December 2014
There’s no place like home Explore our new geometric Victorian floor tile range in a selection of new colours, shapes and sizes for traditional and contemporary homes
Welcome Home from the Editors
We all need a little inspiration in the last few weeks before Christmas. Running round the shops, writing cards, making sure the turkey is ordered and all the other million little jobs sometimes leave us feeling a bit exhausted and jaded. The last thing we want to do is get creative with glue guns and tinsel handcrafting special decorations for the house. Which is why we have dedicated our Christmas issue to making things just a bit easier for you. Our decorating feature is full of simple, easy ideas for creating a Nordic inspired festive home with just a little bit of an edge.
There are no Christmas trees bulging under the weight of hundreds of baubles, just a few carefully chosen decorative touches that can be arranged in an instant. We think you’ll like it. We also think you’ll like our shopping pages full of ideas for gifts, treats for the house, our easy to bake and flavoursome tea-time cake, and our feature on ideas for wrapping presents – just in case you do decide to get busy with the tinsel. Enjoy.
Carole and Arianna COVER PHOTOGRAPH by JAMES BALSTON • STYLED by CAROLINE DAVIS • EDITORS’ PHOTOGRAPH by ANDREW BOYD
The Heart Home Family
JOINT EDITORS IN CHIEF CAROLE KING ARIANNA TRAPANI
ART EDITOR MELLISA HARRISON
PHOTOGRAPHERS JAMES BALSTON JURGITA VASKEL OLIVER GORDON MICHAEL NORMAN IGOR JOSEF
WRITERS ELLIE WALKER-ARNOTT VICTORIA DOCKRELL
STYLISTS CAROLINE DAVIS KATE BAXTER
RESEARCHER ROCHELLE COOTE
Simple Pleasures page 8
Contents HOMES 24 Master of the Hunt – Understated,
enduring design inspires the décor of a 1960’s modern mews-style house.
35 Style Steal – Get the clean-lined look in
your own home with our shopping tips.
FEATURES 8 Simple Pleasures – Take festive
inspiration from Scandinavia for a paredback look this Christmas.
42 Giftwrapped – Beautifully wrapped
presents that become a celebration in themselves.
SHOPPING 20
Gift Guides – Our suggestions for some last minute gifts for him and her.
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Mad about Trad – Christmas baubles that celebrate the traditional.
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Nordic Fairytale – Evoke the captivating charm of the Nordics in your interiors this winter.
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Industrial Chic – Bold, masculine and edgy bathrooms with a hint of glitz.
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Ask the Experts – Helpful hints on achieving the industrial look in your own bathroom.
50 Recipe – Banana date cake with walnut
and honey glaze for a not-so-traditional spin on Christmas baking.
38 Hidden Gems – The vintage interiors
store HomeBarn in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
LEISURE 52 In the Diary – What to see and where to
go this season.
60 Santa Baby – Three hotels that offer the
ultimate in Christmas cocooning.
54 Overseas Travel – An insider’s look at the
beautiful city of Oslo.
Travel-inspired, contemporary, home accessories handcrafted by global artisans. www.maudinteriors.com
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Mad about trad
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a few nods to the traditional.
BELL STAR £7 MONSOON
WRAPPED PRESENTS, 6PK £4, SAINSBURY’S HOME
ACORN BELL £2, SAINSBURY’S HOME CHRISTMAS TREE £5, MONSOON
GLASS GINGERBREAD HOUSE £12, HOUSE OF FRASER
SANTA BOOT £3, BHS
RESIN WREATH, £3 MARKS AND SPENCER
CANDY CANES, SET OF 4 £14, DEBENHAMS
DECOUPAGE SANTAS, PACK OF 3 £3.99, HOMEBASE
PIXIE STOCKING £1.50, WILKINSON
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Words and Styling by Caroline Davis Photographs by James Balston
Simple Pleasures The festive season is here and it’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly; or perhaps just a scattering of simple, but beautiful lights and decorations. Here at Heart Home, we’ve taken this year’s festive inspiration from Scandinavia, showing you how a little of the right thing can go a long way.
The Writing’s On the Bauble Why not let the kids have a little fun and decorate chalkboard baubles to make their very own personal advent calendar. Chalkboard baubles, £3 per pack of 2, John Lewis.
Monochrome simplicity For those of you who love a truly pared-back look at Christmas, add a festive touch at the window with paper snowflakes and pompoms.
Snowflakes and pompoms in white, silver and gold, from £6, Talking Tables. Limited edition botanical print, £38 unframed, Pernille Folcarelli; ‘Bobby’ black metal floor lamp, £60, Habitat; ‘59th Street Snuggler Sofa, from £1025, Content By Conran; faux fur cushion, £25 , Debenhams; ‘Side Table Two, £545, Another Country; ‘A Touch of Brass’ coffee and two side tables, £599, Content By Conran for John Lewis; ceramic geometric bowls in white, £11, Bloomingville at Debenhams; geometric wire orbs, £15 per set 3, Ben De Lisi at Debenhams.
