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E LLE D ECO R ATI O N

BRITISH DESIGN AWARDS 2021: the winners revealed!

THE STYLE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HOME

N O 351

NOVEMBER 2021 £5.20

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23

ROM ANCE IS ALIVE

bedroom buys for a better night’s sleep

ROMANCE IS ALIVE BE SEDUCED BY THIS SEASON’S SUMPTUOUS NEW STYLE

EL L ED ECO R AT I O N.CO.U K

BUILD THE DREAM

Architect-approved ideas for extensions that will impress the neighbours

F R E E M AGA ZI N E I N S I D E

BATHROOM GUIDE 2021 Inspiration for your next big project

HOT NEW DESIGNS, BRANDS TO KNOW & THE LATEST TRENDS TO TRY

27

November 2021 NOW bedroom focus

27 News Don’t lose sleep

over your bedroom’s impact on the planet – these buys are stylish and eco-focused. Plus, Kasper Simonsen on his new brand, ReFramed

37 Laura Jackson on… why the frustrations of online shopping led to her establishing her own ‘enviro-conscious’ homeware marketplace, Glassette 39 Design hero How the masterful works of Italian modernist

Ico Parisi are getting a new lease of life thanks to Cassina

40 Design DNA The history and enduring legacy of Marcel Breuer’s 1920s chair – inspired by bicycle handlebars and a bestseller for two different brands

43 My cultural life Artist Yinka Shonibare on the

music, books and films that have influenced him

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44 Gardens Where to shop, what to read and where to

visit to galvanise your green space

47 Architecture The latest projects, including Gort

Scott’s Canadian mountain house, a 3D-printed home in Eindhoven and Squire & Partners’ Brixton office space.

Plus, the Fundació Joan Miró museum in Barcelona

50 Technology Design-led gadgets, from Samsung’s retro-inspired flip phone to binoculars by Marc Newson, and a screen-free sleep aid device from Morphée

37

81 Think outside of the box Architects reveal their

PICTURES: JON DAY PHOTOGRAPHY, PHILIP SINDEN, MICHAEL SINCLAIR STYLING: OLIVIA GREGORY, GLASETTE

tips for creating outstanding extensions, with three case studies. Plus, Studioshaw founder Mark Shaw shares the insights he learned creating his inner-London new build

97

STYLE

55 Dream weavers Meet the British designers

creating rugs worthy of being your home’s centrepiece

63 Beyond Hackney How daring luxury interiors and lifestyle brand House of Hackney continues to reinvent itself – one decade after it was founded

69 Decorator index Scott Maddux and Jo Le Gleud

of Maddux Studio disclose their top tips

72 New romantic Romance in the home is the

interior style of the season – here’s how to do it

2021

97 We reveal the winners of this year’s Oscars of design, from the best new products and pieces to the homegrown creatives making them

NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 17

136

HOMES

116 Curve appeal The arches and textures in this London apartment create an inner-city sanctuary for its owner

126 Harbour mastery Urban minimalism is the order of the day in a flat situated in a converted former grain silo, towering above Copenhagen’s industrial neighbourhood

136 Sprinkle some stardust A touch of modern love from Owl Design studio gives this central-London home a bold, high-octane energy inspired by David Bowie

146 The secret garden This discreet house in the countryside is hidden behind a garden wall, but its eco credentials are clear to see

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156

156 Tender brutalism Inspired by the work of

Escape

Finally

24 Subscriptions Never miss an issue

of ELLE Decoration with this great offer

167 News The best places to stay, dine and visit this month

232 Stockists Where to buy everything featured this month

174 How to eat and drink now Four

242 Treasured Colourful British artist

industry experts on the rebirth of hospitality – and the foodie trends to watch out for

The covers Newsstand We’ve fallen for this shot from our ‘New Romantic’ shoot on p72. Photographed by Michael Sinclair and styled by Olivia Gregory Subscribers This special cover is a floral arrangement

by Juliet Glaves, reflecting this season’s autumnal tones, seen on the opening page of ‘New Romantic’ ELLE Decoration Bathrooms Heralding the start of our 64-page guide to creating your own characterful home spa, this cover features porcelain in delectable ‘Pebble Pink’ by Mandarin Stone

18 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

Morag Myerscough on her beloved West Highland terrier, Elvis

PICTURES: RACHAEL SMITH, DEREK SWALWELL, CHARLIE MCKAY

modern Belgian architects, a Melbourne family home offers both space and intimacy

From the Editor

C

PICTURE: BEN ANDERS

ompiling this issue, I have been preoccupied with the idea of excellence. It’s at the forefront of my mind – predominantly as this is the issue where we are finally celebrating the winners of 2021’s ELLE Decoration British Design Awards – normally the accolades would be revealed earlier in the year, but, you know, unprecedented times and all…

We’ve been applauding the best designs and designers across our industry for almost 20 years now. While such awards seem two-a-penny these days, the fact that ours are so long-established, respected and career-defining gives us the impetus to continue to recognise the great talent around us.

Talking of some of the flatteringly similar awards you may have spotted, I was recently shocked to discover that some of our competitors (mentioning no names) charge brands quite substantial amounts to enter their own versions. I’m proud to say that the British Design Awards have always been allocated based on merit and talent, chosen by the magazine’s expert team in consultation with the design world’s most esteemed opinion-makers. They’re never run as a money-making endeavour, which, to me, would totally defeat the object of their existence.

This month, we are also recognising architectural excellence, examining creatively constructed homes around the globe and in the UK. From brutalist apartments to a rural masterpiece that brings eco-conscious Passivhaus principles to the fore, whatever style of building you’re attracted to, there should be something to excite. Plus, for those looking to start their own build project, we have architect-led case studies full of advice and inspiration.

Yet another annual event, the latest volume of our ever-popular ELLE Decoration Bathrooms guide can be found bound to the back of this issue. The 64-page special is full of everything you’ll need to tackle a bathroom renovation. And I must draw your attention to writer Eva Wiseman’s humorous and heartfelt paean to the joys of the British bathroom, in all its colourful glory.

Let me leave you with these words from Frank Lloyd Wright, who many of you will recall is one of my favourite architects: ‘We create our buildings and then they create us. Likewise, we construct our circle of friends and our communities and then they construct us.’

I love this idea of the circular nature of architecture and home, the talented people we choose to surround ourselves with and the excellence that flows in so many directions – all elements that you’ll find on these pages before you. I hope you enjoy.

‘I’m proud to say that the BRITISH Design Awards have always been allocated based on TALENT and merit’

Editor-in-Chief

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Twitter: @ELLEDecoBen

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ELLE DECORATION AND ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK BEN SPRIGGS

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NOW NEWS

/ SHOPPING/ OPINION/ TRENDS

Edited by K ATE WORTHINGTON

bedroom focus

PICTURE: JON DAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Giving your bedroom a refresh? Start with smart foundations – eco-conscious bedding, recyclable furniture – and then have fun with the finishing touches…

AN APPLE A DAY Having started as a maker of organic nursery mattresses, Naturalmat has gone on to become one of the leaders of the natural sleep movement. Style hasn’t been compromised, either – its new ‘Appledore’ bed signals a shift towards a more contemporary aesthetic for the Devon-based maker. With an elegant frame crafted from FSC-certified unvarnished beech and a low-slung upholstered headboard filled with springy organic coir, recycled denim and organic wool, sleeping like a baby is pretty much guaranteed. £1,700 for a king size bed (naturalmat.co.uk).

NOW

Sofa, so good A sofa bed that feels as luxurious as a proper bed is the holy grail of spare rooms and living spaces, and sleep brand Brook + Wilde may have cracked it with ‘Brunel’: the world’s first sofa bed with a hybrid mattress. Featuring pocket springs and memory foam, it packs six supportive layers into a 10cm deep base. Your guests will thank you.

From £1,999 (brookandwilde.com).

C L E A N S L E E P A UK first, And So To Bed’s new ‘Pure Luxe Hybrid’ mattress features HEIQ Viroblock technology,

giving it self-sanitising and germ-resistant properties. Non-toxic, bio-based and recycle-certified, testing has proved it effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID- 19) by 99.99 percent. From £879 (andsotobed.co.uk)

ECO DECO

DOWN WITH IT

PICTURES: SIMON ELDON, JONATHAN JAMES

Fashion’s most forward-thinking brands are already using recycled down in coats and padded garments, and now bedding manufacturers are cottoning on. In truly circular style, Bedfolk’s new collection of pillows and duvets includes a range created using regenerated pre-loved down from luxury apparel. From £40 (bedfolk.com).

ROYAL WAVE Encapsulating the plush, boutique hotel style of its sister firm, design practice Studio Duggan, homeware brand Trove is particularly good in the bedroom department. New to its range of shapely headboards is the ‘Royére’, shown here in ‘Nympheus’

by GP & J Baker. A variety of upholstery fabrics are available, from mohair to chintzy linens. From £895 (thetrove.co.uk).

NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 29

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FLAG UP Family-run Bolzan Letti has been crafting beds for more than 30 years from its factory in Italy’s Veneto region, and has gradually expanded into furniture. The ‘Flag’ collection is versatile enough to be used in both living and sleeping quarters. It comprises poufs, a valet stand, an armchair and bed, as well as a writing desk – the latter’s upholstered back echoes the curved headboard and can be used as a dressing table by adding a clip-on mirror. £POA (bolzanletti.it).

Mist opportunity Manchester-based home fragrance brand Cedar Lifestyle creates exquisitely blended aromatherapy oils and candles that are designed to enhance rituals and moments throughout the day. Its new ceramic ‘Aroma Diffuser Lamp’ is the perfect bedside companion, releasing essential oils into your space via a fine mist while casting a soothing glow. It can also be used as an air purifier and humidifier. From £80, including one 15ml essential oil (cedarlifestyle.co.uk).

4 OF THE BEST

NEW BED LINENS

‘Havana’ linen, from £98 for a pair of pillowcases, Larusi (larusi.com)

30 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

‘Cactus’ cotton bed linen, from £29 for a pillowcase, Tekla x Stüssy (teklafabrics.com)

‘Balena’ extra fine cotton bedding, from £255 for a pair of pillow cases, Society Limonta (societylimonta.com)

‘Burnt Orange’ linen, from £36 for a pair of pillowcases, Piglet (pigletinbed.com)

PICTURES: PAOLO CONTRATTI

Embrace hibernation with autumnal tones and natural textures

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BRAND TO KNOW

REFRAMED This new Danish furniture brand is revolutionising bed design. Founder Kasper Simonsen tells us about its concept…

STEP TO IT Named after the Spanish word for ‘height’, the ‘Altura Step Stool’ by Patricia Perez for British brand Case is a versatile piece that can be used all around the home. Employed as a nightstand, its tiers can be utilised to keep bedside essentials organised, while its curved edges save toes from being stubbed in the middle of the night. From £195 (casefurniture.com).

Joy of springs Choosing a mattress can be quite the conundrum, but Button & Sprung’s new collection makes finding the perfect one stress-free. Split into three groups – good, better and best – each category contains a firm, medium and soft option, ensuring every budget and sleep style is catered to. All mattresses are made using high-density pocket-sprung technology and natural fillings, and have a 100-night returns policy. From £545 (buttonandsprung.com).

Why did you start ReFramed? We believe design should be accessible, honest and inclusive. We wanted to address some of the issues consumers have when purchasing furniture today, providing short lead times, a seamless purchasing experience and a muchimproved delivery and assembly experience.

What makes your beds different to traditional designs? The frames are made of extruded aluminium, which has a lot of incredible benefits: it can be 100% recycled and also be restored easily. It is assembled without screws and is easily upgradable; you could even change the size in the future when you come to replace your mattress. The bed is circular-economy ready and we’re currently working on a solution for bringing the pre-owned frames back into our infrastructure with a second-cycle programme similar to Artek’s. This is only possible as we know that the product has a high enough quality to last a lifetime.

How did you arrive at the design? We thought about how our future customers would live, and asked ourselves what would be really important to them and how design could make their lives easier.

My own bed was placed on the floor as I didn’t know where to find a nice-looking, functional bed. Our designer, Tim Rundle, completely connected with the idea and we ran with it. Rather than looking too much at existing beds, we looked to industries such as exhibition design to research ways to make the assembly process smooth and fast.

What’s next? We’re already working on the next range. First, there’s another series of side tables, headboards and storage for the frame by other talented designers – we’re focusing on the bedroom for now, as we see this as a natural place to expand. It’s where you spend the majority of your time, so we believe it’s an exciting place to start! Double beds from approx £778, reframedbrand.com

NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 33

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THE EDIT

SLEEP DREAMS From cocooning upholstery to cool rattan, the latest beds will lull you into a stylish slumber

‘Noonu’ bed by Antonio Citterio, £4,916, B&B Italia (bebitalia.com)

‘Cartmel’ king-size bed by Says Who, £2,999, Heal’s (heals.com)

‘Volare Due’ bed by Roberto Lazzeroni, from £8,700, Poltrona Frau (poltronafrau.com)

‘MyNight’ bed by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti, from £4,942, Lema (lema-uk.com)

‘Roselle’ bed, £1,045, Loaf (loaf.com)

‘Milano’ bed by Paola Navone, from approx £10,287, Baxter (baxter.it) ‘Landa’ bed by Stefano Spessotto, from £2,151, Calligaris (calligaris.com)

‘Asolo’ bed by Antonio Citterio, £5,887, Flexform (flexform.it)

‘Salina’ spindle-back bed, from £1,225, Ercol (ercol.com)

34 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

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L AUR A JACKSON ON…

How the hunt for unique homeware inspired her to create an online marketplace Our columnist’s search for home items that have been made with integrity has morphed into a business venture We live in a world obsessed with the new but, lately, there has been a backlash. Mass-produced pieces and the homeware equivalent of fast fashion feels less attractive since, during numerous lockdowns, we have all spent more time enjoying the simple pleasures of home – the satisfaction of setting a table for dinner, or putting fresh sheets on the bed. As the world begins to speed back up, I found myself wanting to remember the importance of those things.

Integral to these everyday joys is homeware that feels special.

Speckled glasses blown by mouth, hand-woven blankets, a perfectly imperfect vase carefully thrown on a pottery wheel. I believe that everything in our homes should tell a story. Even the most functional pieces can be surprising or a bit bonkers. I have spent hours on Instagram in the past, replying to people’s DMs about where to find these artisan gems. That’s how I came up with the idea for Glassette – a new homeware marketplace and my Covid baby. Born out of the frustration that there was no one-stop shop to find meaningful homeware, and certainly nowhere that was even thinking about its responsibility to the planet, it is not just a place to shop, but also somewhere to find a community of like-minded home-lovers.

Scheduled to launch in mid-October with the help ‘Mon Chéri’ by Natalia Bagniewska, of my brother-in-law and exclusive to Glassette. Right Laura business partner Daniel with business partner Daniel Crow Crow, Glassette will offer

‘GLASSETTE WILL BE A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED HOME-LOVERS’ a curated edit of the best independent lifestyle brands out there, with an emphasis on stories, not stuff. My focus is provenance, with an eye on longevity – helping people who want to support artistry while being, what I call, enviro-conscious. From ensuring ethical sourcing and local production to focusing on social impacts, such as a living wage for makers, we will be collaborating with the talent behind every piece to encourage sustainable practices.

Once an Insta-bugbear, then a seed of an idea, Glassette is soon to escape my basement – which I have converted into an office – and open its virtual doors to everyone. I couldn’t be more excited. There is lots to do, but I’m just getting started. glassette.com; @glassette

SHOP THE STORIES

PICTURES: GLASSETTE

L A U R A’ S T O P F I V E P I C K S F R O M T H E G L A S S E T T E M A K E R S

‘ROOM 1’ PRINT BY EMILY FORGOT Developed from an oil painting, this limitededition run is printed on giclée. I love the colours and composition.

FACE PLATE BY K S CREATIVE POTTERY Kate only started her business a few years ago, but has really made her mark in the pottery world.

STRIPED LAMPSHADE

BY CEAU STORE A bespoke range for the Glassette launch, these lampshades are true one-offs – once they are gone, they’re gone!

COLOURED TUMBLERS

BY BIA EDITIONS All hand-blown in the UK, these are perfect for cocktails or mocktails and add an instant wow to any table.

STRIPED VASE BY GEORGE BRONWIN George lives in Somerset and specialises in wheel-thrown pottery.

Every single piece is handmade by him.

NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 37

NOW

DESIGN HERO

ICO PARISI

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURES: ARCHIVIO DEL DESIGN DI ICO PARISI, DEPASQUALE+MAFFINI

The Italian modernist who fused delicate shapes with superb structural design, and whose work is being revived by Cassina

‘My dear, you are a master, and all that is left for me is to retire and live in Civate in oblivion,’ Gio Ponti wrote to Ico Parisi (19161996) after admiring one of Parisi’s chair designs. Ponti’s esteem for his friend was boundless, although the latter has since remained in the great architect’s shadow.

With a reissue of three Parisi designs, however, Cassina is reawakening interest in this playful modernist master.

Domenico Parisi, nicknamed Ico, was born in Palermo but moved to Como at a young age. In 1936, he was apprenticed to the rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni.

One of his first projects has, in a sense, not aged well: he was tasked with documenting Terragni’s Casa del Fascio, the Fascist Party HQ in Como, for a magazine feature.

Unsavoury political connotations aside, Parisi’s encounter with this building marked the beginning of his signature work. Refusing to be pigeonholed, he loved to explore

Clockwise from top right The striking ‘875’ armchair, from £3,055; the elegantly shaped ‘PA’ console table, from £3,980, and ‘Leggera’ chair, from £1,205, all Cassina; the designer and architect Ico Parisi

different disciplines, from furniture to painting, architecture and installation art.

In 1945, Parisi met his future wife, Luisa Aiani. In 1947, the couple established La Ruota, a studio that collaborated with notable figures, such as artist Lucio Fontana and designer Bruno Munari. The Parisis developed a distinctive furniture aesthetic, combining playfulness with superb construction. The anthropomorphic ‘813 Uovo’ chair (1951) is a good example, its spindly legs bursting through a plump upholstered shell. A mahogany sideboard of 1955 fused jauntiness and strength: its slender front and back legs project from one point on the back of the unit, the front set stretching forwards as if about to march off.

Cassina’s reissued Parisi designs display the same wit and intelligence. The ‘Olimpino’ dining table (1955) is a tour de force of structural engineering, with metal supports that intersect at complex angles. Likewise,

PLAYFULNESS IS FUSED WITH SUPERB CONSTRUCTION the ‘PA’ console (1947) demands to be studied from all sides. Its Y-shaped legs taper to brass tips and are fixed to the tabletop on delicate notches. Finally, the ‘875’ armchair (1960) is a square shape elevated by steel supports, which cut into the base to add visual lightness.

La Ruota continued to operate until 1995 and, as time progressed, Parisi became more experimental. In 1968, he collaborated with sculptor Francesco Somaini on ‘Contenitori Umani’ (‘human containers’), a series of foam blocks containing cutouts in the shape of bodies; you could climb inside them to relax. By 1976, this had been expanded into ‘Operazione Arcevia’, a complete utopian community. A world filled with Parisi masterpieces? Sign us up. cassina.com NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 39

DESIGN DNA

‘CESCA’ OR ‘S32’ CHAIR

BY MARCEL BREUER This 1920s design classic is back in vogue – and its timeless simplicity belies a complex history At the grand old age of 93, Marcel Breuer’s ‘Cesca’ or ‘S32’ chair is enjoying a new surge in popularity. Recently, we’ve spotted this Bauhaus icon in a number of stylish houses, prompting us to delve deeper into its history.

This, it turns out, is more complicated than its easy good looks suggest.

Let’s begin by defining why the 1928 design has such lasting appeal. One of its manufacturers, Knoll – yes, there are two; more of which later – describes it as ‘effortlessly contemporary’, both in its contrast of industrial metal with natural wood and wicker, and in its strong, yet light cantilevered form. It’s a chair you can put in any room and marvel as it gels with its surroundings. No wonder it’s still so popular and one of the most copied ideas in 20th-century design.

Hungarian-born Breuer was a leading light of the Bauhaus movement, which saw humble tubular steel elevated to a material of high style.

His Eureka moment apparently came when, as a young man, he realised that the metal handlebars of his bicycle – which he deemed perfect because they were functional and never required alteration – could inspire a futuristic new breed of furniture. Polished metal with its ‘shiny and impeccable lines’ seemed to him ‘symbolic of our modern technology’.

Breuer’s tubular steel designs made him an international star and prompted breathless tributes, among them that of J Stewart Johnson, Curator of the Museum of Modern Art’s department of architecture and design in the 1980s. ‘Breuer simply changed the course of 20th-century furniture,’ he enthused. ‘He started it all and made everything happen.’

One might also say that Breuer was working at a time of unbridled creativity, when others in the Modernist melting pot were also presenting radical new ideas. It’s one of the enduring mysteries of design history that at the same time Breuer was reimagining his bicycle handlebars, Mies van der Rohe and Mart Stam were also getting in on the act with furniture inspired by gas and automobile pipes. Great minds think alike – but it led to a bitter copyright battle. Read on to find out more…

Knoll’s ‘Smalto’ table perfectly complements the ‘Cesca’ chairs

Marcel Breuer battled over his invention, and (right) an original ‘Thonet’ catalogue

While Breuer was developing his bicycle-inspired furniture, fellow Modernists Mart Stam and Mies van der Rohe were experimenting with industrial piping to similar effect. Stam is said to have created the first cantilevered chair in tubular steel in 1925, three years before Breuer’s version.

A court battle ensued, with both claiming to have invented the concept. Stam won, which is why you’ll see ‘artistic copyright Mart Stam’ listed on descriptions of Breuer and Thonet’s ‘S32’ chair, but also occasionally versions of Breuer chairs misattributed to Stam.

The truth about who had the idea first is lost in the mists of time, but it’s clear that both men keenly felt the influence of new technology.

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURES: FEDERICO CEDRONE, KNOLL ARCHIVE, DIGIKAMERA

E A R LY Y E A R S Controversy over who invented the first cantilevered chair led to a court battle over copyright

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W H Y I T ’ S N O W A range of shapes and finishes keeps the design evolving The ‘Cesca’ by Knoll – or ‘S32’ if you’re looking at the Thonet version – is an alluring mix of old and new. The classic model features traditional Vienna wickerwork seats with a handcrafted feel. These form an intriguing contrast with the robust chrome frame. The chair also offers a subtle nod to Thonet’s history of producing bentwood furniture, rendered anew in gleaming metal. Buyers today are spoilt for choice when it comes to shapes and finishes: between both manufacturers, there are versions with arms and without, in black or neutral, and with the option of upholstered seats, castors for the office or tall-legged bar stools.

THE CHAIR IS AN ALLURING MIX OF OLD AND NEW The ‘Cesca’ or ‘S32’ chair has stood the test of time and is still in demand today, featuring in recent issues of ELLE Decoration

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F A N I C O N How this timeless design has become a bestseller for two different brands This chair is produced by two manufacturers: Knoll and Thonet. How come?

Well, Breuer’s first tubular-steel furniture was produced by his own company, Standard-Möbel, which he co-founded in 1927; this was acquired by Thonet in 1929, which has produced the chair since 1930. Later, Breuer sold his designs to the Italian company, Gavina Group, which renamed its edition ‘Cesca’ after Breuer’s daughter Francesca. Gavina was acquired by Knoll in 1968, and since then, its licensed version and Thonet’s have coexisted peacefully.

The ‘S32’ is made

by Thonet

Upholstered versions of Knoll’s ‘Cesca’ design

Deruptatus es int quam est utatibu sciaerchit in

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YINKA SHONIBARE

INTERVIEW: CAT OLLEY PICTURES: ALAMY, DAVID PARRY, GETTY IMAGES, MAGNUS OLSSON/UNSPLASH, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON, INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM – FILLED WITH THE BRILLIANCE OF LIFE, TATE, PRESENTED BY THE ARTIST, OTA FINE ARTS AND VICTORIA MIRO 2015, ACCESSIONED 2019 © YAYOI KUSAMA

An arbiter of taste tells us what they’re reading, watching and more A self-described ‘post-colonial hybrid’, British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare was born in London but spent his formative years in Lagos. He’s best known for his unflinching reflections on race, class and identity – including the sculptures of headless figures dressed in his signature batik fabrics – and tireless commitment to cultural exchange via the Yinka Shonibare Foundation. He was awarded an MBE in 2004, then a CBE in 2019, and named as the Whitechapel Gallery’s eighth Art Icon earlier this year. A Royal Academician since 2013, he is the coordinator of this year’s Summer Exhibition, on display until 2 January 2022. yinkashonibare.com The first album I loved was Off The Wall by Michael Jackson.

It had some great dance tunes, so I danced to it!

At the moment I’m listening to Celeste (4). I love the way she sings, and the fact that she’s very individual in her approach to music.

A book that influenced me recently was Critique of Black Reason

by Achille Mbembe (3), which I read as part of my research for my role as coordinator for this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

It helped shape my idea, which is around ‘reclaiming magic’ – celebrating and restoring value to marginalised practices that may not be included in the Western canon of art history.

Favourite films? There’s a filmmaker I’m really into called Joanna Hogg. I recently watched Archipelago, and Exhibition was fantastic.

I’m currently watching Call My Agent. It’s a real guilty pleasure.

My lockdown discovery was the live streamed performances from Sadler’s Wells (6). I would go there frequently pre-pandemic, so it was wonderful to still be able to witness such skilled performances.

My favourite quote is by Abraham Lincoln: ‘The best way to predict your future is to create it.’ I like its sense of agency – this idea that you are responsible for making your own future.

The gallery I absolutely love to visit is the Victoria & Albert Museum. My favourite room there contains four incredibly detailed and beautiful tapestries known as the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries (7) that date from the 1400s. They are completely exquisite.

One of the most impactful collections I’ve ever seen was the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (1), which forms part of the Tokyo National Museum. It’s a fantastic collection that houses more than 300 objects from the 7th and 8th centuries. One room specifically had a display of ‘Gigaku’ masks, traditionally used by performing actors as part of Buddhist ceremonies.

I’m most looking forward to seeing the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern (5).

My favourite place in the world is probably the Stockholm archipelago in Sweden (2). I visited the city in 2004, while working on my first film production, Un Ballo in Maschera, and we travelled out by boat. It’s incredibly tranquil and serene floating by the scenery of wood cabins and rugged forestry. And so unspoilt.

Next, I’m travelling to Lagos, to visit one of the sites of my Foundation.

There are two locations: one in the urban centre and the other in a rural setting, Ijebu. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the farm site, as it’s located in a very peaceful, green part of the countryside and close to a local village. As part of my trip, I’ll be looking at the sustainable agricultural practices and local craft workshops we’re in the process of establishing there. yinkashonibare.com NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 43

GARDENS / GARDEN JOBS TO DO NOW To enjoy beautiful blooms in spring, begin laying the groundwork now – prepare your shrubs and bushes, protect pots against the frost and start snipping those tuber stems

ONE-CLICK WONDER Jemma and Annie Charman, founders of Green Rooms houseplant markets, are taking their love of plants – and shopping – to the next level with the launch of their Green Rooms online marketplace. It allows plant lovers to fulfil all their gardening needs on a single site, where small independent botanical brands can be found alongside high-street retailers (shopgreenrooms.com).

Get planting Now until March is the best time to plant bare-rooted trees, shrubs, roses and fruit bushes. Dig a hole the depth of the root ball and three times its diameter. Position so the top of the root system is level with the soil and backfill.

Floral artist and landscape designer Lucy Hunter is constantly exploring ways to soften the boundaries between inside and out. A journey through her studio and garden in north Wales, The Flower Hunter captures the transitory shifts in nature, plus advice on how to create arrangements (Ryland, Peters & Small, £30).

Protect your pots Terracotta pots are prone to frost damage, so wrap them in hessian or bubble wrap to keep them safe and insulated – soil in pots gets much colder over winter than it does in the ground.

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER Garden visiting has always been a physical activity – until now. Google Arts & Culture’s new project #GardensUnited showcases over 50 gardens across the UK, offering tours of tropical gardens, palace gardens, community gardens and allotments. Of course, it can’t quite capture the scent of a rose, but it does offer insights that many a garden visit would miss, from interviews with scientists and craftsmen, to poems inspired by gardens and even recordings of birdsong, taken from the Duchess’s Gate at The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland (artsandculture.google.com).

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Lift dahlias Cut the stems down to about 10-15cm and dig up the tubers, rinse and store upside down until dry. Pot in dry compost and store in a frost-free place until spring.

WORDS: NATASHA GOODFELLOW PICTURES: BETH DAVIS ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK/TANJA ESSER

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ARCHITECTURE / A GOLDEN ERA Post-war Britain offered a heroic vision for the future of architecture.

It was a time of great invention, one that historian Elain Harwood explores in a new illustrated book, MidCentury Britain, Modern Architecture 1938-1963, in collaboration with the Twentieth Century Society (Batsford, £25).

Time for change What’s it like to live in a 3D-printed house? Retired Dutch couple Elize Lutz, 70, and Harrie Dekkers, 67, have become the first people in Europe to find out, having just moved into a pioneering new housing development in Eindhoven. Their boulder-shaped home was 3D-printed from concrete using a huge robotic nozzle. The ambition is to show how 3D-printing might offer a solution to housing shortages all over Europe – so if the properties prove popular, we may soon be seeing a whole load more of them (3dprintedhouse.nl).

SOLID AS A ROCK There is plenty of drama to the latest project from Londonbased architects Gort Scott perched high up on a rocky crag in the Canadian mountain resort of Whistler. With vertigo-inducing terraces, this concrete and timber house allows residents to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment. ‘The house grows out of the landscape but isn’t deferential to it, neither does it dominate it,’ says studio co-founder Fiona Scott. ‘We feel the house and the rock are better for each other.’ (gortscott.com).

WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURES: RORY GARDINER, JACK HOBHOUSE

CLEVER CO-WORKING London architecture practice Squire & Partners made a lot of people jealous when it took over an abandoned department store in Brixton and turned it into a vibrant headquarters for its 200 staff. But there’s no longer need for envy – the company has just extended the office with a new co-working building.

Designed to support a thriving local creative scene, The Department Store Studios offers a range of flexible workspaces, which come with just as much character as the old building, thanks to innovative architecture (thedepartmentstorestudios.com).

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ARCHITECTURAL ICON

FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ, BARCELONA,

BY JOSEP LLUÍS SERT The legacy of one of Spain’s greatest contemporary artists is a museum that is rational yet sculptural

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Above and below The avant-garde Fundació Joan Miró, designed by Sert, features striking curved and geometric forms, with a roof terrace that looks out across the city Left Miró's striking Girl Escaping painted bronze sculpture

SERT HAD A FORWARDTHINKING APPROACH THAT ECHOED THAT OF MIRO, SO THE PAIR HAD AN IMMEDIATE COMPLICITY

WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURES: ALAMY

Before the Fundació Joan Miró opened in 1975, there were very few exhibition galleries in Spain for contemporary art. It was this that instigated Catalan painter Joan Miró to build a space of his own; he not only wanted to showcase his own work, but to shine a light on a whole new generation of artists. And what better way to do this than in a striking building just as avantgarde as the artworks it would house?

The architect tasked with turning Miró’s vision into reality was Josep Lluís Sert, a close friend who had previously worked with the artist on his studio in Mallorca. A former student of Le Corbusier, Sert had a forward-thinking approach that echoed that of Miró, so the pair had an immediate complicity.

For Miró, two ideas were central to the concept: the first was to facilitate works of vastly different scales, and the second was to create a relationship between art, architecture and nature. When you visit the museum, located high up on Barcelona’s Montjuïc Hill, it’s clear that Sert had no problem interpreting these ambitions. The building isn’t small, yet it feels more like a pavilion than an institution. There is a natural journey through the exhibition spaces, taking in a mix of grand and intimate galleries, glazed and sloping walkways, and a roof terrace that looks down over the city. Organised around a central courtyard, the route is so logical that you can explore every corner without having to repeat your steps.

The form of the building is equally rational. Built primarily from concrete, the structure combines an assortment of both curved and regular geometric forms that create an intricate play of light and shadow. Instead of feeling random, these forms have a distinctly Mediterranean character, from the curving skylights that allow plenty of natural light to filter directly into the galleries,to the barrel-vaulted ceilings.

While initially the museum mainly exhibited works from its founder’s extensive personal collection, today it has a much wider scope. Following extensions carried out by Sert’s friend Jaume Freixa in 1988 and 2000, it is now able to showcase many of Miró’s greatest works (there are more than 14,000 pieces in the collection) along with pieces by contemporaries such as Alexander Calder, Max Ernst and Marcel Duchamp. At the same time, the basement-level Espai 13 gallery hosts a rolling programme dedicated to emerging talents, in tribute to the artist’s original vision.

At a time when museums are having to work harder than ever to attract visitors, the Fundació Joan Miró shows just how powerful the physical experience of art and architecture can be.

