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Working from home: the investment pieces to buy now THE STYLE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HOME APRIL 2021 £5.20

TIME FOR CHANGE Give your HOME a BOOST with MOOD-LIFTING decorating IDEAS

135 NEW - SEASON

fabrics, paints & wallpapers

FARROW & BALL’ S COLOURFUL TAKE ON SCANDI STYLE

KITCHEN GUIDE 2021 Inspiration for your next big project

TRENDS TO TRY, BRANDS TO KNOW & MATERIALS TO MASTER

9 770957 894243

FR E E M AGA ZI N E I N S I D E

Interiors packed with personality & positive vibes

NOW

April 2021

29 News The latest launches and names to watch. Plus, all you need to create a ﬂexible and stylish working-from-home space

37 Laura Jackson on… How to inject colour and fun into a child’s bedroom, without compromising on style

38 Design hero Italian icon Vico Magistretti’s most celebrated pieces are being reissued to mark his centenary

40 Inside story By embracing out-of-the-ordinary designs, Danish brand Karakter has created its own distinct identity

42 Design DNA More than 80 years on, Alvar Aalto’s eponymous vase has lost none of its lustre – and to mark 140 years of Iittala, it’s being released in two covetable new colours

45 My cultural life Nigerian-born poet, ﬁlmmaker and photographer Caleb Femi reveals his inﬂuences

47 The renovation diaries When it comes to planning a project, Kate Watson-Smyth believes nothing beats putting pen to paper

50 Gardens Grow your own loofah, cherry trees to plant now for beautiful blossom and a patio-friendly sized pizza oven

53 Ask an architect Eco pioneer Sarah Wigglesworth on giving the Straw Bale House a future-proofed update

56 The stage is set For Emiliano Salci, one half of Italian design duo Dimorestudio, a new apartment provided the perfect creative outlet during lockdown

STYLE

65 The essential decorating edit New fabrics,

paints and wallpapers for your home this spring

Print & Pattern Special

79 The key collections Introducing the latest designs and collaborations from British brands

83 American dream Our tribute to the late, great textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen

84 Art of living New ﬁrm Saison International uses fabric as a canvas for creative expression

87 A curious commission How our ILLUSTRATION: ABI READ

extra-special subscribers’ cover was created for us by luxury wallcovering brand de Gournay

90 Scandi shades An exclusive look at Farrow & Ball’s bold ‘Nordic Edit’ of paint colours

94 Sculptural shift Add some curve appeal to

your space with shapely objets and vintage pieces APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 15

114

134

HOMES

104 Reﬂections on water A lakeside setting sparked the calming palette and natural textures of this Cotswold home

114 True blue Footwear designer Samuele Failli has boldly transformed an historic Tuscan villa with contemporary colour

122 Light shines in the darkness The moody interior of this Australian house is the antithesis of breezy beach style

134 Purple reign A lilac kitchen is the star of a rule-breaking Copenhagen home, which exudes joy in every room

144 On the tiles The team behind Manhattan’s most chic bars have created a beautiful and unique NoHo apartment

155

Escape

155 Culture calling The UK gallery, museum and sculpture park breaks to begin planning now

26 Subscriptions This month’s great offer 216 Stockists Where to buy your favourites 226 Treasured Lara Bohinc’s prized piece

The covers Newsstand The statement vintage wallpaper and bold blues walls in this 18th-century Tuscan villa on p114 demonstrate the mood-lifting power of decorating. Photographed by Helenio Barbetta/Living Inside Subscribers A hand-painted bespoke wallcovering by de Gournay for ELLE Decoration. Find out more on p87 ELLE Decoration Kitchens In this issue you’ll also ﬁnd your guide to all that’s new and now in kitchen design – including this polished look by Powerhouse Company on p205. Photographed by Mark Seelen

16 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

PICTURES: HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE, CLAUDIA ZALLA/ PHOTOFOYER, PIET OUDOLF FIELD AND RADIC PAVILION AT HAUSER & WIRTH, BRUTON, SOMERSET BY JASON INGRAM COURTESY HAUSER & WIRTH

Finally

From the Editor

PICTURE: BEN ANDERS

’ve discussed my giddy obsession with the late interior designer David Hicks before. In my opinion, his bold geometric patterns, decadent drapes and dark walls, plus a clever use of modern art and striking furniture, make him the undisputed king of decorating. As we head into a second year of – seriously FML – lockdown, I’m increasingly finding solace poring over photos of his work. There’s a sense of desperately-needed escapism to his schemes with their clashing colours and sexy 1960s vibes. Louche, decadent and above all joyful, they’re proof that interiors can be uplifting. As we approached this issue, dedicated to transforming your space at the start of a new season, this idea of its mood-boosting effects was at the forefront of our minds. We’ve researched rigorously, making sure the elements featured quicken the pulse or leave you breathless with excitement. I truly believe that home improvements are the perfect way to raise the spirits, sticking two fingers up to the pandemic and forging a way forward in refreshed surroundings. No wonder ‘Choose decorating not despair!’ is my new mantra. As ever, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to, finding the best new-season wallpapers, fabrics and paints. There’s an incredible 135 of them in fact, so we’ve got you covered whatever your taste or project planned. We’ve also spoken to the great and good of the interior design world, including Dimorestudio’s Emiliano Salci, a modern-day Hicks who welcomes us into his richly decorated new apartment. It proves anything is possible, even during lockdown. Remember, what ELLE Decoration offers is advice and inspiration, it’s not dictatorial. I often think of this quote by Hicks: ‘The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.’ He was spot-on. At the end of the day, you and your personality should be at the centre of any work you do on your home. The pandemic in many ways has flipped our decorating desires. There’s nothing like being confined to your four walls for almost 12 months to make you feel it’s time for a change. I know committed maximalists who are ditching the loud wallpapers for a touch of Japanese zen, all pale woods and white paint. Other friends are going more Hicks with their interior renovations, which I couldn’t be more thrilled about. Essentially, it’s all about having an emotional connection with your surroundings. Nowhere is this more important than in the kitchen – the room which is the beating heart of any vibrant abode. Alongside this issue you’ll find Volume 6 of ELLE Decoration Kitchens, our definitive 54-page bible, covering all things to do with this most important of spaces. It’s your guide to ensuring this sometimes panic-inducing project can be a source of fun too, so enjoy!

‘Home improvements are the perfect way to RAISE the SPIRITS, sticking two ﬁngers up to the PANDEMIC and forging a way forward in REFRESHED surroundings’

Editor-in-Chief

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House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ EDITO R- IN - CHIEF BEN SPRIGGS Creative Director Philippe Blanchin

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Designer Jack Melrose

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Group Managing Editor Connie Osborne

With thanks to Sarah Andrews, Lisa Howard (sub-editing) Contributors Claudia Baillie, Hannah Bort, Amy Bradford, Amy Frearson, Natasha Goodfellow, Emma Love, Fiona McCarthy, Tessa Pearson, Sania Pell, Kassia St Clair, Becky Sunshine, Amanda Smith-Corston, Suzanne Stankus, James Williams

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HEARST UK & HEARST EURO PE CEO, Hearst UK/President, Hearst Europe James Wildman Chief Operating Officer, Hearst Europe Giacomo Molleto Chief International Brand Officer Matt Hayes Chief Strategy Officer Robert Fﬁtch Chief Content Development Officer Betsy Fast Chief People Officer Surinder Simmons Finance Director, Hearst UK Julien Litzelmann Business Strategy Director, Hearst UK Romain Metras Director of Operations Sophie Wilkinson L AGA R D È R E N E WS CEO Constance Benqué CEO ELLE International Licences François Coruzzi SVP/International Director, ELLE Decoration Valéria Bessolo Llopiz Creative Director Linda Bergmark Marketing Director Morgane Rohée Syndication Director Marion Magis Syndication Coordinator Johanna Jegou Copyrights Manager Séverine Laporte Database Manager Pascal Iacono Senior Digital Project Manager Moda Zere

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NOW NEWS

/ SHOPPING/ OPINION/ TRENDS

Edited by K ATE WORTHINGTON

BREAD WINNER

PICTURE: MATTHEW DONALDSON

This month sees the launch of Toogood Homeware, the ﬁrst collection of home accessories from British designer Faye Toogood. Created to complement the studio’s sculptural furniture, the range includes ‘Dough’, a pleasingly plump and curvaceous set of tableware that plays on the parallels in the kneading process of both baking and pottery. Available in two matt glazes, cream and charcoal, the six-piece set includes a mug, jug, bowl, platter, vase and centrepiece. From £38 for a mug (t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com).

Circles of influence

Leading lights Furniture and homeware brand Arteriors has joined forces with award-winning, New York-based multidisciplinary studio Workshop/APD for its ﬁrst ever designer collaboration. The 48-strong collection of lighting and accessories revolves around the artisanal processes of ‘Glaze’, ‘Bend’, ‘Roll’ and ‘Cut’, and bears Workshop/APD’s signature ‘crafted modern’ aesthetic – think lighting with crackleglazed shades, chalky ceramic trays with gently rolled edges and geometric mirrors spliced with tinted intersections. ‘Glaze’ ﬂoor lamp, £1,688; ‘Glaze’ sconces, from £460; ‘Datum’ mirror, £1,652 and ‘Glaze’ lamp, £1,101 (arteriorshome.com).

Danish brand Overgaard & Dyrman’s new ‘Circle’ dining chair pays homage to the shape that has long fascinated its founders – and countless other creative minds before them. Its graceful arcs and precise geometry offer a different view of its sublime craftsmanship from each angle. From £3,360, Tollgard (tollgard.com).

NOMAD SPIRIT

Interior designer Nathalie Deboel’s ﬁrst foray into furniture is the ‘Nomad’ collection. Handcrafted in her native Belgium, the idea for the pared-back series was born from research into nomadic cultures and the resourcefulness of their way of life – such as the use of wooden sticks to build temporary shelters and furniture. The result is a sleek yet simple suite of pieces crafted from oak or walnut poles, including an armchair and bookcases. From £4,171 for an armchair (nathaliedeboel.be).

Designed in the Peak District and blown by traditionally trained craftsmen in the Czech Republic, newly launched brand The Glass Studio’s multicoloured drinking glasses are all one of a kind. Founder Janine Limb describes them as ‘little pieces of art for the table, designed to create moments of interest without the need for an elaborate tablescape’. Cheers to that. £42 each (theglass.studio).

PICTURE: CAFEINE BE

HEART OF GLASS

NOW

BEYOND THE PALE The queen of moody hues, Abigail Ahern has partnered with Secret Linen Store to launch her debut bedding collection. The range comprises two sets of linens plus throws and cushions, all sporting the interior designer’s signature rich colour palette and exaggerated texture. Our pick is ‘100% Linen’ in two decadently deep shades, ‘Darkest Spruce’ and earthy ‘Peppercorn’, bringing the feel of linen but with a dramatic edge. From £22 for a ‘Housewife’ pillowcase (secretlinenstore.com).

RITUAL UNION Finland and Japan share a cultural kinship for many things, but good design and bathing rituals are two of the most pronounced. So, when Japanese designer Koichi Futatsumata was invited to create a piece of furniture for Artek as part of the brand’s ‘FIN/JPN Friendship Collection’, he looked to the realm of wellness. ‘Kiulu’ is the Finnish word for the buckets used in public baths and saunas in both countries, and forms the basis of the ‘Kiulu’ bench – plywood storage buckets ﬂank both ends for a multifunctional piece that can be used in any room. From £1,091 for a natural laquer ﬁnish, Aram Store (aram.co.uk).

NORTH STARS Having worked with the likes of Hästens and Georg Jensen, Swedish design duo Bernadotte & Kylberg have mastered the art of bringing modernity to distinguished heritage brands, but their latest project, NJRD (pronounced ‘Njord’) sees the designers starting from scratch. The new lifestyle brand is a collaboration with Nordic Nest and celebrates the simplicity of Scandinavian design via a collection of contemporary tableware, throws and rugs. Graphic pattern, a tight colour palette and geometric shapes feature throughout. From £15 for a small plate (nordicnest.com). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 31

NOW

HOME WORK

1 23 4

We’ve picked out the best ﬂexible kit to make your working-from-home space function brilliantly and look good, too

TRAY CHIC Even the most devoutly digital of us will inevitably accumulate some paperwork, so keep it in good order with The Conran Shop’s elegant solid walnut ‘Stacked Tray’. Stationery addicts, take note – there’s also a coordinating pencil case and caddy. £115 (conranshop.co.uk).

SOCKET TO ’EM Designed by Form Us With Love for lighting brand Ateljé Lyktan, the ‘Pluggie’ table lamp is dimmable, portable and has two USB ports to charge devices from, making it an ideal companion for those who prefer to work untethered from a desk. £129 (ateljelyktan.se/en).

FLEXIBLE FRIEND SPINNING AROUND The ‘Vipp Swivel Chair’ sees the company’s ﬁrst ever chair design, ‘Vipp Chair’, updated with a new swivel base and castors, rendering it a stylish, practical design that blends in with any scheme. From £839 (vipp.com).

Newly launched UK-based Fuzl Studio makes sustainable, high-quality ﬂat-pack furniture that’s designed to be assembled without tools, glue or fuss. The modular ‘Totem’ birch plywood storage system comes in a range of wide or narrow sizes, so can squeeze into the smallest of gaps. From £995 (fuzl.co). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 33

NOW

INSIDER GUIDE

The future of the home office

No desk? Very Good & Proper’s ‘Live/ Work’ table (above) has a tactile oak top and a hollow leg to chase wires from the nearest socket. Team with the brand’s stylish laptop stand (pictured left). Table, from £1,295; laptop riser, £95 (verygoodandproper.co.uk).

PIN UP

Muuto’s ‘Story’ pinboard is an organiser and a creative canvas in one. From notes and to-do lists to favourite photos, it allows its user to change up their view in an instant – and comes in handy for procrastinating, too. £50 (muuto.com).

CASE CLOSED

Danish practice Studio David Thulstrup has teamed up with Sørensen Leather to create a capsule of limited-edition designs that blur the boundaries between living and working. The ‘Landscape’ divider can be closed to hide its contents at the end of the day. Approx £12,443 (studiodavidthulstrup.com).

34 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

What is so wrong about how we work from home now? The problems that arise stem largely from not being able to collaborate properly and not having the right set-up or space. Interactions become more formalised and serendipitous moments, which spark ideas and creativity, are lost. How do you think the home office of the future will look? Meetings can be stilted when working from home, so designing tools that make digital interactions feel as seamless as in-person encounters will be paramount. Currently, we are limited to a predetermined set-up: a ﬁxed laptop camera that only provides one viewpoint. In the future, we may have multiple cameras that support different needs in a more natural way. Ambient technology will also be huge. People are already speaking to their devices for information and this idea can be used to get people away from screens, to communicate in a more intuitive way. Has the pandemic changed how industrial designers think about the challenges of remote working? Deﬁnitely. The success of tech at home is inextricably linked to good industrial design. We foresee a balance where at-home working will be adopted for part of the week. So people will be looking for tech products that have relevance for work and play. We will see a rise in tech that will become more discreet within the home as we all become more comfortable with having it around us. mapprojectoffice.com

INTERVIEW: CLARE SARTIN PORTRAIT: PHILIP SINDEN

5 6 7

TOP TABLE

Will Howe, director of Map, the forward-looking design studio founded by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in 2012, shares how technology can make home-working easier and more creative…

NOW

L AUR A JACKSON ON…

How to decorate kids’ bedrooms without compromising on style This month, our columnist wastes no time embracing new decorating opportunities after having her second child

‘Panda’ and ‘Ninka’ money banks by OYOY, £68.95 each, Scandibørn (scandiborn.co.uk)

PICTURES: STEPHANIE SIAN-SMITH, NACHO ALEGRE, JON GORRIGAN, TESSA NEWALL, HENRIK BAARDSEN MONFORT, STEFAN WESSEL

Below and right Laura’s daughter’s bedroom features a mural by Tess Newall and a vintage cabinet that was transformed with a lick of paint

At the end of 2020, we welcomed our son into the world and, ever since, I’ve been engulfed in that baby bubble feeling. It’s given me a new excuse to begin imagining the next interior overhaul for our home. The question is, how do I tackle child-friendly décor in a stylish way? Will the kids just draw on the walls anyway? If they do, I’ll just claim it as abstract art. Many assume that children’s rooms have to be garish – think Peppa Pig wallpaper or Disney bedding – but there are ways to inject colour and fun that won’t fight with your interior aesthetic. When my little girl was born, I commissioned artist Tess Newall to create a mural in her nursery. It was inspired by botanical book illustrations, but the possibilities are endless. How about beach hut stripes and wave-like scalloped skirting boards? I’m currently obsessed with the unique wallpaper designs of Los Angeles-based brand Work + Sea. If you’d prefer to keep the walls neutral, Tess also creates statement hand-painted chairs that are a practical treat perfect for bedtime reading. Another company I recently discovered is Forivor. It produces illustrated organic cotton bedding that is special enough to be handed down for generations to come. Each piece is designed to inspire storytelling and is reversible, with day and night sides. Storage is always important, especially if you want to avoid a floor full of toys. I suggest upcycling a vintage cabinet. I did this for my daughter’s room by adding a coat of green paint from Farrow & Ball’s ‘Natural History Museum’ collection. It’s used to display her more beautiful toys, from the likes of Scandibørn and Molly Meg. As well as wooden and sustainable options like these, I also enjoy discovering old-fashioned toys and could spend hours sourcing one-off pieces, such as Victorian-style rocking horses, through Etsy and Ebay. They don’t have to be expensive and they add character to a room. If it’s slightly damaged, take a leaf out of BBC’s The Repair Shop’s book and show it some care and attention. As with antique furniture, there’s something special about finding a toy that’s been loved for generations. Finally, I’m also looking to buy my own heirloom of the future: a wooden ‘Sleepi’ from Norwegian brand Stokke. This ingenious cot extends to a bed as your child grows. It’s pricey, yes, but it will stand the test of time. There’s nothing worse than having to say goodbye to an investment piece your child has grown out of in a matter of months! Trends will always come and go, but a minimalist style like this will last for years. See Stockists page for details of all the stores mentioned

From left ‘Enchanted Forest’ quilted cot blanket, from £154, Forivor (forivor.com); ‘Sleepi’ by Stokke, £619, Harrods (harrods.com)

APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 37

NOW

DESIGN HERO

VICO MAGISTRETTI

‘Carimate’ chairs, £1,032, Fritz Hansen (fritzhansen.com) Below ‘Maralunga’ sofa, from £4,698, Cassina (cassina.com)

The centenary of the Italian icon, whose commitment to timeless design was unwavering, heralds a series of new launches Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) was born into Milanese design royalty: architecture was the family profession and, between them, his father and great-grandfather were responsible for a number of the city’s landmarks. Magistretti followed in their footsteps, graduating in architecture from the Politecnico di Milano in 1945, before joining his father’s firm. It was a thrilling time for young designers and Magistretti threw himself enthusiastically into Italy’s post-war regeneration programme. In the late 1940s, he took part in the experimental QT8 project in northwestern Milan, where a group of architects were given carte blanche to create the ideal modern residential district. Today, QT8 remains one of the city’s greenest areas. An avowed modernist, Magistretti stripped his buildings of all superfluous ornament, modestly reasoning that ‘anybody living in a house I designed has their own culture, background and taste’. During the 1960s, he focused on residential projects, but also made his initial forays into furniture and lighting design. His first creation was the ‘Carimate’ chair (1960), now produced by Fritz Hansen (a new centenary edition in red or black lacquer has recently been launched). Like all his pieces, it has a timeless simplicity, but he could be playful, too: his ‘Eclisse’ table lamp for Artemide, with its dainty rounded form and rotating inner shell that ‘eclipses’ the light source, interprets the era’s space-age aesthetic. Magistretti struck up relationships with a number of important Italian manufacturers,

among them Cassina, for whom he designed the much-imitated ‘Maralunga’ sofa (1973). It dispenses with scatter cushions in favour of articulated back and side rests, which can be folded up or down thanks to a patented mechanism, based on a bicycle chain, embedded within the upholstery. A new version in striped Kvadrat fabric has just been unveiled for the centenary. He also took up a post as art director at lighting brand Oluce, which still makes his most famous design of all: ‘Atollo’ (1977), the modern archetype of a table lamp. Formed from three simple geometric shapes – a metal cylinder, cone and hemisphere – it has a pristine elegance, the shade appearing to ﬂoat over the base when the lamp is switched on. Continuing to design up until the year of his death, Magistretti made his mark on a new generation of talent as a visiting professor at London’s RCA, where his students included Jasper Morrison and Konstantin Grcic. ‘To be truly contemporary,’ he once said, ‘one must always have a hand in the past and a hand in the future.’ As if to prove his argument, the Fondazione Vico Magistretti, which houses his archive and preserves his Milan studio as a museum, has created an online portal showcasing hundreds of photos, sketches and press articles, providing an illuminating insight into his world. vicomagistretti.it 38 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

Clockwise, from above ‘Vico Duo’ chair, from £215, Fritz Hansen (fritzhansen.com); ‘Eclisse’ lamp (1965) for Artemide, from £148, Utility Design (utilitydesign.co.uk); ‘Nuvola Rossa’ bookcase (1977), from £3,120, Cassina (cassina.com)

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURES: NICKLAS INGEMANN

‘TO BE TRULY CONTEMPORARY, ONE MUST HAVE A HAND IN THE PAST AND THE FUTURE’

I N S I D E S T O RY

KARAKTER The Danish brand is eschewing both national stereotypes and global trends to forge its own distinct identity

‘Rampa’ unit, 1965, by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, approx £6,728; ‘Tripod’ table lamp by Gijs Bakker, approx £265; ‘Chair 300’, 1965, by Joe Colombo, approx £680

‘CLASSIC, GOOD DESIGN WILL ALWAYS COME BACK INTO FASHION’

From above left ‘Sferico’ glasses by Joe Colombo, 1968, approx £18 each; ‘Awkward Light’, 2012, by Anatomy Design, approx £1,100; ‘Bon’ stool, 2017, by Aldo Bakker, approx £1,770; ‘Trio’ unit, 1988, by Achille Castiglioni and Giancarlo Pozzi, approx £480; ‘Office Desk’, 1959, by Bodil Kjær, approx £4,600, all Karakter (karakter-copenhagen.com)

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Christian Elving, chief executive of Karakter, compares the art of design to the slow food movement. ‘It’s the opposite of fast food – we appreciate things that are well made and that take time,’ he says. ‘You don’t need to change every year, and add new colours – that’s not good for anything, especially not for the environment. If you do classic, good design, it’ll always come back into fashion.’ Elving founded the Copenhagen-based furniture brand with Kim Mekawi in 2017, with the intention of breaking away from national stereotypes at a time when mid-century Nordic modernism was all the rage. ‘We’re not just focused on Danish icons or designers of a certain age,’ he says. Today, its collection extends from works by contemporary Dutch designer Aldo Bakker to reissued classics by Italian masters such as Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. The gangly ‘Awkward Light’, conceived as recently as 2012 by South African duo Anatomy Design, for example, sits alongside the sensual, curvaceous ‘Domo’ light from 1965 by Joe Colombo. Eclectic it may be, but Elving says the collection is united by a focus on people who broke new ground. ‘What our current and heritage designers have in common is that they found a language – or character – of their own,’ he explains. ‘Aldo Bakker was one of the ﬁrst to work in the way he does – a kind of brutalism, but beautiful and delicate – and the Castiglioni brothers carved a niche back in their day.’ Delving into the history of its designs reaps rewards – Danish trailblazer Bodil Kjær, who drew on her architectural background to explore innovative solutions for modern living, created such iconic pieces as the 1959 ‘Office Desk’, which featured in three James Bond movies. But Elving insists that mining archives is less about ‘free storytelling’ for marketing purposes than longevity. ‘We may not grow as fast as a brand whose strategy is about having an impact on the market, but hopefully our designs will stand the test of time,’ he says. ‘We are okay with the fact that we might only sell 10 of a stool by Aldo Bakker – it might not be for the mass market yet.’ This resistance to the winds of fashion is proving to be a strategy in itself – Karakter already sells to an international audience, with its biggest market in the US. In 2019, Michiganbased manufacturer Haworth acquired 60 per cent of the brand, and paired it with Italian luxury furniture company Cassina (whose parent brand – Poltrona Frau Group – Haworth owns) to help expand its global reach. Cassina, Elving points out, also chose to forge its own path. ‘It promoted designs that didn’t look like everything else, but eventually became classics. That’s what we hope to do.’ karakter-copenhagen.com

WORDS: DEBIKA RAY PICTURE: STEEN BJERREGAARD

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DESIGN DNA

AALTO VASE BY ALVAR A ALTO FOR IITTALA Created more than 80 years ago, the Finnish architect’s design is one of the most recognisable objects in the world No designer is more synonymous with fluid curves and organic forms than Alvar Aalto. Even his name recalls a sinuous shape: ‘Aalto’ means ‘wave’ in Finnish. Perhaps this is pure coincidence or something more deep rooted, nature’s influence was never far from his works, whether a building, chair or lamp. But the inspiration for his ‘Aalto’ vase is still unclear. While some say its soft, asymmetrical shape was inspired by the lakes in his native Finland, the title of the collection (which the vase was part of ) submitted to Iittala’s design competition in 1936 offers another theory. Named ‘Eskimo woman’s leather trousers’, it suggests that a baggy trouser leg could have influenced its design. Whatever its muse, the ‘Savoy’ vase as it was then known (it was originally created as part of Aalto’s design for Helsinki’s Savoy restaurant) was awarded first prize. It was promptly entered into the 1937 Paris World Fair where it caused a sensation, again scooping the top prize and catapulting Iittala onto the international stage in the process. So what made it so revolutionary? Compared to the decorative but rigid designs of the time, its bold simplicity was nothing less than groundbreaking. Its sensual curves, too, went against the grain, making a statement against industrial production. It also put its users more in touch with nature. The ‘Aalto’ vase is the second oldest piece still in production from Iittala’s archive (the oldest is a tumbler designed by his wife, Aino, in 1932), and helped to develop the brand from a glass factory churning out pieces using bought-in moulds, to a pioneer of the modernist movement, a promoter of homegrown talent and a national treasure. Together with fellow Finn Kaj Franck, the Aaltos laid the foundation for the Iittala design philosophy: to make objects for everyday use that combine beauty and function. The ‘Aalto’ vase was the embodiment of their vision. More than 80 years later, this thinking – and the vase itself – has never been more relevant. iittala.com

T H E M A K I N G O F It takes a dedicated team of skilled

artisans to produce each delicate, mouth-blown vase

Factory methods have not changed dramatically over the past 80 years, to today’s processes, right

Aalto’s design was challenging to make at the time, and the process is much the same as it would have been in his day. Each vase goes through a multi-step process that involves a team of craftsmen and takes over 16 hours to complete at Iittala’s lakeside factory in southern Finland. Molten glass is gathered from the furnace, then the glass artisans shape the lump using wooden blocks and mouth-blowing techniques, before ‘kneading’ the glass and setting it into the mould (the factory now uses a steel mould rather than a wooden one). Finally, each piece is polished and checked over by quality control before being signed off.

