E V E R YO N E ’ S TA L K I N G A B O U T T h e t r e n d f o r c y l i n d r i c a l p e n d a n t s , s t a t e m e n t s t r i p e s a n d f l a s h e s of gold , plu s t he lat e st g reen pa let t e a nd a conver sat ion w it h B ont empi Ca sa about what good de sig n mea n s D E S I G N R A D A R I n t e r i o r d e s i g n e r M i n n i e K e m p revea ls t h e p i e c e s c a t c h i n g h e r e y e t h i s m o n t h EM ERG I N G I D E A We t a ke a look at how t he met aver se i s f a s t b e c o m i n g a p l a t fo r m fo r a n e w a n d i n v i g o r a t i n g e x p l o r a t i o n o f d e s i g n
WH ER E IT ’ S AT T he key na me s com ma nd i ng at t ent ion on t he i nt er nat iona l de sig n st age T H E T I M E I S N OW Wo rld -le a d i n g a r c h i t e c t s o n t h e ne e d t o c re at e bu i ld i ng s t h at c a n w it h s t a nd t he ex t reme e l e m e n t s t h a t c l i m a t e c h a n g e w i l l b r i n g TH E CO NVERSATIO N Noa Sa ntos sha re s t he secret of m i x i ng h ig h- end piece s w it h ever yday one s
F R E N C H A PA RT M E N T S e t i n a c h a r m i ng sk i r e s or t , t h i s m o d e r n - r e t r o m o u n t a i n r e t r e a t i s a c o s y h u b f o r s o c i a b l e g a t h e r i n g s a n d f a m i l y d o w n t i m e
L O N D O N P E N T H O U S E W i t h i t s f a b u l o u s c i t y sk yl i ne v ie w s a nd g la m hot el- s t yle ba r, t h i s c h ic f lat i s t h e p e r f e c t p a r t y p a d K EN T H O LI DAY H O M E A s e c ond home – a c ou nt r y r e t r e at – w i t h s c u lp t u r a l f u r n i t u r e a n d v i v id c olo u r s i s j u s t w h a t t h i s f u n - s e e k i n g f a m i l y w e r e a f t e r DA N I S H H O U S E A r c h it e c t Jon a s Bjer r e -Pou l s en ’ s q u e s t for h a r m o n y i n s u r f a c e m at e r i a l s i s b e a u t i f u l l y r e a l i s e d i n h i s c o a s t a l h o m e
I TA L I A N A B O D E A r c h it e c t s we r e c h a l le n g e d w it h c r e at i n g a c o n t e m p o r a r y h o m e t h at s i t s c o m fo r t a bl y w it h i n a t r ad it ion a l pa lac e i n F lor enc e w it hou t lo si ng i t s a t m o s p h e r e a n d i d e n t i t y
MIL AN FL AT Sicilian-born designer Veronica Zimbaro’s space a r t f u l ly ba la nce s ma x i ma l i sm a nd m i n i ma l i sm
TH E STO N E AG E Ma ke g ra n it e a nd ma rble t he hero piece s w it h t he se showstoppi ng idea s A N AT O M Y O F A R O O M C o l o u r e x p e r t R u t h M o t t e r s h e a d s h a r e s t h e s e c r e t s t o u s i n g j o y f u l a n d u p l i f t i n g h u e s i n t h e k i t c h e n
C L E V E R I N T H E K N O W I n n o v a t i v e i d e a s f o r k i t c h e n s , b a t h r o o m s a n d p r o j e c t s K I T C H E N L O O K S T h e l a t e s t f l o o r i n g t r e n d s for a lu x u r iou s, t i mele s s f i n i sh or a n ea r t hy, r u st ic look A RC H ITEC T U R A L FE AT U R E O F TH E M O M ENT T h e 1 9 70 s s u n k e n l i v i n g a r e a i s b a c k a n d b r i n g i n g a c o s y d y n a m i c t o c o n t e m p o r a r y i n t e r i o r s
E XPERT ADVIC E Ways to create a sociable space ARCH ITEC TU RE N E WS B eaut i f u l ba r n-l i ke bu i ld s S EC R E T I N G R ED I EN T F i nd i ng t he p er fe c t h a n d l e s a n d h a r d w a r e f o r y o u r s t o r a g e a n d f u r n i t u r e
SMALL SPACES , B IG IDE AS Clever de sig n solut ion s to br i ng nat u ra l l ig ht i nto da rk room s L I V E B E T T E R T h e d e c i s i o n s t h a t w i l l h e l p r e d u c e y o u r r e l i a n c e o n e n e r g y - c o n s u m i n g a p p l i a n c e s
TRENDING RIGHT NOW New gadget s to elevate you r mor n i ng cof fee ex p er ience to t he nex t level
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e s t Eu rop ea n hot sp ot s, f rom Mykonos to Sa i nt Trop ez S E E YO U I N AU C K L A N D To p t i p s o n w h a t t o s e e a nd do when ex plor i ng New Z ea la nd ’ s big ge st cit y ARCH ITEC TU R AL WO N DER A de sig n ma st er piece set a mong st a pic t u re sque Nor weg ia n la nd
B O O
B e t he f i r s t t o f i nd ou t a b ou t t he nex t de c or t r end s a nd ne we s t sh a p e s , m at er ia l s a nd mo o d s w it h a Li vingetc s u b s c r ipt ion
I f I w a s t o c h a r a c t e r i s e 2 02 2 i n o n e wor d – a n d I w a s i n a g o o d mo o d – I ’d s ay ‘ i n nov at i ve ’ E ver y de sig ner I ’ ve s p oken t o, e ver y b i g b r a n d w e ’ v e m e t h a s h a d n e w i d e a s f o r m a k i n g o u r h o m e s p l a c e s t h a t w o r k b e t t e r, l o o k b e t t e r a n d – c r u c i a l l y – m a k e u s f e e l b e t t e r F r o m p a i n t e x p e r t C a s s a n d r a E l l i s ’ s e m b r a c e o f r e d d i s h b r o w n s t o c r e a t e r o o m s t h a t g i v e u s a h u g t o N o a S a n t o s ’ s a p p r o a c h t o i m b u i n g e v e r y c o r n e r w i t h t h e s e n s i b i l i t y o f a s p a ( f i n d o u t h o w o n p a g e 3 6 ) , t h e d e c o r e n v e l o p e i s b e i n g p u s h e d f u r t h e r a n d f a s t e r t h a n e v e r b e f o r e . F r o m w h at we ’ ve s e e n s o f a r, t h i s p a c e lo o k s s e t t o q u i c ke n i n 2 0 2 3 . M y m i n d w a s g e n t l y b l o w n b y c o n t r i b u t i n g e d i t o r Ke i t h F l a n a g a n ’ s r e p o r t o n p a g e 3 2 a b o u t t h e w a y s a r c h i t e c t s a r e c h a n g i n g h o w h o m e s w i l l l o o k a n d f u n c t i o n i n r e s p o n s e t o c l i m a t e c o n d i t i o n s A n d I w a s i n s p i r e d b y R o d d y C l a r k e ’ s rou ndup of t he somet i me s wei rd but a lway s wonder f u l pro duc t s c o m i n g o u t o f t h e w o r l d ’ s n e w d e s i g n h o t s p o t s o n p a g e 2 6 T h e c r e at i v i t y a n d w i t a r e hu g e l y e n e r g i s i n g
O n e of t h e de sig n moment s t h at r e s on at e d w it h me mo s t i n 2 02 2 w a s w hen Gw y net h Pa lt r ow r e ve a le d her home s p a t o t he i nt e r n e t , a n d t h e n l at e r h e r m o r n i n g h o m e - s p a r ou t i n e . (S p a s , a ga i n ! C le a rl y I ne e d a go o d l ie - dow n) I hover e d over t he G o op ex fol ia nt she ma naged to hawk i n t he v ideo (it ’ s st i l l i n a shoppi ng b a s ke t s o m e w h e r e o n l i n e), b u t I a m n ow c l a m o u r i n g t o i n s t a l l m y ow n s p a – o r at le a s t f i n d a w ay t o e m b o d y t h e m o o d of o n e . To help, we s p oke t o her de sig ner (a nd one of my ic on s) B r iget t e Roma nek to op en a ga l ler y on spa st yle on page 1 10. Even i f you ’ re not about to add a plu nge pool, t he adv ice for su r face s a s soot h i ng a s c u c u m b e r o n t h e e y e s f e e l s v e r y 2 0 2 3 H a p p y n e w y e a r !
1 K i t K e m p ’ s M y t h i c a l L a n d m u r a l f o r A n d r e w M a r t i n . I ’ v e l o v e d i t s i n c e i t l a u n c h e d a n d n o w f i n a l l y f o u n d a w a y t o u s e a c o u p l e o f p a n e l s – a s t h e p e r f e c t Z o o m b a c k g r o u n d i n m y h o m e o f f i c e .
2 K i t M i l e s ’ s D i a g o n a l G r a d i e n t f a b r i c A m o d e r n m i x o f j u s t t h e r i g h t b l u e s w i t h j u s t t h e r i g h t r e d s a n d m u s t a r d s S e e k i t o u t 3 L e e B r o o m ’ s i n c r e d i b l e n e w b o o k F a s h i o n i n g D e s i g n – s e e a s h o t f r o m i t o n p a g e 1 0 1 I t ’ s f a s c i n a t i n g t o l o o k b a c k o v e r a c a r e e r t h a t h a s s p e a r h e a d e d m a n y m o d e r n d e c o r t r e n d s .
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m a n a g e m e n t S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T L I F E S T Y L E K N O W L E D G E A N D N E W S Sophie Wybrew- Bond M A N A G I N G D I R E C T O R , H O M E S A N D G A R D E N S Jason Orme
S V P G L O B A L O P E R AT I O N S & M A R K E T F O R C E Adrian Hughes
a d v e r t i s i n g
C O M M E R C I A L D I R E C T O R Dave Randall (dave randall@futurenet com)
H E A D O F H O M E S Nicola Ponting (nicola ponting@futurenet com)
A D D I R E C T O R Marina Connolly (marina connolly@futurenet com)
I N T E R N A T I O N A L A N D L U X U R Y A C C O U N T D I R E C T O R Carole Bunce (carole bunce@futurenet com)
R E G I O N A L D I G I T A L A N D C R E A T I V E D I R E C T O R Alexa Berry (alexa berry@futurenet com)
I N S E R T S A L E S – C A N O P Y M E D I A Michael Davie (020 7611 1062)
I T A L I A N O F F I C E Studio Villa, Graziamaria Grillo, Ilaria Prato (0039 0231 1662, graziamaria@studiovilla com)
D A N I S H O F F I C E Morten Petersen (0045 2143 7518, mpe@jbmedia dk)
S P A N I S H O F F I C E Maria Maisey (0034 9131 99015, mariamaisey@spectramedia es)
C L A S S I F I E D A D S A L E S M A N A G E R Helen Fox (helen fox@futurenet com)
I N S E R T S A L E S M A N A G E R Katherine Brown (07464 544375)
C I R C U L A T I O N M A N A G E R Justine Lazauskas (justine lazauskas@futurenet com)
I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T M A N A G E R Sam Viggers (sam viggers@futurenet com)
H E A D O F B R A N D P A R T N E R S H I P S David Abbott (david abbott@futurenet com)
S Y N D I C A T I O N Efi Mandrides (efi mandrides@futurenet com)
P R O D U C T I O N C O N T R O L L E R Bill Argent
What, you ask, is the decor mood for next year?
Based on all the trends, colours and materials and s h a p e s a n d i d e a s we ’ ve s e e n , eve r y d e s i g n e r just wants you to have a good time – to be able to curl up in your home with your favourite people but to feel smart while doing so From the glamour o f Gw y n e t h Pa l t r ow ’s m a r b l e b a r to d e s i g n e r
Noa Santos’s decree on page 36 that every room should feel like a spa, the home is set to be where the party’s at Poliform’s new Brera sofa sums this mood up nicely – an arching curve that lets you lean back while drawing you and your guests together by its crescent shape
T h e d i a l fo r 2 0 2 3 is s e t f i r m ly to a re l a xe d s e n s e of g l a m o u r
- B A C K L U X U R Y e v e r y o n e ’ s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . .
Oozing ar t deco charm and a classic gla m o ur, th e Palm pendant by Blue Green Works is d e sig n e d i n a n u m b e r of colours making it applicable to m a ny i n te r i o r s c h e m e s B r i n g i n g t h e w o r k o f t h e M a n h a t t a n - b a s e d d e s i g n s tu d i o to th e U K , S C P a l s o offers a larger-sized version of t h e P a l m p e n d a n t , w h i c h works well in properties with h i g h e r ce i l i n g s to m a ke a n even bigger style statement I n s p i r e d b y t h e b e a c h modernism of the Fire Island Pines Resort, the green glass and brass make a sumptuous c o m b i n a t i o n £ 7, 7 8 8 , B l u e Green Works at SCP
A th e atric a l s p e c t a cl e and a shimmering feast f o r t h e e y e s , t h e S i l o A t e l i e r c h a n d e l i e r b y Lambert & Fils commands attention in any space While ref e re n ci n g th e a rc h et y p e of a tr a d iti o n a l c h a n d e l i e r, t h i s d e s i g n p r e s e n t s a m a g n if i ce n t a l te r n a ti ve I t i s composed of a mix of 12 existing and custom Silo models by the C a n a d i a n l i g h t i n g a t e l i e r , c o m p r i s i n g 3 0 l i g h t s o u rc e s i n tot a l S h own h e re i n th e G l o s s y Oxblood finish, it can be expanded both ver tic ally and horizontally to adapt to the space in which it is set A m a s te r f ul fe at of d e sig n Fr o m €25,140, Lambert & Fils
Crest & Cascade by Curiousa is part of the brand’s new Wave c o l l e c t i o n , d e s i g n e d u s i n g f r e e - b l o w n g l a s s H a n dassembling each design in its D e r b y s h i r e w o r k s h o p , C u r i o u s a i s t u r n i n g h e a d s with this collection thanks to its organic forms and dazzling c o l o u r, h o u s i n g a s p i r a l o f L E D s tr i p s Fo u n d e r E s th e r Patterson says she wanted to create something architectural yet tactile We feel her mission has been executed per fectly Ava il a b l e i n si n g l e d ro p s o r g r o u p e d a s a c h a n d e l i e r From £3, 250, Curiousa
T h e s e t u b u l a r b e ll e s c a s t t a rg e te d a n d t a nt a lisi n g g l ows
Based in the creative hub that is Design District London, ceramicist Manos Kalamenios handcraf t s delic ate bone china treasures in a variet y of shapes and forms From bud vases to pinch pots and ceramic walnut shells, he completes these elegant designs with a touch of real gold to the rim Through intricacy and passion, Manos is also passing on his skill sets through workshops, where guests can learn and make such items for themselves From £10, Made by Manos
You wanted gold , we present baskets of gold! The Vannerie collection by Parisian design house Pinto is a full tableware service decorated with an elegant basket weave pat tern that is handpainted in matt gold Alluding to the reflections of natural straw, the white Limoges porcelain is classic yet contemporar y And, if the full set is too overpowering, opt for individual items, such as the teapot to create a standalone statement (teacup and saucer pictured) From €280, Pinto
A f u n c ti o n i n g l e m o n sque ezer, but make it ar t? J ust like Philippe Starck ’s Juicy Salif, this pretty ceramic offering is a design statement Par t of a collection by F e l d s p a r, exc l u s i ve l y for M atchesfashion , it b r i n g s j u s t t h e r i g h t a m o u n t o f b l i n g t o table settings Feldspar produces this exquisite design locally in the UK, h e l p i n g t o p r e s e r v e the endangered craf ts of mould-making and s li p - c a s ti n g J o b we ll d o n e 2 4 k t g o l dp a i n t e d f i n e c h i n a j u i ce r, £ 8 5 , Fe l d s p a r for Matchesfashion
U s i n g 24 c t g o l d l e a f g i l d i n g , t h e vases by east London ceramicist Jo Davies have a ref ine d individualit y and will add a touch of glamour to even the most pared-back schemes S p e c i a l i s i n g i n w h e e l - t h r o w i n g porcelain, Jo’s work has an artisanal quality, completed with a glimpse of gold Timeless designs to transcend eras From £75, Jo Davies Ceramics
M a ke r s a re wa rming m inim a lis t p a l et te s with a hint of th e M id as to u ch
e v e r y o n e ’ s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . .
nowhere in 2023. If anything, it ’s only growing, as verdant as a well-kept lawn The latest palette to catch the eye is olive with an uplifting sage green, seen in the marbling of tables at Porada , in the patterned fabrics of Casamance and now in the n
dwinning eco paint brand Graphenstone. There’s a softness to the shades that catches the light in the most wonderful ways, shimmering like leaves in the sunshine during the spring that ’s on its way.
Upper part of wall in Nakajima; lower part of wall and skirting in Brunswick, both eco paints by Graphenstone All furniture from The Conran Shop
A new palette sees olive and sage come together like a garden in the Med
e v e r y o n e ’ s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . .
B ont em pi C a s a i s a ke y s t one of c ont em p or a r y It a l ia n f u r n it u re de sig n , w it h it s i n s t a nt ly re c og n i sa ble pie c e s – l i k e t h e A r t i s t i c o d i n i n g t a ble a n d t h e K u g a c h a i r –a p p e a r i n g i n b e a u t i f u l h o m e s a r o u n d t h e wo r l d We s p oke t o m a n a g i ng d i r e c t or M ic h ele B ont em pi a b ou t w hat go o d de sig n mea n s – a nd w hat ’ s nex t for t he br a nd
Why do you think good design is so important?
A go o d de sig n la s t s over t i me , c a n over c ome f a sh ion s , add s v a lue t o t h e pr o d uc t a n d en h a nc e s it s ae s t het ic s a n d s t r u c t u r e G o o d d e s i g n i s a l s o c r u c i a l t o b e i n g c omp et it ive i n t he m a rket
Wh at is at t h e fo ref ro nt of you r m i n d wh en you design a new piece?
B e au t y, f u nc t ion a l it y, du r a bi l it y For ou r pr oje c t s , we lo ok for solut ion s t hat g ua r a nt e e ef f icienc y but a re a l so ple a si ng t o t he e ye We wa nt ou r f u r n i sh i ng s t o b e not on ly b e aut i f u l a nd or ig i na l , but a l so c om for t a ble t o u s e .
As one of Italy’s most established contemporary furniture brands, how do you keep things fresh and interesting?
We i nve s t i n t he s ea rch for you ng t a lent s w ho, w it h t hei r k nowle dge , c a n t r a n sfer adde d va lue t o proje c t s , a s wel l a s i n t he sea rch for i n novat ive a nd su s t a i na ble mat er ia l s w it h proven p er for m a nc e a nd b enef it s
What is the biggest change you’ve noticed in furniture design since Bontempi was launched?
D e s i g n i s t r a n s f o r m a t i o n It m u s t a l s o d e c o d e t h e emot ion a l v a r ia ble s of u s er s ; it i s a m i x of c u lt u r e a nd t o ol s t hat f i nd s a f u nc t iona l re a l i sat ion We have fou nd e c o -f r iend ly a lt er nat ive s rega rd i ng t he m at er ia l s u s e d – for ex a mple , t he u s e of le at her a nd wo ol i n c oat i ng s , a s wel l a s s t onewa re , wo o d a nd la m i nat e s for s u r fac e s
We w i l l ex pa nd ou r r a nge of ac c e s s or ie s a nd l ig ht i ng , a nd pre sent t o t he U K ma rket ou r col lec t ion of sofa s a nd a r mcha i r s , fo c u si ng on t he qua l it y of It a l ia n de sig n
Clock wise , f rom top lef t: M ichele B ontempi; D rop chair with metal spider base; D rop chairs with conic al metal frames , Spark lighting and M illennium table; N ata chair
Th e b ra n d that e m b o die s g re at Ita lia n d e sig n ke e ps o n givin g
e
e r y o n e ’ s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . .
This is a timeless piece made from oak burl that has a wonderfully handy storage space in the centre, meaning it could double up as a secret mini bar as well Ary coffee table, price on request, Emmanuelle Simon
The whimsical creatures sitting on branches are all moulded in clay before being cast in b ro nze I k n ow I ’d e n d up h a nging my necklaces off the stems to give the piece a personalised touch Midwinter table lamp, £5,460, Laura Carlin at The New Craftsmen
These candles, handcrafted in Mexico, have a wide base so they can stand alone, giving a contemporary finish Paleta candles, £38 for two, NILE at The Conran Shop
Malachite is my colour of the month – it ’s deeper, more intense, sexier than our old friend olive – and paired with ruby red or burnt orange, nothing can be chicer Marnie armchair, from £3,300, Maker&Son
British artist Rebecca Sammon’s art is bold and dramatic, of ten abstract and surreal Her pieces have an ethereal feel and are stro ng e n o ugh to wo rk as sta n d -alo n e pieces The Wheel, £600, Rebecca Sammon
I discovered this unique brand, Injiri, at the wonderful TulsiShop nestled in the ‘heel’ of Italy It ’s one of those rare few magic places yo u c a n n ot l e ave e m pt y- h a n d e d T h i s handwoven bedding is worth the trip to Italy alone Ahir bedding, price on request, Injiri
metaverse,
FEATURE Hugh MetcalfT h e m e t a v e r s e , s o f a r, h a s l a r g e l y s a t i n m y c o n s c i o u s n e s s a long side cr y pt o c u r renc y a nd N F Ts It ’ s somet h i ng t hat I k now i s h a p p e n i n g i n t h e b a c k g r o u n d a n d t h a t m a n y p e o p l e a r e i n c r e d i bl y p a s s ion at e a b ou t , b u t i f you we r e t o a s k m e w h at it ’ s rea l ly about , I cou ld n’t t el l you
Howe ve r, r e c e n t l y m y e a r s h a ve p r i c k e d u p a t m e n t i o n s of t h e m e t a ve r s e i n d e s i g n c i r c l e s . W h i l e M a r k Z u c k e r b e r g ’ s r e c e n t r e ve a l of h i s av at a r t h at lo oke d l i ke 10 -ye a r - old c om put er ga me g r a p h ic s d id n’t c onv i nc e me t h at t he met ave r s e w a s s omet h i ng t h a t d e m a n d e d a n y of m y a t t e n t i o n , h y p e r - r e a l i s t i c i m a g e s of et her e a l , ot her -world l y a r c h it e c t u r e a nd i nt e r ior s b ei ng ‘ bu i lt ’ f o r v i r t u a l w o r l d s h a s h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t t h i s i s f a s t b e c o m i n g a plat for m for a new a nd i nv igorat i ng ex plorat ion of de sig n
Howe ver, w it h no pla n s t o i n h a bit a v i r t u a l world my s el f at t h i s m o m e n t i n t i m e , I w a s i n t e r e s t e d t o k n o w w h a t i m p l i c a t i o n s a rch it e c t u re a nd i nt er ior de sig n i n t he met aver s e wou ld have on what I t er med t he ‘ rea l world ’ .
‘ To me , t he t er m “ r e a l world ” h a s no me a n i ng , ’ world-r enow ne d d ig it a l a r t i st A nd ré s Rei si nger i s qu ick to t el l me ‘ I see a t a ng ible world a nd a d ig it a l one , b ot h r e a l T h e for m er r e m a i n s a n d w i l l rema i n a n i mpor t a nt reference, a s it ’ s t he one we c a n more ea si ly a nd i n st a nt ly a s sociat e to ou r hu ma n , bod i ly bei ng ’
A n d r é s i s o n e o f a h a n d f u l o f d e s i g n e r s I c a n s e e b e i n g b o t h i n f luenc e d by c u r rent i nt er ior de sig n t rend s a nd i n f luenci ng t he a e s t h e t ic of n o n - d ig i t a l d e s i g n , t o o . T h e r el at io n s h i p b e t we e n de sig ner s a nd a rch it ec t s a nd d ig it a l space s i sn’t st ra ig ht for wa rd , a f t er a l l A nd , w hen it c ome s t o m at t er s of de sig n i ng for v i r t u a l world s, we come to f i nd out t hat not ever yone i s conv i nced
A p ple ’ s C E O T i m C o ok onc e s a id t h at he w a s n’t ‘ r e a l l y s u r e t he a ve r a g e p e r s o n c ou ld t el l you w h at t h e m e t ave r s e i s ’ T h at m ay b e t r u e t e c h n i c a l l y, b u t I ’d v e n t u r e i t ’ s n o t a c o m p l e t e l y a l i e n c o n c e p t , e s p e c i a l l y a c r o s s a r a n g e of a g e s ‘ D o n ’t fo r g e t yo u ’ ve got a gener at ion c om i ng up w ho a re nat ive s t o t h i s idea of v i r t ua l w o r l d s t h r o u g h g a m e s l i k e M i n e c r a f t a n d R o b l ox , ’ s a y s To m P u u k ko , fou n d e r of S u p e r d wel l , a s t a r t- u p pl at fo r m t h at lo o k s
t o creat e a com mu n it y of de sig ner s, a rch it ec t s a nd t hose seek i ng t hem for work i n t he met aver se.