TECHNOLOGY / TA K E A CLOSER LOOK Walking more, being more engaged with our surroundings… These are just some of the lockdown habits that many of us are hoping to maintain. And for those who want to improve their view of the flora and fauna around them, British designer Marc Newson’s new compact ‘CL Curio 7x21’ binoculars are the most stylish solution.

Available in ‘Black’ and ‘Burnt Orange’, they offer incredibly clear vision, crafted by Swarovski Optik. From £630 (swarovskioptik.com).

FLIP THE SCRIPT For those who remember the clamshell phones of yore, Samsung’s ‘Galaxy Z Flip3’ is a nostalgic treat. But it’s much more than that. Folded, it fits in the smallest of pockets, but open it up and you’re treated to a full 6.7 inch screen – no compromises. There’s a 12 megapixel camera on the back, plus a front-facing selfie cam that works even when folded. Just one of the nifty bonuses of this design: half unfold the ‘Flip3’ and it acts as its own stand for video calls (very 2021). Available in four key colours: ‘Green’, ‘Cream’, ‘Lavender’ and ‘Phantom Black’. From £949 (samsung.com/uk).

Google’s Nest family of home gadgets now includes the sleek, attractive ‘Doorbell’.

With 24/7 video recording, it alerts you to any movement outside your home and also allows you to see and speak to visitors in real time.

Its smart alerts, sent directly to your phone, minimise panic by telling you what it thinks is going on – from a passing cat to an abandoned parcel.

Available in wired or battery-powered versions. From £179.99 (store.google.com).

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UNWIND AND DRIFT OFF Sleep apps can be a great aid to getting your eight hours, but having your phone close by can be counterintuitive. The ‘Morphée’ is an offline alternative. Like an alethiometer for insomniacs, it has three cogs: one you wind to choose one of seven methods of sleep treatment – from breathing exercises to visualisations – another to select one of eight sessions for each treatment, and the last to set the duration. Then, simply close your eyes and listen. £79.95 (morphee.co).

WORDS: CLARE SARTIN PICTURES: MARTA PUGLIA

Y O U R D I G I TA L DOORMAN

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PICTURE: GIUSEPPE DINNELLA

D E C O R AT I N G

/ M AT E R I A L S / I N T E R I O R D E S I G N / I D E A S

‘ALTRONDE’ FABRIC BY DEDAR Mayumi Otero and Raphael Urwiller, the two halves of artistic duo Icinori, created this intricate architectural dreamscape of houses, courtyards and cobbled lanes for Milanese brand Dedar.

Painstakingly screen-printed by artisans, the linen is intended for use as a wallcovering and is available in four evocative shades: ‘Bianco’, ‘Ebano’, ‘Blue Notte’ and ‘Terracotta’ (pictured).

‘Altronde’ linen in ‘Terracotta’, from £316.50 per m, Dedar (dedar.com)

DREAM WEAVERS Rugs are no longer a decorating afterthought but an essential design statement in their own right. Here, we look at the latest collaborations with some of the UK’s best designers Photography ANDREW URWIN

Martin Brudnizki with his ‘Panthera’ design, available from £1,600 per sq m, The Rug Company (therugcompany.com)

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‘A rug is the perfect frame for a furniture setting,’ enthuses leading interior designer Martin Brudnizki about the five customisable rugs he has created as part of his ‘New Romantics’ collection for The Rug Company.

Drawing inspiration from ‘an abstraction of the natural world’ for the border motifs – think a bold swishy whale-meets-mermaidtail (which could also be interpreted as a flower petal) or a confetti-like sprinkling of animal print – each rug has been designed to act almost like a picture frame. ‘Often you don’t see the middle of a rug because there is a coffee or dining table on top of it, so that’s why I think border designs are great, because you’re basically putting the most effort into the part which is almost always exposed.’

The slightly raised ‘Ruffle’ design is one of the designer’s particular favourites, reflecting his love of passementerie. ‘I love a ruffle – it’s very much a part of my creative process as I have always edged things, from lampshades to the base of a sofa, even in my more minimalist phase, but it’s just become more extravagant with time,’ he laughs. ‘Folly’, with its rounded

edges, honours the legacy of French designer Madeleine Castaing who swathed whole rooms, from floors to walls to ceilings, in animal print. Martin, however, has taken a much more gentle approach, as he explains, layering ‘the sharp repetitive pattern of architectural balustrades with the loose movement of leopard spots as a new way of looking at animal print’. ‘Panthera’, also sprinkled with leopard print framed by a border of stripes, works particularly well on stairs. ‘This is the whole point with a border – you can make a runner out of it,

‘IT’S HOW YOU LAYER THINGS THAT CREATES THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE AND HOMELY FEELING’

Clockwise from above ‘Pisces’, from £1,250 per sq m; ‘Folly’, from £1,600 per sq m; and ‘Ruffle Rouge’, from £1,750 per sq m, all available from The Rug Company (therugcompany.com)

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you can scale it up, you can scale it down.’

He feels the bold use of colour – tangerine teamed with emerald green, or a dark navy on top of a silvery sky blue – hand woven in different combinations of Tibetan wool and silk, can work equally well in extravagant buildings as it can in a clean white space, where ‘they’ll just become like pieces of art,’ he enthuses. The joy of being able to order each design in any colour combination also appeals. ‘You can make them more neutral if you want to or more extravagant.

But I think that they all work because a rug is the perfect way to soften a space, and it’s how you layer things into a room – the rug, the table, the chairs, the lamps – that helps to create the right atmosphere and homely feeling unique to you.’ From £1,250, mbds. com; therugcompany.com

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MORE CUTTING-EDGE COLLABORATIONS

From top ‘Oh So Sisco’; ‘Iris Ikat’; ‘Sunrise Haze’, all from £645, Amara (amara.com)

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON X OBEETEE for Amara Each of Matthew Williamson’s five new designs for Amara, made in collaboration with the world-leading rug manufacturer Obeetee, uses ‘beautiful colours and dramatic textures that resonate with warmth and vibrancy’ to recreate the designer’s favourite breathtaking sceneries. Crafted by artisan weavers in India, each handknotted design takes nine months to create, and Matthew sees them as a fundamental tool for unifying the mood and flow of a room. ‘Colour plays a vital role in uplifting our homes and affecting us emotionally,’ he says. ‘I can see this collection complementing a smaller room while adding drama to grander spaces.’ From £645, matthew williamson.com; obeetee.com; amara.com

‘COLOUR PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN UPLIFTING OUR HOMES’

WORDS: FIONA MCCARTHY PICTURES: GRAHAM ATKINS-HUGHES THE COLLECTION WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN STOCKHOLM AT THE 17TH-CENTURY VAN DER NOOTSKA PALACE

‘Folding Ribbon’ Below ‘Climbing Vine’, both from £690, Nordic Knots (nordicknots.com)

CAMPBELL-REY for Nordic Knots Getting the colour right for their three new rugs with Swedish company Nordic Knots was key to creating ‘a very organic, alive feeling from something that is made with a very analog craft,’ says Duncan Campbell, one half of the design duo Campbell-Rey. Their use of different shades of green in ‘Garden Maze’, for example, designed in homage to the work of 20th-century British gardener Russell Page, or the pink in ‘Folding Ribbon’ (a contemporary interpretation of the swags adorning Gustavian style furniture) cleverly lends a trompe-l’oeil effect. ‘We really love creating things with a sense of intrigue that makes them worth a second look,’ says Duncan. From £690, campbell-rey.com; nordicknots.com NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 59

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‘Banares’ Left ‘Usahk’ (under seating) and ‘Mirzyan’, all from £795, Christopher Farr (christopherfarr.com)

‘I WAS TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING THAT DIDN’T LOOK LIKE ANYTHING’

MATTHEW HILTON for Christopher Farr Rugs For Matthew Hilton’s new collection of rugs for Christopher Farr, the furniture designer turned to his iPad doodling for pattern inspiration. ‘I do these drawings to rest, it’s a bit like meditation, where I let my mind wander and just draw,’ Matthew explains.

While abstract in conception, there is a sense of calm, thanks to the gentle colour palette, and an indefinable familiarity to the designs.

And while the pattern for ‘Usahk’, produced in Turkey, came from ‘trying to make something that didn’t look like anything’, after listening to Christopher’s stories of where the rugs are made, Matthew developed the design to reflect these landscapes, suggesting it intimates ‘a view of hot misty mountains and valleys with long reaching shadows.’ From £795, christopherfarr.com; matthewhilton.com

BETHAN GRAY for CC Tapis

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‘Inky Dhow’ rug in ‘Gold+Ivory’ Right ‘Inky Dhow’ in ‘Blue’, both from £6,000, CC-Tapis (cc-tapis.com)

PICTURES: CHRISTOPHER HORWOOD

Bethan Gray created her ‘Inky Dhow’ design for CC-Tapis in last year’s lockdown, experimenting with inks, pens and paints before working with a Chinese calligraphy brush to produce a composition of lines varying in tone, width and length. CC -Tapis’s translation of these marks from ink into hand-dipped silk thread mirrors the hand-painted feel of Bethan’s original. ‘The pattern changes depending on where you look at it from,’ she notes. Hand-knotted in Himalayan wool and available in three colours, ‘the gold is lustrous, the blue is striking, and the black and white is for lovers of monochrome.’ From £6,000, bethangray.com; cc-tapis.com

STYLE

BEYOND HACKNEY One decade since it was founded in east London, House of Hackney has a legion of fans with its wild wallpapers, fabrics and accessories. Its next move, though, is its wildest yet…

Words CLAUDIA BAILLIE

WORDS: CLAUDIA BAILLIE PICTURES: MARK COCKSEDGE

PICTURE: JOSIE GEALER NG

Sat atop an ancient Pagan site overlooking the Tamar Estuary, Trematon Castle is the stuff of fairy tales. With its ancient medieval keep, a 14th-century gatehouse and a mansion built with stones taken from the Norman castle wall, it’s a magical mix of architectural styles that’s rich in Cornish history. Adding to the enchantment is its extraordinary garden planted by renowned landscape designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman, which, with its fragrant blooms, wild borders and romantic meadows is quite simply otherworldly.

It was this garden that first drew House of Hackney co-founders Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle to the charming spot that they now call home, and the events that led to them taking custody of the property were something of a fairy tale too. ‘Moving to Trematon was an unexpected twist to our story,’ says Frieda. ‘It was as if we had a calling, and it was more than coincidental.’

The adventure began three summers ago, when the couple and their two children were heading back from a holiday in Cornwall. ‘I saw a sign for Trematon Castle Gardens, which I’d never visited,’ she explains. ‘Exploring gardens is one of our favourite things to do, so I managed to persuade the family to squeeze in one more. We spent a glorious morning there and when we got back to London, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.’ Fast forward two days later, and she received a call that was to change things forever. ‘A friend of mine had been having lunch with some people in this incredible house, and they were looking to move on, so she’d thought of us and asked if we were interested,’ she says. ‘When she said it was Trematon my heart almost stopped. We agreed to take it there and then – it was serendipitous.’

The brand’s founders, Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle

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By Easter 2019, after securing a long-term lease on the property, which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, they said goodbye to life in London Fields and relocated to their new home. The nine-bedroom, Grade II-listed house was in need of some attention, and they spent the first year restoring the windows alone. Having refurbished the radiators and as much of the old bathrooms as possible, they then sourced local materials and skilled craftspeople to complete the rest. Fourposter beds by furniture makers Titchmarsh & Goodwin feature medieval style castellations, while a smart new kitchen comes courtesy of Devol. Papers and fabrics are their own signature prints, and include ‘Hortensia’, a nod to Cornwall’s hydrangeas as well as ‘Phantasia’, a new design painted with dragons and mythical beasts

The move to Trematon has inspired several new House of Hackney designs, including the low-slung velvet ‘Castle’ chairs, which form a castellation effect when grouped together Below The Keep overlooks the outdoor Indian pool, which is surrounded by exotic palms and banana trees

‘IT’S ABOUT KEEPING THINGS SUSTAINABLE AND BEING CREATIVE’ inspired by the castle grounds. Carpets woven by Axminster have since become an official collaboration.

It’s quite a step up from the Victorian house where Frieda, a former fashion buyer, and Javvy, a fashion and product designer, first started their business. Both the inspiration and a showroom for the then-fledgling brand, Frieda’s home, which Javvy subsequently moved into, became the original House of Hackney. ‘We wanted to connect with nature and to bring in colour but couldn’t find what we were looking for,’ explains Frieda. ‘At one end of the market was Ikea, and at the other were the kind of traditional wallpapers our parents were buying.

We wanted beautiful, well-made products inspired by the past but juxtaposed with the present – not antiques but something that felt unique and modern.’

Their solution was to create the designs themselves,

The bedroom is a maximalist’s dream and includes some of the brand’s iconic designs, such as the ‘Ananas’ pineappleshaped lampstands Right ‘Phantasia’ wallpaper in ‘Selenite Orange’ features in one of the bathrooms

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and inspired by William Morris, Victorian palm houses and their own London neighbourhood, House of Hackney was born. With no shop or showroom, they presented the designs to buyers and shot photography from the house, with the living room and bedrooms decorated with the bold and botanical prints. ‘People said it was an amazing concept, but it was all about budget,’ laughs Frieda. ‘Looking back we were quite naïve. After a big launch and great press, our sales were still at zero. But then things started building, Liberty bought into the brand and we realised we were going to be okay.’

Since then, thanks to environmentally conscious and British-made products they have gone from strength to strength, with instantly recognisable prints such as ‘Hackney Empire’, ‘Palmeral’ and ‘Artemis’ as well as their striking pineapple and animal lamps becoming modern classics. A collaboration with William Morris Gallery, which asked them to reimagine archive designs, was also a highlight; and in January the business was awarded a B Corp certification for its support of small companies and environmental standards. ‘We couldn’t really be inspired by nature without wanting to protect it as well,’ says Frieda. ‘We work with both local and international charities and support environmental initiatives and projects, and since moving to Trematon we’ve stopped using herbicides and pesticides in the garden.’

Having run the castle as a pop-up hotel for the past two summers, their focus now is on a paint range, due out next January, as well as a series of collaborations with different creatives around the theme of a fantasy room. ‘We want to continue to make beautiful collections too,’ says Frieda. ‘Our house in Hackney was the original muse, and now we’re here at Trematon. Those first few years were so stressful, so these days it’s about keeping things slow and sustainable, being independent, creative and collaborative. We all live busy lives and to be able to take meditative time out is everything. This house takes our breath away on a daily basis, and we don’t take a second for granted.’ houseofhackney.com

4 OF THE BEST

The chintz-filled Florika Cabin, which sits in the grounds along with House of Hackney-pimped caravans that are available to rent

‘WE WANTED BEAUTIFUL, WELL-MADE PRODUCTS INSPIRED BY THE PAST BUT JUXTAPOSED WITH THE PRESENT’ HOUSE OF HACKNEY ICONS

‘SABER’ CUSHION Inspired by Tibetan tiger motifs, which are seen as a protective force, this velvet design has become a true classic. £195

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’PALMERAL’ LINEN Loddiges, a palm house once located in Hackney, was an early influence for the brand sparking this pattern. £95 per m

’SERPENTIS’ CANDELABRA Snakes, either entwined around mirrors or decoratively coiled on tables, are a recurring theme for House of Hackney. £195

‘ARTEMIS’ WALLPAPER The brand’s contemporary take on the botanical delights of William Morris’s prints, this early design is still a favourite. From £125

PICTURES: MARK COCKSEDGE , JOSIE GEALER NG

Instantly recognisable, these piece typify the brand’s finesse for the decorative and the modern

STYLE

Who are they? This Peckham studio is headed

by Tennessee native Scott Maddux and Brit Jo Le Gleud, who met on a dancefloor in 1996. Maddux is an architect who spent his early career experimenting with maximalism and minimalism, which informs his current eclectic style. He started out working for interior designer Ann Boyd, with whom he restored a number of historic buildings for Forte Heritage hotels. Le Gleud, meanwhile, is a craft expert who formerly worked as an embroiderer for fashion designer Koji Tatsuno.

She has qualifications in silversmithing, tailoring and shoemaking and takes the lead in making unique pieces for Maddux Creative projects. The pair’s shared passions for craft, colour and fashion led them to establish their studio in 2011.

