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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY POLLY WREFORD. NEVER LEAVE BURNING CANDLES UNATTENDED
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news & shopping EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… Ur ban sophistication, bold baubles, colourful checks, the fashion home takeover, Gothic glassware, plus Linda Boronkay’s top pieces TABLE TALK Summerill & Bishop’s Seb Bishop shares his style secret for a successful family dinner THE ONES I LOVE Our editor and a host of interior designers reveal the gifts they’ll be buying for the special people in their lives THE CONVERSATION Designer Beata Heuman on the importance of nostalgic displays NEWS REPORT It’s all about re-visiting past grandeur for the new season
fabulous spaces ROOM OF THE MONTH Warm wood, soft lights and a houseplant in place of a Christmas tree NORTHWEST LONDON VILLA This double-fronted Edwardian home proves high-end design can also be family-friendly EXPERT ADVICE Tips on how to be confident with colour in your home
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STOCKHOLM APARTMENT Stylish partitions provide a lesson in broken-plan living INSIDER GUIDE How to choose dining chairs that combine aesthetics and ergonomics SOUTH LONDON FLAT Designed to make the most of the space, this small but perfectly formed pad is bursting with original touches HAARLEM TOWNHOUSE Earthy mocha tones provide the warm backdrop to mid-century and contemporary pieces in this revamped home LONDON PENTHOUSE Full of bespoke elements, this new-build apartment is a tranquil sanctuary high in the heart of the city
decorating STYLE MOMENT OF THE MONTH Broste Copenhagen’s festive rug is a year-round delight IT’S COLD OUTSIDE So warm up with festive schemes filled with rich colours and bright lights COLOUR INSIGHT Florist Nikki Tibbles explains how to make accents sing DINING: INSPIRATION GALLERY Ideas for gorgeous entertaining spaces
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PATTERN BOOK Eye-catching papers to wrap your gifts in festive style HOUSE STYLE Minnie Kemp’s storage ideas are practical and – just as important – beautiful HOW TO… DRESS YOUR HOME WITH FOLIAGE Expert tips on using flowers and greenery to create dazzling displays
design projects MAKEOVER INSPO This playful kitchen design is the perfect party-ready space RENOVATION NEWS The latest launches and expert tips for kitchens, bathrooms and projects THE LOWDOWN ON… all you need to know to build a kitchen extension MATERIAL OF THE MOMENT… Exterior glazed tiles can transform residential projects THE HOME FRONT Our new columnist, interior designer Rebecca Wakefield, has moved to a fixer-upper and is sharing her renovation journey with us every month GARDEN INSPIRATION Add a fire pit so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the colder months GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK Poppy Okotcha’s winter garden is a haven for wildlife
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smart home TECH STAR OF THE MONTH Blast out those festive tunes on Ikea’s new Symfonisk speaker INNOVATIONS Ground-breaking designs to make your home a smarter place LIVE WELL Dr Ash Ranpura’s design tricks to help you create harmonious family gatherings GREEN LIVING Eco-friendly ideas LIVE BETTER Solutions to improve your home’s air quality and help you breathe better
the lifestyle edit THE PLACE TO BE The redesigned Albatroz Hotel in Cascais, Portugal, oozes joyous glamour THE SCENE London’s Sucre restaurant serves Latin American food in a seriously luxe setting HOTEL HOT LIST Our pick of chic retreats, from an indulgent resort in Montenegro to a slice of paradise in a little-known region of Vietnam IN AND OUT Things to do at home or outside BETTER-LIVED LIFE Kit Kemp
and the rest… EDITOR’S LETTER SUBSCRIBE A special offer for Christmas
Scan the code to go to livingetc.com’s edit of the best Christmas tech gifts, with up-to-the-minute deals and the best places to get them
Pip Rich Editor @pip.rich
YO U R B E S T CHRISTMAS EVER
what i’m into this month 1
Jute rugs. Beata Heuman told me on page 46 that they’re a great leveller, and the round one I subsequently bought has brought my living room together.
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A Jonathan Adler urn just given to me by a friend. It’s so delicate and pretty.
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GOD COLOURS BAUBLE, £32, EAT PRAY PEDAL
Going back over Diana Henry’s A Bird in the Hand and trying recipes I’ve never done before. Still my favourite cookbook ever.
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The big Livingetc Christmas issue is always a cause for celebration – and this year I wanted to make it as twinkly, luxe, comforting, wonderful and, well, Christmassy, as I could. In planning meetings with the team I kept using the phrase ‘Christmas as cashmere’, which – while I’m not sure makes total sense – was because I wanted the vibe to feel as sumptuous as a good cashmere sweater, something you can feel wrapped up in – smart, warm, even enriched. That essence has translated into our decorating shoot on page 102 as a palette of deep, natural tones, plenty of foliage used in interesting ways and – as the perfect festive centrepiece – pomegranates dotted around like jewels. I’ve also taken notes from my chat with Beata Heuman on page 46 about the simplicity of just a few potted hyacinths amongst the place settings. My husband will be pleased – I don’t think he’s ever liked my signature bauble-and-pine cone-and-candle platters. It feels like there is a lot of pressure on Christmas to go right this year. After everything, we all just need to sail smoothly through a movie-perfect version of the day, where children play peacefully and the in-laws don’t criticise a thing. With that in mind, we’ve asked the brilliant neuroscientist Dr Ash Ranpura for his advice on the part design can play in helping the family to be harmonious – don’t miss his tips on page 151 – while Seb Bishop has a simple decorative suggestion for keeping the kids engaged and happy on page 34. We’ve taken the hard work out of your present buying, too, by asking five top interior designers what they think are the perfect gifts on page 39. They all have exquisite and unique taste, from Nicola Harding, Eva Sonaike and Matthew Williamson’s flair for pattern and colour to Athena Calderone’s ability to seek out beauty wherever she goes. And, yes, Jonathan Adler (bless him) really did suggest a subscription to Livingetc without being prompted by me – handy because we’re currently offering 12 months for just £35.99 over on magazinesdirect.com/xle/xm21. Now that’s a gift worth giving.
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THE NEW MOTIF
Illustrated bows are popping up everywhere, as style thinks outside the box
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI
WRAPPED UP As there’s nothing more glorious than presents topped with a bow, we were delighted to find a way to make this mood last year-long. CommonRoom’s bow cushions and ribbons wallpapers play on the idea of gift wrap, a look that feels right in the present but whose sense of fun works in the future, too. And see also Rebecca Udall’s Candy Bow Italian linen place mats – a collab with illustrator Isla Simpson and a smart addition to dinner tables all year.
Ribbons Wrap You Up wallpaper, £156 a roll; Ribbons Wrap You Up cushions, £125 each, all Susie Green (commonroom.co)
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CIT Y ROMANCE
A reignited love of metropolitan life is informing interiors’ new offerings Campbell-Rey’s Invisible Collection is a compact but grandiose range of furniture inspired by the design languages of early 20th-century Milan, Secessionist Vienna and pre-war Stockholm, with pieces defined by exaggerated forms, modular shapes and rich, tonal colourways. (campbell-rey.com)
Spending more time in our cities, we’ve all been rediscovering their charm, leading to urban sophistication being the home design look of the moment. Soho Home has launched the Back To The City collection inspired by the interiors from its ‘houses’ across the world, as Campbell-Rey’s new Invisible Collection celebrates the grandeur of Milan, Vienna and Stockholm. ‘These are cities with a rich culture of design and craftsmanship with beautiful architecture, many museums and galleries and fantastic food,’ says Duncan Campbell, co-founder of Campbell-Rey. ‘The collection is a modern reimagination of the best of 20th-century European design influenced by a deep and layered experience of our travels.’ The result is a proliferation of luxurious textures found in the salons of cities and graceful silhouettes that make us feel like we are in Rome, London or Paris, wherever our abodes may be.
ETERNAL CIT Y Rome has seen an abundance of new hotel openings this year, with the Hoxton Rome bringing a crowd of bright young things. Interiors draw inspiration from the nostalgic aesthetic of classic Italian cinema. (thehoxton.com)
URBAN GLAMOUR H O T S E AT Gallotti&Radice’s new Akiko armchair in Brick velvet brings an element of Italian charm to home offices. Price on request (gallottiradice.it)
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Soho Home’s new Back To The City collection is inspired by the locations where there are Soho Houses – taking particular reference from Soho House Hong Kong and the upcoming Soho House Rome. We love the pale hues and generous curves of the collection adding extra comfort to city life. Wyatt three-seater sofa in Sage mohair, £5,995; Ellis chair in Natural bouclé, £1,650 (sohohome.com)
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPH (ETERNAL CITY) ENNISMORE GROUP
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BONBON STRIPES
Inspired by the catwalk, this take on interiors is in fashion right now
Hanley Tube lined tile, £10.08, Balineum
Table Rocket lamp, £1,250, Kit Kemp Givenchy’s AW21 show displayed bold reds and shimmering whites
Two-Colour table, £965, Muller Van Severen for Hay
Models stormed the Elisabetta Franchi runway in peppermint stick stripes
Pillow chair, £1,667.95, Will Cooper at Ash NYC
FEATURE JO BAILEY
Bobbin mirror, from £870, Susie Atkinson
Alicia Murano jug, £129, Rebecca Udall
Cherry Red Candy Stripe napkin, £34 for two, Amuse La Bouche
Mercurised glass baubles, £36 for 12, Cox & Cox
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A candy crush runway trend in festive colours, this look proves red and white is for life – not just for Christmas
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SHIRO MUCHIRI
The versatile artist who knows just how to pick your perfect home scents Last year Kenyan-born, Italian-trained interior architect Shiro Muchiri opened SoShiro, a new experiential art, craft and design gallery based in a five-storey townhouse in Marylebone. Working closely with specialist artists and craftspeople to develop collectable furniture and accessories that have the power to communicate culture, her just-launched unisex home fragrance Desert Colours Viridescent is a rich exploration of her roots – the fragrance evokes the wild spirit, high skies, and incredible natural scenery of Kenya.
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPH (SHIRO MUCHIRI) GERARDO JACONELLI
How does scent change the feel of a home? Scent is something that registers quite graphically in my mind. It is an important reference point. I recall life experiences with scent being a huge part of my stored memories. A magical scent experience I would like to share is that of washing your face or body with wood fire-heated water – especially when out in the wild. I find it incredibly soothing. That same evocative mood can be recreated in the home by picking the right scent. What do you think are the right scents right now? When using scent around the home, it is important that it reflects the type of home environment. For example, if you live in a country house, you might want to explore earthy notes that accentuate existing smells of natural materials like wood, linen or clay. If you live in a contemporary apartment located in a bustling urban environment, then you might want to explore more relaxing and restorative scents with ingredients such as patchouli, fig and mint, all of which are known to help in calming the body rhythm. What fragrances would you suggest for Christmas? To create a festive feel, combine delicate room fragrances – light florals or citrus notes – with herbal scented candles, which would in turn complement the heart-warming smells of elaborate dishes and bakes that fill our homes during Christmastime. Which ingredients should we choose to create an uplifting home? I use frankincense, which was traditionally burnt in homes to bring about good health. It is proven to soothe the respiratory tract, slowing our breathing and evoking a sense of calm. Then patchouli, which I mentioned above and really love, is often used to ease tiredness, invigorate the body and alleviate muscle soreness. X
Shiro Muchiri, founder and creative director of SoShiro, believes that layering rich scents can build up a joyous feel within the home. Her new gender-neutral body and home fragrance, Desert Colours Viridescent, £120 for 50ml, is a mixture of earth and dry wood notes, pink pepper, botanicals and a pinch of salt, which she says helps to create an extremely uplifting atmosphere and a restorative experience.
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B O L D , B E AU T I F U L B AU B L E S
Start a new Christmas tradition with these punchy and patterned orbs 2
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FEATURE JO BAILEY
1 Modernist hand-painted bauble, £8.50, Toast 2 Green bauble with pink flowers, £12, Rockett St George 3 Rainbow spiral bauble, £6, Sass & Belle 4 Twisting Stripe bauble, £10, The Conran Shop 5 Hand-painted tree decoration, £41, Les Ottomans at Amara 6 God Colours bauble, £32, Eat Pray Pedal 7 Green Brushwork bauble, £25, Reiko Kaneko 8 Brush Stroke bauble, £19, Holmegaard at Nordic Nest 9 Mia ornament, £28 for a set of three, Att Pynta
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THE FESTIVE CHECK
The popular print that just keeps giving, this time with a celebratory makeover
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPHS (NATURAL PAIRING) DAVID PARMITER
We all love the check, so it’s only natural it should be updated for the festive season in eye-catching colours, fresh seasonal pairings and added gloss
N AT U R A L PA I R I N G Not technically a Christmas item, but we love pieces that can be reworked all year round. Tate & Darby’s new chequered jute runner in pink and red, far left, or pink and green, left, ticks all our boxes with its natural texture and contemporary take on festive, jovial style. Chequered jute runner, from £210 (tateanddarby.com)
DECK THE HALLS …with glossy chequered baubles. Colourful east London homeware store WA Green’s Fantasy Christmas collection of tree decorations includes these glorious oversized glass baubles, each hand-painted in a covetable array of bright hues. Bauble set of 4, from £49 (wagreen.co.uk)
COLOU R - P OP G ING HAM A wonderful alternative to the usual table schemes, Designers Guild’s Saliya collection of table linens in woven gingham and colour-popping fuchsia set a merry scene for informal gatherings. Napkins and runners are finished with smart black hemmed edges and place mats with delicate fringing. Saliya linens in Fuchsia, from £40 for a set of four place mats (designersguild.com)
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T H E FA S H I O N H O M E TA K E OV E R
As luxury brands continue to explore interiors, our abodes just got a lot chicer
T O P TA B L E Last November saw Net-a-Porter launch a line of home accessories from the best names in fashion. The site has just expanded with a huge tableware category from brands like Anissa Kermiche, Vanderohe Curio, JW Anderson, Laetitia Rouget, The Elder Statesman, Anya Hindmarch and Khaite. We are all for this focus on long-term investments, sure to leave a lasting impression at every dinner party. The collection includes fine ceramics, crystal glasses and more unique pieces from coveted brands like Milanese lifestyle label La DoubleJ, which bring joy to tables with playful motifs, scalloped place mats and bright drinkware. Gold-plated porcelain dessert plates, £220 for a set of six, La DoubleJ at Net-a-Porter (net-a-porter.com)
TRUE INDULGENCE Matchesfashion launched its homeware collection in 2018 with playful pieces and has continued to delight with offerings like this blanket by Gabriela Hearst, featuring winsome embroideries and patterns in pink, yellow and teal. Alec patchwork cashmere blanket, £6,190, Gabriela Hearst (matchesfashion.com)
Browns has been at the forefront of fashion history, having been credited for discovered designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Hussein Chalayan, and has recently relaunched in a glorious new destination building in Mayfair. The company has slowly been expanding its home collection, championing unique pieces like this stunning leather Pansy tray from Spanish brand Loewe, which features floral artwork by Joe Brainard. Purple and yellow pansy tray, £395, Loewe (brownsfashion.com)
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FEATURE ROHINI WAHI
TRAILBLAZING
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M O D E R N W R E AT H S
Make an entrance with metallic gleams, feathers and sparkle
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FEATURE JO BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHH (9) JONATHAN BUCKLEY, SARAHRAVEN.COM
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1 Mercuried bauble wreath, £125, Cox & Cox 2 Golden floral wreath, £87, Curated Living 3 Iron wreath, £19.95, Graham and Green 4 Feather wreath, £45, The White Company 5 Metal olive wreath, £18.50, RE 6 Antique copper wreath, £54, Spicer & Wood 7 Braided stoneware wreath, £52, Rose & Grey 8 Antique brass berry ring wreath, £42.50, Heavenly Homes & Gardens 9 Holly wreath vintage, £39.95, Sarah Raven
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GOTHIC G L A S S WA R E
The new darkly glamorous collections set to shake up cocktail hour PA I N T I T B L AC K Waterford’s iconic Lismore pattern takes a bold direction this season in a new black hue. A rich opaque colour infuses drama into the Lismore whisky goblets, emphasising the deep cuts in the crystal and the stunning silhouette. Lismore goblets, £190 for a pair (waterford.com)
S M O K E S TAC K Tom Dixon has added an array of cocktail glasses to his alchemical collection of Puck glassware. Each cocktail, highball, coupe and flute glass is anchored by a thick base inspired by forms of geometry, such as cylinders, cones and spheres, and made of mouth-blown glass with a hint of smoke colour. We love their resilience as well as delicacy. Puck cocktailware, from £65 (tomdixon.net)
There’s nothing like a twist on tradition to elevate drinks on wintry evenings. Nkuku’s Abeeko glassware collection uses recycled glass to create etched detail goblets in classic silhouettes, which is then updated in a mesmerising smoke grey finish. Abeeko wine glasses, £44.50 for a set of four (nkuku.com)
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SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE OUR ONLINE EDIT OF THE BEST OF EVERY TYPE OF GLASSWARE TO BUY NOW
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI
NEW ROMANCE
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HER EDITED CHOICE
Our columnist Linda Boronkay on the pieces catching her eye this month 1 3
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1 NEW LEAF The vegetal-inspired design diffuses light in a muted way, perfect for these cold, dark winter evenings. The Little Carambole light, £272, Maison Flaneur
2 EVERGREEN Now this is my type of wreath… neutral, whimsical, elegant and not too obviously ‘Christmassy’. White wreath, from £70, Your London Florist
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3 B AG S O F S T Y L E The golden chain straps of this leather bag can be detached and worn as a necklace or bracelet. It would make an amazing Christmas gift! The Tale of the Fazzoletto bag, £425, Alighieri
4 HANG COOL Made using brass and reclaimed ash and sycamore, this modern mobile is sculptural and sustainable. Form mobile by Corrie Williamson, £265, Toast
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5 TA K E A S E AT This looks not only luxurious and artistic but inviting and tactile. I am obsessed with it, especially how sumptuous its curves are. The Roll Top chair, £7,120, Sedilia
6 H E AV E N S C E N T The smell of incense immediately relaxes me, so finding a set like this that is also so beautiful is the best of both worlds. It’s a perfect little stocking filler. Hako Incense White Winter set, $24, Poj Studio
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table talk ’Tis the season for gathering round – and as Seb Bishop launches a cool new collab, he thinks he holds the style secret to making family feasts go well
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PHOTOGRAPHY Nicole Hains WORDS Fiona McCarthy
The beautiful S&B x Claridge’s tablecloth design in Sage Green
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hat if the secret to the success of a family dinner actually lay not in the food, or even in how teenage hormones were behaving that day, but in the very fabric of the occasion? As in the tablecloth itself – more than just a decorative piece, but elevated to the saviour of harmony in the home? That’s the theory of Seb Bishop, whose brand Summerill & Bishop has been elevating table linens to art forms since it was co-founded by his mother in 1984. When he took over the reins in 2014, his aim was to keep to the brand’s original spirit of chic Provençal pieces, while adding a vibrant, contemporary twist of bright, resonating colours. One of his first designs, inspired by an illustration of a little flower he found in his mother’s old cookbook after her passing, saw him trailing the falling flower all the way around the edges of a tablecloth, sending it cascading over the edge. When he laid his table with it at home – ‘so that Mum still had a seat at the table, if just in spirit,’ he says – he immediately noticed how it changed his then young family’s dynamic. His kids Max and Skye ‘were far more engaged and spent more time with us at the table when it was laid properly’. And there you have the year’s best hack, a considered push towards conviviality essential for when we all need this Christmas to go well.
La Colombe d’Or tablecloth, adorned with the famous St Paul de Vence art-filled restaurant’s menu, inspired by Seb’s memories of going there as a kid. The latest tablecloth and napkin chequerboard design, perfect for bringing festive sparkle to the table, has been created in collaboration with prestigious Mayfair hotel Claridge’s. Designed in ode to ‘sweeping across the iconic Art Deco lobby floor on his way to Sunday lunches with his family’, the smart black and white design is complemented with softer versions of sage green and powder blue. ‘They look as stunning inside or out, in an old farmhouse or a modern Scandi setting,’ Seb says. Adding to the tablecloth designs is an ever-increasing proliferation of handcrafted glassware and accessories made by artisans sought out from around the world, ‘all designed to encourage people to communicate at the table,’ Seb says. Also in the mix are plates, bowls and incense holders by Astier de Villatte, as well as fun pieces like a handblown glass cake stand supported by a flamingo.
