E N V I E
I N T E R I O R D E S I G N
ENVIED J AN U AR Y
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A DECA DE OF DESIGN T H E
C O M P E N D I U M
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Y E A R S
2009 - 2019
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E N V I E
I N T E R I O R
D E S I G N
T H E
E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R
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10 YEARS… since I jumped in the deep end of life and thought taking on a solo project, whilst getting divorced, residing in a country with no family, working 2 jobs, living in London like a gypsy with psycho artists or questionable hook-ups, was smart... so it’s a magical miracle that ENVIE INTERIOR DESIGN is still going! But the fact is, it’s the one thing that kept me hopeful and secured Interiors as my future. At times, over these 10 years, I ’ve often had to put ENVIE on the backburner to focus on getting by, but I persisted in keeping the embers going, in some guise. At one of the lowest times, when I thought it would be no more, I started writing a blog dedicated to Interiors, with a personal and human point of view. This blog was where I found a voice, a space to speak about what I was passionate about, without other, more loud, more clever, more artsy, more successful, more dedicated, more anything, speaking over me. This virtual space kept the spirit of ENVIE alive and created content I still revisit for inspiration. As social media expanded, these free stages on which creatives could perform, have been essential to moulding this brand and by extension me. With no fiscal collateral to market and promote myself, the likes of another 10 year old business, Instagram, became my portfolio, diary, gallery, self -expression, self-confidence, experiment and means of showcasing myself. I believe creatives have been the ones to really benefit from this phenomenon, and though those who have risen sky high via this stage, may not be in some ’s consideration deserved or tasteful, it has also given many authentic talents, a moment to make a dream, reality! ENVIE INTERIOR DESIGN has long had online presence, from the self -built website I still manage today, to the social platforms I consider relevant to our realm. These channels proved their worth when we managed to move the business seamlessly overseas, successfully completing projects in the Middle East, over the last 3 years. ENVIED exists as our means of straddling the power of print with the ease of distribution. I chose to start the magazine as an alternative to a blog, as this world was fast becoming saturated. I also wanted the website to remain a dedicated design site, and not become a lifestyle site. Though Interiors magazines still have such a strong presence on shelves, the shift to digital is slowly occurring, as content is devoured byte by byte. That said, the magazine layout still lives! My aspiration was to create a publication where the focus was on using the photography to tell the story of interiors subjects. The subjects were also not to be too literal, but instead be born of everyday experiences. It is, in essence, a diary of inspiration we encounter, whilst working on creating interiors for everyone. WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BRING? As we embark on a new decade, mindful of how much can happen, within a world that is very much at odds with itself - questioning what were once successes, as possibly the very detriment to our existence, #plastic - how do we forecast our future? Well, I ’m very much for living in the moment, so will leave that to unravel for itself, but there are aspects to our business model and the way we design that I will be focusing on. My vision is to insist on being more involved at the earliest stage of a project, working alongside the architect or contractor from the build. To be more selective of the brands we work with and form a dedicated supplier directory, that is in line with our aesthetic and ethics. To expand from being a solo designer and welcome likeminded creatives to nurture and grow the studio. Whilst we make ready for these future endeavours, this issue is dedicated to celebrating what has been, to taking stock of the achievements from the last 10 years, of being proud of the work we have completed and clients we have been so very grateful to work with! Enjoy this first compendium, presented in lookbook format, showcasing our archive of interiors to date. I hope this will encourage new collaborations and endorse our continued resolution towards the ENVIE evolution!
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Project 1 - Kent 2009
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“Working with Pascale from ENVIE was one of the best decisions we made when re -modelling our home. It was a big project and we didn’t have an architect on board, so Pascale really had her work cut out! But she instinctively knew what we required - a simple, modern, clean backdrop with quality, quirky aspects to add interest. Her eye for detail and subtle patterns in textiles matched our aesthetic perfectly. Ten years on and the style she created for our home has barely changed, which is credit to her and the longevity of classic design style. ” Client Oakcott, Kent 2009
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C O M P E N D I U M
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P R O J E C T S
B R I T A I N BRITISH DESIGN STYLE
eclectic, elevated, eccentric, timeless, twee, tasteful Carving out a design business, already saturated by many independent creatives, was the nemesis. Interiors is a much loved passion across Britain and all the echelons, from home decorator to high end agency are well represented and competed for. Looking in to this illustrious world with a rapt desire to make our own unique mark, consumed even by envy for those within it, one day we leapt, branded and simply began. ENVIE, was thus named to represent the very duality of our approach to Interiors. To envy is to want something we don’t have, with the belief that it would make our life better. Blending in the French avoir envie - to want, and être en vie - to be alive, gave rise to a concept of creating interiors that are covetable both because they are beautiful but also for their life enhancing properties.
