RUIN magazine

April 2010 ÂŁ3.20

e y b d o o g y sa . . . e it h w & to black

Chris Ofili Tate Britain Special £5 ticket for under 26s

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Please print this voucher and bring it along with some ID.

Terms & Conditions Offers available on special youth price tickets to Chris Ofili at Tate Britain only. Usual full price £10.

This offer cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other offer. Exhibition runs 27 Jan – 16 May 2010 inclusive at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1 (nearest Underground Pimlico).

No refunds or exchanges available. Please show proof of ID when redeeming this Facebook voucher.

‘Hip, cool and wildly inventive’ — The Guardian

Tate Britain, London SW1 Pimlico ⁄ Vauxhall www.tate.org.uk

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Until 16 May 2010

Let us know what you think of the show on the official Tate Facebook page. The top 20 winning comments will receive a Chris Ofili poster. www.facebook.com/tategallery

3 EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL Stephanie Adams Maia Bulbul Isere Lloyd Davis ART DIRECTION Egle Strockyte DESIGN Egle Strockyte Win-Ching Hu Viriya Taecharungroj PHOTOGRAPHY Egle Strockyte PRODUCTION Viriya Taecharungroj ADVERTISING Maia Bulbul MARKETING Stephanie Adams Maia Bulbul Isere Lloyd Davis Win-Ching Hu Egle Strockyte Viriya Taecharungroj CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Stephanie Adams Maia Bulbul Isere Lloyd Davis Win-Ching Hu Egle Strockyte Viriya Taecharungroj FINANCE Viriya Taecharungroj RUIN Magazine is sponsored by Macmillan Publishers and the Faculty of Media at the London College of Communication (LCC). Our print processes are sponsored by Heidelberg and Xerox. RUIN Magazine would like to give a special thanks to Simon Das, Keith Martin, Desmond O’Rourke, David Penfold, Scott House, Tony Yard and Jim McBridge at the LCC and Robert Horne for their invaluable help in the production of this magazine.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices and credits are accurate at the time of going to press but are subject to change in the future. RUIN cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited material. For annual subscription rates, please contact us on ruin.mag@ gmail.com. Printed at the London College of Communication, London, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6SB. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 4th Floor, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 OSU, tel: +(44)20 3148 3555.

Letter from the editor Dear reader, I pen this letter as the last few pages of the launch issue of our new RUIN magazine go to press and as our team breathes a sign of relief after a long and exciting journey to get this magazine from conception to shelf. And what a journey it has been. We all know how tough it is out there these days, in this industry as in many others, but our passion for interior design, photography and the well-written word drove us to offer a new, sophisticated publication for readers who share our passion.

Tough times, we believe, are a great catalyst for creativity—it forces us to be innovative, resourceful and industrious. RUIN is an urban interior design magazine for the young and modern professional who wants to channel this newfound innovativeness, resourcefulness and industriousness and put it to use by transforming a stale space into an inviting and well-designed home.

For our first issue, we wanted to pay rightful tribute to interior design’s most reliable friend: colour. No matter how hard times have hit, you can always soften the blow and breathe new life into your interior through the strong and better yet, economical, use of colour. RUIN’s team has come up with various ways to inject colour into your home, on a budget. Whether it’s by bringing neon back, being crafty, or simply drawing inspiration from particularly colourful interiors around London, we show you how easy it can be to say goodbye to black and white.

Within the pages of this brand new issue, we also take our readers on a journey into posh, seductively and intricately designed hotel as well as raw, haphazardly put-together squats. Our interview with the famously quirky and stunningly talented David Carter showcases his gorgeous 40 Winks hotel as well as sheds light on the accessibility of good interior design and how the use of colour and light can transform a cold space to a sexy, warm room.

On the flip side, our sneak peak into the borrowed shelters of squatters across London shows how colour and small interior design tricks help change seemingly unlivable spaces into homes away from home.

We hope you enjoy reading RUIN as much as we enjoy producing it. Stick around to see how we redefine urban interiors, one issue at a time.

April 2010

4 CONTRIBUTORS PAGE

ANASTASIA IVANOVA

JOKUBAS DARGIS

CELIA TOPPING

I am performing artist known as eleven tigers. I go through various artistic phases in order to reflect upon the changes and imbalances of the world.

CeliaTopping has been a Picture Editor for the last five years in London and Dubai, but has finally taken the leap to become a professional photographer by doing a Masters in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography.

I’m an English Literature Graduate from the University of Kent currently living and working in London. I love being creative and making things such as fancy dress outfits in my spare time. I also enjoy socialising with my friends and meeting new people.

ruin would like to thank their contributors...

ELEANOR HELSBY

Dominic is in his first year studying Graphic Design at LCC and grew up on the small island of Jersey just off France. After a background in predominately painting, moving to the world of design has only been a recent transition for him where he enjoys the fast paced workload. He plays music whenever he is not thinking art/ design and misses his lifetime passion of surfing.

I am a Photography student at the LCC. When I’m not looking at the world through my camera lens, I enjoy archery, cycling and the underground rave scene.

April 2010

Hubert Jakub Gawrys

EMMA BOWERS

Emilie loves travel and adventure, and would currently be teaching English in Rome if she hadn’t shattered her wrist skiing about 12 hours after she finished her article for RUIN.

Maxwell Adams is a 20 year old freelance illustator and student at the Amimation Mentor programme. His drawing style involves combining the use of colour with quirky shapes.

When not drawing up a storm, Max enjoys downhill skiing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

EMILIE ROSS

I am a 20 year old BA journalism student at LCC and passionate about writing, fashion and dancing. I drive a green Nissan Figaro and have an extremely hairy, fat cat called Lotto.

MAXWELL ADAMS

DOMINIC QUAECK

Born and raised in Moscow. A happy LCC student, who always need a proofreader.

Passionate about fashion and music, that are both reflected in her photography. Like to windsurf, go to concerts and spend time with friends at their kitchens.

Photographic goddess: Sarah Moon. Was fun to shoot for RUIN, great team and lots of colours.

Other camera shy contributors: Kate Rintoul and Martin Hines.

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7 CONTENTS

COVER

Photography by Anastasia Ivanova Illustration by Jokubas Dargis

INTERIORVIEW 08

Lighten Up!

10

Future talents exposed

16

Alternative Interiors: squats

MIX &MATCH

22 58 RUIN competition:

What colour would you paint the world?

Pimp My Lamp!

24 60 DIY: Cushion Crazy!

40 Winks away from dull interiors

61 Fold that paper, INSPIRE DIY: Light up those cranes 31 Sneak Peak 62 37

Colour Psychology

40

Carpets & Rugs: friend or foe?

43

Shopping in East London

51

Neon: love or hate?

55

Big inspiration comes in small packages: Candy Cakes

57

The guy’s guide to interiors: face your fears

FUN 65

COLOURtastic: snapshots from RUIN launch party

67

Edible art

68

Bento box

70

MA Squatting: the new urban lifestyle

Sketch

April 2010

7 INTERIORVIEW Text by Isere Lloyd-Davis illustration by Dominic Quaeck photography by courtesy of UnitedVisualArtists

LIGHTEN UP! The ARC Show is a unique exhibition of the world’s leading lighting brands, promoting their products and services at the heart of LONDON’S most influential architectural and design community.

Our research team at RUIN decided to investigate some of the conferences to gain knowledge on the way lighting can affect your home and urban surroundings.

April 2010

9 INTERIORVIEW The key speaker at ARC show this year was Chris Bird, a production director at United Visual Artists (UVA). Some of his most popular works were on the lighting effects for the tours of musical artists such as The Prodigy, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails and the Pet Shop Boys. His speciality is to use LED lighting as a graphic backdrop during the shows and throughout some of his art work. He claims that LEDs are an interesting way of lighting a room whilst creating an atmosphere and developing a relationship with the viewer. We

the Victoria & Albert Museum in November 2006. However, this equipment can be quite expensive and is often custom made.

Moreover, LED lighting can be used as wallpaper. As strange as this seems, this is the effect that was created for the restaurant and club the Kabaret’s Prophecy in Central London. The walls became the only source of light in the club, changing from still digital wallpaper into rhythmic graphic visuals.

Unfortunately, the nightclub was forced to shut down when the owner went bankrupt. Although this use of lighting is incredibly original and entertaining, the harsh reality remains that it is very expensive to maintain. So unless you want to get evicted soon and be replaced by our squatter friends (See Squatting article on page 16), stick to Supernice wallpaper stickers and £2 posters you get from Portobello Market.

Finally, LED graffiti or commonly known as “Throwies” are an awesome way to add a trendy and artistic flair to your home (check out: http://graffitiresearchlab.com/). They are an inexpensive way to add colour to your white backgrounds without having to deal with power sources or making any holes in the walls.

The strategic use of shadows is often dismissed by people’s preconceptions. However, instead of simply being an area that is void of light in a room, shadows are actually strong intrigue catalysts and thus should be exploited!

Lighting and electricity can be very expensive for someone on a budget so this arty effect could help save a few pennies.

Using shadows in the bedroom can add to the sense of privacy.

Rather than to have the usual main lamp in the centre of the ceiling and the boring old bedside lamps, why not have some smaller lights scattered around the angles of the room? Their location can be chosen specifically to emphasise and draw attention to certain cool elements in your bedroom.

The living room is a social area, so instead of you and your guests herding around the room’s main lights, why not use lighting candles? Your lighting would then be a lot more discreet and make for a more relaxed social environment.