Seb Bishop celebrates wit and bright colour with (from top) Summerill & Bishop’s Cat and Fish jug, Bumba jug and the Flamingo cake stand
At once, Seb wondered not only if he could make ‘tablecloths cool, edgy and distinctively design-led again’ but also change the way people eat. ‘I realised that when the table is laid more beautifully, people spend more time at the table and they slow down,’ he enthuses.
Collaborations with the likes of jeweller Carolina Bucci, chef Skye Gyngell, fashion brand Shrimps and designer Luke Edward Hall soon followed, ‘helping to make us look at things differently,’ explains Seb. Each new design ‘comes from the heart’ – there is a personal or family connection to most of them, like the
Seb created a set of six ‘mood tumblers’, adorned with naïve emoji faces to encourage his kids to talk about their day, and the popular rainbow tablecloth was designed at his daughter’s request (long before the rainbow became the pandemic’s emblem). All reflect a design aesthetic ‘both linked to the psychology of what happens at the table, as well as making sure that it looks beautiful enough to keep people there for longer’. After all, Seb argues, the power of a tablecloth can ‘transform even the most boring room’. His own rule of thumb for approving a new design is that it could be as easily hung on the wall as a work of art, and the infusion of rainbow hues throughout the collection reflects ‘a growing love for all of us being braver at home with colour,’ he says. X
The new S&B x Claridge’s collection – napkins from £29; tablecloths from £355 – is available now from summerillandbishop.com and claridges.co.uk
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For our big Christmas gift edit we asked interior designers and our editor to suggest their top presents for their favourite people
the ones i love
Nicola Harding
Dog basket, £155, The Basket Room
INTE RIOR DESIG NE R
Nador cushion, price on request, Vanderhurd
Kasa round marble board, £42.50, Nkuku
Stripe linen napkin, £25, Summerill & Bishop
Shell wall plate, £85, Hadeda
Tomato Red Stripe lampshade, £85, Rosi de Ruig
Jahi brass candlesticks, from £18.50 each, Nkuku Collage series 16 by Joseph Goody, £525, C&B Curates
Arcade cushion, £84, Barneby Gates
Romanian swirl bowl, £22.50, Toast
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Athena Calderone
Bloom ceramic sculptural candleholders by Common Body, £61.50 each, Claude Home
INTE RIOR DESIG NE R AND AUTHOR Marinated olive oil, £11.50, Gjusta
Travertine coasters by Acorn Hill Collective, £23.27, Etsy
Osaka bowl, £13, Jayson Home
Coco silk satin pyjama set by Olivia von Halle, £445, Net-a-Porter
Cassette bag by Bottega Veneta, £1,565, Mytheresa
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone (£18.99, Abrams)
Taper candles, £12.30 for 2, The Floral Society
Leather ankle boots by The Row, £1,290, Mytheresa Clay sculpture by Evamarie PappasOglander, £500, Claude Home
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Matthew Williamson
Every Room Should Sing by Beata Heuman (£45, Rizzoli)
INTE RIOR DESIG NE R
National Trust membership, from £6 per month, National Trust
Jukes 8 alcohol-free cordial in a box by Matthew Williamson, £38 for nine bottles, jukescordialities.com Phileas rechargeable table lamp by Matthew Williamson, £98, Pooky
La Palma Tranquila artwork, €129, Enkel Art Studio
PHOTOGRAPH (MATTHEW WILLIAMSON) SARA SAVAGE
Berry robe, €150, OAS
Scorpio: Harness the Power of the Zodiac by Stella Andromeda (£8.99, Hardie Grant) Handmade leather lampshade, €179.95, Anna + Nina
Agua de Jardin candle by Boy Smells, £45, Space NK
Gift voucher, Petersham Nurseries
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Eva Sonaike Breakfast Express trio, £17.50 each, Reiko Kaneko
INTE RIOR DESIG NE R
Poster, £12, The Cornrow
Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses by Dominic Bradbury (£100, Phaidon)
Reversible silk pocket square by Brunello Cucinelli, €195, Mr Porter
Oeno Connoisseur Box 1, €660, L’Atelier du Vin
Asa pouffe in Indigo, £399, Eva Sonaike
Full Moon earrings, £250, Rokus
Signature blend body oil, from £34, Earth from Earth
Royal Check tea kettle by MacKenzieChilds, £175, Amara
Hardwood chess set, £70, Farrar & Tanner
Pip Rich
Rope basket, £69, La Basketry
LIVING ETC’ S E DITOR
Strand air freshener, £12, Earl of East
Terry towelling polo shirt, €75, Aurélien
Stack candles, from £15 each, Yod and Co
Large jewellery box, £195, Ettinger
Hamden cake stand, £55, Hunter & Co
Enamel frying pan, £27.99, Sous Chef
Palmer sunglasses, £105, Bailey Nelson
Lucy linen place mat, £104 for four, Rebecca Udall
Hot and Sharp spice collection, £15, Ottolenghi
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Jonathan Adler
Hunter’s tote, from £38.44, LL Bean
Macho Macho mug, £32, Jonathan Adler
INTE RIOR DESIG NE R
Reading glasses, £30, Izipizi
Le Creuset deep oven dish, from £32, John Lewis & Partners
Vice Lust candle, £78, Jonathan Adler
Plissé kettle, from £80, Alessi
Livingetc subscription, £35.99 for 12 issues, magazinesdirect.com/xle/xm21
Bloomingdale’s Book of Home Decorating, around £25, Selected Works Shop at Etsy
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Sock subscription, £180, Paul Smith
Blissful bath & shower gel, £30 for 500ml, Cowshed
the conversation This month, designer Beata Heuman and our editor Pip Rich talk new muted palettes, Christmas tablescapes and why old objects aren’t junk
h
aving spearheaded the modern decorative style so many of us have embraced, designer Beata Heuman published her first book, Every Room Should Sing (Rizzoli) earlier this year. As well as running a successful interior design studio she has her own shop, selling furniture, lighting and accessories, and has just launched her own fabric. PIP RICH The last time I saw you was the weekend before the pandemic hit. I remember we hugged and a colleague said she wasn’t doing it because of this new virus we were vaguely hearing about. Unbelievable! How have you been? BEATA HEUMAN I remember! Since then it’s just been working non-stop – I’ve been managing the studio and the shop and finishing the book and promoting it. We’ve just been in Sweden for six weeks, working on a summer house on my dad’s farm, doing it up. PR I’ve been refurbing, too, and your book has resonated with me, particularly about how to display long-treasured items. What from the book has resonated most with the readers? BH There’s a Diana Vreeland quote I used in it that says ‘A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.’ And people have been tagging me in that a lot online. It gives you permission, I think, to be nostalgic, sentimental and to display pieces that make you feel something. For this project, I’ve been finding all sorts of things in my father’s attic and giving them new life. PR One of my most cringe-worthy memories is when I referred to your ability to make ‘junk’ feel special, and you – quite rightly – told me the stuff you use in your projects isn’t junk! I am still so embarrassed about that, but what I meant was the old dusty heirlooms that others might overlook, you are able to bring the beauty out of. How do you do that? BH I was only teasing you that time! You just have to be confident and only buy things from antique markets or auction sites if you really, really like them. When trawling
eBay, you have to be focused about what you’re looking for. PR I’m always trawling for travertine. What are you into? BH I’m actually moving away from some of the stronger shades I’ve been associated with. I now love a lot of soft yellows, ivories and cool blues. I never used to like green and red together, thinking it looked too Christmassy, but now I’m finding it to feel quite earthy. I like Bronze Red and Lemon Tree from Little Greene, combined with Strong White and Stone Blue from Farrow & Ball. PR So can I assume red and green will feature for you this Christmas? I want the vibe this year to be comforting but luxe, lots of natural and soft textures. BH I like that. It’s not about extravagant tablescapes, but mixing vintage pieces into new. The best festive tables are really simple – go for white candles, white napkins and scented food like Swedish cinnamon buns. Also, plant white hyacinths in simple bowls three weeks before Christmas and you’ll be able to dot them amongst the settings as they flower on the big day. PR That sounds so charming. I wanted to talk to you about chequerboard floors, too, something I really associate with you. Do you still like them? BH Yes, they’re such a classic thing in Sweden. I’ve done two in this summer house, one that is red and off-white lino in the kitchen, and grey and brown stone in the bathroom. But for an easier flourish, rugs are useful - I find jute pulls everything together, grounding the stronger colours. PR Speaking of flourishes, I still love your bow handles. BH Good handles really elevate joinery, and as they’re the thing you interact with most in your kitchen, you want something that is nice every time you touch them. You can mix our bows with any of the others in the collection, and they’re my answer to not wanting joinery to be too expensive. A house should really be full of small things that give it a lift.
Be nostalgic
and display things that make you feel something
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Beata Heuman’s book, Every Room Should Sing (Rizzoli), is out now; shop her collection at shoppa.beataheuman.com
Lemon Tree intelligent emulsion, Little Greene
Red and green sit together in Beata’s own living room
Snowdrop Rise and Fall light, £1,620, Shoppa by Beata Heuman
Coin handles, £30 each, Shoppa by Beata Heuman
Beata is drawn to cool blues when paired with ivories and yellows
Beata Heuman
“The best festive tables are simple – it’s not about extravagant tablescapes, but mixing vintage pieces into new”
PHOTOGRAPHS (LIVING ROOM) SIMON BROWN; (BATHROOM, PORTRAIT AND LOUNGE, TOP LEFT) SIMON UPTON
Bow handles, £54 each, Shoppa by Beata Heuman
Bronze Red intelligent emulsion, Little Greene; Stone Blue modern matt emulsion, Farrow & Ball
Beata has a new love for cool blues
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news report Did someone say decadence? As the new season delights in the grandeur of the past, we take notes on how to be ‘extra’ in our own homes
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPH (VIKTOR & ROLF) MARIJKE AERDEN
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FROM TOP Pisces rug (1.83x1.22m), from £2,791, Martin Brudnizki for The Rug Company; The Booking Office 1869 illustration by Hugo Toro; Viktor & Rolf haute couture collection AW21
here was a moment, recently, when the collective mood in design suddenly changed. Back in our June issue, Jonathan Adler forecast a return to the roaring 20s, a new dawn of hedonism, a moment where, he thought, design was going to come and uplift us all exactly as we needed it most. And, just as he foretold it, Viktor & Rolf’s AW21 haute couture show glided us into a winter of glamour and indulgence, in a presentation which, ever since, has been setting our home design intentions for the season. The fashion house’s ‘New Royals’ collection was revealed in Paris at the Chapelle Expiatoire, a neoclassical chapel built on the grounds where Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette were buried. As the models sailed through the gilded halls wearing exaggerated forms and oversized accessories adorned with Swarovski crystals, their bright sashes uttered irreverent phrases. ‘Don’t be a drag, just be a queen’ and ‘A royal pain in the ass’. The collection gave us gleeful licence to create visual drama in our own homes , taking inspiration from its pastel colour palettes, set design and ornate details. Let’s layer up medieval-style brocades by the likes of Schumacher, glamorous faux fur throws and colour-contrast frilled pillows emblazoned with bold phrases from House of Hackney. Grandeur was in full effect at Milan Design Week this autumn, too. Dior Maison collaborated with 17 artists to reinterpret the house’s signature Medallion chair, turning to an impressive roster which included Dimorestudio, Pierre Yovanovitch and India Mahdavi. Exhibit visitors were delighted with their far-flung takes on the traditional furniture piece – artist Joy de Rohan Chabot’s chair set hearts fluttering with a particularly fairytale-like interpretation of the form. Delicate steel and gold leaf foliage blossomed inside the chair’s outline to create a backrest and a seat – a luxurious tribute to Christian Dior’s lifelong passion for flowers. Elsewhere in the city we marvelled at Wall & Deco’s clever installation of its new trompe l’oeil wallpapers in the Diesel Living’s showroom. The brand layered vast strips of multiple designs across high walls, each one ripped to show another paper behind it as though unearthing years of history underneath. It was a decadent take on design – why choose just one print when you can layer up several? What this irreverence shows is that modern grandeur isn’t about following the rules, but actively breaking them – as long as you do so
“This return to grandeur is refined and luxurious yet allows for mixing different period pieces” livingetc.com
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with panache. ‘This return to grandeur is refined and luxurious yet comfortable and allows for mixing different period pieces while connecting the schemes through unified colour palettes,’ explains Marisa Gutmacher, executive design director at Samuel & Sons. The brand’s new Margaux collection of passementerie seeks inspiration from the ornamentation of 18th-century French chateaux using intricate detailing and sophisticated handwork but updating them in a selection of both deeply saturated and subtle hues that feel at once modern and comfortingly – grandly – historic. You can apply this mood anywhere in your home. Martin Brudnizki has encapsulated it with his new collection for The Rug Company. Using Brighton Pavilion as its launch stage, the five rugs in his ‘New Romantics’ collaboration are inspired by architectural grandeur, the dazzle of animal print and the beauty of free-flowing expression. Designs like Folly feature speckles of leopard print highlighted by the lustre of silk, while characterised by its aquatic nature, Pisces presents an ornamental fishtail border. The opulent Ruffle Rouge and Ruffle Sage feature a calligraphic looping border crafted in a duet of harmonious tones. And in case you thought your bathroom couldn’t become a ballroom, take a look at LondonArt’s collection of wall murals with smart finishes that can be applied to environments that require frequent cleaning and wet areas like inside showers and even external walls. The Tassels wallpaper by Italian architect Bruno Tarsia speaks of swishing velvet drapes in palaces gone by, while for a smaller nod to the trend, even your desk can become decadent – see Gucci’s new notebooks and pencil cases lined in toile de Jouy canvas. Of course, par t of a life of wonder involves going out, too, and there are some exciting new venues to inspire our illusions of grandeur. Just-opened bar and restaurant Booking Office 1869 in the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a reimagining of the station’s 19th-century ticket hall. The space is designed to replicate a Victorian-style winter garden featuring eight-metre tall palm trees and enormous pendant lights each made up of more than 200 brass leaves and a 22-metre-long bar, which surrounds the beautiful original ticket office. Take notes on how to re-create a winter garden in your own home, sure to become next year’s trend. Meet you all there for a spiced rum?
“Even your desk can be decadent with Gucci’s new notebooks lined in toile de Jouy canvas” 50
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FROM TOP Gucci Cartoleria store in Milan; Tassels mural by Bruno Tarsia, LondonArt; Dimorestudio’s Dior Medallion chair for Salone del Mobile 2021; Wall & Deco wallpapers at Diesel Living’s Milan showroom
FEATURE RACHEL CHRISTIE PHOTOGRAPH SOHO HOME
Murcell oval dining table; Edwin dining chairs; Matilda chandelier; Arielle Entryway mirror; Rajasthan rug; Hansen candleholders, set of two; Ivory dinner candles, set of 12; White & Gray marble cellar set with teak spoons; Pembroke white wine glasses, set of four; Pembroke water glasses, set of four, all Soho Home
fabulous spaces E AC H M O N T H W E C H O O S E O N E R O O M TO G E T YO U I N T H E H O U S E S M O O D
Dust off the glassware and dig out the candlesticks; Christmas is coming and tables are being set for a feast. The beauty of this banquet lies in its understated festivity – warmth coming from the lighting and the richness of the woods, while a giant houseplant irreverently replaces the tree livingetc.com
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making merry With warm tones and warmer vibes, Shaun and Brooke’s fabulous home is based on the knowledge that conviviality is for life, not just for Christmas
PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Wadsworth X
WORDS AND ART DIRECTION Mary Weaver STYLING Ali Lovett
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houses SNUG ‘I can sit here for hours,’ says Shaun. ‘It’s ideal for de-stressing.’ Walls in Brinjal, Farrow & Ball. Jagger armchairs, Andrew Martin. Trave lamp, Bert Frank. Art photography, Guy Lowndes. Brass cocktail shaker and glasses, Ella James. Christmas tree, Balsam Hill. Baubles, Heavenly Homes & Gardens. Gift wrap, Katie Leamon. Vintage marble coffee tables from L’Atelier 55. Tea light (on fireplace) John Lewis & Partners
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hristmas craziness reigns every year in our house,’ says Shaun Simons, who shares his colourful and characterful Edwardian home with wife Brooke, a make-up artist, son Jack, eight, and daughter Jess, five. He grew up in the northwest London neighbourhood and friends and family, all within a five-minute drive, turn up around 11am to kick off the festivities with drinks, followed by a traditional turkey roast at 1pm. ‘Then we go for a long walk in the adjacent park (one of the reasons for buying the house) with dogs in tow – usually as many dogs as people,’ he laughs. Shaun and Brooke operate an open-house policy pretty much all the time, which is why they installed a ‘Viking-size’ dining table and plenty of chilled seating in the adjoining living room. They bought the house eight years ago after falling in love with its character – panelling, stained glass, mosaic hall tiles and no less than 12 fireplaces. After an initial quick renovation they decided three years ago it needed some serious TLC and Shaun tracked down a friend he had known since they were 13 – Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan. ‘We hadn’t seen each other since we were 18 but
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I’d been following her on Instagram and loved her bold, individual decorating style, so I got in touch and the rest is history,’ says Shaun, who works in commercial property. He had in mind swapping the old conservatory for a new glass extension next to the kitchen and a mini decorating job for Tiffany. ‘I told her I wanted to just jazz up the place a bit, but somehow that didn’t happen,’ he says, ‘and the project snowballed into a major makeover.’ He gave Tiffany just three items on his mood board – a Togo sofa, a terrazzo floor tile and a brown kitchen cupboard. ‘She took inspiration from the mosaic hall tiles and the large original stained-glass window on the landing, plus my mood board, and created the whole concept. She pushed us right out of our comfort zone – with dark purple in the snug, pink tweedy curtains in the bedroom and Anaglypta in the hall, all things we thought we hated but now totally love,’ he grins. Tiffany’s original scheme is very much how the house has ended up and the project has led to the teenage friendship being reinstated. Of the couple, Shaun was the main driving force, project managing throughout lockdown, securing tonnes of
steel for the extension and tracking down plaster when the builders ran out. ‘I’m wildly opinionated and very into detail, so it made sense,’ he says, ‘whereas Brooke is pretty chilled.’ She was happy with most of his design decisions, but initially hated the terrazzo flooring that runs throughout the kitchen, dining area and living room. ‘The trade off was that I compromised on the kitchen,’ he says, ‘and agreed to Brooke’s choice of pink for the cabinets, rather than the sage green I wanted – but now I love it as it’s more unexpected.’ And luckily Brooke has grown to love the terrazzo too. Previously the living room and the snug were one big, long space but it was Tiffany’s idea to make them into two separate areas. ‘The proportions are so much better now and the snug – with its gentleman’s club vibe – is my favourite room in the house,’ says Shaun. ‘My main criteria was to create a home that looked beautiful but was really homely too,’ he says. On the first night back in the house after the project was completed he sat in every chair, simply taking it all in. ‘I thought, “this just looks epic”.’ X
studioduggan.com
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home profile THE OWNERS Commercial property broker Shaun Simons, his wife Brooke, a make-up artist, son Jack, eight, daughter Jess, five, and their cocker spaniel, King.
THE PROPERTY A three-storey, double-fronted, detached Edwardian house in northwest London. On the ground floor is a living room, kitchen, snug, playroom and a WC. Upstairs on the first floor is the main bedroom and bathroom, a dressing room, two children’s rooms, a family bathroom and a laundry room. The converted attic top floor holds two further bedrooms and a bathroom.
LIVING ROOM ‘My parents had these sofas when I was a child,’ says Shaun, ‘and I’ve never stopped loving their timeless style and comfort.’ 1980s Togo sofas by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, from Pamono. Art, Jessica Yolanda Kaye. Brass Sputnik chandelier, 1stDibs. Black vase, Cox & Cox. Dried flowers, Beards & Daisies
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H A L LWAY The doors to the kitchen mirror the house’s original front doors. The mosaic floor is original and was painstakingly restored. Doors, bespoke in Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball. Fitzroy ceiling light, Pure White Lines
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DINING AREA
KITCHE N
‘This is the children’s area but we all eat breakfast and lunch here often,’ explains Shaun. ‘And we use it for work – so it gets plenty of action.’