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W H Y I T ’ S N O W The vase’s ﬂuid, organic form makes ‘Aalto’ a true classic A perennial favourite with stylists, collectors and design junkies alike, the vase has lost none of its allure and is as prized today as it was in 1936. When the vase was originally conceived as part of the Aaltos’ design for the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki, one was placed on every table. Last year, the restaurant’s interiors were restored by Studio Ilse (below), and the vase was returned to its rightful place on tables once more. A version made from the factory’s waste glass was also made available as part of the brand’s 2020 ‘100% Recycled’ collection. To mark Iittala’s 140th anniversary this year, the ‘Aalto’ vase and other classic pieces will be released in two special colours, ‘Amethyst’ and ‘Dark Grey’ (shown opposite). Helsinki’s Design Museum will also be honouring the landmark by staging an exhibition dedicated to the brand’s history and social impact; ‘The Iittala – Kaleidoscope From Nature to Culture’, from 26 March until 19 September.

THE VASE HAS LOST NONE OF ITS ALLURE AND IS AS PRIZED TODAY AS IT WAS IN 1936

T H E E V O L U T I O N O F A N I C O N The addition of new colours and products keeps the design ﬁrmly in demand

WORDS: KATE WORTHINGTON PICTURES: KEKSI, TIMO JUNTTILA, ANTON SUCKSDORFF/SAVOY RESTAURANT, EVE WILSON

Since its debut at the 937 World Fair, the ‘Aalto’ vase was recognised as a design of importance. Its undulating folds of glass allow for a more natural and relaxed style of floral arrangement – flowers fall outwards to face diners around the table rather than sitting upright, better connecting users with nature. It was originally produced in five colours: ‘Sky (or azure) Blue’, ‘Sea Green’ and ‘Smoke’, ‘Brown’ and ‘Clear’, as these were shades used for pharmaceutical bottles and were the only hues available to Aalto at the time. It wasn’t until after WWII that other decorative shades were widely used. Iittala has expanded the ‘Aalto’ range over the years, adding different sizes, dimensions and colourways, as well as tea-light holders, serving boards and steel dishes. So iconic is the sinuous outline, it’s even been translated into a cookie cutter.

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M Y C U LT U R A L L I F E

CALEB FEMI An arbiter of taste tells us what they’re reading, listening to and more 4

3 5

INTERVIEW: CAT OLLEY PICTURES: AIDEN HARMITT-WILLIAMS, GETTY IMAGES, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES, HEADLINE PUBLISHERS

Nigerian-born poet Caleb Femi has stirred hearts and minds with his evocative, almost mythical depictions of the north Peckham estate in south London where he grew up. After winning the Roundhouse Poetry Slam and performing at Tate Britain in 2015, he became London’s first young people’s laureate the following year. A prolific filmmaker, photographer and former English teacher, he has written and directed short films for the BBC and Channel 4, and penned poems for Tate Modern, The Royal Society for Literature, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Guardian. His landmark debut collection Poor (Penguin; £9.99) places Peckham at its soulful centre. My all-time favourite artists are Frank Ocean (1), Earl Sweatshirt, Bon Iver and Digga D. Their work speaks to me – they’re all poets in their own right. I mean, Frank’s Thinkin Bout You? It’s a classic. The record that makes me instantly happy? Fuck The World or Rehab (Winter In Paris) by Brent Faiyaz. Both give me a sense of euphoria and joy. He’s one of my favourite R&B singers – he can put me in a good way even on my worst day. At the moment I’m listening to Lex Amor and Youngs Teflon, who both have sick EPs out right now. It’s a vibe every time I turn on Lex Amor’s new Government Tropicana (7) or Youngs Teflon’s Call Of Duty 3. They both have such a unique style of music that I know will hit on a diasporic level. I’m currently reading Bolu Babalola’s anthology Love In Colour (4) and Black Futures by Kimberly Drew. Both are dope Black female writers whose work is not only stunning but sets amazing examples

of what young Black writers in the UK and globally can achieve. My go-to film recommendation is Beasts Of The Southern Wild (5). It’s a tremendously eye-opening and riveting film that should go down in cinematic history – I often forget that it was made in 2012! It fuses fantasy, humour and suspense, and films like this have had a huge influence on my point of view in filmmaking. I strive every day to make art that will stand the test of time. One of my favourite quotes comes from the Caribbean: ‘Those who can’t hear must feel’. I love what it stands for, and the importance of wisdom. I unintentionally collect film cameras and rare film stock – they’re a great example of how craft and imagination turn mechanics into an art form. A democratised and deeply personal art form. My current obsession is Japanese bathrooms (2). If a substantial amount of money came my way, that would be my first design project. My favourite place in the world is South Africa (3) – I return almost every year. It’s a beautiful country with good weather and good people. My spirit is always drawn there. Next on my list is Senegal or Jamaica (6). I’m looking forward to the food and connecting with creative communities. I’m secretly manifesting Poor on Barack Obama’s reading list for 2022. I’m dreaming and thinking bigger for 2021 – through my writing, my idea of success and possibilities continue to grow. I’ll be working on more films, TV shows and books. I’m looking forward to the arrival of aliens. I mean, how else can 2021 top last year? APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 45

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THE renovation DIARIES

When it comes to documenting a home makeover project, interiors journalist Kate Watson-Smyth believes the best way is to down devices and put pen to paper. Here, she explains the joys of going old-school, and how it became the subject of her new book

Kate, top, likes to sketch her chosen items of furniture in her notebook, such as the palm tree lamp, left, and chaise longue, right, to help her visualise the completed living room, below

en years ago, I fired my architect after he admitted to working to a planning regulation guide that was several years out of date. When our application to extend our new home was subsequently, and inevitably, turned down, he told me to ‘just have a glass of something relaxing’. This came on top of the discovery that he had failed to actually file the application when he said he had, a fact we only discovered when the council emailed to inquire why we had so kindly sent them a cheque for £150. He blamed this on having had to do the school run for a week while his wife was ill. And that he hadn’t owned up to his error because he’d gone on holiday to a country with no Wi-Fi. He was in Poland. Time has erased his name from the folds of my brain and many of the details would have gone the same way had I not rediscovered a written account of this some years later (by which time the steam had stopped coming out of my ears). The house had been finished with the help of an imaginative builder and some graph paper. Four properties in and I think I am getting the hang of doing it myself. Every time I have moved, I have joyfully bought a new notebook as a place to keep vital measurements, record ideas and sketch out floorplans, as well as somewhere to be

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H O W T O S TA R T A R E N O VAT I O N D I A RY

The bathroom and the plan drawing, right

able to refer back to the name of that paint when I am looking at cushions and to add to (and cross off ) the enormous to-do list. It’s all very well relying on Instagram and Pinterest, but sometimes you just really, really need to make a note. Or a list. House renovations are all about lists. And it’s just not the same on your phone. Not for nothing has the Bullet Journal exploded in popularity – a place to write notes and lists, meals you have eaten and calories burned, motivational quotes and events you want to remember. Even the act of writing it makes you feel productive and in control in a way that a text to self doesn’t. But while all this note-taking focuses on self-care and personal development, it has remained firmly apart from the process of creating a home. And yet, I would argue, it’s a vital part of the experience. Write down the things you love about your new pad – the way the light hits that spot on the floor at 3pm on a wintery afternoon so you can remember not to build a cupboard there but to find a lovely chair – as well as the things you want to remove and replace 48 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

‘RENOVATIONS ARE ALL ABOUT LISTS. AND IT’S JUST NOT THE SAME ON YOUR PHONE’

alongside your hopes and dreams for the space. Otherwise, when it’s all done and (literally) dusted, you will forget. And given that a renovation is probably one of the most expensive journeys you will undertake, it seems a shame not to record every twist and turn along the way. Not to mention all the practical details, so you are better prepared when you travel that road again. A renovation diary is a mix of a little black book, a planner, an analogue spreadsheet and a diary. You can use it for a rented ﬂat or a ﬁrst-time buy, a room or a whole house. And, of course, while you can still show off your beautifully curated Instagram feed of befores and afters, it is just that – a curated highlight of best bits. The real story, as always, lies in the secret pages of your journal. ‘Mad About The House Planner: Your Home, Your Story’ (Pavilion Books, £18.99) is out now. Kate’s online interiors store Design Storey is at designstorey.shop

Always begin with the six questions: who, what, when, where, how and why? Write down who is using the room – what are they doing in there and when? Why are you redecorating? Make a list of what doesn’t work and what you want to change. How are you going to plan and pay for the work, and where will you shop? Having a written note of all this will help you stick to your plan and keep track of how it’s all coming together. Once you have worked that out, you can move onto the floorplan, which you must do before you can work out the lighting scheme – especially if you are installing ceiling lights, not to mention plug sockets. My planner includes graph paper for this purpose. Ideally, you should draw a fixed floorplan in the book and cut out the furniture elements from a spare bit of paper. This will allow you to move them around the plan rather than having to keep re-drawing it. I have included space for you to write your personal ‘Love’, ‘Lust’ and ‘Loathes’ for each room. It is useful to look back over what you first fell in love with, and to remember what you pulled out and why. Include a list of aspirations for the space – the eventual feel of the room, the places you want to shop from and, to coin a phrase, a reminder of the journey you went on to get there. This is also a good way to keep your furnishing ideals on track – whether it’s your desire to shop only from small or sustainable businesses, or to use products that are made in the UK. Next, the practicalities. It’s beyond helpful to keep an accurate note of the paint colours you use (out of all the testers), the amount you needed and what they cost. And finally, keep a list, in one place, of the tradespeople and how to contact them, along with a record of your favourite shops and websites.

ILLUSTRATIONS: ABI READ PICTURES: REKHA DAMHAR, PAUL CRAIG

Kate’s attic en suite, with its sliding wooden door, began as a sketch in her notebook

You’ve got the ideas, now you just need to put them all together. Here’s how to make your project a success, one room (and list) at a time

GARDENS / ALL IN GOOD TASTE Herbs are the most evocative of plants. The resinous scent of rosemary; the sherbet hit of lemon verbena… all transport us in a way no potato or cabbage can. Mark Diacono’s latest book Herb perfectly captures these life-enhancing properties, urging us all to make more room for them in our gardens and on our plates. A handy A-Z covers growing, harvesting and uses, while dozens of mouth-watering recipes lure us out of our culinary comfort zones (Hardie Grant, £26, out 15 April).

GOURD BLIMEY! Fancy growing your own exfoliating sponge? Loofahs are one of two species of gourd – Luffa acutangular or Luffa cylindrica – and can be grown like courgettes or cucumbers. Sow the seeds in pots indoors now and plant out when all danger of frost has passed. Leave the fruits until the skin turns brown, then simply peel, wash well to remove any seeds and ﬂesh and leave to dry. Can also be used as kitchen sponges. £2.99 (suttons.co.uk).

HOT LITTLE NUMBER Outdoor pizza ovens are generally large, built-in affairs, but, at just 85cm high by 37cm wide and 40cm deep, this nifty little freestanding model in attractive Corten steel can ﬁt in the smallest of spaces. Most importantly though, it can reach temperatures of up to 400°C, meaning your margheritas or pepperonis will always have a light, crispy base. £540 (rowenandwren.co.uk).

T H R E E C H E R RY T R E E S T O P L A N T N O W

PRUNUS ‘MORELLO’

PRUNUS ‘SHOSAR’

P R U N U S ‘ TA I H A K U ’

An acid cherry grown primarily for its fruit (best cooked in jams or pies), it also has an attractive show of white blossom in spring. Available on different rootstocks to help you control the size. From £21.95 (orangepippintrees.co.uk).

This relatively small, upright tree is useful for spots where you need height but haven’t much width. Flowering in late March, it bears rosy-pink ﬂowers with a darker eye and has good autumn colour, too. £55 (burncoose.co.uk).

Often growing wider than it is high and with clusters of large blossoms of the purest white, this will light up any garden or planting scheme. Emerging leaves are an attractive bronze. Approx £78 (ornamental-trees.co.uk).

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WORDS: NATASHA GOODFELLOW PCTURES: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, AAD VAN HAASTER, MARK DIACONO/HARDIE GRANT

Inspired by the emerging blossom? You can still plant bare-root trees in March and pot-grown trees any time

ARCHITECTURE /

Wigglesworth’s home was designed to be as ﬂexible as possible without many walls

ASK AN ARCHITECT

SARAH WIGGLESWORTH

PICTURE: IVAN JONES

Twenty years after she and partner Jeremy Till completed their pioneering eco home, the Straw Bale House, the London-based architect talks us through a renovation that is just as innovative What qualities do you think make a good home? A home is like an overcoat; it has to fit you, it has to suit you and it has to keep you comfortable. It also has to reflect your values. I’m a believer in architecture that is bespoke, unique to people and the things that interest and excite them. But there are some big universals, too, like comfort, fresh air, great daylight and a lovely view. What were your original priorities when you designed your home? We felt we needed to take responsibility for the environment. We wanted to use the building as a research project, to push the envelope by experimenting with waste materials. As it was a self-build, we tried to use simple techniques so that the house would just bolt together. The idea was for it to be quite flexible internally, without many walls, so you could carve out little spaces within it. What materials did you use to build it? We chose products with very low embodied energy like straw bales, sandbags, recycled concrete and gabion walls. We used timber in the walls, recycled newspaper for insulation and we used steel, which has far less embodied energy than, say, aluminium. We were interested in a new aesthetic for green architecture, with these quite fat walls. It was quite shocking for people at the time.

After 20 years in the house, why did you decide to change the design? A house needs to be future-proof. I was in my forties when we designed this house; now I’m in my sixties and I have different needs. But we really liked living here and we wanted to stay put, perhaps until we die, so we had to make it age-friendly. Also, the green movement has really sharpened up since we learned to be sustainable architects, becoming more data-driven and scientific. What was cuttingedge 20 years ago had become average, and we wanted to get it back up to being cutting-edge again. How did you make your house more sustainable? We appointed an environmental consultancy to look at all aspects of the building and decide where we should target our efforts. It was mainly around airtightness and insulation. We had to pick the house apart very carefully to get all the joints taped up and put seals around all doors and thresholds. We even had to insulate our larder door. As a result, we’ve halved the amount of uncontrolled ventilation and cut our carbon emissions by 62 per cent. How did you make your home more age-friendly? We made some modifications downstairs to accommodate a kitchen, so the ground floor can now be a different suite, with its own kitchen, APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 53

ARCHITECTURE

bathroom, bedroom and living room. That means if we needed a carer, they could be live-in and almost independent. We also added more storage, but we’ve kept all the good aspects, like lovely light and quality of space. Is it possible to age-proof your home without compromising on design quality? I think we’ve proved you can do it. Having said that, most of the kit you can buy, from grab rails to toilets, is very crudely designed and quite medicalised. We had to work quite hard to ﬁnd, for example, some grab rails to put in around our bath. There certainly is a market for some better designed equipment. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean that I’ve lost my aesthetic sense or that I identify with someone who’s inﬁrm. What difference has the renovation made to you? It’s an amazing comfort to know that we could still live here even if we were incapacitated or needing care. Although it doesn’t look that

‘THE GREEN MOVEMENT HAS REALLY SHARPENED UP, BECOMING MORE DATA-DRIVEN AND SCIENTIFIC’

Haycroft Gardens (and right), the multigenerational, ﬂexible eco-home that Wigglesworth most recently completed

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From above To make the house future-proof, a downstairs suite, including kitchen, was created, which can be used by a live-in carer if needed; the interiors were also updated to be more sustainable using the latest materials and concepts, without compromising on design

WORDS: AMY FREARSON PICTURES: IVAN JONES, TIM CROCKER

different, it feels much more solid, well-built, cosy and comfortable. What tips would you give to others planning to future-proof their homes? Look at every aspect of your building and think how you could improve it through better insulation. Airtightness is also key if you can do it, but you need proper ventilation with that. We’ve got two mechanical ventilation and heat-recovery systems in our building, which control ventilation and recycle the heat. And if you’re thinking of putting a new boiler in, put in an air-source heat pump instead. That’s going to be a revolution in how we heat buildings in the future. What other projects have you worked on recently? We’ve also completed an eco-house for three generations of the same family, allowing them to take care of each other. That’s another example of how you can make a home age-friendly. I think it’s got some nice resonances for the Covid situation, too. swarch.co.uk

THE S TA G E IS SET Emiliano Salci, one half of Italian design duo Dimorestudio, used his time well during Milan’s lockdown last year, emerging from it with a new home and a wealth of ideas Words CLARE SARTIN Photography ANDREA FERRARI Production INGRID ABRAMOVITCH

AT H O M E W I T H

Last year, while the whole world was closing down and the streets The Arts Club, completed back in 2019, to the memorable opulence were emptying, Emiliano Salci found himself temporarily stranded. of Palazzo Fendi, a VIP apartment in the heart of Rome. Alongside The creative force behind the legendary Dimorestudio had just residential projects, hotels and restaurants, the brand has also put completed the sale of the Milan apartment he shared with the its stamp on luxury shopping, devising stores for the likes of Dior, other half of this renowned duo, Britt Moran. Having both agreed Hermès, Cire Trudon and Aesop. For dedicated design followers though, perhaps the most lasting to live apart for the ﬁrst time since becoming room-mates in the mid-1990s, the pair, who together set up their ground-breaking impression of Emiliano’s ability to wow was the queues of people architecture and design studio in 2013, were waiting to get a glimpse of the brand’s home-hunting when the pandemic struck. exhibition at the last Salone del Mobile in THERE’S A NOSTALGIA Milan. In scenes that seem almost In May, as restrictions briefly eased, Emiliano ventured out of his rented unthinkable now, insiders crammed in to TO EVERYTHING THE accommodation to view this ﬂat, situated view ‘Interstellar’, which launched the STUDIO DOES. A TIMEin a beautiful 1940s building on a quiet furniture, fabric and accessories collections street near the artistic surroundings of the created under the studio’s newly created WORN, WELL-LOVED Piazza Risorgimento. ‘I decided on it on arm, Dimoremilano. With 2020’s design TYPE OF LUXURY a whim,’ he says, having been drawn to its week cancelled and 2021 moved to ‘bourgeois feeling and garden planted with September to hopefully avoid a second palm trees’. The apartment didn’t require any structural changes, no-show, it’s this that has lingered in the minds of many fans. but a lot needed to be done to the rooms for them to meet the Theatrically arranged with heavy velvet curtains, and dominated exacting aesthetic demands of their new owner. For Emiliano, by a rich, unapologetically maximalist colour palette, it was true this was to be his most personal project yet. to the look that Emiliano has been championing since the very start Comparisons will be made to previous work, which includes when, he recalls, ‘the design culture in Milan was dominated by some of the most exciting interiors to have graced the design world minimalism’. The word ‘Dimore’ translates as dwelling in Italian, in recent years, from the invitingly decadent French Riviera style but it means more than that. Britt has remarked that it ‘conjures up of Leo’s, a bar hidden in the basement of London members’ haunt images of old villas clinging to their aristocratic origins’. Fitting, Living room Emiliano Salci sits on a deep blue velvet ‘Fiandra’ sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in the 1970s. Next to it is a ‘PB01’ 1950s tea trolley by Cees Braakman for Pastœ, and the wall lights above are original designs by Italian modernist Ignazio Gardella Entrance hall Bespoke leopard-print carpet by Dimorestudio offers a wild greeting. In front of the door, a much-loved ‘Arenzano Tre Fiamme’ table lamp by Ignazio Gardella sits on an original George Nelson table for Herman Miller

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Above On the sideboard in the entrance hall sits an ‘Obelisk’ table lamp by Gabriella Crespi, and the stool is by Carla Venosta from the 80s Right Two vintage bamboo chairs by Piero Portaluppi sit either side of the door Below Custom-designed cabinetry – half stainless steel, half lacquered – adds interest to the kitchen. The stools are the ‘Alicudi’ from Dimoremilano’s outdoor range, topped with colourful cushions

as there’s a nostalgia to everything the studio does. A time-worn, well-loved type of luxury. Contemporary yet tied to the past. It is this same ambience, ‘a dusky, nocturnal atmosphere’, as Emiliano puts it, that he has perfected in his new home. Enter and you are greeted by walls painted a deep, seductive shade of orange; elsewhere you ﬁnd deep maroon and earthy browns that bring to mind images of smoke-ﬁlled clubs in the 1970s. Underfoot, a customdesigned leopard-print carpet by Dimorestudio hints to a playful kind of debauchery, while a walk-in wardrobe cloaked in auberginehued satin resembles the stage set for a magician’s big trick – a suitably stylish addition for Emiliano, who was recently included on GQ Italia’s list of best-dressed men. It’s a colour palette shared by the collections Emiliano had been working on for Dimoremilano – ‘bourgeois and classic, but with a Dimore twist’. Despite it being a strange time to embark on a renovation, the designer adopted a very hands-on approach to transforming his apartment, working with the artisans – carpenters, painters and blacksmiths – who had collaborated with him on past Dimorestudio projects. ‘They were delighted to be working on something after the lockdown,’ he adds, ‘so everything happened very quickly.’ Everywhere you look, there’s a mix of the brand’s contemporary pieces and vintage gems. It’s a combination that will be familiar APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 59

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Left Placed beneath an original Jean Prouvé shelf, this vintage daybed has been covered in Dimoremilano’s ‘Espalier Tabac Raffia’ fabric, as have the cushions. The ‘Tulip’ stool is by Eero Saarinen for Knoll and the wall light is by Serge Mouille. The vintage chairs (also below left) are upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric Below Purple satin from Dimoremilano’s fabric range disguises a vast wardrobe in this dressing room dedicated to fashion. The red 1970s ‘Sheraton’ sideboard is by Lodovico Acerbis and Giotto Stoppino for Acerbis, while the ﬂoor lamp is the ‘Toio’ by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos. The pendant light is a vintage design by Angelo Lelli

to anyone who has visited Dimoregallery, opened on the second ﬂoor of a grand Milanese palazzo back in 2014. The third string in this proliﬁc studio’s bow, the space consists of six rooms where historical pieces, selected by Emiliano for their impact on the path of design, rub shoulders with modern creations by Dimoremilano and other big names on the contemporary international scene. In fact, Emiliano sourced much of the furniture and lighting for his own apartment from the gallery. Some items, though, have been with him much longer, such as the ‘Arenzano Tre Fiamme’ table lamp by Italian architect and designer Ignazio Gardella, displayed in the entrance hall, that has travelled with him on many moves.

