january 2021
january 2021
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Art inspires technology
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Breathing nature into a room is an art form. This is why LG SIGNATURE partnered with B&B Italia, an Italian modern furniture pioneer, to enhance your living room without sacrificing style. The essence of LG SIGNATURE is a passion for craftsmanship and pushing the limits of innovation for a better life.
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news & shopping EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT What’s creating a buzz in interiors, from curvaceous candleholders to marvellous marbled wallpaper BLUE SKY THINKING Five influential names on how design can improve our lives in 2021 NEWS We’re captivated by artist Dale Chihuly’s collab with The Rug Company, having fun with playful pieces by Sophie Ashby and channelling Christmas with dreamy decs and fab foliage THE CATWALK LOOK Layer up with cosy wool and faux-fur homeware inspired by the runways THE EDITED CHOICE Looking for a beautiful blanket? We’ve got it covered THE EDITED CHOICE Indulge all the senses with these seductive seasonal treats LIFE.STYLE.ETC Sophie Coryton of The Room Service on why she loves boutique hotel style 50 UNDER £50 Purse-friendly presents WHAT DOE S IT TAKE TO B U ILD AN INTERIORS BRAND? Tips from the experts THE TECH LIST The latest innovations and cutting-edge ideas for the year ahead
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fabulous spaces ROOM OF THE MONTH Danish company De 5 Gaarde’s whimsical dining space with simple ceramics and a floral ‘cloud’ is a dream come true NEW YORK LOFT A bold approach by designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb has resulted in a home that works as a practical, restful sanctuary by day and a glamorous hub by night MADRID FLAT Patricia Bustos de la Torre’s colourful style blends a mix of exuberant styles, from Miami Beach art deco to 1980s Memphis NEW YORK APARTMENT Designer Laura Santos brought life and soul to a former industrial space, which is now a cosy, chic family abode PARIS PAD Mirrored walls and brass finishes abound in Alexandre and David’s city flat, creating a luxurious scheme that’s full of drama and intrigue WEST LONDON TE RR ACE A Victorian townhouse is an elegant backdrop for Milly and her husband David’s simple, standout style
The best gift - 12 issues of Livingetc for just £31.99. See page 100
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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE FRANZEN
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design & decorating
DETAIL OF THE MONTH Paint & Paper Library’s new architects’ satinwood will bring a subtle sheen to any space DECORATING Go all out with festive flourishes for a show-stopping celebration PATTERN BOOK Metallic motif wallpapers COLOUR INSIGHT Dagny Thurmann-Moe of Koi Colour Studio on paint pairings KITCHEN AND BATHROOM NEWS The latest products and launches COLUMNIST Minnie Kemp reveals her fantasy mood board for 2021 DESIGN PROFILE Interiors favourite Kelly Wearstler on her flamboyant schemes 10 RULES FOR DECORATING Tricia Guild
storage dossier
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the lifestyle edit
PLACE OF THE MONTH Dine in opulent style in the plush surroundings of The Elder, a restaurant in Bath by design agency Fettle IN AND OUT Enjoy some quality you-time with things to do, see or hear, both at home and outside TOP OF THE MORNING Delicious brunch dishes for long, lazy weekends HOUSE NOTES Escape your four walls with one of these gorgeous rentals SECRET ADDRESS BOOK Check out Kagu Interiors, a Kent-based boutique that’s a treasure trove of beautiful and unusual curated accessories
and the rest…
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NEWS Clever solutions for an orderly home INTERVIEW Home organisers at Maison Haven share their top decluttering tips GALLERY Neat ideas for tidy spaces
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New colours
PH 5 Monochrome Design to Shape Light louispoulsen.com
EXPLORE THE LOUIS POULSEN COLLECTION AT B&B ITALIA LONDON: 250 BROMPTON ROAD, LONDON, SW3 2AS
dream big Chances are not many of the goals and plans you had for 2020 came to fruition in the end. Instead, this was the year that saw us all looking inward, taking breaks from the news cycle – if we were lucky enough to be able to – and focussing on our immediate surroundings. My fiancé has become a proficient indoor gardener (with over 50 plants at last count), and I invested in the Hepworth armchair we designed as part of Livingetc’s capsule collection for Love Your Home so I could curl up in peace and read the Wolf Hall trilogy at last. These weren’t the aspirations we’d started the year with, but design played a huge part in keeping our spirits buoyant. For me it was the enveloping cu r ves of my new seat, but I thin k we’ve a ll appreciated the big differences small changes to our living spaces can make. And so I hope you’ll be as inspired as I am by the Blue Sk y Thinking feature on page 14, where we asked experts in fields as varied as architecture and neuroscience for their thought-leading ideas on how design can – and will – improve our lives next year. Director of Studio Weave Je Ahn’s belief that happiness – and creating the right conditions for people to feel happy – should be the starting
point for every project is one we can all take something from. I found this principle in play elsewhere in the issue as colour expert Dagny Thurmann-Moe talks on page 110 about creating an energetic atmosphere by using different hues. She begins every space she designs instinctively asking ‘how will this make me feel?’ and I’ve long believed bold colours can be like serotonin for the soul. So, in asking you to dream big this month we’re not ex pecting you to ma ke pla ns of Everest proportions, but to focus on what you can do to improve your space – and therefore life – for your own well-being and sense of joy. That could be starting the interiors brand you’ve always thought about – in which case our tips on page 40 from those who’ve done it already will be invaluable – or it could be following the suggestions in our Design Dossier from page 121 and finally putting some order into those cluttered corners of your home (the built in box-file cubbyhole on page 133 is now top of my dream list). And there’s Christmas inspiration over on Livingetc.com, where you can now find gift guides, cool decorating tips and advice for any festive dreams you want to realise.
Pip McCormac Editor
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tableSkorpio Keramik Premiumchairs Ginevra lamp PlanetasideboardOxford mirror Glenn rugs Mumbai
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everyone’s talking about... A ARON PROBYN
After creating tableware for brands including Tom Dixon, Studio Conran and Normann Copenhagen, British designer Aaron Probyn has launched an own-brand collection – expect his signature minimalist curves and luxe material combos (Eclipse candleholders pictured).
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MAR B LI N G 2 .0
What exactly is it about ink floating on water that’s so beguiling? The latest takes on the craft are pushing it to its boundaries – we’re enamoured with Nat Maks’ wallpaper (pic tured), made with the Japanese Suminagashi technique.
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DOOR SCAPING
FEATURE AMY MOOREA WONG
Adapt to limited indoor guests and take the Christmas spirit to the streets. To u c h u p y o u r paintwork and door furniture then add foliage (Neptune Pepperberry wreath pictured) and festive accoutrements.
PA R E D - B AC K P OT TE RY
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Ceramics come in calm colours for 2021 – NKDWare’s debut collection focuses on handthrown clay vases (pictured), while new brand Monoware’s tabletop pieces by Ian McIntyre are timelessly minimal.
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E C O FA B R I C S
2021’s textiles are all about doing good. Think the organic linens of de Le Cuona’s Pure collection (pictured), Kinnasand’s Monotype range, which spans hemp, recycled polyester, lyocell and wool, and Romo’s recycled cotton Acara collection.
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blue sky thinking As we look ahead to a welcome fresh beginning, five thought leaders explain their new and revolutionary ideas for how design can enhance our lives X
The Le Haut Perché in Bordeaux, a hiking shelter designed by Studio Weave, is an example of public bodies funding community projects ‘to encourage people to hike more,’ says Je. lesrefuges. bordeaux-metropole.fr
FEATURE Jessica Salter
the architect Je Ahn is the director at Studio Weave, an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architecture Practice, which places value on happiness, community and the individual. He lives in east London. As a design studio, we start with a central concept: happiness. It sounds simple, but it’s a complex topic and it’s our job to try to design the right conditions for people to feel happy. It’s a good starting point for anyone thinking about how they want to shape their own futures. The main thing we need to do to make our lives better is to integrate more into our community. In the last 50 years, that way of living has reduced so we’re often very solitary. I come from a large, messy family and it was a lot of fun and drama – I’d love to see more multi-generational living, as it used to be. But for that to happen, there needs to be housing designed and built to accommodate that change because at the moment the housing market is monotonous and limited. For that, we need public bodies to step in. It will impact far into the future and improve people’s mental health and social cohesion and, in the long run, provide a financial return for society, reducing the need for costly social care. That way of thinking should extend to designing public buildings like schools, too. I’ve always thought that schools are the hub of the community, where young people go to learn and build relationships and parents meet and socialise, too. And yet, they are built like fortresses and are largely redundant outside of the core school hours. We need to tackle the ingrained thinking that exists around the purpose of our spaces, and how we can harness this conversation that Covid has accelerated around the boundary between personal and public space. Because, as we’ve all become more aware, communities are vital to our happiness. studioweave.com
The RIBA-award-winning woodland classrooms at Belvue School, a secondary for those with severe learning difficulties and a range of other needs, by Studio Weave. ‘I’ve always questioned how schools were designed,’ says Je
M O R E WAY S A R C H I T E C T U R E C A N M A K E YO U S M I LE F RO M J E The book M etrop olis: A H istor y of Humankind’s Greatest Invention by Ben Wilson. I love the city. That concentration of activities and human collaboration gives somewhere like London a global advantage. The art galleries You can’t beat Tate Modern and Britain for inspiration.
The podcast About Buildings and Cities, hosted by British architects Luke Jones and George Gingell. The website RIBA’s website, architecture.com, has a range of downloadable resources, from sustainability to reports on how to design a walkable city.
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the designer Charlotte Rey is the Swedish co-founder of the award-winning design partnership and creative consultancy Campbell-Rey, with clients including Bulgari and Bentley.
C H A R L O T T E ’ S H O W T O D E C O R AT E YO U R H O M E H A P PY G O -TO S The book Decorating is Fun! by Dorothy Draper (£40, Shannongrove Press). A beautifully produced facsimile of the original book published in 1939. The fabric company Dedar Milano.
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The shop Artichoke London on Chiltern Street by Laura de Gunzburg. The paint companies Paint & Paper Library and Little Greene.
Choosing reclaimed materials for a wood dining table is a decorative response to the climate crisis and environmental concerns
PHOTOGRAPHS (CHARLOTTE REY) MORGAN SENDALL; (DINING ROOM) PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
To make our lives better this year, I think we need a more holistic approach to decorating our homes. More people are spending more time at home than ever and it’s important to consider what they want from their spaces in a more thoughtful way, rather than just seeing decorating as another job they need to get done. That starts with celebrating the beautiful at the heart of everything. If we buy or make something beautiful and display and share it with others, then it becomes part of a nurturing ecosystem. It’s a very spiritual thing. I believe that as human beings we are all creative, and your home is a blank canvas. But we should all be more confident in pushing out the envelope and celebrating diversity of taste and expression, rather than relying on what other people think is meaningful. The climate crisis and environmental concerns have made people question whether they need to always buy new. It could be choosing recycled materials, such as a reclaimed wood dining table, or buying antiques, which younger people are doing more of now. Antiques come with their own narrative and story and help give a space a sense of grounding, which we’re all searching for right now. Working and thinking more collaboratively than before is going to help us live and work better: the old way of hoarding the best contacts for yourself has to change. Last year, for example, the designer Rita Konig opened up her private list of antique dealers – a list she had spent time sourcing – to help increase sales for these small businesses, which was an incredibly generous act. It’s that kind of thoughtfulness and sharing that we need to increase in our professions, as well as in our private lives, to help nurture ourselves. campbell-rey.com
PHOTOGRAPH(ASH RANPURA) DAVE WILLIS
the neuroscientist
the tech guru
Dr Ash Ranpura is a world-renowned neuroscientist and co-author of How To Be Human: The Manual.
Michael Acton Smith OBE is the co-CEO and co-founder of Ca lm , the med it at ion space company.
A lot of how we can feel better comes down to what narrative we tell ourselves about our lives, and about the year we will experience. There was a study a f ter the 9/11 at tack s that examined people who had defibrillators already fitted to monitor their heart rhythms. For three days, there was no change in their arrhythmias, unless they happened to be right next to the site. But a month later, their readings went up dramatically, correlating with how much news they consumed. If we can generate a positive narrative about what we’re living through – even if it is terrifying – it will affect not only how we feel mentally, but have positive health outcomes, too. That’s on a global level, but our immediate surroundings, our homes, are important, too. To make our lives better we also need a sense of agency, meaning we need to do something physically, rather than just consuming. I built a bed for my son. It is not beautiful, but my son loves it because it’s the only bed in the world that his dad made for him, and so that fact makes me feel great. Figuring out an action that gives you agency is healthy because it reduces anxiety. The third thing we can do is practice acceptance. There are lots of things about myself that I wish were different: one of which is that I never call my friends. I’ve realised that I just don’t like the phone very much. Once you accept the things about yourself that you’re just not going to change, you’ll feel much more content. ashranpura.com
So many of us were guilty of sleepwalking through our lives, always on and constantly busy, that when the events of 2020 happened, it caused us all to take a step back and push the reset button. That might be the silver lining to come out of this. One incredibly powerful way to do this is to introduce meditation into our lives. There are hundreds of studies showing how beneficial it is for you, but a paper we recently published that I was particularly fascinated by was about the power of meditation for people going through cancer treatments. I truly believe meditation is a superpower. Even taking time to focus on our breathing can be invaluable to our physiology, mood and health, as several studies show. Just making ourselves be conscious of some of the breaths we take every day and taking big deep breaths through our noses (rather than shallow mouth breathing) can make an enormous difference to our nervous system and have knock-on effects on our well-being. Finally, we all need more sleep. I read an interesting paper recently about how a lack of sleep can lead, long term, to diseases such as dementia. Basically, what happens is that sleep helps cleans away the protein amyloid beta at night, like a sort of brain car wash. But if we don’t get enough sleep, then it can build up over the years and possibly lead to neurodegenerative diseases. It underpins the importance of a good night’s sleep for our mental and physical health. calm.com
ASH’S USEFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR THINKING POSITIVE The podcast CortexCast, which interviews leading neuroscientists on a range of topics, from depression to pain perception to the science of sleep. The tool A good circular saw can change your life – I
underestimated that before. Bosch GKS 190mm circular saw, £129.98, toolstation.com. The app Things, an organisational tool, where you can dump random thoughts in, and that I think aligns to how my brain works.
...AND RELAX WITH M I C H A E L’ S C A L M I N G T O O L S The mental-health app Calm. People are put off by mediation, but we want to show how accessible it is for anyone, at any point in their day. The exercise machine I love the Peloton. Peloton Tread, £59 a month, onepeloton.com.
The book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (£16.99, Penguin Life). The supplement Relax, a mood-boosting drink including ashwagandha, 5-HTP, valerian root, holy basil and reishi mushroom, £59, drdavidjack.com.
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the gardener Sue Stuart-Smith is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who, along with her husband, the celebrated gardener Tom Stuart-Smith, has created a world-renowned garden at her home in Hertfordshire. She is also the author of The Well Gardened Mind: Rediscovering Nature in the Modern World (£20, William Collins).
F U R T H E R I N S P I R AT I O N F O R T H E BUDDING GARDENER FROM SUE The book Your Wellbeing Garden: How to Make Your Garden Good for You – Science, Design, Practice by Alistair Griffiths and Matt Keightley. The seed supplier Chiltern Seeds and Sarah Raven – they have a slightly more unusual selection, with
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good colours and an interesting veg choice. The app Garden Answers – one of the most comprehensive plant identification tools and perfect for whatever level of gardener you are.
Tending to – and being in – an outdoor space provides a much-needed serotonin boost
PHOTOGRAPHS (GARDEN) JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
When you plant and care for something, there is a moment when you look at what you’ve set in motion and think, ‘I made this happen’. That feeling of a renewed sense of hope and energy is particularly important right now, when we’re living with so much uncertainty and having to deal with various kinds of losses. I have seen this in action on projects working with offenders and veterans suffering from PTSD, as well as people with depression and it is very powerful. One small way to start is by sowing seeds. Seeds give us a toehold into the future and when your plants start growing, it gives you a sense of momentum. I had my own experience of this a few years ago, when I was recovering from a period of illness and burnout. My husband Tom persuaded me to help him sort out the greenhouse and as I was perusing seed packets, I started planning what I wanted to sow and the next day I set to work; suddenly I was drawn back in. As well as the serotonin boost that we get from being outside and the exercise that the garden provides, the neuroscientist Christopher Lowry discovered that a bacterium found in soil can boost serotonin levels in the brain. Not only that, but other studies show that the ‘friendly’ bacteria that live in the soil might boost our immune systems: a single teaspoon of soil contains something in the region of a billion microbes. We are currently sterilising everything and getting our hands in the earth may be important for maintaining health. And, at a time when we’re starved of tactile contact, there is something transporting about getting your hands into the foliage. suestuartsmith.com
A different perspective Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time. At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both. Because good design never grows old.