Of course, the use of actual candles is also a possibility but make sure your living room doesn’t turn into a scene from Things We Lost in the Fire!

Likewise, rather than having a bright light bulb over the front door, exposing all the flaws of your home from the start, why not use coloured lighting and delay your guests from noticing how long you’ve put off that paint job? For a small amount of money, you can achieve a fun effect and create an instant mood.

Your choice of colour is based on your personal preference but note that each colour evokes a different emotion in a room (see our Colour Psychology article on page 37), so choose wisely. Keep in mind that crimson may be your fave colour but a red light might give people the wrong idea...

The ARC show conference proved that interior decorating rules can be bent and broken. So play around with light and colour and create different effects in your home.

Be bold, be perceptive and be considerate of our future selves!..

As well as your electricity bills!

Your choice of colour is based on your personal preference but note that each colour evokes a different emotion in a room, so choose wisely have all seen LED lighting and lasers being used in gigs and other performances, but how can be transfer these techniques into our own homes?

Since LEDs and lasers project their light very profusely, they must be strategically placed around the home in order to remain soothing and atmospheric rather than aggressive. Their brightness can be dimmed by means of curtains or venetian blinds.

This can also create a fun symmetrical effect reflecting in your home.

LED lighting can also be experienced in personal spaces... even in the shower!

The famous alternative shop Cyber Dog in Camden has started to sell LED Shower Heads that change colour according to the temperature of the water.

Some LED equipment can even have a sensory system built within it, meaning that the lighting will react to a person’s approach. This is a technique which the United Visual Artists used in their semipermanent exhibition for their “Volume” piece (check: http://www.uva.co.uk/) at

“Volume”

April 2010

FUTURE TALENT #1

For over thirty years, the D&AD Student Awards have been kickstarting careers in INTERIOR design. THE YELLOW AND BLACK PENCIL AWARDS provide STUDENTS WITH an amazing opportunity to work with well-known brands to produce creative solutions FOR specific briefs.

Last year, ASPIRING designers were asked to create anything that would improve a retail area, BY using the sponsor, Formica’s products. We caught up with two winning students to discuss what impact the award had on their career prospects, their ambitions and to delve into the minds of some of the most promising future talents of design.

Text by Kate Rintoul Photography by Anastasia Ivanova and Hubert Jakub Gawrys

FUTURE TALENT #2

12 INTERIORVIEW

Above and beneath: a ‘horse’s butt’ project that impressed yellow pencil judges

#1 ekaterina kitaina ‘I’m so glad that everything no longer has to be glass, it is great to see that intellectual design is back’ April 2010

Dressed in Harem trousers and a stunning sinched coat, Ekaterina exudes a unique sense of style. A girl with many interests and talents, she likes mixing things up and this passion for contrast is visible in her designs and inspirations.

For Ekaterina, the winning the Yellow Pencil Award was entirely unexpected, “we had to enter the Yellow Pencil Awards as part of our coursework but I got a really bad grade from my tutors and had become really demotivated, so winning was a really big surprise.”

This controversy entered the judging process as opinions were split over her design, which saw shoppers entering her space via a giant horse’s rear. “It is very pejorative and carried an element of risk, apparently the judges did wonder but felt it caught the eye –

13 INTERIORVIEW sometimes it pays off to take risks!”, she exclaims. Once through the “Horse’s Ass”, Ekaterina created a lounge for men based on the seven deadly sins, set up in the space where Liberty opens onto Carnaby Street. For her detailed design, Ekaterina chose pride as the main theme and designed a barber shop, though the space also had gaming and smoking areas where men could keep themselves entertained while their ladies shopped.

Ekaterina does the unexpected and draws inspiration from various sources of art and literature, “I like all sorts of shapes and forms and particularly philosophy and psychology inspire my work.” Briefed to create a building in Southwark for her final project, Ekaterina has not gone down the social strategy route, “community design is not my thing”, instead creating a space for members of bilder berg, a secret society of politicians who are based in the area, somehow is. Her ability to look at briefs in an alternative and creative way ultimately leads to innovative and unconventional designs.

In addition to studying environmental design, Ekaterina paints and is passionate about fashion. This mixed bag of interests and talents reflects in her designs and is what makes her such an exciting designer. She originally wanted to study fashion, but with lots of friends as designers, she was put off by the daunting prospects and figured that people will always need shelter. Therefore, she felt success was within reach in the area of environmental design. Her interest in fashion remains obvious and gives great aesthetic quality to her designs; she produces beautiful fashion illustrations and has a creative approach to design briefs.

Currently working for hand painted wallpaper specialists de Gournay, Ekaterina respects the company, and plans to continue with them after graduation, before embarking on her own projects. “I have a similar style to de Gournay and like the way different things can be appropriated to mix old and new”, though eventually she plans to specialise in her own brand of environmental design.

Raised in Budapest, a city renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Ekaterina feels it has lost a lot of its charm as the country has a limited mind and designers go unrecognised. Never shying away from political arguments, Ekaterina attributes this to a lack of investment in the country and a lack of interest in design.

In London, Ekaterina is inspired by St. Martin’s Lane Hotel: “I like most Starky things.”

She also loves the variety on offer in the world’s major cities like London and Moscow, “coming from a smaller country I love

to see places where people appreciate design and architecture.

Although there are a lot of tacky and tasteless things in Moscow, there is good variety.”

To catch a glimpse into how Ekaterina’s wonderful mind operates, you can check out her newly established blog, wonderlandphilosophy.blogspot.com. Set up recently as a personal resource of inspirations, Ekaterina already has two followers, one of whom is a Chinese girl living in Madrid, a perfect example of the mixture of experiences that characterises Ekaterina’s design spirit.

For Ekaterina, her appreciation and use of variety is reflective of a wider shift in design away from minimalism, “I’m so glad that everything no longer has to be glass, it is great to see that intellectual design is back.

In minimalism everything was easy to match, it is much easier than taking very decorative individual pieces and turning them into an attractive and cohesive frame.”

Ekaterina is bold and speaks her mind. If she says highly decorative spaces are in, it is likely we will soon try to achieve the look in our homes, and it is reassuring that someone with such a broad mix of talents will inspire how we personalise our spaces.

‘I have a similar style to de Gournay and like the way different things can be appropriated to mix old and new’

14 INTERIORVIEW I met Tina on a grey rainy day. It would have been easy for her to cancel but she came to Elephant and Castle on her day off and didn’t once complain. Tina’s considerate, flexible and eager-to-help character translates well onto the page and is thus apparent in her designs.

Although the Yellow Pencil Award process of creating detailed designs in six weeks was tough, life hasn’t changed entirely since winning the prize. Tina however considers herself lucky for the chance to enter, let alone win the competition.

Briefed to design a solution to a problem of design in London and incorporating Formica inside and out, Tina created functional, creative and social beehiveinspired pods that seat twenty people at a time in Borough Market. “I took inspiration from theatres and wanted to promote interaction within the space”, she explains.

Drones of office workers, tourists and foodies congregating en masse have become regular fixtures at the market. Though this surge in popularity has been fantastic for the area and for the

city’s food reputation, the local environment was definitely underprepared for the sudden surge in footfall. “There’s a lack of seating in the area, you see people in the nearby graveyard, and despite the frequent rain, there’s no shelter.”

Far from being a fierce, self-obsessed ‘artiste’, Tina thoroughly considers the people who will use the spaces she designs. Having started off designing with nature in mind (which still plays a part in her work), Tina has become interested in the areas of public strategy and social design. Her awareness of how her spaces are used has developed by considering how people interact with their surroundings in positive ways.

For her final project, Tina is designing a youth art center that backs on to a skate park. This links to her dissertation where she focuses on Banksy and the theme of counter-hegemony against the state as well as her own collection of street art. “Street art and skateboarding have always coexisted, so my design emphasises a natural link”, she says with a smile.

However, Tina’s own personal interests are not the main drivers for this project; the main driver rather is her wider emphatic philosophy on design. “I plan to get young people involved, it helps instil a sense of pride and respect for their spaces. I really think that the biggest weapon against anti-social behaviour and problems is to get people involved and encourage them to change their behaviour”.

Tina hopes that the skate park and youth center will follow in a long tradition of socially responsible architecture, “art and architecture implicate one another and are important to make inspiring spaces and a meaningful narrative for people”.

Tina exudes social sensibility and awareness, perhaps because she came to interior design later, having spent three years working as a ticket allocator for Ibiza super club Manumission. “I went to Ibiza when I was 19 and definitely did a lot of growing up out there. I think that being an ‘older’ student, I have a lot more confidence in myself and my life experiences, there are some things you can’t learn in university”.

Having lived in the real world before university, Tina is also aware of the hard work

#2 tina northover

‘art and architecture implicate one another and are important to make inspiring spaces and a meaningful narrative for people’

15 INTERIORVIEW

Above and beneath: Everyday theatre of Borough Market that got Tina the Yellow Pencil

‘you can’t just sit on your laurels, you have to be constantly looking for opportunities’ and dedication necessary to succeed and is already broadening her skills into other areas of design. “You have to be flexible, to be open to more chances, you can’t just sit on your laurels, you have to be constantly looking for opportunities.” Though Tina definitely wants to stay in design, she has already arranged to work at IPC Media after she graduates and would like to go into magazines as a sideline to her environmental design projects.