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AT H O M E W I T H

Designing a home during a pandemic has been an odd, sometimes sombre, experience for Emiliano but, in a year that has seen all of the studio’s work put on hold, it has at least been a positive outlet for his creativity. ‘Most of all,’ he says, ‘it made me realise the importance of creating a home that was not only interesting from an aesthetic point of view but also liveable. A place in which I could just be myself: comfortable, grounded, uncompromising.’ Those are all qualities that will undoubtedly prove helpful in the months to come as, with a bit of luck (and some help from vaccines), Dimorestudio plans to swing back into action. Langosteria Cucina opened right at the end of last year, sporting an intimate dinner party vibe, as did the stunning Arts Club Dubai, while already pencilled in for 2021 is the new Browns fashion boutique in Mayfair and a myriad of exciting residential projects. Bored of the monotony of lockdown life, much of the design world is deepening its love affair with maximalist interiors. As a pioneer of devising schemes that delight the senses, few are better placed than Emiliano to meet that need. dimorestudio.eu; dimoremilano.com; dimoregallery.com

‘IT MADE ME REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING A HOME THAT’S NOT ONLY INTERESTING FROM AN AESTHETIC POINT OF VIEW BUT ALSO LIVEABLE’ Bedroom A ‘Traccia’ or ‘Bird Leg’ table by Meret Oppenheim for Cassina sits beside the sculptural 1970s bed designed by Luciano Frigerio in this glamorous space. The bedside lamp is a vintage Tommaso Barbi piece and the chair residing beside the casement window is an original Carlo Mollino design Below Treasured curios and trinkets decorate every corner See Stockists page for details

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ST YLE D E C O R AT I N G

/ M AT E R I A L S / I N T E R I O R D E S I G N / I D E A S Edited by KIER A BUCKLEY-JONES

Print & Pattern Special

PICTURE:3 OBJECTIVES

From our essential edit of this season’s fabrics and wallpapers to new art fabric brand Saison International, and a tribute to legendary textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, this month’s focus is firmly on positivity and change, however small that may be. Plus, discover how to transform your space with modern art, sculptural objects and vintage pieces. It’s time to re-energise and get creative… Clockwise, from top left ‘Crassula’ embroidery fabric by Fabricut in ‘Confetti’, £140 per m, Christian Lee Fabrics (christianleefabrics.com) Picture on left Walls in ‘Silver True Matt’ paint, £52 for 2.5 litres; armchair upholstered in ‘Zephyr Plain’ brushed cotton, £79 per m, Zoffany (sandersondesigngroup.com/zoffany) Picture on right On bed ‘Bain de Soleil’ cotton jacquard, £226 per m, Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com). ‘Tropic 0470’ fabric, £105 per m, Sahco (kvadrat.dk/en/sahco). ‘Openwork’ braid in ‘Blossom’, £20 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk). ‘Expose’ linen in ‘Rosewood/Saffron/Parchment’, £59 per m, Harlequin (sandersondesigngroup.com/harlequin) Background ‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Terracotta’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com) ±

Styling KIER A BUCKLEY-JONES Photography 3 OBJECTIVES

Our definitive guide to the season’s fabrics and wallpapers in the latest hues

The essential DECORATING edit ‘Tansy Stripe’ linen in ‘Beige’, £110 per m, Colefax and Fowler (colefax.com)

‘Rosaline’ voile in ‘Fawn’, £49 per m, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk)

‘Still Life’ wallcovering in ‘Cinder’, £67.50 per 10m roll, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk)

‘Kiri’ fringed fabric in ‘Multi’, £135 per m, Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle.com)

IVORY & STONE Create a soothing setting with woven wallcoverings and tactile fabrics in serene neutral tones 1 7

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1 ‘Sepiessa’ wallcovering, £870 for two panels (each 254cm wide), Schumacher (fschumacher.com) 2 ‘Times’ wallcovering in ‘DPN40’, £139 per m, Nobilis (nobilis.fr) 3 ‘Filet Invisible’ sheer fabric, £173 per m, Élitis (elitis.fr) 4 ‘Ondulation’ woven wallpaper in ‘Grege’, £158 per 10.5m roll, Lelièvre (lelievreparis.com) 5 ‘Dot Fringe’ in ‘Birch’, £16 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk) 6 ‘Gardyne’ fabric in ‘Natural’, £75 per m, James Hare (james-hare.com) 7 ‘Eden’ cork wallcovering in ‘Pearl’ by Makoto Kagoshima x Chariots on Fire, £954.50 per 7.28m roll, Christopher Farr Cloth (christopherfarrcloth.com) 8 ‘Ice House’ linen in ‘Black & White’, £216 per m, Schumacher (fschamacher.com) 9 ‘Collage’ wallcovering in ‘Contrast Cream’, £409 per m, Phillip Jeffries (phillipjeffries.com) 10 ‘Foresso’ timber surface in ‘Ivory Duo’, £295 per sq m, Havwoods (havwoods.com) 11 ‘Eureka’ woven indoor/outdoor fabric in ‘Ivory’, £142 per m, Rubelli (rubelli.com) 12 ‘Quiete’ wall mural by Antonella Guidi, £95 per sq m, Wall & Decò (wallanddeco.com) 13 ‘Luminance’ wallpaper in ‘Sediment’, £65 per 10m roll, Harlequin (sandersondesigngroup.com/harlequin) 14 ‘Baluchi’ bouclé fabric in ‘Natural’, £68 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com) 15 ‘Sanctuary’ fabric in ‘Natural’, £124 per m, Chase Erwin (chase-erwin.com) 16 ‘Onda’ tiles, from £58 per sq m, Fired Earth (ﬁredearth.com) Background ‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Veldt’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com) ±

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PASTELS & PLASTER Off-set nude hues against punchy pastels in mint, blue and dahlia pink for a touch of sweet opulence 4 6

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1 ‘Jardin Provence’ velvet, £55 per m, Warner House (warner-house.com) 2 ‘Mazzo’ wallpaper in ‘Classica’, £115 per 10m roll, Poodle & Blonde (poodleandblonde.com) 3 ‘Japanese Garden’ wallpaper on grey dyed paper, from £1,173 per panel, de Gournay (degournay.com) 4 ‘Ianthe Bloom Mono’ linen in ‘Ointment’*, £130 per 10.5m roll, Liberty (libertylondon.com) 5 ‘Parakeet’ wallpaper, £95 per 10m roll, Warner House (warner-house.com) 6 ‘Hide and Seek’ wallpaper in’Rose’, £65 per 10m roll, Graham & Brown (grahamandbrown.com) 7 Walls in ‘Zafaro’ wallcovering in ‘Lotus’, £256.50 per 10m roll; sofa in ‘Zenith’ fabric in ‘Muscovado’, £149 per m, both Black Edition (blackedition.com) 8‘Block Cording’ in ‘Arctic’, £20 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk) 9 ‘Kiku’ jacquard, price on application, Dedar (dedar.com) 10 ‘La Musardiere’ wallpaper in ‘Saumon’, £79 per m; fabric, £72 per m; cushions (from left) in ‘Nura’ cotton in ‘Flamant’ and ‘Dragee’, £48 per m, all Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com) 11 ‘Gelato’ porcelain tiles in ‘Mint’, £99 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra (capietra.com) 12 ‘Blue Moray’ cotton fabric, £35 per m, Lily Mullen (@lilymullen.design) 13 ‘Delphine’ velvet in ‘Marine’, £24 per m, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk) 14 ‘Zappa’ porcelain tile in ‘Pink’, £47 per sq m, Mandarin Stone (mandarinstone.com) 15 ‘Roma’ velvet in ‘Dragee’,£110 per m, Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com) 16 ‘Flora Fantasia’ wallpaper in ‘Ecru’, £184 per 3m roll, House of Hackney (houseofhackney.com) Background ‘Pure 3’ linen in ‘Rose Sky’, £144 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com)

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*LIBERTY ‘IANTHE BLOOM MONO’ IS AVAILABLE THIS APRIL

‘Yanagi’ wallpaper in ‘Bright Pastel’, £146 per 10m roll, Linwood (linwoodfabric.com)

‘Palazzo’ corded embroidery in ‘Old Blue’, £129 per m, Colefax and Fowler (colefax.com)

‘Edo Springs’ wall panel in ‘Celadon Rose’, £470 per 3m panel, Studio by Fromental (studio.fromental.co.uk)

‘Poppy Meadowﬁeld’ linen in ‘Lichen’, £170 per 10m roll, Liberty (libertylondon.com) ±

‘Wilton Vine’ wallpaper in ‘Yellow Gold’, £150 per 10m roll, Soane (soane.com)

‘Bambou’ cotton/linen fabric in ‘Citron’, £130 per m, Jim Thompson (jimthompsonfabrics.com)

‘Leaf’ wall mural by Ines Porrino, £95 per sq m, Wall & Decò (wallanddeco.com)

‘Palmetto’ fabric in ‘Verdigris’, £214 per m, Perennials (perennialsfabrics.com)

LEMON & LIME Mix and match zesty shades for an energising hit of high summer 3

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1 ‘Key West’ weave in ‘44177/775’, £81 per m, Zimmer + Rohde (zimmer-rohde.com) 2 Chair upholstered in ‘Talete’ jacquard in ‘Avorio’, £142 per m, Rubelli (rubelli.com) 3 ‘Ananas’ jacquard, £75 per m, Warner House (warner-house.com) 4 ‘Lanai’ embroidered border in ‘Kelp’, £68 per m, Samuel & Sons (samuelandsons.com) 5 ‘Tumble Weed Epingle’ cotton fabric in ‘Buttercup’ by Neisha Crosland, £250 per m, Schumacher (fschumacher.com) 6 ‘La Jungle’ linen by Raoul Dufy, £155.50 per m, Christopher Farr Cloth (christopherfarrcloth.com) 7 ‘Caicos Lagoon’ wallpaper from the ‘Caribbean’ collection, £140 per 10m roll, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk) 8 ‘Tarbana’ velvet, £140 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com) 9 ‘Home Jungle’ cotton fabric in ‘Giungla’, £97 per m, Rubelli (rubelli.com) 10 Lower wall in ‘Emerald Beetle’ paint, £45 for 2.5 litres, Claybrook (claybrookstudio.co.uk) 11 ‘Ango’ embroidery in ‘Anis’, £145 per m, Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com) 12 ‘Samoa Stripe’ outdoor weave in ‘Emerald’ by Jim Thompson, £118 per m, Fox Linton (foxlinton.com) 13 ‘Jass’ weave in ‘Citrine’, £118 per m, Chase Erwin (chase-erwin.com) 14 ‘Lin Fiona’ linen in various colours, £96 per m, Nobilis (nobilis.fr) 15 ‘Tropical’ wallpaper in ‘Mallard Green’, £122 for 10m, Shweta Mistry (shwetamistry.com) 16 ‘Abstract’ ceramic tile in ‘Green’, £79 per m sq, Artisans of Devizes (artisansofdevizes.com) 17 ‘Popple’ linen, £140 per m, Fermoie (fermoie.com) Background ‘Light Weight Linen’ in ‘Marigold’, £84 per m, Rose Uniacke (roseuniacke.com) ±

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EARTH & CLAY Deep terracottas, golden browns and splashes of teal blue and deep coral create a rich, warm scheme 1

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1 ‘Gouge’ embossed wallcovering in ‘Old Gold’, £126 per m, Nobilis (nobilis.fr) 2 ‘Generation’ fabric in ‘Copper’, £36 per m, Prestigious Textiles (prestigious.co.uk) 3 ‘Nelia’ printed linen, £197 per m, Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com) 4 Curtains in ‘Lumière du Sud’ fabric, £343 per m, Élitis (elitis.fr) 5 ‘Hélios’ wallcovering, £398 per m, Élitis (elitis.fr) 6 ‘Kasma’ cotton/linen fabric in ‘Sepia’, £142 per m, A Rum Fellow x George Spencer Designs (georgespencer.com) 7 ‘Cowboy’ faux leather in ‘Saddle’ by Pollack, £206 per m, Altﬁeld (altﬁeld.com) 8 ‘Sonia’ wallcovering by Talva Design, £95 per sq m, Wall & Decò (wallanddeco.com) 9 ‘Bobble’ fringe in ‘Brick’, £22 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk) 10 ‘Parfum Du Midi’ fabric in ‘Mordore’, £155 per m, Misia (misia-paris.com) 11 ‘Checkerboard’ fabric in ‘Toffee’, £140 per m, White Pomegrante with Susie Atkinson (susieatkinson.com) 12 ‘Albaicin’ linen in ‘Cinnamon’ by Rapture & Wright, £93 per m, The Fabric Collective (thefabriccollective.com) 13 ‘Transverse’ wallpaper in ‘Bronze’, £75 per 10.5m roll, Harlequin (sandersondesigngroup.com/harlequin) 14 ‘Tints’ fabric in ‘ 0453’ by Margrethe Odgaard, £130 per m, Kvadrat (kvadrat.dk) 15 ‘Cashmere’ wallcovering in ‘73061’, £219 per 8.5m roll, Arte (arte-international.com) 16 Walls in ‘Shifting Sands’, ‘Brave Ground’, ‘Spiced Honey’, ‘Folk Tales’ paint, all £29 for 2.5 litres, Dulux (dulux.co.uk) 17 ‘Tulum Beige’ encaustic cement tile, £151 per sq m, Otto Tiles (ottotiles.co.uk) Background ‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Red Earth’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com)

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‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Terracotta’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com)

‘Carreaux De Terre’ wallpaper in ‘Terre Brune’ by Garance Vallee, £285 per 10m roll, Élitis (elitis.fr)

‘Mandovi’ embroidered linen by Nina Campbell, £130 per m, Osborne & Little (osborneandlittle.com)

‘Paysage’ vinyl wallcovering in ‘Crepuscule’, £381 per 10.5 m roll, Lelièvre (lelievreparis.com) ±

‘Nyoka’ jacquard in ‘Multi’, £189.50 per m, Black Edition (blackedition.com)

‘La Toile du Peintre’ wallpaper on linen, £137 per m, Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com)

‘Mansikkavuoret’ cotton fabric by Maija Isola, £37 per m, Marimekko (Marimekko.com)

‘Varanasi’ silk fabric in ‘Fuchsia’, £105 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com)

SATURATED COLOURS Keep things positive with these uplifting, joyful and bold coloured designs

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1 ‘Flower Power’ wallpaper, £65 per 10m roll, Graham & Brown (grahamandbrown.com) 2 On wall ‘Alexander’ linen, £132 per m; on window ‘Charlotte’ cotton embroidered fabric, £437 per m; also on window ‘Nikita’ linen, £312 per m, all Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com) 3 ‘Rainbow Stripes’ encaustic cement tile, £160 per sq m, Otto Tiles (ottotiles.co.uk) 4 ‘Burano’ cotton in ‘Multicolore’, £113 per m, Rubelli (rubelli.com) 5 ‘Begur’ wallpaper, £1,261 for three panels (W100 x H300cm), Élitis (elitis.fr) 6 ‘Hanley’ tube-lined decorative tile, £11.50 each, Balineum (balineum.co.uk) 7 ‘San Francisco’ embroidery in ‘Multicolore’, £74 per m, Camengo (camengo.com) 8 ‘Building Blocks’ cotton fabric, £35 per m, Lily Mullen (@lilymullen.design) 9 ‘Batam’ weave in ‘Coquelicot’, £59 per m, Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com) 10 ‘Tufty’ braid in ‘Tutti Frutti’, £14.75 per m, Villa Nova (villanova.co.uk) 11 ‘Positano’ weave in ‘Parasol’, £70 per m, Andrew Martin (andrewmartin.co.uk) 12 Panels in ‘Enchanted Ivy’ and ‘Satin Lining’ paint, both ELLE Decoration by Crown, £37.99 for 2.5 litres; ‘English Fire’, ‘Mustard Jar’ and ‘Powder Blue’, £18 for 2.5 litres; ‘Dance Fever’, £14.50 for 1.25 litres, all Crown (crownpaints.co.uk) 13 ‘Kitty Cat’ cotton/linen fabric in ‘Flamingo’, £84 per m, No.9 Thompson (no9thompson.com) 14 Sofa upholstered in ‘Exotica’ fabric in ‘Bird of Paradise’ by Pollack, £242 per m, Altﬁeld (altﬁeld.com) 15 ‘Fidji’ fabric in ‘Corail’, £98 per m, Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com) Background ‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Lake’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com) ±

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INDIGO & RASPBERRY These two shades are the ideal combination for dramatic interiors 1 6 2

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1 ‘Library Frieze’ wallpaper in ‘Midnight’, £125 per 10m roll, Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com) 2 ‘Indigo VOC repeat’ linen by Botanica Trading, £160 per m, The Fabric Collective (thefabriccollective.com) 3 ‘Coral’ wallpaper mural by Nic Miller, from £40 per sq m, Surface View (surfaceview.co.uk) 4 ‘Color Palette’ screen-printed ceramic tile in ‘Raspberry Wine’, £180 per sq m, Elisa Passino (elisapassino.com) 5 ‘London Tassels’ wallpaper, £55 per 10m roll, Warner House (warner-house.com) 6 ‘Aegean’ wallpaper in ‘Indigo’, £109 per m, Mind the Gap (mindtheg.com) 7 ‘Carlton’ velvet in ‘Bleu Eternel’, £216 per m, Misia (misia-paris.com) 8 ‘Monroe’ fabric, £173 per m, and; 9 Chair upholstered in ‘Nazca’ fabric in ‘009’, £141 per m, both Sahco (kvadrat.dk/en/sahco) 10 ‘Cocktail’ fringe in ‘Cosmopolitan’, £40 per m, Andrew Martin (andrewmartin.co.uk) 11 ‘1970’ wallpaper in ‘Rosa’, £115 per 10m roll, Poodle & Blonde (poodleandblonde.com) 12 Screen in ‘Archi’ fabric in ‘Frame’, £79 per m; chair in ‘Heritage’ fabric in ‘Scarlet’, £60 per m; chair cushion in ‘Natté’ fabric in ‘Carmine’, £46 per m; sofa in ‘Majestic’ fabric in ‘Amethyst’, £63 per m, all Sunbrella (sunbrella.com) 13 ‘Ilana’ silk satin in ‘Orion’, £123 per m, Black Edition (blackedition.com) 14 ‘Wilde’ fabric in ‘Pink’, £115 per m, Colefax and Fowler (colefaxandfowler.co.uk) 15 ‘Alchimie’ jacquard in ‘Empire’, £159 per m, Métaphores (metaphores.com) 16 ‘Lakeview’ jacquard, £139 per m, Zimmer + Rohde (zimmer-rohde.com) Background ‘Artist Canvas’ linen in ‘Night’, £160 per m, de Le Cuona (delecuona.com)

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‘Tarbana’ velvet in ‘Midnight’, £140 per m, Designers Guild (designersguild.com)

‘Ukiyo Monogatari’ jacquard in ‘Col.5’, price on application, Dedar (dedar.com)

‘Leyla Velours’ velvet in ‘Brun’, £135 per m, Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com)

‘Distortion’ fabric in ‘Rosewood/Neptune/ Azure’, £99 per m, Harlequin (sandersondesigngroup.com/harlequin)

THE KEY collections

STYLE

British decorating ﬁrms are leading the way this spring, with bold designs, uplifting colours and exciting collaborations

FROMENTAL With the aim of bringing its custom-decorated designs to a wider audience, bespoke wallcovering firm Fromental has launched sister brand Studio Fromental. Its first collection of 10 designs will draw on a range of influences, from contemporary chinoiserie to abstract architectural forms, and will be available as three-metre-high, ready-to-install panel sets in two widths. ‘Each wallcovering still maintains an element of hand-painting, so is an attainable way of introducing unique decoration into your home,’ says creative director Tim Butcher. ‘Paper Maquettes’ (above), from £300 per panel (fromental.co.uk).

VEVAR The Glasgow-based woven textile studio only launched last year, but is already expanding its small handloom operation with the addition of jacquard machines. This spring sees a collaboration with American artist Meghan Spielman, who will interpret classic Scottish textiles in Donegal tweed for a limited-edition homeware set, plus a new collection of blankets will join its existing cushions and scarves. Cushion (left), £95 (vevar.co.uk).

CHRISTOPHER FARR To celebrate its 21st anniversary, Christopher Farr Cloth is opening a new London showroom on the King’s Road. On display will be the ‘Makoto Kagoshima x Chariots on Fire’ collection, a range of wallcoverings and textiles by the Japanese ceramicist, featuring botanical patterns that echo the whimsical freehand motifs he renders on clay. The brand will also expand its selection of woven fabrics, with new striped designs by Kit Kemp, and an outdoor range by performance fabric maker Perennials. ‘Array’ linen (right) by ‘Makoto Kagoshima x Chariots on Fire’, from £135 per m (christopherfarrcloth.com).

DESIGNERS GUILD Among Designers Guild’s six new ranges for spring is the beautiful ‘Minakari’. The printed fabrics and wallpapers are inspired by Indian decorative arts and feature a rich palette of cobalt, emerald, ruby and sapphire, which is balanced by softer, neutral shades. The brand is also planning to unveil new furniture and paint colours later in the year. ‘Minakari’ wallpaper, from £72 per 10m roll (designersguild.com). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 79

STYLE

DE GOURNAY The luxury wallcoverings brand has collaborated with Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael S Smith to create ﬁve hand-painted botanical wallpapers. ‘Botanical Studies’ on Aged Tea Paper designed with Michael S Smith, from £ 1,956 per panel (degournay.com).

SOANE BRITAIN Best known for reimagining traditional decorative arts techniques, artist Sophie Coryndon has collaborated with Soane Britain on a collection of richly coloured textiles and wallpapers inspired by historical imagery and natural motifs. Their details and textures nod to a range of references, from the delicate gold-leaf background in the 14th-century Wilton Diptych, to traditional Moorish pharmacy jars, which were painted to indicate their contents. ‘Strawberry Crown’ linen in ‘Vermeer Blue’, £270 per m (soane.co.uk).

ZOFFANY Zoffany hopes to make a splash with ‘True Matt’, a new durable, environmentally friendly emulsion paint that comes in 156 colours. Described by the brand as ‘exceptionally chalky’, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas as it can be wiped clean. It’s convenient, too, drying in just two hours. £52 for 2.5 litres (zoffany.com).

In its craft-heavy range of fabrics for 2021, Colefax and Fowler gives nods to crewel embroidery, kilim weaving, verdure tapestry and more. There are woven fabrics with multicoloured yarns, airy sheers that hint at 19th-century interiors and decorative braids to complement them all. ‘Fitzroy’ fabric, £115 per m (colefax.com).