Book an appointment to chat to one of our friendly designers – on us. neptune.com/adifferentperspective
Exceptional British made wood stoves for the home. 01983 537780 • @charnwoodstoves • www.charnwood.com
charnwood
news THE POWER COUPLE
THE SEASONAL BUY
glass houses
in the bag
Renowned American glass artist Dale Chihuly has partnered with The Rug Company to translate his exquisite blown creations into woven form. A capsule collection of f ive designs, limited to 250 pieces each, captures the f luidit y and delicacy of Chihuly’s work, with The Rug Company’s master weavers in K athmandu inter preting the intricate, three-dimensional pieces in wool and silk. Yarns are layered together to create depth and a shimmering, glass-like feel in swirling colours, irreg ular forms and distorted patterns. Rosette r ug, from £3, 572 (ther ugcompany.com)
It’s not often that a present sack is more exciting than what’s inside it, but that was before House of Hackney’s Saturnalia bag came onto the scene. Created with a patchwork-style velvet made up of hexagons in a mixture of the brand’s designs, the pattern merges colourful plants and flowers in an array of clashing styles – from hyperrealistic tulips, poppies and lilies to William Morris-esque fronds and foliage. Finish with a drawstring rope and you’re Christmas morning-ready for years to come. £85 (houseofhackney.com)
THE INDULGENCE
star-crossed
Aesop’s first scented candles are influenced by ancient astronomers and designed to evoke the sense of calm and wonder that gazing upon the night sky inspires. Created by celebrated perfume designer Barnabé Fillion, the Aromatique candles are available in three scents: Aganice, Callippus and Ptolemy. Each is poured into a tactile alabaster vessel and decorated with a thoughtprovoking quote inside the rim. £80 each (aesop.com)
FEATURE AMY MOOREA WONG
THE STYLE HERO
comfort and joy
Playfully asymmetrical and with inviting curves, the Taru seating range from Ligne Roset seduces you into putting your feet up. Masterminded by Sebastian Herkner, the collection includes two sofas, a daybed and a co-ordinating ottoman. The pieces can be upholstered in any of the brand’s fabrics, from colourful velvet to tonal bouclé, while the back can be customised in contrasting glossy leather. Daybed, from £3,077 (ligne-roset.com)
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the catwalk look
Vintage Moroccan Berber rug, £1,400, The Conran Shop Ombre Mocha faux-fur stocking, £25, John Lewis & Partners
Sienna sofa, £459, House of Flora
Blurred Check mohair blanket, £195, Toast
Agadir cushion cover, €185, Memòri Studio The Organic Sheep cashmere sheepskin cushion, £95, Heal’s
Ombré was on show at luxury knitwear brand Cividini
deep-pile How to do cosy yet cool? Layer up mohair, wool and faux fur fresh from the AW runways
LIttle Petra ATD1 pouf in sheepskin Sahara, £1,385, &Tradition at Monologue
Knitting chair in walnut and sheepskin, £3,625, Menu at Nest
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FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
Lacoste illustrating how the season’s tank-top trend should be done
DISCOVER ER F FIRE! FIR RE OVER R THE E ART R E! THE RT OF DIISCO Virtuo uo 8 80/3, 3-sided model dm
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news HOT RIGHT NOW
merry little Christmas
Deck the halls and other spaces with festive fare, as baubles, berries and boughs break loose from the tree and explore the rest of the house. The starting point for a Christmassy vignette could be a piece of furniture, a door or windowsill, or any overlooked area; why not create a candlelit bar in a dark corner or a sparkling scene on a side table? The key is a mix of heights, a splash of greenery, a wintry scent and a considered edit of decorations. Cocktails: optional. Carlo sideboard, £550; candleholders, from £35 each; Harry penguin cocktail shaker, £35; Judson decanter, £25; baubles, from £8 each (habitat.co.uk)
CRUSHING ON
pick of the bunch
There’s one plant dominating Yuletide this year, and it’s the hydrangea. Dried, preserved or faux, it’s up to you. Treat it as you would eucalyptus and mix the heads into wreaths, garlands, table settings and even onto your tree to add opulence and drama. Whites, reds and greens will create a traditional Christmas feel, while tones such as pink and ochre will give a more impactful, modern look. Oka’s faux stems are almost impossibly real, with textured leaves, elaborate detailing and two-toned petals. £15 each (oka.com)
BOLD TOUCH
FEATURE AMY MOOREA WONG
all of the trimmings
Passementerie gets punchy with Samuel & Son’s Menagerie borders, statement strips of linen leopard print in the rich jewel tones of emerald green and deep-blue lapis, as well as nature’s finest onyx colourway. Woven in wool and lustrous yarns, which give the pattern a gentle sheen, and measuring almost 7cm wide, the bold design is poised to bring some jungle fever to curtains, cushions and furniture alike. £64m (samuelandsons.com)
A H E R I TA G E R E M I X
hot seat
A mix of shapely steam-bent beech and delicate woven cane, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna’s new collection nods to its past while firmly facing forward, with bold pieces designed in collaboration with the likes of Michael Anastassiades and GamFratesi. Chiara Andreatti’s Suzenne sofa is a vision in calligraphic flowing wood, with a caned curved back that envelopes the sitter and vivid yellow upholstery. From approx £4,153.72 (gebruederthonetvienna.com)
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news THE CORE PIECE
inside the box
A monolithic chunk of lacquered cabinetry, the Florens unit – conceived by Italian designers Oscar and Gabriele Buratti in their first partnership with Lema – conceals a host of storage solutions for the living and dining room within its impassive exterior, from eco-leather cutlery drawers and shelves to internal lighting. Atop the metal structure, which can be lacquered in glossy or matt shades, sits an optional oak or walnut section holding removable timber trays and open compartments. Want to keep it simple? Replace it with a flush slab of monochrome marble or coordinating lacquer. From £2,915 (lemamobili.com)
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news
THE FINISHING TOUCH
cotton on
Transport your tree to the city of Copenhagen with Ferm Living’s illustrative fabric decorations, each of which captures a unique element of the Danish capital. A nutcracker-style guardsman, the country’s national bird, the mute swan, and some of the city’s iconic buildings are depicted in charming embroidery on a base of organic cotton filled with recycled polyester. £12 each (kagu-interiors.co.uk)
THE INVESTMENT BUY
plain sailing
Bulky bookcases be gone! Described as ‘elegant, light and timeless’ by its designer, architect David Lopez Quincoces, the Sailor storage piece for Living Divani features shelves with rounded lower halves anchored to hexagonal metal poles inspired by the lines on a boat. ‘It’s a contrast between two different design languages – the gentle shape of the shelves and the rigidity of the vertical posts,’ says Lopez Quincoces. Available as a 1950s-style, floor-to-ceiling design (which also functions as a room divider) or a wall-mounted version, the piece can be added to with enclosed storage units, as well as tailored in multiple heights, lengths and shelf configurations. Composition shown, £29,877.85 (livingdivani.it)
T R E AT YO U R S E LF
FEATURE AMY MOOREA WONG
playful perch The Smile pouf by Italian design duo Marconato & Zappa – with its cheerful halo of ash surrounding an irresistibly squashy seat – is in a permanently good mood. The nifty timber loop also doubles as a handle and backrest. It can be stained in an array of finishes, as well as lacquered in a selection of brights, while the seat comes in a litany of fabrics, including weave-of-themoment bouclé. From £1,180 (chaplins.co.uk)
T H E P O W E R PAT T E R N
wanderlust weave
Textile house Jane Churchill’s newest fabric and wallpaper collection is bursting with covetable graphic shapes, vivid colours and playful patterns. Realised in handcrafted weaves and bold prints, these motifs clash and complement each other in equal measure. The Ira fabric (on headboard) draws its triangle pattern from classic kilims – team it with other inky-hued pieces from the range to create a sense of faraway lands. £79m (janechurchill.com)
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. SOFAS .BEDS CHAIRS www.love-your-home.co.uk
loveyourhomeuk
the edited choice
B to C throw, £126, Yanyi Ha for ZigZagZurich
Woman throw, £165, One Nine Eight Five at Heal’s
Pahari Lino Tuberose throw, £195, Designers Guild
Kimbie throw, £192, Slowdown Studio for Smallable
Cassar bed throw, £49, Made
Blanket, £69, Linnéa Andersson x Arket, Arket
FEATURE JO BAILEY
art y throws Mirror throw, £222, Verner Panton for Verpan at Aram Store
Leopard blanket, £190, Cold Picnic at A New Tribe
It’s a wrap – these beautiful blankets will ensure nights in are done with panache
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the edited choice Silver rain magnolia leaf garland in Black, £45, A by Amara
Scented lavender wreath, £95, Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart
Truffle and honey Stilton jar, £14.95, Fortnum & Mason
Muzzi marron glace panettone, £22.50, Sous Chef
Moon sun brass candleholder, £175, The Shop Floor Project
Brass oil burner, £125, Aesop
’Tis the season to indulge… tastes, touches and scents – here are a few of our favourite things 30
livingetc.com
Eclectic alchemy diffuser, £90, Tom Dixon
Daisy flower decorations, £2.30 per stem, Bungalow Denmark
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
a sensor y Christmas
news THE NAME TO DROP
line of beaut y Interior designer of the moment Sophie A shby is continuing her decorative dominance with the launch of Sister. It’s her f irst line of furniture, accessories and art, characterised by Studio A shby’s signature use of crafted detailing, whimsical t wists and art inf luences. The collection includes refurbished antiques as well as original designs, such as the paw-shaped Polar chair, the Toucan daybed – a modernist-inspired form covered in tropical upholster y – as well as character ful cushions, ceramic objects, shapely basket ware and more. It is initially launching online, but a L ondon store will follow in 2021. ‘Sister is a realm in which I can be creative without the conf ines of a specif ic project,’ says Sophie. ‘W here I can just play and have fun with what I really love.’ Candlestick set, £10 0 for a set of f ive; the Polar chair, from £6,820; the Toucan daybed, from £3,195 (studioashby.com)
FEATURE AMY MOOREA WONG
Sophie Ashby’s debut homeware collection, Sister, is designed to be full of playful energy
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Experts in steel windows. We design, manufacture and install bespoke frames throughout the world.
Visit us at: www.fabcosanctuary.com
01903 718808 enquiries@fabcosanctuary.com
making everyday more comfortable
life.style.etc Sophie Coryton, founder of The Room Service, on tracking down gorgeous pieces from hotels, trumpeting artisans and taking a giant leap into the unknown
e
FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS
ver coveted a piece you’ve seen during a stay at a stylish hotel? Sophie Coryton did several years ago and it sparked the ingenious idea for The Room Service, an online boutique of curated pieces she comes across during her travels home and abroad and orders directly from the maker. Still under three years old, the thriving business now features artisanal brands such as Elvis & Kresse, John Julian and Samarkand Design. Sophie lives in Devon with her husband, daughters Rose and Ottilie and Gertie the kitten. Sum up your business in five words… Treasure trove of beautiful craft. What was your light-bulb moment? It started with an adventure trying to track down a beautiful lamp I had seen in a hotel in Majorca a few years ago. At the time I was working as a barrister. The concierge told me that he was asked about the lamp daily and I spent most of my holiday unsuccessfully trying to find the local artisan that had made it. I wanted to find a way to make it easier to find the things that we see showcased in these lovely spaces and often fall in love with. We launched in May 2018 at London Craft Week. What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for work? Time with my family, without a doubt. The biggest risk you’ve taken in business? Leaving my career as a barrister to leap into the unknown. I didn’t have a background in design or e-commerce, just a love of beautiful things and a passion for travelling. Thankfully, that was enough to get to me started and everything else I have taught myself and learned along the way –from photography to website design. Your proudest achievement so far? Watching some of the makers we found,
who were little known when we started working with them, flourish and become ones-to-watch in the world of design. Who do you turn to for professional advice? I have had wonderful mentoring from a charity called Heropreneurs, who help veterans starting out in business – as I worked for the Royal Navy. It’s an incredible community doing inspirational work. W h a t ’ s yo u r f a vo u r i t e t r a v e l destination and why? Ile de Ré – for magical memories with my family, fields of lavender, sand dunes, boutique boltholes and the most incredible antique shops.
Where is the next place you’d like to travel to as soon as you get a chance? Ett Hem in Stockholm is at the top of my list – I love Ilse Crawford’s interior style. Name three makers you are particularly excited by… So hard to choose as I truly love everything we have in our collection. Newton Paisley textiles, 31 Chapel Lane linens and Lucy Augé illustrations. Share your best business tip… Be kind. Be courageous. The journey will be a joy and the rest will follow. X
theroomservice.co
I didn’t have a background in design or e-commerce, just a love of beautiful things and a passion for travelling livingetc.com
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50 under £50
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Rainbow Yoga Joes plastic soldier, £35 for set of nine, Brogamats at The Conran Shop
Autumn leaf dinner plate, £31, Donna Wilson at V&A Shop
Winter gin liqueur, £35.99, Reverend Hubert
Havana goblet in Amber, £48 for set of four, Soho Home
Mara napkin set in Zebra + Horses, £32.50 for two, Heti’s Colours
60 building blocks in cotton bag, £39.95, Le Toy Van
Collective Noun giant matches, £45 for set of five, Polkra x Fee Greening
Leather work gloves, £28, Labour and Wait
Small Bolga basket one-of-akind No.62, £35, Wovenology
Colour-stacked candles, £26.99 for set of four, MoMA Design Store
Dream Dream Dream facial oil, £28, Sleep Siren
Havana Bolga fan, £28.99, Lola & Mawu at Akojo Market
livingetc.com
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
AVALANCHED WITH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ANXIETY? FEAR NOT. WE’VE ROUNDED UP A COOL AND PURSE-FRIENDLY EDIT OF GIFTS FOR YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST
The Mystery A3 print, £26, Polly Fern
Phi gold-plated scissors, £25, HAY
Heddon tall candlestick in brass, £45, Neptune
Hand painted mini vegetable knife rests, £13.50 each, The Edition 94
Foodie smoothie blender, £46.95, Rig-Tig at Skandium
Fog Orientalist incense holder gift set with 20 refills, £40, Tom Dixon
Rainbow Hope bracelet, £39, Mishky at Anna
Indoor Jungle book, £25, Anthropologie
Baby booties in Blue, £22, Luna & Curious
Oslo partyclette, £16.20, Boska at Amara
Colourblock notebook and notecard set in Pine and Pink, £49, Collagerie at Papier
Drifter mini leather coin purse in Mint, from £35, CARV
Little People, Big Dreams: Black Voices gift set, £25, by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara at Quarto Knows
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T-190 steel tool box, £18, Toyo at Couverture & The Garbstore
Esmie medium week-to-view diary, £40, Liberty London
Balance tea light holder, £29, Ferm Living at Heal’s
Box Box striped storage boxes, £39 for set of four, HAY
Sun print paper kit, £10.50, The Shop Floor Project
Steel bottle in Cobalt, £35, Stay Sixty
Block silk pocket square, £40, Paul Smith at Liberty London
Zellige espresso cup, £35 for set of four, Oka
Ceramic candle snuffer Elementaire, £40, Diptyque
90-minute sandglass in Conran Blue, £45, The Conran Shop
Teddy lightweight travel yoga mat in Cosmic, £42.95, Yogi Bare
All About Me gift box, £32, Leith & Gray
livingetc.com
Feather Your Nest interior design kit, £49.99, Stylemongers of Bristol
Alphabet brush pot, £40, Bridie Hall at Pentreath & Hall
Ame mirror in Papilio Rose, €35, Caravane
Skincare kit, with deeply hydrating mask, £42 for set of three, Plenaire
Cake stand in Caramel, £46.50, Toppu at The Hambledon
Alpha personalised phone case, from £40, Not-Another-Bill
Ceramic egg cup plate in Pink, £25, Matilda Goad
Car diffuser, £48, Jo Malone
Le Grey Because the Night silk sleep mask, £45, Hesper Fox
Psychoanalysis candle in Black, £45, Bella Freud
Stainless steel camping pot, £24, Native & Co
Stoneware vase in White, €19.90, Bloomingville
Sophia vase in Black and White, £39, Paper Thin Moon
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what does it take to build a top-notch interiors brand? 10 designers and creatives share their heard-it-here-first business secrets
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be original
Start with the product, not the brand. No amount of clever marketing or a fancy name will rescue a product that does not deliver. You have one chance at making your customer happy and, if you blow it, that customer will make it their business to spread the sad tidings as fast as they can! Edward Bulmer, founder, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk
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take your time Don’t rush! Take time to develop a cohesive story and a brand that represents the aesthetic and message you are trying to convey. It’s always good to have a goal or a timeline to work towards, but don’t launch something until you are sure it represents what you are trying to achieve. Jehanara Knowles, founder, Kam Ce Kam, kamcekam.com
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keep your idea simple
It’s very easy to get carried away, wanting to do lots of things from the get-go. This definitely happened to me. I had to rein myself back in and do one thing at a time. This helped me to refine ideas and took pressure off my cash flow. Remember,
FEATURE JACKY PARKER
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be principled
Have a genuine reason for starting your creative enterprise. A problem to solve or methodology which is new, and learn how to articulate it as part of your brand communications. A business built on your values is more compelling for potential clients and even more meaningful for you the creator to plough your time and energy (and ultimately heart and soul) into. Don’t follow trends or even just the crowd, lead the way. Also, hire the right people. People who are better than you, who have the skills you lack and who bring new and useful expertise. This goes hand in hand with hiring good people. You can teach someone to work better but you can’t teach someone to be nice if they’re not. Sebastian Cox, founder, Sebastian Cox, sebastiancox.co.uk
there will be lots of opportunity to create as your business grows. Eleanor Nadimi, founder, One Nine Eight Five, onenineeightfive.co.uk
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global outlook that feeds into my work. It’s important to have this experience when setting out as a designer to help discover your own voice and your unique way of interpreting it. Yinka Ilori, founder, Yinka Ilori Studio, yinkailori.com
know your thread
It is important to know who you are. Don’t try and be a slave to any one style – find your identity and be true to it. At Studio Duggan, although each project is varied, we always maintain the underlying thread that runs through all our projects: a curated mix of old and new. Always trust your gut because there are no rules to follow and each designer has different ideas and styles. Just because a designer is following the latest trend doesn’t mean you need to follow it too. Tiffany Duggan, founder, Trove by Studio Duggan, thetrove.co.uk
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online presence, alongside
It will help to increase your a good set of visuals.