What’s their style? Elegant and varied – every project is strikingly unique. Among the duo’s inspirations are neoclassical architecture and the colourful fashion of Dries Van Noten; coaxing clients to be ‘unafraid of colour and texture’ is a core element of their process. They believe that history and modernity should coexist, and that craftsmanship is paramount. ‘We encourage all our clients to invest in “future heirlooms”: commissioning makers to create custom pieces that will stand the test of time, or scouring markets for antique pieces that have already done so,’ says Maddux. ‘We’re predominantly client-led; we don’t

D E C O R AT O R I N D E X

MADDUX CREATIVE The London-based duo who create beautifully unusual homes focusing on colour, art and craft

From top The studio’s Notting Hill house project; Maddux and Le Gleud

vapidly follow trends and our projects don’t have a repeated narrative. Each one is fresh.’

What are their recent projects? Two very different London homes. They’ve spent five years renovating a Grade II-listed gothic revival house in Highgate, which is full of original features, such as pointed arches, quatrefoils and gargoyles. ‘Our clients, a young couple, fully embraced the history of the property, so it was easy to get enthusiastic about details,’ says Maddux. The second project is a Marylebone pied-à-terre for a Los Angeles art-collector couple, located in a Grade II-listed mansion block. Briefed to create a ‘clean and contemporary’ look, the studio responded sensitively, adding mosaic bathroom floors that are inspired by Jean Cocteau drawings.

What are they working on? The studio works around the world – it’s currently juggling projects in Los Angeles, Easthampton in Massachusetts and Geneva. In the Swiss city, they’re renovating a large family home that combines ‘the best features of a country house and a townhouse’, reflecting both the building’s natural surroundings and its proximity to the urban centre.

They say ‘We strive to go beyond superficial aesthetics to create projects with relevance, depth and warmth. It’s not only about what you see, but what you feel: the power of good design is to induce emotions.’ madduxcreative.com NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 69

STYLE

Clockwise from below The main suite with geometric panelling design in the Notting Hill house refurbishment; a mix of original features and rich textures in the Kensal Rise Factory project; metalwork detailing and a ceiling fresco adds depth and colour in this Holland Park house; a striking plaster bas-relief mural in the Holland Park house’s library space

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK Every project has its own unique list of suppliers and craftspeople. Part of making it special is finding the right mix FA B R I C S

EXPERT ADVICE Maddux Creative on how to create a space with character 1 We love contemporary, unexpected embellishment, such as timber or stone floors in intricate parquetry patterns. We have a penchant for unusual wood species and coloured marbles, but will always temper these with a more modest material, such as plaster.

2 Don’t forget your ceilings. This forgotten plane is one of the most effective places to use dramatic colour. We almost always use a muralist to create something entirely unique to each property, applied directly to the wall or ceiling. It’s the ultimate place-making gesture.

3 Be bold with colour. Painting a small, dark room in white will not make it feel bigger. Use these rooms as opportunities to express your moodier self. Whenever we use neutrals, they tend to be textured to add depth and interest.

4 Art is one of the first things we ask clients about. Whether you’re buying important works or decorative junk-shop pieces, make sure they have a personal resonance. Art should fill you with awe or joy – leave walls blank until you find something that does.

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WA L L PA P E R

Almost all of our projects use a wallcovering from Fromental. We’ve also discovered that there are frequent overlaps in inspiration between us and the brand’s founders, Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes – it’s uncanny! fromental.co.uk B AT H R O O M S

Balineum is our go-to for all things tile- and bathroom-related. The founder, Sarah Watson, is inspirational – she never misses an opportunity to try something new. balineum.co.uk PA I N T

Paint & Paper Library is our choice for paint. We go to the original Elystan Street showroom for the archive colours, the names of which are imprinted on our memories. They’re perfect for the light in the UK. The brand’s architectural colours, graduating from I to V, are also so easy to use. paintandpaperlibrary.com

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURES: RICARDO LABOUGLE; MICHAEL SINCLAIR

‘BE BOLD WITH COLOUR – WE ADD DEPTH WITH TEXTURED NEUTRALS’

Yarn Collective is a company in west London that we consistently revisit – its fabrics and colour range are so well considered. It specialises in unique woven textures, and bouclé wools and mohair velvets in plain, yet rich colours. yarncollective.co.uk

New romantic Be seduced by a timely mix of cutting-edge furniture and traditional details, in shades that celebrate autumn’s comforts Photography MICHAEL SINCLAIR Styling and creative direction OLIVIA GREGORY Florist JULIET GLAVES

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Opposite Floral arrangement

by Juliet Glaves (julietglaves.com) This page, from left ‘Linara’ linen curtains in ‘Quince’, £40 per m, Romo (romo.com).

‘Group’ sofa by Philippe Malouin, £6,739, SCP (scp. co.uk). Cushions (from left) ‘Harlow’, £118; striped, £115; ‘Liv’, £170; striped bolster, £90, all by Christina Lundsteen, Matchesfashion (matchesfashion.com).

‘Tarsara’ throw in ‘Heather’, £125, Designers Guild (designersguild.com). Tuscan terracotta pot, £66, Petersham Nurseries (petershamnurseries.com).

‘Low Table + Lamp’ in marble

by Muller van Severen, price on application, Viaduct Furniture (viaduct.co.uk).

Coffee-table books (from top left) Carlo Scarpa by Robert McCarter, £39.95; The Origins of Cooking: Palaeolithic and Neolithic Cooking by Ferran Adrià, £100; Omer Arbel by Omer Arbel, £69.95; Monk: Light and Shadow on the Philosopher’s Path by Yoshihiro Imai, £29.95, all Phaidon (phaidon.com).

‘Rock’ resin bowl in ‘Moody Blue’, £145, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk).

‘Penguin’ jug, £230; ‘Incalmo’ tumblers, £68 each, all by Jochen Holz, SCP (scp.co.uk).

‘Jigsaw Chalk’ rug by Zoffany, £13,176, Riviere (riviererugs. com) and Zoffany (zoffany. sandersondesigngroup.com) ±

ROBERT MANGOLD © ARS, NY AND DACS, LONDON 2021

From left Vintage verdure tapestries, from £5,940 each, Retrouvius (retrouvius.com). Artworks Multiple Panel Paintings, 1973-1976, A Book of Silkscreen Prints (1992) by Robert Mangold. Tuscan terracotta pot, £66, Petersham Nurseries (petershamnurseries.com). Dining chairs (from left) ‘Carimate’ red lacquer chairs by Vico Magistretti (two pictured), £1,032 each, Fritz Hansen (fritzhansen.com). ‘CH26’ chair in ‘North Sea Blue’, from £1,164; ‘CH23’ chair in ‘Falu Red’, from £776; ‘CH24’ chair in ‘Pewter Blue’, all by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn with limited-edition colours by Ilse Crawford, Skandium (skandium.com). ‘GM 7720’ extending Corian and walnut dining table by Søren Nissen and Ebbe Gehl for Naver Collection, £5,240, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). ‘Pebble’ platter in ‘Forest’ by Dinosaur Designs, £245, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co. uk). ‘Rock’ cups in ‘Rose’ and ‘Melon Swirl’, £77 each; ‘Seed bowl’ in ‘Guava’, £212; ‘Stone’ servers in ‘Cream’, £100; ‘Rock’ bowl in ‘Blood Orange’, all Dinosaur Designs (dinosaurdesigns.co.uk). ‘Strøm’ ceramic jug by Nicholai Wiig Hansen for Raawii, £100, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). ‘Coral’ vase in ‘Transparent Pink’, from £346, Cassina (cassina.com). ‘Dallas’ multi mobile in ‘Green’ by Volta, £139, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). ‘Mousson’ rug in ‘Graphite’, £995, Designers Guild (designersguild.com). ‘Original 1227’ floor lamp by George Carwardine in ‘Sage Green’, created in collaboration with National Trust, £299, Anglepoise (anglepoise.com). Curtains, as before ±

STYLING ASSISTANT: LISA MCKINNEY FLORIST: JULIET GLAVES (JULIETGLAVES.COM) ARCHITECT: ADAM RICHARDS ARCHITECTS (ADAMRICHARDS.CO.UK)

From left ‘Easton’ brass and leather side chairs (two pictured), £3,200 each, And Objects (andobjects.com). Du Gronne (2019) egg tempera on linen artwork by Jan Sebastian Koch, £4,500, Beers London (beerslondon.com).

‘Smalto’ steel table by Barber Osgerby, £4,176, Knoll (knoll. com). Books, from top By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers, £49.95; Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture 2020, £59.95; Catherine Opie, £100; Living in Nature: Contemporary Houses in the Natural World, £29.95, all Phaidon (phaidon.com).

‘Skipping Stone’ vase in ‘Pearl’

by Dinosaur Designs, £195, The Conran Shop (conranshop. co.uk). ‘Mono’ vase by Elisa Ossino, £260, Salvatori (salvatoriofficial.com). ‘Wiggle’ table lamp, £148, Maud Vaughan (maudvaughan.co. uk). ‘Bon Bon’ teacup by Helle Mardahl, £215, Couverture & The Garbstore (couvertureandthegarbstore. com). Curtain made from ‘Amatheon’ fabric in ‘Blush’, £40 per m, Warwick (warwick.co.uk)

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From left ‘Linara’ linen curtains, as before. ‘Jigsaw’ rug, as before. ‘Pacha’ chair

by Pierre Paulin for Gubi, upholstered in ‘Karakorum 001’ fabric by Dedar, Aram Store (aram.co.uk). Gothic wooden chest, from £4,300, 1stDibs (1stdibs.co.uk). On chest (from left) ‘Bon Bon’ glass jar by Helle Mardahl, £505, Matchesfashion (matchesfashion.com). ‘Coral’ vase, from £346, Cassina (cassina.com). ‘Mono’ vase by Elisa Ossino, £260, Salvatori (salvatoriofficial.com/en).

‘Weave’ pot by Lisa Stockham, £900, Flow Gallery (flowgallery. co.uk). Artwork (above) Construct Painting 54 by HelenA Pritchard, (@helena_ pritchard_). ‘Group’ sofa , as before. ‘Suki’ cushion by Christina Lundsteen, £95, Couverture & The Garbstore (couvertureandthegarbstore. com). ‘Petit Palais’ coffee table in ‘Dusty Pink’ by Anya Sebton & Eva Lilja Löwenhielm for Asplund, £1,605, Coexistence (coexistence.co.uk). ‘Murano Glass Multicolour’ vase, £1,440, Armani/Casa (armani. com). ‘Candy Dish’ by Helle Mardahl, £215 for two, Couverture & The Garbstore (couvertureandthegarb store.com) ±

From left marble top console table, similar available from £2,400, 1stDibs (1stdibs.co.uk). ‘Benin’ wool rug by Marian Pepler, £10,000, Christopher Farr (christopherfarr.com).

‘Kangaroo’ armchair, an homage to Pierre Jeanneret’s original design, £2,402, Cassina (cassina.com). Lacquer table, from £1,040, Susie Atkinson Design (susieatkinson.com).

‘Camaleonda’ sofa by Mario Bellini, £11,641, B&B Italia (bebitalia.com). ‘Bon Bon’ glass vase by Helle Mardahl (on built-in sideboard), £428, Matchesfashion (matchesfashion. com). ‘Bon Bon’ glass teacup by Helle Mardahl, £215, Couverture & The Grabstore (couvertureandthegarbstore.com).

‘Varese’ cushion, £60, Designers Guild (designersguild.com).

La Plage gouache and acrylic on linen artwork by Andrea Mongenie, £7,950, Borneo Studio (borneostudio.co.uk). ‘Tall Mag’ side table by Daniel Schofield, £395; ‘Ombre’ tumblers, £19 each, all The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). Acacia tray, £14.95, Muji (mujionline.co.uk). ‘PH 3½-2½’ floor lamp by Poul Henningsen, £1,410, Louis Poulsen (louispoulsen.com).

‘Soufflot’ armchair by Jean-Philippe Nuel, £1,844, Ligne Roset (ligne-roset-westend.co.uk)

THINK OUTSIDE of the BOX

Whether you want to expand upwards, backwards or sideways, an unconventional extension can add quality and value to any home. Here, we share three inspiring case studies and learn the secrets to starting from scratch, with a look inside an architect’s new build in London

A TALL order Adding height to a rear extension can transform a whole home, top to bottom A rear extension is a tried and tested solution for rationalising the ground floor of a multi-level home, creating enough room for a modern, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. But sometimes it’s possible to coincidentally extend the floors above, to fit in an extra study room or bathroom, or even just to offer a more generous-feeling space. This extension to a semi-detached

family home in Hackney, by architecture and interiors studio deDraft, shows what can be possible on a small footprint. Featuring a Corten steel exterior, this triplestorey volume incorporates a garden-facing dining space, with a double-height ceiling that allows it to be visually connected to the living rooms on the floor above. A washroom has also been slotted in on the upper floor.

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The upgrade was relatively easy to navigate. Previously divided up into two flats, the house already had a sizable extension. So when owners Lotti Benardout and Andrew Bredon first moved in, the challenge was more to do with reworking the building’s layout than persuading the council to grant planning permission. But the thinking behind this renovation was not to simply add square metres – it was to create more functional and comfortable living spaces in the house.

The new extension is just over a metre taller than its predecessor and also more sunken into the ground, creating room for the higher ceilings. A combination of large windows and skylights allows a surprising amount of light to filter in, while a new staircase made from cast concrete creates a more open connection between the home’s four storeys.

‘By increasing the height and forming a doubleheight space, the house opens up to the rear garden on multiple levels, both visually and for access,’ explains architect and deDraft director Grant Straghan. ‘This feels a true luxury and, with natural light flooding in, gives each room a unique atmosphere throughout the day.’ dedraft.co.uk

TIPS FOR SUCCESS O While tall extensions

can be difficult to achieve on mid-terrace properties, a semidetached or end-ofterrace house is often a good candidate.

With fewer adjoining neighbours to upset, obstacles such as overlooking windows and rights to light become easier to tackle.

O Access is key to getting the layout to work; the position and configuration of the main staircase needs to line up with the new spaces, otherwise it’s probably not worth the effort.

TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

Clockwise, from top left A concrete staircase links the upper and lower floors; the rear of the building was lowered to provide a sunken terrace and create a double-height dining space

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Turning an attic extension into a private sanctuary can create a sense of escape The scope for experimentation is more limited when it comes to loft extensions, but there are still plenty of alternatives to the standard conversion. This Japanese-inspired rework of an Edwardian terraced home, by architects Szczepaniak Astridge, shows how distinctive details and a minimalist approach can elevate a design to new heights.

The converted loft creates a new bedroom for the owners, architectural photographer Edmund Sumner and his wife, writer and consultant Yuki.

The couple wanted to create a space that would feel like a retreat; Yuki recalls a conversation with architect Simon Astridge, in which she described the experience of a tea room in Japan, which is where she is from. ‘You walk through an entrance intentionally made small, to signify that you are leaving behind your normal social status, as well as all your worries, to focus on an intimate conversation with your host,’ she says.

To create a space that offered a similar feeling, Astridge stripped the room down to a series of key elements: a custom-made plywood bed that defines the layout, a wall of windows reminiscent of Shoji screens and a teak bath heated by a wood-burning stove. Other than that the space is largely empty, which enhances the feeling of a sanctuary. Aside from an inconspicuous closet built into the corner wall, clutter is relegated to other parts of the house.

The Japanese influence extends to the materials palette, which combines cork flooring, a folded steel staircase and a clay-mud wall finish

by Clayworks. szc-ast.com 84 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

TIPS FOR SUCCESS O Smart storage is essential to

a minimalist loft conversion.

Slotting closets into the walls or within the staircase volume can help to keep your space clutter-free.

O A window wall is only a good idea if your property doesn’t overlook your neighbours. Other types of glazing, such as skylights or panoramic windows, can offer you a similar experience of openness without compromising your privacy.

WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURES: EDMUND SUMNER, EMANUELIS STASAITIS, STALE ERIKSEN

LOFTY ambitions

From top The Japaneseinspired bedroom features a wooden furo bathtub with exposed copper piping and taps; floor-to-ceiling glazing provides panoramic views

TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

Closing the GAP

Adding contrast with a side infill can make an extension special This renovation of a Victorian townhouse in Islington puts a new spin on one of the most common types of extension around. The side return is a popular solution for Victorian terraces, as it is straightforward to build and doesn’t involve reducing the size of the garden.

You simply infill the slither of land between the house and the boundary wall to create a small portion of extra space for a kitchen or living room at the rear of the ground floor.

Designed by YARD Architects, this project challenges the idea that a side return extension needs to feel like part of the main house, by using contrasting materials to highlight it as a new addition. While the adjoining kitchen features traditional white plaster walls, marble surfaces and French doors, this space is a cosy dining area with natural clay plaster, an oak bench seat and a modern pivoting window.