HOUSE OF HACKNEY The Gaelic festival of Imbolc marks the beginning of spring, when light returns and new life stirs – notions that feel more significant than ever. To celebrate, House of Hackney presents ‘Flora Fantasia’, a riotous pattern of flowers and bright colours, and the first in a series that will mark the changing of the seasons. ‘Flora Fantasia’ wallpaper in ‘Cerulean’, from £125 per 2m roll (houseofhackney.com).

WORDS: DEBIKA RAY PICTURES: MJKC, MARK COCKSEDGE

COLEFAX AND FOWLER

American DREAM

STYLE

Celebrating the understated style of the late, great textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PORTRAIT: MICHAEL PANICCIA

From top Jack Lenor Larsen with a selection of his fabrics; ‘Morgat’ curtains in ‘Bone’, £102 per m

Jack Lenor Larsen, who died last December aged 93, was the soul of discretion. The American textile designer lent his understated touch to many of the 20th century’s biggest design happenings, but only those in the know would have spotted it. His big break, in 1951/52, was a commission to create curtains for the windows of the now-iconic Lever House building, one of Manhattan’s ﬁrst curtain-walled skyscrapers. Larsen’s subtle check weave, shot through with gold threads, set the template for dressing modern glass buildings, ﬁltering out the sun’s glare without inhibiting their dazzling translucency. Subsequently, his fabrics adorned Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater residence and Jackie Kennedy’s 1960s redesign of the White House. Everyone who was anyone in midcentury America wanted the ‘Larsen Look’ and it still endures today, thanks to his thriving textile label Larsen Fabrics. Born in Seattle to a family of Nordsk-Canadian origin, Larsen initially studied architecture at the University of Washington – something that comes across in the structural rigour of his designs. Fussy patterns weren’t his thing: he preferred linear and grid-like weaves and deconstructed geometrics. He studied weaving methods from around the world and was a connoisseur of yarns, using linen, bamboo, raffia and even rope. The Larsen palette, meanwhile, dominated by golden neutrals, ivory, charcoal and black, reveals a modernist’s discipline while looking utterly timeless. Larsen was as elegant and unassuming as his work. ‘While midcentury furniture endures, my cloths are in shreds,’ he said modestly, though the ‘Larsen Look’ is as relevant as ever. His Japanese-inspired home, LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, based on the 7th-century Ise Shinto Shrine, now has parts open as a museum and is an inspiring showcase for his work. larsenfabrics.com; longhouse.org

Below, from top ‘Daloa’ in ‘Bark’, £66 per m; ‘Kayar’ in ‘Charcoal’, £122 per m; ‘Tigris’ in ‘Spice’, £108 per m

Curtains in ‘Atacama’ in ‘Clay’, £87 per m; sofa in ‘Margo’ in ‘Cream’, £97 per m; chairs (left) in ‘Sahara’ in ‘Clay’, £117 per m; chairs (right) in ‘Mekele’ in ‘Ebony’, £152 per m; daybed in ‘Daloa’ in ‘Tobacco’, £66 per m, all Larsen (larsenfabrics.com)

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Art of LIVING

STYLE

New brand Saison International fuses artistic creativity and home textiles – with spectacular results

Can fabric be an art form? The debut collection by Saison International certainly suggests so. While the great 20th-century artists did occasionally put their names to textile designs, this new brand gives things an altogether more contemporary spin. It not only offers artist-designed fabrics by the metre, but also ‘ready-made’ items – cushions, quilts and table linen – so you can create a coordinated look in your home. Saison International is the brainchild of British duo Eleanor Wright and Sam Watson, artists and curators who live between Antwerp and London. Their new venture, which launches in April, presents a novel way to fuse art and décor, with hand-picked talents producing limited-edition designs. Wright and Watson were inspired by the history of textiles as a means of artistic expression, as embodied by the Arts & Crafts movement, the Bauhaus, and Finnish design houses Artek and Marimekko. ‘From Anni Albers’ pioneering woven works to Henry Moore’s virtually unknown printed fabrics, textiles have long enabled artists to bring their work in touch with everyday life,’ argues Wright. ‘We want our designs to spark people’s imaginations. There’s something very democratic about buying a few metres of fabric to take home and make what you want.’ The debut collection features three prints: German

From above ‘Swim Together’ by Sophie von Hellermann; ‘Kaleidoscope’ by Paul Morrison; and ‘Reﬂection’ by Lothar Götz

Curtains in ‘Reﬂection’ by Lothar Götz, from £95 per m; cushion covers, from £70 each (saison.international)

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painter Sophie von Hellermann’s romantic ‘Swim Together’ illustration; ‘Kaleidoscope’, a modern monochrome botanical by British artist Paul Morrison; and ‘Reﬂection’, a colourful geometric by German artist Lothar Götz. Each creative was chosen for ‘a quality in their work that translates well to fabric’. Crafted using watercolour, collage and pencil, the designs have been realised in textile form by a British artisan screen-printer. The intention is to embrace slow production methods, with the brand releasing only one or two new designs each year. Ethical, locally sourced materials are important, too – everything is made using either pure cotton or Flanders linen from one of the region’s oldest mills. The fabrics are suitable for upholstery, soft furnishings and dressmaking, so you can let your creativity run wild. saison.international

WORDS: AMY BRADFORD PICTURE: SARAH BLEE

‘WE WANT OUR FABRIC DESIGNS TO SPARK PEOPLE’S IMAGINATIONS’

A curious COMMISSION

STYLE

We challenged luxury interiors house de Gournay to produce an exclusive ELLE Decoration wallpaper for our subscribers’ cover

nce the preserve of statesmen, kings and physicians, cabinets of curiosities – often known by their German name wunderkammer – were the height of fashion in 16th-century Europe. A precursor to museums, these items of furniture were used to display eclectic objects from the worlds of geology, natural history and archaeology. The purpose of such cabinets was to reflect the owner’s wealth, intellect and status – you might say an archaic equivalent of an Instagram account. Collections were broad; among shells, specimen jars and precious minerals you might find Ming dynasty china, Roman coins and religious artefacts. Even ‘evidence’ of mythical creatures could be thrown into the mix – the tusk of a narwhal whale was often classified as belonging to a unicorn. A modern interpretation of this tradition, de Gournay’s ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ wallcovering features a hand-painted version, much like the ornate examples that belonged to French aristocrat Joseph Bonnier de la Mosson – now housed

Items in painting, above ‘Joyce’ oak cabinet with ‘Black Out’ exterior house lacquer, £7,945, Pinch (pinchdesign.com) Top shelf, from left ‘Mediator Dove’ by Oiva Toikka, £220, Iittala (iittala.com) Books, from top Vintage ﬁrst editions of David Hicks On Bathrooms, £256, and David Hicks On Home Decoration, £219, 1stDibs (1stdibs.com); Marrakech Flair by Marisa Berenson, £82, Assouline (assoline. com); vintage edition of Goodbye Picasso by David Douglas Duncan, £108, Abe Books (abebooks.co.uk). ‘Brass Extinguisher’, £22, Ferm Living (fermliving.com), ‘X Lee Mathews Luisa’ glass carafe by R+D Lab, £125, Matches Fashion (matchesfashion.com). ‘Palazzo Otto’ scented candle by Fornasetti, £155, Liberty (libertylondon.com). ‘Anse’ pot, £99, Ferm Living (fermliving.com) Second shelf, from left ‘Wooden Monkey’ by Kay Bojesen, £125, Skandium (skandium.com). ‘Night Owl’ lamp in ‘Smokey White’ by Nicholai Wiig Hansen, £137, Fritz Hansen (fritzhansen.com). ‘Luisa’ ridged-glass wine tumblers by R+D Lab, £68 for two, Matches Fashion (matchesfashion.com). ‘Deco’ hand, from £59, Hay (hay.dk). ‘Le Grand Etourdi’ mobile by Volta, £289, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk). ‘Night Clock’ by George Nelson, £309, Vitra (vitra.com) Third shelf, from left ‘Wave’ glass pitcher by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, £219, End Clothing (endclothing.com). ‘Ilse’ small bowl in brass by Ilse Crawford, £120, Georg Jensen (georgjensen.com). The Design Book, £19.95, Phaidon (phaidon.com). Capri Dolce Vita by Cesare Cunaccia, £82, Assouline (assouline.com). The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker, £49.95, Phaidon (phaidon.com). ‘Mini Black Vase’ by Talia Designer Maker, £55, Artists & Objects (artistsandobjects.com). ‘Wooden Doll No.3’ by Alexander Girard, £99, Vitra (vitra.com). ‘Haniwa XL’ ceramic in ‘Etruscan Red’ clay, £980, Noe Kuremoto (noekuremoto.com)

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Each carefully curated piece selected for the cabinet was painstakingly hand-painted by de Gournay’s artists Left Our subscribers’ cover

WE SENT OFF OUR EDIT OF SPECIALLY SELECTED PIECES TO DE GOURNAY’S LONDONBASED DESIGN TEAM

WORDS: KIERA BUCKLEY-JONES PICTURES: DE GOURNAY

in the Museum of Natural History in Paris. As with the originals, the brand’s design is tailored to each client, showcasing an individual’s personality with objects of their choosing, either real or imaginary, brought to life by its skilled artists. It’s with this in mind that we tasked de Gournay with a challenge: to create a modern ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ in the magazine’s aesthetic. ‘We relished the opportunity to compose a scene of such contemporary character: an enviable array of objets far and away from our usual design elements, envisaged by such an authority of current design culture as ELLE Decoration,’ says Hannah Cecil Gurney, de Gournay’s director. Excited to see the ‘Deco look’ translated in this way, we sent off our edit of specially selected pieces to de Gournay’s London-based design team to be incorporated into a digital drawing. It included design classics, such as one of Oiva Toikka’s ‘Birds’ for Iittala and a George Nelson clock for Vitra, vintage editions of coffee table books on Picasso and David Hicks, and a playful ‘Wooden Monkey’ by Kay Bojesen hanging from the top shelf. The cabinet itself was just as important. Keen to champion British design, we chose Pinch’s ‘Joyce’ cabinet, a beautiful oak piece featuring sleek black-lacquered sliding doors. All of this was intricately painted by members of the brand’s 170-strong team of artists in China. The successful result, seen on the cover of this issue’s subscribers’ edition, manages to be realistic, while still showing the artistry of the painterly brushstrokes. A truly impressive keepsake – and perhaps inspiration to create your very own ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. From £1,643 per 915mm wide panel ( for bespoke, price on application), de Gournay (degournay.com)

SCANDI shades

We take an exclusive look at an inspired collaboration that shows one of the UK’s top decorating brands in a whole new light With a list of paint names so iconic they’ve become a common part of dinner party discussions across the globe, and a palette drawn from some of the UK’s most historic buildings, not to mention its idyllic countryside, there’s little else that represents British interior design as broadly as Farrow & Ball. Just one of the reasons then, why its latest collaboration with Danish design house TapetCafe is quite the stroke of genius. Compiled by Jannik Martensen-Larsen, co-owner of the familyrun business, this innovative edit of the paint company’s quintessentially British hues presents them in a fresh, Scandinavian light. ‘At Tapet-Cafe, we’ve always used Farrow & Ball colours a little differently. For many years, I have wanted to create a palette reﬂective of Scandinavia, which is how “The Nordic Edit” was formed,’ says Martensen-Larsen. ‘What we traditionally see is whites and greys, but there are so many shades around us – in nature, in our colourful cities, and in the wooden houses of the Norwegian countryside, for example. With this edit, the aim was to represent the region, as well as the work of Scandinavian designers and tastemakers.’ ‘Bold’, ‘intense’ and ‘courageous’ are all words Martensen-Larsen uses to describe his selection,

Walls painted in ‘Danish Lawn’; ceiling in ‘Chinese Blue’

STYLE

Ceiling and upper wall painted in ‘Arsenic’; lower wall in ‘Mere Green’

D R A M AT I C PA I R I N G S

‘Arsenic’

‘Mere Green’

‘Copenhagen Roof’

‘Etruscan Red’

Ceiling and upper wall painted in ‘Arsenic’; lower wall in ‘Mere Green’; door in ‘Etruscan Red ’; ﬁreplace in ‘Babouche’

which comes courtesy of inﬂuences as diverse as the red roofs of Copenhagen’s Old Town to the green tones of the city’s Dyrehaven’s deer park. ‘A shade I particularly love is “Serge”, a stunning blue that reminds me of the work of mid-century artists, and my favourite green is “Danish Lawn”, which is so striking,’ he says. On the ﬂip side, more classic Scandi tones are still represented through shades such as ‘Light Blue’, ‘Strong White’ and ‘Hardwick White’, which are used as neutrals and on woodwork.

COLOUR TIPS 1 & 2 C R E AT E B O L D C O N T R A S T S

At Tapet-Cafe we often experiment with stronger colour pairings such as‘Danish Lawn’ and ‘Chinese Blue’ and remove white from the scheme altogether ( left). ADD VIBRANCY TO N E W S U R FA C E S

The ceiling is often ignored but is a great canvas. A shade such as ‘Arsenic’ can be brought down on to the walls to create a wonderful open-sky feeling (right).

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‘Tapet-Cafe has captured something for every home and every personality,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘Scandinavian design has had a big inﬂuence on our interior décor choices for such a long time. Jannik has created an incredible aesthetic and has a brilliant eye for colour that we hugely admire at Farrow & Ball. “The Nordic Edit” is modern and new, but at the same time has such a familiar feeling. It’s a wonderful tool for people to use at any stage of their colour journey.’ From £49.50 for 2.5 litres of Estate Emulsion ( farrow-ball.com)

Ceiling painted in ‘Strong White’; walls painted in ‘Light Blue’

COLOUR TIP 3 P L AY W I T H F I N I S H E S

Paint walls and woodwork in a small area, such as a corridor or kitchen, in the same shade in Full Gloss for a unique look that feels a bit arty: ‘Danish Lawn’ and ‘Copenhagen Roof ’ work well.

Ceiling painted in ‘Arsenic’; wall in ‘Light Blue’ and window frame and sill in ‘Babouche’

D E L I C AT E T O U C H E S

‘Tunsgate Green’

‘Strong White’

‘Babouche’

‘Light Blue’

STYLE

DARKNESS AND LIGHT

‘Railings’

‘Serge’

‘Potted Shrimp’

‘School House White’

Walls and ceiling painted in ‘Serge’; window recess and woodwork in ‘Potted Shrimp’

Wall painted in ‘Railings’; skirting painted in ‘Strong White’

COLOUR TIPS 4 & 5 BE COURAGEOUS WITH BOLD HUES

P U L L O U T D E TA I L S IN ACCENT SHADES TO ADD A SENSE OF FUN WORDS: NAME PICTURES: NAME

WORDS: CLAUDIA BAILLIE PAINT SWATCHES: LUCKY IF SHARP

Don’t be afraid to use dark tones, which create drama and atmosphere, and can make a room feel bigger. They’re especially beautiful behind walls full of art: try ‘Railings’ (above), ‘Grate Black’, ‘Monkey Puzzle’ or ‘Serge’.

Try a soft tone like ‘Potted Shrimp’ in a window niche, for example, offset against a wall in a darker shade such as ‘Serge’ (left).

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S C U L P T U R A L

‘Spinetto’ chairs by Chiavari, £450 each; lacquered goatskin oval table by Aldo Tura, £9,000; lacquered goatskin sideboard by Aldo Tura, £9,000; ‘Akari’ pendant by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki & Co, £5,000; prototype cardboard screen by Frank Gehry for Vitra, £3,200, all Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk) Artworks, from left NAM23 painting by Andrew Crane, £780; Grid painting, artist unknown, for hire only; Toro 2 ceramic sculpture by Noe Kuremoto (on plinth), £1,800; Falling Silk painting by Studio Earle, £2,400 On sideboard Ceramic bust, artist unknown, for hire only; Jason, glazed ceramic and hair sculpture by Spencer Walton, £480; rare terracotta sculpture, artist unknown, £450 (one of three) On table Soft Soft Hard Group 1 vessels by Naomi Bikis, £1,890; P5 tall vessel by Abid Javed, £360, all MAH (modernarthire.com). ‘Untitled’ rug by Jorge Pardo, £9,600, Christopher Farr (christopherfarr.com)

S H I F T Curate your own gallery of vintage pieces, made rich with original art and objets that need no more than brilliant white walls and smooth concrete floors Photography BEN ANDERS Styling LAURA FULMINE

Opposite, from left ‘Lara’ sofa by Pamio, Toso & Massari for Stilwood, £12,500; ‘Shellﬁsh’ wall lamp by Piet Cohen for RAAK, £900; travertine coffee table by Angelo Mangiarotti for UP&UP, £3,500, all Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk). Guardian sculpture by Tilde Grynnerup (on plinth), £576; Paintings on wall, clockwise from bottom Des Palmiers en Hiver, £2,184; Agitations Tropicales, £1,968; Promesse de Fleurs, £4,920, all by Virginie Hucher On table, from left Iwashi objet, £372; Untitled vase, £1,440, both by Noe Kuremoto; Woman No.22 black vase by Karina Smagulova, £510, all MAH (modernarthire.com). ‘Tread’ rug by Christopher Farr, £12,000, Christopher Farr (christopherfarr.com) This page, from left ‘Fratina’ chairs by Mario Ceroli for Mobili Nella Valle, £5,500 for a pair; marble and leather coffee table by Marzio Cecchi for Studio Most, £1,500; ﬂoor lamp in the style of Audoux and Minet, £1,600, all Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk) Sculptures on table, from left Being Form by Dust & Form, £408; Noah by Kristiina Engelin, £702; Tōrō 2 by Noe Kuremoto, £2,160; Paintings on wall, from left White Bay by Virginie Hucher, £4,920; Still Waiting by Adriana Jaros, £480; Out There by Sharon Drew, £1,380, all MAH (modernarthire.com)

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From far left ‘Trebol’ leather and glass side table by Oscar Tusquets for Casas, £1,250; Anthroposophical chair, £6,500; ‘Ether’ organic wall lamps by Zygote for Saint Germain Lumiere, £1,600 for a pair; wood and steel sideboard in the manner of Perriand, £8,500; three-seater ‘Soriana’ sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, £19,000; ‘Metafora’ travertine and glass coffee table by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, £4,500; ‘Cometa’ ﬂoor lamp by Ettore Sottsass for the Design Center for Poltronova, £7,500, all Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk) On side table Terracotta bowl by Anna Beam, £28, P10 objet by Abid Javed, £547; On wall Contrast 03 painting by Formworks, £1770; On sideboard, from left Constellation Duo 2 vessel by Ateme Ceramics, £210; Square Dotted Vessel by Julie Nelson, £336; A0 objet by Abid Javed, £360; Untitled vase by Noe Kuremoto, £1,440; Woman No.27 vessel by Karina Smagulova, £510 On coffee table, from left Coral Pot II by Julie Nelson, £228; Woman No.22 vessel by Karina Smagulova, £510; Being Form sculpture by Dust & Form, £324, all MAH (modernarthire.com)

This page, from left Grass-seated dining chair by George Nakashima, £3,600; sculptural ﬁbreglass table in the style of Serge Castella, £3,840; ‘Spinetto’ chair by Chiavari, £450, all Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk) Artworks, from left Propellor four-piece kinetic sculpture by Daniel Reynolds, £5,400; Moving Mountains painting, special commission, £1,800; abstract plaster sculpture, for hire only; P4 objet by Abid Javed, £302, all MAH (modernarthire.com). ‘Untitled 603’ rug by William Turnbull, £12,000, Christopher Farr (christopherfarr.com) Opposite, from left Untitled 3 painting by David Hardy, £593; White Moon vessel by Noe Kuremoto, £312; Tubular Loop vessel by Julie Nelson, £264; P4 objet by Abid Javed, £302; Constellation Duo 2 vessel by Ateme Ceramics, £210; jug part of a set of 3 from Black Group by Jo Modern Potter, £180; Iwashi objet by Noe Kuremoto, £372; Petal Spine objet by Julie Nelson, £384; A0 objet by Abid Javed, £360, all MAH (modernarthire.com). Wooden and steel French sideboard (just seen), as before, Béton Brut (betonbrut.co.uk)

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HOMES COTSWOLDS

/ TUSCANY/ MELBOURNE/ COPENHAGEN/ NEW YORK

PICTURES: CLAUDIA ZALLA/PHOTOFOYER, HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE

Edited by CL ARE SARTIN

The early signs of SPRING may be starting to appear but, for many of us, the sheer length of this locked-down winter has left a deep craving for COLOUR R. It’s a natural reaction to dark days, and reminds me of a quote from Vincent van Gogh: ‘The uglier, older, meaner, iller, poorer I get, the more I wish to take my revenge by doing brilliant colour, well arranged, RESPLENDENT.’ In this issue, we visit properties whose owners are all taking their revenge on the current state of the world by creating personality-filled, POSITI VE interiors. There’s designer Nadia Olive Schnack’s explosion of purple in her Copenhagen home (p134) and a bold blue retreat in the Tuscan countryside (p114) – both show the power of FEARL LESS palettes. A more subdued approach is on display at a Cotswolds new build that takes inspiration from its lakeside setting (p104), while beach-home style gets a moody rethink in a LUXURIOUS Melbourne house (p122). Finally, in a move that anyone missing nights out will approve of, we look at a 1920s New York apartment that takes DECOR ATING ideas from some of the hottest bars in NoHo (p144). After all, if staying in is still the new going out, we’d better make it stylish!