let people in
Put yourself into your brand, be ready to be open and personal with your story. It could be in the inspiration behind your work or letting people behind these scenes, showing how you create things or what you are interested in. People like to connect with the designer and the work, they want to feel that your story resonates with them. Julius Arthur, founder, House of Quinn, houseofquinn.co.uk
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collaborate and build a community
What’s more it is a great way to get together with like-minded individuals and work in a mutually beneficial way. Secondly, spend time taking good pictures of your work as this is the strongest way to showcase your ability
think global
I would say travel is key to finding inspiration. Not only has travelling helped to inspire me when working on new ideas, it has opened up my eyes to new cultures, new ways of working and given me a
in a consistent way. Sophie Sellu, founder, Grain & Knot, grainandknot.com
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be transparent
My advice is that transparency is key. I know that doing good for our environment is on the minds of many who are starting a new brand or company. Respect for nature is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we choose organically grown cotton and biodegradable materials. And it’s the reason we partner with the most reputable makers, who prioritise the wellbeing of artisans while minimising their footprint. We recognised early on that we still have plenty to learn and I think of sustainability as an evolving journey. Be honest about what you can and cannot achieve. Adah Chan, founder, Baea, baea.com
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connect
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Social media has played a significant part in the success of Divine Savages; we’ve focused mostly on Instagram and Pinterest. Both visually led platforms, they lend themselves so well to interiors. Don’t try and master all platforms as there aren’t enough hours in the day – focus on one or two, be consistent, start conversations and build a genuine connection with your followers. Carve out your own niche, dare to be different and stay curious. Jamie Watkins, co-founder, Divine Savages, divinesavages.com
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the
tech list
ALEXA , CLEAN MY HOUSE!
The most stylish robot vacuum on the market, and also the best-by-far at navigating around your home and picking up a huge amount of dust and p e t h a i r. T h e m o to r automatically adjusts across hard floors and carpets, it can be controlled using Alexa , Siri or G oogle Assistant voice control, the air filtration system cleans the atmosphere as it goes and, best of all, when the 0.4litre bin is full, it docks, recharges and empties its contents into a vacuum bag that has enough room for 30 full vacuum bins of dirt. iRobot Roomba S9+, £1,500, irobot.co.uk
The ‘It’ products, zeitgeist innovations and style-savvy ideas for 2021
A N T I - B AC CHARGING
While we’re all now expert hand washers, how often have you th o u g ht a b o u t th e bacteria build-up on your smartphone? This wireless charging bucket takes the faff out of cleaning your phone thanks to the inclusion of a built-in LED lamp that emits anti-bacterial UV-C light with ionizer technology that sanitises your phone as your battery tops up. It works with any Qi-certified smartphone up to 3.3” wide. Lexon OB LIO smartphone charger and UV sanitiser, £80, selfridges.com
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FLEXIBLE LIGHTING
The Alis, from Italian start-up Potemine, is a refreshingly new take on traditional lighting fixtures that combines the portability of a battery-powered torch with stylish interiorfriendly looks of a wall, floor or table lamp. In fact, it can be all three; can easily be moved around the house, charges simply on a wireless base and uses intuitive touch control to adjust brightness – plus you can control it w i t h A l ex a vo i c e assistant. Alis, £450, potemine.com
T R A N S PA R E N T T V
An astonishing piece of design, this 55” transparent OLED TV conceals all the ports and processors neatly in the base stand, leaving the 5.7mm thick screen completely clear when turned off, helping it to blend neatly into the background. Aside from its clever disappearing trick, the Mi TV can display 1.07 billion colours with 150,000:1 contrast ratio, has a super fast 120Hz refresh rate for incredible colours and motion, plus Dolby Atmos support for the best in surround sound. Xiaomi Mi TV LUX, £5,500, mi.com
SMART SKINCARE
A pod system for skincare that dispenses the freshest possible face cream or skin wash at the touch of a button. Each product is mixed with your choice of active ingredients to produce the ideal product for the way your skin is feeling each day. Each custom-blended formulation is then squirted out onto a spatula for easy application. There’s also an app that can help prescribe the ideal blend according to your skin type. Romy HyLab, £350, romy.paris
Mood-boosting lamp Lumie’s latest therapy lamp has been designed to stimulate and calm you throughout the day, thanks to a range of modes including a realistic Day Mode with powerful 10,000 lux brightness, and
FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM PHOTOGRAPHS (BRIIV) KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ/ PHOTOGRAPHEE.EU; (FORME LIFE) PETER BELANGER PHOTOGRAPHY
a low-blue light that adds a little serenity to your evenings, while a soft backlight replicates the natural glow of dusk and dawn. Lumie Halo, £199, lumie.com
S E CO N D - G E N SPEAKER
The latest upgrade to Google’s collection of voice-controlled speakers has a discreet clothcove re d loze n g e in either Chalk or Charcoal, with a casing made from 70% recycled plastic. It can be used to stream music, either through voice commands or from an app, acts as a font of knowledge, secretary, weather person, newsreader or home control hub, being able to control compatible smart home products, such as your heating and lighting. Google Nest Audio, £89, google.com
MY FIRST HI-FI
This battery powered interactive speaker for kids is a screen-free, easy-to-use box of fun that lets even very young children (up to age eight) choose what they want to listen to without them needing to be online. Just slot their chosen plastic card – loads available include Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Paddington and Gruffalo stories, podcasts, games and songs – into the cute white box and away they go. It also has an app for parental control, it can stream content from your phone if you wish and you – or maybe grandparents – can also record your own stories onto a blank card for your child to enjoy. Yoto Player, £79.99, yotoplay.com
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N E VE R M ISS A COU RIE R
One of the best-looking video doorbells on the market, Netatmo’s waterproof wired design will alert you to any visitors, offering up full HD video quality and good night vision direct to your smartphone. You can talk to people if you’re not there – or otherwise engaged – and clever ‘people detection’ differentiates between someone and the nosy neighbourhood cat, keeping false alarms to a minimum. Best of all, you get all these features with no additional subscription cost and video can be saved onto a built-in memory card. Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell, £269.99, netatmo.com
S TAT E M E N T COOLING
Clad in textured stainless steel, LG SIGNATURE’s flagship fridge-freezer (A++, 569litres, 91cm wide) brings professional cooling and intelligent design features to your kitchen, with intelligent air filters that remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and doorin-door design with ingenious InstaView. LG SIGNATURE LSR100, £5,999, lg.com/uk
CUSTOMISABLE S H OW E R I N G
Thanks to the inclusion of a Wi-Fi module and fullyfeatured smartphone app, Roca’s latest shower can be controlled wirelessly throughout the home. Use the pre-heat option from under your duvet to warm the water automatically before you have a chance to get the chills, personalise settings for different family members, with favourite flow rates and temperatures (you can limit temperature for children to avoid scalding), and you can even set a duration if someone’s guilty of spending hours in the shower. Roca Smart Shower, from £2,751, uk.roca.com
3 OF THE BEST
High-tech home office lamps
1 Smarter lighting
Dyson’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connected lamp offers task, ambient and indirect light. It also tracks the sun’s position in the sky and adjusts the lamp’s colour temperature and brightness (2700K to 6500K) throughout the day, so if a cloud covers the sun, the lamp compensates. Dyson Lightcycle Morph, £499, dyson.co.uk
2 Easy reading
A futuristic LED lamp specifically designed to make reading from screens more comfortable. It bathes you in a vast 90cm wide pool of light – 150% more than standard desk lamps – and adjusts brightness and colour (2700K-5700K) to suit your task. BenQ WiT e-Reading Desk Lamp, £169, benq.eu
3Wireless charging
Simply place any Qi compatible smartphone on the lamp’s base and it will charge wirelessly, helping to reduce unnecessary cable clutter in your office or bedroom. Light is adjustable (3000K-6000K) and there’s even a sleep mode with a warmer glow to help improve your sleep. Koble Polestar LED, £80, heals.com
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N AT U R A L LY PURIFIED AIR
A simply brilliant new air purifier that uses natural materials to help filter your home’s air and also looks like a space-aged terrarium. Instead of plastic filters it uses a combination of moss, coconut, carbon and silk to filter up to 36m2 per hour. T h e d e s i g n e r s h ave estimated that the filter is as powerful as having 3,043 houseplants, all without the need to water or prune, and when the filters do need to be replaced, they will compost down in a couple of months. Briiv, pre-order £249, indiegogo.com
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CINEMA Q UA L I T Y S O U N D
The latest addition to Sonos’ audio collection is a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that will completely transform how your TV sounds, offering roomfilling, surround sound without the need for dozens of separate speakers. Measuring 8.7x114.2x 11.6cm, it’s surprisingly slim, especially as it contains eight separate woofers and three tweeters all angled to fire sound forward, left/right and also up to the ceiling to create an allencompassing effect, especially when watching fast-paced films. Sonos Arc, £799, sonos.com
PET TECH
FUTURE FITNESS
A stylish pet bowl with a hugely practical secret; it has a built-in weigh scale (gram/lbs/oz/ml) and LCD display that makes it easy to measure out your pet’s food. The stainlesssteel bowl is removable and there’s a partner app that helps you keep track of your pet ’s feeding routines. Petkit Smart Bowl, £40, petkit.co.uk
This interactive fitness studio combines dance classes, Pilates, weight training, cardio workouts and yoga in a single wallmounted unit. Designed by Yves Béhar, it’s based around a mirrored 43-inch 4K UHD display with voice control, touchscreen, webcams and a library of fitness sessions. It’s available in two versions: Screen for face-toface free weight and floor-style classes; and Full Studio, which transforms the mirror into a full home gym, with collapsible weight bench, retractable pulley arms for strength training, hidden free weights and even a ballet barre. FORME Life Home Studio, from around £45 per month, formelife.com
Screen break Most of us will probably admit to spending too much time in front of a screen, but this addiction could be doing us damage. There’s a direct correlation between screen time and migraines and your device’s blue light has been shown to impact on your natural sleep hormones. Need a little help putting your phone down? Consider setting up screen-time alerts where
DESIGNER INSIGHT
Benjamin Hubert , design director at Layer (layerdesign. com) and designer of the Beosound Balance speaker for Bang & Olufsen (bang-olufsen. com), looks to the future of home technology. ‘There’s a movement towards softening technology and allowing it to blend into whichever environment you spend a lot of time in; whether that’s the workplace, a home or hotel. We expect our technology to perform and do some pretty incredible things, but are increasingly wanting them to work in harmony with everything else. Brands like Google have really led the way, but there’s still a way to go. ‘Wellness and wellbeing is moving everything forward, and with some major emotional drivers at the moment [COVID-19 and climate change] I see a shift to creating products that are warm and inviting, soothing the user, helping to create a happier state of mind.’
you’ll be able to track how much time you spend on your
D E S I G N I N D E TA I L : C L E V E R H O M E S E C U R I T Y
device, even limit the apps you
While a basic alarm with a siren box on the front of your house remains an extremely effective home security deterrent, the latest modular smart home solutions give you the chance to monitor your home without the need for a costly installation. Designed to be plug-andplay devices that require easy mounting and connecting to your Wi-Fi,
can use during the day if you find yourself easily distracted by social media at work.
you can choose from smart video doorbells, all-in-one security devices such as Canary (canary.is), motion and window/door sensors and smart door locks. The list goes on, but all these devices feed information back to a smartphone app, which then alerts you to unusual activity or simply that a courier is trying to deliver a parcel.
Compatibility is key with many smart home gadgets, and brands like Ring and Nest now sell a host of products that link with other smart devices such as Philips Hue lighting, meaning you can set up security ‘recipes’ such as a clever holiday mode that turns on random lights around the house if someone approaches the front door.
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Dream KITCHENS. MADE REAL.
Choose from over 50 beautiful styles, all with up to5 years interest free finance and backed by a guarantee of up to 15 years. Book your free virtual or instore design consultation at homebase.co.uk
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FEATURE MARY WEAVER PHOTOGRAPH AND STYLING SIGNE BAY DESIGN JOAN ANDERSEN AT DE 5 GAARDE
Flowers by Signe Bay. Wall paint from Jotun Minerals. Ceramics, TYBO and Gurli Elbækgaard. Loop stand trestle legs, Hay. Cake dish, Dirk Aleksic. Jug, Ejnar Poulsen. The bird, glasses, carafe, chairs and tabletop are all vintage
fabulous spaces E AC H M O N T H W E C H O O S E O N E R O O M TO G E T YO U I N T H E H O U S E S M O O D
We adore this festive-with-a-Scandi-twist dining area, where a cloud of flowers hovers over an elegant table. The dreamy scene was imagined by Danish food and drink company De 5 Gaarde – a brand that’s all about creating the best food and taste experiences and this nails good taste livingetc.com
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night and day Designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb gave this New York loft a dual personality PHOTOGRAPHY Nicole Franzen X
STYLING Katja Greeff WORDS Jo Leevers
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home profile THE DESIGNERS Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb, co-founders of Jesse Parris-Lamb.
THE PROPERTY A converted former industrial space in SoHo, New York. An entrance area leads into the open-plan living space, with a kitchen, dining area, living room and smaller seating area. There are two bedrooms, both en suite, and a WC.