T he met aver s e i s , i n ba sic t er m s , t he c r e at ion of v i r t u a l world s , h o w e v e r i t ’ s n o t o n e c e n t r a l i s e d s p a c e ‘ It ’ s p r o b a b l y o n e o f t h e b i g g e s t r e a l e s t a t e d e v e l o p m e n t s e v e r t o h a p p e n , ’ To m e x p l a i n s . ‘ I f y o u j u s t t a k e s o m e t h i n g l i k e D e c e n t r a l a n d , t h e y have e s sent ia l ly bu i lt somet h i ng t he sa me si ze a s D uba i f rom t he g rou nd up A nd t hat ’ s ju st one met aver se i n it s ver y ea rly for m ’
T he creat ion of t he se space s i s w here de sig n ent er s t he equat ion , but a s Tom ex pla i n s, for t he met aver se, it ’ s a work i n prog re s s. ‘A s we of ten see w it h new tech plat for m s, at t he beg i n n i ng , t he people d o i n g t h e d e s i g n i n g for i t h ave a p a r t i c u l a r s k i l l s e t , t h e c o d e r s a nd develop er s t hat a re at t he sl ig ht ly “nerd y ” end of de sig n ’
‘A s t he met aver se b e come s more f u nc t iona l a nd i s u se d more for t a s k s t h at m ig ht h a p p e n i n t h e r e a l wo rld , p e o ple w i l l b e m o r e d e m a n d i n g o f t h e s p a c e s t h a n j u s t w a c k y, n o v e l t y s p a c e s , ’ h e c ont i nue s ‘ T hey shou ld ac t ua l ly s t a r t t o p er for m wel l a s s pac e s w h e r e you c a n m e e t p e o ple a n d p e r fo r m t a s k s , s om e t h i n g t h at w i l l be bet ter f rom people who a re sk i l led i n creat i ng t he se space s i n t he rea l world . ’
W h i le g r aph ic a r t i s t s a re by fa r t he mo s t prol i f ic i n t he f ield , t h i s i s w here Tom , a nd ot her s, see t he need for a rch it ec t s a nd i nt er ior de sig ner s to cont r ibut e to t he de sig n of t he se space s
Ju l ia S chwa r t z , co -fou nder of Ever y rea l m , w h ich ha s develop ed a p o r t f o l i o o f m e t a v e r s e - b a s e d p r o p e r t y, i n c l u d i n g T h e R o w, ag ree s ‘ T he met aver se i s on ly a s excit i ng a s t he cont ent t hat l ive s i n side it , so idea generat ion (a nd of cou r se exec ut ion) i s a rg ua bly t he mo s t i m p or t a nt f ac t or of de velopment , ’ she t el l s u s ‘ Pe ople w a n t t o s e e t h i n g s t h e y wo u l d n ’t c o m e a c r o s s i n r e a l l i fe ; t h e y wa nt w i ld ex p er ience s t hat help t hem e sc ap e f rom t he rea l it ie s of t hei r day-to - day rout i ne s Hav i ng a v i sion i s cr ucia l ’
T h i s e a r l y p e r i o d o f t h e m e t a v e r s e f e e l s d e f i n e d b y a s p e c i f i c d e s i g n a e s t h e t i c – o n e i n f o r m e d b y t h e i d e a t h a t t h e r e a r e n o l i m it s i n t h i s r e a l m ‘ I t h i n k t h i s f i r s t i nt e r pr e t at ion h a s t h i s
As designers begin experimenting in virtual worlds known as the
futuristic aesthetics are starting to influence real-world design
e m e r g i n g i d e a
ix N Five ’s ‘ m a ke ro o m fo r u s ’ h a s a fo r m i n s p i re d by ce ll u l a r o rg a n i s m s
A d is ti n c tly eth e re a l a e s th eti c h a s b e e n p i o n e e re d by d ig it a l d e sig n e r s s u c h a s A n d ré s Re i si n g e r
k i n d o f “ M a r s c o l o n y o n a c i d ” a p p r o a c h , ’ s a y s To m P u u k k o ‘ T h e r e a r e b a r e o p e n s p a c e s , s a n d d u n e s a n d t h e n t h e s e i nt ere s t i ng or ga n ic shap e s I g ue s s it c ome s dow n t o t he fac t t hat you c a n brea k t he r u le s of physic s, so why not? ’
It ’ s a lo ok t h at i n f luent ia l a r t i s t s s uc h a s A nd r é s R ei si nger h ave s p e a r h e a d e d ‘ F r om a n a e s t h e t ic s t a n d p oi n t , t h e ove r a l l fe e l i s of t e n f u t u r i s t ic a n d hy p e r -r e a l i s t ic , ’ A n d r é s s ay s ‘ I t h i n k it ’ s a s p o n t a n e o u s e v o l u t i o n a s e l e m e n t s o f t h e p h y s i c a l w o r l d a r e t r a n sfer re d t o a d ig it a l d i men sion . I n my work , I s t r ive t o c re at e a sl i g h t l y o d d , sl i g h t l y d i s t o r t e d , b u t s t i l l f a m i l i a r r e s u l t : I a m i nt e r e s t e d i n r a i si ng q ue s t ion s , a nd t h at c a n on l y h a p p en w hen y o u c a p t u r e a t t e n t i o n a n d c r e a t e c u r i o s i t y S o m e c r e a t i o n s a r e lo ok i ng for f u r t her c on ne c t ion s t o t he phy sic a l a nd n at u r a l rea l m ; ot her s a re d i st a nci ng t hem selve s a s much a s pos sible.’
It ’ s a l s o a n i n t e r i o r d e s i g n t r e n d t h a t w e ’ r e s e e i n g p e r m e a t e d e s i g n i n t h e p h y s i c a l world , t o o , b u t w h e r e i t w a s i n c e p t e d i s a mor e c ompl ic at e d q ue s t ion ‘ E ver y t h i ng i n f luenc e s ever y t h i ng else; it i s ha rd to say what or ig i nat e s what , ’ A nd ré s says
‘ It f e e l s l i k e a n a t u r a l p l a c e f o r d e s i g n i n t h e m e t a v e r s e t o g o , ’ a d d s To m ‘ T h e p r i m a r y p a le t t e s , lot s of c u r ve s , ve r y o r g a n i c , p l a y f u l a n d s l i g h t l y s u r r e a l s t y l e m i g h t r e f l e c t s o m e o f t h e t h i n g s h a p p en i n g i n t h e r e a l world a ny w ay I t h i n k it def i n it el y d raws i n f luence s f rom Memph i s de sig n , too.’
Ho w e v e r, f o r A n d r é s , t h e i n f l u e n c e o f d i g i t a l d e s i g n i s a b o u t m o r e t h a n j u s t t r e n d s ‘ I f i r m l y b e l i e v e t h a t t h e d i g i t a l c a n t e a c h t h e p h y s i c a l w o r l d t o s p e e d u p a n d m a k e p r o d u c t i o n p r o c e s s e s e a s i e r, ’ h e s a y s , ‘ b u t m o r e t h a n t h a t , i t c a n t e a c h u s t o creat e d ig it a l dema nd b efore phy sic a l pro duc t ion . T he d ig it a l t o o l s a l l o w u s t o t e s t , t r i a l , u n d o a n d r e d o w i t h o u t i n c u r r i n g t h e p h y s i c a l w a s t e w e k e e p o n p r o d u c i n g t o d a y ’ Fo r A n d r é s , i t ’ s n o t j u s t t h e o r y H i s o w n d e s i g n f o r a n a r m c h a i r c a l l e d Hor t e n si a , a c o c o on i n g pie c e of f u r n it u r e t ex t u r e d w it h p e t a l s w h i c h b e c a m e a v i r a l s e n s at i o n , w a s t u r n e d f r o m d ig it a l a r t t o physic a l for m by f u r n it u re bra nd Moooi i n 2 02 1
‘O n a more c re at ive side , it w i l l pu sh u s t o e s c a p e a nd ex pa nd on w h at we ’ r e u s e d t o b e l i e v i n g a r e o u r v i s i o n s , i m a g i n at i o n , o u r pos sibi l it ie s of creat ion , ’ he add s
Ye t , t h i s i d e a of wo r k i n g w i t h o u t l i m i t s i s a l s o s o m e t h i n g t h a t c r e at e s t e n s i o n s b e t we e n d e s i g n i n g fo r t h e m e t a ve r s e a n d t h e phy sic a l world ‘ Re a l a rch it e c t u re i s sh a p e d by t he ch a l lenge s of bu ild i ng mater ia ls,’ Joh n Proctor, d i rector of L ondon a rch itect u re st ud io P roc tor & Shaw t el ls u s. ‘ Ta k i ng t hat away mea n s a whol ly d i f ferent ser ie s of cha l lenge s you ’ re engag i ng w it h ’
‘ T here a re plent y of a rch it ec t s w ho have had a n i mpac t w ho have b u i lt h a r d l y a n y t h i n g , b e c au s e t h e i r d r aw i n g s a n d i d e a s a r e s o evo c at ive a nd p ower f u l , ’ Joh n c ont i nue s , referenci ng a rch it e c t s such a s Za ha Had id (whose f i r m is now, i nterest i ng ly, one of t he big na mes you ca n see engag i ng w it h met averse desig n i n a sig n i f ica nt w ay) ‘ B u t u lt i m at el y, w h i le h av i ng i m pac t , it ’ s not a r c h it e c t u r e t hat ma ke s a rea l d i f ference – t hat a rch itec t u re ha s rea l f u nc t ion ’
Jo h n a l s o q u e s t i o n s t h e r e a l -w o r l d a p p l i c a t i o n s ‘ C u r v e s a r e c om plex t o bu i ld i n r e a l l i fe bu t e a s y t o d r aw, ’ he s ay s , s p e a k i ng of t he de sig n t rend s def i n i ng t he met aver se so fa r ‘ But even t hen , t hey ’l l proba bly d i s solve aga i n W hy do you need wa l l s at a l l? It ’ s a space where I t h i n k a “ rea l” env i ron ment w i l l slowly be eroded . ’
Ho w e v e r, f o r s o m e o n e l i k e To m , t h e r e ’ s a n e x c i t e m e n t a b o u t w o r k i n g i n t h e c o n c e p t u a l ‘ Id e a s t h a t m i g h t h a v e j u s t s t a y e d a s c o n c e p t u a l d r a w i n g s a n d n e v e r s e e t h e l i g h t o f d a y c o u l d ac t ua l ly now be boug ht a nd i n habit ed i n a v i r t ua l world , ’ he says
Ta l k i n g t o t h e s e e x p e r t s , i t ’ s c l e a r t h e r e ’ s n o i l l u s i o n t h a t t h e ma sses a re goi ng to adopt spaces i n t he met averse a ny t i me soon ‘ I t h i n k p eople a re seei ng it a s a f ive -10 yea r play,’ Tom says ‘ T here a re a few th i ngs happen i ng f rom a ha rdwa re perspect ive, i nclud i ng A p p l e l a u n c h i n g a n a u g m e n t e d r e a l i t y h e a d s e t , a l o n g s i d e t h e s p e e d of d e velo p m e n t a n d u p t a ke t h at m e a n s b y t h e e n d of t h i s dec ade, we ’l l proba bly st a r t t o see some rea l i mpac t (a nd budget) put i nto a rch it ec t u ra l a nd i nt er ior de sig n for t he met aver se ’
T h e p r o b l e m I s e e i s t h a t , l i k e N F Ts a n d c r y p t o c u r r e n c y, t h e met aver s e fe el s l i ke s omet h i ng for a few, s p e ci f ic p e ople , not for t h e m a n y ‘ T h e r e i s a le x ic o n t h e r e t h at s e p a r at e s i t a s a s o r t of s u b c u l t u r e t h a t p o t e n t i a l l y k e e p s i t s e l f l o c k e d a w a y f r o m t h e m a i n s t r e a m at t he moment , ’ Tom a g r e e s . Howe ver, he s ug ge s t s t hat t he f i r s t s t ep s i nt o em br aci ng de sig n i n t he met aver s e a re t o u nder st a nd a nd acce s s it
‘ I wou ld s ay t h e f i r s t t h i n g t o d o i s g e t you r h a n d s o n o n e of t h e head set s, ’ Tom cont i nues, ‘whet her t hat ’ s a n Ocu lu s or Stea m , a nd s t a r t ex plor i ng t he s e k i nd s of s p ac e s a nd get t i ng a fe el for t hem a n d w h at c ou ld h a p p en i n t h e f u t u r e Me t ave r s e plat for m s l i ke D e c ent r a la nd a nd T he Sa nd b ox a re wor t h che ck i ng out a s wel l ’
E xciti n g n ew s u p e r p owe r s a re t a k i n g th e i r p l a ce o n th e i nte r n ati o n a l d e si g n s t a g e , s h owc a si n g vi b r a nt , i n n ovative l o o k s a n d wo r l d - cl a s s t a l e nt
FEATURE Roddy Clarke
One of the stars of the dynamic South African design scene, Laurie Wiid van Heerden’s Wiid Design has become renowned for its use of cork and its contemporary interpretations of the material Building a strong team of artisans around him, Laurie continues to bring his vivacious aesthetic to the design world and has been recognised by creative communities across the globe With cork being a sustainable material, thanks to its regenerative production process, showcasing the capacity of the material not only helps to shif t the local design scene, but also draws attention to its benefits on a much wider scale
See more from South Africa overleaf wiiddesign co za
Founded by interior designer Mia Senekal, Murrmurr produces furniture collections that blur the boundaries between art and design With a sculptural aesthetic and ergonomic shapes, the studio’s latest collection takes inspiration from the textures and forms of mushrooms murrmurr.co.za
Started by
and furniture designer Mpho Vackier, The Urbanative’s designs are handcraf ted locally The studio’s strong, modern aesthetic is catching attention with its innovative application of material and colour theurbanative.com
Founded by Thabisa Mjo, Mash T Design Studio makes furniture, lighting and accessories that celebrate African craf t Its latest creation is the Noodle sofa For almost a decade, Thabisa experimented with pool noodles, a staple of South African summers, to prototype the complex production of this glamorous design mashtdesignstudio com
Architect, designer and creative behind Mestiz, Daniel Valero works with craf tspeople across Mexico He merges industrial design and techniques to create ceramic pieces with bold palettes and organic forms inspired by nature and cultural syncretism mestiz.mx
Interior designer Daniel Orozco produces bespoke furniture collections in collaboration with local Mexican artisans The studio’s latest collection, The Original, draws on the emotions of new challenges, stepping outside of the box The result is tactile seating, with wood whittled beguilingly into shape danielorozcoestudio.com
Sisters Nailea and Denisse Arnaiz founded Arudeko in 2016, taking inspiration from textiles to local architecture The duo work with highly skilled artisans in Oaxaca to create rugs, cushions and wall textiles arudeko com
Graduating with a degree in industrial design in 2021, Jerusalem-based Liri Septon is questioning our perception of foodstuf fs and raw materials In the Eretz Collection she combined flour and clay to create the material for her hand-formed vessels @lirisep
Jordan-born, Jerusalem-based glass artist Majdi Nadr Ashhab’s latest collaboration, with embroidery artist Aamal Jamel Hamadeh Sabbah, is a series of lighting designs mixing traditional techniques and modern silhouettes Using stif fened fabrics decorated with Islamic motifs and the iconography of Palestinian towns, these chandeliers feel delicate yet thought provoking @ majdi ashhab
With an avant-garde approach to ceramics, Assaf Cohen’s latest collection, A Moment of Clarity, is in collaboration with sof t metal turner Shem Tov Mar Haim It includes a series of lighting designs in unique forms and silhouettes assafcohen- ceramics com
F rom re c ycle d m at er ia l s t o eye - c at ch i ng for m s , T ha ila nd is bu rst i ng w ith creat ive t a lent Inspi red b y t h e l o c a l e n v i r o n m e n t , u s i n g r e s p o n s i b l e produc t ion a nd re sou rcef u l cra f t , g i f t ed a r t i sa n s a re put t i ng T ha i la nd on t he g loba l de sig n map
Renowned for its textile manufacturing, Pasaya uses new technology to upcycle plastic waste into yarn This practical Urban Art Rug, as seen at Design London, makes a strong statement with its graf fiti-style print pasaya com
Thai designer Khaisaeng Romphotong blends handmade craf t and modern creativity Showcasing responsible design, she has made a material from hemp fibre and sawdust that can be applied to furniture and accessories to striking ef fect khaisaeng.com
Boonto’s latest collection, shown at Singapore Design Week 2022, features colourful woven ropes set into an aluminium frame and includes seating and storage accessories mooque - design.com/mel
H A R V B R A N D
K H A I S A E N G H A N D M A D E
Le s s g l a s s , b e t te r i n s u l ati o n a n d th e a b ilit y to f l o at ? Wo r l d - l e a d i n g a rc h ite c t s o n c h a n g e s th e d e si g n wo r l d u rg e ntly n e e d s to m a ke
T h e b i g g e s t c h a n g e t o h ow a r c h i t e c t s a r e c r e a t i n g n ow, t o t h e t h i n k i n g b e h i n d a l l t h o s e g r a n d d e s i g n s , i s n ’t a n e w a e s t h e t i c t r end It ’ s ou r c h a ng i ng cl i m at e , w h ic h h a s long k no c ke d on ou r do or s , a nd i s of f ic ia l l y m a k i ng it s el f he a r d Ha s t i l y, v i sion a r ie s a nd u r ba n pla n ner s a re sh i f t i ng fo c u s t owa rd a d i f ferent f ut u re , a d a p t i n g h o m e a n d b u i l d i n g d e s i g n f o r a d i f f e r e n t w o r l d . Fo r p e r h a p s t h e f i r s t t i m e e ve r, t h e p u r p o s e of g o o d d e s i g n i s n ’t t o shape ou r ow n env i ron ment s, but to l isten to t he at mosphere, a nd let ou r env i ron ment shap e u s
‘ We n e e d t o c r e a t e b u i l d i n g s t h a t c a n w i t h s t a n d e x t r e m e e le m e n t s t h a t c l i m a t e c h a n g e w i l l b r i n g , ’ s a y s B r y a n t L u , v i c e c h a i r m a n o f H o n g K o n g ’ s R o n a l d L u & P a r t n e r s , a f o r c e i n f ut u r e -r e ad y de sig n ‘ R i si ng s e a le vel s , s up er s t or m s , i nc r e a s e d f l o o d s , d i s r u p t i o n s t o t r a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d s u p p l y c h a i n s , a n d mor e – bu t we a l s o ne e d t o u s e de sig n t o help c h a nge t he t ide by reduci ng c a rbon em i s sion a nd rec ycl i ng wa st e ’
I n o u r c u r r e n t s t a t e , w e a r e n o t n e a r l y r e a d y, e ve n i n o u r ow n b a c k y a r d A r e c e n t ‘ G l o b a l S p o n g e C i t i e s S n a p s h o t ’ s t u d y o f s e ve n wo rl d c i t i e s b y B r i t i s h f i r m A r u p r a n k e d L o n d o n i n l a s t place, ju st shy of Sha ng ha i , i n ter m s of it s ‘sponge -l i ke ’ nat u re a nd i t s a bi l i t y t o n at u r a l l y a b s or b r a i nw at e r i n c a s e of f lo o d i n g . A s cl i m at e c h a nge br i ng s mor e s t or m s a nd he av ier r a i n f a l l , u r ba n c e n t r e s l i k e L o n d o n l a c k p e r m e a b l e l a n d s c a p e s t h a t m a n a g e exce s s wat er – t h i n k pa rk s, pond s, a nd t ree s a nd t hat ’ s ju st one element we face i n new cl i mat e cha nge scena r ios
I n r e s p o n s e , a r c h i t e c t u r e i s e m b r a c i n g i n c r e a s i n g l y n a t u r eba sed solut ion s ‘ Mov i ng away f rom t h i n k i ng about “ su st a i nable” t o w a r d s “ r e g e n e r a t i v e ” d e s i g n i s n e e d e d , ’ s a y s K a t S c o t t , s u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d r e g e n e r a t i v e d e s i g n m a n a g e r a t L o n d o n ’ s d R M M S t u d i o ‘ T h i s w i l l i n v o l v e b l u r r i n g t h e l i n e s b e t w e e n bu i ld i ng s a nd la nd scapes, ma k i ng spaces t hat hu ma n s a nd nat u re c a n f l o u r i s h w i t h i n ’ I n d o i n g s o , a n u m b e r o f b o l d n a m e s i n
a r c h i t e c t u r e i m a g i n e a f u t u r e w h e r e c i t ie s a r e n ’t t h e c o n c r e t e ju ng le s we ’ ve g row n u sed to seei ng – i n fac t , ma ny cit ie s w i l l f loat W i t h d e s i g n s t h a t c a n s e e m s t r a t o s p h e r i c c o m p a r e d w i t h ever yone else, t he Da n i sh f i r m BIG Bja rke I ngels Group, fou nded b y ‘ s t a r c h i t e c t ’ B j a r k e I n g e l s , i s w o r k i n g w i t h f u r t h e r - a f i e l d pr oje c t s l i ke O c e a n i x B u s a n , a long t he c oa s t of S out h Kor e a – a p r ot ot y p e fo r a c o m mu n i t y of ‘ f lo at i n g ’ hex a gon a l c onc ret e plat for m s a n chore d t o t h e s e a b e d I n a d d i t i o n t o g e n e r at i n g t h e i r o w n u t i l i t i e s ( s o l a r p a n e l s w i l l c ove r r o of t o p s a n d w i l l e ve n f lo at i n t h e w a t e r t o c r e a t e e n e r g y, w h i l e a c l o s e dl o o p s y s t e m w i l l h a r v e s t a n d r e u s e w a t e r ) , t h e s e m o d u l a r ‘ i s l a n d s ’ c a n ac c om mo d at e r i si ng s e a le vel s , de sig ne d t o r i s e i n t he wat er w it hout f loat i ng away – a l l w h i le w it h s t a nd i ng ex t r eme e vent s l i ke hu r r ic a ne s, a nd even a t su na m i .
B u t m o r e t a n g i b l e c h a n g e s a r e a f o o t , t o o , a s a r c h i t e c t s a d a p t t r a d i t i o n a l blu e p r i n t s fo r e ve r yd a y c l i m a t e e ve n t s a s e x t r e m e weat her beg i n s to occu r on a reg u la r ba si s ‘ I n t he se c a se s, ex p ec t to see less g la ss, more i n su lat ion a nd bet ter shad i ng on most k i nd s o f b u i l d i n g s , b u t p a r t i c u l a r l y o n r e s i d e n t i a l o n e s , ’ s a y s F i o n a C ou si n s, A mer ic a s Reg ion C ha i r at A r up
A rch it e c t u re m ay plac e g re at er ut i l it y on c om mon fe at u re s l i ke shut t er s (t o pr ot e c t g la z i ng i n i nc r e a s e d s t or m s) or aw n i ng s (t o s h a d e h o m e s i n i n c r e a s i n g l y w a r m c l i m at e s) a n d ot h e r c l a s s i c i d e a s a l r e a d y i n p r a c t i c e . ‘ We c a n l e a r n a l o t f r o m l o o k i n g a t a r ch it e c t u re a nd bu i lt env i ron ment s i n hot t er, wet t er a nd d r ier p l a c e s t h a t a r e n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e l i a n t o n n e w t e c h n olo g i e s o r p r o d u c t s t o b e a c h i e ve d h e r e – fo r i n s t a n c e , t h e w h i t e w a s h e d b u i l d i n g s i n t h e M e d i t e r r a n e a n c o u l d ea si ly t ra n slat e to pa i nt i ng roofs wh it e to r e f le c t l i g ht (a s i s b e i n g d o n e at s c a le i n Ind ia a l ready) a nd to u si ng lig hter colou rs fo r f a c a d e s a n d u r b a n r e a l m s t o r e d u c e u r b a n h e at i sl a n d s r at h e r t h a n bl a c k for ae st het ic rea son s, ’ says K at S cot t .
R i s i n g t o t h e o c c a s i o n , a r e a s p r o n e t o f loo d i ng m ig ht se e more home s hover i ng a b ove t h e g r o u n d o n s t i l t s , a t r i e d - a n dt r ue i nt er vent ion for bu i ld i ng s i n wat er y env i ron ment s Ma rch Hou se, a projec t by L ondon a rch it ec t K nox Bhava n , rei mag i ned a 192 0 s home a long t h e R i ve r T h a m e s a s a p r e f a b r ic at e d a n d f lo o d - r e s i l ie n t h o u s e t ha n k s t o ga lva n i sed s t eel s t i lt s on concret e pi le s (e schew i ng t he need for a concret e ba se, a n i ndu st r y st a nda rd t hat produce s va st a mou nt s of CO2), a l low i ng wat er to f low u nder neat h i n t he event of a f lood Toppi ng it of f, a rch it ec t u ra l overha ng s t emp er sola r
A R C H I T E C T S A R E I M A G I N I N G A F U T U R E W H E R E C I T I E S A R E N ’ T C O N C R E T E J U N G L E S – I N F A C T , M A N Y C I T I E S W I L L F L O A TU r b a n S e q u o i a , a p rotot y p e by S O M , a c t s li ke a fo re s t by c a ptu ri n g c a r b o n , p u rif yi n g th e a i r
g a i n w h i l e s h u t t e r s a n d h i d d e n s l a t t e d t i m b e r b l i n d s o n t h e e x t e r i o r of fe r e x t r a p r o t e c t i o n A z i n c r o of d o u b le s a s a g r e e n r o of w i t h n at i ve w i ld f lowe r s a n d g r a s s e s t h at s ave e n e r g y a n d i mprove biod iver sit y.