R EFLECTIONS ON WATER Calming natural colours and subtle textures mirror the tranquil surroundings of this home’s lakeside Cotswolds setting Words SERENA FOKSCHANER Photography RACHAEL SMITH

Living room Two appealingly squishy ‘Marenco’ sofas by Mario Marenco for Arﬂex are placed on top of a bespoke rug by Sacco Carpet. Above the ﬁreplace hangs a mural by Caroline Popham and the built-in shelves to one side are lined with ceramics by Bus Stop Pottery. The wall tapestry is from the 1970s and was bought from AU Bespoke. Striking 1940s ‘Audoux and Minet’ rope armchairs by Vibo Vesoul, purchased from Béton Brut, are placed between a pair of earthenware side tables by HK Living. The ‘Volta’ and ‘Dona’ table lamps are by Barcelona-based craftsperson Marta Bonilla

hrough the wide windows of Max and Cassie Ray’s family home in Oxfordshire you gaze on to a placid lake. As aqueous shadows ripple across ceilings, the splash of a canoeist’s oar is the only sound that punctures the rural silence. Surprisingly, this bucolic setting was once a network of gravel pits. Then, in 2007, the developers arrived, the holes were flooded to create tranquil lakes and the 850 acres landscaped with trees and meandering footpaths. Now it’s a private estate dotted with modernist second homes favoured by city-dwellers in search of rural seclusion, albeit with the urbane trimmings of a spa and gym. The timber-framed properties are sold off-plan to standard designs, but Max, an angel investor, and Cassie, a newly-qualified yoga teacher, whose children are seven and nine, had other ideas for the three-storey retreat, which they bought in 2018. ‘We didn’t want it to feel too corporate or hotel like,’ says Max. The couple turned to interior designer Katie McCrum, for whom this was a chance to start from scratch designing a home firmly rooted in nature. ‘We chose reflective surfaces to mimic the play of light on water, and natural textures like rattan that nod to the vegetation outside,’ she says. That connection to the landscape strikes you as soon as

you arrive. In the main living area, Tadelakt-lined walls reflect the colours of the lake, and a cabinet made from Japanese burnt wood adds earthy drama. Above the bespoke dining table, a pendant lamp made from banana leaves diffuses the light ‘like a floating cloud’, says Katie. There was a serendipitous moment when Katie showed her clients designs for the mural above the fireplace. It is by Caroline Popham, who turned out to be their neighbour in London. Their answer was a swift, ‘yes please’. It was important that the interior captured Max and Cassie’s divergent tastes. His is more for ‘Japanese minimalism’, hers for ‘cosy, layered bohemianism’, explains Katie. The main bedroom, with its Japanese paper winged screen behind the bed and jewel box-like wardrobe, is a synthesis of these aesthetic leanings. Both are also keen fans of the work of the Marrakech-based maker known as LRNCE, who designed the armchair where they sit to appreciate the room’s panoramic lake views. The couple missed those vistas during this winter’s lockdown. But, on mizzly urban days, the promise of suppers on the terrace and netting pike in the lake became the antidote to Covid gloom. ‘There’s a sense of peace here that we don’t feel anywhere else,’ says Cassie. mccruminteriordesign.co.uk

‘WE CHOSE NATUR AL TEXTUR ES LIKE R ATTAN THAT NOD TO THE VEGETATION OUTSIDE’

Snug Exposed reclaimed beams were installed here to add a cosy feel and painted in ‘Harley Green’ by Little Greene. A ‘Mags’ sofa from Hay is paired with vintage bamboo stools – found on 1st Dibs – and a rug by Les Tapis Sauvages. The side table is the ‘Lato’ by Luca Nichetto for &Tradition Dining room The convivial dining table was made by West Bridgford Joinery and designed to echo the contours of the owner’s favourite ‘Hiroshima’ dining chairs by Naoto Fukasawa for Maruni. A handmade banana-ﬁbre ‘Anders’ light by Pinch creates a soft, diffused glow

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Kitchen A multicoloured terrazzo island worktop from Diespeker & Co was the starting point for the design of this space, surrounded in soothing grey and neutral tones. The bespoke cabinets were made by Crafted Cabinetry, the sink from Caesarstone, and hob surfaces and bar stools are by Branca. Wall lights by Allied Maker perfectly complement the owners’ ceramics collection. The pendant light above the island is the ‘Crinkle’ by Decode

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Opposite A colourful vintage runner picks up the geometric looks of the canvas by LRNCE on the hallway wall. Above the stairs hang two ‘Pho’ pendant lights by Caravane Children’s bedroom A double bunk bed made by Crafted Cabinetry and Murals Wallpaper’s Matisse-inspired ‘Forme’ design add a playful touch, alongside a ‘Pala’ dressing table by Sarah and Henrik Böttger for Case – used here as a desk Main bathroom Gently curved shapes are a motif of this lakeside house, where terrazzo lines this bespoke vanity unit and hammam-style shower. The brass-rimmed mirror above the vanity is also bespoke, while the stool was found at a ﬂea market. Above the Lusso Stone tub hangs a work by Amy Dov Studio

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Main bedroom Made from Japanese paper edged in white American oak, this winged screen frames the bed. The red bedside table is the ‘Gong Due’ by Andrea Parisio for Meridiani, with a handmade Japanese paper lampshade by Sansho hanging above. Grasscloth wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries accentuates the warm light, below. The ‘Solo’ desk is by Neri & Hu for De La Espada. A table lamp from Zara Home sits on top, and the chair is the ‘Darling’ by Minus Tio

IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE INTER IOR CAPTUR ED MA X AND CASSIE’S TASTES. HIS IS FOR ‘JAPANESE MINIMALISM’, HERS, FOR ‘COSY, LAYER ED BOHEMIANISM’

Main bedroom At the entrance to the room, with its views across the lake, sits a ‘Magnante’ console from Oka and curved poufs by Kristina Dam. The armchair is by LRNCE, bedding is from C&C Milano and the throw is from Zara Home See Stockists page for details

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A bold explosion of cobalt gives this Tuscan home a memorable look that’s a far cry from the traditional rustic charm of its neighbours Words MARZIA NICOLINI Photography HELENIO BARBETTA/LIVING INSIDE

There’s no place like home. Dorothy knew this. It’s the phrase that magically transported her, with three clicks of her sparkly, ruby red heels, out of Oz and back to Aunty Em in Kansas. It’s fitting then that for talented footwear designer Samuele Failli, a man who has created exquisite heels for the likes of Prada, Azzedine Alaïa and Yves Saint Laurent, it is also something of a mantra. His home, which he shares with his Parson Russell Terrier Brando is, he says, his ‘place to be’. His perfect escape from an otherwise hectic life. ‘Every time I return after my business trips, I feel like I am finally safe from stress,’ he explains. That instant relaxation is partly down to surroundings. Located in a corner of Tuscany noted for its natural beauty, not far from the artistic city of Arezzo, his villa, built in 1721, benefits from 360-degree views of rolling green hills. It’s like a postcard. Inside, however, there are surprises, with rural tranquillity replaced by a daring use of colour and intense pattern. When Samuele first set eyes on this ancient property it was totally abandoned and unloved. ‘I was well aware of all the work that would be necessary to make it my dream home,’ he admits, but with the help of architects Margherita Bacci and Cosimo Bonciani who, at the time, both worked at Studio1 Architetti (and were both just 25 years old when the project began) he has been able to create something quite special. Divided across three floors, the villa’s rooms are linked by a confident use of one colour: cobalt blue. Spilling out from Samuele’s study, the shade covers not just the walls but also the floor, as part of an installation by Florence-based artist and interior designer Duccio Maria Gambi. In the living area, blue ‘Lady’ sofas by Marco Zanuso for Cassina continue the scheme while, in the dining room beyond, oversized dots of the same hue act as decoration. Upstairs, in Samuele’s bedroom and in the guest room on the floor above, the saturation becomes even more intense, with wardrobes covered in luxurious deep blue velvet and a vintage wallpaper from the 1930s adding to the visual drama. Throughout, classic items of furniture – largely from Samuele’s favourite decade, the 1950s – lend the whole place, what he calls, ‘a très chic attitude’. The final effect is, he declares, ‘outstanding’. ‘Looking out of the windows, I see only countryside and tiny villages in the distance. It’s a unique contrast: a villa that looks like something out of Palm Springs but is, instead, immersed in the Tuscan landscape.’ studio1architetti.com Living room At the centre of this space stands a metal and glazed ceramic stove by Stil Keramos, a 1950s design purchased from Modernab Gallery. The ‘Lady’ sofas and chairs are all original pieces by Marco Zanuso for Cassina and the ‘L4’ coffee table is by Duccio Maria Gambi, from Nero Design Gallery in Arezzo. It sits on a rug by Gaetano Pesce, which suits the home’s blue scheme. The artwork beside the stove is Città Celestiale by Lorenzo Bonechi

Inside the villa, there are surprises, with rural tranquillity replaced by a daring use of colour and intense pattern

Living room A pair of original ‘S2’ bookcases by FEAL (Fonderie Elettriche Alluminio e Leghe) are placed either side of the arch that divides this space from Samuele’s study Portrait Samuele and his dog Brando inside ‘Blu Sospeso’, the custom-made art installation designed by Duccio Maria Gambi for the area between the study and living room Study An original ‘C141’ desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet and two ‘Medea’ chairs by Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue, all designed in the 1950s and bought at Nero Design Gallery, set a sophisticated tone in this dedicated workspace. The Italian desk lamp is also a vintage piece, from the same design decade. The large artwork behind the desk is a 1970s piece by Marco Silombria, while on the ﬂoor sits BLT, a ceramic work by Gabriele Papi

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When Samuele ﬁrst set eyes on this ancient property it was abandoned and unloved: ‘I was well aware of the work necessary to make it my dream home’

Dining room Liquid circular artworks by Uruguayan artist Nicolas Denino decorate the wall above an original ‘Peacock’ chair by Emmanuelle Pavone for Kok Maison. The ‘Broken Marble’ table is by Michele Seppia from Nero Design Gallery. It’s complemented by a set of ‘Leggera’ chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina. In the corner of the room, a painting by Laura Gatto hangs above a 1960s sideboard. The Stilnovo wall lamp is also a vintage piece from the 60s Kitchen Located off the dining room, this space has its own access to the garden. Porcelain designs by Richard Ginori sit on the countertop above stainless-steel cabinetry. The ﬂoor tiles are original, but for similar try Mandarin Stone Stairway Marco Silombria’s attention-grabbing Scena di Sesso hangs above the original spiralling stone staircase

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Throughout, classic items of furniture – largely from Samuele’s favourite decade, the 1950s – lend the whole place what he calls, ‘a très chic attitude’

Bathroom A ‘Courtesy’ side table by Michele Seppia, available at Nero Design Gallery, is placed beside a cast-iron tub from the 1990s. For similar porcelain tiles, try Fired Earth Wardrobe area Custom-designed by architects Margherita Bacci and Cosimo Bonciani, this space features seamless storage upholstered in blue velvet that matches the plush carpet. A bench from the ‘Guerra Fredda’ series by Duccio Maria Gambi, exclusive to Nero Design Gallery, is placed in the middle Dressing room Located between the walk-in wardrobe and bedroom, this space’s vintage 1930s wallpaper is visually arresting. The vanity unit (one of Samuele’s favourite pieces) is an original Gio Ponti design from 1953. The Carlo Scarpa wall light, created for Venini, is from the same era. Both bought at Nero Design Gallery, the two chairs, one by Carlo De Carli (left) and the other by Eugenia Alberti Reggio (right), are 1960s originals Bedroom Conversazione by Lorenzo Bonechi hangs above the bed and a ‘Concrete Marble Stool’ by Duccio Maria Gambi acts as a bedside table. On top sits an Italian lamp from the 1950s See Stockists page for details

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Light shines in the darkness Dramatic architecture frames a glamorously moody interior in this Australian coastal escape, which is a bold departure from bright, breezy beach-house style Words TESSA PEARSON Photography DEREK SWALWELL Styling SIMONE HAAG

Exterior The curved walls are clad in limestone, referencing this home’s coastal location. Large windows punctuate the façade, which is oriented to take in the sunrise, while shielding the homeowners from the heat of the afternoon sun Dining area Gubi’s ‘Beetle’ dining chairs by GamFratesi, upholstered in a grey-green velvet, are paired with a ‘Miller’ table by Andrea Parisio for Meridiani to create an air of understated glamour in this ground-ﬂoor space

Dining area A bar is concealed behind doors in the curved timber wall that leads into this space. Beside it stands a gold, sculptural ‘Beolab 18’ speaker by Bang & Olufsen Living room Charcoalstained timber and ash-grey marble line the walls of this layered and textural area. Here, a large ‘Maralunga’ sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina surrounds a ‘Portal’ coffee table by Apparatus Studio. In front is an ‘Officina’ lounge chair and footstool by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Magis. The dramatic seascape painting is by Australian artist Paul Ryan, from James Makin Gallery. The simple ‘Vivo’ timber stools are by Fanuli, while a custom rug by Halcyon Lake covers the ﬂoor

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ith a sweeping outline that echoes the contours of its coastal location, this contemporary Australian home is a striking addition to the small town of Flinders on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Architecture firm Woods Bagot eschewed the traditional typology of the neighbouring coastal cottages and timber properties, choosing instead to design a second home for the owner that works in harmony with the landscape. To this end, two curved limestoneclad volumes are stacked in a staggered formation, referencing the geology of the rugged cliff they sit upon. Large swathes of glass puncture the exterior of the building, opening it up to the ocean, and the spectacular morning sunrises. Behind the façade, the drama continues, with a dark and textural scheme that creates a sense of refuge. ‘The design is sympathetic to the house’s situation, allowing its inhabitants to feel protected by the building while experiencing the full impact of the exhilarating location,’ says Woods Bagot’s CEO Nik Karalis, who collaborated with interior design studio Hecker Guthrie and stylist Simone Haag on the interiors. A cohesive palette of limestone, charcoal-stained timber and ash-grey marble runs throughout the three-storey house. The upper level is dedicated to a large main bedroom, as well as a formal dining area – complete with a south-facing deck overlooking the coast. A staircase in wood and stone descends to the ground ﬂoor, where the focal point is a streamlined open-plan kitchen and living space. Here, functional elements blend discreetly into the background. ‘The home is a play on restraint and full exposure,’ explains Hecker Guthrie. ‘The opening and closing of different spaces, combined with the considered choice of materials, helps to infuse the interior with a sense of warmth – something that can end up being overlooked in a second home.’ ‘The moody palette also inspired the choice of soft furnishings,’ adds Simone Haag, whose careful edit of furniture and accessories was the result of numerous shopping trips with the owner. ‘She wanted the home to be the antithesis of a typical beach house, and needed modesty and display to work in harmony.’ Brass accents and carefully chosen artworks sing out against the dark backdrop, while tactile leather and velvets in rich, muted hues up the comfort factor. ‘The exterior of the house has a strong presence, yet it’s very different inside,’ says Simone of the home’s comforting and cocooning feel. ‘The project deals with two contrasting scales,’ Nik agrees. ‘The building is in balance with the majestic coastal surroundings, while the interior is more intimate, both enveloping its inhabitants and connecting them to nature.’ woodsbagot.com; heckerguthrie.com; simonehaag.com.au

Inside, the drama continues, with a dark and textural scheme that creates a feeling of refuge

Kitchen Sleek units line the wall, completed with a dark-grey marble countertop that extends to the splashback. Gubi’s ‘Beetle’ bar stools by GamFratesi provide comfortable seating at a counter designed for informal dining. In the connected seating area, a Molteni & C ‘Reversi’ sofa by Hannes Wettstein, ‘Asymmetrical’ sofa in leather by BassamFellows and a solid bronze ‘Asperitas’ side table by Sydney-based studio Ac-s face a contemporary fireplace (above). The vintage red velvet armchair is one of a pair from Australian furniture emporium Nicholas & Alistair, while the geometric ‘Laurel’ marble side table is by Luca Nichetto for De La Espada Study Two leather ‘Beverly 14’ armchairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia sit opposite a ‘Jacob’ writing desk by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti in this office space, with a floor lamp from Hub Furniture. A dramatic artwork by Trevor Mein from Melbourne-based gallery Otomys reflects the mood

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The idea, explains stylist Simone Haag, was for this home to be the ‘antithesis of a typical beach house’

Dining room The focal point of this space is a streamlined oval dining table by Mads Johansen, bought at Great Dane – a good place to ﬁnd Scandinavian designs in Melbourne. Above it hangs a ‘Neverending Glory Pendant La Scala’ by Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus for Lasvit from Australian lighting store Living Edge. ‘DC09’ dining chairs by Inoda+Sveje for Miyazaki Chair Factory, available at Aram Store, surround the table, on which sits a vase from Melbournebased Criteria Collection. In the corner is a ‘Neptunia’ chair by Arﬂex for Poliform Landing The cohesive material palette continues on the upstairs landing, where a ‘Home Hotel’ bench by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform is positioned to take in the view. An ‘Otto’ round mirror by Great Dane bounces light around the space and creates a feeling of depth

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Bathroom Decadently clad in marble from Signorino, this space features a ‘Must’ side table by Willy Dalto for Altamarea and, above the tub, a ‘Tip of the Tongue’ wall light by Michael Anastassiades for Flos Study Attached to the main bedroom is an area the homeowner refers to as ‘the retreat’. It features Rimadesio’s versatile ‘Zenit’ shelving system as a wall divider. An Arne Jacobsen ‘Swan’ chair for Fritz Hansen sits at a ‘Compas Direction’ desk by Jean Prouvé for Vitra, next to which is a 1950s ﬂoor lamp by Stilnovo

Dressing room Two ‘Mirto’ stools by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia are positioned at a marble vanity table. The glass ‘Buds 2’ table lamp is by Rodolfo Dordoni for Foscarini Main bedroom Rodolfo Dordoni’s ‘Tatlin’ bed for Minotti – with bedlinen from Abode in Melbourne – is a tactile addition to the timber-panelled bedroom. Next to it is an elegant marble-topped ‘Onda’ bedside table from Poliform, with a minimalist wall light by Lambert & Fils mounted above See Stockists page for details

PURPLE REIGN

This Copenhagen home’s artistic legacy lives on, with an adventurous colour scheme that breaks rules and boosts happiness Words CLARE SARTIN Photography CLAUDIA ZALLA/PHOTOFOYER

Dining area The exaggerated dimensions of Claesson Koivisto Rune’s sculptural ‘W151’ pendant light for Wästberg add to the playfulness of this room. It hangs above a ‘PK54’ table by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen and classic ‘209’ chairs by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. German abstract artist Rupprecht Geiger’s paintings have the punch to compete with the bold purple walls

adia Olive Schnack was just 18 years old when she spotted her dream home while on a bike ride through Copenhagen’s leafy Frederiksberg district. ‘From the outside, you can see this big atelier window. It’s quite unique,’ she explains. ‘I just thought, “Well, that’s mine!”’ Despite this early conviction, she was surprised when, four and a half years ago, her husband Adam, an estate agent, discovered that the house he’d been asked to sell was, in fact, ‘her’ house. He didn’t have to look far for a buyer. Once she had the keys, Nadia threw herself into creating her own hyper-colourful vision of family living. As an interior designer – as well as a colour consultant with an interest in the history of shades and how they can affect our moods – she had the knowledge and confidence to decorate fearlessly. Her style has been described in the past as rule-breaking, existing as it does in stark contrast to the traditionally polite whites and greys of Scandinavian interiors. However, with a Russian mother and British father, Nadia’s childhood – ‘passionate poetry, ballets and stiff upper lips’, as she describes it – was very far removed from the aesthetic she has been charged with rejecting. To her, it’s not about breaking rules or being provocative. ‘This is my way of finding a place,’ she explains. ‘It’s not a protest, it’s just what makes me happy and full as a human being.’ From the sunny warmth of the yellow wallpaper in the living room to deep aubergine in the bedroom, there’s no shortage of bold decorating decisions in this home, but perhaps the most striking is in the kitchen, where not just the walls, but also the island and cabinets, are painted an unapologetic lilac. It’s an idea Nadia came across when flipping through Farrow & Ball’s archive colours. Stumbling across ‘Sugared Almond’, she knew she had to use it somewhere. It was, she says, ‘meant to be’. The only room in this house with white walls is Nadia’s workspace. Here, the excitement happens underfoot. She commissioned Turkish/Danish artist Evren Tekinoktay to create a mural on the floor. Hand-painted, it took one whole week to complete and, in a nice moment of synergy, its swirling pastels bring to mind the work of a former owner of this home: the Danish artist Harald Moltke, whose famous paintings of the Northern Lights showcase nature’s most playful palette. When it comes to combating the lockdown blues, Nadia admits she would be lying to say that the colours in her home have always had the power to lift her mood. But, she says, ‘somewhere, underneath everything, colour does affect you. It helps you get out of bed’. As her two children, David and Maggie, record dance moves for TikTok in the background while we chat, it’s hard to imagine a home more conducive to fun and freedom of expression. nadiaoliveschnack.dk Kitchen Bespoke cabinetry is completed by a coat of Farrow & Ball’s ‘Sugared Almond’ – the same shade that’s used on the walls. A mobile by Danish artist Ib Geertsen is suspended above the island Portrait Nadia in the library in front of a painting by Geertsen Living room ‘Drop’ wallpaper by Danish brand Tapet-Cafe, in a warming ‘Honey’ shade, sets the cosy tone in this space

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Living room In this relaxed family space, modern colours are combined with vintage furniture – much of it inherited from relatives. The striped curtains are by Tapet-Cafe, while the rug isthe ‘Tapis Abaca Raye’ by Nobilis. The green velvet chair and sage couch are both from George Smith, the coral sofa is vintage and the botanical-print cushions are from Jobs Handtryck

Hallway A coat of ‘Blue Ground’ paint from Farrow & Ball, with ‘Pavilion Blue’ on the bannister, and a red runner from Roger Oates Design add interest to the staircase. The painting – gifted by Adam’s grandmother and the ﬁrst piece in the couple’s collection – is by Ib Geertsen

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Studio Hand-painted by Evren Tekinoktay, the ﬂoor is a swirling dream of pastel colour that, when the sun hits it right, is reﬂected across the white walls. A vintage desk by Kaare Klint and ‘209’ chair by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna sit beneath a print by artist Joan Linder

Studio Beneath the giant window, the ‘Arch’ dining table, designed by Front for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, acts as an alternative workspace to the desk. The blue cabinet is from Danish brand Montana Bedroom Situated off the studio, the mood in this space is set by the rich ‘Bible Black’ purple by Farrow & Ball on the walls. The bedspread is from Tapet-Cafe. A painting Nadia inherited from her mother-in-law hangs above a vintage sideboard and free-standing mirror See Stockists page for details

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ON THE TILES If staying in is the new going out, this NoHo apartment makes a virtue of necessity with interiors inspired by New York’s best-looking bars Words PHOEBE FRANGOUL

Photography BRIAN FERRY

Living room Design ﬁrm Home Studios created the large oak storage unit on the back wall and the walnut and rattan coffee table. Surrounding the table is a white ‘Howard’ sofa from Egg Collective and two Danish 1950s leather armchairs. The ‘Candy Cube’ pink side table is by Sabine Marcelis

Among the fantasies you may have indulged in this past year, perching on a bar stool with a drink in hand or going out for dinner with friends is surely high on the list. The owners of this Manhattan home, therefore, should be congratulated for having the foresight to add a flavour of their favourite hangouts into its design. The couple enlisted Home Studios, the team behind a series of the district’s cult bars and restaurants, to complete the look of their fifth-floor apartment, which is located in a 1920s block on Bond Street. This cobblestoned thoroughfare loved by artists is where Robert Mapplethorpe photographed Patti Smith in his studio at 24 Bond. ‘The area’s inherent charm makes me feel like it’s a portal into a more historic part of New York,’ says Home Studios’ founder and creative director Oliver Haslegrave. The building is a landmarked property (the American equivalent to being listed), but with no original features inside to preserve, Oliver’s team were free to take the space ‘back to the studs’, keeping only the maple wood floors. An open-plan layout was devised for living, cooking and dining, with bedrooms and bathrooms leading off a hallway at the north end of the apartment. The challenges of landmarked status, coupled with the Covid pandemic, meant the project took three years to complete, with the owners moving in just a few months ago. The couple were wise to go with their gut: hospitality-grade materials are tough enough to handle family life and Oliver’s team excel at using them in unexpected ways. Tiles curve fluidly across surfaces just like on the banquettes at cocktail haunt Elsa in Brooklyn, while raised, rounded ceilings are a motif borrowed from now closed East Village restaurant Goat Town. A slim ribbon of copper links the rooms, snaking along skirting boards and windows, and gleaming from recessed handles and ceiling lights. Thanks to its mix of bright and calm colours and soft curves, there’s a warm minimalism to the space, with a rich blend of vintage and site-specific pieces crafted by Home Studios. ‘Custom design has an organic feel to it. It’s not overly ornate,’ explains Oliver, who notes Alvar Aalto and Mario Bellini as key influences. As our homes have been forced to replace the public spaces where we usually meet and mingle, translating that spirit of fun, glamour and escapism into the domestic realm was an intriguing challenge that Oliver and his team were perfectly placed to take on. After all, who needs a bar when you’ve got a five-metre kitchen island to dance around? homestudios.nyc This page At one end of the sofa, a Dutch 1930s floor lamp is paired with a wooden ‘Mono’ side table by Lucas Faber. Just off the living area, oak shelves line the wall of a study space in which sits a ‘Liquid Metal’ stool by Chen Chen & Kai Williams. The ceiling light is a vintage find Dining area A bespoke swing pendant light by Home Studios hangs above a walnut ‘Column’ table by Fort Standard and Niels Otto Møller ‘Model 80’ chairs from the 1960s

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A slim ribbon of copper links the rooms, snaking along skirting and gleaming from recessed handles

Kitchen A huge ﬁve-metre polished concrete island sits at the centre of this space. The cabinets are painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Pigeon’ and feature recessed handles lined with copper to match the custom cooker hood and a tap from Waterworks

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Guest bathroom Chalky white tiles by DTile and handmade mosaics glide over the sides of the bath and around the walls. The mosaic’s rich tones are complemented by copper ﬁttings from Waterworks. Home Studios designed the bespoke shower screen and mirror, and the wall light is the ‘Orb’ from Allied Maker Child’s bedroom The rainbow colours of a 1980s Moroccan Beni rug are picked up by the woven wallhanging from Crate & Barrel, which is displayed above a rattan ‘Peacock’ daybed from Anthropologie. A 1950s Vittorio Dassi desk and a chair from US store Williams Sonoma create the perfect spot for homework

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Hallway Copper-framed milk glass windows evoke the art deco lines of a train carriage. A travertine-clad recess draws the eye to the end of the hall, where Jamie Hawkesworth’s Upminster, Essex print hangs Bathroom Ann Sacks tiles line the charcoal concrete walls and ﬂoor, as well as the bespoke vanity unit crafted from Arabescato Classico marble. The bath is by Signature Hardware Main bedroom In one corner (opposite) sits a ‘Jia’ chair from Atelier de Troupe and a vintage 1940s French ﬂoor lamp. The bespoke walnut bed is by Home Studios. On the wall above hangs a work by American artist Landon Metz See Stockists page for details

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ESCAPE T R AV E L

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

Culture CALLING

PICTURE: JASON INGRAM. PIET OUDOLF FIELD – HAUSER & WIRTH, DURSLADE FARM, BRUTON, SOMERSET (7 SEPTEMBER 2016)

With bucolic backdrops and architecture to match the artworks, the UK’s destination galleries, museums and sculpture parks will come into their own this spring and summer. Here are five worthy of a weekend away, including our choice of where to stay…

Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset outpost has glorious Piet Oudolf-designed grounds to explore, in addition to its galleries ±

HAUSER & WIRTH SOMERSET

W H E R E T O S TAY CARO’S B&B There’s only one room on offer here, but you’re in good hands – owner Natalie Jones runs design shop and events space Caro down the road. Browse its collection of beautiful but useful homewares, then sleep among an edited selection. From £130 per night (carosomerset.com).