Tina is an exciting designer and it is great to know she will be

helping to redefine modern spaces in the future. We are lucky to have her. Despite the fact that she only went in to interior design when a fashion course she applied to was full, she has since gone on to become focused and confident in her field, “I’m glad it worked out that way. I chose the right path, it’s definitely serendipity. It was meant to be!”

Relaxed and smiling, I leave Tina to her book on street art, glad too that she will be designing the future.

April 2010

Alternative interiors: squats Photography and Text by Celia Topping

squat #1 location: Highbury

17 INTERIORVIEW

When Sky and his six friends moved into this gorgeous townhouse in Highbury, they found various clues about the house’s previous owner - a wedding photo on an upstairs mantlepiece, a certificate from the Royal College of Music hung on the wall and heaps of files and notes kept in an old biscuit tin.

Having spoken in more detail to the neighbours, they found out that the house belonged to Eileen Major, who had recently been moved to a nursing home and the house was about to be sold.

However, much of Eileen’s interior decorating taste lingers on through the original wallpaper, fittings and a few pieces of crockery and other souvenirs of her daily life.

April 2010

18 INTERIORVIEW

squat #2 location: 195 Mare Street, Hackney

April 2010

19 INTERIORVIEW 195 Mare Street in Hackney was originally makeshift halfway house for people who just got out of prison. Afterwards, the building was used as a working man’s club before being left to rot for 5 years. Run-down and derelict, the building was finally put to good use again by the 15 strong collective who now squat there.

Simon and his friends are slowly putting this grand old house back together again.

Their plan, which is already in action, is to offer the theatre, bar area and other large spaces within the building for free and non-profit social activities.

The squat will be an autonomous space for those who need it.

April 2010

20 INTERIORVIEW

squat #3 location: The Balham Bowls Club April 2010

21 INTERIORVIEW

Once a social hub, the Balham Bowl’s Club has been abandoned since 2003. Jada and four other residents have been calling it home for the past year. Even in its current state, it is still possible to play a proper game of lawn bowling in the front yard.

The squatters love their home, complete with its own private park to watch foxes and cubs in the summer. They were also delighted to find precious items such as the club’s logbook from 1909 and an old blazer with the club’s crest sewn neatly on the top pocket.

April 2010

you would ? world What colour the paint

What color would you paint the world and why?

Which 3 colors define your life?

What color is on you mind?What is the color of 2010?

23 INTERIORVIEW

color t a h W you wouldthe paint and world why?

Cyan because it calms me and I need more calm in my life

In purple of course...that way everytime it rained, I could dance around in the streets singin “Purple Rain” HAHA and the world would turn into a giant musical...

Talk about your worst nightmare huh?!!! :D

Which 3 colors define e? your lif

Yellow because it’s a happy color I love a multicolored world, but if I had to choose one color it would be yellow like a yellow rose. Yellow is a happy color and maybe it would make people happier.

Pink and purple because I’m a girlie girl. Salmon pink... because the colour feels warm lol.. sorry if that doesnt really help hahaha

Black to erase the past Black so my future children and their children’s children don’t ever have to see Jacob and Edward from Twilight and decide which team they’re on

White to start fresh Porcelain white, because it’s clean, modern, and fun to paint on!

White. Because then everything would take a true natural color without the influence of any other paints.

olor What cou is on y What mind? olor is the c0? of 201

Highlighter shades, highlighter yellow, highlighter green and highlighter pink

Fuchsia

Pastels, any color in pastel Neutrals and pastels

Red Red Watermelon red

Beige, grey and light brown, I’m a fairly boring person

Red, purple and fuchsia, I live a very passionate life

Purple

White Chalky whiteWhite

Green, I’ve written my bloody dissertation on this colour

Anything neon All shades of grey, my life is a shade of grey

Blue be cause it relaxes Mostly me blue, b ut gree brown n and for the contine For me nts is brigh t and lig sky blu ht e. this colour me hap make py and good m like the ood, good w eather everyth and ing is p erfect!

Orange, orange, orange

Mellow yellow

Pink Ultraviolet neon pink Hot pink

How about YOU?

Denim: light blue denim, dark blue denim and black denim Only one, purple, because it doesn’t enough credit, joke

April 2010

7 INSPIRE

April 2010

25 INTERIORVIEW

40 WINKS AWAY FROM DULL INTERIORS

Your website claims that you work for people who always look “for something special, unique and bespoke”. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everything, everywhere really; it’s a question of the way one looks at the world. If you have your eyes open, you are simply responding to the shapes and colours that you see. You pick out certain things and then rearrange them to create a design for a room.

You cannot go and buy inspiration. It is around us everywhere.

You’re quite the chameleon, able to create both “flamboyant Marie-Antoinette inspired boudoirs and Bond-esque bachelor pads”. How has your work evolved over the last 16 years?

It would be very depressing if my work had not evolved over the years. I have evolved as a human being, so, naturally my interests have evolved also.

Nowadays I am drawn to different things.

Most importantly, I hate repeating myself in my work.

Ultimately, interior design is about creating a response to the surroundings and the client. Each job should always be different.

It’s not good to recycle ideas when creating something new.

So change is very important.

Yes it is very important because each interior designer tends to have a signature style, such as stars or stripes etc. The designer could easily just produce the same thing every time. I don’t find that kind of thing interesting at all. For me, the key to good interior design comes from the response to a certain space. You have to make the design as unique and special as possible. In a way, it’s as though each job is your first job.

Could you please give few examples on how lighting and colour can change the room?

Light and colour are really important. They are two features that always interest me in interior design. I tend to create some kind of cathartic response. I want people to feel and experience something when they walk into a room. This is why interior design has nothing to do with any sort of intellectual approach. Colour and light always affect the way we feel, so ultimately, they are just tools.

When you use colours, prints and textures they can either be soft or coarse. It’s entirely up to you to manipulate them in order to create an effect. Sometimes you might want to create a room that feels safe and relaxing, and other times your aim could be to excite and captivate people.

Is a dark room necessarily a sad and gloomy room?

No, not at all. I love dark rooms. I find them incredibly sexy because they are so filled with mystery. I think

a prestigious interior designer DAVID Carter lent us some of his precious time for an inspiring interview, in which he describes his personal take on interior design, as well as some insider’s tips on how to make your home FABULOUS.

Text by Isere Lloyd-Davis Photography by courtesy of David Carter’s personal archive

April 2010

26 INTERIORVIEW lots of people are a bit scared of dark rooms.

For me they are wonderful, womb-like spaces that envelope you.

Personally, they also make me feel really safe and calm. On the other hand, I believe that they have a very naughty and sexy side to them. What I really like to do also is to juxtapose light and dark.

In a lot of my interiors, there is a sense of going on a journey. I design them so that you are going from a light space into a dark one and vice versa. The contrast is the main feature of the journey and that’s why I use both instead of just dark or just light.

40 Winks. Do you have a preference between bold colours or prints?

Well not really. I use wood, plaster, fabric etc to create different effects, so I like to keep my style varied. All I can say is that I am not a magnolia kind of man (laughs).

You mentioned that inspiration can come from anywhere as long as you keep your eyes open. Do you know any places in London where you can find unusual pieces of furniture or quirky shops?

There are quite a few quirky shops. One of my favourites is prob-

‘I love sexy interiors and I think it is one of the greatest features that can be attributed to any room. What could be better than to walk into a room and be completely seduced by it?’

People might link dark colours to underwear for example, which increases the idea of sexiness.

I love sexy interiors and I think it is one of the greatest features that can be attributed to any room. What could be better than to walk into a room and be completely seduced by it?

Do you have any tips for people who are on a tight budget?

I don’t think that you need lots of money to design your room well. You simply need to surround yourself with things you find inspiring and that make you happy. This could be pictures from magazines of people you admire or even postcards. There are so many crazy things that you could do with your personal space and own initiative. You could paint your walls with blackboard materials so that they turn into a great big canvas. Afterwards, you might add a few boxes of chalk for you and your friends’ drawings or poetry etc.

In terms of lighting, over lighting looks terrible so turn your room into a dark boudoir-esque interior. All you need to do is go out and buy some large drapes or block wallpaper. Any items will do, including shells found off the beach or objects found in flea markets. You could even buy some cheap paperback books and plaster them all over the walls.

If you are a girl and you love clothes, then hang one of your beautiful dresses on one of the walls, as though it is a piece of art. Humans need to be surrounded by objects which they can respond to positively.

The most important factor for your rented or temporary home is that it needs to be happy. So it’s really all about having fun and not being scared of making mistakes.

How can you use colour to make a statement?

I’m against feature walls, but I think that you need to be brave with colour. Since lighting, colour and all other aspects of a room are just tools, it is important that you do not isolate each of these aspects. If you want to paint something, you need to consider the surroundings beforehand. People tend to lack in confidence but you need to push your creative ideas further. For example, you could paint all of the walls white and then have a black ceiling.

You should use colours in unexpected ways. You can also use a certain colour as a running theme. The way of doing this is by having items that are the same colour throughout.

There are lots of stripes and patterns in the interiors of

April 2010

ably David Gill on the Fulham Road. The most famous designers only make to commission for clients. But I still think that the V&A Museum is an amazing place to see beautiful things. There are so many shapes, colours and metal work that are interesting to look at. It’s important to find little elements that you find interesting.

How did the idea of creating 40 Winks come to you?