‘I chose large floor tiles – 120cm square – rather than poured terrazzo, which I thought may crack. Each tile weighs 100 kilos!’ says Shaun.
Armaria round table with fluted base, HK Living. Bespoke banquette upholstered with Chambray fabric by Warwick and leather from Fil Doux. Christie rise and fall pendant, Original BTC
Walls in Amsterdam by Bauwerk. Cabinets in Jonquil by Edward Bulmer Natural Paints, designed with 202 Design. Vintage Dutch pine apothecary cabinet (used as wall cabinet), 1stDibs. Honed terrazzo tiles by Terrazzo UK. ‘Concrete’ composite worktops and wall cladding, Caesarstone. Double butler sink, Shaws of Darwen. Taps, Quooker, via 202 Design. Lime table, Blunt. Maple/ walnut dining chairs, Morelato at 1stDibs
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LANDING
MAIN BEDROOM
This beautiful original stained glass window has been preserved with a backing material on the exterior.
The designer’s concept here with tweedy curtains and a pink bed was so different to anything the couple had experienced before, but they trusted her and now love it.
Staircase and walls in (above dado) Pale Powder; (below dado) Dix Blue, both Farrow & Ball. Wallpaper, Anaglypta
MAIN B AT H R O O M These traditional-style basins and taps add character and look expensive without breaking the bank. Walls in Wattle IV, Paint & Paper Library. Basins and taps, Burlington. Everdon mirrored cabinets; Kew wall light, all Porter Bathroom
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Duquette headboard in Colefax and Fowler fabric, Trove. Cushions in GP & J Baker fabrics. Seraphic Star wallpaper, Soane Britain. Vintage French table used as vanity unit, Vinterior. Curtains and stool in fabric by Soane Britain. Lamp, Rosi de Ruig, with shade by Pooky. Art (top and left), Isabelle Hayman; (right), Loulou Avenue. Bespoke wardrobes with French cane panels, knobs by Zara Home and painted in Wattle II, Paint & Paper Library
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home truths I F YO U W E R E A SO FA , W H I CH O N E WO U LD YO U B E ? The Togo – obviously!
D E S I G N CL A S S I C YO U WOULD LOVE TO OWN? The Resolute desk, which is also known as the Hayes desk. It’s a 19th-century partners desk used by several presidents of the United States in the White House as the Oval Office desk, including the five most recent presidents.
W H AT S H O U L D E V E R Y H O M E H AV E ? In offices we often talk about space to collaborate – I think the home should have the same.
H OW WO U LD YO U D E SCR I B E YO U R S T Y LE ? Traditional with some modern intervention.
BIGGEST STYLE INFLUENCE? Soho House.
FORM OR FUNCTION? Form before function.
W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U ? Volume and light are really important but also it’s crucial to have individuality.
the blueprint
KITCHEN/ DINING S PAC E MAIN BED ROOM
LIVING ROOM
P L AY ROOM
SNUG
GROUND FLOOR
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BED ROOM
BED ROOM
FIRST FLOOR
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MAIN B AT H R O O M The bath was already in the house and it was the designer’s idea to paint it terracotta. ‘It works so well,’ says Shaun. Bath in Red Earth, Farrow & Ball. Curtains, Soane Britain. Antique stool, eBay. Art photography by Kate Ballis (left) and Sinziana Velicescu (right)
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houses EXPERT ADVICE
colour conscious S H AU N A N D B R O O K E ’ S H O M E I S A L E S S O N I N B O L D H U E S – T H A N K S TO I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R TI F FA N Y D U G G A N , W H O T E L L S U S H OW I T ’ S D O N E THE EXPERT Tiffany Duggan, founder and director of Studio Duggan – known for its skilfully crafted and dynamic work for high-end residential and boutique commercial projects – is often encouraging her clients to be brave with colour. With Shaun and Brooke’s home, Tiffany used paint to unite two different eras in a way that felt current and fresh, working with the Edwardian architecture of the house, while taking into consideration her clients’ love of mid-century design. She says:
WORKING WITH THE LIGHT Where you have natural light in a room primarily used during the day, it makes sense to keep walls fresh. Opting for light walls doesn’t have to mean white – nude plastery colours work well, too, especially with limewash paints such as Bauwerk. In a darker north-facing room, a small space or one which you are likely to spend the evenings in, don’t be afraid to go warmer and darker. Painting a small, cold space in a bright white does not have the effect of making it feel larger or brighter – just a little sad. Green is good in a north-facing room (avoid anything with too grey an undertone), or soft pink and nudes. Buttery yellows will make any room feel sunny and happy and are making a comeback. In evening rooms, go for atmospheric and relaxing jewel box colours – dark emerald green, aubergines, dark red or even a sludgy lacquered brown.
architraves, doors and window frames look good highlighted – often by going a shade darker than the wall colour. This works especially well in larger rooms, whereas in smaller rooms I often use the same paint colour on both walls and woodwork to provide a calmer base that allows furniture and fabrics to really sing. DECISIONS, DECISIONS If in doubt, be bold! Clients hardly ever regret strong colour choices but I am forever being asked how to rectify and inject personality into rather dull characterless spaces. Focus on the room at hand, what will it be used for, its size and height. To create atmosphere, opt for more intense contrasting shades, and for a calmer space, paint your skirtings, walls, and windows in the same shade. This technique will also create the illusion of a larger room if used on rooms with low ceilings. Finally, consider paint alongside fabrics and at the same time as adjacent rooms to ensure a sense of cohesion. X
studioduggan.com PERIOD FEATURES I usually paint the cornicing in the same colour as the ceiling rather than the walls which results in a lighter, more open feel, but occasionally if I want to create a cocooning, moody vibe I flip this and choose a deeper tone for both the walls and cornice. This does have the effect of making a space feel smaller and more intimate, but sometimes this is the right move. Original woodwork and features such as skirtings,
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“Making decisions about colour in the home? I’d say ‘be bold’ – life is too short”
FEATURE MARY WEAVER PHOTOGRAPH MARY WADSWORTH
PICKING THE RIGHT SHADES Colour is key to our mood and how likely we are to feel connected with our homes. If you’re unsure, start by looking at your wardrobe as we’re usually better at expressing ourselves with fashion choices than our homes. Is it a riot of colour and pattern? Then you’re probably something of a maximalist! Perhaps there is a more neutral base – jeans, linen shirts and loafers with the odd bright jumper or handbag? If so, this is the way you should approach colour choices at home.
turned his hand to carpentry to create the ultimate in broken-plan living
PHOTOGRAPHY Johan Sellén X
cross the divide
Swedish photographer Kalle Gustafsson
STYLING Gil Renlund WORDS Juliet Benning
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LIVING ROOM Kalle knocked down all the walls in the apartment then used screens to divide spaces. Find a mid-century cord and wood chair at 1stDibs. Source a mid-century daybed on Vinterior. Photograph, Kalle Gustafsson
home profile THE OWNER Swedish photographer and director Kalle Gustafsson. He also runs Galerie Maison Première, which specialises in Pierre Jeanneret furniture.
THE PROPERTY A third-floor apartment in a property built in 1928. All on one level, there is a hall, bathroom and cloakroom, an open-plan living room, dining area and office split by a kitchen in between, plus one bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
LIVING ROOM The compact proportions of the mid-century furniture ensure the space doesn’t feel crowded. The wood tones are punctuated by the strong black forms of the lights. Source a similar plant and pot at Patch Plants. Find a mid-century daybed on Vinterior. Photograph on floor, Kalle Gustafsson. Photograph on wall, Pelle Bergström
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hen Kalle Gustafsson emails across the original sales brochure of his central Stockholm apartment, the difference is startling. The only clues that the photos are of the same property are the views, in particular the wide back of the Sankt Eriksbron bridge leading invitingly across the canal. After six months of hard graft, imagination and a handful of Pierre Jeanneret’s finest furnishings, Kalle has transformed it into a space that would seduce even the most high-brow design enthusiast. ‘I was living with my ex-girlfriend in another apartment in a different part of town previously. When we split up I moved back to my house in the countryside outside of Stockholm and six months later found this apartment,’ Kalle says. ‘It’s only a few minutes from my gallery and studio and what immediately grabbed me were the windows on three sides of the building. It feels like a small tower,’ he explains. While his apartment is on the third floor above the bridge, the building is deceptively larger, rising from the street below. The photos from the brochure show a series of neat, white, box-like rooms trimmed with lacy curtains and furnished with ornate antiques. ‘You wouldn’t recognise it at all now,’ says Kalle. ‘I took everything down – all the walls and took up the floor. I’ve always had a big interest in design so I wanted to see if I could renovate every aspect of this apartment myself from scratch.’ Having set himself the challenge, the first stumbling blocks were complications with the plumbing and electrics. ‘The previous owner didn’t tell me that these are all in the centre of the apartment so I had to redraw my ideas and talk to my builder about what was possible.’ The solution they came to, placing the kitchen centrally, is one of the master strokes of the
floor plan. From around this central hub ,the open-plan sitting room, dining area and office wrap, giving way to a bedroom further back. Having dispensed with most of the walls, the old corridor was no longer needed and was transformed into an en-suite shower room for the bedroom. ‘I don’t like bathrooms without windows, so for these central rooms I came up with the idea of one-way privacy windows that appear as mirrors from the outside,’ Kalle explains. Three different room dividers ensure the apartment can be as private as it is open. ‘The wood slats by the kitchen I made myself, the one in the sitting room is by a Hungarian designer of the 1960s and the last were pine concertina shutters I bought online cheaply.’ Later staining the wood, Kalle was able to evoke an evocative look, made all the more transporting with the wide luscious leaves of tropical plants. While photography and directing is Kalle’s mainstay, his country home has prompted him to pursue woodwork. ‘I taught myself carpentry in my garage. My friend and I also built a workshop at the studio and he allows me to use all his tools.’ A man disinclined to follow trends, many of the apartment’s details were prompted by Kalle’s gut instinct. ‘I get a lot at auction and rarely know who the designer is, I just randomly buy the things I like,’ he says. ‘Before this, I’d never had the opportunity to create a home entirely for myself without having to combine with anyone else’s taste. I was really brave with it, but I did get nervous about what my first visitors would think.’ With such a nuanced and stylish expression of personal interior style, it’s hard to imagine any of his friends would not be impressed. X
maisonpremiere.co; kallegustafsson.com
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KITCHE N Built on wheels, the island unit can be moved around for flexibility. An overhead gantry provides additional storage. Kitchen designed and built by Kalle Gustafsson. Source similar glazed tiles at Ca’Pietra
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ENTRANCE HALL ‘I bought this rail at an auction in Germany for about £200. I don’t even know what it is or whether it’s hung the right way,’ Kalle says. Find an alternative metal coat rack at House Doctor. Cobra wall light, Gubi
“My style is a mix of everything but I don’t really know where it comes from – I just take whatever I like from everywhere” X
OFFICE A TV hidden inside the room divider can be viewed from both the bedroom and office. Desk, Galerie Maison Première. Lohals rug, Ikea. Sofa, Yngve Ekström. Sideboard, Jotex
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home truths M O S T S U C C E S S F U L D E TA I L I N T H E T R A N S F O R M AT I O N ? The mirrored glass in the bathrooms. The ‘spyglass’ lets in light so I can even have plants in both spaces.
BEST COUNTRY FOR AUCTION FINDS? Sweden – you can find amazing design, developed since the 1920s, that never got any recognition.
B E S T S PA C E - S AV I N G D E TA I L? Ceiling shelves. Apartments always need more storage but no one ever thinks about the ceilings.
BEDROOM Kalle rotated the bed and uses the high end for hanging clothes. The dark paint colour helps create a restful scheme.
FAV O U R I T E F E AT U R E I N T H E A PA R T M E NT ? The view – when I go to my windows I feel more relaxed watching the boats, trains, cars, people and bustle in the bars.
Bed, Ikea. Pierre Jeanneret chair, Galerie Maison Première
A N O R I G I N A L P H OTO YO U WOULD LOVE TO HANG IN T H E A PA R T M E NT ?
M A I N B AT H R O O M
The Divers by George Hoyningen-Huene for the
A one-way mirror window ensures this space, tucked behind the living room, doesn’t feel claustrophobic.
natural light, simple composition, not focusing
For a similar Art Deco-style globe wall light, try Original BTC
on the people but just a mood.
P H OTO G R A P H E R YO U MOST ADMIRE? Peter Lindbergh – he always portrayed his models as people. Not in extravagant poses but behind the scenes, relaxed and imperfect.
the blueprint S T U DY
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LIVING/DINING AREA
houses INSIDER GUIDE
dining chairs I N S P I R E D BY T H E I N C R E D I B L E S E ATI N G I N K A L L E ’ S H O U S E , H E A L’ S F U R N I T U R E B U Y E R H A N N A H A R M S T R O N G TA L K S M A X I M I S I N G CO N V I V I A L I T Y It’s not only about the aesthetic of your chairs, but the ergonomics and comfort they will provide. The first step is to measure how your chairs will fit around the table. Consider nearby doors or cabinets that might restrict the amount of space when moving around, and use this to determine which chairs are the right fit. As a guide, allow around 60cm of space for every person sat at the table. If your chair is wider than this, add another 15cm between each to ensure there’s space for diners to move in and out without knocking into each other. Don’t forget to measure the clearance between the seat and the underside of the dining table; try to leave a minimum of 25cm to allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. A dedicated dining room is the perfect place for large, upright and often heavier styles of chair. A high back provides optimum support when dining, while closing off the surrounding space around the table to build an intimate scene. Armrests offer the benefit of ergonomic support, and a tub-style chair can provide a cosy, cocooning seat to relax and sink into. Armless dining chairs work well within busier homes, particularly those used to hosting large dinner parties, as they take up much less space, meaning you can fit more people round the table. Don’t be afraid to mix different chair designs together, or to incorporate a bench into the seating, as this will create a relaxed vibe. As long as there is a consistent element on each piece, such as the material, colour or upholstery, varying levels of height or different silhouettes can inject personality into the space.
FEATURE JACKY PARKER
That said, matching chairs are great for creating a sophisticated setting, even if they’re a different material or colour to the dining table. When choosing a colour or fabric, look at the accents of the room to build a sense of cohesion.
Picking the right seat Four classic designs that will suit a range of modern looks and lifestyles
K I D - F R I E N D LY For busy families with young children who tend to experience messy dinner times, innovative fabrics such as smart luxe velvet carry stain- and water-resistant qualities, which are easy to clean and maintain and offer a tactile alternative to leather upholstery. The Austen dining chair, £279, Heal’s, has this option, pictured here in a Velvet Indigo finish.
EASY ELEGANCE Natural leather upholstery is an incredibly durable choice and can last a lifetime with minimal care. Avoid bonded leather, which is a blend of leftover hides and will be much more likely to peel and crack without much use. The Stax chair by Bensen is a beautifully simple design – the mitred corners create the illusion of a continuous wood grain. £641, Viaduct.
S TAC K T H E M U P If you’re limited on space or have an extendable table, consider lightweight, stackable wooden designs, such as the Originals stacking chair by Ercol – a stunning linear design – so that you can easily extend the footprint within the room and accommodate more diners when needed. It was first launched in 1957 and is available in nine shades. £475, L.Ercolani.
MODERN TWIST In dining rooms that are used for evening entertaining or special occasions, choose dramatic and sculptural options, such as Tom Dixon’s Fan dining chair, which has a striking silhouette and will create a cocooning seat to relax and sink into. It’s a contemporary take on the classical Windsor chair. £1,590, Tom Dixon.
A design-led option is an investment, so choose a style that you truly love as this will make you happy for years to come. If you’re unsure how a chair will look within your scheme, create a mood board to visualise how the colours and materials will work and consider if you want a piece that will demand maintenance or a durable option that can withstand a busy lifestyle.
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the perfect pair FA R R OW & B A L L A N D L I B E R T Y H AV E R E V I S I T E D T H E I R A R C H I V E S F O R A N AG E N DA - S E T T I N G PA L E T T E T O D E C O R AT E W I T H N OW
Wall in (from left) Farrow & Ball’s Smoked Trout No.60, Chemise No.216 and Suffield Green No.77. Furniture upholstered in Liberty Interiors Fabrics’ Hera Plume in Pewter (left) and Persian Voyage in Pewter (right)
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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here are fewer brands more Livingetc than Farrow & Ball and Liberty. Both are heritage British names with a keen eye trained on modern aesthetics, both produce the most enticing colours or homeware of the moment, and both just feel nice to shop at, safe in the knowledge that you’re in good hands, being looked after and offered the very best in contemporary design. So when we heard they were partnering up, we couldn’t have been more excited to see how it would be informing our decorative intent for 2022. The edit features 15 shades from the Farrow & Ball Archive collection and complementary fabrics from Liberty’s The Modern Collector range. Anyone who has spent time with the experts at either brand knows that they know what they’re taking about – Farrow & Ball’s colour curator Joa Studholme is a regular on these pages, imparting palette-pairing wisdom with aplomb, while the home and interiors buying manager at Liberty, Bryony Sheridan, is one of the first people our editor speaks to when he needs home accessories advice. So this carefully considered curation comes from people with a real and deep understanding of how colour works – and how homes can come alive when it’s used well. Take the strong tone of Serge, a navy blue (right) that pairs wonderfully with Liberty’s Regency Tulip print on the sofa. Or the underlying warmth of Chemise (used large on the wall to the left), which is modernised by the addition of the Hera Plume and Persian Voyage fabrics. These new styling suggestions reinvigorate the classic shades to give us fresh inspiration. And, as an extra treat, the archive paints are never normally available to sample, so even the tester pots, wrapped in a mix of signature Liberty interiors fabric prints, are real collector’s items. All of which makes for an exciting chance to rediscover old favourites in new and dynamic ways. X
Room painted in Farrow & Ball’s Serge No.9919 and Clunch No.2009. Sofa in Liberty Interiors Fabrics’ Regency Tulip in Lapis
N E E D TO K N OW The archival Farrow & Ball hues chosen for the edit span across darks, mids and brights within each colour range, in a selection that captures Farrow & Ball and Liberty’s shared passion for forward-looking design with heritage roots.
Curated by
Find sample pots at Farrow & Ball showrooms and stockists, at Liberty and online at farrow-ball.com/liberty-livingetc.
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PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Wadsworth WORDS AND STYLING Mary Weaver
littlegem Small but beautifully formed, designer Christian Bense’s London apartment heralds a high-low approach that sparkles with original ideas and festive flourishes
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LIVING ROOM Furniture has to earn its living in this home. The two armchairs were purchased because they lend themselves to future reinventions with painted frames and upholstered seats. The art over the sofa is by Christian. Armchairs, Graham and Green. Cushions in Moss Velvet by Rose Uniacke. Sofa in Royal Fern brushed cotton, Sofa.com. Shelving unit, Moebe. Copper chair, Blu Dot. Ottoman, Arlo & Jacob. Rug, Nordic Knots
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DINING ROOM Louvre doors, which when opened take up half the size of a regular door, were installed to create more space for the table. Doors in Squid Ink, Paint & Paper Library. Demi-lune table, Scumble Goosie; painted in Blazer, Farrow & Ball
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home profile THE OWNERS Interior designer Christian Bense and Matt Martin, who works as an asset manager in leisure retail, plus their cocker spaniel, Price.
THE PROPERTY A fourth-floor apartment in a 1950s former local authority development in south London with a living room, kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms, a shower room and a cloakroom.