For the love of nature Faux trees are no longer in the guise of real trees, but unashamedly alternative takes on the real thing. How much nicer to bring out this beautifully tactile wooden tree each year and all you have to do is add some beautiful fairy light for a magical touch of sparkle.
Washed wood swivel Christmas tree, £35, white pearlised octagonal baubles on floor, £4 each, all John Lewis; ‘Naked Wire’ lights, from £15.50, Cox & Cox. ‘Stool One’ in oak/ natural, £185, Another Country; Bloomingville Set of 6 white wooden storage boxes, £139 and Bloomingville wooden house, £6.50, Debenhams. 10
Brighten Up Your Day Lights are now pretty enough to hang as decorations in their own right- simply hang from hooks to adorn pictures on walls and brighten up dark corners.
Make a Date Turn your favourite Instagram shots into a gift or calendar to hang in your office with this clean and simple design. Naked Wire’ lights, from £15.50 and resin antlers, £27 for four, both Cox & Cox; pompom garland, £14, Pompom Galore; botanical print in frame, £42, Mimosa Street; ‘Stool One’ in oak/natural, £185, Another Country.
Instagram calendar A5 size, from 13.95 euros, +p&p, Via Martine; A3 black clipboard, £6, Ikea; storage trunk, £30, Habitat; hanging porcelain decoration, £28, Jonathan Adler; simple ivy wreath, from approx £8, Vessel; ‘Naked Wire’ lights, from £15.50, Cox & Cox; ‘Long Bench Three’, in beech/grey, £535, Another Country. 11
A simple style Decorate with seasonal blooms such as hyacinths and amaryllis, simple white bulb strings and oversize paper decorations for a really dramatic less-is-more display.
Festoon Party Lights’, from £24.99, Lights For Fun; Giant paper decorations, from £15, Talking Tables; Fresh flowers from a selection, Vessel; ‘Daybed Two’, £3055, Another Country; brass and glass side table (part of a nest), £599, Content By Conran from John Lewis; Illuminated side table, £120, Habitat: sheepskin rug, £59, Very.
A Touch of Greenery If traditional garlands aren’t your thing, why not make your own ultra simple hanging displays with lengths of ivy at the window on hooks as they are, or intertwined with delicate fairy lights; so pretty, simple and effective.
Ivy lengths, from approx £1.25 each, Vessel; Triangle sequin cushion, £39, West Elm; string lights, from £22.95, Cable & Cotton; ‘Long Bench Three,’ in beech/grey, £535, Another Country. 13
A festive pop of red Warm up your Scandinavian-inspired festive setting with a real pop of colour and use occasional chairs to display decorations.
Hanging porcelain decoration, £28, Jonathan Adler.
Small is beautiful Add a fun feel with something as simple as a beautiful tree decoration hanging from a cupboard door. ‘Another Chair,’ in red, £425, Another Country; Felt bauble wreath, £54, West Elm. 14
Pole Dancing Display an alternative advent calendar on a beautiful Scandinavian hanging pole and simply loop a garland in between.
Raeder advent pyramid decorations, £20, John Lewis; pompom garland, £14, Pompom Galore; Ferm hanging pole, £147, Skandivis; metal chair, £225, John Lewis.
Lights in pure white, from £22.95 for 20, Cable & Cotton; ‘PAPER’ bag, £7.50, Southwood Stores.
It’s In The Bag Get creative and let your string lights tumble out of a paper bag.
In Touch With Tradition Create a truly traditional Gustavian feel at Christmas with a traditional style wreath hanging on a cupboard door or against a panelled wall.
Frosted faux ivy wreath, £50, John Lewis; ‘Naked Wire’ lights, from £15.50, Cox & Cox; glitter baubles from £4, and ‘Ursa’ large gold display bowl, £40, all from a selection, Habitat; Small glass display dome, £35, Cox & Cox; Succulent and pot, from £6.50, from a selection, Vessel.
Bring the outside in Fresh flowers make the prettiest decoration at any time of year, as well as adding a beautiful scent. These pale pink hyacinths and delicate paper whites are typical Christmas flowers.
Copper ‘Flower and Bird’ light string, £35, Habitat; fresh flowers and vase, £30, from a selection, Vessel.