For over ten years, it has been one of London’s top fashion locations. This gave way to many advertisers, photographers and models passing through, who often asked whether they could stay because they had literally fallen in love with the place. When the credit crunch set in a few months ago, I thought about the idea of opening the house up to people in my entourage. My initial idea was to get only one person stay for a few days, but now it has taken mega proportions because of all of the publicity. We get amazing press every single week, so it’s become an ongoing business. We also organise some of our own events here such as The Bedtime Stories Nights and the Live Drawing evenings. The events have also become very important and so it all ties in to create a magical setting for people to visit. We opened it up in March last year and it has been a phenomenal journey ever since.

There are only two rooms, we have no televisions, there is hardly any staff, so it really is all about the experience. People love it and it’s great fun!

You mentioned having celebrities and models for fashion shoots staying over. Do you have any fun stories to tell?

Well of course I do, but I’m sure you understand that I must stay quite diplomatic (laughs). Last year Robert Pattinson from Twilight stayed and Kristen Scott Thomas stayed during the Baftas.

She arrived at Mile End Road in her big limo and she was very pleasant so we got on incredibly well.

In the last year, talented visionary David Carter has successfully turned his own home into a live-in showroom, decorated from top to bottom with his eccentric tastes.

40 Winks is not your typical hotel/boutique on London’s Mile End Road, but rather a house of wonder and magic.

It can be said that David Carter has revolutionised the concept of bed & breakfasts all across the UK. You can look up some of his interiors at www.alacarter.com.

27 INTERIORVIEW

EVERY interior detail at 40!Winks makes a statement

‘You simply need to surround yourself with things you find inspiring and that make you happy.’

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sneak peek

We all have discerning tastes and expect different uses out of our living spaces. RUIN magazine acknowledges these differences and seeks to help every individual find their style. In this issue, we showcase two distinct styles to serve two distinct design palettes.

Our first sneak peek into someone’s home showcases the popular contemporary style. Sick of cluttered spaces and want a home that features clean lines, sleek furniture, sophisticated forms and is functionally chic? This style is right for you. Our second sneak peek is what we here at RUIN call the collector’s style. If you happen to prefer a more fun, quirky and personalized space that you create using little knick-knacks, photos and postcards you’ve collected over the years, take a look at our second design style. If you’re looking for a way to use unique, inexpensive and MISMATCHED pieces to make your small space feel like your own Buckingham Palace, this style will definitely do the trick.

No matter which style you choOse, don’t feel like you need to pigeonhole yourself into a particular category. Just make sure you create a space that reflects your own taste, is comfortable and feels right to you.

Interior design shouldn’t be a recipe you mechanically follow, draw inspiration from established styles, find your own aesthetic and create!

April 2010

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#1 style: the

contemporary

The sneak peek featured above is designed to be a cozy retreat after coming home from a long day’s work, where you can comfortably unwind and escape from reality, at least for a little while. Despite its small size, the use subtle natural, earthy colours evoke a feeling of warmth and help make the space feel like home.

The Mahogany brown wall paneling behind the television creates a striking backdrop to the white gloss lacquer cupboards, which can be used for storage (DVDs, board games, karaoke microphones, video game consoles, photo albums, magazines, books or any dodgy personal items you may not want people to see). By the same token, the ivory white walls compliment the ivory white leather corner couch, making the room feel larger and more spacious.

As a simple window treatment, a luminous off-white scarlet fabric is used to block the sunlight when it’s at its peak.

The earth coloured room is accented with orange and brown throw pillows and a shaggy, copper floor rug offers an added textural dimension to the room. All the other intricate details such as the beach gravel underneath the TV unit and the candles in and around the gravel can be easily achieved after a day in Brighton and a pit

April 2010

stop at IKEA. As for skylight, the painted gypsum shape has micro LED lights embedded around it, which can either change colour or be set to stick to a single preferred colour. Granted, this lighting feature is a luxurious bonus, but it adds a lot of character and sophistication to the room, should your budget permit it.

The contemporary style makes for comfortable and functional rooms that can be both elegantly designed and achieved on a low budget. Just be creative and think outside the box.

Get yourself a comfortable corner couch and a TV entertainment unit from an affordable high street retailer, a piece of sheer neutral fabric for your curtains, a shaggy rug that can be delivered to your doorstep at a very reasonable price, a few attractive cushion cases in your favourite accent colour, a couple decorative vases collected from Portobello or Camden Market, and VOILA! You’ve translated the ever-popular contemporary style into your home, with your own personal touch of course. And don’t forget the cherry on top, dimly lit electronic candles. They make a big difference in the way things appear.

Add candles anywhere and you’re instantly transported to a place far away from your work, worries and woes.

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IKEA KARLSTAD corner sofa £509

Get the contemporary look LEKMAN boxes for white box effect for only £8.99.

The contemporary style makes for comfortable rooms that can be achieveD ON a low budget.

IKEA PS Grindtorp cushion covers £8.99

IKEA EXPEDIT TV storage unit: £129

April 2010

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create a design for your interior that reflects your experiences and character

#2 style: the

collector’s

April 2010

If you don’t attribute yourself to any style in particular but just want your home to be an eclectic mishmash of posters, postcards, memorabilia and personal touches, this next sneak peek will interest you. This little studio apartment demonstrates that you don’t need a large canvas to paint a pretty picture. All you need is a couple of key pieces, a few colourful souvenirs and a lot of creativity!

The space shown here is designed to feature all the little pieces this young couple has accumulated over the years that make their flat just that, theirs.

Little touches like hanging quirky posters found in small specialist shops around the city, pinning up old postcards from their travels, and hanging a gingerbread cookie left over from their first Christmas together on their window are just a few ways to personalise your space and create a design for your interior that reflects your experiences and character.

They turned their kitchen into a quirky shrine to all their culinary accomplishments

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and their “bedcove” into a cozy and inviting space by painting the slanted ceiling above their bed a tender shade of crimson.

Colourful IKEA storage boxes serve as inexpensive substitutes to expensive shelving and Christmas lights you can find at any pound shop provide warm mood lighting on cold winter nights in.

The beauty of the Collector’s style is that it is the ultimate tribute to your experiences: it personalises your space and displays your most prized possessions, albeit in a very artful and purposeful way. In this case, collectibles need not be antiques you find at shows or African tribal masks you bought when you went on your safari through Kenya.

Your collectibles can be simple things you would otherwise throw in a shoebox under your bed and open up once in a while when you’re feeling particularly nostalgic and just need to smile. Your home should be the happiest place in the world.

Thereforem it only makes sense to hang those souvenirs on your walls, so that you can smile, everyday.

SÄTER 2.5-seat sofa £239

Get the collector’s look KORT Art card £2.50 / 5 pack

KAJSA RAND Cushion cover £8.99 / 2 pack

KASSETT box with lid £4.49 / 2 pack

April 2010

Colour

you identify your aesthetic, even if many of them do not literally depict any interior design. Maybe a picture of a lush jungle will inspire you to use vibrant shades of green in your décor, or convince you to bring the outside in, with potted plant or a bouquet of fresh flowers!

Generally, cooler colours such as blue, green and purple calm us down, while warmer colours like red, orange, and yellow excite us. Neutral colours, like beige and brown, are also thought to be relaxing, but can sometimes be boring. People often settle on neutrals because a saturated bright colour can feel overwhelming. It is true that choosing a solid red as your paint colour, for example, makes a big statement.

You don’t feel ready to commit to that on a large scale? Consider lighter tints and shades instead. A faded red, like the colour of old brick could bring the interest you are looking for, while being less jarring. Although not everyone responds to colours in the same way, here are some guidelines to help you get started.

Psychology

When it comes to colour, there are no rules. What matters most is defining your personal taste. Having trouble pinpointing your personal taste? The next time you walk into a shop, take note of what catches your eye. Maybe a certain book cover grabs your attention because of its pleasant cover design. When you ‘check other people out,’ on the street, keep tabs on what colours or patterns of clothing make you look. When you visit someone else’s flat, or go to a restaurant, keep track of the interior design colour schemes that elicit an emotional reaction from you.

When you start paying attention to these things, you will find out what colours you want to incorporate into your own home when choosing paint, various textiles, or pieces of art to hang on your walls.

If you are doing casual research by perusing magazines, newspapers, or websites, you should start ripping out (or printing) pictures that appeal to you and putting them together in your own ‘look book.’ Such a collage of images can help

At its best:

Earthy, reassuring, warm, delicious, rich, indulgent.

At its worst:

Muddy, dirty, unsanitary, dry, and desert-like.

Tips:

At its best:

Regal, opulent, calming, mysterious. Throughout history, this has been the colour of kings.

At its worst:

One might associate purple with ultraviolet light, causing sun damage. It might seem overly indulgent if used in excess.

Tips:

Purple is a luxurious and soothing colour. Since combining red and blue makes purple, it is safe to say that warmer purples have more reddish tones, while cooler purples have more bluish tones. This is important to note when selecting a shade of purple, as various tones will have quite different effects. While dark purples are deep and complex, lavender is delicate and calming.

PURPLE BROWN

Brown is probably best used in textiles. It’s hard to paint a wall brown without it looking a bit gross. In combination with other earth tones, like deep oranges, it can give your home a sumptuous and down-to-earth, unfussy vibe.

Think twice about using this colour if you’re a recovering chocoholic or caffeine addict, the use of an indulgent brown hue may drive you to relapse.

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At its best: Reassuring, life af-

firming, and a symbol of fertility, health, nature, and abundance.