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’m excited about Christmas this year and intend to go full-on Nigella in the kitchen,’ says interior designer Christian Bense, talking in his refurbished fourth-floor apartment with views of the south London skyline. Last Christmas he and Matt Martin, who works in leisure retail, had just moved in with a few sticks of furniture so it was hardly cheerful. ‘A large portion of my family is German, so we’ll follow the tradition of having dinner with friends on Christmas Eve,’ he says. In terms of festive flourishes, it will be low-key but stylish with candles, berries and leaves, and cocktails at every opportunity. ‘There won’t be a tree, much as I love Christmas I don’t see how I’d cram one in,’ he laughs. The appeal of the apartment, when they bought it a year ago, was that it came with three bedrooms, so they could turn one into a dining room and still have a guest bedroom. ‘The joy of this 1950s, concrete-built apartment is that it’s solid and well-proportioned with generous-sized rooms, a long hall and windows all round,’ he says. Christian, who hails from South Africa and worked with designers Turner Pocock before starting his own practice last year, played to its strength by keeping the layout as it stood, embracing the small galley kitchen and shower room, too small for a bath. ‘This isn’t a forever-home, so it would have been a waste to spend too much on fabric and fittings, like the flooring, kitchen and the shower room,’ he says. He did restore the shell, replastering and channelling pipes and wiring into those concrete walls. With clients,
Christian produces precise mood boards, but with himself in that role he threw the rule book out of the window. ‘Although stressful, it was quite exciting as I had no exact end goal, I just worked on instinct,’ he says. His only stipulation was that the flat had to look lived in. ‘With its featureless rooms, it’s like a new build so that was my challenge.’ Christian developed a high-low approach, where an expensive item, like the marble dining table, is off-set with chairs from Zara Home. He indulged in brown velvet living room curtains in fabric by Rose Uniacke, but upcycled an existing sofa with a new cover. ‘I used fabric from the old cover for the headboard in the bedroom , which was quite satisfying,’ he says. Flooring is ‘wood’ laminate, ‘so good these days it’s hard to tell’. The Shaker-inspired kitchen is from the high street, dressed up with brass handles and bespoke stainless-steel worktops. His go-to style with clients tends to be neutral tones and rooms that flow effortlessly together, but here he challenged himself to ramp things up with colour blocking and shades that pop. ‘I allowed myself to become more relaxed when buying furniture. I would purchase anything I liked, knowing it would all work together,’ he says. The work took just a couple of months, with both Christian and Matt managing the builders while they camped out. ‘It was a little taste of what I put my clients through,’ he says. Now, with the hard work done, their new but lived-in home is the perfect place to party. X
christianbense.com
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DINING ROOM
KITCHE N
‘Strategic use of mirrors makes a big difference in a small space,’ says Christian. He likes to ‘throw’ spaces with unexpected objects like this bamboo cabinet.
Store-bought units were chosen to keep costs down, with stainless-steel worktops added to elevate the look. Bespoke stainless-steel worktops, MPM Engineering. Snow crackle glaze wall tiles, Tiles Direct. Tap, Lusso Stone. Find a similar marble platter and a similar green bowl at Trouva
Antique cabinet, Stowaway London. Dominic Schuster creates aged mirrors. Baubles, Gisela Graham. Tea light holders, The White Company
“Creating that lived-in feel is about more than just mixing old with the new – it’s about combining pieces from all time periods to create a slightly haphazard collection” X
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DINING ROOM Rather than have a third bedroom, Christian and Matt chose to create a dedicated entertaining space that also doubles as a home office. Walls in Cotton II; skirtings in Paris Rooftops, both Paint & Paper Library. Marble table, Little Tulip. Chairs, Zara Home. Ceiling light, Vinterior. Blind, The Harper Collection. Art (top) Studio B/ LOW; (below) Jason Tessier
MAIN BEDROOM The navy fabric, previously covering the sofa, was used to create an extra long headboard. Artwork, Natalie Obradovich. Marble and steel side tables, La Redoute. Bedside lamps, Visual Comfort. Bed linen, Gilly Nicolson
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S H OW E R R O O M
Adding handles to a high-street chest and creating a headboard help dress up the space.
A lot of time was spent to ensure the best use of the space with as large a shower as possible.
Chest of drawers, Swoon; with handles from The Beardmore Collection. Cushion in Seafoam cotton velvet by Rose Uniacke
Shower fittings and taps, Burlington. Sink, Dyke & Dean. Find a vintage mirror and wooden stool at Vinterior
houses home truths DESIGN HERO? I admire designers like Beata Heuman and Robert Stilin, whose work is layered and instinctual, not all designed on paper.
FAV O U R I T E C O L O U R C O M B I N AT I O N ? Terracotta and navy.
D E S I G N CL A S S I C YO U WOULD LOVE TO OWN? Probably an original Eames lounger in a distressed tan leather.
W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U ? Being able to change somebody’s way of life by designing them a home that achieves more than they anticipated.
H O W D I D YO U C R E AT E YO U R COLOUR SCHEME? To be honest, I didn’t. I started by selecting my favourite fabrics and piecing the room together. I focus more on balance and composition of a room and the colour scheme is secondary to that.
DREAM HOME? I flutter between a city apartment and a country house. Today it’s a country home and a big fireplace – something with a bit of character.
A N Y T H I N G Y O U ’ D D O D I F F E R E N T LY ? I say this all the time – don’t rush the builder at the end.
C A N YO U D E SCR I B E YO U R S T Y LE ? My style reflects a cross pollination of contemporary and traditional, mixing the blank slate thinking of South Africa with a distinct nod to the more traditional interiors of the UK.
the blueprint
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sweet like chocolate
Behind the facade of this Tudor-style house is a clever use of colour and light, bringing the very best out of mocha tones
PHOTOGRAPHY Avenue Design X
Studio/Photofoyer WORDS Hayley Spencer
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LIVING ROOM The fawn tones in the grey-brown paint sing in the natural light, while the one-tone-softer curtains make the walls feel rich. Walls in Mouse’s Back; ceiling and woodwork in All White, both Farrow & Ball. Vintage coffee table, G Plan. Ilargi double 36 ceiling pendant, Grok. Lederam wall light, Catellani & Smith
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w home profile THE OWNERS George Triantafillou and Daniel Zuidema, above, live here with their son Emilio. George works in banking while Dan is a digital transformation consultant.
THE DESIGNERS Holly Marder and Hedda Pier of Avenue Design Studio.
THE PROPERTY A renovated townhouse in Haarlem, the Netherlands, arranged over two floors. On the lower ground floor is the entrance hall, a living room and an open-plan kitchen-diner with bifold doors onto the garden. Over the two
hen George Triantafillou and Dan Zuidema began the journey to expand their family with the addition of son Emilio, now 18 months old, they knew it was time to leave their apartment in Amsterdam in favour of a bigger home in a family-friendly area. The couple sought out a property that combined a sense of history with the possibility to create a comfortable, contemporary space. They searched for eight months before finally finding a unique Tudor-style house in Haarlem, around 20 minutes outside of the capital. ‘We wanted to be in an area where houses retain the original feel of the neighbourhood, with a sense of old world charm,’ says George. After exchanging within a month, the couple quickly completed a demolition to open up the ground floor and transform the upstairs with two additional en-suite bathrooms. To bring their plans to life, the couple enlisted the help of Avenue Design Studio. Duo Holly Marder and Hedda Pier had worked on the couple’s friend’s home, and having seen how well they worked, they commissioned them to source everything from floors and furniture to finishing touches. The home’s beautiful facade with original stained-glass windows is protected by the Netherlands’ building regulations, so once the rest of the house was gutted it was this ornate feature that set the tone for the look of the renovation. ‘George and Dan chose to invest in highquality materials and finishes. They wanted to retain the home’s charm while making it both cosy and future-proof,’ says Holly. A scheme of earthy colours provides a warm backdrop to the mid-century and contemporary furniture. While this is a family home, the couple were insistent it didn’t need a ‘children’s corner’ and that they would grow into the space together. Instead, Emilio’s toys are concealed by built-in cupboards. The pair have acquired just a few new pieces since moving into the house – an intentional decision in order to retain the minimal, airy feel they love. George’s passion for cooking meant a large kitchen was non-negotiable. ‘We used to have a small island and I have memories of crowding around it with friends, with me cooking in the middle,’ he says. ‘Cooking is my main hobby, so a large kitchen was a priority.’ This meant extending the house by 1.8 metres into the garden, but the results speak for themselves. The timeless, light-drenched look for this room was inspired by one of the hotel bars the pair frequent in Amsterdam, Jansz in the Pulitzer hotel, which George describes as ‘inviting yet calm’. Now they are look forwarding to hosting the festive season for their families. ‘We are unapologetically mad about Christmas and can’t wait to be gathered around the island and dining table,’ says George. ‘We even had the two lights above our table installed to leave space for a large tree to complete the room.’
other floors there are four bedrooms, a small study and three bathrooms.
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LIVING ROOM The panelling is a new addition and is sleek for a historic touch with a modern edge. Vintage Big Shadow floor lamp, Marcel Wanders. Vintage SZ01 side chairs, Martin Visser. Kant sofa,Maisons du Monde. Vintage kilim rug; curtains in Madison Authentic fabric by Design of the Time, both supplied by Avenue Design Studio
KITCHE N This room was inspired by Jansz bar in Amsterdam’s Pulitzer hotel. ‘I wanted to replicate the green walls, brass fittings, use of stone and natural light,’ says George. Kitchen designed by Avenue Design Studio; made by David Interieurbouw; painted in Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball
DINING ROOM ‘The chairs are comfortable enough to sit in for hours when socialising,’ says George. Merano chairs, Ton. Yacht table; Leaves chandelier, both Bolia. Art, sourced at the Oode gallery
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the blueprint DINING AREA
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LIVING ROOM
LOWE R G ROU N D FLOOR
S T U DY
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“Getting the strength and direction of the lighting right was essential for setting the perfect mood” X
BEDROOM Ochre pillowcases help to join the wood floor and table aesthetically to the bed, feeling curated and cohesive. Walls in De Nimes by Farrow & Ball. Bed, Coco-Mat. Bedding, Timeless Linen. Throw, LinenMe
B AT H R O O M Placing metro tiles vertically instead of horizontally feels like a contemporary take on a modern-classic look. Bathroom and all materials supplied by Intercodam
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home truths T H E P I E C E T H AT M A D E YO U R H O M E CO M P LE TE ?
FAVO U R I T E C H R I S T M A S TRADITION?
The vintage Marcel Wanders floor lamp. I was
We attend Midnight Mass and love coming
sceptical but it suits the living room perfectly.
home and being surrounded by fairy lights.
FAVO U R I T E F I N I S H I N G TOUCHES?
G O -TO B R A N DS ? Bolia for living and design, Zara Home
The Buster + Punch light switches – they look
for the details.
like they came straight out of a flight deck.
YO U R H A P PY P L ACE ?
THE ONE THING GUESTS COMMENT ON MOST?
Having drinks outside at twilight while Miles
The striking statuario marble worktops and
Davis plays on the Sonos.
splashback in the kitchen.
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rooms at the top Right in the middle of the King’s Cross redeveloped creative zone, this new-build penthouse is a bolthole with bells on PHOTOGRAPHY Phillip Durrant X
STYLING Betsy Smith WORDS Kara O’Reilly
DINING AREA The dining table is a bespoke shape of an existing design, while the vintage chairs have been reconditioned and re-upholstered. Eight-seater oak table by Van Rossum. Get similar vintage chairs and pendant light on Pamono. Table settings, find similar at The Conran Shop
LIVING ROOM The staircase’s limestone treads and metal spindles allow the changes in light over the course of the day to become a feature. Staircase, Spiral UK. Dandy sofa, Massproductions. Cushion, Ferm Living. Coffee table by Benoit Viaene. Billy floor lamp, Kalmar. Find a vintage Cleopatra daybed by Dirk Cordemeijer for Auping on 1stDibs. Rug, Christopher Farr Cloth
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home prof i le THE DESIGNER Simon Kincaid, a partner at Conran and Partners, who was the lead on this project for the developers, Argent.
ometimes you just need to escape the buzz of being in a 24/7 city – particularly during the full-on festive season – and where better to do so than in this gloriously zen penthouse pad designed by the team at Conran and Partners, the interior and architecture practice founded by the late, great, Sir Terence? While it overlooks the bustling King’s Cross regeneration development – in particular Coal Drops Yard, the high-end retail and dining destination designed by Thomas Heatherwick – being situated on the 10th floor means it’s far enough above the hustle to be the perfect spot for a bit of R&R. For Simon Kincaid, lead designer on the project, that was the intention. ‘We wanted the penthouse to feel like a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the city,’ he says. Conran and Partners worked hand-in-glove with Squire and Partners, the architects behind the building. The brief? ‘It needed to be luxurious but not in the usual sense,’ says Simon. ‘The focus was more on the quality of the design and the materials used – an understated luxury.’ Everything in the penthouse was made bespoke or curated especially for it, with emphasis put on connecting the interiors with the almost-360-degree views over the parks that sandwich the building. The use of muted, earthy, neutrals such as olive, clotted cream and terracotta enhance this. It takes skill to turn an empty box into a home, Simon and his team did so by marrying the best of the best with a focus on comfort, using sophisticated, yet pleasingly tactile finishes. ‘We always said we wanted it to feel like a home, not a show home,’ says Simon. ‘I think the colours, textures, layers and warmth we introduced throughout helped achieve that.’ The sign of a good design is that the designer would happily set up home there and Simon concurs. ‘My favourite space is the main bedroom and bathroom… it’s all very grand but in a beautifully understated way, and that is the balance we have tried to capture throughout.’ These rooms have more than a whiff of boutique hotel suite about them, no surprise given the company’s experience in hospitality design. He’s also rather partial to the kitchen, a space made for socialising: ‘It is so generously sized… you want to prep a cocktail or roll out some pasta.’ The Conran magic did the trick, with the new owners moving in in time to celebrate their first Christmas here. ‘The living space lends itself incredibly well for entertaining so it would be the ultimate festive party pad,’ says Simon. And if he was one of those owners? ‘I’d probably dress the roof terrace and make that a cosy winter spot to enjoy some indulgent snacks and bubbles and watch the festive buzz across the area – and, of course, the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.’ X
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THE PROPERTY A 2,200sq ft four-bed, three-bath, u-shaped penthouse flat that sits across the 10th floor of the LUMA building, part of the King’s Cross regeneration zone. It is triple aspect and also has an open-plan living/dining/kitchen space, guest cloakroom, study and a private roof terrace.
R O O F T E R R AC E This large private space was planted up by the Botanical Boys and is the perfect spot from which to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Try Skagerak at Skandium for similar contemporary teak outdoor furniture
KITCHE N The minimalist design features an oversized natural stone island made from the same quartzite as the work surfaces. Custom kitchen, Cesar. Appliances, Gaggenau. Find similar kitchenalia from The Conran Shop. Nikari’s Linea Perch bar stool at Skandium is similar
S T U DY Since WFH has become much more prevalent, the team turned the penthouse’s fourth bedroom into a study. Walls in Sage Green, Little Greene. Leather-top desk, Carl Hansen & Søn. Chair, Cassina. Equilibrista table lamp by Silvio Piattelli for Artemest
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“We introduced a warm yet subtle colour palette – we felt these tones would make it homely but still elegant” X
MAIN BEDROOM ‘There are elements throughout the penthouse that are reminiscent of a five-star hotel, for example the main suites,’ says Simon. Bespoke headboard, Conran and Partners. Light, Bert Frank. Rug, Amini Carpets. Painting by Lilia OrlovaHolmes. Find similar bedding at The Conran Shop
M A I N B AT H R O O M
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Waterproof plaster adds texture, as well as being a more durable alternative to paint. Similar bath, Lusso Stone. Taps and shower fittings, all Vola. Bespoke natural stone basins, Conran and Partners
DRESSING ROOM
home truths H OW D O YO U S O LV E T H E ‘WHERE TO PUT THE TV’ PROBLEM?
EVERY INTERIOR S H O U L D H AV E …
We always to try and conceal
THE FINISHES YO U R E T U R N TO TIME AND AGAIN?
the TV – in this case behind the sliding panel in the living area.
The main suite includes a stylish walk-in dressing area. The oak veneer joinery and leather-lined drawers were custom-made to a Conran and Partners’ design
Some kind of personal connection to the owners.
YOUR DESERT ISLAND PIECE OF DESIGN?
I don’t have any go-to finishes,
Snowball pendant lights
integrity, so natural, organic
by Louis Poulsen.
materials are my favourite.
W H AT ’ S T H E SECRET TO SUCCESSFUL STOR AGE?
A L L-TI M E FAV E D E S I G N INFLUENCE? I take inspiration from many
Concealing it in an
different sources, but I really
invisible way.
admire the artist Christo.
but prefer to work with materials that have depth and
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Your Aery gift set includes three miniature votive candles – Fig Leaf, Bonsai Tree and Citrus Tonic. The candles have been designed to revive and restore with intricately blended essential oils and fragrances. Each candle is vegan and handmade in the UK with sustainable ingredients. Terms and conditions: Offer closes 31st January 2022. Offer open to new UK subscribers only. All gift subscriptions will start post-Christmas with the next available issue. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Your gift will be ƳƺǼǣɮƺȸƺƳ ɀƺȵƏȸƏɎƺǼɵ ɯǣɎǝǣȇ הƳƏɵɀ ƏǔɎƺȸ ɵȒɖȸ ˡȸɀɎ ȵƏɵȅƺȇɎ ǝƏɀ ƬǼƺƏȸƺƳِ JǣǔɎɀ ȒȇǼɵ ƏɮƏǣǼƏƫǼƺ ɎȒ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣƫƺȸɀ Ȓȇ Ɏǝƺ Èk ȅƏǣȇǼƏȇƳِ Xȇ Ɏǝƺ ɖȇǼǣǸƺǼɵ ƺɮƺȇɎ ɎǝƏɎ ɯƺ ȸɖȇ ȒɖɎ Ȓǔ Ɏǝǣɀ ǕǣǔɎً ɯƺ ȵȸȒȅǣɀƺ ɎȒ Ȓǔǔƺȸ ɵȒɖ Əȇ ƏǼɎƺȸȇƏɎǣɮƺ ǕǣǔɎ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ same
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Bird rug in Brazilian Sand, Dia 120cm, £119; Deko bird ornaments, £12.90 each, all Broste Copenhagen
decorating A CO O L L AU N C H S E T S T H E TO N E FO R O U R S T Y L E S E C T I O N
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI
We’re taking cosy cues this season from Nordic brand Broste Copenhagen and celebrating Christmas with soft materials. Its sweet solution to the realities of shedding pines is a festive rug embroidered with charming native birds. Lovely enough to keep around long after the tree is gone livingetc.com
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it’s cold outside So wrap yourself up in these rich cashmere colours, luxe textures and warming twinkle of Christmas light
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PHOTOGRAPHY Polly Wreford STYLIST Lucy Gough
decorating D E C O R AT I N G
J OY T O A L L Trad foliage meets modern neon in this festive display that’s bang on for NYE, too. A little bit familiar, a little bit rock and roll and a whole lot of glad tidings to be felt. Joy custom neon sign, price on request, London Neon. Flower explosion, price on request, Titanias Garden. Pink gin glass, £10, John Lewis & Partners. Clear wine glasses, from a selection at Princelet Street. Gift wrap, £3 a sheet; burgundy ribbon, £8, both Rowen & Wren. Magic eye stocking, £128, Jonathan Adler. Lugo vase, £38, Curious Egg. Gold magnolia leaf pick, £16, Amara
CHEERS! When your guests arrive, offer them bubbles from a welcoming drinks table. Find your largest vase and fill it with fresh foliage and exotic flowers and drape fabric over the table for added drama. Pacaya vase, £295; faux peony, ivy, cosmos and Casa Blanca lily wreath, £250, both Oka. Floral arrangement, from £60, Titanias Garden. Ledbury dining table, £1,799, Soho Home. Pink gin glasses, £10 each, John Lewis & Partners. Moroccan brass tray, £140, Raj Tent Club. Castello tray, £350, The Lacquer Company. Vini carafe, £55.31, Nude Glass. Clear wine glasses, from a selection at Princelet Street. Glass baubles, from £18 each, KD Loves. Forenza velvet in Cumin, £65m, Romo. Velvet pouffe, £65, John Lewis & Partners. Atlas Sky rug, £645, Matthew Williamson
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D E C O R AT I N G
ALL SET Personalised place-name leaves foraged from the garden deliver a natural touch – simply write the names in gold pen and arrange with quirky decorations as a little gift for your guests. Mustard linen napkin, £12.50, The Conran Shop. Conchita place mats, £128 for set of 4, The Sette. Scalloped plates, from £40, By Alice. Crackers, £36 for 6, Nancy & Betty Studios. Osaka 5-piece cutlery set, £48, Jonathan Adler. Wine glass, from a selection at Princelet Street. Beetle decoration, £12, Heal’s. Polar bear decoration, £3.50, RE. Green Zagora candlestick, from £18, Raj Tent Club
RICH PICKINGS In between candlesticks, tiny trees line the centre of the table, while pomegranates glow like jewels. Dunloe armchair, £1,395, Soho Home. Caprice dining chairs, £695 each, Jonathan Adler. Table, £650, Raj Tent Club. Tabletop trees, price on request, Christmas Inc. Large faux peony, Casa Blanca lily, ivy & cosmos garland, £395, Oka. Hobnail jug, £95; Rustic Sand candles, £20 for set of 10; brass candlesticks, £80 for set of 2, all Petersham Nurseries. Twisted candles, £9.95 for set of 2, Broste Copenhagen. Scalloped plates, from £40, By Alice. Carved wood spoons, from £2.95, RE. Sparrow decoration by Pols Potten, £39 for set of 3, John Lewis & Partners. Green ribbed vintage apothecary bottle, £22, Notonthehighstreet.com. Rillo podium side table by Broste Copenhagen, £219, Amara. Rug, £9,937, Knots Rugs
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L I G H T FA N TA S T I C A clever way to give a smaller tree more impact is to display it on top of a coffee table. And for added fire-safe twinkle, combine with a sprinkling of very realistic faux candles. Nordic Fir 5ft Christmas tree, price on request, Christmas Inc. Glass baubles, from £10, The Conran Shop. Dew drop baubles in mixed colours, £24 for 10; Eliza fluted glass baubles, £18.50 for set of 4, all Nkuku. Gold magnolia leaf picks, £16 each, Amara. IO coffee table in Vintage Red, from £1,705, L.Ercolani. Candle bundle, £99.99; tree lights, £24.99, both Lights4Fun. Star tree topper, £45; gold and silver honeycomb ball decorations, from £8.95 each, all Rockett St George. Patterned gift wrap, from £3 a sheet; pink, blue and burgundy ribbons, £8 each, all Rowen & Wren. Leaf green velvet ribbon, from £3.25, VV Rouleaux. Green gift wrap, £8 for 10m, John Lewis & Partners. Floral wrapping paper, from £6, Katie Leamon. Green storm lantern, £20, Raj Tent Club. Brass candlesticks, £80 for set of 2, Petersham Nurseries. Twisted candles, £9.95 for set of 2, Broste Copenhagen. Marmalade rug, from £3,130, Floor Story
PRESENT PERFECT Pink and green pick up the lustre of metallic ornaments, chosen instead of gift tags with the recipients’ individual personalities in mind. Green gift wrap, £8 for 10m, John Lewis & Partners. Leaf green velvet ribbon, from £3.25, VV Rouleaux. Patterned gift wrap, from £3 a sheet; pink and blue ribbons, £8 each, all Rowen & Wren. Pink bauble (left), from £18, KD Loves. Other baubles, from £10, The Conran Shop. Gold metal flower, £9.99, Gisela Graham. Acorn decoration, £35 for set of 5, Oka. Stag decoration, £3.50, RE
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colour insight F LO R I S T N I K K I TI B B LE S O N TR U S TI N G YO U R I N S TI N C T S A N D TH ROWI N G O U T TH E PAI NT C H A R T S
When I’m pulling together a palette, I’m often inspired by what’s already there. I might start with a fabric or painting and develop a palette based on one of the shades within it. Sometimes I’ll take my cue from a piece of furniture. The starting point for my dining room, which is decorated in shades of green, was a bookcase in green metal. My open-plan kitchen is an upbeat combination of yellows and greys that were inspired by a bright yellow shelving unit. This ties in well with my paisley sofa, which has purples and yellows in it. To help the accents sing, I painted the walls a soft grey and the kitchen cupboards in a dramatic lead grey, Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. One of my favourite spaces is my sitting room. I found a navy blue and pale blue floral fabric for my Terence Woodgate sofa, which sits on a geometric rug in turquoise, dark blue and navy blue. I also have a Knoll sofa in a Chanel tweed. The walls are Plaster V from Paint & Paper Library, which creates a calm backdrop to all the pattern. When it comes to paint and where to buy it, lots of new companies are springing up. One of my favourite new brands is Lick - it has created some really lovely colours.