‘ E v e r y t y p e o f b u i l d i n g c a n h a v e a p o s i t i v e i m p a c t i f w e u s e n a t u r e - b a s e d s o l u t i o n s a n d c a r b o n sequester i ng mater ia ls a nd tech nolog ies,’ s a y K e n t Ja c k s o n , d e s i g n p a r t n e r, a n d M i n a H a s m a n , s e n i o r a s s o c i a t e p r i n c i p a l a n d s u s t a i n a b i l i t y d i r e c t o r, f r o m S k i d m o r e , O w i n g s & M e r r i l l ’ s (S OM ) L o n d o n s t u d i o ‘A l l t h e c a r b o n t h a t g e t s a b s o r b e d c a n t h e n b e u s e d t o c r e a t e b i o f u e l s , b i o p r o t e i n s , a n d a d d i t io n a l b u i ld i n g m at e r i a l s fo r r o a d s , pavement s a nd ot her i n f ra st r uc t u re ’
I n o n e o f t h e i r l a t e s t p r o t o t y p e s , S OM u nvei le d a re sident ia l t ower c a l le d Ur ba n S e q uoia t h at e a r n s it s p e r c h i n t h e c i t y c a n o p y : i t wou ld a c t l i ke a fo r e s t b y c a p t u r i n g c a r b on , pu r i f y i ng t he a i r, a nd r e gener at i ng t he env i r on ment It cla i m s it c a n s e que s t er a s much c a r b on a s 4 8 , 5 0 0 t re e s t h roug h nat u re -ba s e d solut ion s , l i ke a bio -adapt ive fac ade of m icroa lgae t h at gener at e s biof uel , or m a k i ng u s e of t he t ower ’ s ‘ s t ack ef fe c t ’ for d i rec t a i r c apt u re, d raw i ng i n a i r l i ke a breat h i ng t ree
B io p h i l ic ele m e nt s a b o u n d t h r o u g h o u t R o n a ld L u & Pa r t n e r s ’ Tr e e h o u s e p r oj e c t , a ve r t i c a l g r e e n s k y s c r a p e r i n Ho n g Ko n g ‘ T h e s e i n c l u d e a n u r b a n n a t i v e w o o d l a n d a n d a n a r t i f i c i a l wet la nd at g r ade , sk y ga r den s , ex t er n a l a nd i nt er ior g re en wa l l s a n d r o o f i n g , a n d n a t u r e - t h e m e d m a t e r i a l s a n d f u r n i s h i n g s , ’ s ay s B r ya nt L u T he pr oje c t , a net-z e r o bu i ld i ng , dou ble s dow n b y p r o m o t i n g c a r b o n p o s i t i v i t y i n a n u m b e r o f w a y s , f r o m a s e l f - s h a d i n g f a c a d e t o a r o o f t o p s o l a r p o w e r s y s t e m t hat generat e s renewable energ y
B u t n at u r a l l y, a r c h it e c t u r e of t he f u t u r e i s i n c r e a s i n g l y c o n n e c t e d w i t h i t s env i r on ment a nd la nd s c a p e – t he ac t u a l ea r t h a rou nd u s w i l l need to adapt , too
‘ I n t h i s p e r s p e c t i v e , a l s o p r o m o t e d b y u r b a n p ol i c i e s , u r b a n g a r d e n s a n d n e w p a r k s s h o u l d b e d e s i g n e d , c i t y r o o f s s h o u ld b e t u r n e d i nt o l aw n s , c i t y w a l l s i nt o pl a nt f a c a d e s , a n d c ou r t y a r d s a nd em pt y s p ac e s i nt o g r e en oa s e s , ’ s ay s F r a nc e s c a C e s a B i a n c h i , p a r t n e r a n d d i r e c t o r a t M i l a n ’ s S t e f a n o B o e r i A rch it et t i , t he f i r m beh i nd t he Ver t ic a l Fore st concept
B u i l d i n g o f f i t s i c o n i c B o s c o Ve r t i c a l e p r o t o t y p e i n M i l a n (a l u x u r y a p a r t m e n t b u i l d i n g c o v e r e d w i t h o v e r 8 0 0 t r e
E V E R Y B U I L D I N G C A N H A V E A P O S I T I V E I M P A C T I F W E U S E C A R B O N S E Q U E S T E R I N G M A T E R I A L S A N D T E C H N O L O G I E SO ce a n ix B u s a n by B I G B j a r ke I n g e l s G ro u p ‘ f l o at s ’ o n h exa g o n a l co n c rete p l at fo r m s
2 0 , 0 0 0 p l a n t s), S t e f a n o B o e r i ’ s l a t e s t Tr u d o Ve r t i c a l Fo r e s t p r oj e c t , a s o c i a l h o u s i n g t owe r i n t h e Ne t h e rl a n d s , p r ove s t h at t h e c on c e pt – c l a d d i n g e x t e r io r s w it h t r e e s – i s n ’t j u s t a lu x u r y a m e n i t y. H e r e , t h e f i r m c r e a t e d a f a c a d e o f p r e f a b r i c a t e d pl a nt e r s u p a n d d ow n t h e b u i l d i n g w i t h a n e x t e r n a l i r r i g at i o n s y s t e m t h a t u s e s c o l l e c t e d r a i n w a t e r T h e p r oj e c t c a n a b s o r b over 50 ton ne s of CO2 ever y yea r
B r i d g i n g t h e g a p e v e n f u r t h e r b e t w e e n o u r b u i l t e n v i r o n m e n t a n d n a t u r e , t h e D a n i s h l a n d s c a p e a r c h i t e c t u r e f i r m S L A i s a le a d e r i n r e t h i n k i n g t h e s p a c e s b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s F r o m s t o r m w a t e r m a n a g e m e n t t o h e a t- i s l a n d m i t i g a t i o n , t h e y a i m t o c r e a t e s p a c e s t h a t a r e regenerat ive a nd biod iver sit y posit ive
O n e c h i e f e x a m p l e i s t h e r e c e n t A l Fa y P a r k p r o j e c t , a n ‘ u r b a n f o r e s t ’ p a r k i n A b u D h a b i . C u l t i v a t e d o n a f o r m e r b a r r e n s a n d s i t e , S L A p l a n t e d o v e r 2 , 0 0 0 n a t i v e t r e e s i n a n e f f o r t t o e n h a n c e b i o d i v e r s i t y, w h i l e s l o p i n g e n t r a n c e s c r e a t e n a t u r a l c o o l i n g t h r o u g h o u t t h e p a r k ‘ T h e r e s u l t i n g m i c r o c l i m a t e r e d u c e s t r a f f i c n o i s e a n d t e m p e r a t u r e a n d c r e a t e s a f o r e s t - l i k e e n v i r o n m e nt , ’ e x pl a i n s K r i s t of fe r Hol m Pe d e r s e n , d i r e c t o r at S L A I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e m a n y s o c i a l b e n e f i t s , t h e p l a n t i n g s
h a v e a t t r a c t e d b e e s , p o l l i n a t o r s , b i r d s , a n d a n i m a l s s t r a i g h t i nto t he hea r t of A bu Dhabi
O f c ou r s e , t h e r e ’ s a l s o p r e c e d e n t t o s u g g e s t t h at i n m a n y ye a r s f r o m n o w, s o m e a r c h i t e c t u r e m i g h t r a t h e r l o o k t h e s a m e : a s n e w a n d c o n v e n t i o n a l c o n s t r u c t i o n r e q u i r e s v a s t a m o u n t s o f c o n c r e t e a n d s t e e l (t w o m a t e r i a l s t h a t r e l e a s e l o a d s o f C O 2 d u r i n g a n d a f t e r p r o d u c t i o n) a n d b u r n s p l e n t y o f f o s s i l f uel i n t he pr o c e s s , a g r ow i ng a r g u ment i s t o r e f u r b i s h e x i s t i n g s t r u c t u r e s ‘ We a r e s e e i n g a n u p t i c k i n t h e n u m b e r o f bu i ld i ng s t hat a re bei ng re - clad – u sua l ly w i t h d e s i g n s t h a t h a v e b e t t e r t h e r m a l p r o p e r t i e s , ’ s a y s F i o n a C o u s i n s ‘ T h i s c a n b e a c h i e v e d t h r o u g h i m p r o v e d g la z i ng , [a nd] by reduci ng t he propor t ion o f g l a s s – p l a c i n g i t m o r e s t r a t e g i c a l l y t o m a x i m i s e d a y l i g h t , o r b y a d d i n g i n s u l a t i o n t o o p a q u e a r e a s ’ T h e t r e n d i s n o l o n g e r j u s t a b o u t c r e at i ng ener g y- ef f icient bu i ld i ng s , bu t b ei ng ef f icient w it h t he bu i ld i ng s t hat a l read y ex i st
W het her new or old , we k now one t h i ng t o b e t r ue t o d ay – m a ny of ou r cit ie s a nd s t r uc t u re s were bu i lt for t he cl i mat e we had , not t he one cha ng i ng before u s A nd t hat , too, i s about to cha nge
T H E P U R P O S E O F G O O D D E S I G N I S N ’ T T O S H A P E O U R O W N E N V I R O N M E N T S , B U T T O L E T O U R E N V I R O N M E N T S H A P E U S
N e w Yo r k - b a s e d d e s i g n e r N o a S a n t o s i s t h e f o u n d e r o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t u d i o N A I N OA H i s e m p h a s i s i s o n c r e a t i n g h o m e s t h a t f e e l l u x u r i o u s y e t r e l a x i n g a n d u s i n g a b l e n d o f opu lent m at er ia l s w it h mor e a f for d a ble de c or P I P R I C H I ’ m v e r y e x c i t e d b y h o w m a n y t i m e s I s p o t t e d t h e p h r a s e ‘ C o m i n g S o o n ’ o n t h e p r o j e c t s s e c t i o n o f y o u r w e b s i t e n e x t t o t e a s e r i m a g e s , a s I a l w a y s g e t s o i n s p i r e d b y yo u r wo r k W h at mo o d s a nd m at er ia l s c a n we ex p e c t t o s e e nex t?
N OA S A N T O S T h a n k yo u ! T h e r e ’ s a h u g e t r e n d p o s t- C ov i d f o r h o m e s t h a t a l s o f u n c t i o n a s r e t r e a t s – a n d o u r w o r k h a s a s p a - l i k e q u a l i t y t o i t I t h i n k We u s e l o t s o f n a t u r a l s t o n e s a n d p l a s t e r s , u n i n t e n t i o n a l l y d e v e l o p i n g t h i s s t y l e t h a t s e e m s t o r e s o n a t e w i t h p e o p l e w a n t i n g a plac e t he y c a n g o h o m e t o a n d f e e l c a l m e d P R I ’ m s o g l a d t o h e a r t h i s a s I w a s g o i n g t o s ay t h at for a l l t h e g r a n d n e s s i n you r work , a l l t h e l u xe s t o n e a n d a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t a t e m e n t s , yo u a l w a y s c r e at e s p a c e s t h at s e e m s o ot h i n g . I f i n d i t a l i t t l e l i k e s c h e m e s b y B r i g e t t e R o m a n e k – w h o I a l s o l o v e – s m a r t , b u t i n a s h o e s - o f f k i n d o f w a y N S T h a t ’ s r i g h t ! I n t e r i o r s n e e d t o n o t f e e l o s t e n t a t i o u s , a n d l u x u r y i s b e i n g r e d e f i n e d You don’t w a nt t o fe el l i ke you ’ r e i n a mu s eu m , yo u w a n t t o b e c o m fo r t a ble a n d h a ve a h o u s e t h a t w o r k s f o r t h e w a y y o u l i v e J u s t l i k e i n f a s h i o n , g o n e a r e t h e d a y s w h e n y o u m i g h t b e d e c k e d o u t i n l a b e l s h e a d t o t o e , a n d n o w i t ’ s a b o u t t h e h i g h / l o w m e n t a l i t y a s ove r s p e n d i n g d o e s n ’t fe e l c h i c P R I nt e r e s t i n g l y, w h en I lo ok at you r r o om s I c a n n e v e r s e e a n y o f t h e l o w e r e n d – e v e r y t h i n g a l w a y s l o o k s s o f a bu lou sl y ex p en si ve N S T he s e c r et i s how you pa i r it , m a k i ng s u r e a r o om h a s t h r e e or fou r s t at ement s t o c at ch t he eye , but ever y t h i ng el se ne e d s t o fade i nt o t he bac k g r ou nd We d id a d i n i ng r o om w her e t he w a l lpa p er w a s a de G ou r n ay mu r a l bu t t he c h a i r s wer e f r om c b2 W hen you h a v e k i d s o r y o u d r i n k r e d w i n e o r c o f f e e y o u d o n ’t w a n t t o b e wor r y i ng about ever y su r face – you wa nt a t able you ca n put t h i ngs dow n on a nd not b e s t r e s si ng a b out . D e sig n ne e d s t he m i x of a n i n ha le a nd ex ha le, the ba la nce of the fabu lous a nd the f u nct iona l
P R W h at m at e r i a l s a n d c olou r s wou ld you s ay f it w it h you r s p a v ib e , bu t a l s o we a r ver y wel l?
N S Ta j M a h a l q u a r t z i t e It s t i l l lo o k s b e a u t i f u l a f t e r ple n t y of we a r, a n d m e a n s you d o n ’t h ave t o a l w ay s b e p ol ic i n g t h e u s e of c o a s t e r s I a l s o l i k e s i l v e r t r a v e r t i n e , a n d w e ’ r e u s i n g a l o t o f l i m e w a s h It h a s t h e s a m e s o f t n e s s a n d s u b t l e t i e s a s Ve n e t i a n p l a s t e r, b u t i f Ve n e t i a n p l a s t e r c r a c k s y o u h a v e t o r e p l a c e t h e w h o l e t h i n g L i m e w a s h c a n e a s i l y b e t o u c h e d u p , w h i c h i s s o r e f r e s h i n g f r o m a d e s i g n p o i n t o f v i e w A s i s Ta d e l a k t i n a w e t r o o m I m a g i n e a l l t h a t t i m e s a v e d f r o m n o t h a v i n g t o s c r u b g r ou t i ng cle a n ! C olou r w i s e , we work w it h a lot of n at u r a l sh ade s l i ke ivor y a nd b eige , w h ich fe el more long la s t i ng t ha n jewel t one s. T houg h I do love blue s t one a nd a g r e en m a r ble c a l le d Gu at em a la Ver de It ’ s s o d r a m at ic P R A l o t o f y o u r p r o j e c t s c e n t r e a r o u n d a b i g a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t a t e m e n t , l i k e a v a s t c o n c r e t e s t a i r c a s e o r f u l s o m e p i l l a r s . A t w h a t p o i n t d o you fold t hem i nt o t he de sig n?
N S I a l w a y s s t a r t w i t h t h e c o n s t r a i n t s o f a r o om Perh a p s it ’ s t he c ei l i ng heig ht , or a wei r d c l o s e t , o r a w i n d o w t h a t i s o f f - c e n t r e a n d I de cide how t o work w it h it i n s t e ad of a ga i n s t it I n o n e g e s t u r e yo u t a k e t h e m o s t c h a l l e n g i n g a s p e c t a nd t u r n it i nt o s omet h i ng u n iq ue P R I s t h at how you wou ld ad v i s e a nyone t a k i ng o n a p r o j e c t ? To t a k e t i m e t o r e a l l y s t u d y t h e sh a p e of t he ro om f i r s t?
N S A b s o l u t e l y. U s e y o u r p h o n e a s a t o o l –pret end l i ke you ’ re a phot og r apher a nd ju s t look a t t h e s p a c e t h r o u g h t h e l e n s W h a t i s f e e l i n g u n ba la nc e d? W h at i s u n f i n i she d? A nd go f r om t here It ’ s helpf u l t o a n a ly s e t ho s e phot o s – de sig n c a n b e enjoye d i n s m a l le r g e s t u r e s a n d yo u c a n s t a r t w i t h j u s t a c o r n e r of yo u r hou s e W h at I love a b ou t de sig n i s t h at it i s n’t s t a g n a nt , it g r ow s a s y o u d o O u r l i v e s a r e e v o l v i n g a n d o u r s p a c e s s h o u l d f e e l c omplet e but never f i n i she d S h i f t f u r n it u re a rou nd D e c or at i ng i s a mu s cle a nd you h ave t o enga ge t h at mu s cle f r e q uent l y I f you do t h at , you c a n u nder s t a nd w h at t he s pac e ne e d s t o b e , how you w a nt t o l i ve a nd w ho you r e a l l y a r e .
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D E C O R A T I N G I S A M U S C L E A N D Y O U H A V E T O E N G A G E T H A T M U S C L E F R E Q U E N T L Y S O Y O U C A N U N D E R S T A N D H O W Y O U W A N T T O L I V E
A S A N T O S
A lways u si n g s u r f a ce s yo u c a n p ut a c u p d own o n is th e e s s e n ce of g o o d d e sig n fo r N o a S a ntos – h e te lls o u r e d ito r Pip Rich h ow to g et th e h ig h / l ow m ix rig ht
t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n
The organic shapes of this London penthouse sof ten a space where the city sk yline is the true hero S e e page 5 0
A H O S T O F P A R T Y H O U S E S , F R O M A C O L O U R F U L H O M E I N K E N T T O A
D A N I S H P A D W I T H F L O O R I N G M A D E F O R S P I L L E D C H A M P A G N E
This is the entrance to the apartment building, which was designed in 1939. All the fixtures and fittings are original, including the fabulous mosaic floor
T h i s mou nt a i n ret reat made moder n is a ser iou sly st yl ish A lpi ne abode that t a kes cha let ch ic to a nother levelrepresented by) AC Scof foni X
The modern-retro style was inspired by the historical context of the building. Fanny took influences from the interiors of the 1950s, when the building was converted from a hotel into apartments.
Lo o p s ci rcu l a r a r t wo r k by Va n e s s a B o uzig u e s J u l e p s o f a ,Ta cc h i n i
a n n y R o s s i a n d h e r f a m i l y f i r s t f e l l i n l o v e w i t h t h e cha r m i ng French sk i resor t of Megève si x yea rs ago ‘ T he ch i ld ren w e r e a m a z e d b y t h e h o r s e - d r a w n c a r r i a g e s a n d t h e m a g i c a l Ch r ist ma s l ig ht s, ’ she says. ‘ T he resor t is ver y fa m i ly-f r iend ly a nd f e s t i v e ; a l t h o u g h , a c t u a l l y, i t i s j u s t a s p l e a s a n t t o v i s i t i n t h e su m mer a s it i s du r i ng w i nt er ’ T h e i r fo n d n e s s fo r t h e v i l l a g e p r o m p t e d t h e m t o b u y t h e i r ow n place t here L ocated i n a l isted bu i ld i ng , t h is apa r t ment , w it h it s beaut i f u l volu me s a nd mag n i f icent v iews over mou nt a i n s, wa s p er fe c t . ‘ I cou ld i m me d iat ely se e mysel f here , ’ says Fa n ny. It had b e en r e nov at e d 18 ye a r s pr e v iou sl y, a lt h oug h she felt it h a d not been ‘at a l l opt i m i sed – t here wa s lot s of u nu sed at t ic space ’
For her reva mp, Fa n ny t e a me d up w it h a rch it e c t u re a genc y L e s Mont a g na rde s , he ade d up by Hélène Rou x ‘ L i s e Ma rche s si f rom L e s Mont a g na rde s worke d clo s ely w it h me t h roug hout t he p r oj e c t , ’ s a y s Fa n n y ‘ S h e s e le c t e d t r u s t e d c o m p a n i e s a n d s h e gave good adv ice on opt i m isi ng storage space, a s wel l a s rega rd i ng t he mater ia ls ’ It wa s a rea l joi nt ef for t a nd Fa n ny delved deep i nto t he n it t y g r it t y of t he new de sig n for t he apa r t ment , helpi ng w it h t h e r e j i g t h e l a y o u t a n d c h o o s i n g n e w m a t e r i a l s i n s p i r e d b y b ou t iq ue hot el s a n d r e s t au r a nt s she h a d v i sit e d over t h e ye a r s , a s wel l a s feat u res spot ted i n maga zi nes ‘ I gat her sma l l touches of d i f ferent idea s to creat e my ow n u n iver se, ’ she says
O ver si x mont h s , ba sic r enovat ion s wer e c a r r ie d out Fa n ny en su red ma ny of t he feat u re s – such a s t he wooden f loor s, storage n i c h e s , r e m a i n i n g d o o r s b y t h e a r c h i t e c t , He n r y Ja c q u e s L e Même , a nd g r a n it e f i replac e – were kept ‘ I n t he end , we de cide d t o p l a c e t h e k i t c h e n i n t h e l i v i n g r o o m , ’ s a y s Fa n n y ‘A n d , f o r p r i v a c y r e a s o n s , we t h o u g ht i t w a s i m p o r t a nt t o g i ve e ve r yo n e t hei r ow n bat h room . We a lso added lot s of cu stom-made storage.’
B e aut i f u l m at er ia l s were key: f rom z el l ige a nd t er r a zz o t i le s t o t he oa k-pa nel led wa l l s i nt ende d t o t ie i n w it h t he f loorb oa rd s Touc he s of br a s s i n t h e k it c hen ba r shel ve s , bat h r o om t a p s a n d wa l l l ig ht s a re a l i n k i ng dev ice bet ween space s A not her com mon t h r e a d i s t h e g e o m e t r i c s h a p e s : i n t h e v a u l t e d p a r t i t i o n s , t h e v i nt a ge r ug a nd t he z el l ige t i le s . Fa n ny s ele c t e d a pa let t e of s of t pi n k s, blues a nd och re ‘ I broug ht t he wa r m colou rs i n t h roug h t he l i v i n g r o o m w a l lp a p e r, a s wel l a s t h e p a i nt s , ’ s h e s a y s Te a m e d w it h v i nt a g e f u r n it u r e , it sh a ke s up a ny not ion s a b ou t t h e t r ad cha let st yle nor ma l ly seen i n t he se k i nd s of mou nt a i n ret reat s But w h i le pr ac t ic a l it y a nd lo ok s were i mp or t a nt , more t h a n a ny t h i ng Fa n ny wa nt e d a welc om i ng home ‘ My i mpu l s e wa s t o creat e a com for t a ble l iv i ng room , w here you c a n meet up a rou nd t he ba r w it h f a m i l y a nd f r iend s a nd enjoy c h a r c ut er ie b oa r d s or che e s e fondue , a long side a g la s s of w i ne i n f ront of a log f i re , ’ she says. ‘ It ’ s a cl iché, but t hose sha r i ng moment s a re ver y preciou s. ’ l e s m o n t a g n a r d e s . c o m X
Fanny and Fabrice Rossi, who run a human resources company in their home town of Reims. They share this holiday apartment with their children, Victor, aged 10, and Juliette, 13.
Situated in the ski resort of Megève, the apartment is located on the top floor of a listed building designed in 1939 by the architect Henry Jacques Le Même The open-plan living room features the kitchen, a ‘hotel bar ’-style dining area, a lounging zone and a balcony There are also two bathrooms, the main bedroom with bath and shower, a guest bedroom and a children’s dormitory room
I C O U L D N ’ T L I V E I N A N
A L L- W H I T E U N I V E R S E – E V E N H E R E I N T H E M O U N T A I N S I L I K E
W A R M C O L O U R C O M B I N A T I O N S X
Every year we meet up with a group of friends and all celebrate with a good cheese fondue and some excellent wines
I like the 1940s and 1950s: Jean Prouvé, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Paulin…
I like warm terracotta, saffron, brick and rosewood – natural and pure pigments.
Creating the bar in the kitchen
Optimise every bit of space in order to obtain a both functional and decorative home.
There are many! The ABCD sofa by Pierre Paulin; the Julie sofa by Charles Zana; the Kangaroo armchair by Pierre Jeanneret; the Fungo table lamp by Gabriella Crespi; a piece of art by Pierre Malbec…
The choice is difficult because I have many. But if I had to choose one, it would be floor lamps because I only like indirect light – and, in particular, Gubi’s ‘Chinese Hat ’ 9602 floor lamp.
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h s H O W D O YO U M A R K T H E N E W Y E A R H E R
B E S T D E C I S I O N O N T H I S P R O J E C T ?