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Photographed at Brixton East which is available to rent for shoots. http://www.brixtoneast.co.uk 19
For Her
VOTIVE CANDLES IN GOLD (SET OF 3) PINK & ORANGE BAHIA LEATHER £10.50, BODIE AND FOU A5 NOTEBOOK, £95, THE CONRAN SHOP
JEWELLERY BOXES, £19.95 IDYLL HOME
Christmas G AMBRE HERBAL GARDEN NATURAL RAW BODY SCRUB 200ML, £20, THE FUTURE KEPT COCHINE VANILLE & TOBAC NOIR FRAGRANCE DIFFUSER, £49, AMARA
MONOCHROME CUSHION, £75, FOLKLORE
YOU ARE AMAZING PRINT £35 BODIE AND FOU 20
JELLY AND CAKE APRON £24, ANNABEL JAMES
TERRACOTTA WATER JUG £55, FOLKLORE
Heart Home Picks
INALUXE 2015 CALENDAR $24.95, EARTH GREETINGS
CLASSIC SOUTHAMPTON LADY $175, DANIEL WELLINGTON
HOUSE OF RYM GO UNDERCOVER HEAVENLY HONEYCOMB THROW £59.99, THE FUTURE KEPT
Gifts... For her UASHMAMA ALLE EVERYDAY HANDBAG £80, THE FUTURE KEPT
MAKE A WISH SIDE PLATE WITH GOLD DETAIL £16.50, ROCKETT ST GEORGE
WIRE STOOL, £129 BOCONCEPT
ALI MILLER UK & IRELAND MAP HOME SWEET HOME TEACUP AND SAUCER £32, ROCKETT ST GEORGE
VILA CANDLESTICK, £49, BOCONCEPT 21
For Him
LONDON BRIDGE LANDMARK PICTURE FRAME £29.95, DOTCOMGIFTSHOP STAG STUDY LAMP, £149 ALISON AT HOME
SET OF BARBECUE TOOLS, £32.95 ANNABEL JAMES
Christmas G
MARTONE MEN’S GRAMERCY BIKE £1,100, AMARA
INDULGENCE FESTIVE HAMPER £100, BHS
PENHALIGONS NICKEL SHAVING SET £136, AMARA 22
SORTING OFFICE LETTER AND PAPERS £19.95, DOTCOMGIFTSHOP
Heart Home Picks
MIXOLOGY DICE FOR THE COCKTAIL LOVER €23, APRIL AND THE BEAR
Gifts... For him
ATTACHE RECORD PLAYER TURNTABLE SUITCASE £79 CUCKOOLAND
TOM DIXON HEX CHAMPAGNE BUCKET, COPPER £175, JOHN LEWIS
PERSONALISED DAD’S PLANTER £22.99, GETTING PERSONAL
ROSS MENUEZ DOG CUSHION €40, APRIL AND THE BEAR
THE HUNGOVER COOKBOOK, £8 BURTON MENSWEAR
HANDLEBAR MOUSTACHE BOTTLE OPENER CORKSCREW £10, MAIDEN SHOP 23
Master of the Hunt We catch up with Helen Powell, the discerning eye behind design and lifestyle blog Design Hunter, to discuss her inspiration and aspiring to be a minimalist. Photographs by Oliver Gordon Words by Victoria Dockrell
Heart Homes
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“I tend to look beyond colour and surface pattern” Helen admits she’s always been interested in design, a passion she believes was influenced by her decision to study Philosophy and Sociology at university. “I’m very interested in how design communicates ideas and how it expresses things that are going on within our culture and society. I’m also interested in trends and in looking at the bigger picture rather than just focusing on the latest wallpaper. I tend to look beyond colour and surface pattern,” she explains.
This led to her blog, Design Hunter, an aesthete’s paradise, covering interiors, design and lifestyle products, architecture, fashion and travel. While the site features a wide range of design styles, Helen admits, “the focus often reflects my love of understated, modern enduring design.”
A fan of minimalism, Helen confesses, “I appreciate objects and interiors that reference honesty and simplicity in their design and use of materials and believe in buying less but buying better. I think Helen knew she wanted to work in a creative it’s important that the objects we choose to live environment so prior to starting Design Hunter with help to create a home that is inviting, restful almost five years ago she studied floral design. and a place of sanctuary.” “As a florist you need to understand how to use colour, texture and form, but I also really enjoyed This philosophy has translated into the styling learning about styling and photography,” she of her 1960s modern mews-style house in Leamington Spa, where she’s lived with husband explains. Graham and whippet Albert for nearly five years.