ENTRANCE
Walls were given a bespoke finish balanced between industrial concrete and Venetian plaster. Wall treatment, Philis Himmelfarb Design and David Evan Wohl for Jesse Parris-Lamb; try Polished Concrete Interiors for similar
SNUG
This smaller seating area has a more intimate feel. Catalpa sofa, Roman and Williams Guild, in hand-painted leather, Holland & Sherry, and alpaca velvet in Burnt Orange, Mokum at James Dunlop Textiles
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BAR
The high-shine design is bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb. Vintage Jindrich Halabala armchair upholstered in Tibetan sheepskin. Alwa side table, Sebastian Herkner for Pulpo. Wing stools, Alexander Lamont, in Tiger Mountain, Dedar
LIVING AREA
A wrap-around banquette seat serves as a focal point in the open-plan space. Banquette, bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb. Marianas table, Argosy Product Division. Dining chairs, vintage Charles Dudouyt
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CONTRACTOR: APEX PROJECTS, APEXPPS.COM; SITE TEAM: CARICIC CONSTRUCTION, CARICIC.COM
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i t h vel ve t b a n q u e t t e seat i ng t hat wou ld n’t look out of place in a Manhattan club and a kitchen island shaped like a cocktail shaker, this SoHo loft home is all about partying and having fun. Interior designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb had a blast creating this apartment that comes into its own on a Saturday night, but their challenge was to also include more restful spaces that are perfect for lazy Sunday mornings. ‘The owner wanted it to feel more like a hotel lobby or nightclub than a conventional home, but we ensured it’s a soft, comfortable and high-end place for day-to-day life, too,’ explains A manda. With a creative mix of materials and luxuriant colours, this exceptional home has a balance between night and day, and the public and the private. Mindful of the building’s industrial roots and the city’s art-deco heritage, Amanda and Whitney also wanted to work these elements into the story. Deco-feel screens in steel and micro-fluted glass also help maintain
a smooth flow in what is predominantly an open-plan space, cleverly concealing storage and a WC. But the duo were careful not to go down the pastiche route. ‘We studied a lot of authentic deco designs, but we didn’t want ours to feel like a reproduction,’ says Whitney. For decoration ‘we took inspiration from a curvilinear motif in a French deco rug and then blew up the scale and abstracted it to feel more modern,’ she adds. The deco theme continues in the cosy smaller seating area, where heavy textures and rich materials lend a particular intimacy. ‘At night, this little corner sparkles with glossy wood, polished copper and mirror glass,’ says Amanda. It’s a good example of how materials were key to bringing atmosphere into this home, particularly as the overall backdrop – the walls and floors – was to remain industrial grey concrete. Whitney and A manda’s solution was to go deep into texture and colour. ‘We chose supersaturated textiles and opulent finishes,’ says Whitney. But as they progressed, they and
their artistic plasterers developed a finish that brought ‘the light-play and movement of Venetian plaster’ to the concrete. In the kitchen, surfaces and detailing also come to the fore. The monolithic island feels refined thanks to the scaled-up fluting and gentle curves. ‘Early on, we nicknamed it the “silver bullet” as it was inspired by an art- deco cocktail shaker,’ says Amanda. By the entrance, the circular banquette that wraps around a structural pillar has a dual personality. First of all, the mohair velvet ‘transforms from a warm olive in the day to pure gold in the moody evening light,’ says Whitney. Then there’s its functionality. After dark, it acts as a welcoming hub where guests enjoy their first cocktails. But, like every self-respecting metropolis superhero, come Monday morning it’s back to being quietly good-looking and useful. ‘It’s where the owner sits to put on his shoes before he heads out to his day job,’ smiles Amanda. X
jesseparrislamb.com
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KITCHE N
Manhattan hotel bar style meets loft living. The cabinets are in walnut with stainless-steel fronts that have been sandblasted and waxed for added patina. Kitchen, bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb. Bar stools, Wyeth. Live Sawn French Oak parquet flooring, The Hudson Company
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P OW D E R R O O M
This small space gets the saturated, high-gloss treatment, with vivid tiles complemented by an equally dramatic black basin and distressed copper fixtures. Tiles in Dark Emerald, Pratt & Larson. Basin, Kohler. Isla taps, Waterworks
MASTER EN SUITE
A vintage Paul Frankl credenza provided the inspiration for the vanity unit. Vanity unit, bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb. Thurloe wall sconces, Urban Electric. Brassware, Lefroy Brooks
GUEST ROOM
The sleeping spaces were where Amanda and Whitney indulged in their favourite deep hues and patterns. ‘Colour and materials were everything for us in this project,’ says Whitney. Walls in Townsend Harbor Brown HC-64, Benjamin Moore. Headboard, bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb in Utopia by Pierre Frey; made up by Genesis Upholstery. Light, Schoolhouse Electric
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home truths MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Amanda: When I’m on site, my 25ft Stanley tape measure.
W H AT A R E YO U HOPING FOR I N 2 0 2 1 ? Whitney: Unity, justice, travel and being able to hug my friends and family.
FAVO U R I T E DESIG N E R A? Both: We’d love to time travel back to the 1930s and 40s to be students at Black Mountain College. We met in graduate school and truly love working and learning together.
LAST PIECE OF F U R N IT U R E YO U BOUGHT? Whitney: A vintage Roger Capron coffee table with a rich russetcoloured tile top.
B E S T WAY T O D E - S T R E S S AT T H E E N D O F T H E D A Y ? Amanda: We each live within a 20-minute stroll of our studio, so our walks home through Brownstone Brooklyn give us time to decompress – before returning to the chaos of life with young families!
MASTER BEDROOM
Rich shades of ochre and plum warm up the concrete backdrop. Goddard armchair, Pinch, in Cuba in Ochre, Sahco. Screen, bespoke by Jesse Parris-Lamb, in Papiro, Fortuny; made up by Genesis Upholstery
INTERIORS IN 2021 WILL BE… Whitney: Well ventilated!
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S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
This edg y urban look is all about rich tones and texture
Chester wall light, £365, Original BTC at Holloways of Ludlow
Cosmo Denim Mix ceramic tiles, £45.41sq m, Porcelain Superstore
Wittenburg rug, £695, Soho Home
Black ceramic vase with handles, £48.25, HKliving at Trouva
PPno.2 Fauteuil armchair in Smooth Ochre, £847, Pols Potten at Amara
Magni large leather handles, £16.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds
Studio chair, £265, Normann Copenhagen at Connox
Podia coffee table, £629, Ferm Living at Monologue London
Faux eucalyptus spray, £10, Sweetpea & Willow
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D I N I N G S PAC E
Sliding doors, hidden behind the spectacular custom bookcases, link this area with the office. Kurul 02 stools by Enorme Estudio at Caotics. Lacquer and brass bookcases; marble and brass table, all Patricia Bustos Studio. Vintage chairs, La Recova in Madrid (customised gold details by Patricia Bustos Studio)
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shine brıght Designer Patricia Bustos de la Torre has created an exuberant home that’s the perfect location for welcoming in the New Year PHOTOGRAPHY Montse Garriga Grau/Photofoyer X
STYLING Patricia Bustos de la Torre WORDS Kara O’Reilly
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OFFICE
The confident colour scheme sparks creativity for Carmen and Alvaro and their children. Custom stained-glass window, Patricia Bustos Studio. Vintage chairs, La Recova in Madrid; reupholstered in fabric by Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild. (Opposite) Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. Illustration by Gonzalo MuiĂąo
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When dreaming of the kind of special Patricia. ‘The challenge was to make space in which you would want to the most of every centimetre, so there celebrate a new year, they don’t come are lots of hidden closets all over the much more full of exuberant positivity apartment. We even put a loo in a big than the apartment Madrid-based cupboard in the corridor.’ interior designer Patricia Bustos de In opening up the hallway, sitting la Torre created for her old school and dining rooms, Patricia created a friend Carmen Peñas. With a design sweeping flow between these interphilosophy that beautiful surroundings linking social spaces that had the make people happy, it was easy for benefit of adding to the apartment’s airy Patricia to collaborate with Carmen feel. The next challenge was to inject T H E D E S I G N E R and her husband Alvaro to craft an her playful sense of colour without Madrid-based interior designer Patricia upbeat family home that both reflects compromising on one of Carmen Bustos de la Torre revamped this property its owners – ‘they are a very fun family’ and Alvaro’s key requirements for a for Carmen Peñas and Alvaro Delicado, – and that guests gravitate towards. neutral base against which they could and their three young children, Candela, A former fashionista, Patricia display their art. Patricia’s solution was Carmen and Juanito. first made her move into interior to introduce the bolder pops of colour design nearly 15 years ago when she she and Carmen love into the ‘service’ THE PROPERTY co-founded a business specialising zones, such as the kitchen, bathrooms A 200-square-metre apartment in a 1950s building in central Madrid. It has an in restaurants and public spaces. and entrance, leaving the sitting and open-plan entrance, living and dining The focus on domestic projects came dining areas with the required plain space, an office, a kitchen and a guest five years ago, and her fashion roots are walls against which the art sings out. cloakroom. There is a master suite with often invoked in her use of fabulous A design geek with influences dressing room and en suite; another colour, print and texture. that range across Gio Ponti and India bedroom with en suite, plus two further By happy coincidence, Carmen Mahdavi, Eero Saarinen and Chahan bedrooms and a bathroom. had also had a long tenure in fashion – Minassian, Patricia’s skill is in blending working for Spanish designer Agatha anything and everything from a dash of Ruiz de la Prada, who is known for her use of bold prints and Miami Beach art deco to a merry sprinkle of 1980s Memphis into punchy colours – so their aesthetic visions were primed to align. a vibrant mix that is confident and optimistic. And her approach While Patricia and Carmen had been school friends when they chimed well with Carmen and Alvaro’s wishes. ‘They told me were tiny, they only met up again at an event many years later. ‘It they wanted an eclectic home and the truth is that my style is was chance,’ says Patricia. ‘Carmen found out I was a designer and reflected in this apartment but adapted to their specific tastes. she was going to start renovating her home. She decided to hire me As for daring colours, Carmen and Alvaro had no problem; when she saw that I am a lover of colour and happy spaces like her.’ sometimes I confess that Carmen is even more daring than me!’ Said home is an apartment in central Madrid located on the All the design references aside, this is very much an inviting Paseo de la Castellana – one of the city’s key arteries, linking the family home and, come New Year, hopefully Carmen and Alvaro north and south. Carmen and Alvaro had previously rented in the will be hosting one of their regular get-togethers. ‘They are great area before moving into this flat when they were expecting their hosts,’ says Patricia. ‘Carmen loves to cook and to welcome third child. It had been previously owned by Carmen’s parents, so people. She makes sure you have a wonderful evening.’ needed some work in order to update it to suit the couple and their X style. ‘They wanted to have a generously sized living area,’ says patricia-bustos.com
home profile
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LIVING ROOM
The look is Miami Beach art deco meets 1980s Memphis. Curvy white sofa; lacquer and brass side tables; brass, marble and lacquer floor lamp and Beso (Kiss) artwork, all Patricia Bustos Studio. Polka dot cushions, made from fabric by Gastรณn y Daniela. Pair of vintage Vicario armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Isabella rug by Lorenzo Castillo for The Rug Company. Dipping Light lamps, Marset. Brass and opal glass wall lights, IKB 191
TWIN BEDROOM
The plentiful use of pink is a Patricia Bustos Studio signature. Rollers Party 05 photograph by Nicolas Bets, YellowKorner. Vertigo pendant, Petite Friture
MASTER BEDROOM
There’s a standout 3D quality to the paper used behind the bed. Geometric wallpaper, Papeles de los 70. La Femme Fleur photograph by Nicolas Bets, YellowKorner. Lacquered pink bedside tables, InDietro in Madrid
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home truths that I love, plus it pairs well with seafood.
OFFICE
Patricia: Always Albariño. It’s a typical Galician wine
BED ROOM
KITCHEN
FAV O U R I T E T I P P L E T O TOA S T TH E N E W Y E A R ?
the blueprint LIVING/ DINING ROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
T H E S O N G T H AT A LWAY S G E T S YO U O N T H E D A N C E F L O O R ? Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.
BEDROOM
ANY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?
BEDROOM
I always have several – most of 2020’s didn’t work out, so now it’s simply to follow my instincts and above all take care of and love the people around me.
S I G N AT U R E PA R T Y L O O K ? I usually wear a red dress.
D O YO U F O L L O W A N Y T R A D I T I O N S F O R C E L E B R AT I N G T H E N E W Y E A R ? Yes, we usually spend New Year’s Eve with my family and after midnight we do performances and dance. On 1 January we go to the beach so I can surf.
W H O D O YO U F O L L O W O N I N S TA G R A M ? Mainly design and surfing accounts. Also trendsetters, virtual reality artists and design blogs like Yatzer, Yellowtrace or Frame magazine.
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MASTER B AT H R O O M
‘We had to take advantage of every centimetre to be able to add an en-suite,’ says Patricia. Custom sliding stained-glass doors; lacquer and marble vanity unit, both Patricia Bustos Studio. The Carnaby footstool by Atkin and Thyme is similar
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S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
The apartment Patricia created is full of soul – and fun
Luigi square side table, £149, Zuiver at Naken Interiors
Brass and white spheres chandelier, £345, Hubsch at Lagoon
Iro leaf pink wooden framed wall art, £59.50, Oliver Bonas
Teheran cushion, €170, Svenskt Tenn
Spencer armchair in Green, £995, Luke Edward Hall for Habitat
Short wool curly pouf, £320, Amara
Componibili bio three-door unit, £163, Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell at SCP
Khidki rug, £350, Kangan Arora x Floor_Story
Globo cabinet, £3,950, Jonathan Adler
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chic goes cosy The cool loft apartment of interior designer Laura Santos may have epic proportions but it’s still full of soul and warmth
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PHOTOGRAPHY BjoĚˆrn Wallander X
STYLING Howard Christian WORDS Juliet Benning
LIVING AND D I N I N G S PAC E
A rug delineates the seating area, adding a relaxed vibe. Translucent curtains warm up the space while allowing the maximum amount of light. Rug, Woven Accents. Dining table, BDDW. Chairs, Joaquim Tenreiro for R & Company. Curtains, Calvin Fabrics
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Entertaining has always been a strong focus in Colombian-born Laura Santos’ household. ‘We’re Latin so we like to celebrate everything. We know how to party and love to have friends over,’ she says. In normal times, the holidays involve a big celebration. ‘We usually throw a big party, extending the table for as many as 20 guests, but it’s not about sitting down and being formal, it’s more about the food, the drinks and the music. I love aesthetics, so I want everything to look pretty, but I think it’s more important for a dinner party to have soul.’ Like her dinner parties, Laura has always placed a strong emphasis on the word ‘soul’ when it comes to the loft she shares with her partner and two children. When first faced with the vast, empty space that was to become her home, Laura was awed and daunted in equal measure. ‘The incredible size of the windows and height of the ceiling appeared to me as a beautiful canvas to work on, but I knew the space would be difficult to furnish because of its scale,’ she says. Her first experience of loft living, Laura saw her mission as bringing both functionality and warmth to the space. Built in 1929, the four-storey building had once been a car park and is located in the district of SoHo. Rooted in the inner fabric of the city, from the windows the rhythm of New York’s Lower Manhattan life is hard to miss. ‘We had already been living in New York for a long time and I love this downtown neighbourhood,’ says Laura. ‘The views bring in a strong element of the city. I can
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home profile TH E OWN E RS New York-based interior designer Laura Santos and her partner who live here with their son and daughter.
THE PROPERTY A large, loft-style apartment in New York’s SoHo district. It has a spacious living area that includes the kitchen, pantry, breakfast space and dining and sitting areas. There is also a media room, cloakroom, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, plus two further bedrooms and bathrooms.
hear everything from the street. We looked at many other properties, but when I saw this apartment I realised there was so much potential. I knew I could make a home here.’ Laura and her partner embarked on a gut renovation over two years, creating bedrooms that are contained, private spaces in contrast to the massive living area that acts as the beating heart of family life. ‘I wanted to warm up the space with the natural materials of stone and wood,’ explains Laura. ‘I needed to work out how to fill it while also leaving its sense of openness.’ Responding to the epic proportions, Laura chose large, sculptural furnishings that would articulate each function of the room. ‘In the main space, the sofas, dining
table and Sputnik light fitting became the anchors. The stone I chose for the fireplace was a risk as I feared it may be too loud, but once in place its tonalit y worked beautifully, bringing just the right amount of colour to fit in with the scheme. Bookshelves and art were another vital component in adding a sense of cosiness and identity. Crucial for Laura’s appetite for entertaining, the kitchen features a concealed butler’s pantry that contributes to effortless hosting, allowing dinner-party debris to be swept up and hidden in a few deft movements. Dividing space was another way that Laura brought her balancing touch to the 4,000-square-foot apartment. A breakfast nook is contained by a horizontal shelving unit backing onto the low sofa of the reading area, which marks a natural transition into the more relaxed section of the loft. Laura dressed windows with light fabric, the narrow black rails responding to the steel f ra mes. ‘ T he or ig i na l black met a l is incredible,’ says Laura. ‘The age and patina are a huge part of the beauty of the space.’ A finely tuned combination of seductive informality and stylish edge, this loft exactly matches its owner’s style of hosting. X
See more of Laura Santos’ interior design portfolio at laurasantosinteriors.com. A rch itec t u re by Met hod De sig n , methoddesign.com
L I V I N G S PAC E
Large, sculptural furnishings are characterful as is the unusual stone on the fireplace. Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Ralph Pucci. Coffee table, Ado Chale; source at 1stDibs. Art above fireplace, Jorge Queiroz
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KITCHE N
Hidden behind the main cabinetry is a butler’s pantry. The longitudinal grain of the wood emphasises the tall ceiling height. Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara at Dual Modern. Art by Susan Vecsey
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BREAKFAST AREA
One of Laura’s favourite pieces of art makes a playful backdrop to this informal nook. The Wood-clad walls add a cosy, cosseting feeling. Tabletop by Paul Kingma; base by Laura Santos Interiors, fabricated by Vigilant Design. Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro for R & Company. Mid-century brass chandelier by Fontana Arte; source at 1stDibs. Art over table by Paul Feeley. Art to the right by John Wesley
MASTER BEDROOM
Laura took her design cue from the wall sconces, creating tables that would sit below them. Bed and tables by Laura Santos Interiors; fabricated by Dune. Sconces by Jean Royère at HM Luther; find at 1stDibs
“I bought the apartment because of the master bedroom – it’s like a little self-contained loft in itself” X
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C L OA K R O O M
SON’S ROOM
Sink counter by Laura Santos Interiors; fabricated by Hudson. Tap, Waterworks. Mirror, BDDW. Pendant light by Fog & Morup at ModHaus
Floor lamp by Esperia at Donzella. Stilnovo style pendant light, Minimal Concept. Bed by Laura Santos Interiors; fabricated by Dune. Find a similar bookshelf at Ikea
This live edge surface brings an organic shape that contrasts with the clean-cut mirror.