With it s fa r-reach i ng cit y v iews , f lex ible f u r n it u re a nd hotel-lu xe ba r, th is reworked L ondon penthou se is the per fect place to get the pa r t y st a r ted
Michelle Sweeney of KSR Architects & Interior Designers, who renovated this space for a businessman- cumphilanthropist
A penthouse apartment in west London, developed in 2022 . There is an entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen, study, TV room, cloakroom, three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
t ’ s sa fe t o say t hat a few cock t a i l s a re sha ken a nd st i r red at t h i s g la morou s we st L ondon apa r t ment come New Yea r ’ s Eve W i t h i t s f u m e d - o a k f i n i s h , b r a s s d e t a i l i n g a n d v e l v e t- l i n e d d e e p d r a w e r s , t h e b a r i n t h e l i v i n g r o o m i s a n a t u r a l f o c a l p o i n t , e c l i p s e d o n l y b y a b i r d ’ s e y e v i e w o f t h e c i t y f r o m t w o g e n e r o u s t e r r a c e s L a n d m a r k s i n c l u d i n g t h e B T To w e r, t h e L o n d o n E y e a n d T h e S h a r d a r e l i t u p b y t h e c i t y ’ s f i r e w o r k s a nd , u n s u r pr i si ng ly, t he a pa r t ment ’ s ow ner l i ke s t o pla n a pa r t y w i t h a s w i n g a s t h e c l o c k c h i m e s m i d n i g h t
‘ Ye s , t h i s pl a c e d e f i n i t el y k n ow s h ow t o b e a p a r t y p a d b u t , a c t u a l l y, i t s S o u t h A f r i c a n o w n e r i s a l s o a f a m i l y m a n w i t h t h r e e g r o w n - u p c h i l d r e n , ’ e x p l a i n s M i c h e l l e S w e e n e y, t h e d e s i g n e y e b e h i n d t h e f l a t ’ s r e c e n t r e n o v a t i o n ‘ S o t h e f e s t i v e p e r i o d i s j u s t a s l i k e l y t o a l s o i n v o l v e a n i n f o r m a l m i x o f e x t e n d e d f a m i l y g a t h e r i n g s a n d l a i d - b a c k e v e n i n g s . ’ W hen it s ow ner f i r st c a me acros s t he f lat , loc at ed ba ng i n t he m idd le of L ondon , it had been u sed to ma rket t he newly developed sit e a s a w hole S o cent ra l t o t he succe s s of it s renovat ion wa s one cr ucia l que st ion : how do you t u r n a show home i nto a rea l home?
For t u n at ely, t he ow ner h ad a de c ade -long h i s t or y w it h K SR A r c h it e c t s & I nt e r ior D e sig ner s , w ho h a d c h a r t e d h i s i nt e r ior s j o u r n e y t h r o u g h t w o p r e v i o u s p r o p e r t i e s ‘ We k n e w t h a t h e e nj oye d c om fo r t a ble s c h e m e s t h at a r e lu xe b u t l a i d - b a c k , ’ s ay s M i c h e l le ‘ It w a s a l l a b o u t a d d i n g c h a r a c t e r t h r o u g h t e x t u r e d t i m b er a nd f lu id sh a p e s , plu s a few u nex p e c t e d t ouche s , s uch a s t he c olou r f u l ge o wa l lpap er i n t he cloa k ro om . We a l so avoide d a s t r i p - o u t b e c a u s e t h a t wo u l d h a ve b e e n w a s t e f u l I n s t e a d , we ret a i ned key a rch it ec t u ra l element s such a s t he pa rquet f loor i ng , sk i r t i ng b oa rd s , do or s a nd a rch it r ave s , opt i ng t o pa re back some d e t a i l i n g , l i k e w a l l p a n e l l i n g , t h e b e t t e r t o l e t t h e v i e w s i n g We a l s o t w e a k e d o p e n i n g s t o i m p r o v e t h e a p a r t m e n t ’ s c i r c u l a t i o n ’ K e y t o t h e r e l a x e d v i b e w a s a m u l t i - f u n c t i o n a l
f u r n it u r e a r r a ngement , s o t h at t he s pac e wou ld b e c o s y enoug h t o h a n d le a s i m ple s olo n ig ht i n w at c h i n g s p or t , d r i n k i n - h a n d , a n d f l e x i b l e e n o u g h t o w e l c o m e a - h u n d r e d - p l u s g u e s t s f o r a c h a r i t y o r a r t a u c t i o n , w h i c h t h e o w n e r r e g u l a r l y h o l d s a t h o m e Wi t h t h at i n m i n d , h o u r g l a s s s h a p e d s i d e t a ble s d o u ble u p a s s e at i n g ; a ge n e r ou sl y si z e d c i r c u la r ot t om a n i s on c a s t or s f o r e a s y r e c o n f i g u r a t i o n a n d M i n o t t i ’ s i c o n i c m o d u l a r s o f a s , w it h a r m r e s t s t h at s e p a r at e t o b e c ome u s ef u l s t o ol s , c ome i nt o t h e i r ow n . ‘ It m e a n s t h e s p a c e i s p r a c t ic a l a n d f u n c t i o n a l b u t a l s o l o o s e n e d u p , ’ e x p l a i n s M i c h e l l e
Wit h a b el ief t h at ‘ c u r ve s fe el i n her ent l y s o c ia ble ’ , M ic hel le a lso com m i s sioned a n ova l r ug de sig ned by T he Rug C ompa ny to e c ho t he r ou nde d sk yl ig ht i n t he ent r a nc e h a l l I n t he k it c hen , a g r a i n e d o a k t a b l e t o p f e a t u r e s g e n t l y t a p e r e d e d g e s , w h i l e a n a s y m m e t r i c c u r v e d d e s k i n t h e s t u d y e n a b l e s m u l t i p l e v i e w s Mea nw h i le , a n uphol s t ere d , sof t ly f lut e d head b oa rd s pread s t he f u l l w idt h of t he wa l l i n t he ma i n bed room
T h e k i t c h e n w a s g e n t l y r e w o r k e d t o i n c l u d e a n e x t e n d e d i sla nd , h idden n iche for cof fee ma k i ng a nd a socia ble d i n i ng a rea p o sit ione d t o enjoy t he su n r i s e v iew s f rom t he t er r ac e. ‘C om for t over pret en sion wa s ou r ma nt ra t h roug hout , ’ says M ichel le ‘O u r a p pr oac h w a s de c e pt i vel y si m ple – we d id n ’t t r y t o h ide T Vs or t e ch , we ju s t i nt eg r at e d t hem t houg ht f u l ly L i kew i se , t he ba r ha s become a mel low, ea s y- on-t he - eye de sig n feat u re. Not h i ng about it i s “shout y ” but it st i l l ha s a n a i r of g row n-up g la mou r. ’
It ’ s a n approach t hat su it s t h i s la id-back homeow ner dow n to t he g rou nd ‘O n New Yea r ’ s Eve, no mat t er how ma ny g ue s t s he ’ s host i ng , he ’l l favou r bu rger sl ider s a nd cock t a i ls over f i ne d i n i ng , ’ s ay s M ic hel le ‘ It ’ s a mo der n t a ke t h at c om bi ne s s oph i s t ic at ion w it h f u n . ’ Ju st what t h i s for mer show home needed .
k s r a r c h i t e c t s . c o m
I T W A S A L L A B O U T A D D I N G
C H A R A C T E R T H R O U G H T E X T U R E D T I M B E R , F L U I D
Even in winter parties spill out to this space complete with a dining and seating area
Tos c a t wo - s e a te r o u t d o o r s o fa , T h e M o d e r n G a rd e n C o m p a ny
Michelle commissioned a graphic oval shaped rug to echo the outline of the skylight above
C u s to m Ta b l e a u P ew te r ova l r u g i n h a n d k n ot te d T i b et a n wo o l a n d sil k , T h e R u g C o m p a ny O t to co n s o l e , Fi o n a M c D o n a l d
There’s a truly artistic edge here with sculptures and even a graphic floor covering
D e s k d e sig n e d by K S R A rc h ite c t s & I nte ri o r D e sig n e r s Ta p e t wo - s e a te r s o f a ; Le g e r s i d e t a b l e , b oth M i n ot ti
In lieu of a headboard, fluted panelling runs end-to - end for a sumptuous feel.
Panelling designed by KSR Architects & Interior Designers Lektor desk light, Twentytwentyone
The bar in the living room really gave the space a focal point.
Having to close down a major road on a Saturday afternoon to crane in the furniture was quite an experience
Within the interiors world I have a few favourites – Minotti always delivers beautiful furniture, no matter the style of project.
Living in London, I am always passing buildings old and new, speaking with interesting and creative people, and wandering into fun shops, bars and restaurants.
Dr Martens boots, which are practical for site visits After owning my last pair for over a decade, I am a loyal customer.
Cosy pub nights with friends, Christmas markets, mulled wine, warming jumpers Being Scottish, I don’t shy away from winter nights – instead, I love to wrap up and enjoy the crisp weather.
F u l l of eye-poppi ng colou rs a nd generou s doses of play f u l ness , th is cou nt r y ret reat revea l s the mag ic that happen s w hen you da re to be bold
X PHOTOGRAPHY Rachael Smith
Kate Jacobs
b u t t h a t ’ s e x a c t l y w h a t u p - a n d - c o m i n g i n t e r i o r d e s i g n e r C h a r l o t t e B e e v o r h a s d e l i v e r e d f o r o n e f u n - s e e k i n g f a m i l y O w ner s Si mon L a mb a nd Mon ic a Gibbs r u n P u r posef u l C ha nge. ‘ O u r b u s i n e s s i s a b o u t i n s p i r i n g p e o p l e a n d o r g a n i s a t i o n s t o ma ke a sh i f t , by brea k i ng t h roug h t hei r b ou nda r ie s , ’ says Si mon ‘ But work i ng w it h C ha rlot t e on t h i s projec t broug ht a new level of e x p r e s s i o n f o r u s ’ T h e c o u p l e d i s c o v e r e d C h a r l o t t e w h i l e w a t c h i n g T V s h o w In t e r i o r D e s ig n Ma s t e r s , j u s t a s t h e y w e r e w o n d e r i n g h o w t o p e r s o n a l i s e t h e i r n e w h o l i d a y h o m e , a h i g h - e n d b u t b l a n d c o n t e m p o r a r y h o u s e j u s t f o u r y e a r s o l d ‘ T he on ly t h i ng we ’d done wa s i n s t a l l a p ool for ou r wat er-lov i ng son , ’ says Si mon . I n t er m s of t he look , C ha rlot t e wa s keen t o f i n d t h e s w e e t s p o t b e t w e e n M o n i c a ’ s love of r u s t ic fa r m hou se a nd S c a nd i nav ia n v i b e s a n d S i m o n ’ s m o r e c o l o u r f u l a n d a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t y l e ‘ F u s i n g t h e d i f f e r i n g t a s t e s of a c ou ple i s one of my s p e c ia l it ie s , ’ s a y s C h a r l o t t e W h a t s c o r e d h i g h l y w i t h t h e w h o l e f a m i l y w a s t h e i r l o v e o f s n u g g l i n g d o w n t o g e t h e r t o w a t c h T V ‘ T h e y l i k e s h a r i n g t h e s a m e s p a c e , e i t h e r a s a f a m i l y o r w i t h f r i e n d s , s o w e d e c i d e d t o o p e n u p t h e t w o l i v i n g r o o m s i n t o o n e super si zed space, ’ she add s H e r e t h e r e ’ s a h u g e , l o w - s l u n g a n d s e r i o u s l y c o m f o r t a b l e s o f a , a s w e l l a s a c h a i s e lon g u e a n d r e a d i n g c h a i r, p e r fe c t l y p o sit ione d t o c r e at e ver s at i le opt ion s . ‘ It work s a s one big s o cia l s p a c e o r Mo n i c a c a n b e h a n g i n g o u t o n t h e c h a i s e , c h a t t i n g t o Si mon w ho’s prepa r i ng d i n ner at t he k it chen i sla nd w h i le Et ha n i s g a m i n g , ’ C h a r l o t t e e x p l a i n s S h e w o r k e d h a r d t o s o u r c e f u r n i t u r e t h a t ’ s s u p r e m e l y c o m f o r t a b l e , a s w e l l a s v i s u a l l y s t u n n i n g . ‘ W i t h t h e r i g h t c ol o u r o n t h e w a l l s a n d a n a m a z i n g scu lpt u ra l piece of f u r n it u re, you ’ re goi ng to elevat e a ny room ’
T H E D E S I G N E R
C olou r i s a l i felong pa s sion for C h a rlot t e For her, t he ke y t o work i n g w it h big , b old c olou r s l i ke t h e s e i s a pr o c e s s of c a r ef u l c u r at ion , con sider i ng each s pac e i n t u r n a nd how it relat e s t o t he neig hb ou r i ng ro om s Si mon , mea nw h i le , ha s a love of l ig ht i ng so C h a rlot t e fo u n d m a n y fe at u r e p i e c e s , i n c lu d i n g t h e p i n k g l a s s c h a n d e l ie r h a n g i n g i n t h e d o u ble - h e i g ht h a l l w ay ‘ I n f r o n t of a wa l l of g la ss, it set s t he tone a s soon a s you t u r n onto t he d r iveway,’ s a y s C h a r l o t t e . A t o n e e n d o f t h e k i t c h e n t h e r e ’ s a n o t h e r s c u l p t u r a l p i e c e – a g r e e n t u b u l a r d e s i g n b y B y m a r s , w h i l e o v e r t h e k i t c h e n i s l a n d C h a r l o t t e h a s h u n g a t r i o o f c o l o u r f u l h a n d blow n g l a s s p e n d a nt s ‘ T h e w ay t h e y g low up i s b e au t i f u l – t h e y c r e at e a s p e c ia l at mo s phere a rou nd t he i sla nd Supp or t i ng i n d e p e n d e n t m a k e r s a n d a r t i s t s i s a g r e at way to get u n ique, lu x u r y piece s for a cl ient ’
London-based interior designer Charlotte Beevor renovated this space for Simon Lamb and Monica Gibbs, who own and run people development consultancy Purposeful Change, and their son Ethan, 11, as well as Simon’s grown-up sons Tom and Harvey, plus the family’s Labrador, Chloe.
T H E P R O P E R T Y
A modern two -storey house in rural Kent, with a large entrance hall, a kitchen- diner, dining room and living room Upstairs there’s a main suite with dressing room, a guest suite and three further bedrooms – one used as a playroom – plus a family bathroom
S h e h a s u s e d b e s p o k e e l e m e n t s a l l over t he hou s e , f r om h a nd- d r aw n a b s t r ac t mot i f s on a ba n k of wa r d rob e s t o t he u lt r ad e e p b r e a k f a s t b a n q u e t t e i n t h e k i t c h e n ‘ M y b a c k g r o u n d i s i n t e x t i l e s s o I ’ m a l l about u si ng h ig h- qua l it y fabr ic s ’ C ha rlot t e has a lso ensu red that the f in ishes th roug hout t he hou s e a re e a s y t o ke ep cle a n ‘ You don’t have t o choo se b et ween a f u nc t iona l fa m i ly home a nd a h ig h-desig n house, w it h t he r ig ht f u r n it u re a nd mat er ia ls you c a n have bot h ’
T h e f a m i l y a r e p r e d i c t a b l y d e l i g h t e d w it h t he end r e s u lt , ‘ It ’ s a r et r e at for u s but it ’ s one t hat we love to sha re w it h fa m i ly a nd f r iend s, ’ says Si mon ‘ Now t hat we ’ ve op ened up t he g rou nd f loor it work s rea l ly wel l a s a s o cia l s pac e A t New Ye a r we l i ke t o h ave a hou s ef u l of f r iend s O u r g r o u n d s k e e p i n g g u y i s a n e x- h e a d c h e f s o h e m a k e s g r e a t food a nd by t he t i me Big B en st r i ke s, we ’l l a l l be i n t he pool.’
c h a r l o t t e b e e v o r. c o m
t h e d o w n l o a d
T h e i d e a o f e s c a p i n g f r o m c i t y l i f e t o a s e c o n d h o m e d e e p i n t h e K e n t c o u n t r y s i d e m i g h t n o t c o n j u r e u p v i s i o n s o f b o l d , s c u l p t u r a l f u r n i t u r e a n d v i v i d c o l o u r s ,
The pink ‘Flamingo room’ is accessed by its own set of stairs, making for a fun surprise in this corner of the house. The wall colour creates the effect of ‘a sunset on holiday’ and is offset by tranquil shades of blue and hits of white.
Wa l l s i n Fl a m i n g o , A n d rew M a r ti n B e d , D we ll B e d l i n e n , N ex t R u g , A nth ro p o l o g i e S i d e t a b l e , Way f a i r L a m p , B & Q
This ‘in-between’ space is inspired by the work of artist Camille Walala, with yellow trim, a striking pink glass statement chandelier and cobalt blue doors
Tri m a n d d o o r s i n Pa nto n em atc h e d tra d e co l o u r
C h a n d e l i e r, P u re W h ite Li n e s
Charlotte placed the bed (above and right) on blocks to give it more height in this high- ceilinged room
B e d , B o C o n ce pt ; u p h o l s te re d i n O m e g a I I N e o n , Linwood Side table, Kar tell L a m p, H K livi n g
Fa b ri c u s e d a s a r t wo r k , M etro p o li s , J a n e C l ay to n
Ce i l i n g l i g h t , A m a ra B l i n d i n C h ey n e , D e sig n e r s G u il d
For Jonas, using neutral hues found in nature means ‘ the interior design doesn’t dominate the overall feel of a space’
Sofa and plint h , N orm Architec t s at M enu V V Cinquanta floor la m p, Vit toriano Viganò at A step Lounge chair, H ans J Wegner at C arl H ansen & S ø n Utilit y stool , N orm Architec t s at Fogia O n mantelpiece: B rass table la m p and clock , N orm Architec t s at M enu Small sculpt u re, Manuel C anu L arge sculpt u re, S acre co e ur D esign Sto re
v e r s i n c e J o n a s B j e r r e - P o u l s e n a n d h i s w i f e C h r i s t i n e b o u g h t t h i s h o u s e i n a s m a l l f i s h i n g v i l l a g e n o r t h of C o p e n h a g e n , i t h a s b e c o m e a m a g n e t fo r fe s t i ve c e le b r a t i o n s ‘ W i t h i t s o l d - w o r l d c h a r m , b i g f i r e p l a c e s a n d o r n a m e n t a l m o u l d i n g s , t h e h o u s e i s t h e p e r f e c t b a c k d r o p f o r c r e a t i n g a t r a d i t i o n a l C h r i s t m a s a t m o s p h e r e , ’ s a y s Jo n a s It w a s t h e s e det a i l s t h at d r e w t h e c ouple i n – s u r pr i si ng e ven t o t h em , g i ve n Jona s is one of t he desig n world’s key proponent s of contempora r y m i n i ma lism i n h is roles a s fou nder of Nor m A rch itec t s a nd desig n d i rec tor of Da n i sh home s bra nd Menu .
‘ T h i s hou se ju st had somet h i ng I c a n’t rea l ly de scr ibe. At f i r st I fou n d i t r at h e r u g l y f r o m t h e o u t s i d e a n d t h e i n s i d e w a s m o r e t ha n wor n , but it had a n a ba ndone d b e aut y t hat we b ot h t houg ht was ex tremely poetic,’ he says The proper t y, w ith its lovely location faci ng t he s e a , s u r rou nde d by wo o d s a nd f ield s , had b e en bu i lt at t he t u r n of t he c ent u r y i n ‘ t he Ty role a n s t yle ’ – t h i s t r a n slat e s t o h ig h cei l i ng s, wooden ba lcon ie s a nd i nt r ic at e pa nel l i ng
To ma ke it a mo der n , l ivea ble home, cha nge s had t o be made Fo r i n s p i r a t i o n , Jo n a s t u r n e d t o i n t e r n a t i o n a l g a l l e r i e s a n d m u s e u m s , s u c h a s t h e S a a t c h i G a l l e r y i n L o n d o n , w h i c h h a d m a s t er e d t he t r a n s for m at ion of h i s t or ic bu i ld i ng s i nt o mo der n space s T he couple st a r t ed over wh i le keepi ng t he most beaut i f u l or ig i na l det a i ls For exa mple, t he hou se had seven d i f ferent f loor l e v e l s s o t h e f i r s t t a s k w a s t o e v e n t h e m o u t ‘ It w a s a w a y o f neut r a l i si ng t he hou s e so t o s p ea k , ’ say s Jona s It a l so mea n s t he r o om s now f low u n i nt e r r upt e d f r om one t o t he nex t , c r e at i ng a fe e l i n g of c a l m A n ot h e r m ove w a s c h a n g i n g o p e n i n g s t o a l low more nat u r a l l ig ht i nt o t he i nt er ior ‘ S ome of t he ro om s a re qu it e sm a l l a nd wer e d a rk , but I worke d w it h pr op or t ion s a nd l ig ht t o c r e a t e a n e w h a r m o n y, ’ Jo n a s e x p l a i n s T h i s a t t e n t i o n t o t h e fe e l i n g of a h o m e , a s we l l a s i t s fo r m , i s a k e y p a r t of t h e No r m A rch it e c t s ’ de sig n ‘ ma n i fe s t o ’ , w h ich Jona s set s out i n h i s re c ent book , Sof t Minimal (G e st a lt en , £55)
A s t o t h e s o ot h i n g n e u t r a l p a le t t e , d e s p i t e b e i n g a love r of c olou r, Jon a s s t ic k s t o w h at he k n ow s h a s longe v it y, pr efer r i ng hues seen i n t he nat u ra l mater ia ls, such a s stone a nd wood , he u ses for f i x t u r e s a nd f it t i ng s . ‘ I n t h at w ay t he i nt er ior de sig n do e sn’t dom i nate t he overa ll feel of t he spaces – wh ich is ver y i mpor t a nt i f y o u a s k m e , b e c a u s e t h e n t h e r e i s m o r e r o o m f o r t h e l i f e t h a t h a p p en s i n t hem ’ T h i s ‘ hu m a n- c ent r ic ’ fo c u s m a ke s it o bv iou s why g uest s g rav it ate here Come New Yea r ’ s Eve, t hey of ten host a big pa r t y for t he sa me g roup of f r iend s. ‘Some of us have celebrated i t t o g e t h e r s i n c e w e w e r e 14 , ’ s a y s Jo n a s ‘ N ow w e a r e a r o u n d 2 0 -plu s adu lt s a nd at le a s t t he s a me nu m b er of ch i ld ren ’ A nd it t u r n s o u t t h at Jon a s ’ s d e s i g n , w h i l s t a e s t h e t ic a l l y b e a u t i f u l , i s prac t ica l a s wel l ‘ T he ca st mag ne site f loor s a re idea l for pa r t ies –t hey ca n be covered i n cha mpag ne w it hout bei ng da maged!’
I A L W A Y S I M A G I N E D M Y S E L F L I V I N G I N A M O R E M O D E R N B U I L D I N G A S M Y P R O F E S S I O N A L A P P R O A C H I S I N S P I R E D B Y M O D E R N I S M X
Jonas has been inspired by Japanese architecture for a long time and he used that influence here ‘Windows’ were cut through the wall between the kitchen and the hall to let in more light.
Jonas Bjerre - Poulsen, founder of Norm Architects, his wife Christine Juel BjerrePoulsen, HR consultant at Danish media house Egmont, and their two children, Benjamin, 16, and Clara, 12 , plus the family dog, Walter
The basement and ground floor of a house built in 1911 by H Wright and EV Marston –Copenhagen’s city architects at that time On the ground floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen, studio, two children’s bedrooms and the main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom In the basement, there is a prep kitchen, wine cellar, family bathroom and plenty of storage
The tub was designed by Norm Architects taking inspiration from the cast-iron details typical of the 1920s and 30s St a n d b a t h t u b, N o r m A rc h ite c t s at C a n d a n a S t o n e t i l e s , K ro n os S o a p a n d c r e a m , Ae s o p
Finding the essence, creating balance and having attention to detail
The collected oeuvres of both Isamu Noguchi and Donald Judd. I can’t just stick to one item or one designer
The bathroom or the kitchen. I love the rituals of bathing and I love to cook.
Making a small and humble museum for contemporary art Something like the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is close to my home.
h o m e t r u t h s
T H E P E R F E C T W H I T E P A I N T I S M A D E B Y ? St. Leo.
M A K I N G M I N I M A L I S M W O R K – W H A T ’ S T H E S E C R E T ?
A C L A S S I C P I E C E Y O U W I S H Y O U ’ D D E S I G N E D ?
Y O U R E C O C O N C E S S I O N S ? Making things that can stand the test of time
T I P S F O R S U C C E S S F U L S T O R A G E ? Integrate it into the architecture.
F A V O U R I T E S P A C E I N A H O U S E ?
W H A T M A K E S A H O U S E A H O M E ?
The people living in it D R E A M P R O J E C T ?