GREY

At its worst: with envy.’

Sickly, ‘green

Tips: At its best:

Classic, calm, sophisticated, evoking wisdom. Athena the goddess of wisdom, always described as having grey eyes.

At its worst:

depressing, stormy, dirty.

Dull,

Tips:

Although grey is considered a neutral colour, keep in mind that different shades can have very different impacts.

A greenish or yellowish grey will appear sickly, while a pure grey (only containing black and white tones) will look clean and soothing. It is important to use grey in conjunction with other brighter, more saturated colours. Unlike the case with white, using grey broadly, only varying its shades, will result in a murky-looking space.

ORANGE

GREEN

Green is difficult to do right in your home. A flat monochromatic green often fails to evoke the greens found in a lush natural environments.

If you are attracted to using green because it reminds you of nature, your safest bet is to get some indoor plants. Plants are a beautiful addition to any room, as long as you can keep them alive! Also, remember to say no to silk plants, unless you’re going for a doctor’s reception look in your space.

At its best:

Comforting, feminine, inviting, delicate, soft, fresh. This is the colour of springtime and blushing skin.

At its worst:

Sickeningly sweet, a threat to macho men everywhere.

Tips:

At its best: Warm, fun, exciting, vibrant. The colour of the sun and fires.

At its worst:

Loud, garish, clashing. Think ugly 1970s patterns.

Tips:

Orange is a great colour to use in kitchens. It is both inviting and shown to stimulate appetite. Different shades will yield very different psychological effects.

A dark earthy orange is more soothing, while a tangerine colour is more celebratory. Unless you’ve been held hostage by yet another one of those fad diets, orange cabinets are a great way to spice up your kitchen as well as your cravings. If a wall of orange sounds too daring, simply try buying a vintage orange toaster.

April 2010

It’s time to get away from the notion that the only time to use pink in home decorating is in a little girl’s room.

Pink is a delicious colour, and just so…. pretty! There’s no denying that it’s feminine, but that doesn’t mean you need to use pink flower and heart motifs. Light pink and black make for an edgy combination, for instance. And men, if you’ve let the pink collared shirt/polo into your closet, don’t be afraid to let a little more pink into your home.

PINK

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RED At its best:

Good for the mind, body, and soul. This is probably people’s preferred colour. Blue skies and blue waters represent relaxation, simplicity, and freedom. When used liberally in decorating, this colour helps you to de-stress and feel like your home is a sanctuary.

At its worst:

moody.

At its best: Powerful, passionate,

Cold, sad,

Tips:

Blue resonates with most people, and it’s everywhere. We live our lives in denim and under blue skies (ideally…). Set yourself apart by identifying which shade of blue you prefer. A light aqua is quite different from a royal blue or navy.

dramatic, thrilling, sexy, alluring. People wear red clothing or lipstick to draw attention and invite romance.

At its worst: Dangerous, intense, violent, gory, and angry.

Tips: Red makes a big statement.

Red walls have the same effect as black walls: they make a room seem smaller. For this reason, red is best used in bursts, rather than ubiquitously. Intersperse red décor with neutrals. This way, it will add drama and excitement to any room, but won’t overwhelm. Darker reds can create an air of sophistication, while bright cherry reds are vigorous and edgy. To prevent you from ‘seeing red’, remember that red wall paint often takes many coats to look even.

BLUE YELLOW At its best: happy, stimulating

Sunny, lighthearted,

At its worst:

of cowardice.

Putrid, symbol

Tips: Again, it’s all about shade. A light

yellow can be uplifting and remind you of sunshine. A saturated yellow, on the other hand, may begin to grate on your nerves and as a result may be a shade to avoid in a home office. If bright yellow is your thing, stick to using splashes of it around the room, perhaps in the form of a great vase, funky cushions, or your favourite Big Bird stuffed animal.

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Ruin’s tips: #1 Never put rugs in the washing machine at a high temperature!

The fabric will inevitably go frizzy. #2 Rugs and carpets can be hand washed, although we do recommend that you have them drycleaned.

#3 For a different effect, try putting a rug on a wall! This works best with attractive patterns.

Text by Isere ILLUSTRATION by Dominic Quaeck photography by courtesy of Funky Rugs

April 2010

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Carpets & Rugs:

RUIN’s faves:

friend or foe?

Carpets maybe one of the most boring subjects in the world of interiors. Or so I thought...

When I think of my first rug, my mind brings me back to the days when I lived in halls at uni. That hideous item in the corner of my room that never looked decent no matter where I rearranged it. That fuzzy, brown and red putrid mess, complete with mysterious black stains, which I secretly hoped were only spilt Ribena.

Although I never paid much attention to carpets or rugs, this particular item in my prison-like cell became a real thorn in my side. Realising the torture it was putting me through, I started to understand just how important carpets and rugs can be to any interior. We at RUIN decided to investigate whether the floor implements really are as boring as they seem.

Since the early 1970’s, carpets and rugs have become a huge part of our urban interiors. New designs and patterns have been made possible in the latest decades because of the implementation of “manmade” materials. Instead of wool, cheaper carpets and rugs are now commonly made out of Nylon or Polypropylene. Although wool will always be better quality than the “fake” fabrics, these newcomers are sold at a much lower cost.

You will find that carpets are most commonly made up of 20% wool and 80% a man-made fabric. They can either we woven or tufted, but they can also be needle felt in the case of commercial and therefore durable carpeting, or knotted by hand.

However, the latter is most commonly used for manufacturing of the more pricey Oriental rugs. The practice itself encourages child labour due to the fact that only their

nimble little fingers can do the stitching effectively, so stay away!

Places such as IKEA and John Lewis are ideal for carpet/rug searching as these shops have a vast variety of choice, all for a reasonable price. Depending on the size, rugs tend to cost from £25 to £100. The price of carpets will depend on many more factors and will most likely have to be fitted by a professional.

Long rugs that run along corridors are appropriately called “runners”. Unlike rugs, these can also be used as coverings for stairs. However, they have to be properly fitted and attached or else you run the risk of breaking a few limbs.

The texture of the carpet or rug that you wish to choose is also an important factor for its quality and price. Ask yourself whether you are likely to damage the carpet fairly early (i.e. house parties and occasional spillage). If so, we recommend that you buy a cheaper rug that can be replaced quickly and won’t have any effect on your social life.

No one except your grandparents or a history teacher will place a carpet or rug in the kitchen or bathroom. Although some might think this is a quirky thing to try, we must point out that there is a reason this has not been done before. Carpet materials absorb humidity, so this is a terrible idea.

Finally, patterns and colours are entirely relevant to you! Do keep in mind that whatever is on your floor will say a lot about you...

So, say what you will about them! But RUIN are now convinced that carpets and rugs are an essential part of each individual’s personal space. However, we still advise that you use with caution...

April 2010

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Shopping in East London!

Text by Kate Rintoul Photography by Anastasia Ivanova

Do you feel like you have a case of the houseware high street blues? Fear not, just hop on a bus, tube, or bike and make your way to East London.

Considered a haven for upcoming and famous artists alike, it makes perfect sense that East London would be a great place to find one of a kind accessories for your home. Let RUIN escort you on a tour of our favourite shops where you can find some new knick knacks for your flat. Before you know it, your blues will be replaced by la vie on rose!

April 2010

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Supernice Based in the increasingly popular weekend desitnation, Columbia Road, Supernice was set up three years ago by Louise Sandor. Having previously worked as a buyer, Sandor decided to set up her own business showcasing and selling innovative designers she had encountered at trade fairs Specialising in vinyl wall stickers, Supernice provides great opporutnites to add interesting design to any room, for under £100. Supernice first stocked American company Blic’s stickers but has branched out (literally in some cases) to incorporate some 18 designers to provide thought provoking and humorous wall art.

The shop, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays also showcases other unique designs and is currently hosting an amazing sale of discontinued yet quality homeware for as little as £3.95.

Supernice customers are a real mixture from young families to keen gardeners who come during the bedding season while shopping at Columbia Road’s flower market. There’s no distinct ‘look’ to be achieved and it seems that as long as you can appreciate figurative expression, you have room in your life for these grown up stickers.

You can find Supernice at: 106 Columbia Rd, London, E2 7RG. Also, you can contact them by phone: 0207 6133890 or email: info@supernice.co.uk.

Supernice is open on Saturdays from 1 to 6pm and on Sundays from 9.30 to 3pm.

April 2010

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Invest Stone Jungle: £65 This intricately cut cityscape captures our growing acceptance and adhesion to street art and the urban landscape. The vista would look amazing over a desk or in a hallway, creating an alternative view of the world outside. Choose from midnight, snow, graphite or kiwi. Threadless have a fantistic range to appeal to all, ‘Time Fades’ is a particualry romantic design. Threadless stood out as the most proactive designers, in life outside vinyl stickers they are a t-shirt company and host regular online votes to decide which designs to transfer to vinyl form, they also frequently collaborate with large and small companies.

Splurge Inke Tree: £180 for tree and 90 leaves.

It was a hard push to find a true splurge here as the large and intricate designs are very reasonably priced. This was the only one over £100 and is not necessarily the most unique. To contextualise the design you would have to add a selection of Inke’s animals, the Ostrich and Rhino are exceptionally amazing but at £48 each the price of the Inke range would soon add up.

Save Inke Birds: £12.95 for set of two.