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The floor lamp and pendant light add a sculptural quality.
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
Fuse retro and modern elements for Laura’s covetable aesthetic
Nadia caned accent chair, £698, Anthropologie
Kins pendant light, £480, Bert Frank
Mobiles wool blanket, £167.24, Denise Carbonell for ZigZagZurich
Femme 4 oil on paper artwork, £450, Zahra Holm at Partnership Editions
Ella wide sideboard, £795, Ercol at Furniture Village
Reclaimed Hueso tiles, £150sq m, Maitland & Poate
Chunky table, €810, Tine K Home
Earth papier-mâché table light, £280, Marie Michielssen for Serax at SCP
Holmes grande sofa in Carmine cotton velvet, £2,205, Arlo & Jacob
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in Alexandre and David’s seductive Paris apartment there is something to delight and intrigue PHOTOGRAPHY Helenio Barbetta/Living Inside X
smoke and mirror
Everywhere you look
STYLING Chiara dal Canto WORDS Juliet Benning
DINING AREA
The mirror-clad chimney breast adds depth. Bookshelves in Macassar wood are lined with brass that lifts the darker tones. Lasso glass sculpture (hanging on mirror), SkLO Studio. Superleggera chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina, source at 1stDibs
H A L LWAY
A panel of wallpaper makes a dramatic backdrop to the console table where David and Alexandre’s finds are displayed. Pink flamingo garden wallpaper, Ananbo. Console table, AM.PM
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LIVING ROOM
The mirror, concealing a TV, provides a focal point. David and Alexandre prefer the ambience of wall lights to ceiling lighting. Sofa by Zanotta; in velvet from Creations Metaphores. Cocktail chair in Jim Thompson’s Golden Sunburst fabric. Model 3100 chairs by Willy Guhl for Dietiker; source from Pamono. Sculpture on mirror, William Friedle
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KITCHE N
A huge wall mirror ensures that those eating at the bar can see the rest of the room. Walls in Railings, Farrow & Ball. Worktop in Bardiglio Nuvolato marble. Brass 2097 chandelier, Gino Sarfatti for Flos
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mmediately upon entering David Chaplain and Alexandre Roussard’s Paris apartment, visitors are drawn into a seductive enclave. Conjured by these two connoisseurs of both scent and interior design, the property is not only a treat for the eyes but also the nose. David works for perfume company Kilian Paris and Alexandre for Diptyque, so each room is punctuated by candles. ‘We up the candle quota for the festive period. They are everywhere,’ says David. It was five years ago that the couple decided to sell their respective studio apartments and club together to buy their first shared home. ‘We were very specific about what we wanted and in no rush. We had so many viewings,’ recalls David. He didn’t tell Alexandre he had booked to see this apartment as the price was beyond their budget. ‘But I suspected there was room to negotiate,’ he says wryly. He sprung the appointment on Alexandre after a first viewing in the area, urging him to stay longer than his lunch break allowed. ‘We were supposed to spend 10 minutes at the viewing, but instead we spent an hour. The apartment had such beautiful detailing and at 72 square metres it was large for Paris. We fell in love with it.’ The six-month renovation included creating a new floor plan that transformed the three bedrooms into a more comfortable one-bedroom arrangement with a larger kitchen and bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. An expansive living and dining room with exquisite panelling takes up almost half of the floor space and is where the couple spend much of their free time. ‘Last Christmas, we hosted my mother and father and best friend. We had an extravagant dinner with lots of dishes as Alex loves to cook. We then stayed up singing karaoke songs until 5am drinking champagne,’ David says, laughing. ‘I always insist we have to have a large Christmas tree and it must reach the ceiling, which is almost three metres high,’ he adds. With its cosseting graduating grey colour scheme, the apartment has a cosy ambience well suited to winter. Moving further into the rooms, there is a sense that nothing is quite what it seems with mirrors giving the impression of more space. The darkness of the passage beckons you further to the rear of the apartment where the kitchen is so remarkably streamlined, with its crisply cut brass, that it feels more like a hidden bar in a boutique hotel. Overhead an elaborate Gino Sarfatti chandelier elevates the domestic space bringing an unexpected sense of grandeur. David and Alexandre like to regularly switch things up. ‘We have a room in the basement with furniture in storage,’ says David. ‘We go down there every six months and might add in a new accent table or chair or light.’ Over the years the pair have sourced artwork and sculptures in galleries and at the Saint-Ouen flea market. ‘We’re particularly drawn to the classical antiquity period. If we see something we love, we have to have it,’ David says of the compulsion that means their home is filled with plaster busts, heads and animals. Elsewhere, brass detailing combines with marble to luxurious effect while multiple mirrors and the lacquered black floorboards of the hall bounce light around. An apartment where everywhere you look there is something to delight and intrigue, the world David and Alexandre have created is a sumptuous haven, ideal for dark winter nights when candles burn brightly.
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home profile THE OWNERS David Chaplain, who is the global store design and visual merchandising director for perfume company Kilian Paris. His partner, Alexandre Roussard, is the head of architecture and merchandising at Diptyque. The couple met when they both worked at Louis Vuitton.
THE PROPERTY A fourth-floor apartment in an 1870s-era building in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. The apartment has a hallway, living and dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, laundry room, plus master bedroom and bathroom with walk-in wardrobe.
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MASTER BEDROOM
Mirrored panelling makes this space seem larger. The chimney breast doubles as a headboard. Anguilla wallpaper from Zinc Textile. Walls in Elephant SE330, Flamant by Tollens. Wall sconces by Charlotte Perriand for Nemo. Cashmere wool blanket, Louis Vuitton
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K ITCH E N
the blueprint LIVING/ DINING ROOM
BEDROOM
WA R D R O B E
Custom-made cabinetry features the same Macassar wood of the dining room shelves, bringing a sense of continuity. Cabinetry designed by David and Alexandre, with a bronze mirror with brass trim and leather handles on the drawers
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houses
B AT H R O O M
Resilient glass mosaic tiles were chosen for the shower walls. The grain of the marble unites the different tones in the scheme. African bronze mask bought in Saint-Ouen flea market. 1970s wall sconce sourced from Pamono. Mid-century Gubi Adnet mirror; find at Finnish Design Shop. Arabescato Carrara marble basin designed by David and Alexandre. Natural brass taps from Vola
home truths FAV O U R I T E C H R I S TM A S TR AC K ? David: Mariah of course. All I Want for Christmas. I can listen to it 200 times during the festive season!
B E S T N E W Y E A R ’ S D AY HAN G OVE R CU R E ? Watching cheesy holiday movies on the sofa all day with hot tea and homemade chocolate chip cookies.
YO U R S I G N AT U R E CHRISTMAS DISH? I’m going to be very basic: roast turkey with chestnut stuffing – dream dish.
W H O W O U L D P L AY YO U I N A M O V I E ? Daniel Radcliffe
NAME THREE DREAM NYE DINNER GUESTS… Kelly Wearstler, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Joan Collins.
W H AT ’ S YO U R M A N T R A ? I swing between ‘Anything is possible’ and ‘Go big or go home’.
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S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
David and Alexandre’s home embraces luxury beautifully
Low lounge chair, £199.99, H&M Home
Printed jungle palm cushion, £32, HKliving at Flo & Joe
Herringbone style wood and brass shelf unit, £1,150, Rockett St George
Claridges wall lamp, £340, Eichholtz at Sweetpea & Willow
Augustus chandelier, £3,143, Arteriors
Nuage large vase, £219, Vitra at Nest
English relief cast plaster roundel of Canova, £115, Peter Hone at LASSCO
Patrick unbuttoned love seat in Scuba smart velvet, £1,890, Sofa.com
Belvoir herringbone engineered wood flooring, £47.94sq m, Ted Todd
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house of
cool
Milly and David’s Victorian terrace is the definition of pared-back hipness – a family home with a side order of style
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PHOTOGRAPHY David Cleveland X
STYLING Milly Goodwin WORDS Amy Moorea Wong
LIVING ROOM
‘I hate coffee tables, they’re shin bashers,’ Milly says. ‘We use pig benches instead, like the one over our daybed – we just pull it out and it acts as a coffee table, leaving space for our boys to run around.’ Walls and woodwork in Portland Stone, Little Greene. Black 3-arm ceiling light, Serge Mouille from Tanguy Rolin. Berber rug by London Cows. Brass shelf wall light designed by Milly Goodwin. Antique pig bench, Home Barn
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KITCHE N
‘I wanted to give this new space integrity by using old materials,’ Milly explains of the many reclaimed surfaces. Units from Pineland; in Obsidian Green, Little Greene. Polished concrete worktop, Designer Stone. Reclaimed iroko worktop, Re4med. Reclaimed ceramic wall tiles, Cawarden Reclaim
home profile THE OWNERS Design consultant Milly Goodwin, her husband, photographer David Cleveland, and their two sons, Cosmo, six, and Wilbur, three.
THE PROPERTY An end-of-terrace classic Victorian house in west London. On the ground floor is a double living room, a kitchen/dining space and WC. On the first floor is the master bedroom, two children’s bedrooms, a guest bedroom/utility, a bathroom and an office, with a loft room on the second floor.
c
hristmas in this house is ever-evolving. ‘It changes each year,’ smiles owner Milly Goodwin. ‘We have an eclectic collection of decorations so we just see what we fancy – this year it’s simple greenery with a few kitsch pieces, last year it was Indian-style garlands in bright, clashing colours and gold.’ With the kitchen extension creating a smooth flow throughout the downstairs of the Victorian property, this is a house for parties, be that the nightly before-bed dances the young family have around the living room or, in normal times, filling it with neighbouring friends and children. Milly has always enjoyed experimenting with style. ‘I changed my aesthetic when it came to designing this house,’ she explains. ‘It’s fun to mix things up.’ After a 10-year career as a stylist for interiors magazines, Milly’s job as a design consultant lends itself to her ever-changing look, as she guides clients through projects. ‘I work with people who are up for an adventure but don’t have the confidence to do it themselves,’ she explains. These adventures often inspire changes in her own home. ‘Ideas are always ticking over in my head, it drives my husband Davey nuts because I’m always rejigging something!’ The young family moved here five years ago from a dark-walled flat decorated with pops of colour. Filling the house was a purposely slow process. ‘It had to be natural,’ explains Milly. ‘And living here for a while helped us understand what we wanted – for a few years we only had a sofa and a rug.’ The original features of the property, from the corbels and cornicing to the expansive fireplaces, gave Milly a design starting point, and the space has a black and white thread running through it. This is also a home of two halves; downstairs is a sea of calming neutrals, while upstairs is Victoriana meets a touch of Alice in Wonderland. ‘I’d get bored if the whole house looked like downstairs,’ explains Milly. The icing on the cake of the long-running project is the completion of the kitchen. ‘Having that slow burn gave me a clear vision for the space, I really wanted the kitchen to have its own identity,’ says Milly. And its identity is a historic one; the existing exterior brick wall is joined by reclaimed oak parquet, an iroko kitchen island top rescued from a science lab and glazed tiles that once lined the London Underground. While to some a pale palette and two small boys may not seem like an ideal combination, Milly designed the space to be practical and to suit playful family life. ‘I know it seems like young children don’t live here, but it works really well,’ she says. Thus, the sofa cushions are machine washable, the deep-pile rug hides a multitude of sins and textiles are liberally layered throughout to hide anything that won’t come out. ‘This isn’t a precious house, the boys are always jumping all over the furniture,’ Milly reveals. ‘We don’t worry about spills’. X
Find Milly at millygoodwin.com. The house can be hired as a location, for more details see instagram.com/stanleyhouselocation
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KITCHEN DINER
the blueprint OFFICE
LIVING ROOM
GUEST ROOM
BED ROOM
LIVING ROOM
BED ROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
DINING AREA
A slimline skylight sits above the table. ‘I wanted a subtle slither of light that went the length of the room,’ says Milly. Solid oak tumbled double smoked herringbone wood floor, Avenue Interiors. Carrara marble top Tulip replica dining table, Swivel UK. Dining chairs, Gervasoni
houses
D OW N S TA I R S WC The space was previously used for storage and Milly kept the cupboard doors. ‘There’s a through-the-wardrobe Narnia feeling when you go in,’ she says.
Kimono tiles, Marrakech Design. Towel rail, Tea & Kate
LIVING ROOM
Lashings of greenery and beeswax candles make for a decorative scheme that is at once humble and opulent. Candlesticks, Graham and Green. Candles, H&M Home
LANDING
‘The hallway goes on and on. I wanted to play on that trickof-the-eye effect with so many doors leading off it,’ says Milly. ‘It’s a bit trippy to walk along!’ Wallpaper, Cole & Son. Mirror, Graham and Green
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houses home truths G O -T O PA R T Y O U T F I T ? Anything silk – you immediately feel sexy and ready to party.
P L AY L I S T ? Seventies disco classics.
W H AT D O E S YO U R H O M E SMELL LIKE? Frankincense, musk and amber – we burn a lot of incense.
PA R T Y F O O D ? A big cheeseboard. I love Black Bomber Cheddar.
W H AT ’ S I N YO U R G L A S S W H E N THE CLOCK STRIKES 12? Rum on the rocks.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? We prefer sitting down to loosely plan our year – hopes, dreams, holidays – we make a list.
MASTER BEDROOM
All furniture, aside from the bed and bedside tables, is banished to create a peaceful retreat.