‘Keeping a side return somewhat separate in design from the original building means you have the freedom to explore different materials and designs,’ explains the studio’s co-founder Simon Graham. ‘This creates an interesting point of contrast while still complementing the original building.’

A roof made up of large sloping skylights helps to minimise the extension’s impact on other rooms in the house and makes it invisible to neighbours. To help tie this more minimal element in with the rest of the design, oak louvres have been installed. ‘These allow filtered light into the extension whilst helping to maintain a sense of enclosure,’ says Graham. yardarchitects.co.uk

TIPS FOR SUCCESS O Contrasting new and old works well in characterful

period properties. The idea is to retain or restore the original features in the main house, while allowing the extension to have a much more contemporary feel.

O Don’t try to squeeze too many functions into one side extension, or you risk hindering the quality and useability of the space. The key is to plan the space with a particular purpose in mind and make that your main focus.

From left The side extension uses contrasting materials to go against the building’s original structure; high ceilings, large pivot window frames and sloping skylights allow light to filter in

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TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

THE SUN TRAP Architect Mark Shaw has turned a derelict former MOT garage in Walthamstow into a luxuriously simple home that shows how bright ideas can make a big impact Words CLARE SARTIN Photography JAMES BRITTAIN

Exterior Sitting on top of its concrete base like a hat, the timber cladding on this home’s upper level has been treated with the shou sugi ban technique to give it a charred appearance. The snug, perfect for home working or afternoons playing board games with nieces, has a vast window that looks across rows of gardens, offering an unobstructed green view that leads all the way to Hackney Marshes

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TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

‘

T

here’s Markhouse Avenue and that’s Markhouse Road,’ says architect Mark Shaw, founder of Studioshaw, gesturing to the streets that surround his newbuild home with an amused grin. ‘I thought, the universe is telling me something.’

There is an element of luck and good fortune to the story of how he first discovered this hidden, disused plot of land in east London. He and his friends had been talking about building their own properties for some time, but it was on a whim five years ago that Mark stopped by an auction by himself to take a look at what was on offer. ‘I'd been looking at a plot in Dalston, but it went for silly money. Then I remembered flicking through the catalogue and seeing this thing that hadn’t sold. It was a bit weird, because nobody had bid on it. I asked one of the auctioneers, “What happened to that plot? Was something wrong with it?”

I was a little suspicious.’ He needn’t have been. The slice of land, surrounded on all sides by existing homes, was challenging, certainly (more on that later), but with planning permission in place for two properties – one for him and one for his friends, it was worth the risk.

After visiting the site, Mark spent a year looking at the agreed plans for the two

THE SLICE OF LAND IN EAST LONDON WAS CHALLENGING BUT WORTH THE RISK

Living area Flanked by glass doors, one leading to the steel front gate, the other to the enclosed courtyard, this is a calm, pared-back space. The ‘Group’ sofa is by Philippe Malouin for SCP, the floor lamp is the ‘A809’ by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and the coffee table was an impulse buy during 100% Design in Earls Court. On the wall hangs an original by Kate Blee and a print of Neil Gall’s work

homes, making thoughtful improvements.

‘To me, it was all the wrong way round,’ he says of the design for his own 135-squaremetre plot. ‘The courtyard would have always been in the shade and the inside would have overheated from constantly being in the sun. I flipped it.’ Now, the outside space, linked via full-height sliding glass doors to the open-plan kitchen/ dining area, is perfectly placed to drink in the morning sunshine, with a pitched roof (another addition to the original plans) allowing the boxed-in property views of the sky. There are two further courtyards attached to the bedrooms – one containing a sunken bathtub and the other a shower encased in glass. ‘It was inspired by an outdoor shower at a hotel in Thailand I stayed in,’ says Mark. ‘This one has underfloor heating, though!’

Planning permission stated that none of the surrounding gardens could be overlooked, so the original blueprints had stipulated a single-storey home. Not one to be told no – he’d already spent a whole year negotiating 27 different party wall agreements – Mark remembered a taller tumbledown building that had stood in NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 91

TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

THE CONCRETE WALLS ACT AS THERMAL MASS, SOAKING UP HEAT AND SLOWLY RELEASING IT

Dining room Artworks by Kate Blee and Hélène Binet hang on the raw concrete blockwork wall.

The table is from the ‘Loop Stand’ collection by Leif Jørgensen for Hay and the colourful ‘Eames’ chairs are by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. A ‘Mela’ pendant light by Hand & Eye hangs above. Simple Ikea units in the kitchen have been upgraded with bespoke Valchromat fronts Staircase An alternate tread staircase, picked out in bright orange, leads to the upper-level snug/home office, with its panoramic views. The clock is the ‘Sunburst’ design by George Nelson for Vitra

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this spot before work began. He sketched a proposal for a small upper level to his home, like a viewing platform looking out all the way to Hackney Marshes, that would sit in the same spot. ‘Even when it is cloudy, the whole sky lights up as the sun sets,’ says Mark, who barely watches TV, choosing instead to study the panorama from his perfectly positioned perch.

This window, just like every other in the home, was carefully positioned to drink in as much of London’s unpredictable sunshine as possible. The reason is not just to boost Mark’s serotonin levels. It’s actually used to warm the concrete walls and floors, which act as thermal mass, soaking up heat and releasing it during the day. ‘I hate being cold. If it goes below about 16 degrees I just get really grumpy,’ he confesses, adding that he wanted a home that was not just energy efficient, mindful as he is of the climate disaster, but also one that was low-maintenance.

The materials palette here is simple and practical: concrete and wood. It’s a look that takes many of its cues from brutalism, a style close to Mark’s heart. He was heavily involved in a campaign to grant listed status to Dunelm House in Durham, where he spent some of his younger years, helping to convince others of the beauty in the property’s simplicity.

TH I N K O U TS I D E O F TH E BOX

It was his affection for this building, as well as the motorways and tower blocks he was fascinated by growing up in Glasgow, that instilled an early desire to be involved in architecture. It’s a passion he now wants to pass on to a new generation as a RIBA Architecture Ambassador, a role that will involve him taking workshops of school children to Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing, the former home and architectural laboratory of John Soane, which was restored in 2019, winning the RIBA National Award.

It’s a property that couldn’t be much further from the clean, pared-back design of his work at Studioshaw, which includes plans for Bistrotheque, a new arts venue in east London, plus a competition-winning apartment block overlooking the canal in Hackney Wick and the refurbishment of Twickenham Film Studios, to name just a few. ‘I’m fascinated about how people live,’ says Mark, who adds that many of the ideas for his own house share the values he has been trying to instil in his other projects, especially the Hackney Wick apartments. With large balconies offering plenty of natural light and a meticulous focus on using every square metre of space to the maximum, the parallels are clear.

When it comes to offering advice for other people looking to improve their way of life by building their own home, Mark’s three key pieces of advice are fittingly straightforward. ‘Firstly, don’t get your

Snug Described by younger members of Mark’s family as ‘like a treehouse’, this cosy room features foam blocks for seating, upholstered in grey fabric – try Kvadrat. Another Blee painting hangs on the wall and the bentwood chair is a Thonet design

THIS HOME’S PARED-BACK MATERIAL PALETTE OF WOOD AND CONCRETE TAKES ITS CUES FROM BRUTALISM, A STYLE CLOSE TO MARK’S HEART knickers in a twist about time frames. Add six months onto any plan and accept that development moves at a glacial pace.

Secondly, remember that there is always a way around anything, from building regulations to legal stuff. There are very few definitive ‘no’s in this industry, you just have to think creatively. Finally, be very pessimistic with your budget. How many times have we all watched Grand Designs and they’ve run out of money?

Keep a bit back, be prudent, and think long and hard about the things you do want to splash out on.’ Pragmatic and practical, it’s thinking like this that has ensured this new home a sunny future. studioshaw.co.uk Snug An original Poul Henningsen pendant light hangs above the compact staircase Main bedroom A shower, sealed in a glass box and complete with underfloor heating, offers a chance to bathe in sunshine. The bed is a cheap and cheerful frame that Mark spray-painted black.

The prints on the wall include pieces by Blee See Stockists page for details

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THE

2021

Our annual celebration of the best homegrown talent is always a special occasion, but this year perhaps more so than ever. As the design of our homes has become more important over the past 18 months, it feels right to recognise the achievements of the designers and brands who have strived to make our spaces happier, healthier and more sustainable Words CLAUDIA BAILLIE

W IN N ER

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR TOM DIXON Tom Dixon has never really been one to take his foot off the pedal. With a career that spans over 30 years and a vast catalogue of iconic products, some of which reside in the collections of the world’s most famous museums (think the Centre Pompidou, MOMA and the V&A), he is also the creator of an impressive roster of hotels, experimental spaces and restaurants including eatery The Coal Office at his own King’s Cross HQ in Coal Drops Yard. With retail hubs around the globe and his eponymous brand represented in more than 90 countries worldwide, it’s fair to say that his productivity is rivalled by very few.

Not even a global pandemic could halt Dixon’s output, and throughout 2020 he continued to push boundaries with materials and manufacturing.

Recent additions to his ever-burgeoning inventory include ‘Cork’, a carbon-negative collection first conceptualised for his silver-medal-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden in 2019, and ‘Swirl’, a range of tables, vases and candles formed from surplus marble dust, pigment and resin. Also new is ‘Mass’, a monolithic table extruded from a single section of brass, and the whisk-like ‘Spring’ pendants made from pliant stainless-steel ribbons that literally spring to life. Beyond product design, in March 2020 Dixon launched the Tomorrow Channel, a collaborative digital platform and broadcast centre on Instagram, YouTube and his own microsite to share ideas and communicate with people during the depths of lockdown.

Now, thanks to all of the above, Dixon can add the ELLE Decoration Designer of the Year Award to his already impressive collection of accolades. ‘It’s been a punishing, complex and chaotic year and we have had to adapt, deconstruct and reshape ourselves continually to survive,’ he says. ‘This makes it extra nice to be noticed, and even more fabulous to be given this honour!’ (tomdixon.net)

FABRIC DURO OLOWU FOR SOANE BRITAIN It was Duro Olowu’s (left) Instagram post of Soane’s Pimlico Road window that sparked this dynamic collaboration, the result of which is a collection of punchy weaves and swirling prints by the innovative lawyer-turned-fashion-designer. Inspired by the architecture of ancient Malian mosques, English Arts & Crafts topiary and Georgian wroughtiron façades, a sophisticated mix of colour and scale makes this a joyful range that can be used in any interior. ‘Duro’s fearlessness with colour and pattern really appeals to me,’ says Soane founder Lulu Lytle (right).

‘He has a certain irreverence and is happy to break with convention, and for our part we’re excited to be pushing in this bolder, more graphic direction.’ From £150 per m (soane.co.uk) 98 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

‘IT’S BEEN A PUNISHING, COMPLEX AND CHAOTIC YEAR AND WE HAVE HAD TO ADAPT, DECONSTRUCT AND RESHAPE OURSELVES CONTINUALLY TO SURVIVE’

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FLOOR COVERING ’OPTIK’ COLLECTION KITTY JOSEPH FOR FLOOR STORY Joseph’s second collection for the east-London rug maker, ‘Optik’, takes inspiration from the fashion designer’s pleated creations, as well as optical colour experiences found in nature. ‘Our perception of rippling water or of a blue sky dusted with pink clouds evolves in real time,’ says Joseph, whose designs are also a favourite of Lady Gaga. ‘As you move around these rugs, the colours on the carved surface shift, simulating that mesmeric movement.’ The result is a series of unique designs that push home textiles into new realms. ‘To be recognised by the ELLE Decoration team is a great honour,’ says Floor Story founder Simon Goff. ‘These rugs are stunning, and Kitty is an absolute joy to work with.’

From £750 ( floorstory.co.uk)

FURNITURE ’HALF A SQUARE’ TABLE MICHAEL ANASTASSIADES FOR MOLTENI & C A sleek combination of precise engineering and luxurious materials, the ‘Half a Square’ table by Michael Anastassiades for Molteni & C has all the hallmarks of a future classic. With a top available in aluminium, marble, glass, eucalyptus or oak, its frame features a satin brass triangle at its joints, which enhances its solidity. ‘When designing this piece, I wanted to create a very minimal language and so it became an interesting exercise right from the beginning,’ says Anastassiades. ‘As a result of a play of geometry, a decorative triangular-shaped intersection between the leg and frame developed, which characterises both the function and elegance of the design.’ Price on application (molteni.it) 100 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

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YOUNG DESIGN TALENT OF THE YEAR M AC COLLINS The ‘Iklwa’ chair is an impressive item. With its high back, constructed so as to empower those who sit in it, and arms and legs reminiscent of spears, it’s no surprise that the throne-like piece has caused a stir in the design world. As indeed has its creator, Mac Collins, who since his graduation from Northumbria University in 2018 has been making waves with his Afro-futurist forms that draw heavily on his own African-Caribbean and European heritage. Named after the Zulu thrusting spear, the original ‘Iklwa’ chair presented at his graduation show was a vivid blue inspired by the suit Collins’s grandfather wore when he arrived in England, while the construction takes its influence from Scandinavian design. ‘The project was an exploration of my own identity and lineage,’ said Collins, speaking to ELLE Decoration last year. ‘It was in response to discoveries about

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my heritage and became an investigation into how a design could evoke certain feelings.’

So striking in fact is ‘Iklwa’, that it won the Belmond Award at New Designers 2018, and Hole & Corner magazine’s inaugural Cræftiga Award, for which Benchmark furniture’s MD and co-founder Sean Sutcliffe was a judge. It was this interaction that led to Collins’ collaboration with the brand, which has seen ‘Iklwa’ developed into a consumer collection. Featuring the original chair, a smaller scale seat to suit more compact spaces and a side table, the pieces are available in a classic Scandi white oil and a warm orange, synonymous with clay tones found in sub-Saharan Africa. Launched in October 2020, it’s already gaining global recognition.

Alongside his design work, as a member of the steering committee of Design Can, a platform promoting diversity in design, Collins is committed to making the industry more inclusive. ‘I’d like to see changes such as more opportunities and exposure for people from different backgrounds and genders,’ he says. ‘The representation of BAME and women designers is still disproportionate within major roles in the industry, and this needs to be rectified.’ (maccollins.com)

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INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR SOPHIE ASHBY Sophie Ashby was just 25 when she launched her interior architecture and design studio. With nothing but a laptop and seats in cafés, the Parsons School of Design graduate had within weeks won her first client, which quickly became three. That was back in 2014 and, seven years later, her eclectic style has placed her on the industry’s most-wanted list.

In June 2020, prompted by the Black Lives Matter movement, closer scrutiny by Ashby of that very same list revealed a stark lack of people of colour, which galvanised her into action. The result is United in Design, a charitable initiative founded by herself and Alexandria Dauley of Dauley Design that aims to address the lack of diversity in the interiors industry.

‘With the help of a committee of leading editors and some of the country’s best regarded designers, we’ve built partnerships with educational programmes, industry professionals and sponsors,’ she explains.

‘Our new apprenticeship scheme launched this year and we’re honoured to see the apprentices flourish.’

Going forward, 2022 will see the launch of a live event, the United in Design festival.

More recently, Ashby has branched out further still with ‘Sister’, a collection of affordable furniture and antique pieces chosen to make her work available to a younger audience. ‘Winning the ELLE Decoration Interior Designer of the Year award is a total honour for the whole of Studio Ashby,’ she says. ‘I am so proud of my talented and inspiring Studio Ashby family and we will celebrate this achievement together.’ (studioashby.com)

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LIGHTING ’LOER’ PENDANT TOM R AFFIELD

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‘Loer’ – meaning ‘moon’ in Cornish – takes its inspiration from the orbits of planets and moons at the edge of the solar system. Combining a translucent, replaceable bulb with brushed brass and steam-bent ash, the aim of the design is to capture a celestial, weightless aesthetic.