A ncient meets moder n i n spectacu la r fa sh ion i n a 15th-cent u r y Florent i ne pa la zzo rei mag i ned by a rch itect u re pract ice b -a rch
Silvia Mazzoli, artistic director of contemporary clothing company Ottod’Ame, and her husband Gianni Guastella, the firm’s co -founder. They commissioned Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Capellaro of architecture and interior design firm b -arch to undertake the renovation and redesign of their apartment
A single -storey, first-floor apartment in the 15th- century Palazzo Spinelli in the heart of the Santa Croce district in Florence The apartment contains a living room, a dining room with a concealed kitchen and an en-suite bedroom
n my job, you a lways need to ex p er i ment to su r pr i se, ’ says f a s h i o n d e s i g n e r S i l v i a M a z z o l i , w h o , a l o n g s i d e h e r h u s b a n d Gia n n i Gua stella , r u n s O t tod’A me, a n eclec t ic a nd contempora r y clot h i ng bra nd She ’ s a woma n of her word judg i ng by t he u n l i kely i nt er ior t he couple have creat ed i n t hei r apa r t ment i n t he hea r t of F lorence ’ s h i stor ic Sa nt a Croce d i st r ic t ‘Gia n n i a nd I were l iv i ng i n t he h i lls out side t he cit y but had a lways d rea mt of hav i ng a home i n t he old c ent r e , ’ s ay s Si lv ia . ‘ T hen , a fe w ye a r s a go, a c h a nc e t o ma ke t he move pre sent ed it sel f a nd we took it w it h bot h ha nd s ’
For a onc e -pr i s t i ne bu i ld i ng de sig ne d i n t he 15t h c ent u r y by d i s t i n g u i s he d a r c h it e c t B e r n a r do Ro s s el l i no, Pa la z z o S pi n el l i pre sent ed ver y d i f ferent ly when Si lv ia a nd Gia n n i f i r st v iewed it Dor ma nt a nd dec ay i ng , w it h wat er d r ippi ng f rom t he cei l i ng , t he der el ic t R e n a i s s a nc e pr op er t y ne e de d s e r iou s r e h a bi l it at ion , a cha llenge the couple cou ld not resist Awa re that even their creative powers d id n’t ex tend t h is fa r, t hey ca lled on t he ser v ices of a not her d y n a m i c d u o – a r c h i t e c t s S a b r i n a B i g n a m i a n d A l e s s a n d r o Cap el la ro of B -A rch – to rei mag i ne t he f i r st-f loor apa r t ment .
T h e a r c h i t e c t s ’ i n i t i a l o b s e r v a t i o n s r e v e a l e d a w e a l t h o f h id den s e c r et s – not a bl y or ig i n a l f r e s c o e s on w a l l s , h id den by a lat ter-day layer of wh itewa sh ‘ We were t a sked w it h red iscover i ng what lay u nder neat h a nd recover i ng what we cou ld , ’ says Sabr i na , w h o a l s o p o i n t s o u t t h e d i c h o t o m y o f r e s t o r i n g h e r i t a g e prop er t ie s w h i le g iv i ng t hem a mo der n s pi n . ‘ T he cha l lenge wa s t o c r e at e a c o n t e m p o r a r y h o m e t h at s i t s c o m fo r t a bl y w i t h i n a t rad it iona l pa lace, w it hout losi ng it s at mosphere a nd ident it y ’
T he layout of t he a pa r t ment i s a s si m ple a s it c ou ld b e : t h r e e lof t y r o o m s i n a s i n g le l i n e , e a c h w i t h e le g a n t d e t a i l i n g o n t h e t i mber cei l i ng s a nd l i med wa l ls i n a ka leidoscope of faded pat i na s. O n ent er i ng t he a pa r t ment it ’ s no s u r pr i s e t h at t he va s t op en i ng s pac e w h ich g re et s you ha s b e en repu r p o s e d a s t he d i n i ng ro om , w it h a n equa l ly va s t t a ble at it s c ent re T he su r pr i se come s w hen t he re a r pat t er ne d s cre en op en s t o reve a l a k it chen t h at i s s t yle d w it h s upreme si mpl icit y a nd f i n i she d i n bu r n i she d br a s s . W hen Si lv ia a nd Gia n n i ent er t a i n , onc e t he fo o d i s s er ve d , t he k it chen a nd it s me s s c a n b e b eaut i f u l ly concea led ‘ Wit h t h i s de sig n , t h i s f u nction is resolved in a new decorative system,’ points out Sabrina
T h e i r b u s i n e s s m a y b e b a s e d o n m o d e r n i t y, b u t S i l v i a a n d G i a n n i r e f l e c t t h e n e w m o o d , t h a t o f e m b r a c i n g t h e o l d a n d a ppre ciat i ng it for it s b e aut y, it s h i s t or y a nd – i n t h i s t h rowaway world – it s longe v it y T he l i v i ng r o om a m pl y demon s t r at e s t h i s , b ei ng f u r n i shed w it h a selec t ion of piece s t he pa i r have picked up a t m a r k e t s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d ‘ I l o v e e v e r y t h i n g t h a t e x u d e s h istor y, ’ says Si lv ia . ‘ I’ve a lways l ived i n a nt ique hou ses. My fat her w a s a r e s t o r e r a n d we we r e s u r r o u n d e d b y s t y l i s h f u r n i s h i n g s , t hen my pa s sion ex pa nded w it h icon ic objec t s A l l of t h i s creat ed my ae st het ic ’ A nd what doe s she feel i s t he secret to t he succe s s of her home? ‘A ba la nced m i x of st yles – w it h a bit of poet r y, ’ she says X b - a r c h i t ; o t t o d a m e i t
A bookcase in ebonised wood, brass and iron is deliberately positioned behind the bed to create privacy when the doors are open. At the same time, the design allows light to filter through from the large French windows to the apartment ’s inner rooms.
Bespoke bookcase, b-arch
The striking connecting doors were modelled on a typical Florentine style. The grand rosewood-topped table was originally a meeting room table in the offices of Olivetti and was redesigned by b -arch. Try the Luna rosewood dining table, Tikamoon Stuoia 1923 vases by Gio Ponti, Artemest 0414 chairs by Studio G&R for Gallotti&Radice Vistosi chandeliers, try Pamono
Actually part of the dining room, the sleek cook space can be hidden away behind the sliding panels covered in a lustrous wallpaper.
B e s p o ke c a b i n e t r y, b -a rc h El e n a C a roz zi h a n d - p a i nte d wa l l p a p e r, Ar temest Tray, m u g s and vase f rom the L abirinto collec tion , Ginori 1735
The bespoke ‘ flower ’ lamp was created using some metal flowers found at a vintage fair in Parma. In this corner you can see parts of some of the original frescoes found under layers of whitewash.
B e s p o ke l a m p , b -a rc h
FAV O U R I T E R O O M ?
Silvia: The living room, where I like to relax while listening to music
M
Maximalist.
a sofa – it ’s an essential piece for creating those sharing moments
Gaudí’s La Pedrera in Barcelona takes inspiration from nature to make architecture – a true masterpiece
M
Wood – it reminds me of my childhood.
My father smelled of wood as he was a restorer of antique furniture
…Palazzo Strozzi for its beautiful exhibitions.
The restored Renaissance wall frescoes and terracotta flooring create a striking contrast with the sharp contemporary styling of the bookcase partition unit
B e s p o ke b o o kc a s e , b -a rc h V i nt a g e 1 9 6 0 s s o l i d - b ra s s b e d , tr y 1 s tD i b s P u re li n e n b e d s h e e t s , S o ci et y L i m o nt a Fo r b ra s s wa l l l i g h t s , tr y C h ris to p h e r Wray
A vintage 1960s Italian bookcase bought at an antiques market in Lucca is used to house a contemporary washbasin, while perfectly framing a mid- century mirror.
S i m il a r m i d - ce ntu r y s i d e t a b l e , Et s y C e ra m i c a Fl a m i n ia wa s h b a s i n , A rc h ito n i c Fo r Ro m e o R e g a - s t yl e m i r r o r s , tr y Ed B utc h e r
A X I M A L I S T O R M I N I M A L I S T ?
E V E R Y H O M E M U S T H AV E
YO U R FAV O U R I T E B U I L D I N G ?
U S T- H AV E M AT E R I A L?
W H E N I N F L O R E N C E , H E A D T O
T H I S P A L A Z Z O C O M E S
W I T H T H E B E A U T I F U L B A G G A G E O F A R T , S T O R Y , M E M O R I E S A N D S U G G E S T I O N – H E R E I C A N L I V E L I F E T O T H E F U L L E S T I N T H E H E A R T O F M Y C I T Y X
‘Even with two children I wasn’t going to say no to the pale upholstery,’ says Veronica. The bouclé gives the upholstery a luxurious yet inviting feel
Sici l ia n-bor n desig ner Veron ica Z i mba ro ha s i n f u sed her M i la nese apa r t ment w ith her sig nat u re g la morou s st yle – a nd it su it s fa m i ly l i fe per fectly
Veronica’s schemes with neutrals and bolds are the perfect balance between minimalism and maximalism and have the feel- good factor in spades.
h e n I s t a r t e d lo o k i n g for a h o m e i n M i l a n , I wa s sea rch i ng for somewhere t hat had a sen se of fa m i l ia r it y, ’ says Ve r o n i c a Z i m b a r o . ‘ W h e n I c a m e a c r o s s t h i s a p a r t m e n t , I i m me d iat el y k new it w a s t he r ig ht one ’ B or n a nd br e d i n Sici l y, t he daug hter of a wel l-k now n caterer f rom Me ssi na , t he i n f luence of t he sout h r u n s t h roug h her core ‘ W hat wa s most st r i k i ng to me about t h is apa r t ment wa s t he qua l it y of t he l ig ht – de spite bei ng i n M i la n , it tot a l ly rem i nded me of my sout her n It a ly.’
L o c at e d i n t h e c e nt r e of t h e cit y, t h e a p a r t m ent i s on one of M i la n ’ s mo s t evoc at ive h i s t or ic pia zza s ‘ We l ive i n P ia zza Sa nt a M a r i a d e l l e G r a z i e , o n e s t e p a w a y f r o m L e o n a r d o d a V i n c i ’ s C e n a c o l o V i n c i a n o m u s e u m , ’ s a y s Ve r o n i c a W h i l e t h e a p a r t m e n t ’ s h i g h c e i l i n g s a n d l a r g e w i n d ow s h a d e n t i c e d h e r, Veron ic a wa s f u l ly awa re of t he cha l lenge s t hat lay a head before it wou ld be su it able for fa m i ly l i fe w it h her hu sba nd , Ma rco Stora r i , a n d t h ei r t wo you n g c h i ld r en T h e layou t w a s her f i r s t pr ior it y ‘ I i m med iat ely t houg ht about how I cou ld t a i lor t he apa r t ment to t he ne e d s of ou r you ng fa m i ly. I s t a r t e d by cre at i ng i ndep endent b ed room s, each w it h it s ow n wa rd rob e a nd en- su it e bat h room I t hen ad a pt e d t he r e s t of t he sh a p e of t he a p a r t m ent t o ou r d a i l y ha bit s O n ly t hen d id I t u r n my at t ent ion t o t he choice of colou r s, mat er ia ls, wa l lpap er a nd f u r n it u re ’
T he reva mp t ook fou r mont h s a nd it ’ s p erhap s not su r pr i si ng it wa s so successf u l g iven Veron ica’s reput at ion for creat i ng g ra nd h o m e s f o r h i g h - n e t- w o r t h c l i e n t s A t h o m e , h e r s t y l e , w h i l e u n d o u b t e d l y l u x u r i o u s , i s n o t O T T M a n a g i n g t h e b a l a n c i n g ac t bet ween ma x i ma l i st a nd m i n i ma l i st , she ha s creat ed a fa m i ly s p ac e t h at i s r ela xe d ye t r ef i ne d . ‘ I w a nt e d ou r home t o b e b ot h w a r m a n d c o n t e m p o r a r y. I w a s n ’ t a f r a i d o f c o m b i n i n g s o f t c olou r s w it h b older sh ade s a nd , e ven w it h t he c h i ld r en , I w a sn’t goi ng to say no to t he pa le upholst er y ’
At t ent ion ha s been pa id to t he sma l le st det a i ls, so t h roug hout Veron ic a h a s cho s en t o pa i r a r t , s e at i ng a nd l ig ht i ng i n d i f ferent v ig net t e s t o br i ng a s en s e of s y m met r y t o e a c h a r e a . ‘ W h i le t he a i r i ne s s of t he apa r t ment wa s f u nda ment a l , each s pac e you pa s s t h r ou g h a l s o h a s i t s ow n m o o d , ’ s h e s ay s T h e m a i n b e d r o o m ’ s en s u it e i s a pa r t ic u la r fe at of a r t i s t r y ‘ W hen you ent e r you a r e s t u n n e d b y w a l l s c ove r e d i n a b l a c k a n d w h i t e j u n g l e - t h e m e d wa l lpap er. T he t wo m i r ror s a re i nt ended to mag n i f y t he ef fec t . ’
A s wel l a s t he decorat ive f lou r i she s, Veron ic a wa s prac t ic a l i n her a pproach It a l l c ome s t oget her i n a home t h at not on ly s u m s up her sig n at u re s t yle – c on f ident , fem i n i ne , soph i s t ic at e d – but work s for a ll the fa m ily ‘ My big gest cha llenge wa s to create a space for ch ild ren a nd adu lt s, ’ she says. She ha s more tha n succeeded.
Veronica Zimbaro, who owns VMaison, an interior design firm and boutique hotel brand She lives here with her husband, Marco Storari, a former professional footballer who now works as an advisor to the CEO of Juventus They share the apartment with their two children, Tommaso, 12 , and Piergiorgio, 11
An apartment on the first floor of a building dating from around 1900. There is a long hallway off which is a T V room, a living room and linked dining room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a balcony. Another corridor leads to the kitchen with laundry room, a WC , plus another bedroom with en-suite bathroom
huge pendants are intended to counterbalance the three -metrelong table custom- designed by Veronica to fit the space and large gatherings of family and friends.
The gold-lined pendants link to the brass base of the custom island
K i t c h e n d e sig n e d in co lla b o rati o n with El m a r C u s to m - m a d e i s l a n d i n g il d e d b ra s s a n d s u s p e n s i o n l a m p s i n wh ite p a p i e r- m â c h é a n d g o l d l e af, V M a i s o n Tr y 1 s tD i b s fo r vi nt a g e H a n s J We g n e r b a r s t o o l s
Without a doubt Patricia Urquiola Her work is inspired by the materials and shapes of her homeland, reinterpreted in a contemporary and innovative way, just as I am inspired by my Sicily.
Pierre Frey – his colour selections are totally unique and inimitable He has a sense of daring. He’s an icon.
Warm, colourful, eclectic
Mid- century modern – a revolution of forms and functionality
Customisation, warmth, softness.
A red lamp shade provides a splash of colour in this minimalist space.
B e r ke l ey b e d i n G rey f ro m D u s k h a s th i s l o o k B l a n ke t , H e r m è s Fo r a si m il a r wa l l co l o u r, tr y B l a c ke n e d by Fa r row & B a ll
A l d e r to n s i d e t a b l e , T h e C ot s wo l d C o m p a ny, is si m il a r
FAV O U R I T E F U R N I T U R E D E S I G N E R ?
YO U R S T Y L E I N T H R E E W O R D S ?
T H E B E S T D E S I G N T R E N D O F T H E L A S T C E N T U R Y ?
T H R E E V I TA L I N G R E D I E N T S T H AT M A K E A H O M E ?
While G reg N atale embraces marble overleaf, here designer Le e B room shows how traver tine c an add a sophistic ate d sof tness Take a leaf out of his book – literally, as Fashioning Design: Lee Broom (Rizzoli) is out now – and find new ways to embrace stone
H O W S T Y L I S H H O M E S A R E U S I N G N A T U R A L S T O N E , J O Y F U L C O L O U R S
F O R K I T C H E N S A N D T U R N I N G A B A T H R O O M I N T O A P A M P E R Z O N E
Marble finds its way rather naturally i n to t h i s k i tch e n , wh ich e n joys a sof t palette of woods , whites and brass Yellow leather stools deliver a bolder pop of colour but it’s the island that’s the showstopper ‘Curves are seen throughout the house, including here in the island bench which has a hand-carved cylindrical base made of Carrara marble,’ says Greg Strike stools , Arrm et at Ownworld Dot Line Suspension lig ht , L amber t & Fils Accessories , all G reg N atale
S U P P O R T I N G A C T
M A R B L E A N D G R A N I T E TA K E C E N T R E S TA G E I N A N E W B O O K B Y D E S I G N E R G R E G N ATA L E – B O T H W O V E N T H R O U G H S P A C E S I N A M A Z I N G W AY S
hallway floor features a custom Milano marble tile from Greg’s Largo collection with Teranova in a pattern of burgundy, pink, green and ivory ‘These four colours set the scene for the palette of the four-storey, fivebed house,’ says Greg The geometric design is picked up in the oversized mirror, a piece of art in its own right
d especially Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan,’ says Greg. ‘The huge openplan living, sitting and dining area owes its sense of gra ndeur to t he granite that defines the spaces.’
to
, N ef i ko Marble Travertine wallpaper, Fromental Vintage ceiling light in the style of Italian designer Angelo Lelli Gio Ponti Bilia lamp, Gineico Lighting Pamplona chairs, Augusto Savini for Pozzi at 1stDibs Chairs in Chérie fabric, Dedar Custom table, Greg Natale Artwork, Antonia Perricone Mrljak
Maximalist tropes are done subtly in this bathroom The combination o f g r e y t e r r a z z o , g e o m e t r i cp a t t e r n e d f l o o r i n g a n d a f l u t e d marble bath – ‘a play on the finger tiles also used in t he space,’ G reg s ays – g ives a pa t te rn cl a s h t h a t , t h a n k s t o t h e m o n o c h r o m a t i c palette, feels far from overwhelming Te r raz zo ce m e nt t i l e s , G re g N at a l e fo r Te ra n ova Ra k u f i n g e r t i l e s Te ra n ova M a n h at t a n b a t h / s h owe r d ive r t o r s e t , B ro dwa re C u s to m b a t h , G re g N at a l e
Choosing colours for any project is always d e p e n d e n t o n t h e l i g h t , p r o p o r t i o n s a n d a rch it e c t u re of t he s pac e I n a k it chen , however, a s t he hu b of t he home , t he u s e of br ig ht , f u n c olou r s a d d s a w e l c o m e d y n a m i s m a n d e n e r g y E v e n a neut ra l k it chen c a n pack a pu nch w it h a cont ra st i ng h i g h l i g h t o r a b o l d l o w l i g h t , s o l o n g a s t h a t c ont r a s t i ng t one i s u s e d i n t he c or r e c t pr op or t ion – a m a x i mu m of 3 0 % of t he ent i r e s c heme
A p l a s t e r f i n i s h i s w o n d e r f u l b e c a u s e i t f e e l s s o f t a n d s o m e w h a t r u s t i c T h e k e y t o t h i s l o o k i s c o o r d i n a t i n g b l o c k c o l o u r , a s w e l l a s c o l o u r s o f t h e s a m e t o n e a s t h e p l a s t e r – i n t h i s c a s e , t h e w a l l l i g h t a n d s k i r t i n g b o a r d , w h i c h a c t t o p r ov i d e s t a bi l it y a nd def i n it ion
T e x t u r e i n c o l o u r c h o i c e c a n o f t e n b e a c h i e v e d t h r o u g h l i g h t L ig ht h it s a t ex t u re d s u r fac e t o c r e a t e a g r a d u a t i o n o f t o n e s H e r e , t h e s c a l l o p e d e d g e o f t h e k i t c h e n u n i t prov ide s a t ac t i le ex p er ience a s w e l l a s t o n a l v a r i a t i o n t h a n k s t o t h e w a y t h e pa s t el aq u a m a r i n e t one a lt e r n at e s b e t we e n l ig ht a n d d a r k L a ye r i n g c olo u r s a l s o c r e a t e s t e x t u r e Wit hou t t he ener get ic s t r ip e of s t r ong pi n k ac r o s s t h e c e i l i n g , t h i s s c h e m e w o u l d b e s o m e w h a t s u b due d a nd lac k t he e s s ent ia l c h a r i sm a r e q u i r e d for a n ent er t a i n i ng s pac e
T h e p i n k s u s e d w i t h i n t h i s s c h e m e a r e d i f f e r i n g s t r e n g t h s o f s i m i l a r t o n e s . T h e p l a s t e r i s t he l ig ht er t one , t he t a p i s m id- s t r eng t h a nd t he b e a m i s t h e m o s t i n t e n s e p i n k T h e p l a s t e r c ont a i n s mor e pi n k t h a n or a nge , t he t a p c ont a i n s m o r e o r a n g e t h a n p i n k , a n d t h e b e a m c o n t a i n s b ot h r e d a n d o r a n g e . I f t h e c olou r s we r e a m at c h , t h e s c h e m e wo u ld fe e l le s s i nt e r e s t i n g A s a r u le ,
o n e l ig ht , o n e m id a n d o n e d a r k t on e w i l l p r ov i d e i m me d iat e c ont r a s t P ic k you r her o c olou r f i r s t –t he one t h at g rou nd s you r s cheme (i n t h i s c a s e , t he p l a s t e r) – t h e n c h o o s e t w o c o l o u r s t o u s e i n c om bi n at i o n , p i c k i n g o u t t h e u n d e r t o n e s of you r her o c olou r a s a s t a r t i ng p oi nt
T h e b l u e i s d e l i c a t e , b u t sl i g h t l y f r e s h e r a n d b r i g h t e r t h a n t h e w a l l s Avo i d c olo u r s o f s i m i l a r s t reng t h i n a scheme; t hey of t en f ig ht for at t ent ion . I n t h i s c a s e , t he pr op or t ion of c olou r s help s c r e at e a c o h e s i ve s c h e m e : t h e blu e i s 3 0 % of t h e s c h e m e a nd t he pla s t er a nd pi n k s t a ke u p t h e r e m a i n i n g 7 0 % , c r e at i ng t he p er fe c t b a la nc e .
B a b y b l u e a n d p i n k a r e o n o p p os i n g s i d e s of t h e c o l o u r w h e e l , s o t h e y n a t u r a l l y p r o v i d e a c o n t r a s t y e t c o m b i n e w e l l t o g e t h e r. It d o e s n o t m a t t e r s o m u c h t h a t t h e y a r e s i m i l a r s t r e n g t h s b e c a u s e t h e y a r e h i g h l y c ont r a s t i n g i n t h ei r m a ke -up T h e o l i v e - g r e y s h a d e s a r e a n u n e x p e c t e d c h o i c e b u t t h e y s e e m k e y t o k n o c k i n g t h i s s c h e m e ou t of b e i n g p u r el y p a s t el T h e y a l s o l i n k t h e n at u r a l wo o d a n d t h e pl a nt s , p r ov i d i n g t o n a l v a r iat ion a nd a sl ig ht l y ne w c olou r d i r e c t ion .
Th e b ri g h t wh i t e h e l p s to d i s t i n g u i s h t h e p l a s t e r a s a p i n k . It e n s u r e s t h e p i n k o n t h e b e a m c a n b e s e e n i n a l l i t s i n t e n s i t y a s w e l l a s m a k i n g a f e a t u r e o f t h e b l u e o n t h e u n i t . It a l s o h e l p s t o v i s u a l i s e t h e s u b t le d i f fe r e n c e s b e t we e n t he s of t er t one s , h ig h l ig ht i ng t he t ex t u r a l element w it h i n t he pla st er I a lways recom mend compa r i ng s o f t e r c o l o u r s a n d o f f-w h i t e s t o b r i g h t w h i t e t o en s u r e t he c olou r c a n b e s e en for w h at it t r u l y i s .
