfabric.com). ‘Susie Q’ wallpaper, £195 for three rolls, Mind the Gap (mindtheg.com). ‘Brae’ fabric in ‘Dolphin, V3481/03’, £67.50 per m, Villa Nova, (villanova.co.uk). ‘Ripple Stripe’ cotton in ‘Rockpool’, £130 per m, A Rum Fellow (arumfellow.com). ‘Malabar Outdoor’ fabric in ‘F7666-02’, £75 per m, Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle.com)
Make pattern a priority Want to tackle decorating with real individuality? Simply follow our lead on how to combine the season’s best fabrics and wallpapers Styling AMY HEFFERNAN Photography JAKE CURTIS
From left ‘Grid’ rug in ‘Dusty White/ Black’, from £495, Nordic Knots (nordicknots.com). ‘Soriana’ armchair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, £3,747, Chaplins (chaplins.co.uk), upholstered in ‘Bertrand’ fabric in ‘Dalmatian Z357/02’, £130 per m, Zinc Textile (zinctextile.com). ‘Secret Mountain Shadow’ wallpaper by Sacha Walckhoff, £65 per roll, Graham & Brown (grahambrown.com). ‘Andirivieni’ double-faced jacquard fabric in ‘Liquirizia’, £171 per m, Dedar (dedar.com). ‘Pablo’ fabric in ‘Dalmatian’, £115 per m, Zinc Textile (zinctextile.com). ‘Papyrus’ raffia wallcovering, £137 per m, Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com). ‘Banarasi’ silk cushion in ‘Graphite’, £75, Designers Guild (designersguild.com) Opposite, from left ‘Le Concert’ fabric from the ‘Parade’ collection, £171 per m, Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com). ‘Kent’ cotton velvet fabric in ‘Charcoal’, £135 per m, Larsen (larsenfabrics.com)
T H E PAT T E R N E D I T Opposite, from left ‘Anatolia Embroidery’ fabric in ‘Natural’, £325 per m, Schumacher (fschumacher.co.uk). ‘Tuli’ linen in ‘Nectar’, £184 per m, De Le Cuona (delecuona.com) From left ‘Technicolour Flock’ rug by Peter Saville, £369 per sq m, Kvadrat (kvadrat. dk). ‘Mizmaze’ fabric in ‘0342’, £121 per m, Kvadrat (kvadrat.dk). ‘The Sassy Stool’ upholstered in ‘Woolly Orange’ fabric, £675, Susie Atkinson (susieatkinson.com). ‘Salcaja’ embroidered linen in ‘Spice’ by William Yeoward, £185 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com). ‘Stampede’ linen in ‘Horn’, £176 per m, De le Cuona (delecuona. com). ‘Le Sommet’ wallpaper in ‘60531’, £145 per roll, Arte (arte-international.com). ‘Elko Plaid’ fabric in ‘Straw’, £118 per m, Schumacher (fschumacher.co.uk). ‘Marble’ bespoke wallpaper, from £115, Nat Maks (natmaks.com)
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From left ‘Ashbee’ linen in green, £115 per m, James Hare (james-hare.com). ‘Goa’ fabric in ‘Tropical’, £25 per m, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk). ‘Ikebana’ fabric in ‘Canopy’, £90 per m, Sunbrella (sunbrella.com). ‘Acanthus’ fabric, £89 per m, Morris & Co (morrisandco. sandersondesigngroup.com). ‘Burges Snail’ wallpaper in ‘Juniper’, £90 per roll, Little Greene (littlegreene.com). Vintage chair upholstered in ‘Green Wall’ velvet in ‘F7677-0’, £149 per m, Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle. com). ‘Corda’ cushion in ‘Forest’, £55, Designers Guild (designersguild.com). ‘Hoopoe Leaves’ wallpaper, £127 per roll, Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com) Opposite, from left ‘Malibu’ fabric in ‘Ice Blue’, £75 per m, Larsen (larsenfabrics.com). ‘Brera Lino’ linen in ‘Antique Jade’, £71 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com)
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T H E PAT T E R N E D I T
Opposite ‘Abstract 4033’ fabric in ‘Terra/Natural’, £178 per m, Lelièvre Paris (lelievreparis.com) From left ‘Nexus’ fabric in ‘Corallo’, £145 per m, Rubelli (rubelli.com). ‘Divided’ wallpaper in ‘Henna’ by Matthew Burrows, £189 per roll, Dado (dadoatelier.com). ‘Elio’ chair in ‘Tangerine’ fabric, from £1,660, Ceraudo (ceraudo.com). ‘Joy 71’ wallcovering in ‘Zest’, £51 per m, Omexco (omexco.com). ‘Sea Collage’ raffia wallcovering in ‘Fuchsia’ by Sandra Blow Archive, £860 per roll, Christopher Farr Cloth (christopherfarrcloth. com). ‘Melodic 121071’ fabric in ‘French Ochre/ Paper Lantern’, £75 per m; ‘Rhythm’ fabric in ‘Fire/Brazilian Rosewood/Onsen/ Forest’, £79 per m, both Harlequin (harlequin.sandersondesigngroup.com)
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T H E PAT T E R N E D I T From left ‘Elswyth’ fabric (on pouf) in ‘Narwhal’, £67.50 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk). ‘Baya’ fabric, £135 per m, Larsen (larsenfabrics.com). ‘York’ fabric in ‘Ocean’, £26.40 per m, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk). ‘Fragments’ wallpaper in ‘Stone’, £280 per roll, Custhom (custhom. co.uk). Bespoke ‘Jun’ chair, price on application, Kingcome (kingcomesofas.co.uk), upholstered in ‘Menlo’ fabric in ‘Smoke’, £110 per m, Larsen (larsenfabrics.com). ‘Pebble Beach’ outdoor tile (on floor), £76 per sq m, Fired Earth (firedearth.com). ‘Menlo’ fabric in white, £110 per m, Larsen (larsenfabrics.com). ‘Savannah Shell’ wallpaper in ‘Parchment, Linen and Metallic Gold’, £120 per roll, Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com). ‘Reflected Obsidian’ wallpaper in ‘Snowflake’, £350 for a four-panel roll, Harlequin (harlequin. sandersondesigngroup.com) Opposite, from left ‘Strata’ fabric in ‘Sandstone’, £100 per m, James Hare (james-hare.com). ‘Puya’ fabric in ‘0220’, £148 per m, Sahco (sahco.com)
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DARE to be different The latest collection from the fabric and wallpaper brand pushes its fearless philosophy even further The wild child in the family of brands that make up Sanderson Design Group, Harlequin has always been known for making a statement. After starting life in the 1960s with wallpaper, the firm added fabrics to its offering in the late 1980s. Creative director Claire Vallis says there’s huge affection and nostalgia for the group’s heritage names– Sanderson, Morris & Co and Zoffany (‘people come back to them again and again’) – but with Harlequin, ‘it’s modern. You’ve got to be braver’. New for spring/summer 2022, ‘Colour 2’ is the second chapter of the Harlequin colour book. Wallpapers and fabrics develop the four themes – ‘Rewild’, ‘Retreat’, ‘Reflect’ and
From left ‘Melodic’ fabric, £75 per m; ‘Lyrical’ fabric (on chair), £79 per m; ‘Perception’ fabric, £75 per m, all by Harlequin
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‘Renew’ – from the first collection, each with a distinctive mood and aesthetic. ‘We’ve dug deeper into them,’ Vallis says. Lockdown shaped the designs. ‘A lot of them were painted to music, so are very evocative. They are geometric but have real life and movement,’ she says. One artist, Flora, created hers in a field. ‘She wanted to express herself; she needed that.’ The team worked with Professor Stephen Westland, an authority on the science behind colour. ‘As designers, you’re very emotional, but he brings it back to science. The thing that resonated for me was that, as they get older, people prefer neutral shades because they’re safer. I don’t suppose a child ever said beige was their favourite colour!’ A fearlessness underpins the collection, driven by a belief that interiors should be a true expression of personal taste. ‘Bold colour is our signature,’ says Vallis, ‘but we realised that people, although they love it, lack the confidence to use it.’ For her, Harlequin’s ‘own the room’ campaign is about ‘connecting emotionally with how colour makes you feel and forgetting about what other people might think’. Professor Westland’s research found that lockdown has inspired a braver approach to interiors in general. This has been backed up by a rise in wallpaper sales – thanks to new technology that makes it easier to hang, this decorative choice isn’t seen as the big commitment it once was. ‘People’s homes became their sanctuaries and the joy wallpaper can bring, the way it can change a room,’ says Vallis, is transformative. ‘It can be used like art.’ Richly embroidered textiles with abstract shapes and vivid colours are also key to this move towards innovative, playful decorating. ‘We have mills that we’ve worked with for a long time. We’re known for making bold choices, so it’s fun because they’ll come to us with new techniques and ideas.’ Harlequin’s designs are about bringing joy to the places people live and work. ‘There’s one project in a hospital, an area in the radiography department for nurses to relax,’ says Vallis.‘Uplifting people in that kind of space: that’s colour theory in real life. We put all our heart into the designs. It’s not about trends; I want to create something people love today and keep forever.’ harlequin. sandersondesigngroup.com
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1 ‘Enigmatic’ wallpaper in ‘Japanese Ink/Origami’, £295 per four-panel roll 2 ‘Enigmatic’ wallpaper in ‘Nectar/ Awakening’, as before 3 ‘Ixora’ embroidered fabric, £89 per m 4 ‘Perception’ fabric, £75 per m 5 ‘Lyrical’ cotton velvet, £79 per m 6 ‘Exuberance’ fabric, £51 per m 7 ‘Synchronic’ embroidered fabric, £79 per m, all by Harlequin
WORDS: PHOEBE FRANGOUL PICTURES: ANDY GORE, ELLIE DUNN
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A LIFE IN COLOUR
Clockwise from top Althea McNish in 1973; ‘Trinidad Hibiscus’, ‘Hula Hula’, and ‘Cebollas Garden’ fabrics, all £25 per sq m, Liberty (libertylondon.com); murals by McNish in the dining room of SS Oriana; McNish designs from N15 Archive
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‘Whenever printers told me it couldn’t be done, I would show them how to do it,’ said Althea McNish. ‘Before long, the impossible became possible.’ It’s a telling statement that sums up the spirit of the trailblazing textile designer and active member of the Caribbean Artists Movement, who is the focus of a major exhibition at London’s William Morris Gallery this month. It will have a wealth of vibrant, radical work to draw on – there’s McNish’s personal back catalogue, preserved by culture organisation N15 Archive following her death in 2020, as well as the collections of the V&A and Liberty, which is reissuing a capsule edit of her fabric designs. Rich with Caribbean colour and vegetation, her prints must have been a revelation after the austerity of war. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, she arrived in England in 1951 with a scholarship to study architecture, but ended up at the London School of Printing and Graphic Arts, where she was encouraged by Eduardo Paolozzi to focus her talent on textiles. It seems fitting that Liberty should be the first to reissue her work: it was then-chairman Arthur Stewart-Liberty who gave McNish her earliest commission. He must have decided her portfolio was too good not to share, as he promptly put her in a taxi to see textile titan Zika Ascher, who asked her to create designs for Dior. Work followed for Heal’s and Conran; she even produced fabrics for the Queen’s wardrobe for her 1966 trip to Trinidad. McNish found much to be inspired by in Britain, but visions of her native island were hardly suppressed by five decades in Tottenham. Her popular ‘Golden Harvest’ pattern, designed in 1959 for Hull Traders, recalls the graphic repeats of wheat fields in Essex, which had sparked memories of sugarcane plantations. ‘Everything I did, I saw it through a tropical eye,’ she said. ‘Althea McNish: Colour is Mine’, from 2 April – 26 June 2022 (wmgallery.org.uk).
WORDS: CAT OLLEY PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES, N15 ARCHIVE: THE ALTHEA MCNISH COLLECTION, P&O HERITAGE
Textile designer Althea McNish, who brought Caribbean vibrancy to post-war Britain, rightfully returns to the spotlight this spring
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The happiness PROJECT Intended to spread a little joy in our homes, Kit Kemp’s latest textiles collection is inspired by sunny days and carefree memories
Shades of Alchemilla and Indian Pink, turquoise and burnt orange, buttercup-yellow and emerald-green burst forth in the new collection of rugs, cushions and throws by award-winning interior designer and hotelier Kit Kemp, created in collaboration with Annie Selke. It was a dream come true for the American textile expert, a selfdescribed ‘true fan girl’ of Kemp’s inimitable style. Selke, who, as president of The Annie Selke Companies, has launched bedding and rugs (some of which made their way into the Obama White House), approached Kemp about the project during the pandemic. She had discovered the designer’s skill for marrying colour and pattern in upbeat, kaleidoscopic ways when staying in one of Kemp’s Firmdale hotels – there are eight in London and two in New York, with a third, The Warren Street Hotel, due to open in Tribeca in 2023 – more than two decades ago. It transpired that they were ‘kindred spirits’: both have a dog called Impy (‘Who does that?’ laughs Selke) and they share ‘the same antennae’ for the history of textiles. ‘Kit brings with her a very sophisticated whimsy – she has tremendous knowledge of art, sculpture, flowers and gardens that is so appealing,’ she adds. Together, the pair have fashioned a collection of rugs using different techniques, from hand-knotting to dhurrie weaving, and fabrics (including wool, cotton and jute) that accommodates all budgets, while still honouring ‘the very crafted, handmade feel’ Kemp looks for in all of her projects. Every piece is produced in India, where there is innovation as well as artistry. Recycled polyester was used for the ticking-stripe ‘Road Runner’, ‘Always Greener’ and ‘Sooner Than Later’ rugs, which work just as well outdoors as they do inside. ‘Normally, I only pick natural fabrics, as I hate anything that doesn’t feel great against your skin,’ admits Selke. ‘But these do, and the material holds its colour for much longer.’