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Hertfordshire
: Layered texture in a warm tonal palette for a timeless cosy corner 5
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Hertfordshire
Antique pieces and vintage finds flavour an interior with character and conversation
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To take full advantage of the incredible windows in this living room, we set the sofas facing table to within the bay 8
Hertfordshire
g each other and created a seatin g area with antique games 9
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Hertfordshire
Tonal texture is paramount in our design. It creates 3-dimensionality within a space, whilst allowing the eye to absorb the feeling ahead of the colour
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Hertfordshire
: storytelling by way of accessorising, on this console filled with personal keepsakes
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Hertfordshire
: evocative vintage
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Seductive simplicity statement pieces. A large adds drama to an o 16
Hertfordshire
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can be achieved with e tattered vintage screen therwise bare room 17
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Hertfordshire
We can always be found going the extra mile to find that vintage charm Found pieces are integral to creating a sense of soul. Accessorising with pieces from the past has forever been a key dimension to an ENVIE interior
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M U S E B O A R D
Our colour palette preference is often muted and subdued for a calming atmosphere. Soft but smoky, earthy but edgy
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London
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M U S E B O A R D
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London
Nature knows best, so we often take our colour cues from her bounty
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We often describe our style as
‘beach, boho, bourgeois’
Our designs are composed from a love of classic design, which forms the foundation. This is layered with a mix of ethnic influences that are visually stimulating, from Indian, African, South Western, Arabian, Oriental and folkloric origin, for character. Finally, we create balance with the nonchalant mood of coastal serenity
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London
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P R O J E C T S
B A H R A I N BAHRAIN DESIGN STYLE
exotic, enigmatic, evolving, traditional, thoughtful, theatrical Moving to the Middle East was unplanned but greatly anticipated. It felt integral to our evolution, to live and breathe the bohemia we already embodied. We nurture the notion that experience is essential to creating authenticity. With this in mind we arrived with a view to designing with more purity. To use the opportunity to refine the brand in line with the vision we endeavour to share through our projects. Fortune favours the brave, they say. Well, we took this adventure head on and have been rewarded with projects that have connected us with the country and clients we will always hold dear.
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Reef Island, Bahrain
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M U S E B O A R D
Our approach to designing in this new setting was based on 3 ambitions : streamline for modernity : experiment with edge : accentuate with traditional
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Reef Island, Bahrain
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Reef Island, Bahrain
: layering traditional and contemporary is our speciality 31
Mixing patterns and textures creates interest for the eye. To keep the scheme light and airy we kept the drama at floor level 32
Reef Island, Bahrain
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Signature to our design the wall colour. This allo drama and avoids the ove of contrasting colour, can
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Reef Island, Bahrain
is drapery that matches ows for texture to be the erwhelming sense a wall create
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Bedrooms for any sex...
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Reef Island, Bahrain
: feminine vibes 37
: masculine mood
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Reef Island, Bahrain
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Reef Island, Bahrain
Small sentiments grouped together can create alluring moments. An authentic home cultivates a sense of simplicity and irreverence to perfection. Being playful should be a lifelong pleasure
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Creating harmony can also mean setting things off balance. We often create moments of symmetry as this brings order to a space, but to keep it from feeling contrived, it is essential to disrupt the tension
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Riffa, Bahrain
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D E S I G N
F E A T U R E
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For this space we installed a custom 5m
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Riffa, Bahrain
m wide display shelf. The formality of the grid is then softened with abstract accessor ies, belonging to the homeowner
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: custom built-in backlit shelving
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Riffa, Bahrain
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Down to the last detail. This basement escape, for adult children, also comprised of a snack station with all the goodies catered for and some sexy neon signage
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Riffa, Bahrain
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Riffa, Bahrain
: the games table area made extra with a zebra print rug
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In the mood The following project was an ideal s substantial s
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d for texture setting to embellish with subtle but urface decor
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Being based in the Middle East, this bling. We added this through soft fu such as the gold leaf effect, starburs
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Durrat, Bahrain
s beach house had to have some extra urnishings, with cushions in bold fabrics, st and beaded extravagance seen below
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: effortless elegance poised for conversation
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Durrat, Bahrain
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Durrat, Bahrain
We used ‘light’ references to the arabesque style throughout