X
R u t h Mo t t e r s h e a d i s t h e c r e a t i v e d i r e c t o r o f L i t t l e G r e e n e , l i t t l e g r e e n e . c o m
T O G R A P H ( M A I N I M A G E ) A L E S S A N D R O T E A R A L L P A I N T C O L O U R S B Y L I T T L E G R E E N EH E R E , U P L I F T I N G H U E S C R E AT E A J O Y F U L S C H E M E – C O L O U R E X P E R T R U T H M O T T E R S H E A D E X P L A I N S W H Y I T W O R K S
A G L I M P S E A T G W Y N E T H ’ S S P A H A D U S A L L Y E A R N I N G F O R S O M E P A M P E R I N G – T H E S E T A K E A W A Y S A R E A C H I E V A B L E A N D , Y E S , A W E S O M EFEATURE Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
I t ’ s a p p r o a c h i n g 2 0 2 3 a n d l e t ’ s b e h o n e s t –t her e ’ s not h i ng mor e e s s ent ia l t o ou r wel l b ei ng t h a n s e l f- c a r e A n d , w h i l e w e ’ r e o n t h i s t o p i c , w h a t i f w e t o l d y o u t h a t a n i t i n e r a r y o f s a u n a , stea m , rela x i ng jet s a nd cucu mber water doesn’t ne e d t o b e l i m it e d t o a we ekend get away? T he se c r e a t u r e c o m fo r t s – w h i c h , p u t t o g e t h e r, s p e l l ‘ s p a ’ – c o u l d b e a n at- h o m e lu x u r y, t o o T h at ’ s r ig ht – we ’ re a sk i ng you to pa r t a ke i n t he f re she st (a n d p o s s i b l y t h e m o s t i n d u l g e n t) n e w t r e n d : at-home spa s t hat epitom i se ‘ me t i me ’
T he m a k i ng s of a n ide a l s pa , you a sk? Rom a nek D e s i g n S t u d i o ’ s s p a f o r G w y n e t h P a l t r o w ’ s M o n t e c i t o h o m e , p i c t u r e d , c o m e s t o m i n d . I t ’ s a s y b a r i t i c s p a c e w i t h a l o n g , d e e p p o o l , w h e r e for m , f low, p r o p o r t io n , m at e r i a l , c olou r a nd tex t u re converge to create a sou l-nou r i sh i ng i nt e r io r Mo r e l i ke a n a n c ie nt b at h s p a -m e e t smoder n i ndu lgence, w it h u nex pec t ed mater ia ls, v i v i d t i l e s a n d o p e n s h o w e r s , i t ’ s a c o c o o n o f pu r e lu x u r y a nd bl i s s ‘ We c onc e pt u a l i s e d t h i s s p a a s a n u n d e r w a t e r j o u r n e y, ’ s a y s B r i g e t t e Rom a nek , fou nder of Rom a nek D e sig n St ud io ‘ I t m a k e s y o u e x h a l e S e r e n i t y i s a c h i e v e d b y t h e s o f t , p a l e g r e e n a n d b l u e t i l e s n o t rea l ly b r e a k i n g t h e l i n e s ’
Fo r t h o s e w h o h a v e r o o m t o s p a r e (o r a m p l e c r e at i v it y), you c a n t r a n s for m a n ou t do or a r e a , t h e b at h r o o m o r e ve n t h e b a l c o n y i n t o a s p a c e t h a t h o s t s t h e t e n s i o n - e a s i n g c o m f o r t s o f a p r e f a b o r c u s t o m - b u i l t s a u n a , a s t e a m s h owe r, a J a c u z z i o r e v e n a p l u n g e p o o l A l o n g w i t h s p e cia l i n s t a l lat ion s , u si ng plu sh m at er ia l s s uch a s m a r b l e , b u i l t- i n o r s i n k- i n t u b s a n d o r n a t e va n it y u n it s ca n a lso add to t he zen-l i ke appea l of t h e bat h r o om Plu s , w it h t h e p e p p er i ng of you r favou r it e el i x i r s t o t he wat er (e s s ent ia l oi l s t h at h ave r e s t or at i ve pr op er t ie s , or bat h b om b s t h at m o i s t u r i s e t h e s k i n), t h e r e ’ s n o t h i n g s t o p p i n g you f r om let t i ng go. R ela x , r eju ven at e a nd t r e at y o u r s e l f t o s o m e ‘ m e t i m e ’ – y o u d e s e r v e i t
N o t h i n g s p e l l s l u x u r y q u i t e l i k e a s u n k e n , b u i l t - i n t u b T h e y r e m i n d u s o f o u t d o o r p o o l s , y e t t h e y ’ r e m u c h s l e e k e r, s m a r t e r, a n d h ave a n i n h e re n t so p h i s t i c a t io n to t h e m . To c rea te s ea m l es s , u n i n te rru p te d vi ews i n t h e b a t h ro o m , c h o os e u n i f o rm t i l es f o r t h e fl o o r a n d t h e t u b – p r e f e r a b l y m u t e d o n e s t h a t i nvo ke a r e s t f u l v i b e . A s c u l p t u r a l s t o o l a n d f o l i a g e w i l l a d d t o t h e ove r a l l e nv i r o n m e n t . ‘ We designed this space to be as beautiful on the inside as that of the view outside,’ says
G ET THE LOOK Vintage stool, Love Adorned Artwork
W h e n t h e w e a t h e r i s c h i l l y a n d t h e wo r l d s e e m s g l o o my, t h e r e a r e f e w b e t t e r p l a c e s t o b e t h a n i n a t o a s t y h o t t u b – b u t n o n e e d to b o o k a n a p p o i n t m e n t f o r o n e I n l a r g e r h o m es , i n s t a l l t h i s ‘ swi m s p a ’ i n s i d e t h e b a t h ro o m o r a n o u t d o o r a re a W h i l e s to re - b o u g h t h o t t u b s a r e w e l l s t o c k e d w i t h e x t r a f e a t u r e s , c o n s i d e r c u s t o m i s a t i o n , t o o . C h o o s e b e t w e e n s t o n e , w o o d o r e v e n c o n c r e t e designs , along with coloured glass tiles for a unique look
G ET THE LOOK Design by K Interiors Chair, CB2
Every
t mirrors ‘ This design was abou t paring back to create sim plicit y and a sense of harmony,’ says Jin Chen , founder, ECRU Studio
GET THE LOOK Basins custom-made by ECRU Studio Vanity mirrors and wall lamps, @undercurrentobject Bathtub, Axent
Bask in your ver y own heated haven , indoors If your home offers s p l e n d i d views , co n s i d e r a d d i n g a s a u n a – o n e t h a t ’s rea dy - toinstall or custom built – next to a window for pure relaxation ‘ The design leverages the natural characteristics of the site to create a sense of place, while heightening the legibility of the landscape,’ says Michael Amantea , founder of Amantea Architects
G ET THE LOOK Sauna custom-designed by Amantea Architects
With more low cabinets over the page, our eyes were caught by London-based architects DEDR AF T’s latest project Clay plastered walls meet contemporar y design for a pad that feels par tyready Abbado cabinet by Julian Chichester; Dipping light by Marset; Anemone lamp by Best & Lloyd
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E B E S T B A T H A N D O U R M O S T W A N T E D D E S I G N S
T H E S E S T O R A G E S O L V E R S C A N B E D E S I G N S T A R S T O O – S A R A H P E A K E O F S T U D I O P E A K E R E V E A L S H E R F A V O U R I T E S O U R C E S
C hoosi ng a sideboa rd is about for m a nd f u nc t ion – what else w i l l it r elat e t o i n t he s pac e a nd w h at pu r p o s e do e s it ne e d t o ser ve? T he mat er ia l i s a l so key – a s a la rge piece, it ha s t o wor k wel l w it h w h at el s e i s t h e r e We h ave u s e d pie c e s b y t he Ga lv i n Brot her s , w ho a re York sh i re -ba s e d m a ker s , on a nu m b e r of p r oj e c t s T h e y c r e at e q u a l it y f u r n i t u r e w it h s i m ple for m s a n d a n e ye for d e t a i l – a n d t h e d e s i g n s lo o k g reat i n bot h tow n a nd cou nt r y set t i ng s. We ’ re big fa n s!
T h e r e i s n o s i d e b o a r d m o r e g l a m o r o u s (i n m y hu m ble opi n ion !) t h a n t he br a s s c a bi net by I l s e Cr aw for d It s i t s p e r fe c t l y i n a n e le g a nt d i n i n g r o o m a l o n g s i d e r i c h w a l n u t f u r n i t u r e a n d c o l o u r f u l a r t It a l s o h a s m a n y c u s t o m i s a b l e o p t i o n s f o r i n t e r n a l s – t h e ‘ b a r ’ m o d u l e i s a pa r t icu la r favou r it e of m i ne.
P I N C H D E S I G N
I love t he beaut i f u l ly made f u r n it u re by t he hu sba nd a nd w i fe fou nder s of P i nch I’ve u sed t h i s sideboa rd (a bove) on a nu mber of projec t s P i nch i s a lso ver y f lex ible when i t c om e s t o b e s p o ke i t e m s – for e x a m ple , c u s t o m i s i n g t he i nt er ior s of t he sideboa rd to su it each cl ient ’ s need s.
I ’ v e o n l y b o u g h t o n e p i e c e o f f u r n i t u r e f r o m S t u d i o P a s t o e b e f o r e – t h e N o o n side b o a r d , for a c ont em p or a r y pr oje c t i n L o n d o n w i t h a n e n o r m o u s p h o t o g r a p h a b o v e i t C o m b i n e d w i t h l o t s o f t i m b e r a nd nat u r a l mat er ia l s i n t he pa let t e it wa s exac tly t he colou r cont ra st t hat we needed to l iven up a op en-pla n l iv i ng space
These designs are timeless, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t also exciting – as the Regency Wave cabinets prove
We s ou r c e f r om t he s e g u y s a l l t he t i me – t he y h ave a n a m a z i n g l y t a le n t e d c o m mu n i t y of m a ke r s a n d t he shop t r u ly i s a c ele br at ion of Br it i sh cr a f t I f i nd t hei r pr o duc t s a r e a l w ay s b e au t i f u l l y det a i le d a nd except iona l ly made. I’m cu r rent ly de sp erat e t o f i nd somew here t o u se t he Welcome sideb oa rd i n Pet rol Blue by Mat t hew R aw, show n lef t
W h e n we w a nt s o m e t h i n g r e a l l y s p e c i a l , we t u r n here. T he piece s never fa i l t o t h r i l l a n d I k n o w t h e q u a l i t y w i l l b e s e c o n d t o n o n e I ’d love t o f i n d a pl a c e fo r t h e Cr o s s
T h e L i n e s i d e b o a r d b y d e s i g n e r D a m i e n
L a ng loi s-Meu r i n ne on a projec t soon .
For a sideboard that ’s sleek and sophisticated, this Italian brand is a good bet – we love the range of finishes on of fer
H E L I V I N G E T C T E A M R E C O M M E N D S
It ’ s t h e t i m e of ye a r w h e n we ’ r e a l l c r a v i n g s o m e m u c h - n e e d e d T L C a nd a long s oa k i n a s pa-l i ke sa nc t ua r y bat h ro om i s ju s t t he t ic ke t . B u t h ow d o yo u g o a b o u t f i n d i n g t h e b at h t h at wo r k s fo r t he s pac e you h ave , w h at a r e t he t op t u b t r end s a nd how c a n you p i c k f r o m t h e s e e m i n g l y l i m i t l e s s s t y l e s o u t t h e r e? We ’ v e p u t toget her some ha nd y poi nt er s when shoppi ng for you r d rea m t ub
Fre es t a n d i n g ba t h s a re a n eve r - p o p u l a r s t yl e a n d a s in demand as ever. ‘ T hey a re t he u lt i mat e def i n it ion of lu x u r y a nd t he st a r of t he show,’ says Ba r r ie Cutch ie of BC Desig n s A s well a s t h e t r a d i t i o n a l c l a w f o o t a n d r o l l - t o p l o o k , t h e r e a r e s l e e k , moder n de sig n s t hat feat u re orga n ic cu r ve s ‘Add i ng cu r ve s to t he b a t h r o o m c a n i n t r o d u c e a v i s u a l r h y t h m t h a t i n f u s e s a m o r e rela xed , sof t er feel to t he space, remov i ng ha r sh l i ne s a nd a ng u la r cor ners, ’ says Ba r r ie Victor ia + A lber t ’ s recent ra nge does ju st t h is, i nclud i ng t he low-ly i ng Napol i f ree st a nd i ng bat h ‘ F luted f i n ishe s a r e d o m i n a t i n g t h e b a t h r o o m s c e n e , ’ s a y s L e e R e e d o f E a s y B at h r o o m s . ‘ O u r O l y m p i a t u b b r i n g s c u r ve a n d t e x t u r e t o t h e space ’ I n set bat h s a re a cheap er, space - sav i ng opt ion but c a n st i l l creat e a lu xe look T he adva nt age of a bu i lt-i n bat h i s it s su it abi l it y for bat h i ng a nd shower i ng Vic tor ia + A lber t ’ s K a ldera ha s a cr i sp prof i le a nd a n ergonom ic 32 - deg ree a ng le of recl i ne
For bijou bat h room s , a rou n d 2 -3 m by 1 5 m , a s m a ller b a t h o f a r o u n d 1 , 5 0 0 m m o r l e s s w i l l wo r k . I f s p a c e i s at a p r e m i u m , i t d o e s n ’t m e a n yo u h a ve t o b a n i s h yo u r d r e a m s o f a b e a u t i f u l b a t h ‘A b a t h i n a s m a l l e r e n s u i t e i s s t i l l a c h i e v a b l e T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l m o d e l s o u t t h e r e t h a t a r e 1 , 3 0 0 -1 ,4 0 0 m m , w h i c h i s s m a l le r t h a n m a n y s h o w e r s , ’ s a y s B a r r i e L o o k t o a c om pac t sl ipp er bat h – a n a s y m met r ic a l f r e e s t a n d i n g b a t h r a i s e d a t o n e e n d s o t h e b at h e r c a n b e i m m e r s e d . I f yo u l a c k s p a c e b u t s t i l l w a n t t h a t s p e c i a l t u b , con sider a bat h i n t he bed room i n st ead
M a k e s u r e t h a t t h e r e i s e n o u g h r o o m t o b r i n g yo u r c h o s e n b a t h into your home t h roug h door ways, a rou nd cor ner s a nd up t he st a i r s ‘ We have k now n p eople have t o t a ke w i ndows out a nd h i re a c r a n e t o get it i n , ’ s ay s B a r r ie Me a s u r e t h e le ng t h , heig ht a n d w i d t h a n d c o n s i d e r w h e t h e r y o u ’ r e g o i n g s i n g l e - e n d e d , w i t h t a p s a nd a plug at one end , or dou ble - ende d , w h ich h ave t a p s a nd plug i n t h e c e nt r e a n d of fe r a c h oic e of w h ic h w ay t o l ie , a b e t t er f it for t a l ler p eople a nd prac t ic a l it y for bat h i ng ch i ld ren
People always forget to consider weight when looking at new baths A cha nge i n bat h mater ia l m ig ht d ra st ica lly cha nge t he weig ht so con sider t he f loor a nd w het her it c a n hold you r new bat h’s weig ht – a n d don’t for g et ad de d w at e r weig ht . I f you ’ r e i n dou bt , do che ck w it h a bu i lder or s t r uc t u r a l eng i ne er Mat er ia l s va r y f rom acr yl ic t o c a s t i ron t o sol id su r fac e Met a l bat h s – such a s c o p p e r, t i n a n d n i c ke l – a r e b i g n e w s at t h e m o m e n t S t e el i s ha rd-wea r i ng a nd ret a i n s heat wel l, wh i le c a s t i r o n g i v e s t h e t r a d i t i o n a l l o o k f o r f r e e s t a n d i n g b a t h s , i s h a r d - w e a r i n g , b u t s e r i o u s l y h e a v y – s e e D r u m m o n d s ’ Av o n b a t h , a s k i r t e d t u b i n a v a r i e t y o f colou red f i n i she s Vic tor ia + A lber t Bat h s i s k n o w n f o r c r a f t i n g b a t h s u s i n g i t s u n ique Q ua r r yc a s t m at er ia l . Made f rom volc a n ic l i me stone, it i s sup er lig ht weig ht , st rong a nd scratch-resist a nt
A c r y l i c i s t h e m o s t p o p u l a r m a t e r i a l a n d i s b u d g e t f r i e n d l y a n d l i g h t . It i s e a s y t o c a r e f o r, r e t a i n s h e a t w e l l , b u t i s n o t r e c y c l a b l e a n d c a n s c r a t c h A c r y l i c h a s b e e n d e v e l o p e d t o b e creat ed ea si ly i n a va r iet y of colou r s, l i ke Vic t or ia + A lber t Bat h s ’ om bré A m iat a bat h ‘A rou nd one i n eig ht Vic t or ia + A lb er t bat h s a re now sold w it h a pa i nted ex ter ior, f rom a choice of over 20 0 R A L colou r s, ’ says E m ma Joyce of Hou se of Roh l P roof i ndeed t hat we a l l wa nt somet h i ng except iona l when it comes to ou r even i ng soa k
W E ’ R E H E R E T O H E L P Y O U M A K E S E N S E O F T H E D I Z Z Y I N G A R R A Y O F M A T E R I A L S , S H A P E S , C O L O U R S A N D S T Y L E S B E F O R E Y O U B U Y
C O N S I D E R T H E F L O O R A N D W H E T H E R I T C A N H O L D Y O U R N E W B A T H ’ S W E I G H T –A N D D O N ’ T F O R G E T W A T E R W E I G H THollywood bath, Devon&Devon at West One Bathrooms
At Brook Perdigon Textiles the creative pot is always stirring Designers paint sketches, h a n d - c a r v e b l o c k s o r h a n d - c ut s t e n c i l s b e fo r e t r a n s fer r i n g e a ch p at t er n i nt o a n or ig inal fabr ic desig n The studio reg ularly collaborates w ith local ar tists and pr inters, a nd e a c h c ol le c t i o n t h at em er g e s t el l s a f a s c i n a t i n g s t o r y o f s h a r e d c u l t u r e s , thoug ht s a nd ide a s. T he late st of fer i ng –Indos Field wallcoverings and fabrics sheds lig ht on the Indonesian archipelago, where tr adition a l tex ti le s r epre s ent the i sl a nds, p e o pl e a nd c u lt u r e s of t h e r e g i o n E a c h product is inspired by esoter ic Indonesian p a t t e r n s a n d a n c i e n t G r e e k d e s i g n s , resulting in charming, organic shapes Now, allow your walls to do all the talk ing
B R O O K P E R D I G O N T E X T I
A W O N D E R F U L S T O R Y O F B O L D P A T T E R N A N D C O L O U R R E A C H E S U S F R O M A B R A N D T H A T W O R K S W I T H M A K E R S F R O M A R O U N D T H E W O R L D
T I M E L E S S D E S I G N
D a n i s h d e s i g n c o m p a n y B o l i a d e l i v e r s ref i ne d S c a nd i n av ia n s t yle i n s pade s , a nd t h e n e w s o f a s i n i t s AW 2 2 c o l l e c t i o n –Veneda , Ca ro a nd Ma li n – a re no except ion A l l t h r e e s t y l e s a r e t i m e l e s s a n d s o p h i s t i c a t e d , b u t w e ’ r e p a r t i c u l a r l y t a ken by Vene d a , w h ic h t a ke s i n s pi r at ion f r o m c o n t e m p o r a r y E n g l i s h d e s i g n T h e r e s u l t : a s l e e k , e l e g a n t p i e c e w i t h s t r o n g mo der n l i ne s a nd a m i n i m a l i s t f i n i sh t h at w i l l a d d s o p h i s t i c a t i o n t o a n y s c h e m e . Veneda sofa , pr ice on reque st , B ol ia
T h e C o t s w o l d - b a s e d b u s i n e s s V i g o u r a n d S k i l l s c ele b r at e s t h e c r a f t s m a n s h i p of t h e i r n e i g h b o u r i n g creat ive com mu n it ie s, s t ock i ng b eaut i f u l homewa re, clot h i ng a nd l i fe st yle acce s sor ie s Ca se i n poi nt : t he se c o l o u r f u l h a n d - b l o w n t u m b l e r s f r o m g l a s s b l o w e r E m sie Sha r p. Tu mbler s, £2 8 each , Vigou r a nd Sk i l ls
S I T T I N G P R E T T Y L E r c o l a n i ’ s u p h o l s t e r e d F l o w c h a i r p r e v i e w e d a t Sa lone del Mobi le a nd look s set to be a f ut u re cla s sic A collaborat ion w it h Japa nese desig ner Tomoko A z u m i, it t a ke s t he F low cha i r – f i r st i nt roduced i n 2 015 – a nd up g r ade s it w it h s of t s e at i ng for a pie c e w it h c om for t and st yle Choose f rom a leat her- or fabr ic-upholstered seat T he F low cha i r st a r t s at £ 63 0, L E rcola n i
A r tist a nd desig ner Lu ke Edwa rd Ha ll ha s done it a ga i n : h i s s e c ond c a p s u le c ol le c t i o n of c a n d le s w i t h d e s i g n e r p o r c e l a i n b r a n d G i n o r i 1 7 3 5 h a s f low n r ig ht to t he top of ou r w i sh l i st Fo r e a c h o f t h e f i v e s c e n t s –w h ich a re i n spi red by Lu ke ’ s favou rite destinations – there a r e m a t c h i n g a c c e s s o r i e s , i nclud i ng plat e s a nd t r i n ket b o x e s , s o y o u c a n i n j e c t a l it t le ex t ra w h i m s y i nt o you r h o m e F r o m £ 1 2 0 , G i n o r i 173 5 ; ava i la ble at S el f r idge s , L iber t y, Ha r rod s a nd A ma ra
A N E D I T O F T H E B E A U T I E S O N T E A M L I V I N G E T C ’ S S H O P P I N G R A D A R T H I S M O N T H
fec t for ser v i ng up fe st ive d r i n k s or snack s Green A rabe sque ma rble t ray, £194 2 5 , E cr u
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A s s e e n a t L o n d o n D e s i g n Fe s t i v a l , d e s i g n st ud io Atel ier Roc ’ s f i r st l i m ited ed it ion t h row c o l l e c t i o n i s s o m e t h i n g t o b e h o l d . C r a f t e d f r o m M e r i n o w o o l , t h e r e v e r s i b l e t h r o w s c o m e i n e y e - c a t c h i n g c o l o u r w a y s – t h i n k w a r m bu r nt or a nge s a nd r u s t r e d s c om bi ne d w it h hot pi n k a nd sk y blue – w it h b e aut i f u l l y i nt r ic at e , l i ne d r aw i ng- e s que de sig n s . Here ’ s h o p i n g t h e r e ’ s a s e c o n d c o l l e c t i o n o n t h e c a rd s Isle of Sk ye Mer i no hot pi n k rever sible jacqua rd t h row, £ 395 , At el ier Roc
London-based desig n st udio A Ru m Fellow has added t wo new fa br ic de sig n s t o it s ro s t er w it h t he lau nch of t he Pep enado col lec t ion , na med a f t er t he a r t i sa n t ech n ique t hat see s g raph ic icon s t h readed onto t he loom Fable i s a play f u l ha ndwoven pla id – a moder n t a ke on t h i s fa m i l ia r pat t er n – w h i le R ib b on u s e s a t r a d i t i o n a l t i c k i n g s t r i p e a s t h e b a c k d r o p f o r i t s icon s B ot h de sig n s a re ava i lable i n fou r colou r ways a n d t h e f a b r i c s a r e m a d e b y i n d i g e n o u s m a s t e r weaver s i n Guat ema la . S ofa i n Fable Glade f rom t he Pep enado col lec t ion , £195m , A Ru m Fel low
P i c t u r e S u n d a y m o r n i n g s lo u n g i n g i n t h i s c h a i r a n d o t t o m a n s e t f r o m d e s i g n e r M a t t h e w H i l t o n f o r C a s e F u r n it u re. Pa r t of t he new El la ra nge, t h e l o u n g e c h a i r i s d e s i g n e d w i t h c o c o on i n g ‘ w i n g s ’ for a n envelo pi ng fe el , w h i le t h e fo ot s t o ol i s c u r ve d t o m i r r or t he sh a p e . T he b ouclé - e s q ue Mo s s f a b r i c m a k e s f o r a m o o d y b u t n e u t r a l a d d i t i o n t o a s c h e m e E l l a lou nge c h a i r, £ 8 8 0 ; ot t om a n , £ 3 6 0, b o t h i n M o s s b y M a t t h e w H i l t o n , Ca se F u r n it u re
B r e a k f a s t i n b e d n e v e r l o o k e d s o g o o d t h a n k s t o L o n d o n - b a s e d d e s i g n s t u d i o CUSTHOM’s brea k fa st set , sold exclusively on Gla s set te Each piece ha s a beaut i f u l raw q u a l i t y t h a t r e f l e c t s t h e c a r e p l a c e d i n t o m a k i ng t h em : t h e y ’ r e sl ip c a s t i n L ondon , made f rom stonewa re i n sma l l bat che s. T he r a n g e i n c l u d e s a m i l k j u g , l a r g e j u g , c u p , p l a t e a n d b o w l , w h i c h c a n b e p u r c h a s e d sepa rately or a s set s COU N T ER collect ion by CUST HOM , f rom £ 4 0, Gla s set t e
B l a c k c u l t u r e a n d h i s t o r y, a s we l l a s m ig rat ion , a re at t he hea r t of de sig nera r t i s t Had iya Wi l l ia m s ’ col lec t ion for S c h u m a c h e r . H a d i y a ’ s p a t t e r n e d fabrics nod to 60s a nd 70s st yle, a nd this pr i nt i s pa r t icu la rly f u n , w it h ab st rac t s h a p e s i n a l i v e l y g r i d T h r e s h o l d pr i nt e d l i nen i n Sa lt & O ch re , £198m , Had iya Wi l l ia m s x S chu macher
We spot t ed t he E kero la mp by Porada at Sa lone del Mobi le – a nd we ’ ve b e en t h i n k i n g a b o u t i t e v e r s i n c e T h e s e scu lpt u ra l piece s, de sig ned by St a f fa n To l l g å r d a n d F i l i p p o C a s t e l l a n i f o r t h e i r o n g oi n g c ol la b o r at ion , b a l a n c e l ig ht a n d den s it y t h r oug h c om bi n i n g g la s s a nd ma rble, a nd t a ke i n spi rat ion f r o m E k e r o ’ s s t a t e m e n t v a l e t s t a n d . E kero la mp, pr ice on reque st , Porada
H o u s e o f H a c k n e y ’ s AW 2 2 wa l lpap er c ol le c t ion i s i n s pi re d by t he C or n i sh s e a , t a k i ng c ue s f rom t he rol l i ng wave s, smoot hl i p p e d s h e l l s – a n d e v e n m e r m a i d s O u r p e r s o n a l f a v o u r i t e p r i n t , N a n j i z a l , i s a hom a ge t o Treve s c a n C ove a nd i t s c r y s t a l l i n e w a t e r s – a n d i n f o u r r i c h c o l o u r w a y s t h e r e ’ s a p a l e t t e t o s u i t m o s t h o m e s Na njiza l wa llpaper in Ca r nelia n, f r o m £ 1 9 5 f o r 3 m f u l l - h e i g h t pap er, Hou se of Hack ney
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T h o u g h t f u l d e s i g n i s a t t h e h e a r t o f t h e B a r r o p e n d a n t , a n e w p i e c e b y Caterina Moret ti for Seat tle a n d A m s t e r d a m - b a s e d d e s i g n p r a c t i c e St ud io Gr ay pa nt s Ha ndcr a f t e d f rom clay sou rced f rom Oa xaca a nd f i n ished w ith on ly heat a nd smoke, it repre sent s a ma r r iage of t r a d i t i o n a l t e c h n iq u e s a n d m o d e r n s t y le T h e p i e c e s a r e f i n i s h e d i n N a t u r a l o r C ha rcoa l Clay a nd enc a sed i n a blow n g la s s dome, wh ich Cat er i na made wh i le work i ng clo s el y w it h lo c a l a r t i s a n A m a ndo Pe d r o. Tr u e c r a f t s m a n s h i p a t i t s f i n e s t B a r r o penda nt , price on request , St ud io Gray pa nt s
Not h i ng feels qu ite a s good a s f r e sh new b e dd i ng , a nd now t here ’ s a new plac e t o sou rc e y o u r 3 0 0 - t h r e a d - c o u n t s h e e t s : G o s s & G e n u s Fo u n d e d b y R e e m H o s t e , w h o d r e a m e d u p t h e i d e a a f t e r s t r u g g l i n g t o f i n d h ig h- qua l it y, et h ic a l ly made b e d l i n e n s , t h e b r a n d u s e s 10 0 % G O TS or ga n ic c ot t on a n d a b e a u t i f u l , m i n i m a l g r a y s c a l e c o l o u r p a l e t t e F r o m £ 3 0 f o r a p a i r o f pi l lowc a se s, G os s & G enu s