Clockwise from top left ‘Graphic’ rug, £1,395; Kit Kemp sits among her ‘Ric Rac’ striped throw, £485, ‘Patchwork Blue Matelassé’ throw, £375, and cushions, from £65; the ‘Hotline’ rug, £1,155, all by Kit Kemp for Annie Selke
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‘IF YOU HAVE A ROOM THAT IS LOOKING SLIGHTLY TIRED, PUTTING IN A NEW RUG, CUSHION OR THROW MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE’
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WORDS: FIONA MCCARTHY PICTURES: SIMON BROWN
From above ‘Safety Net’ rug, £1,155; ‘Happy Flower’ rug, price on application; ‘Dew Pond’ rug, £1,895, all by Kit Kemp for Annie Selke
For the range’s distinctive patterns, Kemp drew inspiration from her three favourite destinations: New York, London and Barbados. ‘Lily Pad’ and ‘Dew Pond’ capture the shimmering reflections on the Caribbean waters, while ‘Safety Net’ echoes ‘the myriad colours of the nets the old fishermen haul up daily beside their boats’, Kemp explains. For ‘Eternal Spring’, the warmth of the sun’s rays has been abstracted into a pixelated floral. Other ideas were plucked from Kemp’s vast creative memory bank. The flame-like curves of ‘Graphic’ pay homage to a 1940s painting she once spotted in a gallery in New York, while the quirky ‘Horseshoe’ recalls the hoof prints that Lonnie, her horse, left in the mud after a ride near her home in the New Forest. And then there’s the ‘Hot Line’ rug (already in place throughout Ham Yard Hotel’s apartments at One Denman Place) that,Kemp says, has ‘so many colours in it that it goes with everything’. Also included in the collection are fantastically patterned quilted throws and pristine, elaborately stitched white bedspreads, along with vividly printed cushions. ‘If you have a room that is looking slightly tired, putting in a new rug, cushion or throw makes all the difference,’ advises Kemp. ‘It lifts the whole room and brings a smile to your face.’ That is certainly true of this collaboration. For Kemp, the key to creating such uplifting designs is about only saying yes to projects that she knows will be fun: ‘Being with people who are inspired and love what they do always brings the best out in a collection’. ‘Kit Kemp for Annie Selke’ is available from Andrew Martin, andrewmartin.co.uk
INTO THE Traditionally associated with castles, cabins and country houses as a centuries-old way of hiding less-thanperfect walls and keeping rooms warm, wood panelling is now having a rebirth. Here’s how to bring this most timeless of materials into a contemporary interior
PICTURE: JEAN-FRANÇOIS JAUSSAUD
Words PHOEBE FRANGOUL
Streamlined traditional panelling in Pierre Yovanovitch’s project at Château de Fabrègues in Provence ±
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M O D ERN CL ASSI C The elegant proportions and simple geometry of Georgian panelling adapt easily to modern interiors, especially when painted in a bold colour or juxtaposed with contemporary fixtures. They can also help awkward spaces make sense, says The English Panelling Company’s Jon Madeley: ‘Panelling at the right height can make ceilings that are too high for the size of the room feel much more in proportion. In small spaces – for example a cottage – it can make them feel much more spacious.’
PICTURES: PAUL RAESIDE, MEL YATES
NEED TO KNOW W H AT I S I T G O O D F O R ? Panelling can hide pipes and wires and act as insulation in older buildings, explains Madeley. ‘Just 25mm of foam insulation board between battens can make an enormous difference to how quickly the space heats up,’ he says. ‘This may be critical where thicker insulation is not an option due to the size of the room.’ Another benefit is improved acoustics – vital as working from home is now the norm for many. WoodUpp’s Gregg Wright says, ‘Most homes aren’t built to be offices, too, so you may find that sound is echoey or distorted. Our handcrafted panels are designed to improve acoustics within a room.’ Then there are the aesthetic benefits. ‘Panelling will break a wall into decorating zones,’ explains The Wall Panelling Company’s Paul Gamble, ‘which can be useful for properties with high ceilings, or on a staircase where most hallways have a full drop from the first to the ground floor.’ Sophie Scott and Georgina Key of Studio Skey use it as a way of adding textural interest to neutral, pared-back schemes. ‘We’ve found a great manufacturer who supplies prefabricated panels, bespoke to our requirements, which we’ve ordered in different veneers, sizes and styles. We prefer the ribbed style.’ The New Design Project’s Fanny Abbes says panelling adds drama while protecting walls. ‘I use it in lobbies and penthouses to create a more bespoke look by adding a highly crafted product,’ she says. ±
Clockwise from top left Painting the wall and panelling the same shade lends the dining room of this LA home by studio Marmol Radziner a coherence. ‘Pontefract’ by Paint & Paper Library brings warmth and depth. Design studio Goddard Littlefair restored the panelling in this project on London’s Millbank
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PA L E & I N T ER ES T I N G Scandinavian interiors are known for their clean lines, functionality and soft palette but, far from feeling clinical, they have a warmth that comes from the use of wood throughout. Pale panelling can make minimalist schemes feel inviting, while helping smaller spaces appear bigger and brighter. Beech, ash, pine and plywood look modern and sit easily with neutral tones to create an open, airy aesthetic. As well as being lighter, they have fewer knots and a more subtle grain.
From top Aged oak brings tactility to this home in Bruges. A serene house by the sea in Belgium, designed by Nils Van der Celen, features oak veneer with a vertical grain. Djernes & Bell used panelling as a nod to this Copenhagen flat’s heritage
W H AT A R E T H E B E S T T Y P E S ? Sustainable hardwoods, such as oak and ash, have been wall-panelling favourites for many years thanks to their attractive grain patterns, says YourFoRest’s Yulia Korelska. ‘Oak panels are artworks. They benefit from restoration and gain some retro charm after time,’ she adds. Walnut is growing in popularity. ‘Its unique grain and warm shades make the panels live and rich. Alder wood is often used for small-sized decor pieces, as it is good for milling and its grain tends to be uniform.’ Retrouvius’ Nicholas Hughes says hardwoods like iroko are good for kitchen worktops. ‘They tend to be oily, so do better in damp environments. Be aware: if you have timber from a storage space, it’ll be cold and damp and, when put in a heated home, there will be huge shrinkage, particularly on softwoods. You must acclimatise it. Newer woods will change more than older woods, which tend to be more stable.’ ±
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PICTURES: AMBROISE TÉZENAS/PHOTOFOYER, CAFEINE.BE, MIKKEL TJELLESEN. STYLING: MARIE MONRAD GRAUNBØL
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Clockwise from left Salvage experts Retrouvius used a salvaged oak herringbone floor to add character to a cocktail cabinet in a new penthouse in Hampstead. Rich wood panelling arranged in bold chevrons brings a feeling of opulence to the Madame Rêve Hotel in Paris. A concrete column and wardrobe in a lobby are concealed by architect Hanna Oganesyan’s dramatic three-dimensional timber treatment
A N Y T H I N G G O ES Increasingly, designers are finding value in transforming salvaged timber into something new and unique. An old oak herringbone floor can become the doors of a cocktail cabinet, allowing its beauty to be appreciated at eye level rather than underfoot. Giving something old a second life makes sense – the patina of the past can’t be beaten. Whether new or repurposed, using panelling to create striking formations and patterns is the way forward.
PICTURES: RETROUVIUS, JÉRÔME GALLAND, @HANNAOGANESYAN.STUDIO/HANNA OGANESYAN
NEED TO KNOW H O W I S PA N E L L I N G F I T T E D ? If damp is an issue, a building surveyor or architect will assess whether any preliminary treatment is needed before the panels can be fitted. Installation comes at the end of a project, after the dirty, dusty jobs are complete. Gamble says, ‘In many cases, the panel mouldings will be fitted directly onto the walls; this is the best method for fixing and space saving.’ Where pipework needs to be hidden, like in bathrooms, a batten may be needed. The wall should be smooth and strong enough to carry the weight of the panel; the softer the surface, the more fixing points needed. Prefabricated acoustic panels are quick and easy to install – cut them to the right size using a handsaw and glue, or screw them to the wall. Panels can be oiled or varnished after staining to make them water-resistant, which is most practical for bathrooms. Hughes says, ‘Try not to use glues that last forever, because the only way to then remove the wood is to splinter it off. If you get some simple, nice screws, they can also look good if they punctuate the timber.’ WHO CAN DO IT FOR YOU? Installing traditional wood panelling usually requires the expertise of a skilled carpenter. Madeley says many of The English Panelling Company’s customers fit their MDF panels themselves, but those less confident in DIY will typically use a builder or handyman, as a fully skilled carpenter is not essential in the vast majority of cases. ±
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V I N TA G E G L A M O U R Dark, red-toned woods evoke the moody aesthetic of mid-century interiors and can also create a cosy, cabin-like atmosphere, especially when panelling is extended onto a ceiling. Walls clad in fluted sections can dramatically highlight the lines of a space, while large panels will showcase the grain of the wood. Smaller sections can be used to zone a home’s layout, adding visual punctuation in rooms that might otherwise lack architectural structure.
Clockwise from top left Architect Fabio Fantolino used dark panels of wood for a reading corner in this Turin flat. Studio MK27 clad the walls of this private residence in walnut to give warmth, enhancing the cocooning effect by finishing the ceilings with wooden slats. In this Milanese home, designer Hannes Peer used vertical slats of stained poplar wood to evoke a chalet feel and the forests of Latvia, where the owner grew up
C A N Y O U PA N E L S M A L L S PA C E S ? Studio Skey are fans of cladding desks, vanity units and even drawer fronts in timber panels with a slimmer, ribbed design to add detail to a pared-back scheme. They often paint the panels the same colour as the walls to prevent the ribbing from becoming too dominant. With traditional panelling, keep it lower and wider to improve the feel of a more compact space, or only panel halfway up the wall. W H AT A B O U T M D F PA N E L L I N G ? A durable, composite material, MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is cheaper than wood and easy to work with. The English Panelling Company’s Madeley says, ‘MDF panelling will react far less (if at all) to changes in temperature and humidity, which is important in an old building with less-than-dry walls or in a new build with fluctuating conditions.’ He advises choosing high quality, moisture-resistant MDF. ‘It is only slightly more expensive, but will result in a far-superior finish when painted. It also means it can be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories.’ ±
PICTURES: GIORGIO POSSENTI, JOVIAN LIM, HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE
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W O O D PA N E L L I N G CASE STUDY
PA R I S M ATC H Studio Hauvette & Madani used oak and maple to update a historic apartment for one French family
Clockwise from left The dining room and kitchen of the Villa Guggenbühl on a mezzanine overlooking the living room. Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani. The living room
T H E I D E A Designed by André Lurçat in 1927 for the painter Walter Guggenbühl, the Villa Guggenbühl lies in the 14th arrondissement opposite Parc Montsouris. The building was converted into two apartments and the project involved renovating one across three floors. Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani love how wood can change the dynamic of an interior. ‘It brings a little drama to the decor,’ says Samantha. T H E F I T T I N G The kitchen and dining room on the mezzanine were custom-made with stained oak sourced in France. The panels have a warmth and richness that makes them the perfect foil to a vintage Florence Knoll table, Serge Mouille chandelier and 1970s chairs. In the living room, a custom bench seat in stained maple is tucked under a staircase that is wrapped in the same material. ‘We’ve been working with maple for a while now and we really love the tints you get,’ continues Samantha. The structure of the wood resembling burl wood strikes a perfect balance with the oak. ‘We love mixing different woods to avoid the “total look” effect,’ she adds. T H E B E N E F I T S By utilising wood throughout, the apartment now has a quiet confidence that acknowledges the history of the building without being overawed by it. As Samantha says, ‘Natural materials can bring a special atmosphere.’ hauvette-madani.com
PICTURES:TLUCAS MADANI
‘WE LOVE MIXING DIFFERENT WOODS TO AVOID THE “TOTAL LOOK“ EFFECT’
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PEEK INSIDE THE IMAGINED INTERIORS OF FOUR MILANESE LANDMARKS, S H O W C A S I N G T H E V E RY B E S T O F I TA L I A N D E S I G N F R O M T H E PA S T A N D P R E S E N T
Location Via Quadronno by Angelo Mangiarotti and Bruno Morassutti From left ‘Moon’ bedside table by Mist-o, from £2,683, Living Divani (livingdivani.it). ‘Nox’ table lamp by Alfredo Häberli for Astep, £964, Skandium (skandium.com). 3D artwork (on wall), from £170, Edith Beurskens (edithbeurskens.com). ‘Gregory’ bed by Antonio Citterio, from £6,998, Flexform (flexform.it). ‘Hanging Lamp No.1’ wall light by Muller Van Severen for Valerie Objects, £715, Nunido (nunido.co.uk). ‘R63’ armchair by Ignazio Gardella, £3,152, Tato Italia (tatoitalia.com) ±
PICTURE: PAOLA PANSINI
Styling GRETA CEVENINI Artwork MASSIMO COLONNA
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Location Montedoria Building by Gio Ponti From left Abstract artwork (on wall) by Ronan Bouroullec, £55, The Wrong Shop (thewrongshop.co.uk). ‘Bul-Bo’ floor lamp by Gabetti & Isola, £2,604, Axo Light (axolight.it). ‘Round D.154.5’ chair by Gio Ponti, £3,512, Molteni & C (molteni.it). ‘Victoria’ armchair by David / Nicolas for Tacchini, £4,460, Monologue (monologuelondon.com). ‘Around Color’ rug by Paola Pastorini for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, £3,081, Matter of Stuff (matterofstuff.com). ‘New Brian’ coffee tables by Castello Lagravinese Studio (three shown) for Opera Contemporary, from £2,546, FCI London (fcilondon.co.uk). ‘Bandaska’ glass vase, £165, Dechem Studio (dechemstudio.com). ‘Soul’ sofa by Giuseppe Viganò, from £9,500, Turri (turri.it). Statue on plinth, stylist’s own ±
Location UniCredit Tower by César Pelli From left ‘Dudet’ chair (three shown) by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, £1,544 each, Chaplins (chaplins.co.uk). ‘Creso’ travertine dining table by Lella and Massimo Vignelli, £9,883, Acerbis (acerbisdesign.com). ‘Roman’ vase in black by Pols Potten (on table), £194 for a set of four, Amara (amara.com). ‘Luis’ desk by Luca Roccadadria, £4,700, Cantori (cantori.it). ‘Mini Coupé’ table lamp by Joe Colombo for Oluce, £311, Nest (nest.co.uk). ‘Charlotte’ bookcase by Bontempi, from £1,630, Go Modern (gomodern.co.uk). ‘Roman’ vase in terracotta by Pols Potten (on shelves), £188 for a set of three, Made in Design (madeindesign.co.uk). Books and ceramics on shelves, stylist’s own. ‘Suprématisme’ rug by Aurélia Paoli, £2,648, Pinton (pinton1867.com). ‘Le Club’ armchair by Jean Marie-Massaud, £5,540, Poliform (poliform.it). ‘Cappello’ floor lamp, £595, Oscar Piccolo (oscarpiccolo.com) ±
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Location Feltrinelli Porta Volta by Herzog & De Meuron From left ‘Reflex’ bathtub, £8,163, Antonio Lupi (antoniolupi.it). Stool by Charles & Ray Eames, £1,240, Vitra (vitra.com). ‘Ecco’ mirror by Barber Osgerby for Glas Italia, £1,955, Twentytwentyone (twentytwentyone.com). ‘Diamond’ rug by Charlotte Lancelot, £947, Gan (gan-rugs.com). ‘P40’ chaise longue by Osvaldo Borsani, £7,492, Tecno (tecnospa.com). ‘Monowash’ basin by Giulio Cappellini, £2,126; ‘X1’ tap, £834, both by Ceramica Flaminia (ceramicaflaminia.it). ‘Nostalgia’ wall mirror by by Marcante-Testa, from £1,412, Ex.t (ex-t.com). ‘Botolo’ armchair by Cini Boeri for Arflex, from £1,304, SCP (scp.co.uk). ‘Apple’ floor lamp by M2atelier, from £3,900, Visionnaire (visionnaire-home.com)
HOMES
WORDS: CLARE SARTIN PICTURES: HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE, DEREK SWALWELL
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It’s time to be brave, banish the design rulebook and welcome an exciting new era of INDIVIDUALITY. After all, who has the patience for being told what they can and can’t do anymore? Certainly not JJ Martin, founder of fashion and homeware brand La DoubleJ. Her Milan apartment (p136) is a RIOT of pattern and colour. Game of Thrones star Carice van Houten has also caught the rebellious bug. Her Amsterdam house (p102) was inspired by her enviably BOLD fashion sense. For the owners of a family home in London’s Notting Hill (p126), the choice of a bright-yellow front door prompted a CA REFREE approach, while the architects of an extension to a Victorian property in Sydney (p114) saw a desire to be different drive INNOVATION. Then there’s a midcentury villa in Finland (p144), a true vintage gem whose wood panelling could not feel more perfect for right now.