These little birds come in a mixed selection of vintage wallpapers. You simply choose your colour combo from pink, orange, green or blue. The collection of animals, which is always being added to started as a final degree project by Inke Heiland, a Dutch student who lucky for us, turned his ideas into a business.

Fun The Font Shop’s Alphabet and other designs tiles: £3.95 each These ceramic tiles are sweet and funny and a great way to personalise a space.

Rather than opting to spell names you could create random words or just select un-related letters and images.

Though brand new, the tile aesthetic has a vintage feel and would be great in a kitchen or bathroom against other mismatched pieces.

Present Available only at the shop, Supernice has a beautiful collection of cards handmade by a local artist out of antique playing cards.

Each one is a tiny piece of historic matter that would warm even the most toughest of hearts.

April 2010

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cARAVAN Caravan is a place of wonder. Mixing vintage finds with fantastic new pieces, the shop keeps the gypsy and the whimsical spirit very much alive.

With neutral walls, each piece of curious is allowed to shine and a lot can be learned from the store’s styling. Though the overall feel is of beatnik chic, the precise mix of items and inherent style needed should not be underestimated. You literally walk in and feel like you want to buy everything; I hadn’t felt so excited since a trip to my local toyshop, Aladdin’s Cave, when I was nine!

You can find Caravan at 3 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DJ or visit their website www.caravanstyle.com.

April 2010

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Splurge

Save Woodpecker and owl money boxes, £20 These stunning ceramic birds are a great way to add a little bit of eccentric style to a room. The white finish can go in any room and sit nicely against vintage pieces or more contemporary styles.

Present Silver Bunch of Roses, £25 You can’t beat flowers. They are the easiest way to lift your spirits and to freshen up a room. Though their transient nature can bring new lows as you see their beauty fade, these finely crafted metal roses capture all of the joy of real flowers and are a great way to give someone you love daily pleasure without the giddy highs and lows of real flowers. A wonderful piece of sheer indulgence is the best gift anyone can give.

Fun Invest Flea Market Style, £18.99 Caravan’s optimistic confident style is contagious and a total inspiration, you leave wanting to rid yourself of any flat pack furniture you own and start looking for hidden gems in markets.

This is fantastic but in reality many of us don’t have the style know-how to achieve the look.

It would be easy to make mistakes and end up with a random mess rather than a cohesive interior design.

In a shop full of stunning accessories, a book may perhaps seem like a boring choice but is essential reading if you want to achieve the Caravan style and covers everything from the joys of shopping in markets to putting it together at home.

Glass door handles range from £3 to £7.50 These have a great aesthetic quality, beautiful with an excellent weight.

Handles are a fantastic way to breathe new life into old furniture and to update a look. The heartshaped handles would be perfect on a lingerie stand and would bring untold pleasures to getting dressed in the morning.

Birdcage Mirror, £79 For a mirror, this is actually well priced and is a piece that you will never tire of or look out of place. A statement mirror can set a powerful tone for a room and can be a great starting point to add other vintage pieces. Though not a necessity, this mirror could be a great focal point and an easy way to put some ageold glamour into a space.

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THE GOOD COMPANION

Set up in December of last year, The Good Companion is not as polished or styled as Caravan but exudes charm and character in equal measure. It’s hard to believe only four months ago the building was an abandoned Apollo DVD shop that had been collecting dust for two years. Today, The Good Companion has brought a much-needed refuge for style and design to an up and coming South East London enclave.

With Clapham and Balham becoming overly gentrified, Herne Hill is fast becoming the new ‘it’ area south of the river. The Good Companion could not have arrived at a better time to catch young professionals who are moving to the area.

Specialising in vintage and antique furniture, The Good Companion also has a selection of vintage and hand made in the UK accessories. It is a great place to find classic furniture or offbeat designs and create your own style at home as it is not so prescriptive as the styling of Caravan where you feel you’d have to borrow one of the lovely shop staff to help you achieve the look. Though The Good Companion also offer an upholstery service, it is not a general rule for them to spruce up furniture they resell. This means that unique charms gathered over the years are left as memories on the pieces, which adds to their appeal.

The furniture is well priced and though it’s more than you’d pay at a market, they are about equal to high street prices. Besides, the convenience of being able to take home statement pieces that day while doing something good for a new company gives great satisfaction.

April 2010

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Save

Present Child’s Tea Set £30 Though it is marketed for children any woman who loved playing make believe as a girl would appreciate this adorable set. The cups are also big enough for a dainty tea or espresso so could be put to use at grown up tea parties!

Vintage jugs and vases, from £10 The bronze glazed jugs are a great way to start collecting and to marry function with style. I wouldn’t recommend you simply start hoarding jugs purely for decoration, try to choose things that you will use once in a while, because there’s nothing worse than musty pieces gathering dust on shelves. Also think about how you store your crockery and glasses; kitchen cupboard doors could be removed or shelves put up to exhibit your growing selection of pieces.

Invest Oak Desk: £175 It was really hard to pick just one but this desk definitely has to be the best investment for life. A good desk is indispensable; it provides a center for your thoughts and activities and will last you a lifetime. This solid oak large desk would be a fantastic first furniture buy and will outlast other design fads.

It would also make a wonderful present for someone’s 21st or graduation, hinting of a successful career and dreams in the future.

Splurge 1950s print chair £200 This is a statement piece that would be the perfect (and comfortable) cherry on the cake for a vintage inspired interior. The bold printed cushions at £50 are also an amazing way to add interest to your existing furniture, even if a little more expensive than other items.

The cushions are made in Wareham by a group of local women and The Good Companion will be stocking duvet covers and sheets in similar fabrics over the next few months.

Fun Wooden block stamps £10 These vintage blocks look great on their own or could even be put to use to create unique motifs on your walls.

A great way to add a bit of eclecticism to your style.

April 2010

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or hate?

Text by Ely Photography by courtesy of Neon Sign Store Over the years, neon has made quite a flashy name for itself and shed an intense light on the dos and don’ts of fashion and interior design. We have all seen neon signs in shops and bars before, and we all definitely remember those sexy one-piece ski suits that took over the world during the glorious ‘80s. Throughout the last few decades, the colour itself has been a victim of much scrutiny, eliciting a love/hate reaction in various fashionistas and interior designers. People have described neon as tacky, inappropriate and down right vulgar. These accusations came despite the fact that the central idea pushing neon forward is to help clothes, shops, and interiors come alive.

Despite the fact that neon is most commonly used in retail outlets or dingy bars, RUIN want to bring neon back; out of its tacky shell and back into stylish homes. Neon can make a bold statement by bringing fun and vibrancy to any room and, yes, all the while keeping it chic and modern. The key to handling neon with class is to use it in moderation, and to pick your shades of colour carefully. You need to have a clear idea of the desired result before you embark on your artistic journey. Using neon in your home is very much like applying make-up or spraying co-

Why Be Neutral, When You Can be NEON? Bring Neon Back!

April 2010

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For more ideas on how to use neon visit Neon Sign Store at: www.neonsignstore. co.uk or call: 07860 961060

April 2010

logne, listen to what your mothers and fathers having been telling you for years dear RUIN readers, “less is more!”

Your first, and perhaps more discreet, option when taking the leap into neon with your home is neon paint. Neon paints come in various shades and colours to suit every palette. Brands such as Dulux and Crown have a tailor-made paint service and provide decorating advice to the colour-challenged.

Want to play your part in saving the environment while simultaneously brightening up your space? Companies like Glowtec. co.uk offer a wide range of eco-friendly neon and glow-in-the dark paints.

If you’re planning to use neon paint to create an accent wall, RUIN suggests using neutral colours on the other walls to make sure the accent wall pops and prevent neon-induced headaches.

Another option could be to stencil a neon pattern on your walls.

You can create the stencil yourself; but if arts and crafts or scissors aren’t your thing, check out www.thestencilstudio.com. They will customize a stencil just for you.

The ultimate salute to neon can be achieved by placing a neon sign in your flat. Artists such as Tracey Emin have shown us that neon signs aren’t just for advertising or shop windows; they can be works of art too, worthy of your wall space. The downside, however, is that they can be a bit pricey, costing on average around £200. We believe that despite the price, a neon sign is still the most retro and eye-catching item you could ever own in your home. They are the more edgy yet less permanent neon option. Worst-case scenario, if you ever tire of your once-beloved “Come In, I’m Open” neon installation, all it takes is a little tug on a wire and your problem is history.

If you are not interested in making such a sizeable neon investment, there are some simpler accessories available that can still spice up the rooms of your home. High street shops such as Habitat and Octopus carry a range of neon lamps, lights and furniture.

If you really aren’t looking to buy anything new for your already cluttered home, there is always the option of simply applying a fresh coat of neon paint on some of your existing furniture. This is the perfect opportunity for you to be as creative as you like!

Lighting a room with neon light creates a very particular atmosphere. Using neon in interiors tells a lot about your individual personality: it says that you’re fun and carefree. So, make sure that the atmosphere you create is consistent with the rest of your interior. Mix and matching is great, but try to stay true to a style or theme throughout. It is also very important for your own safety that you are still able to see in the room if the neon colour is too dark and that you don’t have to wear sunglasses indoors if the neon is too bright. Keeping the right balance between light and dark in a room is crucial. In this case, remember, pain isn’t beauty.

Despite its bad rep throughout years, we’ve established that introducing even the slightest bit of neon into your personal space can make a huge statement and difference to your home. Join us in our movement to bring neon back!