Fo r s o m e , t h e v e r y i d e a o f t e e t e r i n g i n t o e c l e c t i c i s m m i g h t c o n j u r e up ide a s of b old de c or cla she s a nd a c er t a i n f u l l- on ener g y Not t he c a s e w i t h 2 02 3 ’ s n e w t a ke o n t h e e cle c t i c a e s t h e t ic A n d t h e l at e s t of fe r i n g f rom M&S Home back s u s up w it h a d i st i nc tly ch ic, tona l a nd pa red-back r ou t e t o a c h ie v i n g w h at i s m or e of a s oug ht- a f t e r m e m b e r s ’ clu b v i b e –t h e h ol y g r a i l o f a n e c l e c t i c i n t e r i o r. W h a t ’ s t h e k e y t o a c h i e v i n g t h i s l o o k a t h o m e? We l l , e v e n w h e n i t c o m e s t o l a y e r i n g u p c o l o u r a n d e m b r a c i n g p a t t e r n ‘ l e s s i s u s u a l l y m o r e ’ , s a y s d e s i g n e r E v a S o n a i k e I m p a r t i n g h e r d e s i g n w i s d o m , E v a e x pl a i n s h e r t o p t r i c k s a n d t i p s o n get t i ng t he look spot on , w it h M&S Home
It ’ s cer t a i n ly a good idea to i nt roduce colou r but , a s Eva ex pla i n s, re st ra i n you r sel f f rom goi ng overboa rd a nd l i m it colou r choice s t o a ma x i mu m of t h r e e ‘ W hen it c ome s t o c om bi n i ng c olou r s , c ho o s e f i n i sh i ng pie c e s i n t wo or t h r e e ac c ent sh ade s For w i nt er, r u n t he s e hue s t h r oug h weig ht y cu r t a i n s, layered cu sh ion s a nd cocoon i ng t h rows. Tr y t a k i ng i n spi rat ion f r o m a p i e c e of a r t wo r k yo u love , ’ s h e s a y s S i m i l a rl y, w h e n lo o k i n g at br i ng i ng i n pat t er n a nd pr i nt s , ‘ a i m for one or t wo pat t er n s i n d i f fer ent sca les but w it h complement a r y colou rs a nd shapes’ A s Eva demon st rates here, she a lt er nat e s pat t er ned cu sh ion s w it h pla i n one s for ba la nce
I n a d d i t io n t o c olo u r a n d p r i nt s , s e e t e x t u r e a s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o a d d i ntere st a nd t hat a l l-i mpor t a nt feel i ng of lu x u r iou s com for t ‘ Use tex t u re t o c r e at e a r e a l l y c o c o on i ng s p ac e t h at you ’ l l w a nt t o h i b er n at e aw ay i n d u r i n g t h e c ol d e r m o n t h s , ’ e x pl a i n s E v a ‘ T h e c o n t r a s t i n g f i n i s h e s of t h e b e d s i d e t a b l e , t h r o w s a n d c u s h i o n s t h a t I ’ v e c h o s e n h e r e h e l p t o del iver re a l dept h ’ W hat ’ s t he overa l l goa l to remember? It ’ s ach iev i ng ‘ a r e s t f u l a nd welc om i ng s pac e t h at ’ s a l s o c on s id e r e d a n d c o h e s i ve , ’ s ay s Eva No need to joi n t he member s ’ club t hen
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No one has mastered flooring quite as well as Madrid-based studio Sierra + De La Higuera H erringbone high -shine yellow blends into brick in a shining example of zoning a home See more kitchen floor trends on page 13 8
I L L U M I N A T I N G W A Y S T O F L O O D Y O U R H O M E W I T H L I G H T , K I T C H E N F L O O R L O O K S A N D A N A R C H I T E C T U R A L T R E N D T H AT D E L I V E R S S O C I A B L E S E A T I N G
C of fe e af i ci o n a d o s , th i s one’s for you: you can now get barista-grade brews at h o m e w i t h L a P avo n i ’s range of semi-professional c o f f e e m a c h i n e s T h e C e l l i n i C l a s s i c , C e l l i n i Evoluzione and B ot ticelli S p e c i a l i t y m a c h i n e s c o m b i n e t i m e l e s s s t y l e with the brand’s expertise a n d at te ntion to d et a il T h i s i s a n i nve s tm e n t yo u ’l l b e g r a te f u l f o r ever y morning From £ 1 , 6 4 9 . 9 5 f o r t h e C e l l i n i C l a s s i c (pictured); £2,649 95 for the Botticelli, La Pavoni
You’ll know C aesarstone for its quar tz sur faces, but the brand is branching out with a new range of porcelain worktops Made from ceramic clays and minerals, porcelain is beautiful as well as functional – and chief designer Mor Krisher was keen to embrace its materiality and texture: ‘ We wanted the feeling to be natural above all,’ says Mor Heat- and UV-resistant and easy to clean, there are more than 20 design options to choose from – all backed by C aesarstone’s l i f e ti m e wa r r a n t y 501 Snowdrif t work top from t he Porcelain Collection, £600sq m, Caesarstone
Buster + Punch has been busy with new launches
The first, a new shelving s o l u t i o n , f e a t u r e s t w o d e s i g n s : G i r d e r , a n a l u m i n i u m s h e l f w i t h delicate metal guard rail, a n d H a n g e r , w h i c h features all of the above plus a solid metal pan rail T h e s e co n d i s C A S T, a hand-cast hardware range B oth b o a s t th e b ra n d ’s a t te n ti o n to d e t a i l a n d l u x e i n d u s t r i a l s t y l e . Prices start at £550 for Girder and from £650 for Hanger; CAST starts from £65, Buster + Punch
Think of BC Designs’ new Patinata boat bath as a sort of love letter to the intricacies of copper Putting the material front and centre, it features an antique copper interior with a vibrant blue patin a - ef fec t f inis h Th e re ’s a lso a m atching basin, to be used in conjunction with the bath or as a standalone piece Available in two sizes –1500mm and 1700mm – the bath is handcrafted u s i n g t ra d itio n a l te ch n i q u e s , so e a ch o n e i s unique in terms of gentle undulations and subtle colour variation A true one - of-a -kind design Pat i n at a boat bat h , f rom £4 , 2 9 6 . 60 ; ba si n , £628.52, BC Designs
I n t r o d u c i n g L A - b o r n , A m s t e r d a m - b a s e d homeware brand Autumn S o n a t a , w h i c h i s o n a m i s s i o n t o e l e v a t e e v e r y d a y h o u s e h o l d i t e m s – s t a r t i n g w i t h towels Founder Lilli Elias drew on her background a s a n a rc h ivis t a n d h e r fascination with antique p r i n t s a n d t e x t i l e s t o c r e a te a b e a u ti f u l f i r s t collection featuring bath towels and bath mats in d e s i g n s i n s p i r e d b y Indonesian ikat weaving techniques and Japanese K a t a z o m e s t e n c i l p r a c ti ce s A l l p ro d u c t s u s e 1 0 0 % c o t t o n a n d a r e e t h i c a l l y m a d e i n P o r t u g a l B a t h towe l s , €78 each, Autumn Sonata
The crystallised texture of this glass pendant from Roth s c h il d & B i c ke r s i s a c t u a l l y re c yc l e d g l a s s f rit , a byp ro d u c t of th e g l a s s b l o w i n g p r o c e s s
T h e p e n d a n t s a r e handblown , giving each piece a unique character, and there are six vintagei n s p i r e d c o l o u r s t o c h o o s e f r o m : O c h r e , Sargasso (shown), Grey, R o s e , A m e t h y s t a n d D enim , plus clear glass Q u a r t z l i g h t , £ 5 5 0 ,
Your newest bathroom inspiration comes in the form of cacti thanks t o I t a l i a n b a t h r o o m b r a n d a n to n i o l u p i ’s towe l h a n g e r A work of art as much as a functional a d d i t i o n t o y o u r s p a c e , t h e hanger, called Cactus, is designer Brian Sironi’s playful take on the d e s e r t p l a n t s . M a d e f r o m a painted steel tube, it ’s available in any colour from the antoniolupi ra n g e . Cactus hanger, price on request, antoniolupi
Working in collaboration with Fired Earth, Bert & M ay ’s new additions to it s p o rce lain co lle c tio n a re right up o ur stre et E a c h d e s i g n s k i l f u l l y c o m b i n e s t h e b r a n d ’s love of subtle colour and d e l i c a te i m p e r f e c ti o n s w i t h t h e p r a c t i c a l benefits of porcelain Our favourite? This Santona ti l e i n t h e l ove l y l e a f y green colour way From £79.80sq m, Bert & May
H a rdwo o d f l o o ri n g g ive s a l uxu ri o u s a n d ti m e l e s s f i n i s h , wh il e a l s o b e i n g d u ra b l e , wa r m , s t yli s h a n d wate r- re si s t a nt H oweve r, it ’s n ot wate r p ro of a n d s h o u l d b e m a i nt a i n e d with a p ro p e r f i n i s h to avo i d m o i s tu re d a m a g e T h i n k a b o ut th e lig htn e s s of f i n i s h a n d th e p at te r n yo u wi s h to l ay it i n , f ro m h e r ri n g b o n e to d i a g o n a l Re cl a i m e d , re c ycl e d a n d e nvi ro n m e nt a lly s u s t a i n a b l e c h o i ce s a re p o p u l a r fo r h a rdwo o d f l o o ri n g D e sig n , Fi s h e r & P ay ke l a n d B e r t & M ay
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t a nt , o n ce l a i d it will si m p ly n e e d a h o ove r a n d a m o p,’ s ays Ro b W h it a ke r, c re ative a n d p ro d u c t d i re c to r of C l ay b ro o k ‘A s m a ny of u s o pt fo r a k itc h e n a n d d i n i n g zo n e i n o n e , th e f l o o r a re a re q u i ri n g cove r a g e h a s i n c re a s e d i n th e l a s t t wo d e c a d e s L a rg e r fo r m at p o rce l a i n i s i d e a l fo r d rawi n g th e eye a c ros s th e f l o o r, m a k i n g th e a re a fe e l at tra c tive ly o p e n ’ Fl o o r til e s , P o rce l a i n S u p e r s to re
With it s ind ustrial m o de rn look , concrete – a hard -wearing flooring o pti o n – i s g a i n i n g p o p u l a rit y fo r it s c h i c f i n i s h T h e f l o o ri n g i s m a d e f ro m e ith e r raw o r co l o u re d co n c rete th at h a s b e e n s e a l e d fo r a n o n - p o ro u s s u r f a ce A s a l a rg e s u r f a ce with o ut j o i nt li n e s , co n c rete i s a p p e a li n g to vi ew a n d i s a l s o e a s y to cl e a n Yo u d o s till n e e d to t a ke c a re of it th o u g h , a s it c a n s t a i n if yo u l e ave s p ill a g e s fo r a l o n g ti m e , b ut it i s ve r y ro b u s t D e sig n , I n d i e & C o
A m a r b l e k itc h e n i s th e u lti m ate i nte ri o r s d re a m fo r m os t h o m e own e r s I t ’s d u ra b l e a n d h a s a n i n c re d i b l e qualit y, explains M olly Plat t s of Floors of Stone ‘ There a re s o m a ny b e a utif u l d et a il s yo u f i n d i n m a r b l e til e s th at yo u d o n ’ t a lways g et i n oth e r n atu ra l m ate ri a l s , s u c h a s ve i n i n g a n d s tu n n i n g q u a r t z d et a i l i n g ’ Fl o o ri n g , Fl o o r s of Sto n e K itc h e n d e sig n , d eVO L
A te r ra cot t a k itc h e n f l o o r c a n g ive a n e a r thy, r u s ti c l o o k , b ri n g i n g wa r mth to a s c h e m e Te r ra cot t a i s m a d e f ro m cl ay, wh i c h h a s a ve r y h ig h i ro n co nte nt –wh i c h i s why it g ive s of f th at d e e p re d h u e ‘ Te r ra cot t a wo r k s p e r fe c tly i n a k itc h e n if yo u a re l o o k i n g to re i n s t ate o rig i n a l fe atu re s a n d c h a ra c te r i nto a p ro p e r t y,’ s ays M o lly P l at t s , f l o o ri n g exp e r t at Fl o o r s of Sto n e , wh o c re ate d th e s e te r ra cot t a til e s fo r S e b a s ti a n C ox ‘ They of ten get mistaken for original floor til e s th at h ave b e e n l a i d fo r ce ntu ri e s ! ’ Fl o o ri n g , Fl o o r s of Sto n e K itc h e n d e sig n by S e b a s ti a n C ox fo r d eVO L
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Fo r t h o s e w i t h t h e i r e a r t o t h e g r o u n d , y o u ’ v e s u r e l y h e a r d t he c h at t e r a b ou t c onver s at ion a l s e at i ng – layou t s t h at br i ng u s clo s er, i f not fac e t o fac e , a re a l l t he r a ge a s we d i s t a nc e ou r s elve s f r o m t h e Z o o m e r a B u t t h e r e m a y b e n o a r c h i t e c t u r a l fe at u r e more on t he nose t ha n t he conver sat ion pit . O t her w i s e k now n a s s u n ken l iv i ng ro om s , c onver s at ion pit s wer e a h a l l m a rk of m id- c ent u r y mo der n i nt er ior s i n t he Un it e d St at e s w hen ent er t a i n i ng at home wa s at a n a l l-t i me h ig h O f t en l o c a t e d w i t h i n a l i v i n g r o o m , t h e y w e r e b u i l t b e l o w t h e f l o o r, a few steps dow n , a nd li ned w it h bu ilt-i n seat i ng. Today ’ s a rch itect s a nd de sig ner s em br ac e t he fe at u re for m a ny of t he sa me re a s on s conver sat ion pit s were popu la r i n t he f i r st place: t hey br i ng a cos y d y na m ic w it h su r pr i si ng d i men sion s
‘ T h e r e a r e s o m a n y b e n e f i t s t o a s u n k e n l i v i n g r o o m ; f r o m denot i ng space w it h a n elevat ion cha nge, to t he feeli ng of i ncrea sed s p a t i a l volu m e , t o a m o r e i n t i m a t e s e n s e of lo u n g i n g … n o n e of w h i c h c a n b e a c h i e v e d f r o m f u r n i s h i n g s a l o n e , ’ s a y s K r i s t i n Kor ven , co -fou nder of L os A ngele s-ba sed Pa r t O f f ice
E l i m i nat i ng f u r n it u re , i n fac t , i s one of t he conver sat ion pit ’ s p r i m a r y p e r k s , c r e a t i n g a s p a c e f r e e o f t a b l e l e g s a n d c l u t t e r, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n r o o m s w i t h o u t d o o r v i e w s e a s i l y b l o c k e d b y a clu n k y s ofa But at t he end of t he d ay, t he s u n ken l iv i ng ro om i s a place to si n k i n a nd rela x
‘ I t h i n k it ha s t o do w it h t he more genera l t rend of cocoon i ng ; t he conver sat ion pit i s t he u lt i mat e place t o ha ng out w it h fa m i ly,’ say s i nt er ior de sig ner Joa n n a L avén , c o -fou nder of St o ck hol m ’ s St ud io L awa h l ‘ It i s cos y, com for t able a nd good look i ng ’
A s a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l f e a t u r e , i t r e m a i n s t h e u l t i m a t e c o n ve r s at i o n p i e c e – h e r e a r e a fe w t i p s t h at w i l l h i t t h e s p ot
D o u b l i n g d o w n o n c o m f o r t , c o n v e r s a t i o n p i t s a r e o f t e n outfitted with built-in, deep-seated cushions But when constructing th e space , conside r a sofa that really pads the perimeter ‘I think it’s nice to have the sofa a bit higher than the floor level: that way you don’t get any sharp edges when you lean back and it also looks very inviti ng , ’ s ays inte rior d e sign e r Joanna Lavén, who lined her design with a plump blue sofa that softens the pit ’s otherwise harsh angles
‘A sunken space can add a lot of joy to your home so whether you’re considering a cosy sunken nook or seating area it ’s essential to keep the design light and fluid,’ says Los Angeles interior designer Jaqui Seerman While decor and finishes can do wonders to lift a space – like
the warm woods and woven rugs used here – applying this ‘stepd ow n ’ c o n c e p t to t r a n s i t i o n a l spaces that might other wise be se p a rate d with a wa ll c a n h e lp create a seamless flow as you pivot from one space to another
GET THE LOOK Project by Jaqui Seerman Design
While the tex tbook layout for a s u n k e n s p a c e i s o n e o f r i g h t a ngles , d on’ t b e af raid to thin k o ut sid e th e b ox Ove rlo oking a garden and pool, architect Andrea Koz a k o f B a l i ’s S t u d i o Koz a k collaborated with the owner of the villa to design a rounded corner within the pit ‘O ur sunken sofa follows the curved structure of the wall,’ explains Andrea ‘ We made the bottom very low so we were a b l e t o m a k e t h e m a t t r e s s chunkier, to offer more comfort ’
GET THE LOOK Project by Studio Kozak and the owner of the villa
In this edgy design, LCLA Office took the conversation pit to the next level; unlike the traditional layout, the pit ’s border acts as an extra layer of seating thanks to thin cushions atop concrete slabs ‘Using different levels for seating can also make the space contract and expand in section, therefore the flat roof works very well,’ says architect Luis Callejas, noting how the space – with two layers of seating – feels taller even with a standard room height, a common perk of conversation pits
GET THE LOOK Project by LCLA Office
When you sit in a sunken space, you see a room from a dif ferent floor-level vantage – think through ever y detail in this direct line of vision ‘ We made sure there were a lot of special details at eye level, like the stone toe kick in the kitchen, so when you’re sitting in the pit, adjacent to the kitchen , you aren’t staring at dust y b a s e b o a rd s , ’ s ays d e sig n e r K ris ti n Ko r ve n of th is monotone scheme Architec tural details to keep in mind (or out of sight) include wall outlets, vents, and oth e r utilitie s , wh il e th in g s wo r th h ig h lig htin g a re features such as table legs, mouldings, and objet d’art on the bottom shelves of bookcases
GET THE LOOK Project by Part Office
San Francisco architect Craig Steely dreamed up this perfectly padded pit in order to demarcate space in a voluminous room without obstructing outdoor views He’s careful to note, however, that sunken rooms aren’t a perfect fit for ever y interior – they make the most sense when there’s room to spare, both within and around the pit ‘Make sure your conversation pit is big enough,’ says Craig ‘At least 12ft x12ft ’ There should be plenty of legroom to get that lounge effect, or to place a central coffee table that you can still walk around
GET THE LOOK Project by Craig Steely Architecture
Since founding her eponymous design studio, Theresa Obermoser has become renowned for her stylish, social interiors, aided in no small part by her award-winning work in the hospitality business. Here, she shares some professional insights.
Lighting is super important It’s one of the most powerful elements in an interior design We ensure we layer the lighting in every room, from ceiling and wall to floor and table By doing this you can play around with different combinations to create the right mood for a particular event. Dimmers are a must. And remember: the right lighting can make your guests look like Hollywood stars
Arrange furniture in groupings that allow your guests to either sit or stand in a circle facing each other. Then add in some interactive accessories – think nice coffee table books, pretty glassware for the drinks, or nibbles served in funky bowls Light some candles and use fresh flowers and greenery both to decorate and make the space feel like a welcoming home It’s all about the visual effect.
Sociable corners are key You need places for people to gather, grab a drink and have a chat An open-plan living/dining area invites groups of people to come together – whether it’s on a large sofa island, with seats on all sides, or around a long dining table. Meanwhile, the space between is just calling out for a little dancing session
No matter whether I am creating a family home or a nightclub, I like to picture the events that will happen in that space and design it accordingly. I am especially considerate of the furniture and materials I use in places that are intended for hosting For example, if a client likes to have long dinner parties, then it’s important to have really comfortable dining chairs for guests to linger If clients prefer to party, then instead of using natural marble work surfaces we will lay stain-resistant marbleeffect porcelain tiles.
I’m a believer in the 360-degree experience and that’s partly down to the preparation and set-up Make sure that all your guests’ senses will be stimulated by creating the right mood from the get-go: dim your lights, sync your speakers, h a v e s o m e s c e n t e d c a n d l e s l i t
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Create a bar area It’s a good way to offer a casual, welcome drink, allowing people to begin to socialise And always have enough side tables or surfaces for guests to place those drinks.
As to accessories, a disco ball is an oldie but a goldie! I love the look and the vibe that it creates A good disco ball will never go out of fashion
tointeriordesign.com
C O S Y C O R N E R S A R E K E Y – Y O U
N E E D P L A C E S F O R P E O P L E T O G A T H E R A N D G R A B A D R I N K
I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R T H E R E S A O B E R M O S E R O N G E T T I N G A H O M E P A R T Y - R E A D Y
N or th um b e rla n d ’s historic agricultural barns were central to the design of Elliott Architects’ North Bank project, which lies in the Tyne Valley Many local buildings were thatched with heather and needed steeply pitched roofs for this craf t; this building mirrors that, resulting in a dramatic internal space The raw, unfinished interior, sof tened by the colour palette, is flooded with light from the windows framing views over the valley and towards the Pennines
Redhill Barn is part of an effort to regenerate the site of a former threshing barn and cow byre, built in 1810 in Devon TYPE was enlisted to transform it into a family home, preserving its character by designing around the original structure ‘ The project reflects our holistic approach, which includes working with the landscape, building, interiors and furniture design, and all the details, from how individual stones are placed to the shape of the door handles,’ says Tom Powell, director at T YPE
Part of a site consisting of an original stone f a r m h o u s e , p l o u g h m a n ’ s c o t t a g e a n d steading, Fungar th – a project by Scottish prac tice Mar y Arnold- Forster Architec ts –comprises a main house, of fice and lean-to greenhouse, all around a wildflower garden The design is considerate of its surroundings, retaining traditional scale, siting and massing, b ut f i n is h e d with co nte m p o ra r y to u c h e s such as larch cladding and slatted windows, paying homage to an old-style barn
Situated on a former farmland site in Balwyn, in Victoria, Australia, Kenny Street House is a reimagining of its predecessor’s agricultural origins by Anthony Chan of Chan Architecture Internally, the new structure features a double-height social space for the family of four; externally, metal cladding and drystone walls are a contemporary take on traditional barn buildings Integrating sustainability into the design, including a solar-panel-ready roof and opening skylights, means the build meets passive solar principles and reduces energy use
E X C I T I N G C O N V E R S I O N S A N D N E W B U I L D S F R O M T O P A R C H I T E C T S F O R Y O U R P E R U S A L
Fitted storag e is a practical solution for often awkward spaces, from custom-fit wardrobes in the eaves of a loft to kitchen cabinetry that makes the most of nooks and crannies Its sole purpose is to be nifty, nimble and bespoke, so while you might not have given much thought to handles, the hardware you choose should be an equally measured consideration. ‘Think of your cabinet hardware like jewellery,’ says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds Whether it’s a glimmer of gold on a closet bar or a bronze edg e pull for ease of use, we ’ ve run through the differences out there to inspire your fitted storag e solutions
Cabinet hardware for compact fitted storage should be a little smaller than door hardware. ‘It’s one of those pieces of detail that really does have to blend form and function It’s no good choosing something beautiful if you can’t g et a grip and open anything,’ says Massimo Buster Minale, founder of Buster + Punch For a built-in TV unit or shelving, small ring pulls won’t overwhelm the space, while edg e pulls are great for a minimalist style Look to Plank’s recent collection, FOLD, for cute edge pulls in clean, modern shapes, created from sheet metal
When it comes to placement, for drawers under 24 inches, centre a single pull or knob. If your drawer is 24 inches or over you can add a second pull To g et the perfect placement for your cabinet knob or pull, divide the drawer into thirds and place the two knobs in the left and right thirds of the drawer. Mounted on the door, cabinetry knobs and pulls are placed on the opposite side of the door hing e and typically two to three inches from the bottom corner of the door for upper cabinets On base cabinets, knobs are usually placed around two to three inches from the upper corner of the door
For larger fitted storage solutions, like wardrobes, go for longer-length bars. T-bars can rang e in length from around 160mm to 280mm while closet bars work well on floorto-ceiling doors and are a long er length at around 420mm and beyond. Closet bars are elongated handles that draw the eye upwards and allow you to g et a firm grip on a heavier door.