PR ACTICAL M AGIC As the Red Witch in ‘Game of Thrones’, Carice van Houten cast quite the spell – but her Amsterdam home is next-level bewitching Words and styling WILLEMIJN DE LEEUW/SPACE CONTENT Photography THIJS DE LEEUW/SPACE CONTENT/LIVING INSIDE
Living room A vintage ‘Soriana’ sofa (this page, centre) by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, in ‘Sahara’ fabric from Larsen, is joined by a ‘Milano’ sofa by Paola Navone for Baxter and an armchair from Sit on Vintage. The ‘Meltingpot’ coffee table is by Dirk van der Kooij, while the side tables are by Atelier ND. Lighting includes a ‘Panthella’ floor lamp by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen and a modern chandelier from Apparatus. The rug is from Kvadrat and the artwork hanging above homeowner Carice van Houten (opposite) is by Peggy Kuiper ±
‘I
like crazy and I love colour but, this time around, I was the subdued one,’ says interior designer Nicole Dohmen with a hint of disbelief. The founder of the Dutch studio Atelier ND found a kindred spirit in the form of actress Carice van Houten (perhaps best known for her role as the witch Melisandre in the fantasy TV show Game of Thrones) when she was tasked with renovating her new countryside home. Unlike her famous character, Carice – who shares this home with her son Monte and partner, fellow actor Guy Pearce – is drawn to the brighter side of life. ‘I wanted colour, I knew that,’ she explains, ‘but I got lost in all of the options.’ It was while walking in Amsterdam, the capital city she recently abandoned for a slice of idyllic life in the surrounding countryside a short drive away, that she spotted Atelier ND’s showroom window. ‘That was what I wanted!’ she exclaims. ‘It was love at first sight.’ Before any colour or pattern could be chosen, though, much had to happen to the structure of the house. The stairs were moved to the centre, walls were knocked down to make way for a more open-plan layout, and small windows were replaced with large, sunken window frames that provide cosy seating nooks. It was Guy who took control of this side of the project. When it came to the kaleidoscope of an interior that Carice and Nicole were busy planning, he was not always as on board. ‘In one of our meetings, he uttered the legendary words: “It’s like Katy Perry on speed,”’ recalls Nicole, with a laugh. ‘So that idea didn’t make the cut.’ What did make the final edit is a well-balanced and pleasurable assault on the senses. The creative scheme began with the pink polka-dot ‘Hex’ wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler, which now makes a welcoming statement in the entrance hall. From there, the palette expanded and developed. ‘None of the walls are white, but the calm lilac hue that appears throughout is very soft. And repetition helps,’ adds Nicole. ‘You have to let elements replay now and then, like the kiwi-green colour of the living room sofa that returns on the railing along the stairs.’ Furnishing a home with this much personality could have proved a challenge, but Nicole took her cues from Carice’s wardrobe, which she describes as ‘a little bit Gucci, a little bit vintage’. Together, the pair went out in search of pre-loved iconic designs by the likes of Tobia Scarpa and Michel Ducaroy, which have been reupholstered in knockout fabrics from Pierre Frey and Élitis. To these classics they have added contemporary items by forward-thinking designers, such as Dirk van der Kooij and Sabine Marcelis, both of whom use recycled plastic and resin in exciting ways. ‘People who visit say the house reflects my personality,’ says Carice. ‘I really wanted a super-cool home where I would want to spend most of my time. My life has been quite restless until now. I was always on the road. This has to be our safe haven, where we find rest.’ atelierndinterior.com
‘REPETITION HELPS. YOU HAVE TO LET ELEMENTS REPLAY NOW AND THEN’
Entrance The Kelly Wearstler-designed ‘Hex’ wallpaper in ‘Aura’ that graces this space was the starting point for much of this home’s colour scheme. The console table is a piece sourced from Sit on Vintage, the vase is from Dutch ceramics brand Ecri and the painting (on the far right) is by Frank Visser Hallway An orange ‘Panton Junior’ chair by Verner Panton for Vitra is placed beside the staircase, which features a bespoke green handrail by De Hoop Amsterdam. The ceiling lights are the ‘Plate and Sphere’ by Atelier Areti. The artwork (top right) is a piece by Peggy Kuiper
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‘PEOPLE WHO VISIT SAY THE HOUSE REFLECTS MY PERSONALITY‘
Kitchen Dutch furniture makers JOB Interieurbouw created the bespoke kitchen, while the tiles are from Intercodam. The mother-ofpearl lights above the island are a vintage design by Verner Panton and the bar stools are the ‘Chubby’ by Dirk van der Kooij. The glazed steel doors (far left) are a bespoke design by De Hoop Amsterdam ±
Dining room Situated in the conservatory, this room’s bright decor is emphasised by natural light. The dining table is by Sabine Marcelis and the chairs are the vintage ‘Pigreco’ design by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, upholstered in India Mahdavi’s ‘Bold’ velvet for Pierre Frey. Windows are dressed in sheer curtains by Etoffe and ‘Moiré Stripe’ blinds by Helene Blanche. Two ‘Alky’ armchairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Artifort, in ‘Mombasa’ fabric from Pierre Frey, flank a Dirk van der Kooij side table in one corner. The floor lamp is a vintage piece by René Houben
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Hallway Michael Anastassiades’s ‘Tube’ chandelier hangs on the landing, where Pierre Frey’s ’Beau Monde’ fabric has been used to create an artistic curtain. The green ‘Hello There’ chair is a piece by Dutch designer Jeremy Harvey for Artifort Guest bedroom House of Hackney’s ‘Hollyhocks Spring’ wallpaper creates an explosion of colour here. On the bed is a purple rug from the 1970s that Atelier ND turned into a quilt, as well as a Bella Freud cushion. The bedside table is the ‘Zig Zag’ by Pols Potten and the lamp is from Pooky
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Bathroom An ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror by Ettore Sottsass Jr for Poltranova sits at the entrance to this en suite, where a marble side table from Solid Nature is placed beside a traditional bath tub Main bedroom ‘Pontefract’ by Paint & Paper Library gives this room impact and picks out a tone from the curtains, which are made using ‘Abstract 1928’ fabric by Zoffany. The bed’s custom-made headboard is covered in pink ‘Teddy’ mohair fabric from Pierre Frey and the bedding is from Coco & Wolf. A cube-shaped bedside table by Sabine Marcelis sits below an Atelier Areti wall light See Stockists page for details
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INSPIRATION FOR THE INTERIOR CAME FROM THE MIX OF DESIGNER AND VINTAGE LOOKS IN CARICE’S OWN WARDROBE
Surprise and delight
Bold in design and big on functionality, the new extension of this reworked Australian period home shuns convention and embraces the unexpected Words TESSA PEARSON Photography DEREK SWALWELL
Exterior Terracotta tiles and concrete meet a steel brise-soleil (sun-screen) painted in Dulux’s showstopping ‘Manor Red’ to create the extension of this Victorian house. Sliding doors open the two living areas, kitchen and dining space up to a large inner courtyard, while a sizeable round window at the side of the building is another playful addition
Dining area Thonet’s ‘Hoffmann’ chairs by Josef Hoffmann and Josef Frank surround a bespoke Mark Tuckey table, above which hang two ‘Aggregato Saliscendi’ pendant lights by Enzo Mari and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide. A sideboard designed by architecture firm Kennedy Nolan, made from Oregon wood and laminate, features a geometric pattern. On it is a ‘Shogun’ table lamp by Mario Botta for Artemide and a vase by the Australian designer Rhys Cooper. The walls are clad in terracotta tiles, while the flooring is aggregate concrete ±
oncrete, steel and terracotta combine in the newly built extension of this Victorian home in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs. Designed by local firm Kennedy Nolan, the structure – which features a bold red brise-soleil (sun-shade) on the upper windows – is an eye-catching addition to the period property. ‘We began by prioritising domestic necessities, such as zoning, acoustics, privacy and comfort,’ says practice founder Patrick Kennedy. ‘But we knew from the start that we wanted the visual aspects to be progressive.’ Luckily for the architects, the homeowners were keen on colour and, together, they developed a cohesive scheme that would underpin the entire aesthetic. Laid out in a courtyard arrangement at the rear of the house, the new extension includes two separate living spaces connected by a kitchen and dining area. Here, aggregate-concrete floors meet terracotta-tiled walls and bespoke cabinetry. An earthy yet exciting palette fills the open-plan space, combining the warmth of rust red with expanses of black for depth and contrast. Accents of bright blue and repeating geometric motifs are a playful touch, while the dark-painted ceiling creates a cocooning effect, enveloping the whole open-plan layout and providing a strong visual link. Next to the kitchen is a compact living area, with concrete walls and a low-slung, L-shaped sofa in deep-blue wool that wraps around the room. Floor-to-ceiling doors and windows in red-painted steel connect the ground floor to the garden, continuing the colour scheme. On the extension’s upper level, a striking brise-soleil in the same shade covers the north-facing louvered windows, protecting the children’s bedrooms from the heat of the sun. ‘This element is both a backdrop to the central courtyard and the dominant architectural expression of the house,’ explains Patrick. ‘As well as accommodating complex, ventilated glazing for a variety of rooms, it provides depth, texture and interest.’ The garden, created in collaboration with landscape designer Amanda Oliver, is made up of verdant pockets to the front and rear of the house, as well as an internal courtyard and roof terrace. The entire outdoor space is presided over by a vast oak tree, which is beautifully framed by the extension. ‘We wanted to enliven the exterior without falling into the trap of uncomfortably over-expressive architecture,’ say the architects, who proposed elements with a large-scale, graphic quality that could sit comfortably alongside the existing period architecture and the impressive oak. In addition to the gridded steel sun-shade, these include a lofty freestanding chimney, distinctive door mullions and an oversized porthole window. ‘Our aim was to resist architectural blandness and amplify a sense of joyousness and delight,’ concludes Patrick. In that case, the project can be declared a resounding success. kennedynolan. com.au; amandaolivergardens.com.au
Kitchen A black ceiling links this space to the adjoining dining space, while a strip of blue rubber flooring defines the area in a practical way. The worktops are granite and the custom-made cabinets are crafted from Oregon wood finished with handles from Madinoz. For similar black tiles, try the ‘Matrix’ collection by Topps Tiles
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‘We knew from the start that we wanted the visual aspects to be progressive’
Kitchen A trio of ‘Stool 60’ seats by Alvar Aalto for Artek are clustered around a bespoke island with triangular sections of black and grey granite. The cooker is from Fisher & Paykel and the hood is from Ilve Lounge The cohesive palette continues into the living area, where a ‘Marenco’ sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex fills two walls of the concrete-clad space. Artwork by Joseph McGlennon and cushions by Tom Dixon pick up on the red steel frames of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The ‘Oxo’ coffee table is by Mark Tuckey
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Courtyard Fermob’s ‘Luxembourg’ armchairs by Frédéric Sofia surround an outdoor fireplace with a tall freestanding chimney Shower room A large window creates the feel of an outdoor shower in this airy downstairs bathroom, where terrazzo tiles from Australian brand Signorino cover the walls and floor. The brass showerhead is from the ‘Icon’ collection by Astra Walker. For a similar towel, try the selection at Oyoy
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Study A desk by Temperature Design provides a peaceful spot to work beneath this home’s distinctive porthole window. It is paired with a ‘Chair 66’ by Alvar Aalto for Artek and a ‘Lampe Gras’ light by Bernard-Albin Gras for DCW Éditions. The linen curtain is from Mokum Bedroom Located in the Victorian part of the house, renovated by Kennedy Nolan, this space features a four-poster bed by Mark Tuckey. A warm glow fills the room, with light filtered by shades that echo the red steel in the extension. Linen curtains by Mokum accentuate the effect. The lamp is the ‘Night Owl’ by Fritz Hansen See Stockists page for details
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‘Our aim was to resist architectural blandness and amplify a sense of joyousness and delight’
Words CLAIRE BINGHAM Photography PAUL RAESIDE
By embracing colour, one family has turned their Notting Hill home into a place that boosts everyone’s mood
HOUSE OF FUN
Living room A bespoke rug by Marguerite Le Maire is the focal point here, anchoring a collection of furniture that includes a green Pinch ‘Roubel’ sofa, an ‘Origami Stripes’ marble coffee table by Patricia Urquiola for Budri, and a cane-backed sofa from The Socialite Family with its seat upholstered in a striped fabric by Raf Simons for Kvadrat. The ‘Butterfly’ stool is by Sori Yanagi and the floor lamp is an ‘Akari’ design by Isamu Noguchi, both for Vitra. Artist and lighting specialist Eva Menz created the pendant light. The pink ‘Charlotte’ chair is by India Mahdavi and was originally designed for London gallery and restaurant space Sketch
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f ever there were a house with a demeanour that could be described as sunny, it would be this one. The front door is painted Mr Happy yellow, while the hallway features a patchwork of coloured hexagonal tiles. From the moment you enter this property in London’s leafy Notting Hill, the atmosphere is bright, positive and ideal for family life. Its owner, Gabrielle, a Parisian property specialist with a finely tuned personal taste, moved to this four-storey townhouse with her husband and two children two years ago, drawn to the wide rooms, high ceilings and large windows that overlook a garden square. ‘For a Parisian, Notting Hill feels like living in the countryside,’ she says. The daylight and garden may have been what first attracted Gabrielle, but the interior transformation by K&H Design is what truly brought this house to life. Continuing with the joyful entrance as an example, there are contrasting graphics on the floor, staircase and wall, all unfolding in a variety of colours. Kudos to the mastery of Henry Miller-Robinson, co-partner and creative lead at K&H Design – the blend is far from outlandish. ‘It was an amazing opportunity to combine pattern and colour in a way that many clients wouldn’t embrace,’ says co-partner Katie Glaister on the daring combinations that lead from the celadon-painted glazed divider separating the ground-floor rooms. ‘The colours are different, but the way the tones blend is satisfying. It works.’ Each room has its own focal point. In the living room, the rug by Marguerite Le Maire is the eye-catcher. It zones this part of the open-plan space from the kitchen and dining areas. Beyond the pattern play, K&H also specialise in bespoke cabinetry. In the kitchen, a central island, topped with green Pyrolave (a type of enamelled lavastone), sits in front of an indispensable larder. ‘Without that cupboard, the room wouldn’t operate as a practical space,’ says Katie. In slight contrast to this fresh, functional look, the adjoining dining area has a relaxed bistro feel, with custom-made tobacco-leather banquette seating. Downstairs, there’s a yoga studio/homework area for the children, where a jungle-themed wallpaper by Cole & Son offers a playful take on zen style, and on the first floor the main bedroom, dressing room and bathroom are also dominated by pattern. It’s here that we find the botanical wallpaper Gabrielle fell in love with: ‘Oasis Mural’ by Woodchip & Magnolia. It is used on the wall that divides the bed from the abundance of wardrobe space behind. Throughout this whole interior, confidence is the vital ingredient. ‘Gabrielle has an incredibly strong aesthetic,’ says Katie. ‘She gave us the chance to feed her boldness in a controlled way.’ Indeed, the idea to include that dazzling front door came directly from the homeowner. ‘The yellow makes me smile,’ explains Gabrielle. ‘In comparison to Paris, the light in London is grey and it can be dull. For me, this recreates the sun.’ kandhdesign.co.uk