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“I like understated modern design and aspire to be a minimalist, but in reality I’m far too untidy to achieve this”
Helen admits her style has become much more minimal and detail focused as a result of living in a modern home. “I prefer clean lines, strong shapes, natural materials and luxurious textures over lots of colour and pattern,” she explains. This takes discipline though: “I like understated modern design and aspire to be a minimalist, but in reality I’m far too untidy to achieve this. I’m very good at accumulating clutter, but have become more ruthless in culling this recently and am trying to work towards a more pared-back look,” she laughs. When asked to describe her home Helen acknowledges that it “definitely doesn’t have an ‘off the shelf’ look”, combining elements of mid-century and modern rustic style, with eclectic pieces the couple have collected and objects that evoke happy memories. Her favourite piece? A Bertoia chair. “I love its light, elegant, skeletal form and the fact that it looks beautiful no matter which angle it’s viewed from,” Helen says. 29
“the focus often reflects my love of understated, modern enduring design�
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Graham and Helen have done some major work on the house, mainly in converting the large double garage into a living space a few years ago. Doing most of the work themselves (one of Helen’s proudest achievements) allowed them to stick to a relatively modest budget of £20,000 for everything, including windows, flooring, plastering, electrical work, a new
kitchen and appliances. She admits that they blew almost half the budget on the huge sliding glass windows that run along the entire rear of the house and open out on to the garden, but that “it was totally worth it as they are the best thing about the house – they make the living space really bright and light and connect it with the garden.”
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“I’m not sure it will ever really be ‘finished” Despite living in a relatively modern property Helen admits they see their home as a continuously evolving project, laughing “I’m not sure it will ever really be ‘finished’” and conceding she has her sights set on the garden next. Want to get Helen’s look? The tastemaker cites her travels, favourite blogs and magazines (Remodelista, Elle Decoration) as well as Pinterest as sources of inspiration, and lists The Conran Shop (“for kitchen and tableware”), The White Company (“for beautiful linens”) and 1st Dibs (“for fantasy furniture shopping”) as her favourite retail destinations, so get hunting. www.designhunter.co.uk
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Style Steal
Heart Shopping
Get the look
Salla Wool Blanket, £59, Urbanara • Sunburst Clock in Walnut, £252, Nest • Stockholm Cushion, £12, Ikea • MG501 Cuba Chair, £463, Skandium • Trekk Sofa, £1,038, Darwin’s Home • Vintage Welsh Chapel Light, £130, Skinflint • Graphic Baskets, £42, Idyll Home • Glo-ball F3 Floor Lamp, £697, Twentytwentyone • J110 Chair – Hay, £217, Made in Design • Potted Artificial Aloe, £195, Sweetpea and Willow • Hang Hanger, £30, In Spaces • Henshaw Large Black Chest of Drawers, £850, Laura Ashley. 35
Fir wood table, £329; Bamboo bench (part of a set), £229; Icelandic Sheepskin, £79; Seagrass Basket, £24; all House Doctor at Idyll Home
Nordic Fairytale Evoke the captivating charm of the Nordics with carved wood, luxe textures, crisp whites and a sprinkle of fairy dust. By Kate Baxter
1.
3. 2. 4.
6. 5.
1. Church music box, £30, The Contemporary Home
7.
2. Classic Grooved Dinner Candle by Broste Copenhagen, £1.50 each, Scandinavian Shop
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3. Forest rug, £750, Wendy Morrison 4. ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ Wooden Tree, £4.99, Mollie & Fred
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5. Deer Head serving plate £12.99, Wyevale Garden Centre 6. Oslo Sideboard, £695, Loftcat Home Ltd 7. Foglia Leaf photo frame, £14, Puji
9.
10.
8. Set of Three White Wood Christmas Trees, £45, The Contemporary Home 9. Zhivago cushion, £95, Natmaks 10. Tirol Tumblers, £27 for a set of 4, Berry Red 11. Copper candle stick, £32, At No. 67 37
Hidden Gems: HomeBarn
Looking for some Christmas shopping inspiration? Why not make a weekend of it and head down to vintage interiors store HomeBarn in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Photographs by Michael Norman Words by Victoria Dockrell
Back in 2010, sisters-in-law Sally and Sarah Wilkie, with backgrounds in fashion design and interiors buying respectively, were exploring career options that would fulfil their creative passions while giving them the flexibility to care for their young families. Sally had recently returned from a seven-year stint as a Fashion Director for Abercrombie & Fitch in the US and was inspired by the amazing offering of vintage and flea market style stores across the pond. The pair lamented the lack of such stores in the UK and sensed a gap in the market. “We both felt there was a lack of vintage outlets locally selling much more than the traditional antiques (grandfather clocks and mahogany linen
presses etc.). We wanted to create something different and make the shop a destination for people to make a special trip to the countryside to seek us out,” Sarah explains. Having known each other for 13 years, the sistersin-law had no doubts about going into business together, especially given that their husbands (brothers Mark and James) also work together, running London design agency, The Narrative. “We were both passionate about interiors and vintage and shared a similar taste in all things for the home, so the match of Sally and I was perfect,” Sarah explains. The result was the stunning interiors store, HomeBarn, which stocks a vast range of
“We love learning the story and history behind each piece of furniture”
vintage furniture and decorative accessories; everything from industrial furniture to original apothecary bottles, individual vintage printing blocks to enormous scullery cabinets salvaged from grand Victorian homes. They also work closely with UK craftsmen to make bespoke dining tables and cabinets to order from reclaimed timber. HomeBarn also specialises in original paintwork and unique historical pieces which have not been over-restored. “We love learning the story and history behind each piece of furniture,” they explain. “For example, we have a coffee table made from a door of a 17th Century nunnery which is mounted on legs made from the fire dogs from the same property.” 39
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“We enjoy making the shop and website look exciting, ever-changing”
Sally and Sarah are also fascinated by entomology and botany, reflected in the wide range of nature-inspired artwork for sale, much of which consists of unique botanical pieces produced in conjunction with British artists. Passionate about visual merchandising and styling, they also invest significant time and energy into the design and layout of the store. “We enjoy making the shop and website look exciting, ever-changing and aspirational so that people can envisage a quirky piece such as an old shop counter in their own home,” they explain. The duo want the experience at HomeBarn to be different from that of the traditional antique shop, so they chose to organise the layout of the barn by living areas, such as kitchen, dining, living, etc. “You can buy all manner of vintage gardening accessories from 100-year-old hand thrown terracotta pots to vintage French vine secateurs from our potting shed area,” they explain.