I like taking a bespoke approach to paint colour. I don’t tend to look at paint charts – I prefer colour matching. A glance around can often inspire me. For example, if I see a shade in a painting or a piece of fabric, I’ll try to get it mixed (Paint & Paper Library is great for this). One day I found a ceramic dog in the most incredible shade of yellow. Paint & Paper Library were able to mix this for me, too. Plus, nature is always a source of inspiration: I once had the underside of an olive leaf colour matched. I’m excited that I’m about to move into a new house in the country (I also have a home in London) that has the original brick flooring. This inspired the palette for the kitchen and the dining room, which will be decorated in chocolate browns, earthy oranges, ochres and terracotta. The other half of the house is going to be navy blues and oranges – a warm combination that’s always welcoming. I’ll never understand why people choose a colour for their walls but leave the ceiling and the woodwork white. In my current home, I don’t want anything to stand out, so whatever colour goes on the walls goes on the ceiling, too. The only exception is my bedroom because I wanted a distinctly Dior feel. I painted the ceiling white and the walls are a soothing Sanderson grey. I don’t like shiny surfaces, so gloss paint is a no-go for me. Matt paint looks better and is also more forgiving. Unlike gloss, it doesn’t show up imperfections. That’s not to say I don’t like imperfection: my own houses have been crooked, old and beaten-up because I love their character.
the edit Hanami matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Graham & Brown
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Pink 03 matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Lick
Shepherd’s Delight pure matt emulsion, from £25 for 1ltr, Fenwick & Tilbrook
Deep Space Blue absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
Yeabridge Green No.287 modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Muga pure flat emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS PHOTOGRAPH PAUL RAESIDE/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
I approach interior design in much the same way as I approach my wardrobe. I don’t care what is ‘meant’ to go together: if I want to wear a spotted skirt with a checked shirt and a floral jacket, I will. I trust my instinct and I don’t need anyone’s approval for what I – or my homes – look like.
D E C O R AT I N G
D E C O R AT I N G
dining: inspiration galler y GORG EOUS E NTE RTAINING ARE AS THAT LOOK GOOD E NOUG H TO E AT (AT )
Pick your palette By selecting a few bold colours you’ll easily be able to transition the mood as required. Here, in colour curator of Farrow & Ball Joa Studholme’s kitchen-diner, she combines dark blues, bright yellow and clean white. The yellow at the window adds a sunny focal point for warmer months, while the richness of the dark blue sparkles during the fairy light-laden festive season.
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH JAMES MERRELL/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
GET THE LOOK The kitchen units are painted in Studio Green; the window arch is in Babouche; the table is in Paean Black, all Farrow & Ball
D E CO R ATI N G
Lower the lights
Double up
‘Hang pendants low over the dining table to help create dramatic, intimate zones,’ advises Charlie Bowles, director, Original BTC. ‘Choose your materials carefully – bone china pendants, for instance, bring a lovely softness of finish and a beautifully translucent glow that works particularly well over dining tables for flattering overhead illumination. Pendants are also great for creating an impactful silhouette. Don’t be afraid of using larger pendants – playing with scale is an interior designer’s trick to make a statement and create interest.’
‘Working in a double-height space opens up amazing design possibilities,’ says Brenda Gibson, senior designer at Tom Howley. ‘Create a visual juxtaposition by using darker colours for the furniture and light, airy textures for the upper half of the room. The contrast between the grounding solidity at eye-level and the cloud-like loftiness above lends a considered feel. You can also size up when it comes to lighting – globe-like chandeliers have a place in this double-height kitchen.’
GET THE LOOK This is the Tiled pendant, £1,899, Original BTC
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GET THE LOOK This kitchen is the Hartford collection in Moonstone, from £20,000, Tom Howley
To the floor Visually separating spaces can be achieved in the most subtle of ways. This project by interior designer Marta Castellano shows how a change in flooring can work to create a chic spatial division. While both the kitchen and dining room use similar sizes of reclaimed floorboards, switching up the laying pattern between the two breaks up the spaces. The choice of whitewashing the parquet works well in this bright kitchen, but for an even more delicate and calm approach you could give both flooring areas the same natural or painted finish.
PHOTOGRAPH (TO THE FLOOR) MONTSE GARRIGA GRAU/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
GET THE LOOK Try Ted Todd for reclaimed flooring. For a similar light, try the Noko natural wicker conical pendant, £195, Nkuku
Perfectly painted Take inspiration from interior designer Heidi Caillier and consider using colour to help visually zone open-plan dining areas from the rest of the home. ‘This used to be all one space so we added cased openings to make distinct rooms,’ says Heidi. ‘Warm colours not only create a welcoming atmosphere, but are effectively deep neutrals, meaning they form the perfect backdrop for whatever table set-up you’ve designed. I love how the navy blue of the dining chairs works with both the green cabinets and the terracotta wainscoting,’ adds Heidi.
PHOTOGRAPHS (PERFECTLY PAINTED) HARIS KENJAR; (CORNER BOOTH) XU LIANG LEON; (PARTITION WITH PERSONALITY) PHILIP DURRANT
GET THE LOOK This space was designed by Heidi Caillier. The lighting is RW Guild. The stools are Thomas Hayes
D E C O R AT I N G
Corner booth Being able to fit in your ideal number of guests at a dinner party should be one of your first considerations when designing a dining space. One clever way of boosting the numbers the area can hold is by opting for a booth seating arrangement rather than classic chairs. In this small dining area, designer JJ Acuna proves this point. ‘The banquette maximises efficiency within a small footprint.’ GET THE LOOK This space was designed by JJ Acuna/Bespoke Studio. The banquette is a custom design by Hong Kong-based Sankon Interiors. Leather and travertine table by Bruno Moinard for Roche Bobois
Partition with personality Be clever with your use of furniture to create a non-architectural divide in an open-plan dining space. ‘The thin frame of the shelving provides a partition between the kitchen and dining spaces without blocking the natural light,’ says interior designer Sophie Ashby. ‘By placing a vertical “buffer” within a room, a discreet zone is created and the hustle and bustle of the kitchen is contained to one side, while not blocking the dining area. The result is a feeling of sectionedoff conviviality. To add character and further screening I like to layer the shelving with art, colourful ceramics, books and plants.’ GET THE LOOK This space was designed by Studio Ashby. Try Ligne Roset for similar shelving units
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Zone out Whether you work from home or simply need a good admin spot or an area where the kids can focus on homework, integrating a work space within a dining room can be an ideal situation, as the two will rarely overlap in terms of need of usage. ‘Layering materials is an effective way to both unite and delineate zones in an open-plan space,’ notes Alexandra Donohoe Church, managing director at Decus Interiors. ‘In this example, a marblelined alcove within the custom joinery neatly defines the workstation.’ GET THE LOOK This space was designed by Decus Interiors. Series 7 3107 chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Natural touches Considered touches of natural materials and textures can add character and depth to a more contemporary dining space. This modern kitchen-diner, with minimal white units and a seamless concrete screed floor, is the perfect crisp space for everyday life. By adding the live-edge wood dining table and weathered hardwood bench in the dining section, the whole room becomes warmer and more inviting for guests. The touch of bright cherry red bar stools enlivens the look even further by picking up on the reddish tones found in the wood in a strikingly modern way. GET THE LOOK This space was designed by TG Studio. The kitchen is from Kochwerk UK. The bar stools are by Kartell
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Colour play ‘High contrast colour choices demand attention and bring a visceral sense of excitement, celebration and joy to a home,’ says colour and paint expert Annie Sloan. ‘It’s particularly perfect for Christmas time, and in dining spaces where conversation and energy are key. Maximise impact by sticking to two or three clashing colours and keep the rest of the room neutral, making sure you use your chosen colours liberally enough to fully harness their statement power.’
PHOTOGRAPHS (ZONE OUT) ANSON SMART; (NATURAL TOUCHES) PHILIP VILE
GET THE LOOK Walls in Honfleur; floor in Burgundy; chairs in Barcelona Orange, all from £5.95 for 120ml, Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan
D E C O R AT I N G
pattern book - the christmas edition I T ’ S A W R A P – I N T R O D U C I N G F I V E P R E T T Y PA P E R S T H AT O F F E R
FROM TOP LEFT 100 per cent recycled and printed with vegetable oil-based inks. Terrain eco-friendly, £2.37 a sheet, Blank Inside Comes in black, too, and it’s also eco. Greenery in White, £2.50 a sheet, Catherine Lewis Design Enchanting and recyclable. Fable forest, £9.95 for five sheets, Nancy & Betty Beautiful screenprint. Green Crush recycled cotton, £5 a sheet, Vivid Wrap at Selfridges Supports paper crafting families in Nepal. Cherries, £4 a sheet, Natalia Willmott
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FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
A N A LT E R N AT I V E T O T H E T R A D S A N TA A N D R E I N D E E R M O T I F S
COLUMNIST
house style O U R D E S I G N G U R U M I N N I E K E M P K N O W S T H AT S T O R A G E I S A B O U T M O R E THAN J UST CU PBOARD LOVE – IT CAN B E B E AUTIFU L AND ARTISTIC TOO precious room. It can be fitted under a window or around a corner and the seating depth can be as neat as 450mm.
It’s getting dark outside, beads of sweat are gathering on my forehead. I’m pressed up against a bulging… cupboard. Just as I’m about to flick the latch a thump from inside throws me back. A long broom handle alongside a neatly wrapped Christmas present spills out. It was at this precise moment I came to a realisation. Even though I have turned the cupboard under the stairs into a washing machine cubbyhole – or micro utility room if you will – freeing up valuable cupboard real estate in the kitchen, put simply, I need more storage. My first point of call for joinery is Alfred Newall of The London Workshop. He is a master woodworker, whether it be a free-standing bobbin shelving unit or an olive tongue-and-groove dresser with shaker-style cupboard doors. He approaches each design with a sensitivity towards the natural qualities of the wood, making the finish seamless – his work feels like it is there to add beauty rather than to be a place to stash your stuff. He takes commissions and his pieces can be free-standing or built-in. I’ve spied one of his designs that is not only a bench but a bookshelf and DJ’s turntable station, too. Now if that’s not art, I don’t know what is.
An oldie but a goodie is a traditional Sheila Maid clothes airer fitted to the ceiling. These are not only good for drying clothes up out of the way but installed over a kitchen island they are the perfect place to hang your pots and pans. I do love this English country look. To give it a more contemporary feel why not hang twinkling jam jar pendant lights within the frame at varying heights – a good supplier for these is Andy Thornton. And make sure to paint your ceiling rose the same colour as the ceiling so it blends in – a lumpy bumpy ceiling is never a good look.
I’ve spied a design that is a bench, bookshelf and a DJ’s turntable
Speaking of clever design, banquette seating with built-in storage is a great way to gain
There are items that should be stored away and others that need to be pride of place on the mantelpiece. Number one and top of my Christmas list this year is William Yeoward’s limited-edition Guinevere Crystal Castle selection, which is based on the legends of King Arthur and Camelot Castle. This romantic table centrepiece comprises of 22 pieces of handmade and hand-engraved crystal. The pieces can be arranged in many different ways, lit up with tea lights and decorated with flowers. This is incredibly beautiful and the perfect festive piece. Have a very merry Christmas.
MINNIE’S SHOPPING PICKS OF THE MONTH FULLY BOOKED ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul’ – yes of course Cicero, but books do seem to take up a lot of room! Thankfully La Bibliochaise by Nobody & Co is an armchair library that can hold five metres of your beloved tomes. A contemporary cube shape with fabric cushions – it’s a genius idea and certainly one for the Christmas list.
ONE OF A KIND Spazio Leone is a furniture store by Gennaro Leone filled with design classics and one-off pieces. Leone is devoted to 70s and 80s Italian design and has curated a fascinating collection. I recently fell in love with this unique wavy wooden chest of drawers. It would go next to my front door and I’d stack it full of shoes. Heaven!
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the power of print H I L L A R Y S ’ S T U N N I N G C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H M A R G O S E L B Y P U T S I M PAC T F U L PAT T E R N S C E N T R E S TAG E
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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e’ve long been fans of the acclaimed artist and designer Margo Selby, known for her forward-thinking patterns with a hint of retro-looking charm. And her new collaboration with the British curtain and blind specialist Hillarys is as impressively impactful as you’d hope – an exclusive collection of contemporary fabrics for a made-to-measure range of curtains, Roman blinds and cushion covers . E L E VAT E YO U R I N T E R I O R While Hillarys has always focused on the quality of its materials and ability to customise its products, Margo’s design philosophy has been to push the boundaries of weaving. Together, the partnership has led to a collection of fashion-forward styles, beautifully made, with the chance to choose your linings and matching cushions to keep your scheme feeling cohesive . COV E TA B L E S T Y L E There’s an on-trend element to Margo’s style, as the confident shapes and joyful fabrics of mid-century design look set to be big once again in 2022. So whether you opt for curtains with contemporary eyelets, traditional pencil pleats or functional Roman blinds, you’ll be raising the style stakes in your home. GO BESPOKE To find out more about the Margo Selby range at Hillarys and get a custom-made solution for your home, make an appointment to have a Hillarys advisor visit you. You can rely on them to help you create the best options for your windows. Armed with samples, unique ideas, expert advice and details on this exclusive collection, you’ll receive a quote and have your windows measured, with your chosen design then tailor-made and fitted to your windows.
OPPOSITE Stella Navy curtains THIS IMAGE Zaha Deep Teal Roman blind
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Visit hillarys.co.uk/margo-selby-at-hillarys or call 0800 239 0983 to request a free home appointment.