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Entrance hall Tiles from London Mosaic greet people as they enter. A bespoke glazed-timber screen, painted ‘Tabernacle Green’ from Little Greene, separates the living room and kitchen without blocking light Kitchen A Parisian bistro inspired this room, with its bespoke cabinetry and island by K&H Design. Tiles from London Mosaic define the food-prep area, while the wooden flooring elsewhere is from Ted Todd. The lights are vintage and the bar stools are by Arnold de Vinck
‘Gabrielle has a strong aesthetic. She gave us the chance to feed her boldness’
Dining area A selection of colourful chairs from Philippe Model Maison join a custom-made banquette, upholstered in soft leather, around this ‘Copernic’ table by Arnold de Vinck. The pendant light above is sourced from Espace Lumière in Paris and the large photograph is a piece by Tom Blachford. It is flanked by vintage wall lights designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
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Staircase K&H Design created the bespoke runner with its geometric design. The wallpaper that leads down into the basement is the ‘Persian Palm’ from Ottoline Family bathroom This room features a multicoloured toilet from Broken Bog and a shower curtain from Quiet Town. The floor has been painted to create a chequerboard effect and a coat of ‘Confetti No.274’ pink paint from Little Greene, with a border of ‘Lemon’ yellow from Bristol Paint, has been applied to the walls Kid’s room A bright yellow ‘Chaise A’ chair by Xavier Pauchard for Tolix matches the paint in one child’s room (top right), while in the other a raised ceiling provides extra space for bespoke storage. The wallpaper (bottom left) is ‘Woodlands’ by Jimmy Cricket. Designed by Mathieu Challières, the ‘La Volière’ light, available at The Conran Shop, adds a playful touch, as does the rocking sheep by Povl Kjer, available from Smallable. The seat with bunny ears is from Selency
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Ensuite Popham Design’s ‘Brasilia’ tiles add a graphic element to this calm bathroom, while complementing the dressing room’s cabinetry. The ‘Soho’ bath is from The Water Monopoly Main bedroom ‘Oasis Mural’, a wallpaper by Woodchip & Magnolia, decorates the wall that separates this area from the ensuite and dressing room beyond. The latter features bespoke wardrobes by K&H Design, painted in ‘Green Blue’ from Farrow & Ball. The bed’s headboard is covered in ‘Candy Stripe’ fabric from Ian Mankin and the bedding is from The White Company See Stockists page for details
AND JUST LIKE THAT…
For the founder of fashion powerhouse La DoubleJ, this Milan home was an opportunity for reinvention and experimentation Words and production CHIARA DAL CANTO Photography HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE
Dining room Artist Kirsten Synge created this ‘Tree of Life’ wallpaper, which takes inspiration from a collage homeowner JJ brought back from Bali. Cushions covered in La DoubleJ’s ‘Domino Verde’ fabric add colour to the vintage bamboo chairs, while the table is dressed in a selection of La DoubleJ tableware. The Murano-glass chandelier is from Moioli Gallery
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hite walls don’t suit JJ Martin. Her days are spent in the fantastical patterns that characterise her brand, La DoubleJ. Californian by birth, she worked for a while as a marketing director for Calvin Klein in New York – a temple to minimalism, where her colourful vintage-style dresses were definitely out of place – before moving to Milan and, in 2015, founding her company, which has since expanded from fashion into homeware. Just like her exuberant designs, JJ likes to stand out. Boldness is in her blood. ‘I can’t stand being told “It can’t be done”,’ she says. ‘Stagnation is dominant in Italy and I stubbornly fight it because I think that everything can be changed.’ This refusal to take no for an answer came in handy when, pre-pandemic, she began searching for a new home. Ignoring agencies that said her needs were unrealistic, she found a magnificent early-20th-century apartment on a sunny, tree-lined avenue. ‘I knew this street 20 years ago and now, magically, the universe has brought me back here,’ she says. ‘We talk about chance, but in reality there is a synchronisation to the events of our life. This home has confirmed to me that I must always listen to my intuition.’ Occasionally, though, our instincts can benefit from guidance. For JJ, it was her old friend Raimondo Garau, a fine-antiques dealer, who was able to focus her imagination and stop her making hasty decorating decisions. ‘His advice was extremely helpful; it slowed me down, decreased the number of colours I had in mind and helped me visualise the dimensions of the furniture within the space,’ she explains. ‘I had clear ideas, but they had to be stitched together by an expert eye.’ Of course, much like in her clothing and jewellery collections for La DoubleJ, vintage influences feature heavily in this home. The large velvet sofas, oversized armchairs and wicker pieces in the dining area are all pre-loved. Even her kitchen, found by Raimondo, had a previous owner. There are also contributions from friends: wall lights that resemble eyes from Vincenzo De Cotiis, a vibrant green rug by Campbell-Rey and tables gifted by Molteni & C’s Giulia Molteni. ‘I am lucky to know many creatives who have offered their help,’ admits JJ. She also asked artists to add their creativity to the mix. Kirsten Synge created the wallpaper that winds around the dining room, while Jay C Lohmann is responsible for the starry sky in the meditation room. The latter is the space in which JJ practises yoga every day; a discipline she has dedicated herself to for over 25 years, but that has had a greater impact on her life more recently. ‘In the three months of lockdown, I was reborn. It was a real detox and my spirituality benefited from it,’ she says. It’s an experience that inspired her latest venture: the opening of a La DoubleJ shop in Milan’s historic fashion district where, in its basement, she hosts meditation sessions and seminars dedicated to wellbeing. From her home to her business, JJ’s intention is clear: ‘to spread joy, love and benevolence, rather than fear.’ That’s a message we can all get behind. ladoublej.com
Living room Furniture from many eras rubs shoulders in this space. The leather chairs are from the 1970s, the wooden one is a mid-century design by Carlo Ratti, and the blue ‘Cousy’ sofa is a contemporary piece by Vincent Van Duysen for Arflex. On an early-1900s Chinese rug from Rose Carpets in Milan, a coffee table picked up at the city’s Navigli flea market sits alongside a vintage ottoman reupholstered in David Hicks fabric. The shelving on the wall was bought in Bali Snug JJ’s affinity for pattern is perfectly displayed in this room, where she is pictured with her Pug, Pepper. A ‘Garden Maze’ rug by Campbell-Rey for Nordic Knots clashes delightfully with Prada’s reissue of a vintage Holliday & Brown fabric, used to cover two armchairs and an ottoman. An orange Pierre Cardin vase from the 1970s sits atop a 50s coffee table
Kitchen JJ’s friend, antiques dealer Raimondo Garau, sourced these Poliform cabinets second hand. Their burgundy colour pairs beautifully with a white Carrara-marble countertop. The bistro table is custom-made and the surrounding chairs are vintage Thonet designs, reupholstered in La DoubleJ’s ‘Domino’ fabric. The plates on the wall (opposite, bottom left) are a selection from La DoubleJ’s ‘Libellula’ range, made in collaboration with Italian porcelain experts Ancap
Entrance hall Custom-made windows by Salviati, a glassware company that La DoubleJ has collaborated with, greet people as they walk in. The rug is a vintage Tibetan design and the ottoman is covered in La DoubleJ’s ‘Slinky Rosso’ fabric. A vintage Peacock chair from the Penelope store in Milan sits at the end of the corridor (left), which also features a red ‘Olinto’ bookcase by Kazuhide Takahama for B&B Italia. The artworks are both by Paolo Nicolo Ferraguti
‘THIS HOME HAS CONFIRMED TO ME THAT I MUST ALWAYS LISTEN TO MY INTUITION’ Bathroom A true explosion of pattern, this room features a customdesigned wallpaper by La DoubleJ. The neo-gothic mirror is a piece from the 1970s and the Murano light above the bath is from the 50s Meditation room Balinese spiritual palm fronds surround a Tibetan altar, sourced from Italian antiques dealer Toni Lefons. The ceiling was painted by artist Jay C Lohmann to replicate the ceiling mosaics found in Byzantine basilicas
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Bedroom Handmade by a Milanese artisan, this bed features a headboard covered in fabric from Schumacher – the same design that features on the cushions. The bedding is from La DoubleJ and the lamp on the bedside table is the ‘Ferai Bollegheri’ by Alberto Lago for Salviati See Stockists page for details
MID- CENTURY MISSION Devoted to design from the 1950s and 1960s, the new owners of this architectural time capsule of a home are its perfect custodians Words and production JONNA KIVILAHTI Photography KRISTA KELTANEN/LIVING INSIDE
Entrance A slatted wooden wall divides this greeting area from the dining room and kitchen beyond without obstructing the view through the house. The tiled floor here is original, but the larch wooden flooring in the rest of this home is from Timberwise. The bust sculpture depicts the former lady of the house – it is one of several pieces inherited from the previous owners
Kitchen Designed by Norwegian brand Epoq, the cabinetry and island (oversized to allow the owners to cook together with friends) complements the home’s original dark-wood panelling. The bronze tap is from Tapwell Dining room Homeowner Aleksi bought this ‘Tulip’ table by Eero Saarinen via Facebook Marketplace, but new versions are available from Knoll. The wooden ‘Domus’ chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek and vintage chairs by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro come from Aleksi’s store, Gusta Design, as does the ‘A335B’ pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Artek
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here are few people who don’t have an affection for the design of the 1950s and 1960s. Not many, however, make a career out of their love for all things mid-century like 27-year-old Aleksi Siurola, the owner of Gusta Design, a vintage-furniture store in the Finnish city of Tampere. When he and his partner, Tuukka Hakkarainen, began looking for a larger home, they had no plans to explore outside of the city. It was Aleksi’s stepmother Mira who stumbled upon an unexpected new dream home in nearby Epilänharju. Designed by architect Antero Sirviö for his family in 1969, the house, which includes a swimming pool and sauna, was a true time capsule. For Aleksi, it was irresistible. ‘We are only its second owners in more than 50 years,’ he marvels, adding, ‘I fell in love at first sight.’ Tuukka was similarly smitten: ‘As an estate agent, I know that you only find hidden gems like this once in a lifetime.’ One of the things that struck the pair when they first entered was the beauty of the original wood panelling – key to this space’s mid-century modern atmosphere. It had yellowed over the years, but by sanding it back, resealing it and choosing a slightly darker colour than the original, they were able to restore it to its former glory. ‘We wanted to respect the original look of the house,’ says Aleksi, who chose to maintain the terracotta tiles on the
living room and entrance hall floors, while adding larch flooring throughout the rest of the rooms. The kitchen, by Norwegian brand Epoq, is the major addition to the space. Its sleek, wooden cabinetry complements the surroundings without attempting to appear anything other than contemporary. For the furniture, Aleksi looked to the period pieces in his own store, but there were a few big purchases that he was keen to make. ‘I used to dream of the “Tulip” table by Eero Saarinen,’ he says. Impatient and expecting to have to buy a brand-new one, he luckily spotted a secondhand original on Facebook Marketplace. ‘We jumped into the car and drove to Helsinki to pick it up straight away,’ he recalls. ‘I couldn’t think of a more perfect dining table.’ Strengthening the link between this home’s past and its future, the pair bought several pieces from the Sirviö family. The ‘Egg’ chair by Arne Jacobsen in the living room, for instance, has been sitting in the same spot since the house was built. ‘It would have been a crime to let it leave this place,’ says Aleksi. As well as inheriting this statement chair, the pair were also happy to keep many of the statues that came with the house. ‘The bust in the entrance hall is of the previous lady of the house,’ Aleksi says. We are sure she would approve of how this mid-century marvel has been made ready for the next 50 years. gustadesign.fi APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 147
‘A S AN ESTATE AGENT, I KNOW THAT YOU ONLY FIND HIDDEN GEMS LIKE THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME’
Study Situated between the bedroom and the guest room, this space is dominated by a desk made by homeowners Aleksi and Tuukka using one of the house’s old sliding doors, with an architect’s cabinet as the base. The vintage String shelf is from Gusta Design, while Aleksi found the chair by Finnish designer Ben af Schultén in Suomen Kasarmin Aarteet, in Hämeenlinna. The ‘Hand Grenade’ pendant light is an Alvar Aalto design for Artek Living room To accompany the ‘Egg’ chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Aleksi bought an Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ chair from Artek, upholstered in zebra print. The bar trolley is from Bukowskis Market and the Moroccan rug is from Nomad for Home. The Aalto stool used as a side table is a flea-market find, while the Aalto ‘A808’ floor lamp from Artek was a present from Tuukka to Aleksi
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Courtyard A vintage sun lounger is the perfect place to catch rays during the Finnish spring. The outdoor dining table is a custom-made piece created using salvaged wood flooring, while the metal chairs are the ‘Hee’ by Hee Welling for Hay. For similar pendant lights, try Tine K Home Pool Completely renovated, what once felt extravagant is now one of Aleksi and Tuukka’s favourite spaces in the house. The new floor is made of epoxy and the metal chairs are from local antiques shop Mirantik Ky
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‘WE ARE ONLY ITS SECOND OWNERS IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS. I FELL IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT’
Bathroom The twin ‘Fross’ basins by Svedbergs sit atop Ikea cabinetry in this space. The taps are from Bathlife, the tiles are from ABL-Laatat and the mirrors are the ‘Pond’ design by Ferm Living Dressing room Bathed in sunshine from the rooflight above, this functional area is lined with wardrobes from Ikea. The vintage Carl-Johan Boman chair is from the 1950s and the pendant light is the ‘Merlot’ from Markslöjd Bedroom Slats have been added to the back wall of this room, nodding to the original wooden panelling elsewhere. The bedding is from H&M Home and the ‘Golden Bell’ bedside lights are an Alvar Aalto design for Artek. See Stockists page for details
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ESCAPE T R AV E L
/ C U LT U R E / H O T E L S / R E S TA U R A N T S
Follow the SUN Enjoy your own Greek odyssey this summer with our pick of the best design-led hotels in Athens and the Cyclades islands Words KATE LOUGH
Athens Riviera
PICTURES: ALEXANDROS IOANNIDIS, ZISIMOS ZIZOS (@ZISIMOS.PHOTOGRAPHY)
NEED TO KNOW How to get there A 30-minute drive from Athens’ city centre. Find healing In the geothermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, nature’s own spa. Beach club Spend a day at Krabo, a boho beach spot that will take you through from lunch to cocktails. Wine lovers Get to know the local varieties, with an afternoon tasting local Attica grapes at Cape Sounio. Ancient history At sunset, make the hour-long drive to the Temple of Poseidon, which was built 2,500 years ago to honour the god of the sea.