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Bed, Sofa.com. Bed linen and throw, Piglet. Antique pig bench, Home Barn
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
Pared-back pieces that pack a punch fill Milly and David’s home
Dutchbone Gunnar side table, £219, Cuckooland
White peony and eucalyptus wreath, £59, Ella James
Natural black woven desert chair, £459, Cielshop
Chalk paint in Original, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan
Remi chandelier, £180, Next
Eve double bulb vase, £178, Jonathan Adler
Naroun wool Berber-style rug, £270, La Redoute
Coco double bed, £995, Loaf
Star decoration in pewter, £38, Malin Appelgren at The Shop Floor Project
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MASTERPIECES A TE E PIE E ES M S IN ER N GAS OO AS AAND O OD ND WWOOD GA DRU Maestro 75 D 75 Tall Tunnel Eco W gas fire co o Wave
CONTEMPORARY NT AVAILABLE AB B NATIONWIDE IO ON A AR FIRES A AND STOVES E VE A Autumn is a ma mag gica i al time off the th he yyear ar. There’s chill hilll iin the Aut e s a ch air, tthe en ghts draw w in a an nd golden leav avess go wn an nigh nd rred, brown dramatically transform m tthe landscape. attti
And A nd today’s y s co ont t mporaryy fires offer a wealt alth ho off desig d sign fi es offer ntemp opti nss tha hat will gra race any a yh home, from fro a mo modest urba ban tions terrace al retreat. ce e to a rustic rural
Wh return When g ffro om a long work, ther re is is no o better b from ere rning ning g dayy at w we ome welcom me tha han the d danc ncing ng fla flames and com comfor orting glow gl w off a n clean burning modern, g fir fire or stove. rn
DR DRU RU design an p ess an and nd stoves a ro five brand ns a fire oss fi acro ds nd produces in all ll fuel fuel ty types and nd pr price points. Find a deale d aler nearr you and ce poi treatt yyourself this autumn. ou tum
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Glo lobal by b DRU 55XT 5 XT gass fire fie
DRUFIRE.COM
Wall in Plaster V architects’ matt, £56 for 2.5ltr; panelling in Beetlenut architects’ satinwood, £75 for 2.5ltr (paintandpaperlibrary.com)
design & decorating A C L E V E R U P DAT E W E LCO M E S U S I N TO T H E P R OJ E C T S S E C T I O N
FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS
Painting jobs just got simpler with Paint & Paper Library’s new finish – the eco-friendly architects’ satinwood. Suitable for a range of surfaces, from walls to wooden trims, furniture and cabinetry, the result is a subtle sheen that’s incredibly hard-wearing and fully washable livingetc.com
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decorating
X
have a ball PHOTOGRAPHY Yuki Sugiura STYLING Alexander Breeze
Maximise your festive flair with silver orbs, extra flourishes and a sense of super-sized abundance
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C H E E S E B OA R D FINALE
(Previous page) Don’t just think in two dimensions, stack up a mini mountain of different cheeses for a sculptural after-dinner showpiece. Cheeses (from top): Pecorino Moliterno with truffle, £4.90 per 100g; Valencay, £11.95 each; Spenwood, £5.60 per 100g; Coolea, £3.50 per 100g; Parmesan, £37.50 per 100g; fresh fruit, all Fortnum & Mason. Agate cheese knives, £25 for 4, Amara. Oxydation side table, £803, Ligne Roset
DREAMY DINING
(Previous page) A fantastical, undulating cloud arrangement of metallic balloons high above the table, like giant baubles, makes for a showstopping dinner setting. Beetle dining chairs, £267 each, Gubi at The Conran Shop. Tablecloth, £385; napkins, £35 each, all Summerill & Bishop. Black and white Oriente Italiano plates, £88 each, Richard Ginori at Amara. Cream bowls, £14 each; cream plates, £22 each, all Anthropologie. Bauhaus cutlery, £230 for a 24-piece set, Cutipol at Amara. Quartz napkin rings, £324 a pair, Thomas Goode. Crystal comports: Inez, £240; Olive, £140; and Ottoline, £1,340; all William Yeoward Crystal. Blue and green swirl bowls and plates, from £85; all Designers Guild. Fish tureen, £115, Divertimenti. Shell-shaped toothpick holder, £90, Thomas Goode. Fresh fruit and vegetables, all Fortnum & Mason. Silver mirrored balloon installation, the London Balloon Lady
PRESENT AND COR R EC T
For an eye-catching alternative to the traditional presents under the tree, why not hijack a tabletop and create a striking decorative arrangement of gifts and objects? Blue vases (from left) Tall No.2, £585; short No.22, £250,
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both Moïo Studio at The Conran Shop. Alessi Champagne bucket, £136, Selfridges. Silver-plated bowl, £360, David Mellor. Purple trivet, £7.50; green trivet, £7.50, grey trivet, £15, all Divertimenti. Inka pink jug, £34; Cenote vase, £585, both Amara. Glass vase, £245, Designers Guild. Christofle gravy boat, £630, Selfridges. Angel console table, £2,820, Julian Chichester
DRINKS ARE SE RVE D
What’s a festive evening without a bar area – or, even better, a stylish mobile bar on wheels? Drinks trolley, £1,380, Go Modern. Aubergine wine glasses, £55 for 4; blue champagne glasses, from £50 for 4, all Oka. Blue water glasses, £17 each; blue tequila jug, £79; all Designers Guild. Walnut nut bowl, £36, Divertimenti. Bottles of wine and spirits, from £39.50 each, all Fortnum & Mason. Floristry, Juliet Glaves
PLEASE B E S E AT E D
Create ornate and extravagant tabletop place setting vignettes by mixing texture, colour and pattern. Finish with foraged foliage and jewel-like fruits. Tablecloth, £385; napkins, £35 each, all Summerill & Bishop. Crystal comports (from left): Inez, £240; Olive, £140, both William Yeoward Crystal. Bauhaus cutlery, £230 for a 24-piece set, by Cutipol; black and white Oriente Italiano plates, by Richard Ginori, £88 each, all Amara. Blue and green swirl bowl and plates, from £85, all Designers Guild. Quartz napkin rings, £324 a pair; shell-shaped toothpick holder, £90, both Thomas Goode. Bugnion name cards, $2.50 for 6, John Derian. Fish tureen, £115, Divertimenti. Cream bowls, £14 each, Anthropologie. Fresh fruit, Fortnum & Mason. Floristry, Juliet Glaves
On the side. Shop our full range of over 1,000 designs online at swooneditions.com
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decorating
pattern book
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
S T R O N G A N D B O L D I S W H E R E I T ’ S AT W I T H WA L L PA P E R S – T H I N K M O O DY H U E S , M E TA L L I C S A N D M E S M E R I S I N G M O T I F S
FROM TOP LEFT A gorgeous geometric with an art-deco edge. Shard in Gilded, £40 a roll, Prestigious Textiles Parisian galleries and flea markets inspire this hand-drawn design. Atelier in Midnight and Copper, £45 a roll, Albany x Mini Moderns at Wallpaper Direct Corinthian-style columns reach for the sky. Columns in Vine Black/ Antique Gold, £139 a roll, Zoffany at Style Library Simple shapes elevated with glittering gold. Labyrinth Puzzle in Blue/ Khaki/Gold, £42.55 a roll, Caselio Abstract fossil motifs are adorned with specialist gritter inks. Ammonite in Charcoal/ Brass, £129 a roll, Anthology at Style Library
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colour insight DAG NY TH U RMAN N - MOE OF KOI COLOU R STU DIO O N P OW E R H U E S A N D N O - G O PA L E T TE PA I R I N G S
While I love a warm red, I rarely use it on walls and prefer it on furniture – like my sofa – and textiles. The beauty is that it works well with practically any colour apart from bright yellow (because it creates a fast-food restaurant vibe). I have a few rules like this in the studio (right). For example, I never use blue with yellow because it reminds me of the Swedish flag. And you can’t use red and green because it looks like Christmas. I’m currently renovating our new home and combining dusty and light colours. The dusty colours I have used in my home are Pure & Original’s Lagoon Water, Jade and Olive Drab, which are toned down and not too intense. They have a certain percentage of black in them, but not too much. I prefer to combine hues with different lightness levels – it results in an all over more interesting look. I avoid using greyscale shades, not only in my own home but also in the homes of my clients. The problem with grey is that it’s not a part of the colour wheel, it is not a colourway. So when you try to combine it with the colour wheel,
you create visual chaos. For example, if you have white walls and you buy yourself a red sofa, all you’re going to see in that room is the red sofa because the contrast between the two is so high. The only greyscale colour I can live with is black, but it has to work with the architecture – specifically modernist architecture from the 1930s with its black window frames and black doors. But even in these cases, we usually soften the black with a little bit of blue, red or green. It’s very important that I work with colours that have natural colour pigments in them – Farrow & Ball, for example, and Pure & Original. A paint with plastic pigments makes a wall look a little f lat, while natural pigments add more depth and also transport more light into the room. I’d recommend using linseed oil paint. It used to be a bit difficult to work with – you had to have it at a certain temperature or it would take forever to dry. However, it’s now much easier to use: it dries quickly and produces more consistent results. Using natural paints is a bit different from rolling on other paint. You need quite a bit of paint on your roller or brush, but generally you’ll only have to apply two coats, unless it’s a really special colour, such as Pure & Original’s Old Ocre, which is almost made up of more pigment than paint. koifargestudio.no
the edit Jubilee linseed oil emulsion, £36 for 2.5ltr, The Traditional Paint Company
Lagoon Water classico chalk based paint, £78 for 2.5ltr, Pure & Original
Old Ocre Classico chalk based paint, £78 for 2.5ltr, Pure & Original
Pelt estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Puckley linseed oil emulsion, £36 for 2.5ltr, The Traditional Paint Company
Samson linseed oil emulsion, £36 for 2.5ltr, The Traditional Paint Company
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS
I’m a really calm person so I need an energetic atmosphere. In my home I’ve used red – often several shades. I avoid the brighter ones because I don’t like intense rooms, but if a shade is warm and a bit bold I think it communicates strength. It also adds personality and atmosphere.
decorating
Natural paints are a bit more expensive than modern paints, but they’re worth saving for
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
ahead of the curve
C H O O S I N G S M A R T, P R E M I U M A P P L I A N C E S W I L L H E L P YO U C R E AT E A FUNCTIONAL , SLICK AND CUT TING - EDGE KITCHEN
The LG SIGNATURE InstaView Door-inDoor refrigerator, £5,999, is an ideal kitchen centrepiece
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Nowadays, the kitchen is so much more than a cook space and its continuity with the living area is at the forefront of modern family life. Homeworking, dining, entertaining and relaxing – its job description has changed from years gone by. Bespoke, free-standing pieces are called upon to provide extra storage, a pantry or study corner. Instead of the cool colour schemes we’ve become accustomed to, warm tones of berry red and terracotta are seeping in to ramp up the comfort levels, while patterns are finding their way onto floors and textured surfaces are adding an extra dimension.
You can do two loads of washing at once with the LG SIGNATURE TWINWash washing machine, £2,599
LOA D E D W I T H T H E L AT E S T T E C H In the same way that a well-tailored suit relies on the careful construction that’s hidden within, appliances from the LG SIGNATURE range wear their expert design credentials discreetly. The LG SIGNATURE InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator in textured steel has a sleek mirrored glass panel that, with two knocks, illuminates so that you can see inside. With auto open-door technology, a FRESHShield cooling system and an intelligent air filter, which removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, it also backs up style with superb efficiency. P U R E S O P H I S T I C AT I O N When at the end of the day a working kitchen tunes into relaxation mode and a glass of wine beckons, let the LG SIGNATURE wine cellar play host. By focusing on controlling vibrations, temperature and humidity, it will keep your wines in peak condition. With a sleek stainlesssteel design, under-shelf LED lighting, auto-lift drawer and voice-activated controls, it’s the ultimate butler.
The LG SIGNATURE wine cellar, £5,999, looks sleek inside and out
WORDS CAROLINE RODRIGUES
A P R O D U C T I V E A P P R OAC H W hile you relax, the kitchen will quietly get on with chores in the background. Behind its chic black tempered glass door and tough porcelain enamel coating, the A+++ rated LG SIGNATURE TWINWash washing machine is all about efficiency, coping with a full load in the main drum at the same time as a 2kg load in the drawer beneath. Engineered to minimise vibration, it reduces noise levels to a maximum of 69dB. Visit lgsignature.com to view the range and find out more about the exceptional features that make LG SIGNATURE deserving of a place in your kitchen.
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design
kitchen and bathroom news B E I N S P I R E D BY O U R E D IT O F T H E L AT E S T P R O D U C T S A N D D E S I G N S
S PAC E S AV E R
With space being at a premium for many bathrooms, Geberit has created Geberit ONE, a range of products designed to help enhance compact rooms and work just as well for larger ones. It has some smart storage solutions, including a mirror cabinet that appears flush with the wall. Vanity basin, £690.73; mirror cabinet with lighting, £2,302.40; wall-hung WC, £810.14 (geberit.co.uk)
Power couple TilemakersFiredEarthand Bert & May have surprised us with a collaboration – and it does not disappoint. Bolonia, their first joint collection, draws on both brands’ love for quality materials, craftsmanship and, of course, good looks. Bolon ia , £175sq m (firedearth.com)
VitrA has launched V-Care Prime, the latest hi-tech addition to its range of shower toilets, designed by Arik Levy. From £2,399 (vitra.co.uk)
FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS
Instant heat The slow demise of the humble kettle continues with the launch of a new hot water tap by Dowsing & Reynolds. The Monroe has a sleek design and compact tank, which makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or utility rooms. Instant hot water is activated with a safety button while standard hot and cold water can be accessed with a mixer tap. Monroe hot water tap in Gold, £499.99 (dowsingandreynolds.com)
HEAVY METAL Officine Gullo, renowned for its handcrafted kitchens with signature metalwork, has unveiled Restart Ranges, a collection of domestic range cookers with all the artisanal qualities of its bespoke pieces. Available in four models, from 90 to 120cm wide, it comes in three configurations – brass, glass and solid. The Restart Ranges collection starts from £6,948 (officinegullo.com)
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‘2019 National Timber Window & Door Supplier of the Year’
columnist Minnie Kemp looks forward to the colours and collections that form her fantasy mood board for 2021 Fantasists have more fun – it’s a fact. And this January, honey, just sit back and picture this… you’re reclining on a Tord Boontje Shadowy chaise longue, the shape evoking beach furniture found in Northern Europe in the 20s (the other 20s. Last time). Wearing only a silk wrapper and a turquoise bandeau that matches your eyes, you are perfectly protected from the dazzling sunlight by this glorious piece of furniture, expertly woven and made with love in Senegal. Beside you is a table, highly polished single cast resin, onyx. ‘Stacked’ created by designer Sabine Marcelis for Side Gallery, this piece resonates pu re u n a lt ere d ele ga nc e . It reminds you of the w ild ocean lapping the shores of Madagascar. Sitting on top of the table are three bottles of nail varnish, all different shades. Oh, what should it be, you ponder, the colour of 2021, the colour of the future? Dabbing a touch of polish onto three separate fingernails, you hold out your hand towards the clear sky to see the effect. Farrow & Ball Red Earth – perfect for kitchen cupboards but here it somehow looks too crimson, a little too vivid in a time of self isolation when what we need is a soft snuggle of a shade, a gentle whisper rather than a shout. In contrast, Farrow & Ball Babouche on your forefinger is a hopeful yellow, although this too seems a little optimistic, not true to the present mood. It’s the sunny colour of Nancy Lancaster’s London drawing room, it’s Rihanna at the Met Ball wearing that Guo Pei fur-trimmed cape, it’s you standing in a crowded room without a mask holding your best friend’s hand, in the distance a string quartet and violins. The middle finger is touched with a depth of sheen that lies between cerulean and teal, Farrow & Ball Arsenic – the glimmer of a fresh mint tree, light and vibrant, the symbol of hospitality and wisdom, the very smell of it resonates the spirit. It is said that Ancient Greeks and Romans rubbed
tables with mint before their guests arrived (you could achieve the same results, I’m sure, by purchasing a Coral & Tusk Fall Garden table runner). Yes, that’s the colour! Reaching for the cotton wool you wipe away the red and yellow hues from the other fingernails, dip the little brush into the chosen varnish and, like an artist, your strokes are precise and quick. Such artistic talents remind you of the piece you have just purchased from the Sarah Myerscough Gallery. A room divider made from hand-laid wood shingle pieces carefully composed by Wycliffe Stutchbury. Ever inspired by our British landscape, Wycliffe creates delicate, emotive and abstract pieces that glow when the light hits the tonal surfaces. A mass of shimmering wood shingles, just perfect to divide your new work ing-from-home of f ice space and the kids’ playroom. A lovely look ing person is bringing you a Paloma cocktail with ice, you sit up and place your toots on soft Magnetism, a rug designed by Irene Infantes, a designer from Seville whose colourf ul creations can be found at Christopher Farr. Lime juice, grapefruit and tequila: what a combination, you think, as you lean your head back onto a cushion adorning hand-embroidered shoals of fish. Turquoise and dusty pink silk bought from Susan Deliss. Turning the fabulously glossy pages of Livingetc magazine you take a second to admire your handiwork, soft olive hands passive and silent, startled into sudden life.
“Oh, what should it be, the colour of 2021, the colour of the future?” livingetc.com
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DESIGN PROFILE
Kelly Wearstler For someone with the moniker ‘the rock star of the design world’, internationally renowned designer Kelly Wearstler has a surprisingly free-spirited outlook on life, much of which can be attributed to the West Coast Beverly Hills locale she calls home. ‘My style is inherently Californian; soulful and evocative yet modern, with a laid-back, easy elegance,’ she tells us. ‘Los Angeles informs my work because it’s not rooted in tradition, there are no boundaries or restrictions on style –there are no rules.’ Kelly founded her studio in 1995, waiting tables while setting up her business and developing her aesthetic, which she describes as ‘risk taking’. Now the queen of provocative juxtaposition, Kelly is known for her multifaceted outlook on design, an approach she refers to as ‘mixology’; contemporary features meet the historic; raw finishes go alongside the refined; architectural lines confront organic shapes and saturated tones contrast natural materials. The result? An effortless, almost stumbled-upon, sense of indulgence. ‘Design has to consider a building’s contextual fabric,’ Kelly explains. ‘It’s so important to look beyond a space’s interior to what is surrounding it to create a truly authentic experience.’ This ethos is wholeheartedly reflected in her vision for the Proper Hotels, a set of four boutique residences peppered (so far) across California and Texas. ‘My designs for each of the Proper Hotels are deeply rooted within their neighbourhoods,’ she tells us. ‘They showcase the best and the coolest aspects their locations have to offer, giving a hyper-local flavour of each city.’ For the newest property in downtown LA, due to open in early 2021, Kelly blended elements of the area’s Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican and Moroccan design heritage into the iconic red-brick building, built circa 1926 by LA architecture firm Curlett & Beelman. ‘The Proper Hotels are infused with an array of distinctive artwork and furnishings by resident artists and artisans, as well as local natural materials, such as the stone we sourced from a nearby quarry for Austin Proper,’ explains Kelly. ‘So much has changed since I
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worked on my first hotel, Beverly Hills’ Avalon Hotel in 1999. Now, a hotel is much more than just somewhere to sleep – it’s a place to be inspired, to feel connected to the nearby surroundings and the people. I want to capture a city’s soul and infuse it into a property.’ As well as interiors projects, in the last 18 months alone Kelly’s introduced her fifth range of fabrics and wallcoverings with heritage textile brand Lee Jofa, added to her own collection of homeware, presented online interior-design lessons w ith teaching platform MasterClass, launched Proper Hotels in Austin, Santa Monica and LA and had eight of her most prestigious projects immortalised in coffee table tome Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style. That’s alongside ongoing collaborations with brands including Ann Sacks, The Rug Company, Georg Jensen and Kravet. ‘Designing stand-alone products is akin to creating individual pieces of sculpture
PHOTOGRAPHS DAMIAN RUSSELL
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FEATURE Amy Moorea Wong
design
Kelly’s airy Malibu home is inspired by the beach, with a muted colour palette and layers of texture TOP RIGHT Kelly is celebrated for her evocative approach to design
– it’s one of my favourite things to do,’ she tells us. ‘There’s an inherent cross-pollination throughout all of my work; architecture and interiors influence my ar t pieces, home decor, f urniture and v ice versa. I approach each medium w ith the same process of exploration and curiosity. It ’s about finding different modes of expression.’ For 2021 she’ll debut a collection with a wellknown British heritage brand, update her own collections, complete several residential projects as well as the latest Proper property in Portland. ‘I want to keep telling stories that are adventurous, evocative and full of depth,’ she smiles. ‘To continue to evolve and be inspired is what is most important to me. I’m always looking forward to the next adventure!’ X
Alongside her interiors projects, Kelly’s body of work includes her collaboration with heritage textile brand Lee Jofa
kellywearstler.com
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10 rules for decorating with Tricia Guild THE LEG E NDARY DESIG NE R GIVES ADVICE ON C R E AT I N G L AY E R E D A N D C O N F I D E N T S C H E M E S
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When using colour, identify a palette of three or four shades and start to weave in patterns in this colour family.