While the pair do turn to books and magazines for inspiration, they admit they are often inspired to commission new pieces based on what they need in their own homes. They also work closely with their trusted network of cabinetmakers and antique traders, who will often seek Sally and Sarah’s opinions on new pieces and vice versa. “They are all very creative and we definitely inspire one another,” they admit. HomeBarn also creates bespoke commissions for a wide range of trade customers, including interior architects and designers, sourcing everything from quirky decorative accessories and statement pieces for projects ranging from domestic interior schemes to bars, restaurants and even cinemas.
What does the future hold? The plan is to continue to grow the business at the pair’s own pace (to suit their still young families). Still, the New Year looks bright for the team, with lots of new bespoke items, an expanded range of cabinets and tables made HomeBarn is located in the picturesque from salvaged materials as well as a Buckinghamshire village of Little new in-house range of products. Marlow, surrounded by the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural You can see Sarah’s home in the beauty. Most of their customers find September issue or visit the store online and tie in a trip to HomeBarn with a relaxed weekend of www.homebarnshop.co.uk nearby countryside walks, wonderful www.homebarn.co (blog) restaurants and cosy gastro pubs. www.thenarrative.co.uk 41
Giftwrapped A beautifully wrapped gift can become a special celebration in itself – whether you are giving a small, token house-warming present or a spectacular piece of jewellery to mark a significant birthday. When wrapping for special occasions, try something unexpected that will make the recipient feel extra special. For children, tie candy canes onto festive gifts; for adults, add a single glitzy decoration. By Jane Means Photographs by Simon Brown
Try using a glitzy, potentially overpowering metallic or glitter ribbon, then counterbalance it with simple white or pale silver paper to tone it down and add glamour to the overall effect. Partnering similar colours lends a rich elegance to gifts and is a style favoured by luxury brands. 42
Rich tones and bold colours make an eyecatching statement, but really come together when you add a jewelled embellishment or sparkling decoration.
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Maps, classic sports cars and sheet music may all be used to denote special hobbies on gifts for men.
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"For many, buying and wrapping gifts for boys and men is a challenge. Men love presents that have a personalized or special signature element to them".
Brown paper makes a great understated canvas and can be embellished with hand-writing or printed with a bespoke design. It’s earthy tones give a warm appearance, and natural elements look great tied on as decorations.
Extract from Giftwrapped by Jane Means. Available from Jacqui Small, ÂŁ20. 45
Towels from £8, Ribbon bobble bath mat £16 from BHS
Industrial chic Think bold, masculine and edgy when creating the perfect industrial urban bathroom. 1.
2.
3.
4.
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6. 1. Wire Basket, £24, Sainsbury’s Home. 2. Metal Swivel Bar Stool, £99 . Rockett St George 3. Ultra Concrete Wood Light Grey, £27.99 per sq m, Quick-Step
7. 8.
4. Concrete Toothbrush Mug, £12, Rockett St George 5. La Rochelle Cast Iron Bateau Bath, £2495, The Cast Iron Bath Company 6. Bathroom Storage Basket, £10, House by John Lewis
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10.
7. Light Industrial 789 Cabinet, £250, Rockett St George 8. Concrete Soap Dispenser, £27, Rockett St George 9. Table/ Trolley with Glass Shelves, £455, BODIE and FOU 10. Tine K Home Candle, £9, At Number 67 47
Ask the Experts Ever wanted to re-create that edgy industrial looking bathroom at home? In the second of our new series the lovely ladies at Salvesen Graham give us the answers to some FAQ’s. If I wanted to create my own industrial style bathroom what are the main features I should include? Some industrial materials aren’t suitable for bathrooms so when designing it is important to bear in mind what is going to be hard wearing. Polished plaster floorings can be really effective and have the look of concrete. Exposed piping can look both smart and interesting. It is also possible to find industrial looking freestanding items such as metal trolleys or shelving units. Reclamation yards are a really good source for this. What type of tiling would you recommend? We have really successfully used textured tiles before which look wonderful and are practical on floors for non-slip, some are available with metallic finishes that can look chic. For a simple look that is inexpensive you can also use metro tiles, these can be either flat or have a bevelled edge. When using tiles on the floor we would recommend keeping the number of grout lines to a minimum by using larger tiles for a more industrial look.