Acclaimed textiles artist and designer Margo Selby brings her unique style to this contemporary collection; Renzo Navy curtain
Margo’s signature large-scale graphic prints contrast beautifully with sumptuous textures; Mori Evergreen curtain with Peacock lining
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how to... dress your home with foliage FRESH AND FRAGRANT, EVERGREENS AND SEASONAL STEMS MAKE FOR A SENSATIONAL CHRISTMAS SCHEME – OUR EXPERTS PICK THEIR FAVOURITE IDEAS
Yellow limonium brings bold colour to a wreath
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warm welcome
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go rogue
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wild thing
Banisters look beautiful when they are covered with trailing ivy, garlanded with soft ruscus or festooned with traditional blue pine. Even standard garlands can be embellished with scented eucalyptus, or given a wild look with asparagus fern – this can be natural or sprayed with a metallic finish to add a touch of glamour. Sue Barnes, founder, Lavender Green Flowers
foraged findsI like beautiful soft colours in my house I like soft colours in my house at Christmas in contrast to its industrial architecture. On the mantelpiece I’ll add a spruce garland, with texture from pine cones and teasels, which always looks stunning, and colour with dried flowers such as limonium. Talena Rolfe, head florist, JamJar Flowers
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We find inspiration from foraging and keep an eye out for unique branches and winter skeletons of flowers and leaves. These treasures can then be used to build up a scene almost like a piece of art. Some of our favourites are old man’s beard, umbels, grasses and crisped up leaves. The beauty of the circle of life is reflected in the delicate winter skeletons of summer past – capturing a moment in time. Kitten Grayson, founder, Kitten Grayson Flowers
FEATURE JACKY PARKER
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At Christmas, I prefer to think outside of traditional colour schemes and break the rules of flower arranging. I use chalk-based sprays to change the colour of conifer, fir or pine cones, and create an ombre effect for a kaleidoscope of hues. I love dried hydrangeas for their oversized forms. Hanging heads vertically on twine gives a modern take on a garland. Or for simplicity, drape fresh ivy over a shelf or mantelpiece. Hazel Gardiner, founder, Hazel Gardiner Design
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chalk it up
A fabulously modern way to style a real tree and emphasise the glossiness of the fir spruces is by painting all your baubles in one colour. It’s a brilliant way to update an old but serviceable collection of mismatched pieces and kinder to the planet than buying new. Paint by dipping; then once dry protect them with matt chalk paint lacquer. Annie Sloan, founder, Annie Sloan
Using baubles in a single block colour looks striking
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A garland of eucalyptus smells delicious and also dries beautifully
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feeling fruity
We love to get creative with textured foliage such as thistles mixed with berried ivy and eucalyptus. For a more delicate design we incorporate fresh flowers in winter tones. Adding quirky props can really make a feature of decorations; we love animals such as reindeer heads or woodland creatures. It’s all about those little extras that add the finer details. Ricky Jackson, creative director, Ricky Paul Flowers
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make an entrance Christmas isn’t ready without a garland up the staircase. I make mine with a base of eucalyptus, spruce, parvifolia, berried ivy and yew tree - anything evergreen – and hang it up. Then I’ll add fairy lights and wire in decorations, velvet ribbons, feather birds, berries, fir cones, dried lime slices and peppercorns. Willow Crossley, floral designer, Willow Crossley
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When making Christmas wreaths, we like to marry British pine with traditional orange slices, which can be made at home by simply dehydrating them in the oven, and foraged bits from the garden. Saving dried lavender and hydrangea during your winter tidy or throughout the year to add to your wreath or garland keeps things natural, colourful and fragrant yet always makes for an understated, refined and cosy look throughout the festive season. Ronny Colbie, founder and creative director, Ronny Colbie
PHOTOGRAPH (MAKE AN ENTRANCE) PAUL RAESIDE
I’ve been using decorations I inherited from my parents for years. They’re beautiful hand-painted pieces carved from wood and full of memories from my childhood. Christmas decorations are as much about looks as they are about smell – fill your home with scented candles and naturally fragrant decorations made from dried fruit, fresh pine and spruce foliage. Irene Gunter, founder, Gunter & Co
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Create an abundant display that floods the centre and length of the table, keeping it low, so everyone can talk. I love fragrant seasonal greenery; blue spruce, skimmia and eucalyptus. Flowers, such as hellebores and ranunculus, bring colour to the design. Add plenty of candlelight, staggering the heights, for a warm, inviting feel. Philippa Craddock, florist
Candles in darker tones, like these black tapered ones, add a wintry effect
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entertaining by design P U L L U P A C H A I R T O B R OW S E L I V I N G E T C ’ S E D I T O F N E X T H O M E ’ S C O L L E C T I O N , A N A R T F U L C U R AT I O N T O
*DELIVERY COSTS APPLY. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. RESTRICTIONS APPLY. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS, VISIT NEXT.CO.UK
M A K E YO U R S PAC E G U E S T A N D C H R I S T M A S R E A DY
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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e love to champion wise buys here at Livingetc and know that good design can come with an affordable price tag. It’s about the mix, the placement and having the confidence to know what works. So we were excited to sift through the Next Home collection and pull together a selection of pieces to elevate your decor. From reeded sideboards and quilted dining chairs to scalloped place mats and abstract candlesticks, our edit works because each piece has its own personality and elegance and is designed to the highest quality by Next’s in-house team. There’s a true breadth of range at Next Home. It’s here you’ll find everything from sofas and accessories to textiles and lighting, and a wide range of interiors brands like Harlequin, Bloomingville and Smeg. We really admire the Next-designed Piano furniture line – the sideboard is featured here – made from mango wood and with beautiful slatted details, and the Logan dinnerware in its grown-up palette of brown and blush, ideal for festive hosting and then to use all year. What our edit shows is that at Next Home you can pull together a look that is right for your space, choosing from a vast range of well-made, aspirational and affordable design. We can’t wait to see how you style your finds. X
Shop the Next Home collection in stores and online at next.co.uk*
MAIN DINING SHOT Astoria 6-seater dining table, £725; Iva dining chairs in Opulent Velvet Steel, £196 for set of 2; Logan reactive 12-piece dinner set in Brown, £48; Pom pom place mats, £14 for set of 4; Charcoal linen napkins, £10 for set of 4; Barrett Smoke wine glasses, £26 for set of 4; Barrett tumbler glasses, £18 for set of 4; Celeste 16-piece stainless-steel cutlery set, £45; Marble star trivet, £18; Spiral taper candles, £8 for set of 2; Christmas bauble set, from £12; Bloomingville Black candle holder, £44; LSA International Gio carafe and stopper, £32 BLUE DINING ROOM DETAIL Hamilton dining chair in Petrol Blue, £310 for set of 2; Glass candlestick holders, £10 for set of 2; Spiral taper candles, £8 for set of 2; Gold and black vase, £28; Paisley Amber wine glasses, £22 for set of 4; Piano drinks cabinet, £750; Teal reactive vase, £35; White pleated ceramic vase, £28; wall in Payne’s Grey chalky emulsion by Craig & Rose, £38 for 2.5ltr SIDEBOARD AND CHAIR Piano two-door sideboard, £899; Handle ceramic vase, £28; Glass candlestick holder, £35; Mylo chair in Charcoal Boucle, £275; Maxwell geo rug, from £60-£164; wall in Zeitgeist chalky emulsion by Craig & Rose, £38 for 2.5ltr
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FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS PHOTOGRAPH MARY WADSWORTH
Kitchen design by Roundhouse. Deja Vu red and green stool with 24-karat gold-plated metal and velvet fringes, 1stDibs
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Punches of red, glorious green Vitoria Regia stone and brass accents turn this Roundhouse kitchen into a party-ready space. But the standout piece has to be the curved island, which softens the look alongside the playful fringed stool. If the festive season could be a kitchen, this certainly is it livingetc.com
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R E N O VAT I O N N E W S I N N OVAT I V E I D E A S FO R K ITC H E N S , B AT H R O O M S A N D P R OJ E C T S
HOT COLL AB He has designed everything from furniture to diffusers, and now Tom Dixon has joined forces with VitrA to unveil his first bathroom collection, Liquid. The range includes sanitaryware, vanities, taps, tiles and shower systems – all designed to work together or as stand-alone pieces. Inspired by Victorian bathrooms, the designs embrace an easy-on-the-eye plump aesthetic – think round curves, chunky taps and fat tubes – and simple easy-to-use controls. Liquid, The VitrA x Tom Dixon collection starts at £80 (vitra.co.uk)
well lit Lighting brand Lights and Lamps has launched its first bathroom collection of three fresh designs. The Coro, which features a brushed brass frame with three opal bulbs, is versatile enough to be fitted to both the wall and ceiling; and the Art Deco-influenced, dome-shaped Silio pendant and ceiling light (pictured) are each available in two finishes. Silio 3-light ceiling light, £109 (lightsandlamps.com)
Want a one-stop shop for project advice? Then visit the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 20-21 November. (somerset.home buildingshow.co.uk/ livingetcnews)
FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS
on the pull Fancy upgrading your kitchen or wardrobe doors? Crafted in the heart of Birmingham by brass artisans, the new Digbeth collection of hardware by Armac Martin features linear ridged details, which are as pleasurable to touch as they are to look at. The range consists of T-bar and pull handles, alongside matching cabinet knobs and appliance pulls. The Digbeth collection starts at £70 (armacmartin.co.uk)
SIMPLE MINIMALISM Celebrated for its iconic hardware, it seems only fitting that Buster + Punch has now launched its own kitchen. Inspired by the free-standing style used by professional chefs, the collection is formed of modular units in the pared-back look we’ve come to expect from founder Massimo Buster Minale, a trained architect. With two frame options, it also has three cabinet colourways, three worktops and a choice of pulls and handles from Buster + Punch’s own range. Each kitchen is cleverly designed online based on given measurements and the brand also offers a new mixer tap, shelving and lighting. The Buster + Punch kitchen starts at £25,000 (busterandpunch.com)
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3 of the best ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING For a light look with visible knots and a pleasing grain pattern, this wide plank floor suits both modern and period properties. Galleria Professional European oak in White Fumed, £56.99sq m (ukflooringdirect.co.uk)
This Parisian-style chevron parquet flooring has a wax oil hand-finish, which should look good for years. Montmartre European oak chevron parquet in Antique Silver Grey, £139.39sq m, (nakedfloors.com)
The popularity of a herringbone floor shows no sign of waning and this warm option, with hints of grey, is one of the most versatile around. Furrow herringbone, £95.18sq m, (tedtodd.co.uk)
HIG H COLOU R If any more proof was needed for the colour revolution set to take over our bathrooms, the award-winning Opal Quiz free-standing bath and basin by Acquabella has introduced a new colourway – Soft Aubergine. The surprisingly liveable shade is teamed with geometric pattern and appealing texture. The bath has a non-slip finish, is warm to the touch and antibacterial, thanks to the non-silicone mixture of resin and natural minerals. The Opal Quiz bath in Soft Aubergine, £5,731 (acquabella.com)
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EXPERT INSIGHT
wet rooms Nicholas Cunild, managing director of Matki, reveals the ins and outs of a well-designed shower sanctuary There are many benefits to having a wet room. It can provide a spacious showering area with the high-end look of a luxurious spa. Wet rooms are also level entry, so easily accessible to all, not to mention hygienic and easy to clean. Done well, a wet room is incredibly desirable and can boost your home’s value, too. Any bathroom, upstairs or down, can be fully tanked for wet room use although it’s easiest to install a wet room in a new build or extension. Issues like the direction of floor joists can be problematic but not insurmountable. Wet rooms are particularly effective in small or awkward scenarios, like rooms with sloped ceilings or strange layouts, as you can maximise the showering area without the restrictions of standard shower tray sizes. In some cases, such as a listed property, you may need to accept a step up into the room, in order to achieve the necessary gradients for efficient water drainage. Done neatly, it will be unnoticeable. There are many savvy ways to achieve fully tanked spaces nowadays and wet room tanking systems and products are readily available. In particular, hidden tray systems, which fit under the floor tiles and take care of drainage gradients and watertightness have proved a real game-changer. Low-level shower trays that fit flush with the tiles are also popular and can help define the showering space in a bigger room. Wet room installation is not for novices; it’s important to find a tanking specialist or builder with verifiable experience. Consider all options for your surface material. Tiling from floor-to-ceiling is practical but can feel cold. We’ve noted a rise in polished plaster – both traditional tadelakt and more modern microcement – in wet rooms and the results are stunning. Built up in layers, the finish is waterproof and seamless. Wet room screens are a good idea especially if the loo, vanity and bath are all in one room. Soggy towels and flooded floors can be avoided without losing that all-important openness in look and feel. Panels that integrate into the shower tray with no silicone sealant required are great for a barely-there, frameless look. It’s important to take extra steps with regards to heat, ventilation and drying than you would in a regular bathroom. Underfloor heating and heated towel rails will also speed up the drying process and prevent slip hazards. Mechanical ventilation is a must for building regulation compliance and will help clear steam – look for models with humidity sensors that automatically boost when required. matki.co.uk
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TH E LOWDOWN ON … BUILDING A KITCHEN EXTENSION F R O M N AV I G AT I N G T H E P L A N N I N G P R O C E S S TO T H E CO R R E C T P R O C E D U R E FO R B U I L D I N G R E G U L AT I O N S , A R C H I T E C T JA M E S DA L E O U T L I N E S T H E B E S T A P P R OAC H If you want a larger kitchen extension (a structure that projects up to 6m from the back of your house) you can go through the Prior Approval process. Apart from size, the extension would still fall under the same rules as PD. However, even if your proposal hits all the criteria, if your neighbours object you’ll need to apply for planning consent. For a kitchen extension, the third option is to submit a householder planning application. You can ask for a lot more under Be realistic about your budget when it comes to achieving this category. For example, though the footprint of the addition the design you want. If you’re working with a fixed amount, might still fall under PD guidelines, you could use different cladding materials to those on the original house, such as tiles, metal or you might have to make design compromises. Work with timber. You could also put your application in to exceed 6m. your architect as part of a collaborative process to create an extension design that works for you. To develop an extension design that’s viewed favourably by the planners, your architect’s proposal will be If you’re adding a kitchen extension to a house in informed by local and national planning policy. If you’re an urban location, party walls are one of the main going for something that’s potentially contentious, aspects to consider. Another element to think about it’s worth pointing out to the council why it works from is space – for example, not every terraced house a design perspective, and why the proposal doesn’t impact on can accommodate a kitchen that’s large enough to anyone else. For a kitchen extension, you shouldn’t need the help incorporate an island. As an architect, it’s like putting together of a professional planning consultant in most cases the pieces of your client’s brief like a puzzle to make sure the kitchen doesn’t feel overcrowded. Any kitchen extension needs to meet the standards laid out by Building Regulations. They are statutory and in The beauty of many city homes is that you can apply to place to ensure certain standards are met regarding do pretty much any type of extension you want, bearing the safety of the building, thermal performance, etc. One in mind that your proposal is going to be assessed route is to engage your own private Approved Inspector against planning policy. For a terraced Victorian home, to monitor the progress of the build for you. The other option is to for instance, the standard kitchen extension would be go through the council. If you take the latter path, you have two a 3m deep side or rear extension, a full side return structure or a choices: one is to submit your plans for full approval. Here, the wraparound design. So long as you’re hitting the key points in local authority will check your engineer’s drawings and may ask for planning policy and not impacting your neighbours, you should further information if they have queries. The other way is to submit a be able to make your extension design a success. building notice one week before work begins on site. The inspector would come out to assess the site, and any queries would be picked When it comes to applying for permission for your up there. I’d always recommend going for full approval – you don’t kitchen extension, there are a few routes you can take want the Building Control office turning up and having to change depending on what you’d like your project to achieve. something once you’re already on site. Once the build is finished, The first option is Permitted Development (PD). Under this set of rules, you can build an extension that you’ll get a completion certificate to show the work is up to standard. stretches 3m from the back of your terraced or semi-detached X house, 4m for a detached house. There are also height limitations you’ll need to factor in, plus the construction materials should James Dale Architects (jamesdalearchitects.com) is a London-based match the original property. PD rights don’t apply if you live in a architectural practice specialising in contemporary and thoughtful Conservation Area or your house is listed. The full list of rules designs. Its portfolio always includes a kitchen at the heart of a design, can be found at planningportal.co.uk. whether as part of an extension, conversion or refurbishment project.
When planning your kitchen extension, the first thing to think about is how you want to use the space. Ask yourself how the new kitchen should work compared to how it currently functions. To form the brief, your architect will need a set of plans, your proposed budget, a time frame and a list of things you do/don’t like. Any other information about the address – for example, if you live in a Conservation Area – will be helpful for your designer at this stage.
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FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPH RORY GARDINER
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“The beauty of city homes is that you can apply to do pretty much any type of kitchen extension”
A side extension and ground floor reconfiguration created space for a kitchen-diner in this design by Amos Goldreich Architecture (agarchitecture. net). The extension was made by resting timber fins onto the brick party wall. A rooflight invites the sun in
M AT E R I A L O F T H E M O M E N T… EXTERIOR GLAZED TILES T H I S CO LO U R F U L A N D H A R D -W E A R I N G O P T I O N H A S M A D E I T S WAY F R O M T H E D E S I G N L A N G UAG E O F CO M M E R C I A L P R O P E R T Y TO R E S I D E N TI A L P R OJ E C T S
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Injecting a bright burst of colour that contrasts with traditional brickwork, glazed external tiles provide an eye-catching cladding solution for urban extensions. There are practical benefits, too; it’s durable, requires little upkeep and offers a service life of 150 plus years. ‘Glazed exteriors are unexpected and joyful, breaking the norms of house refurbishments,’ says Melissa Beasley, director at Beasley Dickson Architects. Providing the tiling is designed and installed to a high standard, it will establish crisp, clean detailing around edges and openings. ‘It can therefore add an interesting sense of uniformity,’ says Johan Hybschmann, partner and architect at Archmongers. ‘Glazed tiles work well on additions to Victorian or post-war properties, as original tiles are commonly found on Victorian pubs, theatres and stations.’ Most of the products available to the standard required for outdoor settings are made bespoke, allowing you to select the precise shape and colour that will complement your home best. Tiles are manufactured by pressing stoneware clay into plaster moulds that have been prepared to your dimensions. Once released from the mould and left to dry, they are fired before the glazed finish is applied. ‘The glaze can be applied to the surface of the tile in many ways – we use the dipping method where each tile is dipped into the glaze so a predetermined amount coats the surface,’ says Sebastian John, director at Tiles of Stow.
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FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS (LOOKING LUMINOUS) AGNESE SANVITO; (BESPOKE BLUE) FRENCH+TYE; (COLOUR COMBO) PAUL TIERNEY; (BRIGHT WHITE) ANDY STAGG
For the best finish, it’s vital to ensure your tiles are frost-proof and that you create a detailed plan for how the tiles should be laid at the design phase of your project. When it comes to installation, use a tiler who has laid glazed external tiles before. ‘The type of adhesive needed will vary with building type,’ says Odette Wells, director at Tiles of Stow. ‘Tiles must be laid with 100% coverage of adhesive between the tile and substrate. Most frost damage occurs from water ingress behind the tile. If the water freezes and expands it can push the tile off the wall.’ Once complete, little maintenance is required aside from the occasional wipe down with a mild detergent – always check your manufacturer’s guidelines.
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Sitting in the middle of a terraced row, the rear extension to this Edwardian home was inspired by the owners’ passion for the decorative arts, including fine glazed pottery. Vibrant tiles were chosen for the bathrooms and utility inside the house, complemented by glazed blue tiles for the exterior. This rich shade of blue was developed specifically for the project, with a patina and depth of colour that changes with the weather and levels of daylight.
White, pale grey and green glazed tiles were chosen to clad this kitchen-diner extension in Dublin. Not only does the gloss texture of the tiles contrast with the characterful grain of the timber window frames, but the glaze helps bounce more light into the extension, improving overall brightness levels. The tiles have been laid in a vertical staggered arrangement, which helps draw the eye upwards.
GET THE LOOK Extension by Beasley Dickson Architects (beasleydickson.com); tiles supplied by H&E Smith (hesmith.co.uk)
GET THE LOOK Extension by GKMP Architects (gkmp.ie)
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Glazed external tiles were specified for this kitchen extension in London, resulting in a wow-factor finish. A rich shade of petrol blue was chosen for its ability to contrast with the neutral shades inside the house. Custom-made rectangular units measuring 200x100mm have been laid alongside finishing corner and edging pieces in a variety of sizes, establishing a neat, uniform finish.
Positioned along a small mews street in London, this studio was designed for a sculptor and printmaker. The different practices required two spaces that could function independently – a large workshop and smaller working areas. The gabled tiled part of the building houses the kitchen and bathroom. White tiles form a visual counterpoint to the red window frames, dark grey metal cladding and grey blockwork. The 6mm black grout joints, normally 2-3mm thick, have been exaggerated to infuse graphic appeal.
GET THE LOOK Extension by Archmongers (archmongers.com); tiles supplied by Tiles of Stow (tilesofstow.co.uk)
GET THE LOOK Artist studio by CAN (can-site. co.uk); Cesano Gloss tiles supplied by Grestec (grestec.co.uk)
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THE HOME FRONT R E B E C C A WA K E F I E L D I S W O N D E R I N G W H AT T O D O F I R S T I N H E R N E W H O M E , T H O U G H S U R P R I S I N G LY I T ’ S N O T T O R E P A I N T T H E M A G N O L I A W A L L S lived in flats or narrow, long Victorian buildings and this new generous layout is happily suited to life with small kids, where the soul-crushing sound of the Lego box being emptied is never more than a room away.
House-hunting was very much like dating. There were the ‘my type on paper’ houses that ticked all the aesthetic boxes but upon further inspection, sat on a busy bus route, had an air of creepiness, or a postcard size garden. Then, as with my new 1930s house, there were ones that failed to spark joy on the first encounter. A first date where an initial lack of physical attraction threatened to sabotage what ultimately ended up as an engagement, festival-style wedding, 2.4 kids and a Labrador called Buster.
The interiors, however, are somewhat sad. Magnolia walls, brown carpets and white tiles, inoffensive but uninspiring. Our previous Victorian home had been decorated in a 1960s psychedelic car crash of colours. My energy went into creating a calm design in a muted palette. This time, I’m curiously feeling the opposite, the house seems to be begging me to inject some colour and warmth, pattern and texture, layers and detail into it.
PHOTOGRAPH (REBECCA) HANNAH LOVEMORE
If the sign of finding ‘the one’ in the dating sphere is leaving a toothbrush at a lover’s, then the home buyer’s sign is when Rightmove alerts go straight into your junk box because you no longer open them. It came as a shock to me that my spam folder was full, that I had found The One. I’m writing this just days after moving in, sat at my kitchen table which leads onto the conservatory (I like to call this the ‘garden room’ to make myself feel fancy). An abundant grapevine penetrates the building, it’s charm only eclipsed by the anxiety of how to maintain such a laden beast when we extend.