10 INSPIRE

Using neon in your home is very much like applying makeup or spraying cologne, listen to what your mothers and fathers having been telling you for years dear RUIN readers, “less is more!�

April 2010

kages:INSPIRE pac small in comes n Big inspiratio

8

Text by Stephanie Adams Photography by Anastasia Ivanova

Candy Cakes, with five locations and one more on the way, is becoming a London staple for tourists and locals alike. How have they accomplished this in such a short period of time? Through a whimsical menu of baked goods, high quality beverages, and a one of a kind retail setting.

RUIN had the chance to sit down with Marketing Communications Manager, Natasha Karoli to discuss Candy Cake’s interior design process along with suggestions on how to infuse the Candy Cake style into your own flat.

We were surprised to learn that Candy Cakes did not enlist the help of an interior decorator in the design of its shops. All design decisions and concept developments were made through CEO Michael Thomaides and other members of staff.

Though each of the locations has its unique identity, one thing remains consistent; there is lots of colour.

Deemed as a combination of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by its customers, Candy Cakes aims to provide an inviting and whimsical experience. The two ‘signature’ colours of pastel green and pink help to provide a relaxing and welcoming feel to the shops. In addition, the two hues are very complementary of the vast array of fairy cakes on display.

The use of local artists’ work brightens the space, and has further developed the sense of community created by Candy Cakes patrons. The newest location, near Windsor Castel will also include a lounge area. The space combines the idea of colour with comfort through its seating area complete with overstuffed sofas and armchairs.

When asked about infusing the cheery

Deemed a combination of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by its customers, Candy Cakes aims to provide an inviting and whimsical experience feel of Candy Cakes to your own home, Natasha noted: “Don’t be afraid to add colour to your space, as long as it’s well coordinated”.

She also added: “London (and many other areas of the UK) experience a great deal of grey days; the key to brightening your day is through adding colour and light to your flat”.

The inside of your home is the first thing you see in the morning, why not start your day off on the right foot surrounded by a cheerful space?

A sense of inspiration, a one of a kind experience, and delicious treats, Candy Cakes definitely proves that you can have your cake and eat it too!

AD

sketch

57 INSPIRE

Eight years later, Sketch remains the Mecca of interior design aficionados

Established in 2002, with additional awards and attention won each year, Sketch has become an intrinsic part of London’s creative lifeblood. Though perhaps its over exposure has opened it up to a less discerning crowd, all awfully eager to see and be seen there, Sketch still delivers an amazing experience.

The grade-two listed building, which formerly was a base for RIBA and Christian Dior now exudes its own form of high contemporary glamour. Made up of six individually designed spaces, each offering incredible experiences and food, Sketch is a fantastic showcase for both emerging and established artists and designers.

Algerian born Sketch restaurateur Mourad Mazouz has collaborated with the likes of Ron Arad, Tom Dixon and Gabhan O’Keeffe to achieve an eclectic and plush space.

With a mix of bars, tearooms and restaurants, you can experience Sketch in many different ways, depending on your budget.

The East Bar is a small and intimate space with a great selection of fairly priced cocktails. Open from 6pm till 2 am, the East Bar is the perfect place for after work or pre-dinner drinks. The sumptuous sunken seats and mass of black and gold make you feel a million miles away from the monotony of real life.

By day, the Gallery at Sketch is a free video viewing space, open to the public until 5pm. After dark, the space becomes a restaurant where diners can enjoy their food and wine, all the while engaging with the video medium that has shaped art for the last fifty years.

This mix of fine dining and art typifies what Sketch is all about and why it continues to prove so popular with London’s creative elite. With décor quite minimal by Sketch standards, the clean white furniture and walls allow the video art to shine.

The Parlour is the most accessible and inexpensive culinary experience at Sketch.

‘Sketch is modern, inspiring and full of life.

Definitely worth going to when you have a little extra money’

Text by Kate Rintoul Photography by courtesy of Sketch

Perfect for take away treats, casual meetings and homemade cakes, it is a great way to inject some style into every day rations.

Dogtooth prints, rose pinks and a mixture of antique furniture give The Parlour the feel of an eccentric private living room.

Sketch’s Lecture Room and Library restaurant was awarded its Michelin Star in 2005 and has continued to deliver consistent and brilliant food. The design is opulent as ivory walls of studded leather provide the perfect canvas for richly upholstered crimson armchairs.

The crystal-encrusted bathrooms alone are reason enough to visit the restaurant and you can’t argue with Sketch’s own assertion that they are “the most beautiful toilets in London”.

For magazine designer, Vera Fabiankova and many others, Sketch brings diversity to London. “Sketch is modern, inspiring and full of life. Definitely worth going to when you have a little extra money.”

For Vera and others who have been visiting Sketch for the last eight years, Sketch is fast becoming an exclusive destination for only the super rich and non-creative.

“The customers are swanky and modern professionals. The luxurious appeal to money seems quite Japanese in culture.”

Stylist Malgo Stankiewicz aired her belief that Sketch’s appeal had been tarnished by the hoards of would-be creatives. “The interior is distinctive and amazing yet the music is very mediocre, as if it is appealing to a very commercial crowd, it ends up not being that much fun”.

Sketch is truly individual and has brought a much-needed sense of elective style back to London. Not since the sixties have such bold and exciting uses of spaces sprung up. Yet to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of design, the group behind it must move the project on before they become victims of their own, carefully selected and beautiful success.

VISIT Sketch at 9 Conduit street, London, W1S 2CG or call for reservations: 02076594500.

April 2010

58 MIX & MATCH

RUIN’s first of a series of competitions was held on Saturday February 20th 2010. WE gave three lucky contestants THE chance to win three £18 meals generously offered to us by our friends and sponsors Nando’s Restaurants.

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Nine contestants were split up into three teams and given 30 minutes to “Pimp Their Lamps.” In what became a crazy and colourful expression of their individual and collective imaginations, the three groups redecorated their lamps to their hearts’ desires.

Nervous and reluctant at first, our contestants quickly built up an interest in their projects and the drive to win overcame them. Hand composed and sophisticated professionals in their mid-twenties a paintbrush and a blank canvas and they can get as rowdy and energised as 6 year olds in art class!

April 2010

59 MIX & MATCH

and the winn er i s...

This competition proved that even the simplest, most uninteresting white lamp can be quickly and playfully transformed into a colourful, personalised addition to your home. With just a little bit of paint, feathers, twisty ties, sequins and a lot of creativity, our contestants came up with three completely different, yet inspired looks for each of their lamps.

After a foolproof and incorruptible democratic vote by our audience and the RUIN Magazine team which involved ballots in the form of colourful straws being dropped into each redecorated lamp’s allocated cup, our winners were announced. Elected by popular vote, the talented and uber-creative team of three strapping young men, Jokubas Dargis, Evaldas Kristopaitis and Gedis Rudys, were recognized for their achievement by our “Lighting of the Lamp” ceremony and were awarded the first prize. Congratulations Gentlemen!

LOOK OUT FOR RUIN’S next exciting competition. You too can be A winner with RUIN! April 2010

60 MIX & MATCH

Cushion Crazy!

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a cushion maker? I know I have.

In this Mix and Match section, RUIN gives you the chance to turn your cushion making fantasy into sweet, satisfying reality!

sofa A cushion-less nt silk gauze re a p s n a tr iA sem cushion case straws Multi-colored scissors Cramp-friendly ad Needle and thre

Photography by Hubert Jakub Gawrys

There’s no reason why you should pay £10 or more for a ready-made cushion when you can pay half that amount and do it yourself. So, if you have a dull chair or couch in your home that needs a little more punch to tie the room together, take a crack at making this colourful cushion.

You have nothing to lose, except perhaps the feeling in your hands.

STEP 1: Cut all the straws into 2cm size pieces

STEP 2: Fill the silk gauze case to the top with the cut straws

STEP 3: Carefully sew the ends of the gauze together

And VOILA! You’re done. It’s that easy. Now it’s ready to throw on your sofa or your bed. Granted, it may not be the most comfortable of cushions, but at least you can scratch cushion making off your list of “Things I Need To Do Before I Die”

April 2010

61 MIX & MATCH

Remember when you were at school getting nasty paper cuts and fiNDING glue in your hair while PERFECTING your newest craft project? Well, RUIN ARE GIVING you THE chance to GO BACK IN TIME TO 1993, and work on a craft project that is sure to add life, color and light to your home.

Fold that Paper Light up Those Cranes STEP 1:

Buy a circular shaped glass lamp, preferably a cheap one from IKEA and assemble it. Make sure to screw in the light bulb at this stage. nese origami paper from any STEP 2: Buy coloured Japa ialty store stationary or Japanese spec

STEP 3:

Gather at least 5 of your nearest and dearest friends* and start folding the colourful origami sheets into 50 paper cranes.

STEP 4:

Use the finest quality superglue money can buy (none of that 4 for £1 stuff you buy at the pound store, trust us, we’ve been there) and delicately glue the bottom of the paper cranes to the lamp, carefully alte rnating between colors.

STEP 5: Place the lamp where you want it and let it dry. Once dried,

plug it in, turn it on, and bask in the subtle colour-craned glow of your hard-earned work.

*Note: 5 friends or more is crucial, unless you want to wake

up in the middle of the night, disoriented, with drool running down your face and a crane glued to your cheek.