Romana Made to Order Collection, shown here Wall Hung in Textured Black. 15 height options available in a choice of up to 50 sections. From £22.80 - £264.00 per section. Optional Romana Towel Bar available from £63.60 - £85.20. Iconic Radiators. 48
Floor tiles from the Furnace range that emulates industrial, time-worn sheet metal. Shown in Copper and Iron, £84.99 psm. Fired Earth.
What advice would you recommend to Is it ok to hang a chandelier in the bathroom? someone wanting to install a free standing Lighting is a really good way to warm up a space. A bathtub? Is it a design that works for all? decorative chandelier or light fitting can be a really nice There are now a huge number or freestanding baths contrast to an industrial look and bathroom wall lights on the market to suit all tastes both modern and are also really effective. Do make sure you consider traditional. Always try out the bath first, some look how far away it is from the source of water but there fantastic but aren’t comfortable at all. If you are are many good options available on the market now someone that likes to relax with a glass of wine in the that adhere to regulations, both the suppliers and your bath you might want to consider a surface near by to electrician can advise on this. We also always install put things on, this can be a piece of furniture such as a dimmers even for bathrooms so you can play around trolley or a small table which can add a lot of interest to with the lighting to create a very relaxing atmosphere. the scheme too. Also think about the style of taps and if a hand shower is essential some styles don’t allow for this which can limit you. Also bear in mind how you are going to clean around the bath, if you don’t have enough space a free standing bath can be a dust trap. If you have lots of space and it is possible to place the bath underneath a window, or perfect symmetry is created by using a freestanding bath, then go for it but sadly they are not always the answer.
Industrial style spaces can sometimes end up looking a bit cold. How can we avoid this? If using polished plaster surfaces it is possible to add warm tones to them and if you have exposed pipes using copper rather than chrome will help. You can still have curtains or blinds at the windows even with an industrial scheme. If you wanted to go for a plain coloured fabric then using something textured would be very effective. The absolute basic of good heating is of course a must, underfloor and towel rails; if the space is warm it will help it feel warm even with very industrial décor. When choosing a towel rail think about the size of your towels and make sure they will fit.
Hanging pendant lights in twenty one colours, four fitting finishes and custom-made for Bathroom Zones 2 & 3 - IP44 rated. £540, Curiousa & Curiousa
Salvesen Graham is an interior design and decoration practice specialising in classic traditional interiors with a modern twist, working for both private residential and commercial clients in the UK and abroad. Founders Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham draw on their combined 20 years’ experience to offer a comprehensive service, creating beautiful interiors that sit comfortably within their environment and meet the hopes and expectations of the client. 49
Banana date cake
with walnut and honey glaze By Jurgita Vaskel Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a homemade cake! Combine traditional dates and walnuts with not-so-traditional bananas in our moist and flavoursome festive treat.
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For the cake 175g softened butter, plus extra for the tin 200g self-raising flour 1 tsp cinnamon 100g light muscovado sugar 2 large eggs, beaten 3 tbsp clear honey 2 overripe bananas (about 350g with skins on) 100g stoned dates 50g chopped walnuts
For the glaze 2 tbsp clear honey 25g butter 50g walnut halves • Preheat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 • Butter the base of an 18cm Bundt mould or round cake tin. • Put the flour, cinnamon, butter, sugar, eggs and honey in a large mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer until light and fluffy. • Mash the bananas and chop the dates. Stir into the cake mix with the walnuts. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then turn out and cool on a wire rack. • To make the glaze, put the honey and butter in a small pan and bring to the boil, stirring until the butter has melted. Boil briefly, for about one minute, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the walnuts. Leave to cool until thickened and opaque. Spoon over the top of the cake and leave it to set.
In the Diary... Southbank Centre Christmas Market Southbank, London 11 November to 4 January
Avoid the mayhem of Oxford Street by seeking out creative, unique and original gifts at the Southbank Centre Christmas Market. This year’s market along the riverbank offers mulled wine, quality edibles and handmade crafts all with the magical sights and sounds of London at Christmas time as the ultimate festive backdrop. Image: Southbank Winter Poster
Winter Wonderland 2013 Hyde Park, London 21 November to 4th January (closed on Christmas Day)
Photography by Rosanna Gnocchi.