The Port of Piraeus to the south of Athens is the jumping-off point for many a Hellenic holiday come the summer months. But tell your taxi to drive on and marvel as the city’s suburbs give way to a glorious stretch of coastline known as the Athens Riviera, which unfolds all the way down to Cape Sounio. A short drive brings you to Glyfada, a forested enclave surrounded by lavender fields on one side and sapphire-blue waters on the other. Nearby, in Vouliagmeni, a lake with natural healing powers rubs shoulders with all-day beach restaurants, making it a wonder that the Acropolis stands proudly just half an hour away. This year, the One&Only Aesthesis will breathe new life into the Athens Riviera when it opens in Glyfada. Made up chiefly of secluded villas with their own pools, its design draws inspiration from ancient Greek elements and the mythology of the surrounding Attica area. Its use of natural stone and timber will be offset with playful, mid-century design details and plenty of woven leather, giving it more than a whiff of more glamorous Riviera days gone by (oneandonlyresorts.com/aesthesis). Clockwise, from top The entrance of the One&Only Aesthesis hotel; one of the hotel’s villas with its own pool; a beautiful beach on the Athens Riviera
Syros For years, the handsome island of Syros has flown under the radar, unlike its Cycladic neighbours, meaning the marble streets and palazzos of its capital Ermoupoli (also known by former name Hermoupolis) have remained the playground of its year-round inhabitants. Hotel Aristide is set to change all this in 2022. Launched softly during the pandemic, the boutique hotel weaves together a love for design, art and sustainability in a 19th century neoclassical mansion. Owners (and sisters) Jasmin and Oana Aristide kept any transformation to a light touch, allowing the building’s original features to sing. Inside, marble bathrooms (a different variety of stone used in each) sit alongside jewel tones and contemporary furnishings. Its nine suites are a kaleidoscope of colour, lifted further by Tom Dixon pendant lights, Kartell Louis Ghost chairs, freestanding tubs – and, in some cases, stone-clad private plunge pools. On the roof, cocktails and Greek-grown wines are best enjoyed from the comfort of your vintage ‘Croisette’ armchair. The hotel also houses a permanent art collection with works by Igor Skaletsky and Riccardo Vecchio, as well as a gallery, which will host exhibitions by seven resident artists this year (hotelaristide.com).
Clockwise, from top Hotel Aristide’s lobby; a breathtaking view over Syros’ capital Ermoupoli; Hotel Aristide’s exterior; the bathroom in the Kapandriti suite; a plunge pool on the terrace of the Pteleos suite
NEED TO KNOW How to get there A two-hour ferry from Athens. Take a dip An early morning swim against a neoclassical backdrop at the ‘urban’ beach beneath the hotel is something to behold. Grab a coffee Part café, part art gallery, Plastico is a chic spot that bustles throughout the day. Lunch by the sea Bag a table at beachfront Iliovasilema for a modern riff on Greek food. Cocktail hour Walk up to medieval hilltop settlement Ano Syros and head for Theosis, a tiny bar serving up Cycladic-inspired cocktails. Fine dining Seafood lovers will adore Mazi, a restaurant in the bougainvillaeacovered ruins of an old Venetian pottery factory in Ermoupoli.
ESCAPE
NEED TO KNOW
Milos With lunar-esque beaches and bubbling hot springs, every inch of Milos tells the story of its volcanic birth millions of years ago. The ruins of an ancient amphitheatre – where the Venus de Milo was discovered – share land with early Christian catacombs, as well as the labyrinthine capital Plaka. It was the untouched beauty of the island that Athens native Nausika Georgiadou fell in love with ten years ago. She opened Skinopi Lodge in 2016, a secluded sanctuary for those for whom luxury means the scent of herbs and the sound of the sea. Her architects Kokkinou-Kourkoulas (who also worked on the Benaki Museum in Athens) were tasked with building in a bioclimatic way that blended with the landscape. Inspiration was taken from the syrmata – fishermen’s huts typical of the island – in the village of Skinopi. The result is a series of single-storey lodges made from local stone that epitomise indoor/outdoor living and are barely visible from the sea. Four more lodges will open this summer, with the same stripped-back interiors. Spaces use local materials and a grey and white palette to evoke a sense of the Cyclades, letting nature and Skinopi’s mesmeric west-facing views take centre stage (skinopi.com).
Clockwise, from top right One of Skinopi Lodge’s villas, a sea view from the terrace, a villa in its extraordinary setting; Medusa restaurant in Mandrakia, an interior at Skinopi Lodge; Milos from the sea
WORDS: NAME PICTURES: NAME
PICTURES: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, PETRAKIS ALEXANDROS, SKINOPI LODGE
How to get there A three-hour ferry from Athens or a one-hour, 50-minute ferry from Santorini, which has an airport with international flights. Boat day Bay hop around the island, stopping at Polyegos for its bright blue waters before anchoring for dinner at Kyma on Kimolos, Milos’ diminutive neighbour. Lunch For fresher-than-fresh octopus and squid, hit Medusa in Mandrakia — it’s so close to the sea that you can take dips between courses. Walk around The picturesque village of Tripiti at sunset, where Skinopi Lodge owner Nausika also has a beautiful B&B. Seek out The island’s geothermal springs in the sea at Adamas, Skinopi or Paliochori.
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Antiparos Low-key Antiparos, the island which enchanted Lord Byron in the 19th century and hippies in the 1970s, is becoming a firm favourite with the style set. The island’s chicest new place to stay is The Rooster, which opened in June 2021. A temple to slow living, the hotel is the passion project of Athanasia Comninos, an accidental hotelier who fell in love with Antiparos while on holiday. Over the course of several years, Comninos has shaped a holistic wellbeing retreat on the wilder west side of the island at Livadia Beach. The Rooster’s 16 standalone houses are a love letter to Antiparos – its rustic character and the charming dry-stone walls that criss-cross its open fields – and blend gracefully into the landscape. Each of the laid-back, rough-luxe dwellings has its own freshwater pool and is decorated with driftwood beds, Balinese fans, Ikat cushions and luxurious marble details. Days are spent floating from your sundeck to the restaurant for wholesome dishes (from The Rooster’s own smallholding) and the House of Healing, its spa, for a spot of relaxation and rejuvenation. Afterwards, perch at the wooden bar for sundowners, before heading to an intimate dinner in the Secret Garden (theroosterantiparos.com).
From top The Rooster hotel; boats line the waterfront on Antiparos; Taverna Klimataria; a seating area in one of the bedrooms at The Rooster; a suite garden and pool area; a communal dining table at the hotel’s smallholding
NEED TO KNOW How to get there A seven-minute boat ride from Paros, where you can connect to Athens by plane or ferry. Beach club vibes Nestled on the postcard-perfect cove of Apantima, Beach House is an all-day hangout with a Greece-focused wine list. Taverna lunch Go to Captain Pipinos for a deliciously no-frills lunch right by the water. Day trip Head to Paros for a walk around its capital Naoussa’s harbourfront and prawn skewers at Mario. Dinner in town Family-run Taverna Klimataria feels timeless with a bougainvillaeastrewn courtyard that’s lit up at night.
ESCAPE
Mykonos
NEED TO KNOW
PICTURES: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, NICK NIKOLAOU, YANNIS RIZOMARKOS, JOHNNY CHEN/UNSPLASH, UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES
How to get there A three-hour, 45-minute direct flight from London. Soak in Ancient spirituality on the next-door island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Lunch Go to Kiki’s Tavern, where everyone queues for its grilled octopus and Greek salad – no matter how famous they are. Hop over to The neighbouring island of Tinos by boat for lunch at To Thalassaki. Score an invite To Scorpios, Soho House’s beach club, for hazy rosé days that blend into mezcal margarita nights.
Clockwise, from top left One of Bill & Coo’s three new villas; a sea view at Soho Roc House; ruins on Delos island; the waterfront at Mykonos Town; outside Soho Roc House; the pool at a Bill & Coo villa
Mykonos has been seducing bright young things since the 1950s and 60s, when Jackie O and Brigitte Bardot were devotees of the windswept Cycladic isle. These days, the beautiful people still come in their droves but the island is no less lovely for being more discovered – if you know where to look. Delos casts a glow over the western coast, rugged hills give way to sweeping empty beaches and no-frills tavernas hide quietly under the shade of trees. Not far from Mykonos Town, where it’s still a joy to stop for your morning coffee and wind your way through the narrow streets, you’ll find Bill & Coo’s three new villas. Inspired by the traditional cubic architecture of the island, they have been designed by Athens-based studio Divercity to make the most of the Cyclades’ magical light. Sharp white lines, local stone and sun-bleached woods sit back to let the views of the Aegean do the talking. As well as lording it up in your private villa, you can make use of Bill & Coo’s dazzling infinity pool (by the original suites) and its adults-only coastal retreat at Agios Ioannis beach nearby. The dreamy cabanas are just the place to sleep off late nights, before feasting on mezze and kobe beef gyros at its beach bar (bill-coo-hotel.com).
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NEED TO KNOW How to get there A four-hour direct flight from London. Swim Descend the steps beneath Oia and head to the church Agios Nikolaos o Peramataris, marooned on its own island in the caldera. A sense of history Hire a guide to take you around Akrotiri, the Pompeii of the Cyclades, which was perfectly preserved by a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. Wine tasting Drink under the pergolas at Domaine Sigalas, one of the island’s venerated vineyards on the northern tip of the island near Oia. Dinner Book into Selene, one of the island’s gastronomic landmarks that’s set in an old monastery in Thira.
You might think you know Santorini, until you visit off-season. It’s a place of superlative views where whitewashed villages tumble over a magnificent caldera, violently shaped from a volcanic blast millions of years ago. But when the island shrugs off its hordes of tourists, its true self reemerges. There is wine to be tasted at its multitude of vineyards (some of the oldest in Greece), hiking trails reveal themselves and pretty medieval hilltop towns beg to be explored. The Grace Hotel has one of the best perches on the caldera, spilling down two sheer hillsides at Imerovigli, as well as the island’s largest infinity pool. The 14 accommodations (rooms, suites and a villa) are hewn out of local white stone, inspired by the traditional cave-like houses that were designed to protect Santorini’s inhabitants from the scorching sun. Walls are peppered with the black and white photography of Yiorgos Kordakis – hover over an image with the hotel’s new app, ARt by Grace, to unlock video footage narrated by Yiorgos at its location, immersing you in the raw, untold beauty of Santorini. And, new for 2022, Athens institution Varoulko Seaside will be popping up at the Grace Hotel, Michelin star in tow (aubergeresorts.com/gracehotel).
Clockwise, from top left The Grace Hotel; Agios Nikolas church; Santorini’s windmills; terraces at the Grace Hotel; the Minoan archaeological site of Akrotiri
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PICTURES: TRYFON GEORGOPOULOS, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, VESELA VACLAVIKOVA/UNSPLASH
Santorini
VOLUME 7
K ITCHENS
WELCOME… If our kitchens could talk, they could spin quite the story about these last couple of years. And there’s nothing like a newfound passion for cooking, or even a little extra time to linger over breakfast, to put all the things we love – or the things we’d love to change – in laser-sharp focus. As John Lewis’s influential yearly report put it, ‘the work-life balance has shifted towards life’. We hope this edition of ELLE Decoration Kitchens will guide you towards creating a space that enriches yours.
CONTENTS 167 N E W S The latest launches and trends to know, as well as tips from top kitchen designers. Plus, we meet Swedish innovators Superfront
186 C AT E R I N G F O R L I F E Inside four inspiring projects, from a Hackney test kitchen to a family space that’s creative with cork WORDS: CAT OLLEY PICTURE: BETH DAVIES COVER ILLUSTRATION: REIGN & HAIL, REIGNANDHAIL.COM
195 S E RV E U P S T Y L E The dinner party returns: our shoot is a celebration of beautiful tableware in all shapes and sizes
205 K I T C H E N S F O R C R E AT I V E H O M E S Ready to get started on the big revamp? Be inspired by our gallery of wow spaces
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First light Marrying a love of classic materials with modern technology, new Copenhagenbased lighting brand Mernøe is a family affair for designer and engineer Morten Mernøe and his two sons. Their first design, the suitably named ‘No. 1’ light, displays all the elegant precision you’d expect from an engineer, with its seamless shade and tapered fitting. Choose from Sipo mahogany, Douglas fir, maple and ash for the shade, teamed with solid brass or aluminum. From approx £7,570 (mernoe.com).
KITCHEN SINK DRAMA Florentine company Officine Gullo makes sinks with flair. Handcrafted in its Tuscan foundry, each is made from thicker sheets of metal than those used in mass manufacture, which are then skilfully folded and welded. Semi-recessed sink with burnished brass, from £4,368 (officinegullo.com).
SOLO SEAT
PICTURES: HENRIK BECKER NIELSEN, ALEXANDRIA HALL
If there’s a dining table nearby, you might need little more than a place to perch in the kitchen. ‘There’s a growing trend for these smaller integrated seating nooks,’ says British kitchen specialist Jack Trench. ‘They really come into their own for on-the-go coffee mornings, when you’re checking a few emails or writing the shopping list.’ Kitchens from £25,000 ( jacktrench.co.uk).
MOMENT IN THE SUN Otto Tiles has earned a loyal following for its modern geometric designs, and for good reason. The new-season range of encaustic cement tiles pays homage to well-missed holiday destinations, with shapes that speak to sunnier climes in an earthy palette of dusty pink, sand and sienna. Four new designs in zellige terracotta are total escapism. From £105 per sq m (ottotiles.co.uk). APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 167
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LOOK THE PART
C O O K S AT H O M E
There’s nothing like clunky appliances to neuter the impact of a stylish kitchen. Once a favourite of Frank Lloyd Wright, Sub Zero & Wolf has become something of a gold standard (and a chef go-to) for ovens, fridges and hightech wine storage. It has now redesigned its Wolf induction range from top to bottom, creating a sleek stainless-steel shell to better reflect the pro-quality performance. Handy ‘gourmet mode’ is the kitchen’s cruise control, with almost 50 pre-set options for different dishes. From £11,400 (subzero-wolf.co.uk).
My kitchen Zoe Adjonyoh, chef and founder of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen (zoesghanakitchen.com)
Retail eateries don’t come cooler than the Arket café, which sparked its own seasonal Scandinavian recipe book. Almost four years later, it’s been followed up by the Arket Café Cookbook, an accessible selection of vegetarian and vegan meals courtesy of head chef Martin Berg. As well as guiding readers through the building blocks of a sustainable kitchen with simple recipes (and heartier suppers), he’s included his own insight into the New Nordic food movement (£12, arket.com).