‘Sustainability is very important to us, so using ash was the obvious choice as it’s the fastest-growing hard wood and is also self-seeding, meaning it’s available in plentiful supply,’ says Raffield. ‘The bulb is also replaceable – something the team and I found many designs didn’t consider. For us, it’s essential that we create heirloom pieces that stand the test of time.’ £345 (tomraffield.com)

SEATING ’DS-707’ PHILIPPE MALOUIN FOR DE SEDE Available as an armchair or modular sofa, the ‘DS707’ combines fine leather with a contemporary and cocooning form that has the look of a design classic yet feels utterly of the moment. ‘The design is very process-based. It came from sculptural experimentation, folding foam and exploring shapes to develop the language,’ says Malouin. ‘Working with a brand like this is interesting because the sofas retain their value over the years. The idea of a piece of furniture being traded, having a second life and existing from one person to the next is really important to me.’ From £2,788 (desede.ch) NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 105

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BATHROOM ’EL M MINI’ BASIN K AST Launched as a continuation of the ever-popular ‘Canvas’ collection of patterned concrete basins, the seamless construction and ridged surface of Kast’s ‘Elm Mini’ expertly showcases the many design possibilities of this versatile material. Available in 28 shades, from chic neutrals to high-intensity hues, compact dimensions make this basin ideal for smaller spaces. ‘We’re continually striving to innovate and push the boundaries of concrete within contemporary bathroom design, and we feel that “Elm Mini” truly showcases our technical skills,’ says Tim Bayes, founder and managing director of Kast. ‘We’re delighted to receive recognition from ELLE Decoration, and to win this award is something that we’re extremely proud of.’

From £2,268 (kastconcretebasins.com)

OUTDOOR ’FOLD’ OUTDOOR COLLECTION SAMUEL WILKINSON FOR THE CONR AN SHOP Designer Samuel Wilkinson first came up with the concept for ‘Fold’ several years ago, while testing ways of wrapping upholstery around a metal frame. ‘It’s like a padded jacket, with pillow-like cushions that fold around and zip back to themselves,’ he explains. ‘They’re fully removable, which allows all of the components to be separated for easy cleaning and to be replaced or recycled if necessary.’ Created for outdoor use, the design works equally well indoors, too. ‘Like any product, “Fold” has had a long journey,’ he continues. ‘It takes years of development to get things right, so it’s great to receive an award, especially from a respected name like ELLE Decoration.’ From £1,548 (conranshop.co.uk) 106 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK NOVEMBER 2021

WALLCOVERING ’PALL ADIO VOLUME I’ ZOFFANY / SAM WILDE

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This collection sees the resurrection of six archive Zoffany pieces, plus the introduction of ‘Precarious Pangolins’, a bold design by designer Sam Wilde (right). ‘After it having been hidden in our archive for many years, bringing the “Palladio” collection to light again was a delight,’ says Peter Gomez, lead designer at Zoffany (left). ‘Our aim was to create an immersive juxtaposition of new and archival designs whilst showcasing the best of British talent. It was a pleasure to include Sam’s design and we look forward to highlighting emerging artists from the Royal College of Art in the years to come.’ From £139 per roll (stylelibrary.com)

TABLEWARE ’OMI’ AND ‘A A MI A A MI’ COLLECTIONS YINK A ILORI

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Yinka Ilori started his homeware project in 2020, translating colours and patterns from his city murals onto interior products with the intention of bringing happy vibes into people’s lockdown homes. With inspiration as diverse as childhood memories of the bright fabrics worn by his family to the fluid lines of the River Thames, these designs can be used day to day or displayed as individual artworks. ‘It’s a real honour to win this award,’ says Ilori. ‘With lockdown over, I’m appreciating seeing friends and family reunited around the dining table, and this tableware is a way to celebrate that.’ From £38 (yinkailori.com)

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KITCHEN ’LIQUID’ COLLECTION PATTERNITY FOR DEKTON BY COSENTINO ‘This is the first time we’ve designed a surface that brings our love of nature and the elements into people’s living spaces. It’s affirmation of the positive effect that pattern can have,’ says Patternity co-founder Grace Winteringham of the duo’s new ‘Liquid Collection’, which brings three new marbled designs to Dekton’s carbon-neutral, architectural surfaces. ‘We’ve always been inspired by the theme of liquid – it’s at the heart of the creative essence of Patternity, so when they asked us to collaborate it felt symbolic,’ adds cofounder Anna Murray. ‘Their values are very aligned with ours, from working sustainably to being conscious about the design process.’ From £450 per sq m (cosentino.com) NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 109

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BEDROOM ’M ARLOW’ BED TIM RUNDLE FOR HEAL’S A collaboration with renowned industrial designer Tim Rundle, Heal’s ‘Marlow’ bed celebrates the brand’s heritage, paying tribute to Tottenham Court Road’s iconic four-poster bed sign that, thanks to a long-held reputation for offering the best beds money could buy, was erected outside the street’s store in the 1920s. ‘We created a simple, almost architectural frame with a nod to Heal’s reputation for craft, which is demonstrated in the details and finishing,’ says Rundle. ‘While the “Marlow” is relatively minimal, the walnut brings an understated sense of quality, and the design is elevated by the seamless way the junctions blend.’ £2,499 ( heals.co.uk)

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‘We’ve had an incredible response to the product,’ says Conor Taylor, creative director at Foresso.

‘Much has changed over the past five years for sustainability and ethics in manufacturing. I’m excited to see what the future holds.’ A timber terrazzo made from off-cuts of British trees felled as part of city development, this versatile material, which bonds wood chips with a bio-resin, can be used for worktops, cabinetry and flooring. The brand has a circular ethos, aiming to recycle or reuse material at the end of its life, and 95% of production waste is recycled or used for energy reclamation within a five-mile radius of its Birmingham factory.

‘Sustainability is often presented as something that has to be 100% perfect, when in fact there are a lot of grey areas,’ says managing director Jake Solomon.

‘We’re delighted with this award, as it brings the opportunity for rich discussion.’ From £350 per sq m ( foresso.co.uk)

WASHED LINEN DUVET COVER AND PILLOWCASES IN OLIVE AND CINNAMON, HEALS.COM

SUSTAINABLE ACHIEVEMENT TIMBER TERRA ZZO

BY FORESSO

HOMES LONDON

/ DEVON/ COPENHAGEN/ MELBOURNE

PICTURES: VIGO JANSONS, DEREK SWALWELL

Edited by CL ARE SARTIN

Think of architecturally interesting houses and you may picture towering edifices of concrete and glass. Huge MONUMENTS to human endeavour and, occasionally, ego.

But that is not the modern reality.

All of this month’s homes are innovative and original, but each in their own very unique ways. Take, for instance, the McLean Quinlan-designed discreet and sustainable NEW-B BUILD in Devon (p146). It quietly and politely proves what is possible with Passivhaus principles and good planning.

Then there’s the Melbourne abode (p156) that throws perceptions of BRUTA LIST design on their head, managing to balance angular practicality with a fresh and empathetic approach to interiors.

In London, two very different MODER N apartments show how you don’t need period features to add interest. Abundant arches give one a Grecian calm (p116), while the other’s bright colour scheme is a cuttingedge UPDATE on the Memphis look with a David Bowie-inspired twist (p136).

Finally, in one of Copenhagen’s newest LANDMARKS, the peaceful style of property developer Henrik Bo Bach’s pad (p126) shows that even urban minimalism can be softened to suit today’s needs.

Kitchen Designed by Howdens, this space features a large island topped with a micro-cement worktop by Microcement London. The ‘Aristide’ and ‘Niclas’ chairs, as well as the ‘Dareau’ stools, are all from Eichholtz. A pair of ‘Tristan’ ceramic pendant lights from Urban Outfitters hang above, reflected in the aged mirrored tiles from Brompton Glass

CURVE APPEAL

Soft lines and sustainable style choices combine to create a central London apartment with a meditative quality

Words KARINE MONIE Photography VIGO JANSONS

Living room Interior designer Olga Ashby designed the coffee table, which is made from micro-cement. Its shape was conceived to flatter the curves of the vintage sofa from Stefania Gastaldo gallery in Italy, which has been reupholstered in ‘Frimas’ fabric

by Nobilis. Layered’s ‘Residue’ rug also mimics these soft shapes.

The ‘Vasillios’ hanging chair is by Bay Isle Home, available at Wayfair. Two ‘Leggero’ wall lights by CB2 sit between the windows, which are dressed in full-length curtains made by Sew&Sew Interiors from Jason d’Souza’s ‘Glacier’ fabric

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was looking for an unconventional space with artistic potential,’ says wellness entrepreneur, sustainability advocate and writer Marie-Cassandre Bultheel. When she first stepped into this two-storey apartment in London’s Earl’s Court Square, however, what greeted her was, she admits, ‘an open-plan cube without any charm.’ That didn’t stop her from seeing the vast potential here.

‘I just had to find a person capable of understanding my vision,’ explains Marie-Cassandre, who teamed up with Russian-born, London-based interior designer Olga Ashby. Together, after 10 months of hard work, they have created a home that reflects not only Marie-Cassandre’s way of life, but also her values – since founding her company, Sustainable Humanity, in 2019, her mission has been to ‘shake the world, in a gentle way’ by supporting grassroots projects and government initiatives.

‘Mother nature is the best inspiration,’ says Olga, who began this apartment’s redesign by focusing on the curve of the mezzanine and the living area’s three windows. ‘They were a bit too short for the space,’ recalls Olga, who added circular mirrors above to better suit the five-metre-high ceilings and bounce light into this home’s upper level, which contains the main bedroom, as well as a bathroom and study. ‘The curves and

textures seem to dance together to calm my mind, which can sometimes be too busy,’ says Marie-Cassandre. ‘I love the fluidity.

It’s a mix of sophistication and simplicity.’

To increase the feeling of this being an inner-city sanctuary, the pair selected an earthy, neutral colour palette that blends with natural materials, including wood sourced from sustainable forests, linen and micro-cement. Arches and niches were added behind the kitchen to balance the apartment’s existing curves and create storage space for Marie-Cassandre’s many vintage books and artefacts collected on her travels. From a handmade African stool to an Indian candlestick, every piece has its place, as does every single item of furniture, the positioning of which was overseen by a feng shui expert, entrusted to ensure this home’s harmony and balance.

There’s a seamless flow to designs like the sinuous vintage sofa, purchased from the Stefania Gastaldo gallery in Italy, and the bespoke micro-cement coffee table by Olga that makes entering this central London retreat feel like an invitation to slow down.

‘When I come back after a trip, I have the feeling of arriving in a refuge,’ says Marie-Cassandre. ‘Like the world stands still and your troubles disappear,’ agrees Olga. In our stressful modern times, this is true luxury. olgaashby.com; sustainable-humanity.com

Living room A large artwork by Bianca Smith hangs on the wall above a rattan bench – for similar try the ‘J83B’ by Jørgen Bækmark for FDB Møbler Portrait Homeowner and sustainability entrepreneur Marie-Cassandre Bultheel Hallway An arched mirror from The White Company elongates this area and mirrors the architectural storage details in the main living space. The bespoke cupboards were designed by Olga and built by Neil Norton Design

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‘THE CURVES AND TEXTURES SEEM TO DANCE TOGETHER TO CALM MY MIND’

Bedroom A bespoke daybed by Autumn Down perfectly suits this home’s relaxed approach to life. ‘Hive’ pendant lights by Graypants for Bombinate hang above.

The ladder storage unit is a piece by Made Bathroom ‘Melange’ wall lights by Kelly Wearstler are placed on the bespoke mirror designed by Olga and created by Brompton Glass. The bath tub, taps and shower fixtures are all from Lusso Stone. The small wooden stool is the ‘Stella S’ from Eichenholtz

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AN EARTHY, NEUTRAL PALETTE MAKES THIS HOME FEEL LIKE AN INNER-CITY SANCTUARY

Bedroom The bed is from Sueno, with the headboard reupholstered in Nobilis’s ‘Frimas’ fabric. The cushions are also bespoke designs created by Autumn Down, with three covered in ‘Mahrama’ fabric by Nobilis and the green bolster cushion featuring Mark Alexander’s ‘Jazz’. Mark Alexander fabric – this time ‘Shifu’ – has been used for the four-poster’s curtains. Two ‘Bosco Double Arm Marble Sconces’ from CB2 are placed above the bed, and a wood and rattan ‘Arnaud’ bench from Eichholtz is placed at the end Study Olga designed the bespoke micro-cement desk that hugs the curves of the mezzanine level. The chair is a vintage find and the vase is by Anna Unwin.

‘Akari 55A’ pendant lights by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra can be seen suspended above the living area below See Stockists page for details

HARBOUR MASTERY This imposing new landmark on the industrial skyline of Copenhagen’s waterfront is home to an elevated example of urban minimalism Words, production and styling TAMI CHRISTIANSEN Photography NATHALIE KRAG/LIVING INSIDE

Exterior Galvanised steel clads the outside of this former grain silo, reimagined by architecture firm Cobe as a luxury 17-storey apartment block in the Nordhavn neighbourhood of Copenhagen

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Living room A ‘Tailor’ sofa by Rui Alves, the ‘Harbour’ chair and ‘NoNo’ coffee tables by Norm Architects and an ‘Afteroom’ chair, all designed for Menu, combine to create a minimal but relaxed space. The ‘Align’ daybed is also from Menu, this time designed by Anita Johansen. The stonecoloured Moroccan rug is from Les Amis, a café and boutique in Copenhagen, while the floor lamp is from Jielde – available at Holloways of Ludlow – and the glass pendant light is the ‘Tim’ by Bomma

ook out of the windows in newly built The Silo and you are greeted with a view full of contrasts. If you glance in one direction, there’s the endless bustle of Copenhagen’s industrial Nordhavn harbour. Turn the other way, and there’s nothing but open water. In the distance, you might even spot wind turbines turning in the Øresund Strait, all that stands between here and the coast of Sweden.

The architect of this new landmark, a complete top-to-toe reimagining of an old grain silo, is Danish studio Cobe. ‘It was a very complicated process. It would have been easier to create a whole new building, so I have a lot of respect for the innovative developer Klaus Kastbjerg and the architects who saw this place’s potential,’ says Henrik Bo Bach. A property developer himself, Henrik has bought an apartment here, which he shares with his son Karl.

Many of the other tenants have chosen to plaster and paint over the rough cement walls of their apartments, but for Henrik this industrial aesthetic was a large part of the appeal. He saw beauty in the flaws of the raw material, the starkness of which serves to highlight this space’s sevenmetre-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The interior, in all its simple elegance, was a collaboration between Henrik, his architect friend Jesper Skjoldborg and interior designer Helle Flou. By adding sleek oak elements – door frames, cabinets, sideboards and more – the trio have given a more polished feel to the flat’s open-plan layout. Most impressive of these bespoke pieces is the five-metre-long kitchen island, which is the social heart of this home. Eventually, bar stools will be placed at the end for the family to gather for quick breakfasts and for guests to perch on while they enjoy a drink and watch Henrik cook.

To accompany these custom-made designs, Henrik has assembled a tight edit of furniture, much of it by Danish designers Norm Copenhagen for Menu – the brand’s nearby showroom and café was one of the first big openings in this upand-coming neighbourhood. There is no bright colour or pattern here. Instead, the tonal hues of pieces like the ‘Harbour’ chair were chosen to ensure they would not compete with the views from the three balconies.

‘It is so tranquil to watch the sun rising over the water in the early morning and then to see it set on the other side of the apartment in the evening. It has to be the best part of living in this beautiful building,’ says Henrik, who also values the silence.

High above the activity of the harbour, this minimalist home is an oasis of urban calm. cobe.dk NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 129

Kitchen Bespoke oak cabinetry and a five-metre-long custom-made island help this space blend in with the rest of this open-plan home. Bowls and vases from Menu and a collection of iron trivets by Muller Van Severen, available at Valerie Objects, decorate the worktops Dining room Below the large industrial ‘Sosia’ pendant light by Castaldi, a ‘Snaregade’ table by Norm Architects for Menu is placed to take maximum advantage of the views from the balcony. The chairs include the ‘Harbour’, also by Norm Architects, and the ‘Afteroom’, both designed for Menu

‘IT’S SO TRANQUIL TO WATCH THE SUN RISING OVER THE WATER IN THE EARLY MORNING’ Above Situated behind the main kitchen, this room’s matching oak cabinets disguise a pantry and appliances to maintain a slick aesthetic Reading nook An ‘Align’ daybed by Anita Johansen and ‘NoNo’ side table by Norm Architects, both from Menu, create a cosy corner to chill and take in harbour views. For similar striped cushions, try Hay

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HENRIK SAW BEAUTY IN THE FLAWS OF THE ROUGH CEMENT Bedroom The home’s restrained colour scheme continues in this room, where the bed is dressed in a dark-grey blanket from Que Onda Vos. The wall lamp is a ‘Bestlite’ by Robert D Best, produced by Gubi Bathroom A similarly monastic affair, the bathroom features taps from Dornbracht and a ‘CM-1’ mirror by Frama, perfectly placed to reflect the view across to the wind turbines on the Øresund Strait See Stockists page for details NOVEMBER 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 135

SPRINKLE SOME STARDUST A glittering portrait of the late, great David Bowie inspired the bold, rule-breaking interior of this London party pad Words DOMINIC BRADBURY Photography RACHAEL SMITH

Living room There’s a modern Memphis quality to the bespoke curved sofa, designed by Owl Design and made by Recoire, which has been upholstered in ‘Mohair’ velvet by Amy Somerville. It is paired with a red ‘Ekstrem’ chair, created by Terje Ekstrøm in 1984 for Varier and available at Jane Richards Interiors, plus a ‘Puddle’ coffee table by Chris Martin for Massproductions. The rug is a bespoke version of the ‘Reese’ from Maman Rugs and the ‘Tall Mag’ side table is by Daniel Schofield for The Conran Shop.