WAFFLE Design Christmas Pop Up Shop Clerkenwell, London 2 to7 December
WAFFLE Design will have its very own store for one week only. It will be packed with special Christmas promotions, including WAFFLE’s new gift voucher exclusively available at the store. Carefully chosen organic soaps, candles and cards from local artisans. WAFFLE Design makes hand embroidered throws and cushions, authentic home wares, individually made in East London. 52
UK’s spectacular Christmas destination, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, returns for six exciting weeks of winter festivities. With free admission there will be even more entertainment and new attractions than before, with plenty of delicious food, mulled wine and live music throughout the day & evening. And for those thrill-seekers, there will be an array of traditional and high-energy rides and not to mention a little bit of ice-skating.
Home Olympia, London 11 to13 January
The exciting line-up for Home in 2015 includes a comprehensive collection of stylish, innovative homewares and interior accessories from a record number of international exhibitors, together with some of our best homegrown design talent. From classic to vintage, modern and contemporary, Home encompasses the sectors of kitchen, dining, soft furnishings, lighting, occasional furniture and interior accessories. Visitors can expect to see exclusive iconic brands that can’t be seen anywhere else this spring, such as Joseph Joseph, Bliss Home, Skandium, Broste, Seletti, Universal Expert and many more.
Mini Moderns Open Studios Empress Mews Studios, London 12 to14 December
Join Mini Moderns for their annual Open Studio and Christmas Sale. The entire Mini Moderns range will be on display, with many items at special prices, plus there will be a sample and discontinued lines sale including fabric, cushions and wallpaper at bargain prices. Exhibiting alongside Mini Moderns at Empress Mews Studios are a selection of glassware makers, artists, printmakers, and sculptors plus there are many more open studios throughout Camberwell during the Camberwell Arts Christmas Open Studios fortnight.
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Take me away - Oslo By Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth
Oslo is the smallest of the three Scandinavian capitals, but it has a lot to offer. Its most striking feature is probably the fact that it’s in the middle of a fjord and surrounded by beautiful green countryside, but you can also find art, modern Scandinavian design (the design industry in Norway is booming), eat the new Nordic cuisine and be seduced by the informal and easy going atmosphere.
Ekeberg
Watch the city wake up
restaurant, is a popular small forest which is actually a sculpture park, with the works of both I love to start my mornings at the Ekeberg national and international artists. restaurant. It doesn’t open until 11am, but watching the city wake up from this vantage From Ekeberg, I would continue to the Botanical point is pretty spectacular. So bring your own Gardens at Tøyen, about a 10 minute drive away, “matpakke” and enjoy the view (don’t forget or 15 minutes by public transport. The gardens your camera!). I drive past this place on my way offer a huge range of beautiful greenery, and I to work every morning, and often I have to stop especially love their collection of Ginkgo balboa my car and take five minutes to enjoy the view trees and the Victoria House, a green house built and snap some pics. Well worth it! Behind the in 1876 especially for the Victoria lily.
Botanical Gardens
Palmen
Where to eat One of the most exciting things happening with Norwegian cuisine these days is the combination of traditional and local produce, heritage and history, but with a modern and sophisticated twist. The most famous restaurant is definitely Maaemo with its two Michelin stars, and of you’re a foodie, you must go there. I have to warn you, it is crazy expensive, but according to some, well worth it. My favorite place, Palmen, is a little more reasonably priced, has a fantastic atmosphere, and is a hidden gem in one of Norway’s most interesting hotels, the Grand Hotel Oslo. Fantastic food, beautiful and serene surroundings and friendly staff ensure a great experience. 56
What to do From the Grand Hotel Oslo’s Palmen restaurant, I stroll down to Aker Brygge to get close to the fjord. You can sit down on one of the dozens of orange benches (and daybeds!) dotted around the area, and enjoy the fantastic view, either towards the Akershus Fortress, or the smaller islands. Watch the ferries slowly pass, watch the people, have an ice cream, and just enjoy life. The benches are designed by Norwegian designers Lars Tornøe and Atle Tveit for Vestre and are a beautiful contrast against the modern and mundane architecture. If
Aker Brygge
you have time, I highly recommend that you go island hopping, which can be fun both during winter and summer. The National Gallery has a great permanent exhibit with a really interesting approach to the colours on the gallery walls (not a single white wall, and lots of bright choices, that does wonders for the art), and its current exhibition Dahl and Friedrich. Romantic Landscapes is absolutely stunning.