The house seems to be begging me to inject some colour, pattern and texture into it
The wide, square 1930s floor plan is a complete revelation. We have only before
Alas, before I consider which fabric to upholster chairs in – and we’ll get there in future months of this column – there is a mind-blowing amount of planning to do. My (perhaps ardent) ambitions consist of: a loft extension, integrating the attached garage, connecting the kitchen and dining room, extending at ground floor level, adding a utility room and cloakroom, replacing the stairs, reconfiguring the first floor, replacing windows and landscaping the garden. Even writing this list makes me feel physically exhausted. Lucky, grateful, excited but exhausted. And covered in dust.
R E B E C C A’ S B U Y S O F T H E M O N T H MADE TO MEASURE As with any client project, I advise that a measured survey is fundamental if you plan on doing extensive work. People come to your property with fancy machinery, measure it all up with lasers and send you CAD and PDF plans and elevations. It can save a lot of time at the forefront of a project, so I appointed Target Surveys (cost depending on size of property) to get cracking as soon as we moved in.
BEDDING IN The single thing I ordered for this house prior to moving in is the Molly bed, from £1,382, from Love Your Home, far right. It’s super comfy, it has a low headboard, making it perfect for rooms with less generous ceiling heights and the colourway Moss is a delicious desaturated deep green. I’ll be pairing it with a lumbar cushion made in de Le Cuona Duchess Paisley print, right, price on request, a gorgeous wool blend fabric.
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GARDEN I N S P I R AT I O N T U R N U P T H E H E AT I N T H E S T Y L E S TA K E S - A N D L I T E R A L LY, TO O Spending time in your garden on a chilly day offers the perfect antidote to the winter blues – and a fire pit provides the warmth you’ll need to stay out longer in the colder months. Options range from basic woodburning models to elegant gas-fuelled designs that wouldn’t look out of place in an interior space. Positioning is key to enjoyment and safety – don’t place on a deck or lawn, leave two to three metres around it and keep away from overhanging branches and wooden fencing. Garden designer Amanda Buckland of Greencube recommends using a sunken area: ‘A sunken garden surrounded by plants with a pit in the middle creates a warm, sheltered snug, ideal for winter parties.’
Meanwhile, gas-fired pits blend contemporary style with smokeless, constant heat and an adjustable flame that can be regulated by a switch or remote control. However, these fire pits are powered by either barbecue-style gas cylinders or a plumbed-in gas line and are permanent features or difficult to move, so their design and location need to be carefully considered long before you get out the marshmallows.
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THIS IMAGE If you want a built-in fire pit you need to carefully consider the space between it and your seating so that there is enough room for you and your guests to sit comfortably – as illustrated in this garden design by Harrington Porter LEFT For smokeless style go for a gas model like this square gas fire pit from VonHaus (£399.99) – its clean lines will echo a seating area beautifully
FEATURE ZIA ALLAWAY PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN) HARRINGTON PORTER, VONHAUS
The most basic fire pits are simple steel or aluminium bowls – foodies can also opt for a model with a grill that transforms the fire pit into a mini barbecue. ‘I particularly like fire pits by Arteflame and Rais, which have an integral flat-plate around the fire bowl that grills your food – they look great, too,’ says garden designer Rosemary Coldstream. All these pits can be moved around and stored in a shed or garage when not in use. The wood for your fire pit must be aged and dried so as not to produce toxic pollution. You will need a watertight storage area for it.
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“It is key to understand the heat output of a fire pit before building it in, especially if your seating isn’t moveable” Chris Harrington, director, Harrington Porter
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GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK THE SIMPLE JOY OF DOING VERY LITTLE IS NOT ONE GARDENERS OFTEN GET – POPPY OKOTCHA TAKES A STEP BACK AND LETS NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE
By shaking off their leaves, feeding the soil, which in turn supports the trees and other plants, their ‘death’ gives fuel for new life. In early spring, before the trees come back into full leaf, wild garlic, crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops will carpet the floor, bursting through the decaying leaf litter.
I’m hoping a hedgehog or toad might overwinter in one of the log or stone piles, as welcome as the ladybirds as they dine on slugs and snails, of which I have plenty. Last June saw the arrival of our two lovely bantam hens, who make a respectable dent in the population by gobbling down any smaller ones they find. But there are still some giants about that even the chickens seem to shrink from, so just in case my hedgehog and toad plan fails, next spring a pair of runner ducks will join the gang. I hear no slug or snail is too large for them.
The trees’ rest gives opportunity for other life. Knowing this, I watch their leaves flutter to the ground and I smile thinking of all the life they are supporting and making room for. As the frosts arrive, the fennel, evening primrose, goldenrod, valerian and wild marjoram left standing after flowering are beautiful sugar-coated skeletons in the mornings. I’ll leave them standing until temperatures warm up again in spring. The seed heads will feed the birds, while insects, their eggs and larvae will be snugly hiding. Last spring I watched armies of ladybirds emerge from the dead stems of evening
Cultivating a thriving ecosystem in the garden, whether that’s creating habitat opportunities or forage, helps to keep it healthy, maintaining any less warmly welcomed creatures at a manageable level. So often when we have an abundance of one pest or disease it comes down to a lack of biodiversity, allowing the pests to thrive (really all they need is a predator) or the disease to spread rapidly throughout a fairly monoculture space. Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life – a high level is important for the health and resilience of an ecosystem (like our gardens.). This life needs a home and food which we can offer.
“The seed heads will feed the birds, while insects, their eggs and larvae will be snugly hiding”
THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN 1 Increase biodiversity by planting a hedge or shrubs that offer berries and a home for birds (elders are great), grow organic, construct a log, brick or stone pile, and make compost and use it. 2 Be a bit less tidy in the garden. Dig a pond and let it fill with rainwater (make sure the soil isn’t frozen when you do this). 3 Mow the lawn less or not at all.
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INDOORS 1 Organise your seed box – if you’re like me by now it will be pure chaos in there. 2 Water houseplants less as lower light levels will slow their growth. Move them to locations where they will get the most direct sun, but watch out for them getting chilly on windowsills. 3 Light levels might not be great for growing successful microgreens, but sprouts thrive all year round. Try a mix and sprinkle them on soup.
PHOTOGRAPHS (BIRD) GETTY IMAGES, (SEED BOX) FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
primrose, after hibernating in them through the winter. They have a voracious appetite for aphids (the larvae will eat upwards of 50 a day), so I was very pleased to see them.
The apple trees at the end of the garden are thinking about losing their leaves, which will fall and decay, locking carbon into the soil and feeding the soil food web. Meanwhile, the trees will go into a sort of hibernation, drawing their energy down and into their roots to wait out the winter. Come spring, the sap will rise up again as the trees’ energy moves up and out, bursting into blossoms and leaves.
Delivering rich and rounded audio, Ikea’s Symfonisk picture frame speaker, £179, can be synced up with any other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room sound system, playing the same music throughout your home
smart home FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
T H E N E W P I E C E O F T E C H I M P R OV I N G O U R L I V E S T H I S M O N T H
Whether you’re Team Mariah or Team Slade, Ikea’s latest Symfonisk speaker has your festive sound system covered. Concealed within the picture frame, which can be updated with interchangeable ‘artworks’, lies a Sonos Wi-Fi speaker, perfect for streaming your favourite holiday tunes livingetc.com
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Echo Dot (4th Gen) Kids Tiger, £39.99, Amazon (amazon.co.uk)
innovations D E S I G N S T H AT W I L L T R A N S F O R M YO U R ABODE INTO AN EASIE R PL ACE TO LIVE Echo Dot (4th Gen) Kids Panda, £39.99, Amazon (amazon.co.uk)
kids’ play Seeing as most kids take to using tech like ducks to water, it’s surprising that it’s taken this long for a children’s-only voice assistant to launch, but now Amazon has that covered. Available in two achingly cute designs, the new Echo Dot Kids allows young ones to ask Alexa questions, set alarms and get help with their homework, while parents can set time limits, filter explicit material and check up on what their kids have been accessing.
twinkle twinkle Make your Christmas a lot smarter this year by decorating using Twinkly’s app-controlled LEDs. Choose from icicles and curtains to strings and clusters, and a vast array of colours and light programmes. If you add the Twinkly Music dongle, you can sync your lights to the beat of any music playing. Twinkly lights, from £54.99 for 100 colour-changing string lights (L8m); Twinkly Music dongle, £29.99 (whitestores.co.uk)
Watch films in 4K on the Premiere LSP7T ultra-short throw projector, £3,999 (samsung.com/uk)
PLUG & PLAY If you can’t leave home without a power pack to juice up your phone during the day, then take a look at Nolii’s ever-so-lovely Set Battery. This ingenious little gadget features a lightweight portable battery with an integrated iPhone lightning cable, as well as a USB-A port to charge up to two devices on the go. When you eventually return home, simply pop the power bank on charge using the magnetic mains plug attachment. Set Battery, £59.99 (nolii.com)
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Exterior security cameras have never been too pretty, but Arlo’s new Pro 4 is much easier on the eye. Packed with features including a spotlight, siren and 160° field of view, the 12x zoom camera with 2K HDR video ensures a clear picture. Pro 4, from £220 for a one-camera kit (arlo.com/en_gb)
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EXPERT INSIGHT
how to create the perfect home cinema Neil White, home cinema buyer at Richer Sounds, explains the must-haves for an Oscar-worthy experience
SPINNING AROUND If you fancy yourself as a bit of a DJ this Christmas, you’ll need the right kit to prove it. Technics – the brand that all the top mixers swear by – has just released a new turntable that will add lashings of sonic style and gravitas to your sound system. Featuring a conical stylus for accurate tracking, the turntable is compatible with Phono MM inputs found on a wide variety of hi-fi amplifiers, so it’s a cinch to set up and get the party started. SL-100C turntable, £799 (technics.com/uk)
3 of the best
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS (TWINKLE TWINKLE) IL FOTOGRAFO DI FINALBORGO/ENDOS PHOTOGRAPHY; (LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION) CAPTURE
SOUNDBARS BOX CLEVER On sale in early 2022, Sony’s latest comes with a dual subwoofer for deep bass and two up-firing speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling. HT-A5000 soundbar, £800 (sony.co.uk)
ACE BASS Loathe the long, thin look of a traditional soundbar? This compact model produces exceptional high-res sound. LG QP5 bluetooth soundbar and wireless subwoofer, £599 (johnlewis.com)
MULTIFUNCTIONAL This soundbar and subwoofer has five sound modes so you can tweak the audio to match what you’re watching. Panasonic C-HTB490 slim soundbar with subwoofer, £349 (panasonic.com/uk)
For a true cinema experience, you’ll n eed a big screen. Aim for one that’s at least 75 inches in size – anything smaller will just feel a bit average. A projector makes an even better choice. Projector design has advanced dramatically over the past five years – with brighter light sources, modern models don’t have to be used in a room with blackout blinds any more, and they’re a lot more user-friendly in other ways, too. Choose an ultra-short throw projector and it will project a screen that’s up to 150 inches, from just centimetres from the wall. This means the projector can sit on a sideboard, shelf or table directly in front of the screen without having to be metres away or hung from the ceiling elsewhere in the room. Modern projectors usually have all the HDMI and USB sockets that you’d find on a TV, meaning your games console, set-top TV box and Blu-ray player can be connected just as easily. Consider investing in a screen. An important thing to consider, whatever type of projector is being used, is that it’s always best to show the image on a dedicated screen, rather than just on a plain white wall. The picture will look much brighter and sharper. A retractable screen is a great choice if you want to enjoy a really clear picture yet you don’t want to have a large screen in your living space 24/7. High-quality audio is essential. Although TVs have increased in size over the years, their sound hasn’t. Ultra-thin TVs simply don’t have the physical space to accommodate good speakers, so the first port of call is usually a soundbar or base. This will certainly help to push the audio out into the room and will create a much richer, punchier sound. To replicate cinematic sound, a dedicated home cinema speaker system is a must. This consists of stereo speakers at the front for the bulk of the audio – just like a hi-fi system. A centre speaker between these handles all the dialogue and counters the ‘mumble’ that often affects today’s movies and box sets. That leaves surround speakers for all the special effects that whizz around you. Basic systems have just two rear effect speakers, but you can have as many as 11. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X take this to the next level by using ceiling-mounted or upward-firing speakers. Finally, a really good home cinema system lets you feel the force of the sound in the pit of your stomach. For heart-pounding bass and cinematic punch, a dedicated subwoofer really powers the soundtrack along. richersounds.com
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live well D R A S H R A N P U R A’ S T H O U H T S O N S U R V I V I N G F A M I LY G AT H E R I N G S
Hosting family and friends over the holidays can be a stressful and emotional experience. One of the primary reasons for this is that although we talk a lot about our ‘true selves’, that is actually an illusion. There is no ‘who we really are’; like all living creatures we respond to the environment around us. That’s why, when the environment changes and we have no control over it, we get incredibly anxious because we start to question our identity. Maybe your parents are there and to them you’re their child, your partner is there and to your partner you’re their spouse, your children are there and you’re their parent. These are conflicting roles and it’s stressful to try and play them all at the same time.
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH SIMON BEVAN/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
People feel more comfortable when situations are more predictable, and so when your home is taken over by guests, your refuge, your inner space, suddenly becomes unpredictable. In Indian culture this is sort of the norm and we don’t have the same kind of privacy. As we typically live in homes with lots of family around, you have to find privacy within the presence of lots of people. That’s a mental decision to pull away and be private without needing the physical space of privacy, whereas an English family, like my wife’s, will often be social when in the same space, so when they need a break they have to physically remove themselves.
who knows how these things affect you because if you know you have someone who’s on your side, you can tolerate it easier.
You can create opportunities for refuge, even within social spaces. A great example would be a living room with a cosy armchair and a lamp in one corner, where you can sit and read, and because there are no other chairs around you aren’t really withdrawing, but it’s a space in which you’re meant to be alone.
Any time that people sleep away from home, they’ll likely sleep worse. You might be crammed in quite close together, floorboards might creak as people use the bathroom, or light may stream in earlier than you’re used to. Try and make things more comfortable by leaving eye masks and ear plugs out for guests.
When it comes to group activities, going for a walk can be helpful. If you go for a walk you can choose how social to be – you can drop behind or go ahead, you could just be with one person, and if you choose to fall silent you’re still present with the group.
A lack of bathrooms can often cause issues. If you have a large group staying and only one bathroom, there’s not much you can do, but if you acknowledge that it’s annoying, it makes it easier.
Cooking together is the same kind of thing. You can be really focused on the task, listening to the buzz around you without contributing to it, or you can get involved. On the other hand, I personally get quite stressed when people are in the kitchen, because I’m quite organised, so I just need to leave when that happens. It’s really helpful to have a good friend or partner
I think that beauty in the inside of a house is very important. When people come into an environment with beautiful things, they notice and they feel that it’s a loving environment. It doesn’t have to be excessive – small touches can make a big difference.
The best way to have a nice time is to have a feeling of compassion. If you feel compassion for other people, their actions become much more comprehensible and you end up feeling happier. After all, the reason we get together is to spend time together and express love for one another and you can enable that. X
@aranpura
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green living THE ECO PRODUCTS, PEOPLE AND P L ACE S YO U N E E D TO K N OW
new wave wrap With the festive season in full swing, level up your wrapping game for an eco-friendly option that, to put simply, looks damn cool. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of furoshiki, The Fabric Wrapping Co has a stunning array of fabric wraps that can be reused. Our favourite are the minimalist linens which lend themselves perfectly to extra decor in the form of dried flowers. From £9, fabricwrappingco.com
FLOOR STORY
pieces for life As we move homes or our families grow, it feels necessary to replace lots of our furniture with new, larger pieces to fit the space. Take a break from fast fashion by looking at London-based brand, Grain, who creates thoughtfully designed furniture which can grow with your needs, meaning components can be added or removed to become bigger or smaller. Plus, every item it sells is not only recyclable, but Grain is a low-waste company as it only produces its products on demand. Good-looking and good for the planet, too. Avon Three, from £310, grain.co.uk
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Step to it with a clean conscience by choosing a rug boasting green credentials. Family-owned and Devonbased brand Ian Snow has a gorgeous range of floor coverings in a varied selection of prints and shades, and made using a mix of eco-friendly materials, including recycled woven plastics, plastic bottles and cottons. Ethical production techniques also minimise negative impacts on the planet. What more could we want? Hygge 100% recycled cotton diamond design rug, from £34 (iansnow.com)
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EXPERT INSIGHT
eco-friendly heating Darren McMahon, marketing director of heating systems manufacturer Viessmann, tells us all
P R E V I O U S LY L OV E D A shocking 22 million pieces of furniture are thrown away each year. And that’s just in the UK. Help stop this epidemic and bag yourself some cool homeware with the new marketplace app, Narchie. Buy and sell second-hand and artisanal pieces in one easy-to-use spot. ‘I was frustrated by the time-consuming process of searching for bargains and unusual pieces on Gumtree and eBay and decided there was a need for a creative and inspiring community-first platform where decor enthusiasts could buy, sell and connect,’ says founder Harriet Wetton. One word of warning: the shoppable mood board-esque profiles are extremely addictive.
3 of the best ECO -FRIENDLY CRACKERS CLASSIC STYLE Crafted from luxuriously thick sustainable paper and printed with vegetablebased ink, these recyclable crackers are available in seven stylish designs and contain plastic-free gifts. Regency crackers, £75 for six, Nancy & Betty
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
PERFECTLY PERSONALISED Impress your guests with these plastic-free crackers bearing their names. Inside you’ll find a pre-mixed cocktail with non-alcoholic options, too. £18 each, Drinks By Post at thebuffalo.co.uk
REUSABLE BEAUTY Handmade to order, these pretty designs are made from Liberty print fabric and are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years to come. £30 each, Happy Crackers at Notonthehighstreet.com
We can all do our bit to help prevent climate disaster by adopting environmentally-friendly heating systems which reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. As a nice bonus, these also reduce energy bills. Even if we don’t voluntarily choose eco-friendly heating, the government plans to strongly encourage us down this path, either through incentive or legislation. As part of the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050, new installations of fossil fuel boilers are expected to be outlawed from as early as 2025. It’s worth remembering that millions more gas boilers will be installed in homes before 2025, and millions will still be in service up to 15 years from now. This means when choosing a boiler it’s important to check its energy rating, and check that it’s connected to an outdoors-located ‘weather compensation’ sensor: this alone can reduce fuel consumption by about 15%. Gas boilers can be complemented, and sometimes replaced, by heat pumps. These extract natural heat from the air, ground or water and convert it into heat. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) require the laying of trenches underground, so they are only suitable for homes with large gardens. Where outdoors space is limited, a vertical borehole can be drilled, but this does cost more. Both types work best with underfloor heating and are only suitable for homes with good insulation. Easier and less expensive to install than GSHPs are air source heat pumps, which take heat from the air surrounding the home. A cabinet with a fan simply has to be located on the ground outside. This works on the reverse principle to a refrigerator, drawing in the ambient air and transferring this to a heat exchanger. A cylinder will also be needed for hot water storage. Another option for homes with big heat demand is a biomass boiler. This heats the home and water by burning wood pellets – more eco-friendly than it sounds if the wood is sourced from renewable, quick-growing trees. However, these boilers are large and the pellets must be dry-stored, which typically requires six to 10 square-metres of floor space The most visible of all eco-friendly heating options are solar panels, which harness free energy emitted by the sun, to be converted into either electricity or heat. Solar roof tiles are more attractive than panels, but about twice the price. And because the sun cannot always be relied upon to make an appearance, back up will be needed from a boiler or heat pump. viessmann.co.uk
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live better H OW D E S I G N C A N H E LP YO U B R E AT H E M O R E E A S I LY
Most likely, you are reading this indoors, safe, you’d assume, from the toxic air outside. Not so, sadly: ‘Our research showed that, on average, air quality is 3.5 times worse indoors than out – even in urban settings,’ says Larissa Lockwood of Global Action Plan (GAP), the charity behind air pollution campaign Clean Air Day. Countryside figures are comparable, adds Lockwood, thanks to agricultural pollution and our love of log fires. While outdoor air pollution has entered the public consciousness in recent years, the invisible poisons inside our homes have largely been ignored – though they can be just as dangerous. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates indoor air pollution among the top environmental health risks. ‘Our data shows a similar situation in the UK, but we don’t have that same level of research,’ says Lockwood. ‘It’s definitely an overlooked problem here.’ What is known is that indoor air pollutants ‘can trigger or exacerbate asthma, irritation of the eyes and nose, and other respiratory or heart diseases, and may even cause cancer,’ says Professor Sani Dimitroulopoulou, principal scientist of indoor environments at Public Health England. Not for nothing is indoor air pollution called an invisible killer – though please don’t panic as there are small things you can do to minimise how you’re affected, more on this later. ‘Everyone is at risk,’ claims Eluned Hughes, head of health advice at
the British Lung Foundation (BLF), whose website features plenty of advice for improving indoor air quality. ‘But those with existing lung conditions are much more so, as are young children, whose lungs are still developing.’ Given that we spend up to 90% indoors it’s critical that we learn how to breathe better at home. You may be surprised to learn that behaviour plays a key role. The leading indoor air chemist Professor Nicola Carslaw of the University of York conducted a study in 2016 which examined six identical houses, ‘where the construction and external environment were the same’, she says. The individual findings varied hugely, depending on ‘how often people used personal care and consumer products’. One resident had a dog, which, Carslaw says, ‘she would follow around with a spray, wiping away its footprints; she also burnt lots of scented candles’. Her pollution levels were ‘enormous’. These findings are actually good news, Carslaw says: ‘It means it’s possible to lower those concentrations if you understand the behaviours causing them.’ Ok, deep breaths (just not near a candle) – there are some easy things you can do. First, use solid or liquid cleaning materials that get into the air less than sprays. Cooking, candles and log fires are key culprits, producing spikes in so-called ‘combustion products’ – ultra-fine particulates, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide and dioxide, so cut down on open flames and only burn candles when you really want to, as a treat rather than a matter of course. And consider a plant-based diet, or at least grilling your meat instead of frying it which, by the way, creates ‘far higher levels of particulates’ than
3 of the best AIR PURIFIERS DYSON PURIFIER HOT + COOL FORMALDEHYDE (£599.99, dyson.co.uk) Dyson’s latest purifier claims not only to filter out particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, pollen and mould, but also VOCs including formaldehyde.