The built-in shelving is a one-off Owl Design creation, produced by London-based joinery firm HUX

hen Simone Gordon and Sophie Van Winden, founders of east-London-based studio Owl Design, were asked by their famous singer-songwriter client to redesign his new centralLondon apartment, there was only one rule: there are no rules.

‘He wanted something that was completely different from his country home, which is a converted barn,’ says Simone.

‘The brief was to make the design, rather than the views, stand out. Beyond that, we had almost free rein.’

While the 25-storey building designed by Foster + Partners that houses this three-bedroom home has a distinctive architectural style, the original show apartment’s interior was beige on beige. ‘We went to see it with our client and he said, “This is exactly what I don’t want!”,’ recalls Simone. It was just too boring. He wanted something with wow factor. ‘He had this great David Bowie artwork, which is quite geometric with reds and blues. That helped to set the tone.’

One of the first decisions was to replace the existing wooden floors with shiny Marmoleum (a modern, more eco-friendly alternative to linoleum) featuring a bespoke geometric design.

To complement the flooring, a rich cornflower blue has been used in the hallway, which hosts the David Bowie portrait. This gives way to lime-plastered walls in a gentle celadon shade in the main open-plan living area, which provides a backdrop for the brighter bursts of colour and pattern.

‘We were thinking about something with a slight Memphis feel to it,’ says Simone, ‘but it was more about creating a playful look than copying that exact style.’ From the graphic shelving to the curvaceous sofa and rug, many of the details are bespoke, displaying subtle echoes of the more out-there elements of 1970s and 80s Italian design.

Everyone agreed on the need to carry this dynamism through to the rest of the apartment, including the bedrooms, media room and even the glistening, mosaic-festooned guest bathroom, where a Bowie song strikes up as soon as you step inside. The kitchen, only recently installed as part of the show apartment, was given a fresh touch of paint and new tiles, in a bold grid pattern, to help it match this home’s high-octane energy.

‘Because our client doesn’t use the apartment all the time, we wanted a bit of a boutique-hotel feel, and he especially loves the bar,’ says Sophie, referring to the dedicated drinks cabinet between the living area and dining space. Open it up and a fantastic pop of bright red is revealed. It’s yet another moment of surprise and excitement in an apartment where, adds Sophie, ‘every room feels like a space for entertaining’. owldesign.co.uk This page, top left In a quiet corner of the dining area is a ‘GMG’ chaise longue by Greta M Grossman for Gubi and a ‘Helio’ floor lamp by Utu Soulful Lighting – available at Do Shop. Used throughout the open-plan living areas is Marmoleum flooring by Forbo in a bespoke geometric pattern by Owl Design Left and opposite This drinks cabinet is a bespoke piece designed by Owl Design and created by HUX. Its bright red interior is an instant signifier of good times ahead, while its blue handles are picked out in the Sputnik-style pendant light from Doozie Light Studio

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‘THE BRIEF WAS TO MAKE THE DESIGN, RATHER THAN THE VIEWS, STAND OUT. WE HAD ALMOST FREE REIN’

Dining area The dining table is a piece by Owl Design, realised by HUX, and the chairs are the ‘Gropius CS1’ by Kateryna Sokolova for Noom. The ‘Carousel’ pendant light above the table is by Utu Soulful Lighting – available at Do Shop. Added to frame the view over London, the window seat is upholstered in ‘Alvar’ fabric and the bolster cushions in ‘St James Stripe’, both by Clarke & Clarke. The artwork is a custom piece by artist LRNCE

IN THE GLISTENING, MOSAIC-FESTOONED BATHROOM, A DAVID BOWIE SONG STRIKES UP AS SOON AS YOU STEP INSIDE

Opposite The two bar stools are the ‘Ladies Pond’ by Sella Concept Hallway The portrait of David Bowie is the client’s own, and the ceiling light is from the ‘Echo’ collection by Souda Guest bathroom A David Bowie song starts playing as you enter this space, which offers a full-on sensory experience. Its walls are covered in a bespoke sequined mosaic created by Owl Design and realised by Shimmer Walls, while a glitter ball – Mirror Balls has a good selection –completes the party feel

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‘OUR CLIENT DOESN’T USE THE APARTMENT ALL THE TIME, SO WE WANTED A BOUTIQUE HOTEL FEEL’

Main bedroom The bed is a custom piece by Owl Design, made by The Cotswold Bed Company, with a headboard upholstered in ‘Rif’ fabric by Nobilis. ‘Frame’ wall lights

by Utu Soulful Lighting – available at Do Shop – are surrounded by segments of ‘Lucky O’s’ wallpaper, which is from the ‘Tokyo Blue’ collection by Moooi for Arte.

The bedside cabinets are Owl Design creations, built

by Essex-based Carpenter & Carpenter See Stockists page for details

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The secret garden

Smartly disguised behind a brick wall, this eco-efficient home in the orchard of a vast country estate in Devon is at one with its surroundings Words CLARE SARTIN Photography JIM STEPHENSON

Kitchen Designed by McLean Quinlan and produced by Rozen, this sleek space features cabinets finished in rough-sawn oak with a black stain. The worktop is ‘Sirius’ Dekton by Cosentino and the island is clad in the brand’s ‘Kreta’ surface. The oven and hob are by Miele Living room An ‘Enki’ sofa by Evangelos Vasileiou for Ligne Roset defines this space that looks out across the orchard. It is decorated with bespoke cushions by Woodbrooke. The floorboards that run across this whole open-plan space are by Italian brand Skema

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here have been delivery people come to the front gate and ask, “Where is the house?”,’ says Nigel Dutt, with a smirk of satisfaction. ‘They are looking right at it!’

The confusion is forgivable. This home, belonging to Nigel and his wife Eileen, is designed to be ultra-discreet. The work of architecture firm McLean Quinlan, it is nestled behind a high wall. An extension of the original garden wall found on the grounds of this historic country estate in Devon, this red-brick veil cleverly disguises the contemporary, sustainable house that sits beyond.

From the bricks used on the façade – chosen to reference rather than emulate those of the original wall – to the black render and floor-to-ceiling windows of the sloping building that extends behind it, everything was designed to disappear. The garden is the star of the show here. In fact, this home’s layout was fashioned to follow the path that once led from the walled garden to the gardener’s cottage.

At the heart of the whole four-bedroom space is a winter garden, blessed with sunshine by a large roof light overhead, with all of the rooms arranged around it, facing outwards to the woods and orchard.

‘Inside as outside was the aesthetic game we were playing,’ says Fiona McLean, co-founder of McLean Quinlan, who, with fellow founder Kate Quinlan, obtained planning permission for this special home under Paragraph 79, the clause that grants approval to exceptional, one-of-a-kind homes in the British countryside.

A large part of this property’s charm is how respectful it is of its natural surroundings, stepping lightly not just in its styling, but also in terms of its eco footprint. It not only conforms to tough Passivhaus standards that set the benchmark for energy-efficient homes (it was picked out as a finalist at 2021’s Passivhaus Trust Awards, as well as making the shortlist for the RIBA South West award), but it also produces 40 per cent more energy than it consumes. There’s airsource heating, a heat recovery system and carefully positioned solar panels, as well as top-notch insulation and air-tight triple glazing.

‘We can feel virtuous about that,’ quips Nigel.

In keeping with this sustainable sentiment, natural, neutral and minimalist were the key words when creating the interior. There are several iconic Scandinavian furniture designs on display alongside Nigel and Eileen’s collection of ceramics, bespoke storage for which was built into the design from the beginning. ‘There is a consistency and an integrity throughout,’ says Eileen, who, when she is not concentrating on returning the gardens to their former glory, enjoys sitting in the library looking out at her handiwork. ‘It’s almost like there is a space for whatever mood you are in,’ she adds, noting that the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails.

‘People have said that as you come in you feel your shoulders drop,’ she adds. Indeed, there is a calmness to this new home. A quality that comes from doing good and living well. mcleanquinlan.com

This stunning Devon home features alongside other rural properties in volume 19 of ELLE Decoration Country – on sale 30 September.

Buy your copy at WHSmiths or online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/ ED-Country-19

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Dining room Armani Casa’s ‘Ginza’ dining table is surrounded by ‘CH20’ chairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn in this elegant corner of the house. The raku bowl on the table is a piece by Keith Munro and the pendant lights above are

by Tala. A painting by Michael Scott hangs on the wall Library The ‘Hidde’ swivel chair by Heal’s provides a perfect space to enjoy the views of the garden, as does the ‘Radius’ desk by Simon Pengelly for Habitat. The chair is the ‘Wishbone’ by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn. On the desk sits a Icarus sculpture by Philip Wakeham

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‘Inside as outside was the aesthetic game we were playing’

Winter garden Originally intended to be an open courtyard, this space now has a large roof light, which provides plenty of light while helping to maintain this home’s Passivhaus credentials. In the sunshine sit two rattan chairs from Lombok and a pair of ‘CH25’ armchairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn. The wooden coffee table is a custom design made from old church pews. A sculpture of a horse

by Anthony Scott sits on the bench from Sofa Workshop and the bespoke shelving unit, which holds Nigel and Elaine’s vast ceramics collection, is a bespoke design by McLean Quinlan

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Bedroom The bed and bedside table are both from the ‘Radius’ collection by Simon Pengelly for Habitat. A ‘Woven Code’ blanket – its stitch spells out love in Morse code – by Holly Berry adds comfort. A collection of miniature classic chairs by Vitra decorates the shelf Bathroom A natural clay wall finish from Clayworks sets a calm tone in this room. The tub is from Victoria + Albert and the taps are by Piet Boon for Cocoon.

The ceramics on the shelf include pieces

by Tamz Trevorrow and Sue Hanna See Stockists page for details

PICTURE: NIGEL DUTT

‘People have said that as you come in you can feel your shoulders drop’

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Words TESSA PEARSON Photography DEREK SWALWELL

The architectural lines of this Melbourne home give way to a gentle interiors palette that promotes togetherness

T EN D ER B R U TA L I S M

The plump silhouette of Eléonore Nalet’s ‘Serpentine’ chairs for Ligne Roset and the terrazzo ‘Paloma’ table

by Globewest counter this home’s bold architectural lines

W

ith its angular façade, clad in handmade Danish bricks and punctuated by deep-set windows framed by greenery, this Melbourne abode packs some serious kerb appeal. A two-storey structure that makes clever use of a challenging sloped site, the house is infused with a subtle brutalist quality that was inspired by the work of contemporary Belgian architects known for fresh takes on the style, from CAAN Architecten to Egide Meertens Plus Architecten.

Home to a couple and their three boys who had moved to Australia from Europe, the property needed to ‘allow for both space and togetherness’, explains Bear Agushi, founder of eponymous building firm Agushi, who spearheaded the project, enlisting the expertise of Webster Architecture. ‘It needed to expand and contract to suit their needs,’ agrees architect Dan Webster. The end result is a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows out on to a wraparound terrace at the back of the house, plus a more peaceful, private sitting room at the front of the house and a snug, just for the kids, tucked away in the basement. ‘Despite the scale of the larger spaces, we wanted to create a feeling of intimacy in each room,’ he adds.

‘From the outset, the idea was to make a strong architectural statement, and so the design had to rely on depth, layering and materiality to offset its boldness,’ continues Dan. This included balancing its clean lines with softer, more relaxed furnishings, which is where both builder and architect turned to the expertise of Melbourne-based interior designer and stylist Simone Haag. Haag’s studio was brought on board some 12 months before completion of the project, giving her the opportunity to create a fully tailor-made scheme.

From custom-made lighting to bespoke items of furniture and a wealth of hand-picked art and ceramics created by talented Australian makers, every detail was considered.

For the homeowners, the living room is their favourite space, providing a little respite from the happy chaos of family life. Here, a gold-hued rug from Melbourne brand Loom decorates the floor, injecting a hit of muted colour into the calming and neutral scheme. A low-profile Moroso sofa is positioned by one of the home’s many large windows, all of which look out onto the lush garden designed by landscape architect Nathan Burkett.

The relaxed elegance of this space reflects the mood through the house, which – thanks to a synergistic response to build, architecture and interiors – shuns extravagance in favour of effortless, understated luxury. agushi.com.au; websterarchitecture.com.au; simonehaag.com.au Family room A vintage floor lamp from Smith Street Bazaar is placed beside the ‘Sesann’ sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini, next to which is a stone-topped ‘Molecule’ side table by Barbera Kitchen Stained American oak cabinetry lines the walls in this glamorous eat-in kitchen, where the island, splashback and cooker hood are all clad in Fior Di Bosco marble. The ‘City Stik’ tap is from Brodware and ‘Kashmir’ bar stools from Resident feature customised two-tone leather upholstery by Simone Haag Dining area A custom teal-coloured dining table from Studio Thomas Lentini is paired with eight striking ‘Venus’ chairs by Konstantin Grcic for ClassiCon and two ‘Seattle 2018’ leather chairs by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform.

The ‘Ball And Shade’ marble-topped pendant light is by Square in Circle. The geometric rug is from Loom

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Living room In this peaceful ‘grown-up’ space, a low-slung ‘Gogan’ sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso faces a bespoke coffee table by Melbourne-based makers Studio Thomas Lentini that is decorated with a ‘Silas’ sculpture by Swedish artist Kristiina Engelin and two ‘Brick’ candleholders by Swedish Ninja. The rug is also from a local brand, Loom. Behind the sofa is a sculpture by Australian artist Holly Ryan and artwork by Atelier Plateau.

The slender ‘Balance’ floor lamp is by London-based brand Square in Circle

‘ F R O M T H E O U T S E T, W E W A N T E D T O M A K E A S T R O N G A R C H I T E C T U R A L S TAT E M E N T ’

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Staircase Curving contours make a strong statement in simple white and wood Bathroom Tundra Grey limestone lines both the walls and the raised bathtub in the homeowner’s glamorous ensuite, which is enhanced by dramatic downlighting and a mirrored wall

Dressing area At one end of the bedroom, a custom-made granite and oak vanity unit has been used to display a mirror by Paola Speranza for ESPI Design, art by Heidi Yardley and a ceramic piece

by Kristy Hussey. The wall light is a bespoke piece by Douglas & Bec, while the chair is the ‘Arcade’ by Nanna Ditzel for Brdr. Krüger Main bedroom Carefully chosen textiles add warmth in this pared-back space, namely the reupholstered Jardan bed and a custom rug from Loom. A ‘Lunar’ lamp by Pietro Russo and a ceramic vessel by Ignem Terrae sit atop the ‘Anni’ bedside table by L&L Studio for HC28 Cosmo. The artwork behind is by Heidi Yardley.

A bespoke wall light by Douglas & Bec hangs above the built-in dressing table made from black and gold granite and oak. The ‘Arcade’ chair is by Nanna Ditzel for Brdr. Krüger and the table mirror is by Paola Speranza of ESPIdesign. The canvas is another work by Heidi Yardley See Stockists page for details

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‘ D E S P I T E T H E S C A L E O F T H E L A R G E R S PA C E S , W E WA N T E D TO C R E AT E A F E E L I N G O F INTIM ACY IN EACH ROOM’

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/ C U LT U R E / H O T E L S / R E S TA U R A N T S Edited by CAT OLLEY

GO DUTCH Anyone still unconvinced by the aparthotel need only be pointed in the direction of Benedict, a new boutique retreat nestled in the coastal Dutch village of Noordwijk. Shaped by Studio Linse with a signature light touch, its 24 apartments are filled with furniture by the likes of &Tradition, Vincent Van Duysen and Ligne Roset. From approximately £205 per night ( benedictnoordwijk.nl).

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Inspired by art deco heritage, the Eiffel Suite at Cheval Blanc, also seen below, offers views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower

5 MINS WITH…

Stuart Semple The entrepreneurial British artist on why he’s betting on Bournemouth as the site of his major new gallery GIANT I was inspired by the impact art had on me when I first left Bournemouth, and I really wanted to bring some of that excitement for art here. There’s been a massive move away from capital cities, not just because of the pandemic but creatively – digital has given us access to the arts wherever we are, and creators can work wherever we like.