KITCHEN FURNITURE TREND
Italian brand Very Simple Kitchen’s modular metal units have near cult status, so its latest introduction in wood – brilliantly dubbed ‘Very Wooden Kitchen’ – suggests a shift towards a softer, more crafted aesthetic (2). From approx £8,695 (verysimplekitchen.com). British furniture-maker Edward Collinson has updated his freestanding piece, ‘The Broad’, with a larger work surface, integrated sink and smarter storage division in the handcrafted oak drawers (1). ‘I’m always looking to achieve a sense of lightness,’ he says. ‘Creating kitchen furniture is a way of reintroducing warmth, texture and tactility.’ Anyone who has had to leave a well-loved kitchen will spot a secondary benefit: ‘Many of our customers plan to take it with them when they move.’ From £19,490 (edwardcollinson.co.uk). 168 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
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It’s super important to me that my kitchen is organised, flexible and fun to work in. It’s also where we gather to chat and drink tea. I drink a lot of hot beverages, so I’m in and out all morning. The space is blessed with gorgeous light. The best decision I made was the service hatch, which looks through to the dining room. It’s not just about the food to me – I like to see and speak to guests while prepping and cooking. The entire atmosphere of the dining experience is what makes me feel alive in the kitchen. My favourite gadget is my Thermomix, which I use for chopping, cooking sauces, roasting spices, steaming, making doughs, grinding… even peeling. It’s like an extra pair of hands. I have about 30 knives in rotation. I’ve still got my first professional knife with my initials engraved on it, which was given to me by a good friend when Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen took off. I love it, even though it’s completely impractical for most things now. Anyone that wants to cook west African should own an Asanka pot, for its beauty and utility. It’s something like a Ghanaian pestle (or tapoli) and mortar, made of clay, which you use to grind and toast spices. They’re also traditionally used to serve food, so they’re really versatile. I own about 20.
PICTURES: SARAH CROWDER
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
NEWS
Recycled plastic plate by Weez & Merl, £38, Selfridges (selfridges.com)
Stoneware carafe and cup by Lagos del Mundo, £120, Revolution of Forms (revolutionofforms.co)
‘T1’ stacking chair by Jasper Morrison for Maruni, £817, Twentytwentyone (twentytwentyone.com)
‘Zomi’ recycled glass tumblers in ‘Amber’, £48 for four, Kalinko (kalinko.com) Large ‘Karipot’ cooking pot, £89, Tiipoi (tiipoi.com)
Refillable handwash starter pack, £47, Forgo (forgo.se)
Linen tablecloth in ‘Apple Core’, from £265, Tekla (teklafabrics.com)
Stoneware dinner plates, £59 for four, Far & Away (farandaway.co)
COOL TOOLS
Spatulas in ash, scorched ash and cherry, £15 each, Ambrose Vevers (ambrosevevers.com)
Bored of the same old kitchen kit? From artisanal makers to recycled materials and more, these considered designs will make all the difference ‘Cross Bar’ chair by Pearson Lloyd, from £209, Takt (taktcph.com)
Washing-up bowl and brush by Normann Copenhagen, £60, Skandium (skandium.com)
‘Inka’ milk jug, £26.50, Oyoy (oyoylivingdesign.co.uk)
‘Bik’ stool, £200, Common Design (commondesign.co.uk)
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IF YOU DO ONE THING… Top kitchen designers on their ultimate renovation rule
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‘Suppliers that build your kitchen to order can respond better to individual requests if you have a specific look that you’d like to achieve. If your house is from a particular period, ask your designer to show you styles that might suit it best, as many kitchen companies now offer a selection of different ranges that will work in older properties.’ Melissa Klink, creative director at Harvey Jones (harveyjones.com).
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‘Give your designer a sense of your home life. We all have habits that can be hard to break, but a new layout that functions better can encourage you to improve the way you use it. I always advise clients to consider flooring in the early stages, as it will influence materials and colours in the rest of the space.’ Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse (roundhousedesign.com)
Ledbury Studio
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‘I always love it when clients arrive at my studio armed with a moodboard. Collecting your thoughts, ideas and inspirations in one place is a fantastic starting point for planning a kitchen, and it’s a great resource to refer back to throughout the design process. A good designer will be honest with you and tell you when something won’t work.’ Charlie Smallbone, founder of Smallbone and Ledbury Studio (smallbone.co.uk; ledburystudio.com)
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‘Thinking differently pays off. I like to start by considering eye contact, exploring how to make the kitchen a friendly place by ensuring core activities can be done facing into the room, whether that’s cooking, food preparation, making a cup of tea or using a laptop. Think about how visitors can be made welcome with somewhere to perch. The kitchen should be a fun place to spend time.’ Johnny Grey, founder of Johnny Grey Studios (johnnygrey.com)
Roundhouse
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Johnny Grey Studios
PICTURES: MARY WADSWORTH
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‘It’s important to get to grips with lead times. If you opt for bespoke cabinetry, ensure you factor manufacturing time into your project. If you’re working with a kitchen provider or a designer, make sure to understand how long the design process will take, as this will need to be factored in. Appliances can depend on the availability of tradespeople. Look at all these aspects together, so you aren’t left storing items or waiting for your fitter.’ Katy Thompson, senior designer at Naked Kitchens (nakedkitchens.com)
NEWS
SEEING RED It might be best known for its playful corkscrews (you’ll find them in the pockets of sommeliers everywhere) but Italian design house Alessi has form when it comes to every corner of the kitchen. Swiss studio Big Game has added a butter dish, cake stand and kitchen roll holder in white or the brand’s signature red to its ‘Mattina’ range. Available from April (uk.alessi.com).
Porcelain and bamboo cake stand, £128
Perfect pairing
Porcelain butter dish, £48 Steel kitchen roll holder, £48
After years of collaborating on projects for customers, Neptune and Marlborough Tiles have teamed up to create the new ‘Barbury’ collection. Handmade and fired in Spain before being glazed back in Britain, each square terracotta tile is truly artisanal, with no two the same. There are five evocative shades to choose from, including ‘Shingle’, ‘Old Rose’ and ‘Saffron’. Kitchens from £30,000 (neptune.com).
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CONTRAST CURVES
Usually a clever solution for compact kitchens that don’t have space for an island, architects are calling on their instinct for form to create sculptural peninsulas that contrast with counters. Taking inspiration from Piet Mondrian and Carlo Scarpa, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen has explicitly highlighted the idea with his ‘Intersection’ kitchen for Dada (2), a nod to both the linear effect of the wood and the concept itself (from £78,000; dada-kitchens.com). Patricia Urquiola has added new finishes to her elegant ‘Salinas’ design for Boffi (3), including ‘Cosmic Black’ granite and white Carrara marble (from £50,000; boffi.com). German brand Poggenpohl’s take (1) is similarly seamless, with a generously proportioned solid wood bar softened by chamfered edges (price on application; poggenpohl.com).
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INSIDER GUIDE
PLANNING YOUR SPACE From Kitchens founders Adam Eckworth and Darren Hancock demistify the proccess
PICTURES: INDIA HOBSON/HAARKON
What’s the best way to get a clear sense of what you want? How people use and enjoy their homes is central to all good design, and we like to focus on creating opportunities for beautiful ‘everyday moments’. Do you have a good view that you want to make the most of, or would you love to have a perfect spot for that morning coffee? Maybe the most important thing for you is that there’s a sense of visual connection while cooking and chatting. Do you subscribe to the famous ‘triangle rule’, which suggests the sink, fridge and oven should be contained in a compact zone? The flow of a kitchen is crucial and, generally speaking, it’s good practice to minimise travel distances between key appliances, but we don’t follow the triangle rule religiously. Always encourage your kitchen designer to trace the steps you’d anticipate making while using the space – typically, it’ll take them from the larder and fridge to prep, cooking, dining and wash areas. Often the most important spaces are those in between. What about choosing colours and materials? A calm palette can give greater emphasis to natural light, so we don’t tend to use colour to define a kitchen design. Think about the way specific materials can serve the space – timber might work well for an area that requires warmth, like bench seating, while natural stone is a hardworking option for your preparation zone. How can a kitchen design be future-proofed? Meeting your current needs is key, but so is flexibility; it’s always worth anticipating how your requirements might change. The increase in home working will be an important factor in the kitchen of the future, so you might consider how your space could help you to keep a healthy degree of separation between your work and home life. Kitchens from £18,000 (fromkitchens.co.uk).
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C O O K S AT H O M E
My kitchen Anna Barnett, cook, blogger and host of podcast ‘The Filling’ (housesoup.co.uk)
PICTURES: CALUM MACDIARMID
Behind closed doors A call for clever home working ideas has led designers Wren Kitchens to create what they’ve coined ‘the hideaway office’. Design director Darren Watts suggests it’s as simple as adapting a pantry: ‘We add a wall-mounted desk, shelves and some warm lighting. Then all you need is a small desk chair which will fit when the doors are closed.’ Design with hideaway office, £7,096 (wrenkitchens.com).
What do I love about my kitchen? We’re in the process of moving it up to the ground floor, so currently not much! I’m most excited about the two-and-halfmetre-long island and the extra-large larder cupboard, which is a thrilling prospect. This is where we’ll spend all of our time. It was a no-brainer for us, as it will get the most gorgeous light all day long for most of the year. Starting a kitchen from scratch has been all about juggling the practical necessities with how it works ergonomically, while not compromising on the aesthetics. My ultimate indulgence has been the stone. We fell in love with an incredible grey marble with hits of peach running through it. The inevitable chips and ring marks bring a certain character and history to the space – that’s what we told ourselves last time we renovated our kitchen. Everyone should own a pasta roller. Rolling out (and eating) fresh pasta is one of life’s greatest pleasures and time well spent. I can’t help but collect glassware and ceramics. Pophams Home has an incredible range of ceramicists making the most unique pieces (pophamshome.com). Momosan Shop is another favourite for independent brands, from handcarved wooden cutlery to Japanese stoneware (momosanshop.com). The wishlist is ever-growing!
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Hardly there recessed handles are here to stay, but they can be a brilliant way to play with colour and form, too. Inspiration ranges from the subtle – see the wooden backing of Pluck’s square handle (1) in this Edinburgh home (kitchens from £15,000; pluck.co.uk) versus the pop of ‘Morston Sails’ behind ‘Blackeney Blue’ in this otherwise pared-back space (2), which features Norfolk-based Naked Kitchens’ ‘Ladbroke’ design (kitchens from £15,000; nakedkitchens.com). The solid brass backs of this design from Danish brand &Shufl (3) play beautifully with the cobalt blue and offer the subtlest glint of metallic (from approx £85 for a front; andshufl.com). APRIL 2022 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 179
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ROLLING STONE Surface specialist Caesarstone has looked to an unlikely source of inspiration for its new range of quartz surfaces: the humble pebble. Drawing on the way waves will return jagged rocks to the beach as smooth stones, its distinctive texture is designed to evoke a time-worn tactility across a palette of warm greys and neutral tones. It makes for a quietly luxurious alternative to slabs of veined stone. From £300 per sq m (caesarstone.co.uk)
C A F É C U LT U R E Want to recreate the intimate feel of a French bistro? Try British kitchen brand Devol’s new aged-brass curtain rail. ‘It’s not only the prettiest of window coverings, but a very useful method of sectioning off a room, hiding a view or creating privacy,’ says creative director Helen Parker. £80 (devolkitchens.co.uk).
French kitchen brand Schmidt has teamed up with fashion designer Christian Lacroix to produce ‘Algae Bloom Pearl’, a three-dimensional print designed to be used as a decorative panel. An intricate illustration inspired by coral, it can be integrated into any of the company’s kitchen designs, including ‘Loft’ (pictured). Kitchens from £10,000 ( home-design.schmidt).
WORDS: CAT OLLEY
Under the sea
NEWS ‘No Pattern’ units in ‘Cloudy Grey’ topped with ‘Parallels’ cabinets in ‘Ashton Grey’ Right brand founders Mick and Monica Born
I N S I D E S T O RY
SUPERFRONT What do millions of British and Swedish households have in common? It’s not a joke, but a nod to the near ubiquity of the Ikea kitchen. kitchen. ‘Sometimes an idea takes There is no shortage of customers time to mature.’ for Superfront, then. Launched by Recognising that most people married couple Monica and Mick don’t have the time or confidence to Born in 2013, the business offers approach craftspeople with their beautifully crafted yet affordable own ideas, they honed in on the fronts and countertops to fit Ikea accessibility factor and launched an units, as well as the requisite knobs, The ‘Plus’ design in ‘Grannie Pink’ e-commerce presence from the get handles and legs. ‘There are so many Right a ‘Vertical’ kitchen in ‘Desert Sand’ go. Mick puts it best: ‘If it’s not easy people with great taste that can’t enough, people won’t do it’. The afford really high-end design,’ says Monica. ‘And anyway – why should you pay more than you need to?’ concept means sustainability is built in, but the credentials are It’s a sentiment that seems to have struck a chord with a society sound too: 98% of Superfront’s products are made in Sweden, and already reckoning with throwaway culture. Superfront has gone it uses water-based lacquer and FSC-certified wood. There’s also good news if you’ve got an old kitchen. The brand from strength to strength, expanding with fronts for Ikea’s bathroom units and wardrobes, as well as launching a wood still produces fronts to fit Ikea’s discontinued ‘Faktum’ system, collection and NCS (the 1950 Natural Colour System) options last which was replaced by the ‘Metod’ the same year Superfront year. Its ‘kitchen architects’ can work with existing units, or launched. Customers immediately clocked the increase in quality, suggest tweaks to customers that arrive with a layout from Ikea’s they say – though Mick points to the increasing demand for ‘Faktum’ fronts as evidence that more people are aware of the options. planning service. Monica and Mick work together on every design. The kitchen in their own home, an old Bauhaus property in The pair’s ‘light-bulb moment’ arrived in 2011. Working as advertising creatives, they were struck by the way friends had Stockholm, is now due an upgrade. So what’s the verdict? ‘Fluted upgraded an Ikea sideboard with a new top and handles, now umber wood, in combination with some of our lighter lacquered known as a hack. ‘That’s when the penny dropped,’ explains colours,’ confirms Monica. Was the decision as harmonious as Monica. A few years earlier, she and Mick had approached their design process? ‘Oh,’ says Mick, with a smile. ‘It’s always a carpenter with designs they’d drawn after inheriting a tired Ikea a debate.’ superfront.com 182 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
WORDS: CAT OLLEY PICTURES: KARL ANDERSON, MIKAEL WIKLUND
This pioneering Swedish brand wants to double the lifespan of your Ikea kitchen
CATERING FOR LIFE Kitchens are social spaces about far more than just cooking. They’re where you share everything from dinner parties with friends to pancakes with the family. We explore four spaces arranged for maximum enjoyment
CASE STUDIES
FIONA GINNETT, designer and Hølte Studio founder
PICTURES: BETH DAVIES
Fiona collaborated with All Design Studio’s Amanda Lyon to create the kitchen for this flat in London’s Forest Hill The existing kitchen was bland and the space was cluttered. The freestanding appliances didn’t work together and there was a lack of storage. From speaking with the owners, it became clear that the open shelving didn’t suit how they wanted to use the space. They were keen to reintroduce the original French doors to create an open flow between this and the adjoining dining room. The clients have a love for bold colours and modernist design. Amanda wanted to use the two-toned blue theme to colour block between the wall and base units. An early idea included our ‘LAM’ fronts in ‘Formica Navy Blue’ and ‘Spectrum Blue’, as they provide the vibrancy and boldness she was after, but are durable as the laminate surface is hardwearing and easy to clean. Using Ikea carcasses and interior fittings, we configured a bank of tall cabinets along one wall with one of our hidden breakfast pantry cupboards to maximise storage and hide away small appliances. We decided on a quartz worktop from Caesarstone, as we wanted it to blend with the background and have a more muted stance. The quartz is also a low maintenance option; the clients didn’t want to have to put coasters down for a glass of wine or be precious with what they put on it. The bespoke brass cooker hood and brass ‘Hobson’ knobs from Swarf punctuate the room with playful bright accents. Texture and warmth are provided by the engineered timber herringbone floor; its pattern relates to the triangle ‘Rombini’ tiles from Domus on the back wall and the angled shelves of the wine rack built into the island. The latter became a centrepiece, showing off the owners’ collection of wine and Champagne, as well as a base for cooking in a more social way. The French windows create an atmospheric play of light on the brass elements and across the textured tiles of the splashback. Dinner parties here are sure to be extraordinary and, as the weather improves, access to the garden will be perfect. holte.studio; alldesignstudio.co.uk
‘Texture and warmth are provided by the timber herringbone floor’ MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Kitchen soundtrack? It’s currently ‘Make You Happy’ by Orlando Weeks. Favourite ingredient? Gochujang paste: it’s so versatile and makes everything delicious. Signature dish? Anna Jones’ beetroot orzo. I can’t recommend it enough! Tableware? A hotchpotch of French earthenware and inherited floral bone china; we don’t have anything too fancy as I wouldn’t want the pressure to not drop or scratch anything to interrupt a relaxing meal. Treasured object? A pair of 19th-century Japanese Cloisonné plates from the Meiji period, enamelled with cranes on a turquoise background. They were originally my grandmother’s and are very sentimental for me!