Use confident tones, but always consider how they’ll work with whites and naturals – a counterbalance to control the strength and provide a harmonious feel.
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Plan at scale. Represent colours and patterns in the correct proportions on a mood board – we have a useful tool on our Designers Guild website that may help.
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Don’t be afraid of abundance. The mechanics of florals and how they engage with each other is what really makes a room perform.
Use intense colour in a small room and it becomes a jewel box; a beautiful surprise behind the door that brings an instant sense of joy. Intensify the tone of a palette to create a richer feeling – this is brilliant in bijou spaces where deeper tones work best.
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Ground a room with rugs. Layer them to reveal certain elements of the designs, or overlap them to create a new shape.
Swap linens for heavyweight velvets in colder seasons. Add extra cushions and throws to create warmth, texture and depth.
Focus on the tactility of fabrics and consider small details, such as laying the table with linen napkins. Don’t follow trends – they’re ephemeral, so always choose fabrics and colours that you really love and make you happiest.
designersguild.com
“It’s important to create rooms with a gentle spirit that puts us at ease”
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PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Blend textures. A home needs layers, so a deft mix of colour, pattern and texture will add personality and spirit.
DESIGN DOSSIER
storage
A stash of smart ideas to keep spaces neat and tidy
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Call to book or for a free brochure 01283 744322 or visit leriviera.co.uk Quote Living etc TERMS & CONDITIONS: See website for full details. Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Woman and Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print. Free amend up to 45 days before departure is only valid for entirely new booking made between 1st September and 18th December 2020 and can only be used once.
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
news
How to make room for all of your belongings EXPERT VIEW
Walk-in wardrobes
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS
Simon Tcherniak, senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson If you have a large bedroom, you could create a walk-in wardrobe with a simple stud wall with (or without) a door opening. Or, if you have a spare bedroom, you could knock a wall through. Alternatively, if you have a really long room, you may be able to create a walk-in wardrobe in between an en suite and the bedroom, so you can dress en route from the bathroom. Whatever the layout of your room, however, you’ll need at least 4x3m to create a walk-in wardrobe, giving you the space to organise storage effectively. Start by looking at how much you want to store and what space you have. You can then decide on the storage that is right for you. For example, two rows for short hanging then a space for long hanging works well. Many of us don’t allow enough height for hanging: 2,070mm internal height is recommended. When creating a clutter-free space, look for ways to keep similar items together and easily visible. Deep drawers are great for objects such as handbags and bedding, while pull-out shelves help you make use of deep spaces. Shoe carousels and tie racks are useful and pull-down hanging rails are a clever way of using the height of a wall as well as being easily accessible. Internal lighting adds a sense of luxury. LEDs can be recessed or placed in housing and covered with a diffuser to give you an even light while picking outfits.
Even if you are short of space , you don’t have to compromise on looks. Big up a bijou bathroom with the new Rexa Design Compact Living range at Day True. From £8,000
S TA S H W I T H S T Y L E Just because it’s functional, doesn’t mean it can’t be eye-catching. (From top) Channel the spirit of iconic Ibizan institution Pikes hotel with this fauxleather bar trunk, £595, Rockett St George. Pretty and practical, the Omnioutil storage bucket is tough enough for inside and out, £33, Amara. This terracotta shelf, £35, is from one of our favourite new online destinations – Artists & Objects, which champions UK-based makers.
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news
Cupboard love LITTLE BLACK BOOK THE PLACES TO SHOP
For timeless storage, you can’t go wrong with Pinch, known for its understated, brilliantly crafted pieces. Standout designs include its Joyce cabinet, seen here rocking the new Black Out lacquer exterior. £7,945 with European oak with white oil interior; or £8,150 in black American walnut interior with lacquer finish
Aram Store London’s favourite contemporary design destination never disappoints with its extensive storage offering. Find the smart Montana and practical USM brands here. Calligaris If you, like us, believe that storage should be functional as well as cutting a dash, then head straight to this Italian stalwart. S t r i n g T he icon ic modu la r shelving system is unchanged since its inception in 1949; modern and timeless, it easily adapts to any space.
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H E AV Y M E TA L
Kids will need very little (okay, slightly less) persuading to hang up their clothes, thanks to this zingy rail – also in Pink and Mint Green – with sturdy rack for stowing footwear. £338, Smallable 124
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If you’re looking for storage with a utility chic vibe, you’re in luck. The Mikko small sideboard nails industrial style with its iron body, polished white marble top and glass doors for showcasing favourite pieces. And it’s finished off with scroll-shaped legs inspired by more traditional styles. We’re crushing on the drawers that open to the side, adding an extra twist. £650, Graham and Green
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
EXPERT VIEW
RED ALERT
Hidden storage
Proving that storage shouldn’t be merely functional, Ligne Roset has revealed 13 new lacquer colours for its popular Book & Look sideboard, which still maintains its droolworthy status more than a decade after its launch. This warming shade of deep brick red – which goes by the name of Brisque – gets our vote. £3,883
Interior designer Clare Gaskin, founder of Clare Gaskin Interiors Eye-level options are particularly useful in bathrooms. Mirrors above basins, mirror walls with a push mechanism or a more traditional hinged opening can be inset into wall cavities. This is particularly useful for situations where the wall needs to be built out for relevant pipework, such as wall-mounted taps and/or a concealed cistern. Traditional wall panelling can be introduced to a variety of rooms, with panels designed to conceal cupboards or even rooms. I saw an incredible listed property that had secret cupboards concealed behind the traditional wooden panels so this isn’t a new invention. In kitchens that are tight on space, plinth drawers can be great for storing shallow items such as roasting trays. Banquette seating can be designed with drawers or lift-up storage – consider what you’re wanting to store, how often you need to access it and also how easy it will be to do so. Sometimes drawers can work really well; other times, with a heavy table in the way, access from the top is best. Any available wall recesses can be used for storage in the hallway, with discreet knobs or push-catches for access. Larger voids might be able to accommodate a coat cupboard, while smaller voids may offer just enough space for keys. Every little counts! Ottoman-style beds or beds with drawers are great for stowing bulky items like bed linen and towels. When a bed is set into the eaves, bedside nooks can be carved out of these spaces.
Natural materials bring the warmth and texture to interiors that we’re all craving . Rock an effortlessly chic yet bohemian look with the modern-rustic weathered cedar frame and rattan drawer fronts of the Willow chest of drawers. £795, Loaf
WONDER WA L L S
The customisable My Suite closet from Porada is truly a wonder to behold. Fashioned from canaletta walnut with pewter and leather details, it’s the height of storage sophistication. From £12,950, Porada at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
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A simple way to set a tidy tone for your home is to keep its ent ra nce clut ter-f ree, say founders Corrie Jackson and Jennifer Bakker. We always advise our 60-second rule: every time you come into the house, spend one minute putting things away. If your hallway is sorted, it has a knock-on effect on the rest of the house. We often design ‘drop zones’: specific places to store your mail, keys and other essentials. It can be tricky to find space for shoes a nd coats, so they tend to end up in the hall. Store winter stuff in summer (and vice versa) in under-bed storage or vacuum pack bags. We also like to use adjustable shoe racks to make use of vertical wall space in the hall. Try to get as much off the f loor as possible with hooks or floating shelves. Personalised storage is always a big hit in the bathroom. We use white plastic containers that we customise with chic labels so that each person gets their own box. This works particularly well with kids who love anything with their name on it! Keep it clutter-free by having regular purges of out-of-date products. When it comes to kids’ clutter, use toys in rotation. Buy big clip-top bins that you can store in the basement or attic, and put half of the toys in them. Parents often panic when we suggest this, but let’s be honest: most kids have too much to play with anyway. Zoning is very important in a kid’s bedroom. Create different areas for different activities: a Lego zone, a craft zone and a book zone. This will make it
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easier for everyone in the family to understand where things belong. We tend to use see-through containers so that even young kids know what goes where. Here’s a crazy statistic: the average person wears 20% of the contents of their wardrobe 80% of the time. After all, the more you have, the more overwhelmed you can feel. To edit your closet, we recommend the hanger test. Simply turn all your hangers so that they face the same way. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger around. After a month, look at what’s on the hangers facing the original way: that’s what you may need to throw out. In the kitchen, we decant a s much a s we ca n i nto acrylic or glass containers. If you can see it, you’re likely to use it. You’ll also spend less time rooting around in the back of your cupboards. When you get home from your grocery shop, spend an extra five minutes putting things in the right places. You can also save time with refill baskets. If you’re decanting pasta into a glass jar, for example, and there’s some left over, put the bag in the basket. You can then check it before you go grocery shopping to see what you need to restock. If you’re working from home at your kitchen table or wherever you can find space, why not get a desk caddy? This looks like a desk tidy but has a handle – plus you can persona lise it . It ’s you r portable desk and you can take it wherever you go. X
maisonhaven.com
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS
interview
Decluttering tips from the home organisers at Maison Haven
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
gallery
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS PHOTOGRAPH PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Restore order with storage that fuses style and function
Tall order
Next time you’re passing through your landing, spend a moment considering its potential. Are you making the most of the space? You could take a leaf out of this homeowner ’s book with bespoke bookshelves that run right to the ceiling (check the height of your books and ask your joiner to space the shelves accordingly). Don’t forget about the space above the doorway either — it’s another neglected niche. GET THE LOOK Hector Pleat wall lights, Original BTC. For bespoke bookcases, try Neville Johnson
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It’s a wrap
A place for everything
A slate grey shelving system ensures that the TV doesn’t dominate this plush living room belonging to Massimo and Jessica Minale, owners of home fashion label Buster + Punch. Note the couple’s skilful use of black Nero marble panelling, which helps to move the eye around the space.
Savvy storage is the key to stopping your home’s entrance becoming a dumping ground. Think hooks for coats (including kid-friendly, low-hanging ones), baskets for shoes and, if you don’t have the budget for built-in seating, a simple slimline bench. The secret to success here is that the storage blends with the walls so it feels part of the design.
GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving, C. Bros Joinery. For similar marble, try Nero Marquina, The Marble & Granite Centre
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GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving and coat hooks, Hut Projects
PHOTOGRAPHS (THIS PAGE) PAUL MASSEY; (ON A ROLL) JAMES MERRELL. ALL TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
On a roll
There’s little doubt that an ordered working environment has a positive impact on your well-being and a tall freestanding bookcase like this one is brilliant for achieving that. Consider going bespoke if you have an awkward space to fill – a carpenter will be able to advise you. Make like these homeowners and inject a library vibe with a rolling ladder so you can access the top shelves. GET THE LOOK Bookcases, Jesse. Try the Library Ladder Company for a bespoke ladder
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Splash of sunshine It’s always summer in Skye McAlpine’s kitchen, where cheerful yellow cabinets make the space feel warm and welcoming even on the greyest of days. Wooden shelves create a vintage vibe that’s enhanced by the tools of Skye’s trade as a cook and food writer. This simple approach to styling shelves never fails, with glass jars of different shapes and sizes coming together to create a beautiful, unified look. GET THE LOOK Kitchen design by Ben Pentreath
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
PHOTOGRAPH (SPLASH OF SUNSHINE) PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Conceal and reveal
This glamorous kitchen offers a treasure trove of beautiful finishes, including rosewood panelling on the staircase with built-in storage. ‘We created shelving specifically for our clients’ cooking oils and condiments,’ says Gary Mowlem of Mowlem & Co. ‘The rosewood grain was perfectly book-matched so the doors blend seamlessly with the staircase when the cupboard is closed.’ GET THE LOOK Kitchen design with Caesarstone quartz worktops, Mowlem & Co. Pendant lights, Curiousa and Curiousa
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D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
Conceived as a series of plywood boxes with treads that double up as bookshelves, a staircase like this is perfect when space is limited and you don’t want to use valuable floor area. ‘Lighting was important, especially as we chose a solid-ply balustrade to suit the simple aesthetic of the bedroom and shade the staircase from the main bedroom lighting,’ says David Money of David Money Architects. ‘The solution was cabinet lights embedded in the inside face of the balustrade, illuminating individual treads and the brick wall.’ GET THE LOOK Staircase, David Money Architects. Saltbak rug, Ikea
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PHOTOGRAPHS PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Step up your storage
Double duty
Colour is used to lessen the impact of storage in this busy space that doubles as a study and cloakroom. The moody hue throughout makes it look and feel more open and less cluttered. It also lends the free-standing furniture a sense of permanency, which is perfect if your budget won’t stretch to built-in. GET THE LOOK Walls and storage unit in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. Try Ikea for a similar storage unit
PHOTOGRAPHS (WALK THROUGH, PAD OUT) JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (CURTAIN CALL) MEGAN TAYLOR. MAKING LIVING LOVELY: FREE YOUR HOME WITH CREATIVE DESIGN BY JORDAN CLUROE AND RUSSELL WHITEHEAD (£19.99, THAMES & HUDSON)
Walk through
I nterio r d esig n er S uz y Hoodless has squeezed a dressing room en route to the en suite here. If space is tight, use sliding doors to save on the floor area you’d need to leave clear for swing doors. Make sure your en suite is well ventilated: this is crucial in all bathrooms to prevent mould growth and particularly important in a set-up like this to avoid damp problems in the dressing room. GET THE LOOK Interior design by Suzy Hoodless, with dressing room in Theatre Red by Little Greene
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : S T O R AG E
Pad out
Curtain call
GET THE LOOK For a similar upholstered wardrobe, take a look at Hill Upholstery & Design. Curtain fabric, Osborne & Little. Rug, Tim Page Carpets
GET THE LOOK Joinery, RISE collection designed by 2LG Studio for John Lewis of Hungerford in Early Lavender by Mylands. Neon yellow latex curtain, The London Curtain Girls
A little fabric goes a long way in this tailored master bedroom created by Wolf Lewitt Interiors, where upholstery lends a soft touch to plain wardrobe doors, instantly elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio agreed that they wanted to keep shoes behind a curtain in their dressing room. That way, they had the option to hide them or have them on view.
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8 days
£1,559
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Reassuringly Riviera : Because you mean the world to us We understand that recent changes to the way we travel mean you need that extra bit of confidence to book a holiday again. That’s why we have introduced a policy to allow you to change your booking for free up to 45 days before you travel when you book a new holiday.
• Change your booking for free up to 45 days before travel • COVID cancellation protection as standard • Happy by day two or we’ll bring you home with a refund • 24-hour UK-based assistance throughout your holiday
Call to book or for a free brochure 01283 744322 or visit leriviera.co.uk Quote Living etc TERMS & CONDITIONS: See website for full details. Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Woman and Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print. Free amend up to 45 days before departure is only valid for entirely new booking made between 1st September and 18th December 2020 and can only be used once.
With woodwork painted in Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball, The Elder in Bath is a beautifully inspiring new place to dine
the lifestyle edit PHOTOGRAPH HELEN CATHCART
T H E O N E T H I N G W E ’ R E E XC I T E D FO R T H I S M O N T H
Regular readers know of our love for design agency Fettle and its plushly glamorous take on hospitality. Its latest project is The Elder restaurant in a townhouse in Bath, where sustainable food is served against an inspo backdrop of wallpaper by Timorous Beasties livingetc.com
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in and out
T H I N G S T O D O , S E E A N D H E A R – AT H O M E O R O U T S I D E
3
THE MUSTREAD
Page-turner
Longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, Such A Fun Age is Kiley Reid’s debut novel. It tells the story of a young black babysitter who is accused of stealing the white baby she is caring for. A timely exploration of race, class and privilege that will satisfy die-hard book club members and light readers alike.