AT T H E C H A P E L It might seem short-sighted to credit this elegant restaurant as the catalyst for the Bruton boom, but the opening in 2008 certainly marked a step change in its standing. The restful bedrooms followed a little while later and still retain their shine. From £125 per night (atthechapel.co.uk).

D U R S L A D E FA R M H O U S E

Smiljan Radić’s 2014 Serpentine Pavilion overlooks the ‘Oudolf Field’, named after the garden’s designer Piet Oudolf Above, from left Henry Taylor’s Portrait Of My Cousin GF: Dana Gallegos and Nathalie Zwimpfer And My Epiphany As I Realized I Felt Gaston’s Presence

PICTURE: JASON INGRAM. HENRY TAYLOR ARTWORKS © HENRY TAYLOR, COURTESTY THE ARTIST AND HAUSER & WIRTH

Martin Creed’s neon signage writ large across its exterior is the ﬁrst clue that the gallery’s on-site rental is not your typical country crash pad. Then there’s the eclectic, art- and antique-ﬁlled interior by Luis Laplace. Sleeps up to 12, from £350 per night (dursladefarmhouse.co.uk).

WORDS: NAME PICTURES: NAME

What’s the appeal? You don’t have to pack up and head to Somerset with the latest wave of Bruton-bound creatives, but you’d be amiss to skip a pilgrimage to the arts hub that’s half the reason why they’re all going. Following galleries in Zürich, London and New York, art world power couple Manuela Hauser and Iwan Wirth set their sights on this altogether more bucolic spot on the outskirts of the town, enlisting Argentinian architect Luis Laplace to coax a cultural destination from its barns, cowsheds and stables. It’s been busy with world-class exhibitions and events ever since opening in 2014, though many head straight for the swaying grasses of the perennial meadow planted by lauded Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. What’s on? The spring exhibition from US artist Henry Taylor has already launched online (Hauser & Wirth dutifully digitise much of its programming), but these vibrant, humane portraits and sculptures should be seen in person once lockdown is lifted. His inaugural exhibition takes over all ﬁve galleries. Also on site is Durslade Farm Shop, whose launch late last year was obscured by the pandemic. This expansive emporium stocks meat and vegetables from the farm, plus products made from foraged ingredients, and should come into its own this spring (dursladefarmshop.co.uk). What’s nearby? Don’t expect grand galleries to rival Hauser & Wirth – Bruton is decidedly bijou, and it’s all part of the charm. Opened in 2018, the diminutive Make is the gallery’s outpost on the high street and is dedicated to contemporary craft, with all works available to buy (hauserwirth.com). It bridges the gap between a smattering of local galleries and a decidedly artisanal retail offering, which is soon to include a shop and studio from ceramicists People Will Always Need Plates (peoplewillalwaysneedplates.co.uk).

ESCAPE

The Sainsbury Centre’s sculpture park includes Phillip King’s Sun’s Roots II (left) and Vladimir Tatlin’s Model of the Monument to the Third International

SAINSBURY CENTRE What’s the appeal? Nestled at the edge of the University of East Anglia’s campus is something like a shed on steroids. The Sainsbury Centre, upheld as the UK’s first – and finest – high-tech gallery, is a spectacular steel monolith that managed to put both Norwich and Norman Foster on the modern architecture map. And yet the brilliance of the building has perhaps obscured the bounty inside, which includes pieces by Picasso and Degas alongside a vast collection of non-European art spanning 5,000 years. Fewer still are familiar with its collection of outdoor sculptural works from Henry Moore, Lynn Chadwick and Antony Gormley, which dot the 350 acres of parkland that slopes gently down to a lake, The Broad, and the River Yare beyond. What’s on? This spring sees the arrival of ‘Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years’, which brings together the very first works of the provocateur potter for those who missed its original stint at the Holburne Museum in Bath. This is Perry before the Turner Prize, the CBE, and – in the case of the exhibition’s earliest sketchbooks – before he caught on to clay. But, arguably, the gallery’s biggest coup is the 29 new sculptural works and drawings by British artist Elisabeth Frink acquired last year. What’s in the area? Don’t miss a closer look at the campus’ cascading Ziggurats. Masterminded by British architect Denys Lasdun (of National Theatre fame), the influential student accommodation concept is brutalism at its best. Our pick of the city’s coolest galleries are artist-run Outpost (norwichoutpost.org) and The South Asia Collection, a museum and shop dedicated to textiles, objects and crafts from the region, housed in a restored Victorian skating rink (thesouthasiacollection.co.uk).

PICTURES: ANDY CROUCH. KINKY SEX BY GRAYSON PERRY, 1983 © GRAYSON PERRY AND VICTORIA MIRO

Designed by Norman Foster, the building’s ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows ﬂood the Modern Life Café with light Inset Grayson Perry’s Kinky Sex plate

W H E R E T O S TAY B A C K WAT E R

T H E A S S E M B L Y H O U S E

T H E WAT E R C A B I N

This waterside hideout has won awards for the bold architectural premise of its three pitched roof bays, modelled on local boat sheds, which maximise views of the private lake. Evenings spent otter-spotting on the deck will fool you into forgetting the city centre is a 15-minute drive away. Sleeps eight, from £795 for four nights (hostunusual.com).

Long host to exhibitions and concerts, the grand hall of this Norwich institution now forms the hub of a boutique hotel, which retains all the Georgian features promised by its stately red-brick façade. Rooms have a hint of Kit Kemp’s Firmdale ﬂair – think richly patterned fabrics and walls peppered with contemporary art. From £170 per night (assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk).

Set on the banks of the River Thurne in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, this renovated 1930s cedar-clad cabin is well placed for the county’s crowd-pleasers – it’s a 30-minute drive to Norwich and half that to the beach. Fuss-free interiors prove that all-white everything is still a winner, while portholes in the bedrooms add personality. Sleeps four, from £360 for three nights (nor-folk.com).

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V&A DUNDEE

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, the monolithic V&A Dundee sits on the River Tay Above right Its ‘Night Fever: Designing Club Culture’ exhibition features Discotheque Flash Black in Borgo San Dalmazzo, Italy, from the 1970s, with interior design by Studio65

W H E R E T O S TAY HOTEL INDIGO This sleek renovation of a former linen mill opened in 2018 to scoop up design-conscious visitors to the new V&A. Stylish industrial details reﬂect its former life – think vaulted bare-brick ceilings and bathrooms clad in gridded tiles. From £42 per night (ihg.com/hotelindigo).

T H E H I D E AWAY E X P E R I E N C E The owners of Balkello Farm renovated a traditional bothy on their land just outside Dundee, before adding three luxury eco lodges. Aimed at couples, all have saunas, hot tubs and log burners, plus countryside views. From £540 for two nights (thehideawayexperience.co.uk).

TAY PA R K H O U S E Set in landscaped grounds with views across the River Tay, this baronial mansion is hidden among the smart Edwardian homes of the city’s West End. Interiors are restful and elegant, and there’s an outdoor gin bar waiting for good weather. From £100 per night (tayparkhouse.co.uk).

PICTURE: HUFTON CROW

What’s the appeal? London’s Victoria and Albert Museum had been around for some 166 years before this offshoot arrived, to the surprise of some, in the coastal Scottish city of Dundee. The doubters were out of date – by its opening in 2018, Dundee had already certified its status as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design, thanks largely to its contribution to comics and a booming video games industry. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to echo the craggy forms of a cliff, its twin concrete inverted pyramids sit resplendent beside the River Tay as the shining stars of a pacy waterside regeneration project. Inside, the Scottish Design Galleries permanent collection is a tribute to home-grown talent. What’s on? This season, exhibition ‘Night Fever: Designing Club Culture’ explores the influence of design on the inimitable experience of dancing at Studio 54 or the Haçienda in Manchester, where Ben Kelly famously borrowed the industrial language of hazard stripes and bollards. Developed by the Vitra Design Museum and the ADAM in Brussels, the heady tour also takes in today’s cult clubs, like Berlin’s techno sanctum Berghain. What’s nearby? Before the seismic arrival of the V&A, there was Dundee Contemporary Arts, with its two contemporary exhibition spaces, cinema, print studio, shop and well-loved café (dca.org.uk), as well as grand gothic revival gallery and museum The McManus, where the emphasis is on fine art and social history (mcmanus.co.uk). The Open/Close street art project offers two city trails taking in large-scale murals and more than 40 painted doors (openclosedundee.co.uk).

ESCAPE

JUPITER ARTLAND

PICTURES: ALLAN POLLOK-MORRIS, COURTESY JUPITER ARTLAND

What’s the appeal? It says something of the ambitions of Nicky and Robert Wilson that the first piece commissioned for the sculpture park they founded five miles west of Edinburgh was hardly a piece at all, but a series of grand swirling landforms by US landscape architect Charles Jencks. Set in 100 acres of fields and woodlands surrounding the Jacobean Bonnington House, the park’s soothing pastoral setting acts as a brilliant foil for its cutting-edge collection, which includes site-specific works by Anish Kapoor (a caged vortex entitled Suck) and Cornelia Parker (whose huge shotgun forms Landscape with Gun and Tree, 2012). It’s also home to the very first permanent outdoor piece by Brit experimenter Phyllida Barlow, commissioned to mark the park’s 10th anniversary in 2018. What’s on? Though the new commission and exhibition by Tracey Emin is delayed until next year, this season will see Scottish multimedia artist Rachel Maclean call on her discordant, candy-hued aesthetic for her first permanent outdoor installation in the woods, while the park’s gallery spaces will survey a decade of her daring work. In August, intimate arts festival Jupiter Rising is hoping to return for its second outing, with a weekend of live music, performance and film, plus the opportunity for visitors to camp out in the grounds ( jupiterrising.art). What’s nearby? The sculpture park is a pocket of world-class creativity among rolling countryside, but it’s only a short drive from Edinburgh’s network of galleries. A highlight at the City Art Centre this spring is ‘Adjust/Adapt’ , which sees the Scottish Furniture Makers Association showcase a collection of bespoke pieces – from stools to surfboards – crafted in response to our shifting domestic needs (edinburghmuseums.org.uk).

Landscape architect Charles Jencks’ Cells of Life comprises eight striking earth mounds surrounding lakes

Joana Vasconcelos’ Gateway is a nine-metre swimming pool surrounded by yew hedging

W H E R E T O S TAY THE ARTIST’S HOUSE

THE BALERNO INN

PORTEOUS’ STUDIO

This newly launched on-site hideout is as brilliantly bohemian as the name suggests, with walls clad in wood and a characterful mix of art and furniture. French doors open onto the private garden, with its Swedish wood-ﬁred tub and views across the Firth of Forth estuary. Sleeps six, from £425 per night (jupiterartland.org/the-artists-house).

The opening of this lively gastro pub was a boost to the pretty local village of Balerno, which offers swift access to the Pentland Hills. Rooms are a modern update on cosy Scottish style, with Harris Tweed textiles and wood panelling above the beds painted in a smart navy blue. From £50 per night (balernoinn.co.uk).

If you’re staying in town, our Edinburgh escape of choice is this meditative studio minutes from the castle, with its natural clay plaster walls, low-slung furniture and Japanese-style wooden screen that sequesters the sleeping area. It was created by emerging design partnership Izat Arundell – remember the name. From £200 per night (porteous.studio).

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ESCAPE

THE PICKLED PHEASANT Skirting the easterly edge of the Peak District, this appealingly named pub added four spacious rooms following a renovation two years ago. All boast king-size Hypnos beds, and some have exposed beams and ﬁreplaces. From £90 per night (thepickledpheasant.com).

D A K O TA L E E D S If you’re using Leeds as your hub, Dakota makes a handy base for the cultural quarter. The ﬁfth outpost of this boutique chain does a convincing impression of an independent hotel, and there’s a luxurious, cocooning feel to its grey-on-grey rooms. From £140 per night (dakotahotels.co.uk).

MANOR HOUSE LINDLEY This Georgian mansion offers 11 individually designed rooms. All are plush yet characterful, though the formula works best in the restaurant, with its bare brick walls, green velvet banquettes and opaline chandelier. From £129 per night (manorhouselindley.co.uk).

What’s the appeal? It’s hard to conceive that YSP was considered a blot on the landscape when it opened in 1977, with land, money and public support all in perilously short supply. Almost 50 years later, the pairing of powerful works by the world’s top sculptors and 500 acres of rolling countryside has proved an irresistible premise – where else can you share a contemplative moment over a Henry Moore with wandering sheep? Efforts to expand and evolve have brought renewed appreciation for the park. Don’t miss the meditative Skyspace by James Turrell, who added an aperture open to the heavens within the park’s Grade II-listed deer shelter, and 2019’s much-anticipated addition The Weston, which houses a gallery, restaurant and shop. What’s on? Featuring more than 50 female sculptors, from Barbara Hepworth to Rachel Whiteread, ‘Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945’ (1 April-13 June) will go some way in elevating post-war works by women to their rightful status. The schedule will follow this thematic thread through the season, with exhibitions of porcelain figures piled high by Rachel Kneebone, objects by multidisciplinary artist Alison Milner and colourful tapestries and totemic pieces by Annie Morris. Towering outdoor works by Damien Hirst and Joana Vasconcelos are on display until next year. What’s nearby? As the birthplace of both Hepworth and Moore, it seems only right that this corner of the country has flourished into a world-leading destination for sculpture. The nearby Hepworth Wakefield will mark its 10th anniversary in May with ‘Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life’, which is set to be her most comprehensive retrospective yet (hepworthwakefield.org). Over in buzzy Leeds, the Henry Moore Institute will showcase works that ‘fold up, pack down, or dismantle’ in ‘Portable Sculpture’ (henry-moore.org).

YSP’s grounds span 500 acres; seen in the background is Anthony Caro’s Promenade Inset Barbara Hepworth’s Icon from 1957, part of the park’s ‘Breaking the Mould’ exhibition

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PICTURES: JONTY WILDE, ANNA ARCA, ALAMY. HENRY MOORE, LARGE TWO FORMS, 1966-69. REPRODUCED BY PERMISSION OF THE HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION, COURTESY YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK

W H E R E T O S TAY

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK

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Sheep graze around Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms

Inspiration for your next big project TRENDS TO TRY, BRANDS TO KNOW & MATERIALS TO MASTER

VOLUME 6

K ITCHENS

WELCOME… So much has changed in the past 12 months since our last edition of ELLE Decoration Kitchens. The pandemic has meant more time at home than ever, and consequently our spaces have had to become more flexible, smarter and better organised – as well as enjoyable to spend time in. Nowhere is this more true than in the kitchen. It has always been the beating heart of our homes, but three lockdowns later (at the time of writing!), we’ve come to depend on it as an anchor for vital daily routines and the setting for meetings, new hobbies and more. With this in mind, we’ve cherry-picked the latest designs, innovative ideas, practical advice and expert opinion to help you get the most out of your space. And there’s more to whet your appetite at elledecoration.co.uk, where you’ll find our definitive kitchen directory along with more inspiration to pore over.

CONTENTS 167 N E W S The latest trends and launches, from bold and bright units to hide-it-all cupboards and worktops with wow factor. Plus, top chefs share their kitchen essentials

182 F O O D F O R T H O U G H T We take a look at the kitchens of four creatives, who have crafted their ultimate culinary space with some innovative design choices

191 U N D E R T H E S U R FAC E Worktops need to look good and play hard. From elegant stone and wood to contemporary quartz and composites, we’ve got your counters covered

COVER IMAGE BY MARK SEELEN

199 K I T C H E N S F O R 2 0 21 & B E YO N D Short on ideas? Our gallery has all the inspiration you need for your next project, with the latest styles, tiles, colours and luxe ﬁnishes

‘Concrete Formwood’ laminate surface, Formica (formica.com)

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NEWS

ONE LOVE Award-winning cook Anna Jones has a knack for feeling out the foodie zeitgeist. Her latest book, One, is a case in point. It contains 150 recipes for quick, nutritious one-pot suppers, such as African Peanut Stew and Broad Bean and Green Herb Shakshuka. It also offers practical ways to go plasticfree in the kitchen, use up leftovers and make your food budget go further (£26, HarperCollins).

RACKS OF STYLE Starting out as a modular bookshelf in 1949, the ‘String’ shelving system has evolved into an ever-expanding range with inﬁnite combinations and nearly as many uses – the only limit being the creativity of its users. Flexible, durable and streamlined, it’s a natural ﬁt for the kitchen as an alternative to traditional cabinets, especially as new additions join the series, including a plate rack, cork draw dividers and bottle trays, plus new swing-door cabinets. From £54 for a cork bottle tray (utilitydesign.co.uk).

Flecks appeal

PICTURE: MARCUS LAWETT, ANNA JONES/FOURTH ESTATE PUBLISHING

With their organic, irregular look, Claybrook’s new ‘Confetti Burst’ tiles add a subtle dose of colour and texture to kitchen splashbacks. Hand decorated in the UK, no two are exactly the same – each one is speckled with shades of blue, yellow and pink, while the base colour varies between delicate milky hues and soft off-whites. £8.94 per tile (claybrookstudio.co.uk).

ALL IN THE DETAIL The finer details can make all the difference – a belief that runs to the core of British brand Devol. On hearing that its customers were having trouble finding fittings to match the quality and style of its bespoke kitchens, the firm created its own collection of fixtures, which includes a range of switches and sockets in oxidised and aged brass. Made in Devol’s metal workshops in Loughborough, the toggle and dimmer switches are inspired by the art deco period and controls found on the dashboards of old Bentley cars and WWII Spitfire planes. From £40 for a double plug socket (devolkitchens.co.uk). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 167

NEWS

My kitchen essentials Luke French, chef-owner of Sheffield restaurant Jöro (jororestaurant.co.uk)

My most-used utensil is my long cooking tweezers. They are basically fancy tongs but so much easier to use than the big, clumsy standard ones. I use them to grab, flip, turn, stir, whisk, eat... you name it, just like extra-long chopsticks! Can you tell I love them? I hate waste, especially plastic, so we have amassed quite a large collection of plastic containers. I always try to reuse them in one way or another, whether it’s in the kitchen or greenhouse. They’re very handy and keep everything in order. The most expensive thing in my kitchen? My knives. They’re all hand forged by a local maker called Simon Maillet (simonmaillet.com), a proper cool French dude who collaborates with me on making Japanese-style kitchen knives and utensils. I use them for everything from boning fish to vegetable prep. The quality is so high that, if you take good care of them, they will last you a lifetime. I couldn’t live without my barbecues. I’ve always been a fire bug and I love the flavour from cooking over an open fire. You just can’t beat it. I have five different ones, but have big love for my Kamado Joe (kamadojoe.co.uk). At Jöro, pretty much all of the meat and fish, and a lot of our vegetables, are cooked on or finished over fire, and all of our wood and charcoal is sustainably sourced from single-species British woodlands.

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GOOD SERVE Broste Copenhagen’s new ‘Hasle’ speckled stoneware collection makes for an easy spring update. Designed to be used as serveware as well as for cooking (thus saving on washing-up), the casserole and two sizes of oven dish come in three muted, pastel hues: ‘Estruscan Red Granite’; ‘Flintstone Blue Granite’ and ‘Light Grey Granite’. From £45 for a small oven dish (brostecopenhagen.com).

TREND

OUT IN THE OPEN

Open shelving has long been popular for displaying cherished items and bringing personality to spaces. In recent years, an industrial-style look has seen the removal of doors and fronts. But it’s not always forgiving – it’s hard to make the contents of the tupperware cupboard look chic, for instance. The key is knowing what to expose and what to hide. Enter Ikea’s new ‘Enhet’ kitchen (1). It’s based on a system of open frames and more conventional bases that can be used in endless combinations. Each unit can be reconfigured easily, allowing customers to adapt the look and function of their space as their needs change (from £234; ikea.com). Italian company Scavolini teamed up with lifestyle brand Diesel for its ‘Open Workshop’ range in 2018 and has just refreshed the bestselling design with new surface finishes (2). Again, elements are engineered to offer a mix of open and hidden options, from its ‘Stock Rack’ metal-framed shelving to fronts of fluted and mesh-backed, smoked glass, which give a hint of transparency while concealing the finer, messy details of modern life. From £15,000 (scavolini.com).

PICTURE: JOHN SHEPPARD, STINE CHRISTIANSEN

C H E F S AT H O M E

NEWS

FOOD IN A FLASH For anyone who has found that more time at home doesn’t necessarily equate to more time for cooking, healthy fast food brand Tyme could be the solution. Set up by the founder of hallowed New York restaurant The Fat Radish, it delivers plant-based, ready-to-eat (or reheat) meals and snacks in plastic-free packaging. Opt for a kit or build your box from scratch, choosing from breakfasts, snacks, soups and meals. Breakfast jars from £3.99 (tymefood.com). CLEAN SWEEP Created by a trained aromatherapist, Norfolk Natural Living aims to bring a sense of pleasure to daily household chores with its sustainable, vegan and plant-derived cleaning products. Tailored to be effective on the surfaces in question while remaining kind to the environment, the formulations include a ‘Marble Cleaner’, ‘Enamel Cleaner’ and multipurpose ‘Scented Vinegar’. From £9 (norfolknaturalliving.com).

TREND

WONDER WORKTOPS

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PICTURES: TIZIANO SARTORIO, KLEMME

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Enhanced with mod-cons, moving parts and snazzy features, worktops are the new area of focus for high-end kitchen makers. Dada’s ‘Sistema XY’ by Francesco Meda (2) is perhaps the most elaborate, with a central ‘track’ that houses movable compartments for cutlery, knives and chopping boards, keeping everything in easy reach, plus a sliding table top that glides along the length of the island (price on request; dada-kitchens.com). The secret weapon of Eggersmann’s ‘Motion’ kitchen (3) is a space-saving double-layered work surface – the top slides out when needed, revealing the hob and sink, as well as creating room for seating and food prep (from £40,000; eggersmanndesign.co.uk). Meanwhile, Siematic’s ‘SLX’ kitchen (1) utilises the channel between worktop and doors with integrated lights, adding subtle drama to schemes and framing the striking natural stone above (kitchens from £25,000; siematic.com).

NEWS

Pick and mix Induction cooking is the most energy efficient and speedy method of hob cooking, however, many home cooks still prefer a gas ﬂame for some types of cuisine. Caple’s ‘C995i’ modular induction hob gives cooks the ability to mix and match an induction with a gas or electric hob, while the narrow width is ideal if space is at a premium. £256 (caple.co.uk).

C H E F S AT H O M E

My kitchen essentials Erchen Chang, head chef and co-founder of cult restaurant group Bao (baolondon.com)

Every project at Espresso Design is tailored to ﬁt the homeowners’ needs, so no two kitchens look the same. This black scheme highlights its expertise at pulling together a design from its array of suppliers. A combination of matt black Fenix, bespoke liquid-metal lacquer, African soapstone worktops and a vintage oiled oak breakfast bar creates a balanced and sophisticated space. From £50,000 (espressodesign.co.uk).