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Stickley lives in a Victorian maisonette in south-east London with her husband Richard, their two daughters and a goldfish called Ginger We’d longed for a new kitchen for a while, and it’s only been possible with money left to us by my lovely mum who sadly lost her life to pancreatic cancer in 2020. I had the idea to open up the wall to the lounge with a large internal window. We couldn’t afford Crittall ones, but our brilliant kitchen chap made us a wooden alternative. We used Eleven Eleven Kitchens; I loved the contrast of the plywood and Formica they used within the original 1890s space. Richard left me to the design, with one piece as a starting point: a cast-iron pestle and mortar. It informed the calming palette of the matte Formica worktops and cupboard doors: black/brown ‘Graphite’ and ‘Sno White’ to balance and brighten it up a bit. I’d always wanted a utilitarian schoolcanteen-meets-modern-vintage aesthetic. I chose 10cm squared plain white tiles with 188 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
black grout, which I found on eBay. I pined after an industrial-looking copper tap, and Bow Street Craft Co made one for me. For the sink surround, I went for ‘Compac Venecia’, which is a tutti-fruiti, terrazzostyle quartz, harking back to a design I’d created for Tate 10 years ago. The original floorboards were insulated and re-laid with reclaimed boards, then painted in Little Greene’s ‘Slaked Lime’. I found antique cast-iron table-ends from Rugged London to support the tabletop, which was made from 150-year-old floorboards arranged in a parquet design. We have to pinch ourselves every day. Not only can we see the views across London from the large internal window, but with a tap on the glass, we can take orders from those in the lounge for popcorn or cups of tea! lisastickleystudio.com
MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Favourite ingredient? Rio Mare tuna. It’s just the best for tuna toasties as it works so well with cheddar. Essential fodder for Monday lunch. Most used? Tea-making equipment. We drink endless cups of tea. I’ve never been known to decline a cup! Favourite meal? Weekend pancakes. We love them and they always remind me of mum. It’s always with dollops of Nutella for the girls; I’m sugar and lemon, and Richard, cheesy spinach. (He doesn’t sit with us for pancakes.) Tableware? For everyday, ‘Snow White’ plates by Johnson Bros that were a charityshop find. For fancy, huge bone china dinner plates I designed years ago, made by William Edwards in Stoke-on-Trent. Treasured object? Mum’s antique charger plates. They’re large in their elegant blue-and-white pattern and a daily reminder of a formidable lady who is greatly missed.
PICTURES: CLIVE SHERLOCK
LISA STICKLEY, author and illustrator
CASE STUDIES
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ANNA JONES, food writer and stylist We wanted a simple kitchen: beautiful but functional with enough personality, texture and depth that feels special, but neutral enough to suit different shoots. Plykea did the kitchen and a gorgeous run of integrated units in birch ply, so we were able to store all of our props, photography and equipment! That’s allowed it to be a very clean, open space. We did away with deep cupboards and instead went with drawers – you can see exactly what’s in there. We didn’t want to spend crazy amounts of money. The floor is a concrete-effect linoleum; it’s hard-wearing, so if someone drops something on it, it’s not the end of the world. We would have loved a Belfast sink, but we bought a sustainable composite one and more affordable bronze-effect taps. For the surfaces, we wanted something that was durable because it’s a working 190 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
kitchen, so we chose a quartz composite by Biopol. It can take any heat, sharp stuff, lemon, turmeric, and it’s got a lovely matte dapple. It’s a place where we love to shoot. For the walls, we went with Bauwerk limewash paint, selecting ‘Apple Blossom’ (a deep, fleshy pink) behind the kitchen and ‘Mykonos’ (a neutral, oat colour) on the back wall. All the lights are Tala, which give off a warm gentle glow. We’re even able to leave them on when we’re doing photography, which you can’t with a stronger light. Our space overlooks St John at Hackney Churchyard Gardens and get lots of light flooding in. It’s so nice to be in this haven and have all the original windows looking out onto the garden. Everyone says when they walk in it feels like a very calm space, and that’s the feeling we wanted to create. narrowaystudio.com; plykea.com
PICTURES: ISSY CROKER, MADE.COM
Jones shares Narroway Studio with Emily Ezekiel and Issy Croker. They worked with Plykea to design a space to test recipes and host supper clubs
CASE STUDIES
MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
‘Everyone says when they walk in it feels like a very calm space’
Kitchen soundtrack? When I’m writing recipes, I listen to Chilly Gonzales – he has two albums called ‘Solo Piano I’ and ‘Solo Piano II’. It’s thinking music because I can’t listen to words when I’m writing! Favourite ingredient? I think I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't say lemon. It just goes on everything I ever make. Emily and Issy also love lemon. Most-used utensil? A microplane, or one of those very fine, very sharp graters. They’re brilliant for things like Parmesan, but they’re also great for grating chillies, garlic and ginger. Favourite cuisine? I love South-Indian food – that combination of curry leaves, mustard seeds and coconut milk. I’m vegetarian, so a thali situation with different curries would be always be my choice. Favourite tableware? I’m a great collector of ceramics; Nom Living is fantastic and we’ve got a lot of its stuff in the studio, where things are used a bit more extensively. At home, I love Rebecca Proctor, who is a Cornish potter and Jono Smart, who makes beautiful, very refined pottery and cups.
KATHARINE ROBERTSON, business development manager A Victorian house in New Brighton on the Wirral is home to Katharine, her husband and their three sons.
‘It was important to make the most of that lovely seaside light with tall, fully glazed doors’ vinyl from The Colour Flooring Company. The shade reminds me of the sea because it’s got that blue-green feel to it. They did the drawers in the same lino – it’s nice to have that little bit of colour. The lights are Muuto’s ‘Ambit’; there was a bit of playfulness in having the blue and pink together. The splashback is actually quite distinctive because it’s cork. It’s nice to be able to pin things up on it, especially when the kids bring home their latest artistic creation! Howard and Hugh had this idea of having an ‘appliance garage’ for the toaster and the kettle. It’s a drawer that comes out and you slide it away, leaving the countertop clear. Howard had done some really good renderings, so we had a pretty good idea of what it was going to look like but, up close and personal, it’s just so beautiful. It has turned out even better than I thought. hmillerbros.co.uk
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WORDS: PHOEBE FRANGOUL
Our old galley style kitchen was a nightmare with the boys, especially when they were little. We couldn’t cook as a social activity – somebody went in and food came out! Cooking is something to do in a shared way and that informed aspects of the design, like having the island with the hob facing outwards. We worked with Howard and Hugh of H Miller Bros on the design and they’re an amazing pair. They’re trained architects, so they’ve got a good feel for how something’s going to work in real life. It’s a south-facing room, and it was important to make the most of that lovely seaside light with tall, fully glazed doors. The big, light-stained oak drawers look like they’re floating because the kickboards are quite far back; it makes it feel more spacious. The run of cabinets is finished in Farrow & Ball’s ‘School House White’ – it’s a nice, chalky finish. The round handles are hand-turned and stained a dark brown, almost black – they’re based on the volume knob on a vintage amplifier. For the floor, we went with ‘China Blue’
CASE STUDIES
MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS Kitchen soundtrack? The Mountain Goats did some amazing lockdown shows. We’ve got a projector in the kitchen and watching them felt so good when experiencing live music was a distant dream. Favourite ingredient? Hummus. What would life be without hummus? Most-used utensil? Probably my loose-leaf tea infuser. I’ve got quite a stock of black, green and white teas in the pantry cupboard. Favourite meal of the day? Breakfast. There’s something so simple and satisfying about a bowl of porridge. Treasured object? I’ve got some beautiful prints by Liverpool-based artist Sumuyya Khader – her work and outlook is really strongly rooted in the local community.
Serve up style Get dinner-party-ready with our edit of the best cookware and tableware, guaranteed to make mealtimes memorable (for all the right reasons) Styling SANDRINE PLACE Photography MARIE-PIERRE MOREL
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1 ‘Wabi’ tableware in ‘Kemuri’ by Jars, from £138 for a pack of six small plates, Lockhart (lockhart.co.uk) 2 Bottle by Hasami Porcelain, £52, Goodhood (goodhoodstore.com) 3 ‘Mira’ porcelain bottle, £160, Maison Gala (maisongala.com) 4 ‘Brut’ platter by Asterisque, £40, Folks (folks-folks.com) 5 Vintage pitcher by Accolay Pottery, £378 (including two goblets), Galerie Jag (galeriejag.com) 6 Sandstone cup by Mano Mani, £58, Brutal Ceramics (brutalceramics.com)
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Nude & neutral 1 ‘Line’ bowls by Atelier Monochrome, for similar try ‘Abbesses’ bowls, from £48 each, Canvas Home (canvashomestore.co.uk) 2 Stoneware tray with plaited edge by Mano Mani, £139, Brutal Ceramics (brutalceramics.com) 3 Large white plates, £242 for six, Marion Graux (mariongraux.com) 4 ‘Pebble’ teapot by Kinto, £45, Smallable (smallable.com) 5 Butter dish by Léa Ginac, £49, Folks (folks-folks.com) 6 ‘Dune’ pitcher by Hugo Drubay, £130, Metapoly (metapoly.fr) 7 Stoneware bottle with handle by La Manufacture de Digoin, £26, Millmakers (millmakers.com) 8 ‘Giro’ bowls by Julie Richoz, from £16 each, Trame (shop.trameparis.com) 9 ‘Moire’ glass by Atelier George, £38, Garance Cassien (garancecassien.fr) ±
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Green & glazed 1 ‘Vert d’eau’ pitcher, £57, Gaëlle le Doledec (gaelleledoledec.com) 2 Dessert plates in red sandstone by Judith Lasry, £33 each, Brutal Ceramics (brutalceramics.com) 3 Bowl by Léa Guetta, £27, Brutal Ceramics (brutalceramics.com) 4 ‘Sillon’ soup tureen, price on application, Clémence Valade (clemencevalade.cargo.site) 5 ‘Flint’ bowl by Malgorzata Bany, £218, Chiara Colombini (chiaracolombini.com) 6 Olive wood salad servers, for similar try the ‘Naturally Med’ set, £15, Season (seasoncookshop.co.uk) 7 ‘Surface’ extra-large casserole dish by Sergio Herman for Serax, £234, Makers & Merchants (makers-and-merchants.com) ±
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Speckle & shine 1 Stoneware sauce boat by Japanese craftsman Dai Shikai, for similar try small pouring dish, £19, Aerende (aerende.co.uk) 2 Cake dish by Morito Taduruhama, for similar try ‘Pistachio’ cake stand by Hot Pottery, £90, Liberty (libertylondon.com) 3 Large aluminum colander by Ottinetti,£74, Dea (thedeastore.com) 4 ‘Caractère’ oblong dish with lid in ‘Nutmeg’ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance for Revol, £167, Lockhart (lockhart.co.uk) 5 Oval casserole dish in ‘Meringue’, from £235, Le Creuset (lecreuset.co.uk) 6 Stoneware plates by Lola Moreau, £38 each, Brutal Ceramics (brutalceramics.com) 7 ‘Choc’ frying pan with yellow handle by De Buyer, £39, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk) ±
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Indigo & iridescent 1 ‘Dashi’ deep plates in ‘Coral’ by Jars, £35 each, Amara (amara.com) 2 Stoneware bowls by Morito Taduruhama, for similar try the ‘Rhoko x Kana’ bowls in ‘Seaweed Green’ by Kana London, £20 each, Rhoko (rhoko.com) 3 Bowl by Meig Céramique, for similar try ‘Layers’ bowl by Lunar Module Céramique, £142 for a set of six, Empreintes (empreintes-paris.com) 4 ‘Flow’ ceramic pitcher by Ferm Living, £55, Nordic Nest (nordicnest.com) 5 ‘Mira’ porcelain bottle, £160, Maison Gala (maisongala.com) 6 ‘Terra.Cotto’ casserole dish in ‘Anise’ by Stefania Vasques for Sambonet, £175, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk) 7 ‘Salt/Pepper’ pestle and mortar by Knutson + Ballouhey, £102, Valerie Objects (valerie-objects.com) 8 Plates by Hana Karim, from £22 each for a side plate, Smallable (smallable.com) 5
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KITCHENS
for creative homes From mastering materials to feeling confident about colour, we have all the inspiration you need to power your next big project Words CAT OLLEY
PICTURE: PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS
SEAMLESS style Beautiful materials are at their best when given space to breathe. Monolithic forms tend to maximise impact, but remember to pay close attention to transitions, too. This sleek design suggests three surfaces where there are actually five – the muted finish of the upper cupboards is the same as the splashback, while the inky floor pools out below matching metal cabinets. As well as a mineral plaster finish on the walls, floor and upper cabinets, this bespoke kitchen by Belgian interior architect Dries de Malsche features a striking red travertine island. The oxidised metal finish of the lower cabinets is by Italian artisan metalworkers De Castelli. Price on application (ontwerpbureaudries.be; decastelli.com)
In the FRAME Save for a small patch of tiles that act as insurance for spirited cooks, this finely crafted kitchen is a love letter to wood. The panelled alcove creates a sense of structure within a wider area, but it also serves a practical purpose by pushing the preparation zone into the wall and freeing up an extra foot of space in the room. Danish practice Norm Architects commissioned a local carpenter to create this oak kitchen for a project just north of Oslo. ‘Treble’ bar stools by Northern, from £251 each, Connox (connox.co.uk)
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AGED to perfection Hard-working stainless steel might be the material of choice for top chefs, but a new appreciation for aged metals is spurring specialists to speed up the natural patina process of options like brass and bronze. The antithesis of sleek or polished finishes, the look speaks to a sense of longevity, individuality and a lived-in home. Cooler tones tend to feel more contemporary, but it’s worth working out whether you prefer a weathered, oiled or oxidised effect, as each technique will produce a distinct result.