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THE STAYCAY TION
Order, order
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THE PL ACE T O E AT
French flavour
Designed by John Whelan and founded by François O’Neill of Brompton Bar & Grill the new Maison François London restaurant has opened with aplomb – heralding rather noteworthy interiors. Design inspiration was sought from architectural gems such as Ricardo Bofill’s postmodern cement factory, ‘with soaring 20-foot-high ceilings hung with art-deco chandeliers, softened by mirror-filled arches’. The menus ‘pay homage to the grand brasseries of Paris and Lyon’ so anticipate French cuisine options, such as Dauphine ravioli with Comté and black pepper and Beef entrecote with pepper. @maisonfrancoislondon
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4
THE INSTA ACCOUNT
Green scene
@plantkween is a self-confessed plant fiend. ‘A Brooklyn-based Black queer femme kween. Obsessed with the botanical scene. Community building through plants’ is how Christopher’s Instagram bio reads. You could get lost for hours on this feed, with countless pictures of luscious green foliage and Christopher’s insightful and helpful videos, most of which are geared towards best-care techniques for plants, or as Christopher likes to call them ‘green gurls’. Check out Christopher’s current collaboration with @heyhorti, an ‘indoor plant subscription founded by Puneet Sabharwal and Bryana Sortino, that builds your confidence in plant care’ and shares the love of greenery, flora and fauna.
FEATURE RORY ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHS (THE PLACE TO EAT) OSKAR PROCTOR
The old magistrates court in Covent Garden has been given a rehabilitation order thanks to NYC-based design firm Roman and Williams. The bedrooms of the Nomad hotel come with oversized artwork and velvet trimmings, the all-day restaurant has a Mexican flavour and there’s a lounge called Common Decency where you’ll find a plush cocktail bar. thenomadhotel.com
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THE NEW HOTSPOT
News f l ash
Founded in 1982 by proprietor Sandeep Garg, this now iconic newsagent and bookshop has recently been given a redesign, thanks to a husband and wife duo, architect Gabriel Chipperfield and founder of The Artichoke Laura de Gunzburg, who have partnered with Sandeep. Shreeji News sits amid good company on one of central London’s most prominent and chic streets; neighbours include Chiltern Firehouse, Monocle Cafe and Nordic Bakery, to name a few. We’re not ones to name drop, but Jay Jopling and Courtney Love have been seen hanging out here – just saying. G a b ri e l a n d L a u ra h ave re i m a g i n e d th e s h o p i nto reading rooms, a magazine and bookshop, a coffee area and events spaces, all of which have been tastefully executed. The store often holds special events, including the recent Moncler x Jonathan Anderson Exhibition in a Box; 500 limited edition curated archive cases conceived to spark creativity and individual expression to celebrate the debut of the Moncler JW Anderson collection. There’s tableware items from Cabana, Atelier Houria Tazi, Nason Moretti and Lobmeyr, which will all be available to buy alongside furniture and lighting by ASH NYC, Gaetano Sciolari and Gio Ponti. @shreejinews
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FESTIVE FUN
Games mistress
Regular host of supper clubs and dinner parties, TV presenter and founder of Hoste, Laura Jackson picks games new and old to keep the party spirit alive. ‘How long has it been since you got the Scrabble board out? Put down your Words With Friends app and dust off your old set – it’s surprisingly brilliant, whether it’s just me and my husband or a small group.’ ‘Everyone loves Uno, but did you know about the upgrade? Uno Extreme is essentially an electronic device that shoots out the cards and makes it more fast paced. It’s frantic, frenetic and a whole lot of fun.’
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THE FOODIE DOWNLOADS
The apps ready-made to make entertaining even easier
Garden Plate
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerant or just looking for healthy dishes, Garden Plate takes the stress out of dietary requirements by serving up an excellent selection of tasty recipes.
BigOven
BigOven makes cooking simple. You can plan meals with the Meal Planner tool and reduce food waste with the Use Up Leftovers feature, which suggests recipes with ingredients you already have. What’s more, all of your favourite recipes can live in one location.
FOOBY
Not sure what to cook or how to steam your veg properly? The FOOBY app offers a variety of recipes and cooking tips, complete with a shopping list that adjusts itself to the number of people you’re cooking for.
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top of the morning A F E A S T O F C O M F O R T I N G F L AVO U R S , T H I S I S O N E F E S T I V E B R U N C H T H AT W I L L K E E P T H E S E A S O N F U L L O F C H E E R
BUBBLE AND SQUEAK WITH CHORIZO AND FRIED EGGS
Blitz fresh herbs in a blender and add to crème fraiche as a side
serves 4-6 500g potatoes, peeled and cubed 200g chorizo Leaves of ½ bunch thyme 50g fresh breadcrumbs Knob of butter 2 tbsp olive oil, plus an extra drizzle 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 leek, trimmed and shredded 150g kale, stems removed, leaves shredded 200g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded 1 tbsp English mustard 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 tbsp plain flour Leaves of ½ bunch rosemary Zest and juice of 1 clementine Salt and ground black pepper 4-6 eggs
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Put the potatoes in a large pan of salted water. Bring to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes until just cooked. Drain, then tip them back into the pan and roughly mash.
RECIPES AND STYLING EMILY EZEKIEL PHOTOGRAPHS LAURA EDWARDS
Meanwhile, remove the chorizo from its casing into a large frying pan. Fry over a medium heat, constantly breaking it down with a spoon to become crumbs. After 10-15 minutes, add the thyme and breadcrumbs and toast until crispy. Scoop into a bowl and set aside.
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Put the butter and a drizzle of olive oil in the same pan. Add the garlic, leek, kale and sprouts and cook over a high heat for 10 minutes until slightly wilted and soft.
Put the potatoes and greens in a bowl. Add the mustard, egg, flour, rosemary and clementine zest and juice, season and mix together. Shape the mixture into 4 or 6 cakes. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan. Fry the bubble and squeak cakes for about 6 minutes on each side until golden. Fry the eggs in a little oil in a frying pan. Serve the bubble and squeak topped with a fried egg and the chorizo crumb.
I R I S H O AT A N D P O TAT O C A K E S WITH SMOKED SALMON
serves 6 500g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 110g plain flour, plus extra for kneading 50g oats 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp sea salt 1 egg yolk Zest of 1 lemon, plus extra zest and lemon wedges, to serve ½ green chilli, finely chopped 60g butter, melted, plus extra for frying 1 tbsp olive oil 200g smoked salmon
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Simmerthe potatoes in a pan of water for 15 minutes. Drain and cool in a colander.
Mix the flour, oats, onion powder, salt, egg yolk, lemon zest, chilli, melted butter and potatoes together to form a soft, dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into 6 rounds, cover and chill for 30 minutes or until ready to cook.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and a little butter in a large frying pan. Cook the potato cakes for 4 minutes on each side until crispy, golden and hot all the way through. Serve with salmon,herby crème fraiche and lemon wedges.
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PA N E T TO N E FRE NCH TOAST
serves 4-6 4 large eggs 150ml milk 1 tsp vanilla bean paste Pinch of salt 1 panettone, cut into 4 slices, then halved lengthways 2 tbsp butter TO SERVE Marmalade 250ml natural yogurt Maple syrup 50g walnuts, chopped
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, vanilla paste and salt. Dip the panettone slices into the egg mixture, leaving for 30 seconds on each side so that they soak all the way through.
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In a large frying pan, melt the butter over a medium heat, then turn up the heat a little. Cook the first batch of panettone for 1 minute on each side until crispy, golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining slices.
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Ser ve the French toast w ith some marmalade, natural yogurt, maple syrup and chopped walnuts.
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WINTER BIRCHER MUESLI
serves 4 FOR THE BIRCHER 200g oats 500ml oat milk 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp vanilla bean paste 50g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 50g pecans, roughly chopped 1 apple, grated 300ml apple juice 2 tbsp chia seeds FOR THE COMPOTE 2 pears, peeled and cored 1 clementine 100ml cloudy apple juice
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Add all the Bircher ingredients together in a large bowl and mix well, cover with cling film and leave overnight in the fridge.
In the morning, make the compote. In a medium pan, chop the pear into chunks, grate in the zest of the clementine and then peel and chop the clementine and add with the apple juice. Place over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until broken down slightly.
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Ta ste t he Bi rcher a nd adju st t he sweetness if you need to – you might need to add a little extra oat milk. Serve with yogurt in additional to the compote, if you like.
house notes
P R O P E R T I E S B I G A N D S M A L L T H AT A R E R I P E F O R R E N TA L
the recluse retreat A slick hideaway set in the most dramatic of Skye scenery, this building seeks to protect its inhabitants from the rugged landscape and harsh elements, while immersing them fully within both. Glasgow-based architectural studio Dualchas was enlisted to oversee the project, modelling the property on traditional Scottish longhouses. Externally, the building is clad in black timber, creating a sharp but welcome contrast with the natural setting. Inside, make way for clean lines and a distinctly Scandinavian design language. Sleeping just two, Harlosh Black h is something of a love nest, but when it’s time to get out and explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded in all directions by croft, backed on one side by the Macleod’s Tables and the other by serene waters. Spot sea eagles, otters, dolphins and the odd sheep or two, grazing merrily on the land. If you’re after some time to yourself and a dose of peace and quiet, there’s really nowhere better. Just imagine waking up to that sweeping, cinematic view.
NEED TO KNOW Sleeps two. From £1,050 for a three-night weekend (harlosh.co)
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FEATURE SARAH SPITERI AND PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
HARLOSH BL ACK H , ISLE OF SK YE
the coastal gem U K I YO, CO R N WA L L It’s all about balance in this home on our south coast. Chic interiors that chime with today’s Japandi trend (think clean lines, concrete and bleached woods) are set against a landscape that’s wonderfully and wildly Cornish. Expansive picture windows team with jute rugs, linen cushions and cosy furniture. The combos really work and make for a bolthole that’s perfect for urbanites looking to escape the city. Strong style credentials are accompanied by an awareness of eco design, from the air source heat pump system to the myriad recycled building materials. The house is perched right on the cliffs, with views across Coverack beach on the Lizard Peninsula. Livingetc loved the village’s sweet cafe, Archie’s Loft (feast on its home-cooked pizzas or fresh salads on sweet outdoor tables), but true foodies will want to contact Harbour Master Jon Carey to source delicious lobsters and crabs pulled from the sea that morning.
NEED TO KNOW Sleeps up to four. From £1,895 for a week; £1,450 for a short break (uniquehomestays.com)
the hotel hotspot F Y N B O S C O T TA G E S , BABYLONSTOREN, SOUTH AFRICA If there is one hotel in South Africa that you need to know about it’s Babylonstoren. In the heart of the Winelands, this Cape Dutch farmstead consists of manicured kitchen gardens, working vineyards and rustic yet refined interiors. There is plenty of choice in terms of rooms and houses to rent across the estate, but travellers in the know will choose the Fynbos Cottages that were built just last year. Broadbeamed pine floors and thick walls make reference to the property’s 18th-century heritage, but all else is contemporary purity: crisp white paintwork and the textures of linen, jute and fine cotton. The bathrooms are large, minimalist spaces, rich from the opulence of space and marble underfoot. Bicycles are provided so you can explore the estate. Indulge in land-to-table dining at celebrated restaurant Babel or head to the farm shop to stock up on supplies to cook in the chic modern kitchen.
NEED TO KNOW The Fynbos Cottages start from approx £417 a night for a onebedroom cottage based on two people sharing (babylonstoren.com)
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the stylist’s sanctuary PICCOLO PENTHOUSE , ROME You’ll find charm in spades at this two-bedroom, two-bathroom f lat in central Rome by Collette Dinnigan. Regular readers of Livingetc will know well the work of this fashion designer-turnedinterior stylist. But although she’s worked on numerous renovations in Sydney and outside, this is the first project that we’ve covered of hers in Italy (look out for her Puglian pad, which we plan to feature in just a few months time!). Collette’s signature – and divine – style can be seen throughout this apartment; it’s full of her trademark touches and there is a homeliness to it that’s hard to find in a rental. Tranquil whites, natural textures and elegant layering combine with original beams and floor tiles to great effect. The large kitchen enjoys views of the Sant’Andrea dome, while the bathrooms are elegant with marble details. Piccolo Penthouse is not all style over substance, either. For those looking for contemporary comforts, it has two smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi and AC.
NEED TO KNOW Nightly rates from €300. Find it on Instagram @piccolopenthouse
the ultimate airbnb THE GREENHOUSE, MILAN This one-bedroom bolthole in the heart of Milan’s artsy Porta Venezia district is the work of London-based designer Ilse Crawford and her architect husband Oscar Pena; this power couple oversaw the conversion of a former garage and launderette into a contemporary residence. The result? An inviting collection of rooms filled with natural materials. Climbing greenery decorates the entrance, mirrored in the emerald Moroccan-style tiles that cover the walls of the breakfast corner and bathroom. Design cred aside, part of the magic here comes from owner Costanza Cecchini, who is constantly refreshing the space. Expect a revolving stream of standout artwork and a smattering of plants. A booking comes with access to her Milan guide, full of local secrets and special suggestions. Our tip? Head to Bar Basso for its signature cocktail Negroni Sbagliato, served in a huge glass with a gargantuan, hand-cut ice cube.
NEED TO KNOW Book via Airbnb; costanzamilano.it/apartments/ the-greenhouse-loft/
the top spot L A P R O R A , S I C I LY Nestled on the east coast, just below Taormina, sits La Prora, a chic villa that has been painstakingly renovated over three years by its Norwegian owners. From the brass-filled bathrooms to the expansive terrace, no design detail has been overlooked. The kitchen is any avid cook’s dream, with an incredible array of appliances, while the dining and living spaces are smartly finished with contemporary lighting and bold artwork. Many of the bedrooms have sea views and sweet French balconies, while multiple areas for chilling will mean you truly never want to leave. But venture out you must. Walk along the coast to cute Isola Bella for a swim in the deep blue and some local fare – Livingetc feasted on calamari fritti at Il Barcaiolo – or head up the hill for cultural marvels in Taormina, which is truly one of the island’s treasures. Back at the villa, there is one experience you cannot leave without. Arrange for the villa’s chef to whip you up a four-course Sicilian supper. Divine!
NEED TO KNOW From €10,010 per week. La Prora is available to rent exclusively through The Thinking Traveller (thethinkingtraveller.com/laprora)
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MARKET PLACE HOME INTERIORS
FLOOR COVERINGS
Luxury bespoke fooring
Aspen and Ash produces artisan, hand-crafted floors for those wishing to enhance the beauty of a space with a stunning wooden floor of genuine quality. Our designer floors use the finest quality Tregothan Oak and Olive Ash as well as 90-year-old reclaimed Douglas Fir, engineered using traditional methods to offer unparalleled stability and finish.
Aspen and Ash is committed to preserving historic woodland with all flooring cut, kiln dried and finished in Cornwall, delivered to anywhere in the UK.
Aspen & Ash, Cardrew Business Park, Redruth. TR15 1SQ www.aspenandash.co.uk / 07980 703760 / 01209 210753
CHARITIES
Brain tumours move fast. with your help,
we can too!
We’re working to create a future where brain tumours are curable. We urgently need your help to accelerate research. Text DEFEAT5 to 70507 to donate £5, please help us to find a cure.
thebraintumourcharity.org © The Brain Tumour Charity 2020. Registered Charity in England and Wales (1150054) and Scotland (SC045081)
FURNITURE
VINTAGE LEATHER RIBBED SCHOOL CHAIRS £129.50 EACH SALE
£79.50
limited quantity
www.interiorstorm.co.uk 07722921615 To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 07813 031 023, or email charlotte.beckett@futurenet.com
MARKET PLACE FURNITURE
VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL RECLAIMED DINING TABLES AND FURNITURE HANDMADE IN THE UK
storminteriorsltd@gmail.com 07722 921615 www.interiorstorm.co.uk
Spacecraft
Double your useable space with our sofa beds.
Experts in small space living 20 stores | futoncompany.co.uk To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 07813 031 023, or email charlotte.beckett@futurenet.com
secret address book The Livingetc team flicked through its Rolodex to find a Kentish boutique you need to know
K AGU INTERIORS
FEATURE PIP M c CORMAC
Full of the sort of curves and finishes you might find in the furniture of a Kelly Wearstler project, and unusual and curated accessories that would be right at home in Athena Calderone’s brownstone, Kagu Interiors may be American-influenced, yet it just happens to be in Tenterden in Kent. In this unlikely location (and online), founder Ben Stokes is offering a trove of highly designed pieces, like this Pond mirror, £295, and finishing touches you could use as starting points for your next deco overhaul. kagu-interiors.co.uk
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