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My most used kitchen tools are my metal bowl and colander/ strainer set, as they make washing rice so pleasurable. The metal bowl itself has so many uses, from dressing salad to making cake mix. Another piece of kit that’s in frequent use is my rice cooker by Taiwanese brand Tatung (tatung.com) – its double boil system is like a bain-marie. I use it on an almost daily basis, steaming and reheating bao, cooking rice or making broths. I usually pick up crockery wherever I go when I travel for research, so I’ve ended up with an eclectic collection. However, my biggest weakness is probably Taiwanese tea ceremony teapots and cups. I love a good oolong tea. My ‘Hagama’ cast-iron pot with a wooden lid is my favourite thing to cook with. I use it to make stews and serve from at the table. It’s traditional cookware that’s usually used for making rice – it results in a ﬂuffy, plump texture and a crispy bottom. However, I love using it to make stew as it helps give depth and warmth to the dish. What’s worth investing in? A water ﬁlter for sure! Filtered water makes a big difference in the texture and taste of soup, rice and, most importantly, tea. I also can’t live without my Gaggenau oven (gaggenau.com) and Alpes-Inox hobs (alpesinox.com).

PICTURES: A PATTENDEN, KASIA FISZER

BLACK MAGIC

NEWS

‘Bonnington Green’ and ‘Ritzy’ laminate units with London Plane veneers; kitchens from £15,000, Pluck (pluck.kitchen) Below right This Pluck colour combo sees base units in ‘Ruskin Blossom’ and ‘Market Mustard’ paired with shelving in ‘Lynette’

TREND

FULL-COLOUR KITCHENS The look for 2021 is bolder, brighter and bursting with positivity While there’ll always be a place for neutrals in the kitchen, there’s an undeniable shift towards using it as a canvas for colour – and not subtly either. We’re talking punchy hues that, just a few years ago, most people wouldn’t have dreamt of committing to cupboards. Satisfying this new-found appetite is an array of kitchen makers, including Hølte, Uncommon Projects, Custom Fronts and Husk. London-based Pluck has a particularly eye-catching edit – its projects often combine two or even three coloured laminates with wood veneers. Co-founder George Glasier agrees that customers are becoming ever more conﬁdent with building a palette: ‘There is so much inspiration in magazines and on social media now – I think that has helped build the foundations for ideas about personal projects.’ As with everything else in our lives, Covid has also had an affect. ‘This year has been tough for most people and on a basic emotional level colour in the home can be mood enhancing.’ Glasier says greens have been the most popular choice, frequently teamed with pinks. For anyone wanting to take the plunge, his advice is to eschew trends and think long term: ‘It sounds obvious, but you have to like the colour on its own as it’s something you will live with for years’ (pluck.kitchen).

4 BUYS TO ADD A LITTLE BRIGHTNESS

Tiles

Hardware

Textiles

Appliances

Otto Tiles’ new handcrafted ‘Carnival’ collection adds a playful burst of pattern – mix and match for maximum impact. £8.64 each (ottotiles.co.uk).

Give drawers and cupboards a quick and easy update with Swarf’s ‘Hobson’ and ‘Meteor’ knobs, available in 10 colours. From £14 (swarfhardware.co.uk).

Hay’s washable cotton kitchen cloths bring an instant splash of colour to brighten up everyday chores. £11 for a pair ( hay.dk).

Rig-Tig’s ‘Foodie’ range comes in pretty pastel shades, making them worthy of a spot on the worktop. Smoothie blender, £46.95 (skandium.com).

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NEWS

RAISING THE BAR 4 OF THE BEST TA P S W I T H PULL-OUT HOSES

Danish furniture brand Please Wait To Be Seated has form when it comes to collaborating with British talent – Faye Toogood and Philippe Malouin have both contributed to its portfolio. Now it’s the turn of Daniel Schoﬁeld. His ‘Crofton’ stools are crafted from Nordic pine and come in three heights and two ﬁnishes. From £285 (pleasewaittobeseated.com).

These sleek new designs make washingup that little bit easier

‘Armstrong’ single mixer with pulldown rinse, from £585.24, Perrin & Rowe (perrin androwe.co.uk)

ARTFULLY DONE Poliform’s ‘Artex’ kitchen, ﬁrst launched a decade ago, is a modern classic. Its precise lines and minimal aesthetic remain as relevant and as timeless as ever, so rather than reinvent the wheel, the brand decided to simply refresh the design with new ﬁnishes and materials. Warm, nature-inspired tones are the focus, with ‘Moka’ anodised aluminium, solid Canaletto walnut, Calacatta Oro marble and bronze-coloured metal lacquer coming together to create an inviting and comforting space. Price on application (poliformuk.com).

‘Gessi 316 (Art. 60010)’ semi-pro rotating sink mixer with single jet handshower, from £885 (gessi.com)

The whole story

‘BKM12P Bond Solo Series Gooseneck’ with pull-down spray, from £1,476, Waterworks (waterworks.com)

‘Essence SmartControl’ sink mixer, from £608, Grohe (grohe.co.uk)

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PICTURES: BUTLER, SLOAN T HOWARD, VIVIANA SALA

Surface specialist Iris Ceramica’s latest collection, ‘Whole’, encompasses a range of tiles that marry the texture and colour of terracotta, natural wood and stone with the hardwearing, practical qualities of ceramic. ‘Chevron Cotto’ (pictured) reimagines classic terracotta ﬂooring via an oversized herringbone pattern and a rich palette of earthy tones that mimics the patina of an original ﬂoor. From approx £88 per sq m (irisceramica.com).

NEWS

Hits the spot

INSIDER GUIDE

Just as good task-lighting is vital in a workspace, so too is it key in kitchens. J Adams & Co’s elegant ‘Spot’ range includes a pendant with six or eight brass spotlights mounted on a double rail. Light can be directed to areas you use the most, creating ambient pools of light and avoiding the washed-out effect of recessed spotlights. From £1,740 ( jadamsandco.com).

Alex Beaugeard, design director of luxury interiors brand Lanserring, forecasts the future of kitchen design In response to the pandemic, we are finding clients are requesting homes that exude an air of serenity and calm. Kitchen spaces have become more intimate, as a shared place for family members to congregate in, and are having to work harder than ever before. Due to this, we are seeing people ask for muted palettes that are peaceful and easy to live with. Hidden pantries are popular for everyday food preparation, helping to retain order and serenity in the main kitchen area. Many of us are using food as a kind of therapy and, therefore, an associated hobby. This has led to some very specific briefs, for example a ‘sourdough island’ designed purely for preparing the bread our client makes daily for her family. Interestingly, we are seeing the demand for a more analogue style of cooking over digital, which promotes the notion of cooking as a practised craft rather than a simplified necessity. There’s also a heightened awareness around the cleanliness of natural materials and their beneficial properties. We have seen an increase in inquiries exploring materials that are naturally antibacterial, such as copper and bamboo. Purely from a visual perspective, the demand is to find a palette of materials that sit very softly and comfortably near each other, creating gentle, tonal colourways. Sustainability has always been important to Lanserring and we are glad to see its rising prioritisation in the kitchen industry. We have a strong appetite to reduce our carbon footprint in furniture manufacturing wherever possible. One of the ways we have done this is by installing a solar farm on the roof of our Austrian workshops. All year round, more than 90 per cent of the energy used to power the workshops comes from renewable sources. We are also committed to social sustainability and invest in an apprenticeship scheme where we train students to become master craftsmen. lanserring.com

S M O O T H LY D O E S I T In sleek, handleless kitchens, clunky appliances can stand out like a sore thumb. Fisher & Paykel’s new ‘French Door Fridge Freezer’ has been designed with recessed handles and perfectly flush doors to avoid this problem. Choose from a matt black glass or stainless steel finish. From £2,395 (fisherpaykel.com/uk). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 179

NEWS

A tweaked, capsule edit of its classic ‘Segmento’ model, Poggenpohl’s ‘+Segmento Y’ kitchen has been created with mid-range budgets in mind. By streamlining the full range of finishes and options down to a tight trio of black, white and grey (which can be used in any combination), there’s been no need to compromise on the quality of the design itself. Its sleek surfaces have a dirt-resistant nanotech finish, which produces a flawless matt look, while the units themselves can be made to fit any sized space down to the nearest millimetre. From £35,000 (poggenpohl.com).

TREND

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

With kitchens playing host to multiple activities throughout the day, from Zoom meetings to family dinners, being able to magic away mess in a matter of seconds is ever-more appealing. Arclinea’s elegant ‘Beta New Pocket’ system transforms kitchens into sleek, minimalist spaces thanks to its smooth lacquer doors and recessed handles (1). Hiding various kit, including fridges, pantries and ovens, doors disappear into narrow recesses when open to save space. From £21,000 (arclinea.com). Bespoke kitchen maker Jack Trench has designed a wall of cupboards in rich American black walnut for this Hampstead home (2) to similar streamlined effect; a pocket door conceals a small pantry that can be left open or closed away, while other doors reveal a generous larder and fridge-freezer. From £35,000 ( jacktrench.co.uk). 180 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

C H E F S AT H O M E

My kitchen essentials James Cochran, head chef of 12:51 and winner of BBC Two’s Great British Menu 2018 (1251.co.uk)

My must-have kitchen kit this year has to be my Braun ‘J300 Juicer’ (braunhousehold.com). I’ve been making amazing juices every morning to make sure I’m full of energy for the day. I like to use celery, mint, spinach, turmeric, apple and ginger. In the summer, I also made a lot of watermelon mojitos, which are also very good for the mood, I have to say. The most indulgent piece of kit I own is a Thermomix – though the return on investment is very good! I use it for absolutely everything I can, it’s like having a sous chef in my kitchen at home. Mayonnaises and purées, those tricky cheffy things, are magicked up in minutes (thermomix.com). For the restaurant’s plates and dishes, I use Grayshott Pottery in Surrey (grayshottpottery.com). They will design any plate you desire. I’ve been using them for years and love the fresh and modern feel the pieces give our food. Always invest in decent knives. These are the tools with which you can hone your skills of cutting and chopping. A paring knife is good to start with as it covers everything from veg prep to delicate work, and does a decent job on meat, too. Clement Knives are my pick. It transforms metal and plastic waste into knives and the pure craftsmanship is like no other (clementknives.com).

PICTURES: JAMES COCHRAN, ALEXANDRIA HALL

HIGH CONTRAST

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Planning a complete kitchen overhaul? Or just a few tweaks to give the heart of the home a new lease of life? Take inspiration from these creative types Words EMMA LOVE

THOMAS LYKKE, designer Co-founder and creative director of multidisciplinary design studio OEO, Lykke lives in a top-floor apartment of an 1890s building in Copenhagen’s Østerbro neighbourhood with his wife Christa and daughter layout of the kitchen is based around the two sets of double doors that open onto the balcony [which the family added when they moved in two years ago]. There is a door either side of the island and during the summer, when it’s light until 11pm, we have them open and it feels magical. O I designed the Lykke Kitchen for Garde Hvalsøe. It’s modular, which makes it more flexible – not everyone can have a huge kitchen craned into their apartment – and made from oak, a hard wood that ages well. O As a contrast, the worktops are Italian Pietra Grey marble. You have to be careful not to spill vinegar or lemon juice on them, but I think there is a beauty in the marble’s fragility. The island is raised off the ground on a stainless steel plinth so it looks like it’s floating and stops the block of wood feeling too chunky. The shadow gaps between the

drawers emphasise their craftsmanship. O To me, it’s important that a kitchen is functional so the diagonal ‘Déchirer’ ﬂoor tiles by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina were chosen for durability. It’s also important that it’s timeless: the house dates from 1896 and I wanted the kitchen to feel a natural part of it. O I like to have objects on display because they add warmth to the space. Some are chosen for their beauty; others I use every day. I’ve travelled a lot in Japan so there are pieces from there, including a tea caddy made by Takahiro Yagi, a sixth-generation maker in Kyoto, whose company is called Kaikado. My plates, bowls and cups are by Lov I Listed, a Bornholm ceramicist who I got to know when I was designing Kadeau restaurant in Copenhagen. oeo.dk; gardehvalsoe.dk

‘Objects on display add warmth to the space. Some are chosen for their beauty; others I use every day’

MY K I T C H E N E S S E N T I A L S

Singing, knives and baking Music choice? At the moment I’m into Dope Lemon and Khruangbin, a Texan band who play Thai funk. I like to sing along when I’m cooking. Favourite food to cook? My wife and daughter are vegetarian so I use lots of vegetables. I also love making Italian or Thai-inspired dishes. Recipes or freestyle? I have a ton of cookbooks but mostly I look at the pictures. I never follow the recipes or take a list to the supermarket; I buy on intuition or what’s fresh and available. Most treasured utensils? Some Japanese knives I bought from the old Tsukiji ﬁsh market in Tokyo, and a simple bamboo stirring spoon made by my good friend Tatsu Kosuga from Kyoto-based Kohchosai Kosuga. How have you used the kitchen during lockdown? My daughter loves making cakes and ice cream and hasn’t been able to go to school, so there has been more baking than usual.

PICTURES: MICHAEL RYGAARD/GARDE HVALSØE

O The

CASE STUDIES

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JO CARMICHAEL, interior designer Eight years ago, Carmichael and her husband Adam bought a 1960s bungalow in Fremantle, Western Australia, extending it sideways and adding a second storey to create a four-bedroom home for them and their two daughters allow for a decent-sized island, so we knocked the bottom half of the window out and pushed the bulk of the sink and several cupboards into it to create more space. The island is a work surface and a place to gather: the curved end means that we can fit four ‘Tangerine’ bar stools. O I use marble a lot in my designs and saw this Calacatta Viola marble at CDK Stone. The Jarrah floor was darkened with an ebony oil wax to take away the fresh red of the wood and I thought that the burgundy tones in the Violetta sat well with it. O I knew I wanted fluted cabinetry and eventually found ‘Porta Contours’ Timber Lining Boards in oak by Porta. Usually these curved strips are used for wall panelling, but I had a very clever joiner who bracketed them together to make cabinet doors.

O The

rest of the cabinets are handpainted in a custom light sage green by Porter’s Paints. We also opened up the stove area and maximised the space with cabinets either side. O Fremantle is an industrial port city and our house is clad with black wood so it has a rustic feel. I wanted to bring that into the kitchen through details such as the ‘Marianne’ double wall lamp by Wo & Wé, the ‘Lounge’ handles by Linear Standard on the cupboards and the kitchen island’s steel frame. O We entertain a lot in the kitchen: friends pop in for coffee, the kids have breakfast at the island and, in the summer, we open the windows and put more stools on the deck. People wander in to pick from grazing plates and watch the sunset with cocktails outside. jocarmichaelinteriors.com ±

‘The Jarrah floor was darkened and I thought the burgundy tones in the Violetta marble sat well with it’

MY K I T C H E N E S S E N T I A L S

From green curries to Spotify What’s playing? I like The Waifs, a cool Australian folk rock band, so I’m listening to them on Spotify through my portable Wonderboom speaker. Signature dish? A green curry is my go-to but we also make a lot of pizza as a family. I love cooking and try to make everything from scratch as much as I can. Always in the fridge? Organic chicken stock by Urban Forager, a local manufacturer in Fremantle. I use it for soups and noodles for the girls. Must-have item? A big Chasseur pot. I was lucky enough to ﬁnd a white one in a closing-down sale. It’s great for spaghetti Bolognese. Favourite cookbook? The Feel-Good Family Food Plan by Dr Joanna McMillan, which has lots of salads and energy meals. It also suggests portion sizes for different ages. Most-used utensil? An old, black champagne bottle, which I found in a junk store and turned into an olive oil bottle with a spout.

PICTURES: JACK LOVEL/JO CARMICHAEL INTERIORS

O The proportions of the kitchen didn’t

CASE STUDIES

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CASE STUDIES

TAMSIN CHISLETT, entrepreneur Co-founder and CEO of online fashion rental service Onloan, Chislett lives in an 1860s mid-terraced house in north-east London with her partner Max and two children. From a bedroom and poky kitchen on the lower ground ﬂoor, they’ve created a spacious kitchen-diner O I’ve known Catrina Stewart of architecture practice Office

S&M since we were 16, so to work with her on our kitchen was a dream. The number one rule was no grey. Also, I have two children and live slightly chaotically so needed a space that looks good messy. O I love the pantry; it’s a real feature. We completely trusted Catrina’s taste in terms of putting lots of vibrant, bright hues together in a close environment. Even the pink Domus tiles above the sink have a turquoise Mapei grout. O To bring in more light we used tinted mirrors above the pantry door and opposite the kitchen. You get a coloured, almost wavy reflection, which feels quirky and playful. O We wanted a cosy space with built-in seating around the table. It was important to have storage the children can access so there are toys in the cupboard underneath. Outside Covid times, we love entertaining so we chose bench seating which fits more people. I don’t know how we got so lucky as to match the colour of the ‘Palladio’ dining table by Claesson Koivisto Rune, to the ceiling. O My business is about prolonging the life of clothes so I’m interested in reusing materials in a new way. The terrazzo worktops are made from marble off-cuts and the pendant lights above the table are a mix of porcelain and recycled brick grog. O I love the feeling of happiness I get in the space. During the first lockdown, the children’s nursery was shut and we were both working from home, but every day we’d come in here and feel grateful to be somewhere so joyful. officesandm.com; onloan.co ±

‘The number one rule was no grey. During lockdown, we’d come in here and feel grateful to be somewhere so joyful’ MY K I T C H E N E S S E N T I A L S

PICTURES: FRENCH + TYE, AMIT LENNON/GUARDIAN/EYEVINE

It always starts with a coffee Soundtrack? It’s either the Paw Patrol theme tune for the children or Radio 4. I’m never the one in charge of the soundtrack. What kind of cook are you? I’m a medium-skilled cook with a vegan partner and hungry children, so I try to cater to everyone. My signature dish is puttanesca: it’s super-quick, made from pantry ingredients and everyone loves it. Freezer staple? Fish ﬁngers. I always panic if there aren’t any in the freezer. Most-used kitchen item? My Granby Workshop cups. Even my 16-month-old knows that nothing can happen in the morning until there’s coffee in my cup. I bought Max an espresso maker for Christmas, but it’s not a patch on our cafetière. Favourite cookbook? Meera Sodha’s East, which is full of recipes for easy, delicious, Indian and Asian vegan and vegetarian meals. The chilli tofu is sticky, spicy goodness.

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CHRISTINA NYDAHL, interior designer An apartment in an historic water tower just outside Stockholm is home to Nydahl and her partner Tor. The couple have recently ﬁnished a full renovation, creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space O I

worked with Swedish company Nordiska Kök, which designs bespoke, Scandinavian-style kitchens. I wanted the kitchen to feel seamless, like one piece of built-in furniture, so there’s a wooden framework around the cabinets and it’s been inset into the white wall above. O I’m drawn to dark wood so we chose a walnut-toned stain for the oak and colour-matched the floor so it feels cohesive. The white-veined Arabescato marble worktop and splashback is a crisp contrast and stops the space feeling too heavy. O At one end there is a nook with open shelving so we can display vases and sculptural objects – things that you might not necessarily expect to see in a kitchen. O I like vintage furniture, especially mid-century design, because it adds personality. The round dining table is by Swedish designer David Rosén and echoes the shape of the staircase; the chairs are by Niels O Møller. They’re streamlined yet surprisingly comfortable. O To create a minimalist look, the fridge and freezer are hidden behind wooden doors. I spent forever trying to find handles that match the aesthetic; something small and discreet. Eventually I found the ‘Jules’ handles by Vincent Van Duysen, whose designs I am obsessed by, for Belgian hardware company Maison Vervloet. O I like that the space is open-plan so when we have friends over they’ll be able to float between the different zones. What I’m most pleased about is that I can hide everything behind doors so it looks super neat and tidy. nordiskakok.se; @wtpstudios

‘I like that the space is open-plan so when we have friends over they’ll be able to float between the different zones’ MY K I T C H E N E S S E N T I A L S

1970s ceramics and American rap Playlist? We constantly have a Spotify playlist on. It varies from us trying to be sophisticated by listening to jazz, to tracks by the late American rapper Pop Smoke. Go-to dish? Tor is the cook and we eat a lot of pasta with pesto. We try to use chickpea pasta to be healthy but that’s the level we’re at. That and eating obscene amounts of avocado toast. Cupboard staple? Coffee, made in our French press with Lavazza beans and Oatly milk. I usually have two or three cups a day. Everyday tableware? A set of brown 1970s plates by Nittsjo Sweden, which belonged to my grandparents. They have sentimental value but also perfectly complement the kitchen colour palette. Plus, the white stripe on the inside reminds me of gingerbread men. Favourite object? A root bowl is a very traditional Swedish thing and ours came from Tor’s grandparents. It makes a very pretty, sculptural centrepiece for the dining table.

PICTURES: KRISTOFER JOHNSSON

CASE STUDIES

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UNDER THE SURFACE One of the most crucial elements in the kitchen, countertops must not only look good but work hard, too. Choose from natural, contemporary and innovative materials, used alone or mixed and matched for extra style and performance Words CLAUDIA BAILLIE

Large format porcelain slabs are durable, lightweight, nonporous, scratch-proof, stain-proof, antibacterial and even hot pans can be placed directly on the surface without scorching. Any material from concrete to metal to stone can be replicated, and colours remain stable over time. ‘Advances in digital printing can even produce “natural” variations from tile to tile, meaning it’s indistinguishable from the real thing,’ says Jo Oliver, director at Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. ‘This makes it possible to achieve the look you want at a lower cost and without the challenges and maintenance issues that come with materials such as marble and limestone.’

Porcelain is given an authentic marble effect thanks to advances in digital printing: ‘Calacatta Statuario Active’ porcelain by SapienStone

‘Coliseum Oxide Bronze’ porcelain (stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk)

PORCELAIN

HOW TO USE

‘Metal Burnished’ porcelain, Florim (ﬂorim.com)

WORDS: NAME PICTURES: NAME

‘Calacatta Active’ porcelain (sapienstone.com)

Ultra-large slabs up to 160 x 320cm mean fewer or no grout lines, which in turn gives a sleek, seamless look, while sheets are available from as little as 3mm thick, which taps into the trend for super-thin surfaces. Porcelain can also be used to clad the front of cabinetry, and due to its excellent durability, it works well as ﬂooring, too.

BRANDS TO KNOW

Antibacterial and antiviral, too: SapienStone’s Pietra Grey Active’ porcelain

Stone & Ceramic Warehouse stocks matt and silk slabs in a wide range of finishes (from £240 per m sq; stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk). Italian firm Florim has more than 50 years’ experience and offers natural stone, wood, cement and metal effects as well as plain colours (price on application; florim.com). Developed with the University of Milan, SapienStone’s ‘Active Surfaces’ are antibacterial and antiviral, and pollutants including VOCs are neutralised (from £354 per linear m; sapienstone.com). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 191

Natural stone has a classic appeal that, like the material itself, will never fade. ‘A key consideration is that each piece is unique, so can vary in appearance,’ says Hege Lundh, marketing director at Lundhs. ‘This is part of its beauty, but it’s important to make sure you’re happy with the exact slab.’ Ease of care will depend on the stone itself – granites and basalts are tough and hardwearing, while limestone and marble are less forgiving and will stain if they come into contact with acidic liquids. Stone can be polished, honed, sandblasted, brushed or even ﬂamed, which creates a weathered look.

Dramatic effects with ‘Explosion Blue’ natural stone in ‘Bookmatch’, by Antolini

‘Cristalli’ lava stone in ‘C7’ (madeamano.com)

STONE

‘Cristalli’ lava stone in ‘C7’ by Made a Mano is used here to create a bespoke statement kitchen island

‘Antique’ stone (lundhsrealstone.com/uk)

‘Cristalli’ lava stone in ‘C8’ (madeamano.com)

HOW TO USE Stone must be handled by an experienced installer. Weight and access can be an issue with big slabs, so make sure you plan ahead. Most stone is sealed before ﬁtting and chopping boards should be used to protect knives as well as the surface itself.