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BLUEAIR BLUE 3210 (£159, blueair.com/gb) Bringing sleek style to Blueair’s filtration technology, the 3210 traps airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including pet dander, pollen and PM2.5 and PM10. It’s also peaceful enough to be approved by Quiet Mark.
AEG AX91-404GY CONNECTED HOME AIR PURIFIER (£449, johnlewis.co.uk) Offering both build quality and elegance, the AX91 filters microscopic pollutants, traps harmful gases and odours, and eliminates 99.9% of airborne bacteria.
PHOTOGRAPH (KERSAINT COBB) JON DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Journalist Fleur Britten investigates an area of life we could all improve, and the solutions design has created to help us.
Wood floors, instead of carpets, can make a huge difference to air quality. Treviso engineered oak flooring by Kersaint Cobb
“Given that we spend up to 90% indoors it’s critical that we learn how to breathe better at home”
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frying vegetables, Carslaw notes, adding that soybean, rapeseed, peanut and safflower oil emit fewer particulates when fried than corn, coconut and olive oils. And don’t dry your clothes indoors if you can avoid it – the water vapours encourage mould. Put them on the line (not so great right now, admittedly), or use the tumble dryer.
and perhaps now is the time to embrace the Ralph Lauren school of thought. The designer once said that marble marked by glasses, cups or just the general wear and tear of existence was the sign of a life well lived, a frame of mind in line with trying to keep the air as pure as you can.
Moving forward, our design choices could also be made with air quality in mind. Arguably the most problematic indoor air pollutants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – carbon-based chemicals that ‘off-gas’ over time. That satisfying ‘new’ smell of cars, carpets, furniture, fresh paint, etc, is simply VOCs off-gassing – and they might take ‘six to 12 months to tail off’, Carslaw says. Other VOC sources include varnishes, cleaning products, hand sanitisers, hair dye, nail varnish, spray deodorants, air fresheners, perfumes and scented candles, according to the BLF. They are particularly found in laminated and varnished wood products, MDF, insulating materials, wallpapers, textiles and most paints – brands like Earthborn, Eicó , Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore have taken great pains to address this in their own collections. When it comes to wallpaper, Farrow & Ball uses low- and no-VOC paints to print its patterns, while Graham & Brown’s paint is all water-based, making its designs ideal for a home with as few pollutants as possible.
Good heating is key, too. By turning the radiators up a notch you’ll help to keep your space dry and damp-free. That said, too much efficiency can be a bad thing (when it comes to breathability at least, if not when looking at your bills). New builds, which tend to prioritise insulation over air quality, can be airtight boxes that trap pollutants and Floor in encourage mould. All is forgiven, Brassica draughty Victorian houses. and Dove And if all else fails, there is the possibility of throwing money at the problem – to a degree, it is possible to buy ourselves out of danger. Certainly, there are plenty of air purifiers, and ‘clean’ vegan candles, but beware the false marketing. A lot of air purifiers are ‘snake oil’, Carslaw says. For example, a recent SAGE study found that machines claiming to remove Covid from the air generally operate ‘by putting out vast quantities of ozone’, she says: ‘not enough to kill the contaminant, but enough to pollute the atmosphere’. That said, research by PHE found that portable air purifiers ‘can improve indoor air quality significantly by reducing particulate air pollution’, says Dimitroulopoulou, and our edit on the previous page are all backed up by the science. There is, however, one thing the experts are all clear on – and happily it’s free to do. The single best solution and way to improve indoor air quality is to fling open the windows, letting the outside in. So stick on an extra sweater, crank that pane and allow nature to do its thing. Inhale, exhale. It’s not too bad, really.
“Suddenly, the trend for travertine coffee tables seems to be about so much more than just the aesthetic - though do beware the sealants”
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PHOTOGRAPH JAMES MERRELL
This knowledge gives us the tools we need to make more informed choices for our next refurbs, or simply the next time we’re buying pieces of furniture. Have a think about the hidden things your new kitchen – or even kitchen table or chairs – could be bringing in with them, and gravitate towards stone, tile and wood that is as untreated as possible in order to keep that VOC count down. Suddenly, the trend for travertine coffee tables seems to be about so much more than just the aesthetic – though do be mindful of any sealants used,
Tale modern eggshell, both Farrow & Ball, known for its low VOCs
smart home EXPERT INSIGHT Eco Sofa’s Strauss chair in Romo Lille fabric is made without flame retardants or treatments, and is filled with coir padding and wool. £2.050, ecosofa.co.uk
improving air quality Larissa Lockwood, director of clean air at Global Action Plan, imparts advice There are so many indoor air pollutants, we need to look comprehensively at how we build our homes, heat them, cook and behave at home, so we can start to eliminate them.
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Cooking can cause crazy peaks to indoor air pollution. Burning the toast, for example, will send it through the roof – if you burn something, open the back door, get the children out and close the door to the rest of the house. What and how you’re cooking makes a big difference – for example, batch cooking and using lids uses less fuel. The main things you can do are to switch from gas to induction, use the extractor and avoid burning things.
The Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor tracks humidity, temperature, CO2, VOCs and particulate matter. £179, getawair.com
Bio-D’s Multi-Surface Sanitiser harnesses the degreasing properties of orange oil. £2.90 for 750ml, biod.co.uk
Ultra matt claypaint in Grassy is free of acrylics, oils and vinyls. £47 for 2.5ltr, earthborn paints.co.uk
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Think carefully about the products you bring into your home: there is currently no pollution labelling system, but a strong smell is a good indicator of higher pollution levels. With personal care products, avoid sprays or anything scented – choose roll-on deodorants over aerosols, hair gel over hairspray. If a product can’t be swapped out, keep the bathroom door closed and the children out when using it. With cleaning products, choose mild, more natural ones. A wet E-Cloth is better than a lot of products, and vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda all do a pretty good job.
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If buying furniture or flooring, you ideally want solid wood and natural fibres. Any wood-based product containing glue – for example, MDF, laminate and chipboard – will have a high formaldehyde content. Ask your builder or manufacturer if it meets European standards for formaldehyde, which are more rigorous than others – and ventilate once it’s in place. Consider buying second-hand furniture, which has already done its off-gassing, though avoid items from smokers’ homes, which will off-gas third-hand smoke.
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Carpets are traps for pollutants such as dust and mould, and all will have had treatments applied. If buying a new carpet, try to look for more natural-based treatments, ask to have it aired first and ventilate well when laid.
Bespoke 180°’s Eco Sofa Shibui 1 in organic linen is free of toxic flame retardants and foam. From £4,400, bespoke180degree.co.uk
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Air pollution monitors can be useful, particularly if you’re sensitive, but no domestic monitor will measure all pollutants. Commissioning an indoor air quality audit can be helpful and should advise on how to reduce pollutants in your home.
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Cedral Click in contemporary Slate Grey gave this Yorkshire home a new lease of life BELOW Cedral Click cladding in Grey created a truly spectacular and unique home in the Irish Midlands
outside the box C E D R A L’ S A R C H I T E C T U R A L LY I N S P I R E D FAC A D E S W I L L A L L OW YO U T O C R E AT E A N E X T E R I O R T H AT E X U D E S S O P H I S T I C AT I O N
S
tylish design never ages. The clean lines and contemporary styling of the facades at Cedral really make an impact when it comes to your home’s exterior as Cedral is where innovation meets cutting-edge design. Cedral products come in many shades and finishes. With a choice of 21 factory-applied colours and two wood stains in woodgrain or smooth finishes, the cladding can be installed horizontally or vertically for a variety of looks. They’re an eye-catching way to give tired exteriors a fresh and exciting makeover. Made from durable and resilient fibre cement, Cedral facades are manufactured to withstand the harshest weather conditions and have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. They don’t need regular repainting and won’t rot, rust, warp or crack. The facade acts like a second skin on your home and is frost, mould and water resistant. You can also opt to have extra insulation added when the cladding is fitted to improve the building’s thermal and acoustic insulation, making your home warmer, cosier and quieter. Safety is paramount for Cedral and its products comprehensively meet the fire
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performance classification A2-s1, d0 to EN 13501-1:2018. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly results can be achieved. With their lightweight structure and easy-cut planks, Cedral facades offer fast and efficient installation. X
View more design projects online at cedral.world for inspiration and try the visualiser tool for a preview of how it will look on your home.
Hand-embroidered fabrics and natural linens with minute details in the hems and seams convey the beauty of Portuguese artistry
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPH FRANCISCO DE ALMEIDA DIAS
the lifestyle edit T H E N E W T H I N G W E ’ R E M O S T E XC I T E D A B O U T
The revamped Albatroz Hotel in Cascais, southern Portugal, has been injected with joyous glamour, courtesy of Gracinha Viterbo. While the building has been demurely preserved, the decoration is a beautiful circus of style with bold stripes featured on walls and ceilings – stunning livingetc.com
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LONDON RESTAUR ANT SUCRE IS SERVING SERIOUSLY GL AM ST YLE ALONGSIDE ITS L ATIN AMERICAN FOOD. FOUNDER GREG GODIK SHARES ITS DECOR SECRETS
L E T L AT I N - I N S P I R E D FA B R I C S M A K E A S TAT E M E N T
We used several Latin-inspired fabrics across the furniture, including on our Aztec patterned chairs, the print of which feels relaxing and homely while in keeping with our luxurious palette. Sucre is not a themed restaurant but we wanted to pay homage to the history of the brand, and we decided to go bolder in the main dining room. The Aztec chairs were made for us, so they’re not available to buy, but you can find similar fabric from places like Prestigious Textiles and have your furniture upholstered .
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GO FOR C H A R AC T E R ANTIQUED MIRRORS
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CHANNEL AN A R T N O U V E AU AESTHETIC WITH MOSAIC TILES
To create the mirrored panel, we worked with the original mouldings to inset an antique mirror into the rectangular shapes. The mirrors are symmetrical on both sides of the room, so you get an ‘infinity reflection’ effect when you look down to see the mirror on the other wall. The original walls are a decaying white colour, so we wanted to make it feel more ambient by creating lots of amazing reflections. The mirrors are slightly yellow, so it feels warm – almost like you are in a glass of champagne.
FEATURE MEGAN SLACK PHOTOGRAPHS CAROL SACHS
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E N H A N C E T H E WAY DECANTERS REFLECT THE L I G H T S O B E AU T I F U L LY The decanter lights are bespoke, but we used off-the-shelf decanters, or you could try Lee Broom for the original Decanter light. The building is over 300 years old so we wanted to reintroduce chandeliers into the space while taking the original pendant shape and doing something different. Wine is a huge part of what we do, so it felt right. There are over 1,000 decanters and they all reflect light beautifully.
We worked with a Spanish quarrier to create the custom-made marble mosaics. They’re two types of marble; the cream is a Crema Marfil and the dark one is an Emperador. On our mood board, we had an image of the Teatro Colón opera house in Buenos Aires, which has a beautiful mosaic floor similar to the one we designed. We recreated this traditional look in a modern way; using a strong geometric pattern which ramps up onto the bar front.
Sucre, 47B Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JP, sucrerestaurant.com
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hotel hot list T H E C H I C R E T R E AT S L I G H T I N G U P O U R S T Y L E R A D A R
One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro IN THE KNOW Explore the local area on boat trips that visit the old towns, or sit back in a vintage Rolls-Royce and cruise along mountain roads. Pack your chicest sandals, chicest swimsuit, chicest linens, chicest everything! Book it Double rooms from £430 a night, oneandonlyresorts.com
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPH (ONE & ONLY PORTONOVI) RUPERT PEARCE
Known for its deeply indulgent resort hotels in glamorous locations, One & Only has chosen Montenegro’s Boka Bay for its first foray into Europe. Expect to find a plush operation with sumptuous bedrooms and a state of the art Chenot spa for when you can pull yourself away from the azure pools. Food is best enjoyed at Sabia, the hotel’s smart Italian restaurant from Giorgio Locatelli of Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli fame.
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The Star, Alfriston, East Sussex Alfriston is often called the prettiest village in Britain and it now has a picture perfect pub to match. The Star began life in 1345 as a religious hostelry for weary pilgrims, later becoming an inn in the 15th century. It’s had a few unfortunate periods, notably the addition of a large and unforgiving overflow block in the 1960s, although its impressive frontage and original bones were still temptation enough to lure mother-daughter hoteliers Olga and Alex Polizzi into an ambitious renovation. Ugly extensions have been torn down to make way for Mediterranean-inspired terraces, the dining room is a cosy country nook, and that 1960s eyesore? It’s now a French-grey, Juliet-balconied dream.
IN THE KNOW Visit Charleston, the famous country home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, a haven of crafty design inspo. Shop for souvenirs at Objet Trouvé – an absolute delight. Book it Classic rooms from £190 a night, thepolizzicollection.com
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Travellers seeking a true reset will adore the utter peace of this beach hotel in Vietnam’s Phú Yên province, a little known and little visited region on the country’s southern coast. Part of the Zannier Hotels collection, which has already achieved success with design-led properties in Cambodia and Namibia, Bãi San Hô is set in some 200 acres of jungle, rice paddy fields and beachfront. Tradition is not forgotten here and the building work drew from varied lines of Vietnamese architecture, using local materials and techniques to deliver villas that nest neatly within the land’s topography. You’ll eat like royalty at the three restaurants that vary between a spectacular beachside cabana, relaxed all-day dining and an elegant taste of classic Vietnamese cuisine.
IN THE KNOW Pick a hill or pool villa if you want the luxury of a private plunge pool, but our top tip is the rice paddy villas. Smaller, but beautifully formed and easier on the wallet. Book it Villas from £220 a night, zannierhotels.com
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PHOTOGRAPHS FREDERIK WISSINK
Bãi San Hô, Vietnam
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in and out T H I N G S T O D O A N D E N J OY – AT H O M E O R O U T S I D E
THE INDULGENCE
THE HOT SPOT
Bathing beauty
Rich mix
Just opened in Covent Garden is Aire, a brand of Greek-inspired thermal baths dedicated to mind and body relaxation. It is a series of underground pools illuminated by candlelight that guests are invited to explore at their own pace – each contains water of varying temperatures and solutions, including the ‘Floatarium’ replicating the Dead Sea. Each of the Aire experiences is located in a historic venue in a city – this one is in the former home of Peter Pan creator JM Barrie. Experiences start at £90 for a 90-minute visit to the thermal baths. beaire.com
The kind of place the chef will have a shot of arak (a Middle Eastern liqueur) with you to celebrate a special occasion – Jiji is the perfect place to meet friends over the festive season. With theatrical interiors and a mix of Israeli and Japanese cuisine, Jiji was created by the founders of the Sumosan chain. Think sushi dressed with truffle cream and crispy toppings with a side of spiced flatbread, all washed down with a Picanteria – the restaurant’s take on a margarita. 6G Esther Anne Place, London, N1 1WL
THE READ
FEATURE ROHINI WAHI PHOTOGRAPHS (THE INDULGENCE) MORGAN WHITE; (THE HOT SPOT) TIM WINTER; (THE MUST VISIT) JESS WANG
Star quality The first book charting the glorious work of contemporary AfricanAmerican visual artist Mickalene Thomas who is best known for spectacular staged photographs and dazzling patchwork paintings made from acrylic, rhinestone and enamel. Prominent works include paintings of Michelle Obama and Naomi Campbell and limited handbags for Dior. Mickalene Thomas by Kellie Jones and Roxane Gay (£100, Phaidon)
THE MUST VISIT
Afternoon delight Columbia Road’s most famous baker Lily Vanilli’s incredible new residency at the just-renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane had us at ‘Regency-inspired afternoon tea’. Guests will be served in the Grand Saloon, a soft pink and green marble-lined room, and can tuck into delicate pink lemonade tarts with elderflower jelly set with hand-cast gilded chocolate cherubs. A trolley will roam the room serving scoops of heady absinthe mint choc chip ice cream – all beneath glittering chandeliers. Afternoon tea, from £49pp. thelane.co.uk
THE ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW
Antique hunt Wowing us with its curation of generous and earthy hued objects in gloriously offbeat silhouettes, Eesome is an online emporium of unique vintage ceramics and studio pottery from Europe, with a strong focus on the modern home and conscious consumer. We never knew we needed a candlestick plate but now we can’t do without one. @eesomeshop
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better-lived life K I T K E M P O N T H E WAY S T O M A K E YO U R H O U S E A H O M E
I can’t be content without colourful textiles. I’m at my happiest when I’m sitting on a carpet and surrounded by fabric samples. That’s my idea of absolute heaven! The beauty of my job is that I’m constantly being tempted by new fabric combinations, many of which end up in my own home. I am currently designing a colourful collection of rugs, bed linen and throws for Annie Selke, an American company. I have the privilege of testing them at home. It is amazing how colour can spice up your life. I’ll always remember what John Fowler of Colefax and Fowler said: ‘Put two Labradors in a room for 48 hours and then it feels like home.’ That’s certainly true for me: my two dogs, Pixie and Button, welcoming me home, wagging their tails and jumping for joy, is a wonderful feeling.
Sailor’s Farewell teapot and oval plate, Kit Kemp for Wedgwood
My favourite Friday night activity is to go into my garden, pick flowers and arrange them in a collection of old jugs, which I then put around the house. This brings a sense of life to the rooms. Unlike a garden, which you can leave for a while and it’ll continue living and growing, rooms need life and, apart from people, flowers are a great way of bringing energy to a space. I have a long work table that I have converted into a dressing table at one end and a writing table at the other. It’s a fantastic multifunctional piece of furniture. I can use it to write, draw or use my iPad. I can then move over to the mirror when I want to get ready. It has handy drawers so that I can hide make-up away.
A dressing table can double as a writing desk
Table lamps and floor lamps act as pieces of sculpture in a room. In my dining room I have the Rockin’ Robin floor lamp that we designed for Porta Romana. It emits a lovely soft glow and there is a white ‘branch’ with a robin perched on it that always makes us smile. X
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FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS PHOTOGRAPHS (KIT KEMP AND DRESSING TABLE) SIMON BROWN
I like to make an effort to set the dining table. I’m not a good cook, but if food is served on beautiful fine china and a white linen tablecloth it always tastes better. I tend to stick to white linen and add splashes of colour through embroidered napkins and the design on the china. Wedgwood is an old favourite of mine and I’m currently designing a collection for Spode, one of the few companies still manufacturing tableware in Stoke-on-Trent.
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