PICTURES: EINAR ASLAKSEN, CAFEINE.BE, BERTRAND FOMPEYRINE, DEREK SWALWELL
Above left Weathered-brass cabinet fronts star in this kitchen by Dutch interior designer Niels Maier. Price on application (nielsmaier.com) Above right French architecture firm Helft & Pinta opted for cabinet fronts in aged mirror and beech veneer to fit Ikea units for this Paris kitchen. Approx £10,150, Helft Pinta (helftpinta.com). ‘Rain C Fango’ tiles by Mutina, £996.50 per sq m, Casa Ceramica (casaceramica.co.uk) Right An oil finish was applied to this bespoke steel kitchen by Tom Robertson Architects. Approx £13,000 (tomrobertson.com.au). ‘Hotaru’ light by Barber Osgerby for Ozeki & Co, £345, Twentytwentyone (twentytwentyone.com). Custom dining table by Bieemele, price on application (@bieemele). For vintage wicker and pine chairs by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, try 1st Dibs (1stdibs.com)
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Using one well-loved colour in a variety of guises might sound like a simple formula, but it’s a sure-fire way to create a cohesive space that sings. The secret to this room’s success is the way the same tone is mirrored in a range of textures, from ceramic tiles to glass lights, with natural materials to balance the rich sea-green shade. Italian architect Fabio Fantolino created this laminate kitchen with copper handles for his own Turin apartment (fabiofantolino.com). For similar paint, try ‘Deep Sea Green’ by Valspar, £31 for 2.5 litres (valsparpaint.co.uk). ‘Lins’ tiles by Yonoh, £50.40 per sq m, Harmony Inspire (harmonyinspire.com). ‘Nemo’ wall lights by Fabio Fantolino for Oty Light, £288 each, Lightworks (lightworks.co.uk)
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PICTURES: FABIO FANTONLINO, MIKHAIL LOSKUTOV
COLOUR code
BLACK-out We’ve come a long way since gleaming white countertops graced every kitchen, and more of us than ever choose moody tones for depth and drama. This sophisticated space, inspired by a French brasserie, has employed a few tricks to ensure it feels more glamour than gloom: the visible grain of the wooden cabinets, the swirling green marble, the white ceiling and the subtle glint of the custom glass display cabinet.
Paris-based interior architect Elena Kornilova opted for an Eggersmann kitchen in oak veneer, approx £46,000, when renovating this Moscow apartment (elenakornilova.com; eggersmann.com). For similar verde bamboo quartzite, try Cullifords, from £335 per sq m (geraldculliford.co.uk). ‘214’ chair by Thonet, £642, Skandium (skandium.com). Custom ‘Alba’ table, price on application, Philippe Hurel (philippe-hurel.com). Alabaster pendant light by Emmanuel Levet Stenne, approx £7,320, Galerie Carole Decombe (galeriecaroledecombe.com)
This bespoke walnut kitchen by French architect and designer Pierre Yovanovitch features glass cabinet fronts from Atelier Emmanuel Barrois and a striking back panel by ceramic artist Armelle Benoit. Price on application (pierreyovanovitch.com). ‘Pilule’ glass pendants by JMW Studio, £7,050 each, The Invisible Collection (theinvisiblecollection.com). ‘Tractor’ counter stools, approx £1,070 each, Bassam Fellows (bassamfellows.com)
IRREGULAR shapes Between the obligatory cabinets, countertops and appliances, a kitchen can quickly feel like a series of blocks, but the island is a brilliant way to experiment with a sweeping curve or sharp geometry. Asymmetrical designs have a bespoke feel built in, while simple, streamlined materials will highlight interesting forms to best effect. There are a few golden rules when it comes to creating a sense of equilibrium – a group of three pendant lights hung at different heights will feel as visually balanced as a row arranged in rigid uniformity.
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CURVE appeal
PICTURES: FRANCOIS HALARD/PIERRE YOVANOVITCH, ROMAIN RICARD, BCDF STUDIO, LUC ROYMANS
More a seismic shift in the world of design and architecture than a passing trend, curved lines are dominating all manner of products and projects. It feels particularly pertinent in the kitchen, where arches and waves can soften the hard, cool materials that tend to dominate, such as glass, metal and laminate. Upper cabinets will call for bespoke carpentry, but it’s worth bearing in mind that bijou homes are often the ones that serve to benefit the most from specialist input. Above left This compact custom kitchen by Batiik Studio is elevated by polished concrete cabinetry. For similar paint, try ‘Pink 02’, £38 for 2.5 litres, Lick (lick.com). Approx £7,000 (batiik.fr) Above right Paris-based architecture practice Atelier Leymarie Gourdon teamed stained oak cabinetry with Grigio Alpi limestone worktops in this alcove. Price on application (leymariegourdon.com). Zellige tiles in ‘No15’, approx £120 per sq m, Maison Bayha (maison-bahya.com) Right Belgian interior studio Van Staeyen created architectural curves from beech veneer for the kitchen of this project in Leuven, which also features silestone worktops. Approx £3,380 (vanstaeyen.be)
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Spectacular artisanal finishes don’t tend to shine in the same way amongst clutter, so it can be worth making an extra effort to sequester as much as you can into clever storage. At first glance, this space appears more like an art gallery installation than a working kitchen, but look closer to spot the handles. The appliances have been neatly concealed within cupboards clad in a ceramic-tile landscape, which reflects light back into the room. Italian architect Massimo Adario covered cupboards in a ceramic tile display by artist Francesco Ardini to create a distinctive backdrop for a steel and marble island. Price on application (massimoadario.com; francescoardini.com)
PICTURES: STEFAN GIFTHALLER/AD FRANCE
ARTFUL disguise
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LAYER up Calls for sleek and simple kitchens are increasingly being answered with designs that eschew upper cabinets. In our view, though, there’s no such thing as too much storage. In fact, a design with a double row not only provides twice the space for kitchen essentials, thus reducing clutter on worktops, but establishes a more gentle transition between the upper cabinets and the splashback below.
PICTURES: BCDF STUDIO, YVES DURONSOY
In this white lacquer and quartzite kitchen interior architects Guillaume Steffanus and Studio Jasmin have maximised storage with a second layer of cabinets in oak. Approx £34,600 (guillaumesteffanus.com; studio-jasmin.com)
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MATERIAL world It’s been a long time since we saw the kitchen as a place of pure utility, but few treat the space with the same creative freedom that they might a living room. In reality, there are few materials that are out of bounds here, as long as they tick off some of the technical requirements. Slabs of marble might be the obvious choice for a luxe look, but what of leather, burl wood or coloured glass? This characterful kitchen, with its apricot and powder-pink hues, makes a convincing case for revisiting outdated ideas about colour, too. Leather-wrapped units, tiger-onyx countertops and bespoke lighting lend a luxurious feel to this kitchen by French interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret. Price on application (anne-sophiepailleret.com). Terracotta stool by Marie Michielssen for Serax, £220, Selfridges (selfridges.com). Custom table by Anne-Sophie Pailleret and Kiev studio Faina, price on application (faina.design)
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True BLUES
Above right Australian architecture firm Cloud Dwellers utilised two-tone laminate cabinetry and terrazzo countertops to modernise the kitchen of this suburban home. Approx £29,950 (cloud-dwellers.com.au). For similar tiles, try ‘Minokoyo’ tiles, price on application, Nagoya Mosaic Tile Co. (nagoya-mosaic.co.jp). For similar paint, try ‘Open Water’ by ELLE Decoration x Crown, £37.99 for 2.5 litres (crownpaints.co.uk) Above left Painted cabinetry lifts this wood kitchen by Pierre Yovanovitch, which features a worktop in Basaltine stone. Price on application (pierreyovanovitch.com). For similar paint, try Little Greene’s ‘Woad’, £52 for 2.5 litres (littlegreene.com). ‘Laleggera’ chair by Riccardo Blumer for Alias, £624, Twentytwentyone (twentytwentyone.com) Left German creative director Swantje Hinrichsen opted for Reform’s Basis design in a custom colour. From approx £218 for a front (reformcph.com). For coloured grout, try Topps Tiles’ ‘Matrix’ range (toppstiles.co.uk). ‘Hanging lamp’ by Muller Van Severen for Valerie Objects, from £612, Viaduct (viaduct.co.uk)
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PICTURES: STEPHEN JULLIARD, CATHY SCHUSLER, BIRGITTA WOLFGANG BJØRNVAD/ THE SISTER AGENCY
Classic navy might be a mainstay of kitchen design, but the bravest among us will be well rewarded by opting for brighter shades. Whether your reference point is sea, sky or a field of cornflowers, these uplifting mid-blues will bring out the shine in warm metallics and pop against other punchy hues. Subtleties in shade will make all the difference here, so choose blues with a grey undertone if you’re wary of committing to zingy colour. A matte finish will ensure a sleek, modern look.
Cool CONTRAST Some covet concrete for its industrial appeal, while others write it off as a one-dimensional material best suited to urban lofts and warehouse conversions. Unfairly, we say – it’s supremely hardwearing, can be used on walls or floors and makes a brilliant foil for warmer materials like wood, as evidenced by this surprisingly restful space. Well-judged details like the wooden window and door frames are key to the balance here and bring a sense of refinement to its rough-hewn tactility. Raw concrete walls bring an industrial edge to Danish brand Garde Hvalsøe’s ‘Layer’ oak kitchen in the home of architect Rasmus Bak. Price on application (gardehvalsoe.dk; baksarkitekter.dk)
STOCKISTS / &Shufl (andshufl.com) 1st Dibs (1stdibs.com)
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LUX URY LI VING For you and your home
ROBEYS ROBEYS – Borek outdoor / indoor furniture pushes the boundaries of design and innovation in order to create high-quality, craftsmanbuilt products which provide ultimate seating comfort. Shown here, part of the new 2022 collection featuring the Arden Belt Majinto High Dining chair and Dekton Peniche High Dining Table with Elena parasol. Exclusively available throughout the UK and Ireland. Email info@robeys.co.uk or visit www.robeys.co.uk to find out more.
SPRINGVALE LEATHER FURNITURE Springvale have been lovingly making their high quality 100% British made furniture for well over 30 years. Their furniture is made to last and every piece is hand crafted to your exact requirements, you choose the design, size, colour, comfort and all the extra little details which make your furniture truly unique to you. For more information about their furniture or to request a brochure please call 01706 211830 or visit springvaleleather.co.uk
DAVID STUDWELL David Studwell often uses figures that are synonymous with certain eras, in particular the swinging sixties. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Steve McQueen all crop up in his prints, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. His work has been exhibited in London and the USA. David’s work hangs in private collections worldwide and has been collected by Kate Moss, Nile Rodgers and Sheryl Crow. Title: ‘Elizabeth McGovern-Magenta’ Screen print with diamond dust. Edition of 3. 62 x 74cm. £800. (Co-signed by Elizabeth McGovern) Visit: www.davidstudwellgallery.co.uk or email david@davidstudwellgallery.co.uk
FIONA HOWARD
CARMINE LAKE Carmine Lake has just released a new collection of wallpapers with a stunning geometric that conjures the look of interlaced fretwork and raffia weaving, set against a sumptuously rich background. See their Havana range at www.carminelake.com
The environment is at the heart of all Fiona Howard wallpapers. Inspired by nature, Fiona Howard is one of the few remaining designers still creating her wallpaper patterns using the traditional method of carving lino prints by hand. ‘Paisley Fern’, seen here is inspired by Indian paisleys and botanical ferns The wallpapers are printed in the UK on papers from forests which sustainably maintain the whole forest ecosystem. For each roll of wallpaper sold a tree is planted. www.fionahoward.com
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FUSION Blend your f inishes
Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting corston.com
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HOTTER FOR LONGER Half the weight of cast iron and warm to the touch, an Albion bath has a difference you can feel
Request your brochure at: 01255 831605 albionbathco.com HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
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Furniture, Homewares & Gifts W W W. N AT U R A L B E D C O M PA N Y. C O . U K
The New Me Furniture
Upcyling Furniture with a new look Clair’s passion for buying and restoring furniture began as a small hobby, but she quickly found herself with a lot more pieces than she had space for. Giving a new lease of life to any room, her furniture and accessories are restored and finished to the highest quality using professional materials. The quirky and unique designs provide the perfect addition to any home and can be upcycled to match your own home décor style.
Visit @thenewmefurniture on Instagram & Facebook to check out the latest pieces.
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OUTDOOR FURNITURE
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NEW HANDCRAFTED STEEL FURNITURE
10% OFF QUOTE: 22ADED1 0333 400 1500 LOCAL RATE harrodhorticultural.com
Matt Jukes creates large-scale, unique works on paper of forgotten places. W: mattjukes.ink I: @mattjukes
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'$5(678',2 &20
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TREASURED /
SPACE COPENHAGEN We met studying architecture at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and this was the academy chair. It was what we sat on our entire time there – one of the faculty’s basic instruments of design. At that point, I don’t believe we thought about it much, but later we learned that it had a legacy of its own. Even though it’s a very simple piece in oak – four vertical poles and a woven paper-cord seat – it’s one of the index chairs of a whole movement. You can see its link to the ‘Y’ or ‘CH24 Wishbone’ chair by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn: it has this understated, very Scandinavian aesthetic, and shares a sense of craft, detail and composition. When you trace a movement back, you arrive at origin points: that’s what this chair represents. 226 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2022
We started designing furniture around 15 years ago, and have since worked with Fredericia, a family-owned company that shares our fascination with legacy pieces. It had two of these chairs as part of its huge archive and we were so in love that the owner gave one to us as a present. It’s still in production, but the original version has a lower seat height than ones you can buy today. You see many modern interpretations created using these same two materials – it’s a combination we understand intuitively in the North. It represents a long tradition, much older than the 20thcentury furniture movement. This might be a famous chair, but it’s very humble. We started at the academy at a young age, and it’s been on that path with us all along, silently present. spacecph.dk
INTERVIEW: CAT OLLEY PICTURE: CHRISTOFFER REGILD
Founders Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen on Børge Mogensen’s iconic ‘J39’ chair