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Incorporating custom built pieces is often deemed a luxury, but the result always defies this. The practicality of a made-to-measure item means it will wholly service the space and function as required The open plan dining area in the space had a large footprint and we wanted to create a focal point that had impact and was useful We designed a large semi-glazed cabinet to display statement dinnerware but also have hidden storage, for daily necessities close at hand
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Durrat, Bahrain
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Durrat, Bahrain
Leading off the open plan living and dining area was the newly re -purposed snug. The client requested a space that felt more formal for receiving guests, however it also opened out onto the pool, so we needed a space that looked chic but could also deal with wet patches
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We purposely avoided using a cliché ‘beach’ palette of colours. Instead we kept the hues earthy and accessorised with pieces inspired by coastal living and island life
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Durrat, Bahrain
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: botanical imagery and accessories further enhanced the organic aesthetic
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Durrat, Bahrain
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As a weekend getaway the client wanted the bedroom to feel calm and elegant. We subtly referenced the ara client requested we incorporate
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Durrat, Bahrain
abesque style in the bedframe. The surrounding furnishings are an eclectic mix of pre -owned pieces the
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: wistful voiles delicately diffuse the harsh desert sun light
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Durrat, Bahrain
boutique hotel style furnishing adds a refined comfort :
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A favourite feature we added to this room was the mirrored dividing wall, which housed the wardrobes at the back. This became a multipurpose statement that acted as vanity and reflected the wonderful views from the window opposite. Lying in bed you could now enjoy the seascape from both sides
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Durrat, Bahrain
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Durrat, Bahrain
: serene reflections
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To make a monochrome palette interesting you need to layer texture and pattern, as we did within this bachelor pad
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A’Ali, Bahrain
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The owner of this flat lived in an area of Bahrain famed for it’s pottery making. We are always keen to take influence from the local surroundings and suggested selecting a variety of the more minimalist shaped handmade pieces, to create a modernist gallery. Celebrating local tradition but with a modern perspective
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A’Ali, Bahrain
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Curated collections of the clients personal passions are given purpose by grouping in a meaningful manner
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A’Ali, Bahrain
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: gallery walls are a timeless decorative feature. An effortless way of creating a statement
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A’Ali, Bahrain
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A’Ali, Bahrain
: tonal landscaping
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Marassi, Bahrain
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In small rooms extra consideration has to be taken in the space planning. Every inch has to be purposeful without becoming cluttered Storage solutions and space enhancing design was front of mind for this project. We also needed to infuse character into this new build, and as per the client’s request, make it feel homely, but practical enough to be used as a short let prospect
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Marassi, Bahrain
: when storage is limited what is left on display must have aesthetic value
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Marassi, Bahrain
A custom built cabinet spanning the width of the room ensures extensive storage and provides a useful surface area Mounting a tv against a dark wall aids in making it less of a feature, if it can’t be hidden away Mirror surfaces are very effective in creating the illusion of more room
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: accessories should add character in their form and function. Coffee table books, candles and framed photography are some o to finish off an interior
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Marassi, Bahrain
of our favoured items
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The small footprint of this room and dark aspect required a bold suggestion to enhance the light quality. We mirrored the full wall behind the bed which give the illusion of doubling the size of the room and fully reflects the light source from the full length window 94
Marassi, Bahrain
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In contrast to the darker living area, the bedroom scheme is white and warm. We referenced a dark contrast in the bed frame but kept the remaining furniture light. The paisley patterned rug adds character and colour without overwhelming the room
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Marassi, Bahrain
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Even though the space was snug we opted to fit in large furniture for maximum practicality. Instead of two side tables we opted for one large chest to one side of the bed. The marble top of the chest provides a luxe moments and textural interest
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As a studio our aim is to create spaces of elevated reality. These are real homes and used as such, but with some extra thought to make them feel extra special Our curated eclectic nature and liveable atmosphere, is what attracts our clients to our way of designing interiors Our wow comes from choice moments of subtle drama and edgy unexpected accents, but also the discovery of being able to have a beautiful home you can actually put your feet up in We hope this compendium has sparked inspiration both to anyone new to our world and those who have been part of our story over the last 10 years. We are excited to continue our evolution and to see what new challenges, prospects and adventures we will take on in this new decade Thank you to everyone who supports this passion and work. You can continue to follow our story via the website and our Instagram page as per below www.envieinteriordesign.com Instagram: envie_interior_design Photography pages 3 to 87 - Pascale Arminjon cover and pages 88 to 91, 92, 94, 96, 99 - Sophia Middleton All Rights Reserved
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