April 2010

62 MIX & MATCH

Face your fears:

a guy’s guide to interiors Text by Martin Hines Photography by phenomdesire

Young men are often derided for having poor taste around the home, but that needn’t always be the case! Ruin has examined affordable items which will instantly make any home cooler, whether it’s student digs or a Penthouse on the Thames.

1.

Firstly, lighting is everything - it can hide a multitude of sins, and pronounce the items you’re most proud of that much more. Ikea offer a range of cheap lighting that runs perfectly on energy saving light bulbs, saving you more money and making you that little bit greener. The Barometer light, priced at a very competitive £44.99 is a gorgeous piece, and could also double as a pretend microphone for those lonely nights in without the missus, and with Guns N’ Roses on the stereo.

2.

Then you have the wall decorations. Some men use this space to define themselves - are they a layabout student with torn out posters featuring an array of naked women on them, or the urbane intellectual with white walls clad with jazz musicians they have never listened to. Ruin can offer a combination of the two, with these very classy football frames (retailing from just £10) which will tastefully show off the team you support without the need for ill fitting replica shirts staining your floor.

3.

Obviously, television can nowhere near reach the intellectual crescendos of books and poetry (or so they say) but it’s worth having a decent set in your place, if only for the ability to see the Queen’s Speech in high definition. As a general rule of thumb, if you can’t swing a cat in your living room, don’t get a television over 42 inches - it will become the focal point of the room, and take away from everything else, leading to the room to feel smaller than it already is. Currys traditionally offer the best prices for televisions.

Remember to opt for full HD over an HD Ready television, and avoid brands you’ve never heard of.

range (www.conranshop.co.uk) and get yourself something a touch more tasteful. Spending a little bit more on a superior material will make a world of difference on both the cold winter nights, and the hot steamy summer mornings.

5.

4.

This might sound bizarre, but how much do you think about your bedspread? You may not think about it, but what you have surrounding your duvet can say a lot about you (and to any women you may be attempting to woo.) Yes, The Lion King was a great film, but is having it daubed over your cover really accepting in this day and age? Sadly not it seems, so try the Conran Shop

April 2010

Finally, don’t be afraid to go second hand or vintage on anything you may need around your house. Gumtree and second hand shops can be a godsend, both financially and aesthetically, and with an increasing turn towards old designs as opposed to the more contemporary, you could be saving money AND making yourself look even cooler. And that’s what’s important in the grand scheme of things!

AD

8 INSPIRE Here at RUIN we understand that London’s fabulousness aside, our beloved city can sometimes get you down, especially by the time March rolls around.

As days and weeks go by without a ray of sunshine or patch of clear blue sky making their way through the thick grey clouds, you need a serious injection of colour (and alcohol) to keep you sane.

What we suggest is a simple and fun way to wash yourself clean of those wicked winter woes. Our trusty RUIN psychologists prescribe a healthy dose of colour, fun and music in the form of a colour-themed house party.

Prudently following doctor’s orders, gather a bunch of friends together and make sure they come dressed in their brightest of brightly-colored t-shirts, pants, dresses and skirts. Most importantly however, make sure your generous friends come bearing booze.

COLOURtastic!

The Cure to Those Winter Blues Photography by Hubert Jakub Gawrys

Setting up the party is easy. Go to your local supermarket and stock up on all the most colourful foods and drinks you can get your hands on. Orange cheddar, red pepper hummus, guacamole and black and blue tortilla chips make for fun colourful snacks. And for the sweet teeth, colourful cupcakes, Skittles, Smarties, and jellybeans do the trick.

Stop by a light shop and get a few coloured bulbs to add to the mood. Don’t forget to stop by a pound shop and buy coloured plastic cups, plates and cutlery.

There, you can also find long rolls of neon paper that can be used as clever makeshift runners or rugs for your white floors. They’re also helpful tools when it comes time for the dreaded hangover clean up session.

So go ahead and party for a your sanity!

April 2010

67 FUN

edible art

Text by Emma Bowers Photography by courtesy of foodisart.co.uk

Thought edible teapots, wallpaper and paintings only existed in the imagination of Roald Dahl and the world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory?

Well now you can get your chocoholic mitts on a piece of your own edible art.

Prudence Staite and her team at Food Is Art have made many people’s chocolate fantasies into reality by producing products from chocolate shot glasses and shoes, to entire chocolate rooms.

But if chocolate isn’t your preference, Food Is Art also use many other ingredients including cheese and gravy in their designs.

Whatever the occasion, there’s a creation to suit your needs. From a life sized chocolate bed to a cheese sculpture of burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese amongst their previous designs, whatever your desired edible preference it is sure to be within their ability.

Food Is Art even make chocolate board games from snakes and ladders to chess. What an incentive, winner eats all.

Food Is Art design their creations to maximise durability and use thick solid chocolate, all the more fun when it comes to the eating part.

Want the full edible effect but without the price tag to boot, why not have a go at your own edible art? Place names for a dinner party with the added wow factor is probably the best way to start on your edible art

journey. Melt milk, white or dark chocolate into moulds and leave to set.

Decorate the plaques with guests’ names using piped melted chocolate.

But, to avoid the result resembling the aftermath of a food fight, leave the more intricate teapots and dinner sets to the professionals.

Visit http://www.foodisart.co.uk to see how you can incorporate edible art into your home and browse through the online shop.Who ever said that you shouldn’t play with your food?

April 2010

68 FUN Peeling back the foil of your home-prepared sandwich can sometimes leave you feeling a little dissatisfied when you see a soggy, unappealing lunch starring back at you. But bento boxes bring a whole new meaning to the packed lunch.

Indigenous to Japan, bento boxes have internal dividers and some several layers to keep different food types separate from one another. They provide a well-balanced lunch and ensure that the food is kept safe in transport.

Traditionally, the meal is divided into two parts, one for rice and the other for complementary foods such as meat, vegetables and either raw or cooked fish.

The idea of bento can be traced back to fifth century Japan, when people worked away from home for long hours and needed to take a nutritious meal that was easy to prepare and carry safely. This has developed into a tradition and people began to regularly take bento on day trips and outings.

In Japanese culture, bento is consumed at work, school picnics and parties as it is simple to produce and can be made attractive.

The aesthetic ideal plays a large part in the preparation of the bento box. Foods are chosen carefully not only to ensure that the meal is great tasting but is also visually appealing.

Colour plays an important role in the preparation stage. Bright colours are chosen to make the meal more appetising and a lot of thought goes into the presentation of the ingredients.

The boxes themselves range in style to suit their user. From lacquered wooden boxes to plastic cartoon decorated lunchboxes, everyone’s tastes are catered for.

Why not create your own bento feast by boiling some rice and cooking your favourite complementary foods?

Keep food separate by making compartments in a large Tupperware box using smaller ones inside. Forget the silver Text by Emma Bowers foil, bento is the way forward. illustration by Maxwell Adams Photography by courtesy of haikusushi.dk

BENTO

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If classes are stifling . . . y t i v i t a e r c r u yo

our flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken is inspirational!

Sauces flow free, the music is free , soft drink refills are free – set your creativity free!

Find your nearest inspiration at www.nandos.co.uk

The new urban lifestyle

MA Squatting UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE NO CAREER PROSPECTS IN PARTICULAR BUT THE COURSE DOES HOWEVER OFFER STUDENTS A WHOLE NEW LIFESTYLE AND AN ENTIRE NEW WORLD AT THEIR FINGERTIPS. ALL THE SQUATTERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE! illustration by Maxwell Adams

RATIONALE:

According to the study by American author Robert Neuwirth, there are a billion squatters worldwide. This means that roughly one person out of six people on the planet is a squatter. If squatters were to form a country, we would call it “Squatland” and it would be the third most populated nation in the world after China and India. Britain’s mainstream media often frowns upon squatting and portrays it as politically incorrect. However, it seems that globally, there are 16 times more “Squattish” individuals than there are British. Therefore, it would be ignorant and almost racist not to acknowledge these people rights and to not educate others about their culture.

MODULES:

BACKGROUND:

In the light of the recession and its disastrous effects on the UK, the University has come up with a brand new MA Program.

The tuition fees for this program are astronomical and the Board have made it clear that the plans to reduce fees are simply devious rumours. In an attempt to lower financial pressure on potential students, the University recommends finding a more creative and exciting way to cope with the stress of dwindling bank accounts. As a result of the University’s commiseration, they have introduce a course called “Squatting: The New Urban Lifestyle”. In these harsh economic times, their course promises to effectively help students to cope as well as increase their adaptability and enhance their culture as human beings.

The MA “Squatting: The New Urban Lifestyle” course has two pathways: a). Posh Squatting and b). International Squatting.

Students who aim to squat in posh areas of London are highly advised to take Posh Squatting pathway. For those who seek a more worldly experience, international Squatting offers field trips to study and experience squatting in different countries.

International laws are confusing but we have a strong legal team armed and ready to fight the war against squatting. The percentage of students jailed in 2009 for squatting is as low as 21% (down from 54% in the previous year). This year, the University will take its students on a squatting excursion to Prague and Slovenia.

ENTRY REQUIREMENT:

The normal entry requirement for this course is an honours degree. Applicants who have previous squatting experience or can provide evidence of an invalid lease are highly preferable.

Well-to-do squatter wannabes are also encouraged to apply for this course provided that they are committed to the cause.

Other well off applicants whose families own more than one house can apply for the ‘Mock Squatting’ scheme where the University will use one of your properties and have fellow students ‘mock’ squat in it as a work-based learning experience.

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