The National Gallery
The Grand Hotel
Where to stay The Grand Hotel Oslo is my favorite hotel in the city (I have collaborated with them several times) and it’s not only perfect for visitors from abroad, it’s also a perfect spot for a staycation as it’s located in the centre of Oslo. The Mikado suite is a project I did back in 2013 and the goal was to showcase Norwegian design, and a Norwegian use of colour in historical and “grand” surroundings. The suite is filled with designs by Andreas Engesvik, Magnus Pettersen, Norway Says, Vibeke Skar and Wik & Walsøe. The Grand Hotel Photographs by Sveinung Bråthen 58
The Mikado suite
The Grand Hotel, suite
Kollekted by
Where to shop Oslo is pretty much like any other capital when it comes to shopping, but smaller in size. However, if you are interested in Scandinavian design, there are some places you should visit: Norway Designs - a combination of Norwegian and Scandinavian design, that supports younger designers, Pur Norsk - Norwegian design only, A. Huseby - Norwegian and Scandinavian furniture and Kollekted by - A small curated shop by super stylists Krükvik & D’Orazio, focusing on tradition, design and craftsmanship with a modern and chic approach. Dagny Thurman-Hoelseth is one of Norway’s most popular independent colour experts, and a well know face from magazines and TV. From 2010-2014 she worked as Creative Director for retail chain Fargerike (paint & home decor), where she managed projects like Colour of the Year, colour collections, colour trends, PR, their magazine and cross industry collaborations. She now has her own business, working with colour and trend forecasting, concept development and creative direction for different brands. www.thedailydagny.com
Santa, baby Been awful good this year? Then shirk peeling potatoes and leave all that washing up to someone else with these luxurious and ever so festive getaways‌ By Ellie Walker-Arnott
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The Braye Beach Hotel, Alderney 3 night package from £294 per person If stresses, strains and all those Christmas parties get too much by the end of December, travel to the tiny, rural Channel Island of Alderney for some much deserved rest and recuperation. You’re guaranteed to have a memorable break (if only because of the teeny, tiny plane you have to brave to get there!) as you slow down to an entirely different pace of life and truly get away from it all. Start off the celebrations with a Christmas welcome party hosted by the hotel’s friendly, chatty staff before settling down to a three-course festive dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Christmas Day dawns with a hearty full English overlooking the bay before it’s time to brave the waves for a Christmas swim with the locals. Or, you know, just watch from the comfort of one of the hotel’s Boxing Day is the ideal time to blow the cobwebs cosy lounges... away with a bracing walk around the island – it’s so small you can literally wander from one end to the A six-course Christmas banquet will be served, other and you almost always have a view of the sea before the afternoon is spent watching the – before just a little more indulgence: afternoon tea Queen’s Speech in the in-house cinema or playing and old movies followed by a three-course festive traditional board games. dinner to round off the celebrations. Heaven. 61
The Manor House, Castle Coombe 3 night package from £990 per person
If a traditional home-from-home is what you are after, look no further than The Manor House in Castle Coombe. The village - a fourteenth century collection of yellow stone cottages - has been named Britain’s prettiest village. And for good reason - it’s completely idyllic. As is the secluded, ivy-covered Manor House itself. It’s a historic building, with nooks, crannies and what feels like hundreds of staircases, but this is no drafty old country house. The rooms come with heaps of modern touches, like heated mirrors, fancy coffee machines and TVs in the bathrooms. Where better to watch the Queen’s Speech? Arrive on Christmas Eve for a cream tea followed by festive carols, a champagne reception and a fourcourse dinner served in the Bybrook Michelin starred restaurant. The focus is on local produce, with their own pigs, game birds and beehives dotted around the grounds. After satisfying your inner foodie, wander into the village for the Christmas Eve service. Hot chocolate and mince pies will be waiting for you on your return. Naturally. Christmas Day consists of an indulgent five-course lunch, while on Boxing Day you can wander around the 365 acre estate, play a round of golf, take up clay pigeon shooting or head to watch the Panto in nearby Bath before cracking open more bubbly, enjoying another four course dinner and dancing the night away with a live band.
Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath 3 night package from £1340 per person Look up utter luxury in the dictionary and it could very well say Royal Crescent Hotel. The Georgian property is in the heart of Bath’s most iconic street, with impressive views over the city at the front, as well as a secluded, private garden to the rear. Everything about the hotel is effortlessly elegant, from the stylish rooms, the spa and the menu to the staff themselves. A stay at Royal Crescent at any time of year would leave you truly and completely spoilt (where else are you encouraged to live it up like a character in one of Jane Austen’s novels?) so naturally spending Christmas here you are in for a treat.
Christmas Eve kicks off the festivities with mulled wine and afternoon tea before a champagne reception and carol singing by candlelight. A threecourse dinner is then served in the hotel’s three AA rosette restaurant before a trip to Bath Abbey for midnight mass. On Christmas Day, after checking that Santa’s been, it’s time for a leisurely breakfast before the main event: a spectacular five-course lunch. Boxing Day is the perfect time to head into the city for some sale bargains or simply relax in your luxurious surroundings, take a swim and indulge in a spa treatment. The rest of the day will be spent enjoying afternoon tea and the hotel’s annual Christmas quiz before champagne, canapés, a five-course dinner and a fun casino night. Christmas sorted.
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photograph by Igor Josef.
Next Issue Out 8th January