For an enduringly stylish and industrial look, go for a solid metal. Stainless steel, brass and bronze are all sleek and stylish, giving an industrial edge to your cabinetry. Metal makes for durability, essential for everyday pieces that frequently get tugged and pulled Buster + Punch’s cabinet hardware collection,
Cross, Cast and Linear, is exclusively made from solid metal ‘ We use the finest metals and everything is refined by hand,’ says Massimo ‘Our cabinet hardware will outlast us all ’ Alternatively, think fabric. ‘Leather handles are a softer alternative that are pleasing to touch and add a unique feel to a room as they will age and wear beautifully over time,’ says Xander
As well as material, handles can take on a variety of shapes and can mirror your wider interior style A minimalist look might demand something simple, like discreet edg e pulls If you want to go more decorative, think about shape ‘Geometric handles are an interesting trend,’ says co-founder of Plank, Tom Revill Rounded handles are growing in popularity as they are softer, feeding into the wider trend for organic shapes. Meanwhile, knurled T-bars appear luxurious, exhibiting craftsmanship and attention to detail
L I K E A L L G O O D J E W E L L E R Y , T H E H A N D L E S O N F U R N I T U R E C A N E L E V A T E T H E L O O K S U B S T A N T I A L L Y
I n a L ondon home , Yel low C loud St ud io r ei m a g i ne d t he k it chen s er v i ng h at ch w it h a t i mber volu me i n ser t ed bet ween t he c abi net r y a nd adjacent d i n i ng room ‘ It ach ieve s a level of sepa rat ion bet ween each space, wh i le ac t i ng a s a storage a nd d i splay u n it , a nd h id i ng t he st r uc t u ra l a nd mecha n ic a l element s of t he bu i ld i ng . ’ Elen i Sou s son i a nd Roma nos Tsomos, d i rec tor s, Yel low Cloud St ud io
I n c r e a t i n g a n e x t r a b e d r o o m i n a s m a l l s i d e ex ten sion , t he a rch it ec t s rea l ised t hey cou ld ma ke t he s pac e fe el la r ger w it h a bi fold i ng w a l l op en i ng t h at c a n b e lef t o p e n w h e n t h e r o om i s n ot i n u s e ‘ It c r e a t e s a f l e x i b l e s p a c e t h a t c a n b e u s e d a s b ot h a h o m e of f i c e o r a t h i r d b e d r o o m B y i t s e l f , i t p r ov id e d l i t t le a d d i t io n a l a r e a t o t h e p r o p e r t y, b u t b y o p e n i n g t h i s u p t o t h e l i v i n g s p a c e w i t h a fold i ng wa l l, t he space s feel much big ger ’ Cra ig Hutch i n son , fou nder of Hutch Desig n
K it chen ma ker Uncom mon P rojec t s c a me up w it h a clever way to create a f lex ible con nec t ion bet ween a k i t c h e n a n d t h e w id e r o p e n - pl a n s p a c e ‘ W h e n t he cl ient a pproache d u s , t hey t houg ht t hey wou ld have to keep t he k it chen enclosed w it h t he ex i st i ng w a l l , s e p a r a t i n g i t f r o m t h e s t a i r s We c a m e u p w i t h t h e i d e a o f d o u b l e s l i d i n g d o o r s t o g e t o v e r t h i s u nu s ua l f u nc t ion a l re qu i r ement T hey love d t he fac t t he do or s c a n sl ide c omplet ely out of sig ht f r o m t h e l i v i n g r o o m s i d e w h e n o p e n , a n d i n j e c t some colou r to t he space when closed ’ A la n Dr u m m , co-fou nder, Uncom mon Project s
Dea l i ng w it h t he su r plu s ex t er ior w i ndow of a side ret u r n ex t en sion i s of t en clu m si ly h a nd le d , but i n a home de sig ne d by R e e s A r c h it e c t s , t he or ig i n a l b r i c k w o r k m a k e s a f e a t u r e h a t c h b e t w e e n t h e k it chen a nd t he new space ‘ Keepi ng t he br ick work wa s helpf u l for t he budget a s it mea nt a reduc t ion i n t he a mou nt of st eelwork a nd st r uc t u ra l a lt erat ion s t h e ex t e n sion ne e d e d I n t u r n , r e t a i n i n g or ig i n a l f e a t u r e s a l l o w e d u s t o w o r k w i t h t h e e x i s t i n g st r uc t u re a nd pre ser ve t he prop er t y ’ s cha r m ’ D a n i e l R e e s , m a n a g i n g d i r e c t o r , Rees A rch itec t s
R N A L W I N D O W S T O R E I N V E N T I N G T H E H A T C H , T H E S E I D E A S B R I N G N A T U R A L L I G H T I N T O O U R H O M E S ’ S M A L L E S T , D A R K E S T S P A C
o ke d t o c r e at e c on n e c t e d s p a c e s , w h i c h i n c lu d e d a n i nt e r n a l w i ndow lo ok i ng dow n f rom a mezza n i ne level ‘ T he t h i n k i ng b eh i nd t he de sig n of t he mezza n i ne w i ndow wa s t o en l iven t he sha re d a rea s of t h i s c om mu n it y l iv i ng proje c t by prov id i ng s t rong v i s ua l c on ne c t ion s b et we en t he d i f ferent s pac e s of t he s cheme T he w i ndow s er ve s t he pu r pose of a l low i ng add it iona l nat u ra l l ig ht to f lood i nto t he k it chen a nd d i n i ng a rea s, en su r i ng it f lows i n f rom a va r iet y of d i rec t ion s. ’ Dav id Pa r son s, d i rec tor a nd fou nder, Selenck y Pa r son s
He r e , a r c h e d c u t- ou t s ex pa nd t he s e n s e of s p ac e i n a k it c hen- d i ner ‘A c u r ve d mot i f rep eat s t h roug hout , on i nt er na l w i ndows, door s a nd a lcove s T he i nt er na l g la z i ng a l low s l ig ht a nd c on ne c t ion b et we en t he g r ou nd-f lo or s p ac e s Gla z e d element s u se f i re sa fet y g la s s to comply w it h cu r rent Bu i ld i ng Reg u lat ion s. ’
Ni m i At t a naya ke, Ni mt i m A rch itec t s
A y e l l o w p o r t h o l e w a s i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o t h e s t a i r wel l joi ner y of a proje c t by Gu nd r y + D ucker. ‘ T h e m a i n r e a s o n f o r t h e w i n d o w w a s t o b r i n g s ome l ig ht i nt o t h e s t a i r wel l , w h i le a l s o en a bl i ng a g l i m p s e o f t h e s p a c e b e yo n d w h e n d e s c e n d i n g t he s t a i r c a s e T he cl ient s h ad t wo you ng c h i ld r en a n d s o t h e p or t hole w a s lo c at e d at c h i ld heig ht s o a s to i nclude t hem , too ’
Ch ristia n Ducker, co-fou nder, Gu nd r y + Ducker
W i t h a s e v e n - s t e p d r o p b e t w e e n t h e f r o n t a n d rea r of a Vic t or ia n prop er t y, creat i ng a con nec t ion b e t we e n t h e t wo s p a c e s w h i le c on c e a l i n g a m a z e of plu m b i n g p i p e s w a s a b i g c h a l le n g e fo r Yel low C l o u d S t u d i o ‘ T h e s o l u t i o n t o o k t h e f o r m o f a n i nt er na l elongat ed c ap su le w i ndow w it h a st epp ed s i l l o u t l i n i n g i t s s h a p e a n d h i d i n g t h e b u i l d i n g ’ s f u n c t i o n a l e l e m e n t s i n i t s v o i d A l a r g e s k y l i g h t c u t s t he c a p s u le w i ndow i n h a l f a nd e s t a bl i s he s a c on ne c t ion t o t he l i v i ng a r e a t h r oug h t he b ot t om h a l f a n d c r o s s v e n t i l a t i o n o f t h e s p a c e t h r o u g h t h e t o p , e s s e n t i a l l y b e c o m i n g a h a l f - e x t e r n a l / ha l f-i nt er na l w i ndow ’
Eleni Soussoni a nd Roma nos Tsomos, directors, Yel low Cloud St ud io
I n a New York apa r t ment , Home St ud ios i n st a l led c u r v e d w i n d o w s s e t w i t h g l a s s i n a n o p a q u e f i n i sh t hat b or row l ig ht f rom t he ma i n l iv i ng a rea s a n d h a l l w a y f o r t h e s m a l l e r r o o m s , s u c h a s t h e g u e s t b at h r o o m , w h e r e p r i v a c y i s o b v i o u sl y k e y ‘ T h e c u r v e d g e o m e t r i e s o f A l v a r A a l t o ’ s w o r k were one of t he projec t ’ s ma ny de sig n i n spi rat ion s, w h i c h c a n b e s e e n i n b ow e d g l a s s w i n d ow s w i t h t hei r copp er edge det a i ls.’
Ol iver Ha sleg rave, fou nder, Home St ud ios
A P O R T H O L E I S A N E A T A N D D E C O R A T I V E W A Y T O B R I N G L I G H T I N T O A
S T A I R W E L L W H I L E A L S O E N A B L I N G A G L I M P S E O F O U T S I D E S P A C E
Extending the kitchen into an open walkway is a good use of space, allowing the cook and guests to chat
Work i ng a r ou nd t he ex i s t i ng b one s of t h i s Tel Av i v a pa r t ment me a nt a n aw k w a r d ga p b et we en t he k it c hen a nd d i n i ng s pac e I n s t e ad of leav i ng it a s a wa l k way, it s de sig ner s ex t ended t he k it chen out , but kept t he revea l ‘ Now, when someone i s cook i ng a nd someone else come s t h roug h t he ent ra nce or eat s i n t he d i n i ng a rea , t hey c a n see each ot her a nd com mu n ic at e T he bra s s wa l l cladd i ng lea k s i nt o t he ent ra nce con nec t i ng t he space, wh i le t he g reen k it chen c abi net s a lso double up a s a n ent ra nce bench . ’ Or it Si nger a nd R achel Gra f f-R ach i m , co-fou nder s of Ma/ Deu x
How wou ld you l i ke t o l i ve i n a hou s e w it h no u t i l it y bi l l s? R ig ht a b o u t n o w t h a t p r o b a b l y s o u n d s g o o d – e s p e c i a l l y g i v e n h o w volat i le ener g y pr ic e s have b e c ome T hat ’ s w hy home s t hat don’t r e l y o n t h e g r i d f o r t h e i r e n e r g y d e m a n d s a r e b e c o m i n g b i g b u s i n e s s at t h e m o m e n t – a n d a r e a fo c u s for h o u s e b u i l d e r s a nd a rch it e c t s a l i ke .
W h i le s u s t a i n a ble , g r e e n b u i ld s h ave lo n g b e e n t h e m a r k e t i n g t o o l o f c h o i c e , i n a r e c e s s i o n w e c a n s e e t h e i d e a o f ‘ n o - b i l l s ’ l iv i ng t a k i ng pr e c e denc e For t u n at ely for ou r ever - b ele a g uer e d p l a n e t , t h e y a r e u s u a l l y o n e a n d t h e s a m e . L a s t y e a r , h o u s e b u i l d e r I l k e Ho m e s a n n o u n c e d t h a t i t w a s t e a m i n g u p w i t h O c t o p u s E n e r g y t o b u i l d t h e U K ’ s f i r s t h o m e s t h a t prom i s e z ero ener g y bi l l s for t hei r re sident s
T h e m o d u l a r h o u s i n g c o m p a n y a i m s t o d o t h i s b y c o m b i n i n g a w e l l - i n s u l a t e d s t r uc t u re w it h low- c a rb on heat i ng s ys t em s , p ow e r e d b y s ol a r p a n e l s T h e f a b r i c o f t h e home w i l l re duc e t he ne e d for much he at i ng i n t h e f i r s t p l a c e , b u t w h e n i t i s r e q u i r e d , t h e l i k e s o f a i r - s o u r c e h e a t p u m p s c a n b e r u n by sola r power, en su r i ng t hat neit her ga s n o r e le c t r i c i t y i s r e q u i r e d t o f u e l t h e h o m e (a s l o n g a s y o u r s o l a r a r r a y i s d e s i g n e d t o me et you r home ’ s ne e d s)
Howe ve r, i t ’ s t h i s id e a of r e d u c i n g r el i a n c e o n a p p l i a n c e s t h a t i s p a r t i c u l a r l y i nt ere s t i ng We ’ re a l l wel l awa re by now t h at , for t ho s e element s o f o u r h o m e w h e r e u s i n g a p p l i a n c e s i s l a r g e l y u n a v o i d a b l e , w e n e e d t o b e m a k i n g m o r e e n e r g y - e f f i c i e n t d e c i s i o n s .
L E D l ig ht i ng , for ex a mple , shou ld b e u s e d t h roug hout t he home , w h i le we shou ld b e c ho o si ng f r idge s w it h t he b e s t ener g y r at i ng a n d h a v e o u r w a s h i n g m a c h i n e s s e t t o l o w t e m p e r a t u r e s B u t w h a t i f , t h r o u g h t h e d e s i g n o f y o u r h o m e , y o u c o u l d f u r t h e r re duc e t he ne e d for ener g y- c on s u m i ng appl ia nc e s?
He at i ng , c o ol i ng a nd w at er he at i ng m a ke up t he big ge s t p or t ion o f e n e r g y u s e o f a l l y o u r h o m e a p p l i a n c e s , a n d a r e w h a t m o s t p e ople a r e wor r ie d a b ou t w h en f a c e d w it h i n f lat e d u t i l it y bi l l s T h e ‘ f a br ic f i r s t ’ a p pr oac h t o home de sig n i s a l l a b ou t en s u r i ng
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A ny s pac e w her e t he s u n ent er s t h r oug h g la z i ng w i l l b e w a r mer t h a n t h o s e w h e r e i t d o e s n ’t , a n d s o s o m e h o u s e d e s i g n s b a s e t hei r ent i r e layou t a r ou nd u si ng t h i s t o t hei r ad v a nt a ge . For t he de sig n of a r enovat e d bu nga low i n Vic t or ia , A u s t r a l ia , a rch it e c t S t e f fe n Wel s c h u s e d t h i s i d e a ‘A l l h a b i t a ble r o o m s f a c e n o r t h , w h i le st orage a nd ut i l it y a rea s face sout h , ’ he ex pla i n s O f cou r se, t h e o r i e n t a t i o n y o u c h o o s e d e p e n d s o n w h er e you a r e i n t h e world . I n t h e nor t her n h e m i s p h e r e , yo u wo u l d w a n t r o o m s f a c i n g sout h t o benef it f rom sola r ga i n
O n c e t h e r o o m h a s t h e p ot e n t i a l t o b e n e f i t f r o m s ol a r g a i n , yo u m a y w a n t t o c o n s i d e r h o w y o u r d e s i g n c a n t r a p h e a t a s w e l l . ‘A s de sig ner s we a re a lways look i ng for a pa s sive s o l a r o p p o r t u n i t y, ’ s a y s J a m e s G o o d l e t , d i r e c t or of A lt er e c o D e sig n For a pr op er t y a l s o i n V i c t o r i a , A u s t r a l i a , t h e f l o o r w a s a k e y c o n s i d e r a t i o n i n h o w t o i m p r o v e t h e h o m e ’ s e n e r g y e f f i c i e n c y T h i s d e s i g n feat u re rel ie s on c oncret e ’ s a bi l it y t o a b sorb a n d d i s p e r s e h e a t ‘ T h e c o u r t y a r d b e t w e e n t h e o l d a n d n e w m a d e i t p o s s i b l e t o i n c o r p o r a t e t h r e e - m e t r e t a l l w i n d o w s , ’ Ja m e s e x p l a i n s . ‘ T h e s u n l i g h t f lo o d s t h e l i v i n g s p a c e l a n d i n g d i r e c t l y o n t h e p o l i s h e d c o n c r e t e s l a b , w h i c h i s a t h e r m a l m a s s , a b s o r b i n g t h e h e a t a n d w a r m i n g t h e i n t e r n a l s p a c e ’ C o n c r e t e i s n ’t t h e o n l y o p t i o n W h e r e a l i g h t- t i l e d f l o o r, f o r ex a mple , w i l l b ou nc e l ig ht a rou nd you r s pac e , a f lo or c overe d i n da rk- c olou red t i le s w i l l a b sorb heat
W h e n d e s i g n i n g a h o m e w i t h s o l a r g a i n i n m i n d , a n a r c h i t e c t w i l l a l so con sider how l ig ht b ehave s t h roug hout t he yea r, helpi ng t o a v o i d t h e r i s k s o f o v e r h e a t i n g d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s Fo r e x a m p l e , t h e s u n h a n g s l o w e r i n t h e s k y d u r i n g w i n t e r, m e a n i n g t h a t i t m a y a c t u a l l y p e n e t r a t e m o r e t h r o u g h
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This home in Texas has energy- ef ficient Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers
Think about swapping tumble dr ying for hanging clothes from a suspended dr ying rail – cost ef fective and out of the way
w i ndow s , w h i le i n t he s u m mer mont h s it may ent er a s pac e more t h roug h sk yl ig ht s b e c au s e it s p o sit ion i s h ig her i n t he sk y.
A c c o r d i n g t o b i o p h i l i c d e s i g n e r O l i v e r He a t h , a u t h o r o f Design a Healthy Home, t he a n nua l power u se p er p er son for a t u mble d r y e r i s t h r e e t i m e s h i g h e r t h a n t h a t o f a w a s h i n g m a c h i n e I f y o u ’ r e w o r r i e d a b o u t ener g y c on s u mpt ion , it ’ s l i kely t o b e t he f i r s t a p pl i a n c e you c h o o s e t o d it c h , b u t i n a b u s y hou s ehold , r ack s a nd r ack s of d a mp wa sh i ng i ndo or s i sn’t idea l du r i ng t he w i nt er mont h s. S o how c a n you opt i m i s e d r y i ng clot he s?
‘ I n a ut i l it y ro om , or a c onven ient s pac e nea r a r a d i at o r, f it a s u s p e n d e d d r y i n g r a i l t o t h e c ei l i ng joi s t s , ’ r e c om mend s Ol i ver. ‘ You c a n h a ng you r w a sh i ng a nd le ave it t o d r y over n ig ht i n t he w a r m a i r t h at r i s e s t ow a r d t he c ei l i ng , a nd t h at you ’ r e a l r e ad y pay i ng for ’ I f you ’ re concer ned a bout a l l t hat moi st a i r, a nd t he conden sat ion t h a t c a n o c c u r a t t h i s t i m e o f y e a r , O l i v e r r e c o m m e n d s c on sider i ng me cha n ic a l vent i lat ion .
The concrete floor in this home absorbs heat from the sun and disperses it throughout the space
L i k e t h e t u m b l e d r y e r, t h o s e c o n s c i o u s o f t h e i r e n e r g y u s a g e m a y b e a v o i d i n g p u t t i n g o n t h e d i s h w a s h e r r i g h t n o w, y e t t h i s m ig ht a c t u a l l y b e a n ow n g o a l w h e n i t c o m e s t o yo u r b i l l s ‘ M o s t p e o p l e t h i n k t h a t a d i s h w a s h e r w i l l u s e a l o t o f w a t e r, ’ s a y s Jo Ja c k s o n , a p r o d u c t e x p e r t f r o m a p p l i a n c e b r a n d F i s h e r & P a y k e l . ‘ H o w e v e r, t h e a v e r a g e k i t c h e n s i n k w i l l h o l d a b o u t 2 0 l i t r e s o f w a t e r ( b a s e d o n a s i n k t h a t i s 4 0 x 3 5 c m a n d 1 8 c m d e e p) w h i l e d i s h w a s h e r s s u c h a s t h e F i s h e r & P a y k e l D i s h D r a w e r u s e 6 .7 l it re s of wat er p er c ycle . ’
Ac cord i ng t o s t ud ie s, a d i shwa sher i s l i kely t o u s e o n l y h a l f t h e a m o u n t o f e n e r g y a s w a s h i n g u p b y h a n d , t o o ‘ T h e r e i s a lot t o c o n s i d e r w h e n l o o k i n g f o r s u s t a i n a b l e a ppl ia nc e s , but one of t he f i r s t t h i ng s you shou ld a lway s che ck i s t h e e n e r g y l a b e l t o m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e p r o d u c t s a r e e n e r g y ef f icient , ’ Jo add s ‘A more ex p en sive pro duc t i s wor t h t he i n it ia l i n v e s t m e n t i f y o u w i l l u l t i m a t e l y h a v e t o s p e n d l e s s m o n e y t o r u n it t h roug hout it s l i fet i me. ’
A C C O R D I N G T O S T U D I E S , A D I S H W A S H E R I S L I K E L Y T O U S E O N L Y H A L F T H E E N E R G Y A S W A S H I N G U P B Y H A N D
T h e r e ’ s a l w a y s a r i s k i n le t t i n g a f r i e n d o r f a m i l y m e m b e r k n o w y o u ’ r e r e a l l y i n t o s o m e t h i n g O n e t i m e yo u m e n t i o n t h a t y o u t h i n k f r o g s a r e c u t e , a n d t h e nex t t h i n g you k n ow you ’ r e b ei n g g i f t e d so much f rog-t hemed decor it ’ s a s t houg h a b i b l i c a l p l a g u e h a s b e e n u n l e a s h e d u nt o you r home
T h e o n e t h i n g y o u ’ l l n e v e r r e g r e t t e l l i n g p e o p l e y o u ’ r e i n t o ? C o f f e e A n y t h i n g t o a d d t o a c a f f e i n e - l o v e r s ’ c o f f e e s t a s h o r a n y g a d g e t t h a t c a n m a k e t h e i r h a b i t q u i c k e r o r m o r e e n j o y a b l e i s a l w a y s g o i n g t o g o d o w n w e l l A n d , f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e r e ’ s s o m e v e r y c l e v e r i d e a s a r o u n d r i g h t n o w.
C l e v e r a p p - c o n t r o l l e d m u g s , s u c h a s t h e E m b e r Mu g 2 , c a n b e u s e d a t h o m e o r i n t h e o f f i c e , b u t a l l o w y o u t o s e t a c u s t o m c o n s t a n t t e m p e r a t u r e fo r yo u r c of fe e , n ot o n l y m e a n i n g yo u c a n e n j oy you r br ew f r om f i r s t sip t o la s t d r op, but yo u c a n c h o o s e t h e e x a c t t e m p e r a t u r e , b e t w e e n 5 0 - 6 2 . 5 ° C , t h a t y o u l i k e t o d r i n k i t a t B r i l l i a n t , r i g h t ? T h e 2 9 5 m l v e r s i o n w i l l l a s t f o r u p t o 1 5 h o u r s , a nd t he 4 19 m l ve r sion up t o 8 0 m i nu t e s – a p e r i o d e v e n a p r o c r a s t i n a t i n g c o f f e e d r i n k e r w o u l d s t r u g g l e t o n o t h a v e f i n i s h e d w i t h i n .
P o r t a b l e e s p r e s s o m a c h i n e s l i k e t h e Wa c a c o N a n o p r e s s o a r e c l e v e r l i t t l e m a nu a l g r i n d i n g d e v ic e s t h at m e a n you c a n t a k e g o o d q u a l i t y e s p r e s s o c o f f e e w it h you on t he road T he on ly i s sue? You h ave t o a d d you r ow n h ot w at e r t o m a ke i t wor k , w h i c h m e a n s c a r r y i n g a n e x t r a f l a s k , o r g oi n g w i t h o u t . Howe ve r, t h e r e a r e a l s o s i m i l a r p o r t a b l e e s p r e s s o
m a k e r s t h at h a ve t h e a b i l i t y t o h e at t h e w at e r, t o o. Gi ve n t h e s i z e of t h i s g a d g e t , i t ’ s n o s u r p r i s e i t ’ s n ot a q u i c k p r o c e s s –w h e n u s i n g c ol d w a t e r, i t ’ l l t a k e a g o o d 10 -15 m i nu t e s t o h e at u p It ’ s n ot c h e a p , but for a good cup of cof fee w hen c a mpi ng or on t he r oad s , it m ig ht ju s t b e wor t h it .
D o you k now w h at wou ld m a ke t h at f i r s t c u p of c of fe e of t h e d a y e a s i e r? A s m a r t a s s i s t a n t b u i l t r i g h t i n t o t h e m a c h i n e T h at ’ s t he ide a of L av a z z a ’ s A Mo do M io Vo i c y – a c o f f e e m a k e r w i t h a b u i l t- i n A lex a You r c of fe e m ach i ne c a n p er for m t he u s u a l A lex a sk i l l s you ’d ex p e c t , but it c a n a l s o c u s t om i s e you r c of fe e b y voic e c o m m a n d a l o n e , s o m e t h i n g t h a t ’ s p a r t i c u l a r l y h e l p f u l i f y o u c o m e o v e r a
b i t t e c h n o p h o b i c w h e n i t c o m e s t o c om plex on-m ac h i ne c ont r ol s .
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