BRANDS TO KNOW Lundhs offers four varieties of 100 per cent natural Norwegian stone in silk matte and polished finishes. Each piece is delivered with a certificate of authenticity (from £680 per m sq; lundhsrealstone.com). Italian company Antolini supplies an impressive range of more than 1,300 of the finest stones, including marble, granite, onyx and travertine, as well as offering ‘Azerobact Plus’, an antibacterial treatment that prevents bacteria forming (price on application; antolini.com). Finally, Made a Mano sources Italian lava stone from Mount Etna in Sicily. As well as natural stone, glazed options are available, which are fired at extreme temperatures so it can’t fade or chip (from £1,218 per m sq; madeamano.com).

S U R FAC E S

‘Metropolitan’ in ‘4735 Oxidian’ (caesarstone.co.uk)

Caesarstone’s ‘Supernatural’ composite quartz in ‘5101 Empira Black’, with its sleek marble design, is extra hardwearing

‘Metropolitan’ composite quartz in ‘5810 Black Tempal’ (caesarstone.co.uk)

‘Loft’ composite quartz in ‘Pobleneu’ (silestone.co.uk)

Inspired by concrete, the new SileStone ‘Loft’ in ‘Pobleneu’ is low on maintenance but high on style

COMPOSITE QUARTZ Also known as engineered stone, composite quartz combines a high percentage of ground quartz crystals with recycled glass, resins, polymers and pigments to form a super-tough solid slab. It can be made to imitate natural stones such as granite and marble, and is available in speckled or flat colours as well as in a number of finishes including polished, antiqued and honed. ‘Quartz is exceptionally hardwearing, non-porous and resistant to cracks, scratches and stains, so does not require sealing,’ says Jon Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone. HOW TO USE Supplied in large slabs, quartz needs to be templated, cut and installed by a specialist fabricator. Worktops can be formed with decorative edges, deeper surfaces built using mitred joints, and kitchen islands can be wrapped with the material to create a monolithic look. Low maintenance, quartz works well as cladding and as flooring, too.

BRANDS TO KNOW SileStone by Cosentino is made in more than 100 colours, from natural shades to vibrant, contemporary hues, while the cool new ‘Loft’ series is inspired by concrete (from £400 per sq m; silestone. co.uk). Caesarstone offers 49 colours, plus a range of outdoor surfaces for gardens, kitchens and BBQ areas. A new white collection is due soon (from £410 per sq m; caesarstone.co.uk). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 193

‘Omega’ laminate in ‘Lumiere’ (bushboard.co.uk)

LAMINATE An affordable option, laminate is a dense surface formed using compressed layers of paper and resin bonded to a chipboard core. ‘Designs have really evolved, and there is now a huge selection of contemporary plain, patterned and realistic ﬁnishes such as wood, concrete and stone that give the appearance of the material without the maintenance issues,’ says Caroline Elliott, head of product at Worktops UK. Edges are post-formed, meaning there are no seams where dirt can accumulate. Easy to clean, laminate is also resistant to impact, heat and scratches. HOW TO USE Laminate worktops are easier to move and cut than most other materials and can be ﬁtted as part of a regular kitchen installation, saving on time and cost. Most brands offer matching upstands and splashbacks to create a sense of cohesion.

BRANDS TO KNOW

‘Ellis Stone’ laminate (bushboard.co.uk)

Formica’s ‘Concrete Formwood’ laminate could pass for the real thing

The ‘Unit’ kitchen by Design by Garcia Cumini for Cesar uses Fenix’s ‘NTM’ in ‘Jaipur Red’ to striking effect

‘Omega’ laminate in ‘Black Quartz’ (bushboard.co.uk)

The possibilities of laminate design have improved immensely: Bushboard’s ‘Omega’ surface in ‘Taros Gris’ is used here on a worktop and splashback

Formica has been producing laminate for over 100 years. Its range spans hundreds of colours and effects including new abstract patterns, plaster-look and ultra-matte finishes (from £190 for a complete worktop; formica.com). A contemporary option, Fenix offers soft touch, anti-fingerprint and metalliceffect surfaces with very low light reflectivity (price on application; fenixforinteriors.com). Bushboard’s range boasts added antibacterial protection that destroys 99.9 per cent of bacteria within 24 hours (price on application; bushboard.co.uk).

S U R FAC E S

SOLID SURFACE

‘Beech Nuwood’ solid surface (corian.uk)

Solid surface is a composite material made from minerals, acrylic polymer and natural pigments that are formed into a smooth, tactile product. Worktops are non-porous, ultrahygienic, impenetrable to mould and available in a virtually limitless range of colours, including solid hues, natural stone designs and even translucent shades that can be backlit to create a soft glow. Stain- and scratch-resistant, small marks can be polished out with an abrasive cleaner, and although heat-resistent, trivets are recommended with hot pans. The shell-like effect of Corian’s ‘Dune Prima’ adds a sense of nature indoors

HI-MACS’ ‘Strato’ range, with its vertical or horizontal stripes, seen here in ‘Cloud’, is easy to maintain

‘Platinum Granite’ solid surface (himacs.eu)

‘Gray Onyx’ solid surface (corian.uk)

HOW TO USE This versatile material can be formed to include curved edges, integrated sinks and splashbacks and joined to create a visually seamless expanse. It must be ﬁtted by specialist installers and, like timber, it can also be sawn, routed, drilled, sanded and engraved, and used as wallcladding as well as on horizontal surfaces.

BRANDS TO KNOW Corian’s ‘Concrete’ range, shown here in ‘Neutral’, brings a modern, industrial style to kitchens

Corian comes in 65 colours suitable for kitchens, many available with veining and graining, while the ‘Corian Charging Surface’ has a charging unit integrated in the worktop (from £410 per sq m; corian.uk). HI-MACS is made using new-generation technology that creates denser, even more durable surfaces and is available in 111 colours and ﬁnishes (from £300 per linear m; himacs.eu). APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 195

S U R FAC E S

WOOD Warm, tactile and naturally antibacterial, a sustainably sourced wood worktop adds timeless character to a kitchen and will gain a pleasing patina as it ages and its natural colour deepens. Wood is also kinder on crockery and creates gentler acoustics than harder materials. Choose from a huge range of species including oak, walnut, iroko, maple, ash, sapele and cherry, to name but a few. Wood is easy to install but will beneﬁt from an experienced ﬁtter for a good result. Surfaces should be oiled regularly but will resist staining as long as spills are wiped immediately, and scratches and stains can be sanded out. Timber is best avoided in very wet areas such as directly around a sink.

BRANDS TO KNOW Naked Kitchens’ ‘SuperStave’ worktops feature continuous planks that run the entire length of the surface to show off grain. A unique nano coating treatment adds extra protection (from £500 per linear m; nakedkitchens.com). Dinesen offers a range of handsome timbers suitable for worksurfaces including Douglas ﬁr, ‘HeartOak’, ash and pine (from £65 per m sq; dinesen. com) and Ikea’s range of complete wood veneer worktops are all ready to take away (from £120; ikea.com). 196 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

‘Barkaboda’ walnut veneer (ikea.com)

HOW TO USE

The home of Noma chef René Redzepi features a bespoke Garde Hvalsøe kitchen in Dinesen’s ‘HeartOak’ teamed with Dinesen’s ‘HeartOak’ plank ﬂoors

‘Douglas Classic’ wood planks (dinesen.com)

‘Super Stave Wooden Worktop’ in ‘Walnut’ (nakedkitchens.com)

‘Skogså’ oak veneer (ikea.com)

Naked Kitchens’ ‘Cley’ design featuring the ‘Oak End Grain’ worktop

KITCHENS

for 2021 & beyond

Whether it’s a quick update or a full renovation, we’ve got your next project covered with a spectrum of striking ideas, from colour palettes and materials to tricks with tiles and statement storage Words KATE WORTHINGTON & CAT OLLEY

PICTURE: DRIES OTTEN

In the ROUND Eschew straight lines and right-angles in favour of curves and you’ll be rewarded with a softer, friendlierfeeling space that oozes bespoke allure. The island is prime territory for experimentation – round off edges for a more subtle look or go for maximum impact with full, sweeping curves.

Belgian designer Dries Otten and Made architects created this kitchen for a family in Antwerp. The playful pink and red colour palette of the cabinetry is mirrored in the rich ‘Lardo’ marble sourced from stone specialist Van Den Weghe. Bespoke kitchens by Dries Otten, from approx £32,403 (driesotten.be; madearchitects.be; vandenweghe.be)

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SAGE advice

PICTURES: PIET-ALBERT GOETHALS, THOMAS GELDOF, DEREK SWALWELL/BREE LEECH

Mustering up the same moody appeal as charcoal or inky black, the muted shades of sage have a soothing tranquillity that renders them less severe than other dark hues. It’s versatile, too; as a mid-tone, it brings out the shine of brass and metallic accents, complements the grey-green swirls found in marble or stone and is a natural partner for wood of all types, not to mention an array of other colours. Recessed handles or handleless cabinets will ensure a sleek, modern look, as will opting for a matt finish. Opposite In this kitchen designed by architects Thomas Geldof and Carmine Van Der Linden, ‘Alga Marina’ marble work surfaces pick out the tones of the kitchen’s splashback, shelving and panelled birch cabinets, which have been stained a deep green (thomasgeldof.be). For a similar wood stain, try ‘Sage Leaf’ Royal Interior wood finish, from £17.99 per litre, Protek (protekwoodstain.co.uk) Above left Interior designer and stylist Bree Leech has used a combination of Australian surface brand Laminex’s muted green shades in this space; a wall panel in ‘Possum’, and cabinetry and worktop in ‘Green Slate’ (breeleech.com; laminex.com.au). For similar, try Fenix’s ‘NTM’ in ‘Verde Comodoro’, price on application (fenixforinteriors.com) Above right Danish kitchen brand &Shufl makes fronts, panels and tops to upgrade Ikea kitchen carcasses. ‘Linoleum’ in ‘Conifer’ with recessed brass handles, from £105 (andshufl.com) Right Swedish brand Asplund Kök teams overhead cupboards in ‘Army’ with a luxe marble worktop and splashback, and a wooden breakfast bar. Cabinetry, from approx £17,567 (asplund.org)

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CUPBOARD love

In this London home, which was designed by MW Architects, two different shades of fronts and a mix of open and closed shelving by Uncommon Projects engage the eye and create interest. The double-height space has been cleverly utilised with ﬁtted cabinetry in a sunny yellow shade to provide additional storage. Kitchen cabinetry, from around £16,000 (uncommonprojects.co.uk; mwarchitects.co.uk)

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PICTURE: FRENCH+TYE

There’s no such thing as too much storage space, especially in a multitasking area such as the kitchen. Going bespoke will make the most of every millimetre, plus it will give you the opportunity to make a statement in the process, be it through colour, materials or shape.

BARE necessities Stripped back to the bones and without a trace of the usual kitchen clues of wall-mounted cupboards, shelves, tiles or splashbacks, this minimalist design proves that less can be more. Although seemingly simple, this space employs a few artful tricks to stop it feeling austere or empty; textured walls, a swathe of patinated brass over the island, a hint of warm wood on the window frame, and statement, sculptural lighting to ﬁll the void overhead. For kitchen units, try Fenix’s ‘NTM’ laminate fronts at Husk, which come in a spectrum of neutral shades, from £53 for a drawer front (madebyhusk.com). Modum Worktops can make bespoke brass worktops, from approx £1,400 (modumworktops.co.uk). ‘VV Cinquanta’ suspension light by Vittoriano Viganò, £1,896, Astep (astep.design)

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Bold as BRASS

Above right Bespoke ‘SW10’ solid wood kitchen with micro-cement worktop and liquid metal hood in ‘Brass/Bronze’, from £25,000, Day True (daytrue.com). ‘Sparkbrook’ satin brass handles, £40 each, Armac Martin (armacmartin.co.uk). ‘Cucina’ deck mounted pull-out hand shower with undertop automatic deviator (FRE146) and deck-mounted single handle mixer (INV100) with a wall mounted adjustable spout (FRE63) in ‘Satin Light Gold’, from approx £1,015, CEA Design (ceadesign.it) Above left Bespoke brass kitchen island with concrete top, price on application, Studio Bright (studiobright.com.au). ‘Dita’ bar stools, Grazia & Co (graziaandco.com.au). For similar, try ‘Sable’ bar stools, £1,918 each, Ochre (ochre.net) Left Bespoke granite kitchen with fronts and splashback clad in brass sheeting and a concrete sink, Studio Moore (studiomoore.com.au). For similar brass fronts to ﬁt Ikea cabinets, try Custom Fronts (customfronts.co.uk) Opposite Bespoke sapele mahogany kitchen with frosted acrylate fronts by 3form (3-form.com) and ‘Serpentino’ stone worktops and island, around £45,592, Powerhouse Company (powerhouse-company.com)

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PICTURES: RORY GARDINER, EVE WILSON/STUDIO MOORE, MARK SEELEN

We’ve steadily swapped the coolness of chrome fixtures for the warm lustre of brass and bronze, but perhaps fewer have cottoned on to their wider potential as the real stars of a space. Not all is created equal – consider the gentle patina of aged metals versus a polished, high-shine look, or even the muted luxury of a brushed-matt finish. A patchwork of metallic fronts with concrete or stone creates a bold textural contrast of the raw and refined, while a single sheet makes a glamorous guise for an extractor fan.

Into the GROOVE It’s a testament to this wonder material that we’re still whittling wood in exciting new ways. This sleek idea borrows from the beautiful vertical lines of Japanese and Scandinavian design, with simple bar handles and dividers to grant a sense of depth and solidity. A first glance suggests slim individual slats placed in perfect alignment, but it’s all courtesy of straighter, narrower grooves than the curved indentations found in fluted wood. The result is orderly, yet organic, and works best when left to shine against a muted backdrop. ‘Vertical’ stained ash cabinet fronts, plinths, sides and handles in ‘Umbar’ to fit Ikea ‘Metod’ units, £2,758, Superfront (superfront.com). Worktop and splashback by Herrljunga Terrazzo (terrazzo.se). ‘All Wood Stool’ by Karoline Fesser, £385, Hem (hem.com). ‘Hanging Lamp No.2’ by Muller van Severen for Valerie Objects, £700, Viaduct (viaduct.co.uk)

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PICTURES: MIKE KARLSSON LUNDGREN, DEREK SWALWELL, AUHAUS ARCHITECTURE

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SLIM pickings Pencil (or ﬁnger) tiles are one of the biggest tile stories of the past 12 months and are set to become a future classic. Tiny though they may be, these dainty ceramics can make a big impact when run over large expanses of wall, creating a textured effect and depth of colour thanks to their irregular glaze. When used vertically, they also have the added beneﬁt of accentuating the sense of height. Australian architect and interior design practice Auhaus chose a combination of turquoise pencil tiles, dark wood cladding and marble tops to bring a sense of character to this new-build home near Melbourne (auhaus.com.au). For similar tiles, try Claybrook’s ‘Zeze Kaiyo Mosaic’ tiles, £89.88 per m sq (claybrookstudio.co.uk)

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PICTURES: PAUL RAESIDE, ANNE DEPPE, JULES VILLBRANDT/HERTZ + BLUT, BIRGITTA WOLFGANG/GARDE HVALSOE

Rethink PINK While the pink renaissance is well underway – see walls everywhere – it’s yet to truly conquer the kitchen. Few hues run the full gauntlet from soothing to shocking, so subtleties in shade become all the more significant here. Soft putty tones include a dose of yellow pigment that lends extra warmth and earthiness, rendering them altogether more liveable than spring-fresh blush or sugary powder pink (as well as anything approaching Barbie). As is often the mantra, a matt finish will keep it all feeling modern, while chalky, limewash paints will add texture. Opposite ‘Honesty’ wallpaper in ‘Temple’, £105 per 10m roll; units painted in ‘Stone II’ architects’ eggshell, £71 for 2.5 litres, both Paint & Paper Library (paintandpaperlibrary.com) Above left Bespoke oak kitchen with linoleum worktops, from around £17,564 for a similar design, Jäll & Tofta (jaellundtofta.de). Walls painted in ‘Setting Plaster’, £49.50 for 2.5 litres, Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com) Above right ‘Basis’ kitchen with linoleum cabinet fronts in ‘Olive’, Fenix laminate worktops in ‘Beige Arizona’ and natural oak handles, from £83 for a front, Reform (reformcph.com) Right ‘Framed’ kitchen in patinated zinc with ash wood drawers, from £9,000, Garde Hvalsøe (gardehvalsoe.dk). Walls covered in glazed clay tiles in ‘Mellow Yellow’, from £248 per sq m; and painted in ‘Red Rain’, from £38 for 1 litre, both File Under Pop (fileunderpop.com)

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CABIN fever Contemporary kitchens tend to be the domain of hard, cool materials such as metal, glass and laminate, but this space proves that it’s possible to combine a cosy, cabin-like feel with the functional, clean-lined minimalism of a modern space. Sleek ﬁnishes and ﬁne craftsmanship are the secret to success here, and prevent its oak-wrapped ceiling and walls straying into ski-chalet territory, while Arabescato and green marble and bronze-fronted cabinets add a luxe edge.

PICTURE: STEPHAN JULLIARD

Bespoke kitchen by Studio DLM Damien Langlois-Meurinne (dl-m.fr). For a similar kitchen, try Eggersmann Design, kitchens start from £40,000 (eggersmanndesign.com)

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BLOCK stars Streamlined, precise cabinetry is an ideal canvas for colour and, when used boldly, can transform your kitchen from run-of-themill to a statement, sculptural feature. The key is to pick a tight palette and fully commit to all-over application on every surface, from worktops to splashbacks; two or three shades ﬁt best, and you should consider a mix of harmonious and contrasting colours, like this space with its combo of forest green, cornﬂower blue and earthy orange. Bespoke kitchen by Russian design studio Supaform, from approx £4,700 (supaform.studio). For a similar table try the ‘Bookmatch’ table by Philippe Malouin for Hem, approx £2,016 (hem.com). The rug is ‘Rope Rug Large’ by Pauline Deltour for Hem, £876 (hem.com)

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Laying it on THICK

PICTURES: PETER IVENS/SEBASTIAN ERRAS, KATIE CHARLOTTE, MARY WADSWORTH

Playing with proportions is a sure way to make a space feel uniquely your own. A tweak here and there can reap dramatic results, especially when applied to areas that usually come in standard dimensions, such as the depth of a worktop. Super-sized slabs of stone or marble are the obvious choice for ushering in a luxe feel, but terrazzo or concrete would provide similar wow factor. Wood offers a less costly way to get the same monolithic effect, whether you go rustic and reclaimed or sleek and contemporary. Alternatively, combine materials for an extra custom twist. Above right Roundhouse Design’s custom kitchen island is constructed from two chunky layers of honed ‘Calacatta Manhattan’ marble. Bespoke kitchens, from £30,000 (roundhousedesign.com). ‘CH20 Elbow Chairs’ by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, from £755 each, The Conran Shop (conranshop.co.uk) Above left Cortney Bishop Design’s ‘Calacatta Cervaoile’ marble worktop gives this elegant space an edge (cortneybishop.com). Lapicida can supply mitred marble tops, from £474 per m sq (lapicida.com). ‘Utopia’ linear pendant by Kelly Wearstler, £2,195, Visual Comfort (visualcomfort. com). ‘3800 Parche’ faucet, from approx £1,087, Waterstone Faucets (waterstoneco.com) Left In this bespoke design by Belgium-based architect Peter Ivens, the thick proportions are carried throughout the ‘Carrara’ marble and integrated reclaimed wood chopping block. Price on application (peterivens.be). The Main Company can make a similar bespoke kitchen, from £25,000 (maincompany.com)

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Go the EXTRA TILE Once relegated to the splashback as the saviour of overzealous cooks, clever moulding techniques have transformed the tricks we can perform with tiles. Here, they curve to cover a worktop, wall and shelf, smoothing the transition between each surface with a clean uniformity. Simple gridded tiles in a single shade make a great foundation for avant-garde applications, and offer a ﬂexible way to soften corners or the solid form of a heavy worktop. There’s only one golden rule – good grouting. Wall, worktop and shelf covered in ‘Transparenze’ gloss ceramic tiles in ‘DVT 26’, £53 per sq m; ﬂoor covered in ‘Interni’ satin ceramic tiles in ‘DVI 39’, £56 per sq m, both Domus (domusgroup.com)

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Advertising feature

ST YLISH INTERIORS Create your dream living space with our inspiring collection

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ROBEYS The New RAIS 600 now comes in a freestanding model – the brand new 600 Max with a large view of the ﬁre from three sides. An exclusive and elegant piece of wood-burning furniture with a 4mm steel frame. Underneath the combustion chamber is a large drawer that can be used for wood or other storage. The drawer has an elegant handle and soft close technology. 600 Max comes with additional side furniture in two different sizes – available in six stunning nature colours. For more information call 01773 820940 or visit www.robeys.co.uk

DAVID STUDWELL David Studwell often uses ﬁgures that are synonymous with certain eras, in particular the swinging sixties. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Steve McQueen all crop up in his prints, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. His work has been exhibited in London and the USA. David’s work hangs in private collections worldwide and has been collected by Kate Moss, Nile Rodgers and Sheryl Crow. Title: ‘Brigitte Bardot I.’ Screen print. Edition of 25. 65 x 59cm. £370. Visit: www.davidstudwellgallery.co.uk or email david@davidstudwellgallery.co.uk

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Award winning wallpaper and art company Carmine Lake have released a stunning new wallpaper just in time for a spring refresh. Papilio Botanicus in Powder Pink. A 10 metre roll is £180. See more at www.carminelake.com APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 217

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DOORS

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KITCHENS

THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL 100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER With a Quooker in your kitchen you always have 100ºC boiling water alongside regular hot and cold. Add a CUBE FSI ^TZ \NQQ FQXT MF[J HMNQQJI Ʌ QYJWJI XUFWPQNSL \FYJW Ȃ FQQ KWTR YMJ XFRJ YFU When you purchase a CUBE at quooker.co.uk, installation is just £99† plus you will receive 5 CO2 H^QNSIJWX +7** Ȃ YMJ JVZN[FQJSY TK QNYWJ GTYYQJX TK XUFWPQNSL \FYJW

,T YT VZTTPJW HT ZP FSI VZTYJ HTIJ *)* KTW TZW \NSYJW TɄ JW NEW VIRTUAL DEMONSTRATION 9MJ 6ZTTPJW J]UJWNJSHJ FQQT\X ^TZ YT MF[J F TSJ TS TSJ QN[J RJJYNSL \MJWJ ^TZ HFS XJJ YMJ KZQQ WFSLJ TK YFU XY^QJX Ʌ SNXMJX FSI FHHJXXTWNJX NS FHYNTS >TZ HTSYWTQ YMJ FUUTNSYRJSY FSI \MFY ^TZ XJJ For further details and to book your own personal appointment visit www.quooker.co.uk

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APRIL 2021 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 225

TREASURED /

LARA BOHINC The artist Polly Morgan is a friend of mine, and I’d always wanted to have some of her work. In the end, it was this piece that really spoke to me. It’s a tiny little taxidermy bird – perhaps only 7 or 8cm – that’s resting on an old book. It’s not clear what book it is, and you also can’t tell whether the bird is sleeping or if it’s dead. It’s so fragile, this bird in its bubble, a closed Barbarella world. There’s also a little chandelier, which lights up with tiny LEDs, and it’s all covered by a glass dome. It’s a dreamlike scene. Morgan works a lot with themes of death and transformation – she’s creating sculptures with snakes at the moment. But it’s a romantic and poetic version of death. There’s something beautiful 226 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK APRIL 2021

about it, something delicate. I’ve had it in my home since 2009, which was the same year my daughter was born, so there are some special memories around it. I think it reminds me of life and death, and the fragility of our existence. Funnily enough, I’ve got four cats, and once they jumped up and broke it. At ﬁrst I thought it was an accident, but I had a moment of realisation one year when I added those little bird decorations to the Christmas tree and the cats kept pulling them down. They recognised what it was, even though it’s lying down and so tiny. I keep it out of reach now, and they’ve given up! It has its own special stool in the living room. It’s so precious. bohincstudio.com

INTERVIEW: CAT OLLEY PICTURE: NORBERT SCHOERNER

The London-based designer on the precious piece from a friend that speaks to the fragility of life