There’s an amazing audience here, which I wasn’t expecting. Many people have said they’ve been waiting decades for something like GIANT and are happy they no longer need to travel to see good art. We’re seeing so many tourists coming to Bournemouth just to see these shows. I think maybe the town is in a new chapter of its life.

There are surely few Paris addresses starrier than LaSamaritaine, with its stately art nouveau façade and views over the Seine. And it’s here that LVMH has opened its fifth Cheval Blanc hotel – representing something of a homecoming for the French luxury group – as part of a major renovation project that’s brought the building back to life after it spent more than 15 years shuttered.

Interiors by Peter Marino, who had a hand in many of LVMH’s striking stores, imbue its 72 rooms with typically Parisian elegance, and the rooftop boasts one of the best views in the city.

From approximately £990 per night (chevalblanc.com).

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Our first exhibition, Big Medicine, is really about the impact and importance of the arts. It proposes the idea that art could be instrumental in rebuilding the community post-pandemic. I was mindful that we are taking over an old Debenhams and the inherent issues of the failing high street. Each of the artists speaks to the situation from a different point of view. Jim Lambie’s floor piece seems to ripple off the interior architecture, which is analogous to how something like GIANT can ripple through a high street, through a community and change things.

‘Big Medicine’ is on until 31 October (giant.space)

PICTURES: FREDERIK VERCRUYSSE, ALEXANDRE TABASTE, NADIA AMURA, JAMIE JAMES

City of LIGHT

Bournemouth is completely different from Hastings or Margate. People talk about the effect art had in shifting the culture there. We have a booming tech scene and one of the world’s best arts universities.

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PASSAGE TO INDIA London restaurant group JKS has built and backed a flurry of the capital’s favourite eateries, from Bao and Hoppers to Michelin-starred Gymkhana. Latest opening BiBi, an Indian restaurant that calls on the soulfulness of comfort food, is jostling with the latter in Mayfair.

It’s a personal affair for Chet Sharma, previously the group’s development chef, who has named his restaurant after his own grandmothers – BiBi is Urdu for ‘lady of the house’. In a former life he was an Oxford-educated physicist, and there’s a sense of precision to his menu of bar snacks, chaat small plates and sigree grill dishes, which draw on an eclectic heritage of roadside cafés and carts. While Indian flavours are centre-stage – see Lahori chicken paired with cashew and whey yogurt, or the four-pepper lobster – Britain is well represented in everything from Orkney scallops to paneer produced in the New Forest.

It is housed in a Georgian building that features richly layered interiors in mango wood and sandstone, and Rajasthani architecture has inspired details such as the curved mirrors that flank the open kitchen, while an abstract artwork by Laura Wickstead is appropriately named ‘Mother’ (bibirestaurants.com).

Above and left BiBi’s Rajasthaniinspired furnishings, abstract artwork and inventive dishes will draw in diners

MUSEUMS MAKING A COMEBACK

N E U E N AT I O N A L G A L E R I E It took some six years and 35,000 shifted components, but Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie has finally reopened following its renovation by Sir David Chipperfield. The hope is that with new lighting, air-conditioning and infrastructure for moving art, Mies van der Rohe’s seminal design will be preserved for decades (smb.museum).

C A S A B AT L L Ó Signing off on years of meticulous renovation, the Bernat family have opened an immersive experience in the basement of this Antoni Gaudí-designed house in Barcelona. Visual installations and an LED cube are upstaged by the kinetic mesh curtain designed by Kengo Kuma for the main staircase (casabatllo.es).

T H E C O U R TA U L D With two brand-new galleries and a revamp of London’s oldest purpose-built exhibition space, The Courtauld’s three-year renovation represents the most significant in its history. A new painting

by British artist Cecily Brown will be unveiled on the curved wall of the 18th-century staircase in celebration (courtauld.ac.uk).

F U L L H O U S E Islington’s Estorick Collection is set to showcase its entire cache of modernist Italian art. All six

galleries will be utilised for ‘Estorick Collection Uncut’, with the top two devoted to painter and printmaker Giorgio Morandi and responses by British artist Paul Coldwell. From 6 October to 19 December 2021 (estorickcollection.com).

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PICTURES: SIMON MENGES, ENCARNA SEGURA, HUFTON+CROW

Restorations, renovations and revamps galore at top galleries

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Everything is SCULPTURE A new exhibition on Isamu Noguchi at London’s Barbican showcases his singular belief in the power of sculpture – and perhaps a paper lamp or two

Clockwise from top artist Isamu Noguchi in his 10th Street studio, Long Island City, 1964; ‘Akari 25N’, 1968, ‘Trinity (Triple)’, 1945, and ‘The Queen’, 1931, all by Isamu Noguchi; the Samrat Yantra (one of the world’s largest sun dials) in India, photographed by Noguchi in 1949

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PICTURES: DAN BUDNIK, THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM ARCHIVES, 07281 ©2021 THE ESTATE OF DAN BUDNIK, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; ISAMU NOGUCHI, THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM ARCHIVES, 08447.3; KEVIN NOBLE, THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM ARCHIVES, 00011, WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART/LICENSED BY SCALA; THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM ARCHIVES, 9891 & 03066; ALL ©INFGM/ARS - DACS

Many visitors to the Barbican’s new retrospective of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi will have a piece of his legacy hanging at home – but not all will have made the connection.

The bamboo and washi paper lamps he designed upon visiting Gifu, the heart of Japan’s lantern manufacturing, were the forebears of the nowubiquitous orb. From 1951 until his death in 1988, he would go on to design over 100 of these ‘Akari’ – a Japanese word that connotes luminosity – from squat, animal-like forms to towering experiments, all with the exactitude of a sculptor.

Within the exhibition, which is designed by architect Lucy Styles and spans six decades of Noguchi’s career, their weightlessness acts as a foil to pieces in stone, bronze, ceramic, wood, aluminium and galvanised steel. Theatre set designs, architectural models and furniture nod to a kaleidoscope career that integrated architecture, dance and design.

Noguchi considered all as ways of sculpting space, which could be a ‘vital force in our everyday life’, capable of extraordinary resonance. ‘He saw sculpture as a means of creating harmony between humans, industry and nature, as a way to improve how we live, as invention, as play, as art,’ says Jane Alison, Barbican’s head of visual arts. As he famously put it, ‘everything is sculpture’. From 30 September 2021 to 9 January 2022 (barbican.org.uk).

HOW TO EAT AND DRINK NOW Four of today’s top chefs, mixologists and entrepreneurs on where hospitality is heading

Sooji Im The founder of Be-oom, London’s first Korean tea house, promotes the meditative aspect of drinking tea through tastings and workshops

‘KOREAN CUISINE IS REALLY TAKING OFF RIGHT NOW’

Above from left Be-oom founder Sooji Im, who started her venture to showcase Korea’s complex tea leaves; Be-oom’s vitality-boosting ‘Energy’ box, which comprises green tea and roasted rice, black tea and cinnamon, and burdock root

W H E R E I E AT O Sollip is a European-Korean fusion fine-dining experience. It’s minimal in its aesthetics, which is very similar to Be-oom, and the flavours are beyond phenomenal.

O Arôme Bakery in Covent Garden uses

a concoction of traditional French baking techniques and Eastern ingredients. My favourite is the miso bacon escargot.

O Prufrock Coffee has always been one

of my favourite places to go and eat. Yes, it’s a coffee house, but its tea selection is also really great.

Above Be-oom, which translates as ‘to empty’ in Korean, is situated at 27 Exmouth Market, London, and offers tea-based cocktails in the evening, using naturally sourced tea from small farms in Korea

PICTURES: KEN LAM, HARRY CROWDER

When I tried Korean black tea for the first time, I was blown away. I’d never tasted such a delicate yet complex tea. My immediate thought was to find ways for others to try it.

That was the starting point of my business.

There’s a strong mindfulness aspect to drinking tea. Take notice of all the things that are happening, from observing the tea leaves while preparing the tea, to smelling the tea leaves, feeling the warmth of the hot water and watching the tea change its colour.

Korean cuisine is really taking off right now, in casual and fine dining. It’s a direct impact from the rise in popularity of K-pop and K-dramas. Another trend is the focus on independent brands. People are willing to spend extra for better quality products.

I’ve developed an obsession with perilla, and perilla seed oil in particular. My favourite way of eating it is burrata topped with perilla oil and sea salt. We serve this during our evening cocktail and wine service, as it makes a simple yet impactful dish.

Our biggest challenge will be climate change, and getting hold of ingredients that are consistent in their flavour. Heatwaves, floods and cold snaps affect harvests of ingredients – tea being one of them.

Of everywhere I’ve lived, Beijing probably had the most impact on my view on food, and tea. The tea culture is very much ingrained in people’s everyday life – and you cannot go a day without drinking a cup.

The piece of advice I’d give? ‘Perfect’ doesn’t exist. I used to plan everything out in minute details – I had an hourly goal for tasks and got frustrated when I couldn’t reach the goal. As Heraclitus once famously said, ‘Change is the only constant in life.’

At the moment, I’m inspired by David Chang of Momofuku in the US – I’m currently reading his memoir, Eat a Peach.

He talks about how the only way to learn is by going through failures and adapting to changes as they come to you (be-oom.com).

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Gabriel Waterhouse The chef launched supper club The Water House Project in 2015.

In September, it moved to a permanent space in Bethnal Green Increasingly, guests want a connection with who is cooking for them. It feels as though we’re moving towards a warmer style of hospitality. Open kitchens have become popular, which is good for guests and staff.

There’s been a move towards simple food done well. I’m a fan, but it does mean you have to get it absolutely right. Post-pandemic, there’s been a shift towards creating smaller restaurants that are more capable of quickly adapting to our ever-changing world.

Ingredient excitement changes with the seasons. Our monthly menus utilise different types of fish, cuts of meat and loads of veg and fruit, which can be cooked in different ways to create new textures and flavours.

One of the most undervalued ingredients are mussels. They’re versatile, easy to cook and come with plenty of natural seasoning

‘IT FEELS AS THOUGH WE’RE MOVING TOWARDS A WARMER STYLE OF HOSPITALITY’ Left Chef Gabriel Waterhouse Above The Water House Project’s tasting menus include dishes such as Pennard Ridge and Perl Las cheese with endive, cherry pickle and pumpkin granola Above right The restaurant’s Bethnal Green site

and flavour. They filter the water, so they’re good for the environment, too.

As chefs, we’re lucky in Britain. I’ve been fortunate to work with many nationalities, but I’ve sensed those from countries with a richer culinary history than ours find it harder to have an open mind when creating dishes.

The biggest challenge in the industry has got to be staffing. Hospitality has taken a double blow with Covid and Brexit. Others have simply left the industry, unwilling to return to the notoriously gruelling hours.

Some of the best advice I’ve had was from Warren Geraghty at Galvin La Chapelle.

I’d said that the first few weeks hadn’t been easy. He replied, ‘Nothing worth it ever is.’

I’m always inspired by Simon Rogan. His dishes are so balanced – he knows when to stop. What Merlin Labron-Johnson is creating at Osip in Bruton looks special, and I’m a big admirer of growing and cooking your own produce. It’s something I’d love to achieve (thewaterhouseproject.com)

W H E R E I E AT O The Jolly Fisherman on the Northumberland coast, close to where I’m from. I’ll have either a crab sandwich or Craster kipper.

O L'enclume has been around for almost

WORDS: CAT OLLEY

20 years and I find their longevity incredibly inspiring.

O Da Terra is a local restaurant and its

attention to detail is really impressive.

Rafael [Cagali]’s influences shine through.

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Roberta Hall-McCarron The chef opened Edinburgh’s The Little Chartroom in 2018. In September, it relocated to a larger space, with the old site home to new venture Eleanore

From left Barbecue pork neck with smoked chicory and quince; mackerel with salted gooseberry ponzu and radish, are just two dishes on the menu at Eleanore Below left Award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron

‘THE PRODUCE WE HAVE IN BRITAIN IS WORLD-CLASS’

I’ve been doing a lot of dehydrating and puffing of grains lately. It’s a great way to add texture to a dish and change the profile.

One of the most underrated ingredients is potatoes. You can do so much with them.

I love serving stuffed potato dauphines on the side of dishes, and recently I’ve filled them with ham hock rarebit and also with salt cod brandade.

All my holidays are based around visiting restaurants across the world. If I can take one thing from each experience and it evolves my own food, then it’s been a worthwhile trip.

The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to always put yourself in the guest’s shoes. Whenever I think about how to serve a dish, I switch out of chef mode and ask myself, ‘What would I want if I was the diner?’

I’m inspired by Kirk Haworth of Plates.

The way he’s championing plant-based cooking is so inspiring. His story and passion for his craft is incredible. I’ll be cooking with him later in the year and I’m so excited to get a real insight into the way he treats vegetables (thelittlechartroom.com).

W H E R E I E AT O Spry is a wine bar close to my house

and work, with a brilliant wine list and great food to match. It is a beautiful space to wind down after a busy week.

O Ondine has really great seafood and

there is always such a great buzz in the room. The staff are all lovely too.

O Bright is one of my favourite restaurants ever. The menu is delicious and accessible while retaining its own identity.

PICTURES: AMELIA CLAUDIA

My favourite food memory is eating pints of langoustines while sailing on the west coast of Scotland. It’s such a simple thing but a brilliant example of how great something can be when the produce is well-sourced and unbelievably fresh.

People want to enjoy fantastic food in an intimate setting with friendly, unfussy service, but they don’t necessarily want to get all dressed up and spend a fortune.

We’re seeing more chefs try to minimise waste and get use out of every last bit of produce. I certainly wasn’t using the stem of a leaf when I started out cooking, but through different preservations it can really change the whole dimension of a dish.

The produce we have available to us in Britain is world-class. We’ve seen the farm-to-table approach do so well and I think it makes consumers more conscious of what they are eating and its provenance.

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Marcis Dzelzainis

MAIN PICTURE: MICHAEL SAGER ADDITIONAL PICTURES: CHARLIE MCKAY

The award-winning mixologist has devised the drinks for new spot Christina’s Shoreditch and co-launched drinks company Idyll Idyll came about through curiosity and a love of being outdoors, which is something my business partner Luke McFayden and I share. Within the UK landscape, you can find flavours normally associated with South American or Asian cuisine. Our Pine Forest Soda is a non-alcoholic drink that highlights the nuances of Douglas fir and Scots pine.

Wild ingredients can help us look at the landscape a little differently. Alongside produce from permaculture and regenerative farms, they highlight an alternative to industrial farming practices. Lots of really interesting ingredients can be found in marginalised areas, where nature has been allowed to take over freely.

A shift in how we value natural produce needs to happen. Mass produced, intensive agriculture has skewed our understanding of how much something costs to grow and we are then eating and drinking products with less nutritional benefits and flavour.

I’m enjoying seeing people work with small, UK-based producers. People are interested in the story and the provenance behind products. A broader understanding of sustainability that is not just focused on waste is also emerging. By that, I mean looking at the ecological impact of the product and, from a human perspective, achieving a more sustainable work-life balance.

I was blown away by small-scale mezcal production in Mexico. It opened my mind up to the use of wild ingredients, especially my time in Oaxaca.

At the moment, I’m enjoying working with wild carrot seed when distilling gins. It has a definite carrot flavour but is also floral and has tonnes of citrus notes.

Drying seeds and herbs is hugely underrated. I have been gathering wild

‘A SHIFT IN HOW WE VALUE NATURAL PRODUCE NEEDS TO HAPPEN’

ingredients throughout the year and by drying the produce I gather, I can create a larder of ingredients that I use all year round.

In the British bar scene, we’re great at innovation and trend-setting. And I think we respond to adversity in a very creative manner.

I’m inspired by Barney Wilczak from Capreolus Distillery, who makes the most wonderful eaux de vies (spirits). There is a purity in his intent that you can really taste in the distillates – the quality of the fruit he uses is unbelievable (idylldrinks.com).

W H E R E I E AT O Brawn is the classic neighbourhood

restaurant, and it exudes nothing but elegance and excellence.

O Rules for the classic British fair in the

restuarant and the wonderful drinks by Brian Silva to be found in the upstairs bar.

O The Sea, The Sea – what owner Leo

Clockwise from top left Dzelzainis distilling gin in the New Forest using foraged ingredients such as wild carrot seed and samphire; in Oaxaca , Mexico; the Espresso Martini at Christina’s Shoreditch

does with seafood in this London restaurant blows my mind. I had the most amazing dry-aged turbot last time I ate there.

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