december 2019
festive & fabulous THE MOST INDULGENT INTERIORS TO INSPIRE
D E C A D E N T D E C O R AT I N G WITH A CIRCUS TWIST
US$9.99 CAN$10.99 AUS$10.50 NZ$13
GLAMOROUS MODERN TO U C H E S F O R YO U R H O M E
in the party mood DIVINE IDEAS FOR DINING ROOMS T R E E S , W R E AT H S , BAUBLES, WRAP? SORTED
celebrate £4.80
recall 04.12.19
LONDON & SOUTH EAST
EAST & EAST MIDLANDS
NORTH & NORTH EAST
Edwins Plumbing & Heating Supplies, London
Pure Bathrooms, Cambridge
B Morland & Co Ltd, Leeds
www.edwinsbathrooms.co.uk
www.purebathrooms.co.uk
www.morlandbathrooms.com
Upfields Complete Bathroom Ltd, Eastbourne
P & R Interiors, Bedford
W Halmshaws, Beverley
www.upfieldskitchensandbathrooms.co.uk
www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk
www.halmshaws.co.uk
Cuckfield Bathrooms, Cuckfield
GB Willbond Ltd, Derby
Ripon Interiors, Ripon
www.cuckfieldbathrooms.co.uk
www.willbond.co.uk
www.riponinteriors.co.uk
Burge & Gunson Ltd, London
CGL Design Ltd, Snape
PT Ranson, Gateshead
www.burgeandgunson.co.uk
www.cgldesign.co.uk
www.ptranson.co.uk
Ware Bathroom Centre, Ware
QP Interiors, Bedford
www.warebathrooms.co.uk
www.qpinteriors.co.uk
NORTH WEST
CP Hart, Various Branches
WEST MIDLANDS
www.cphart.co.uk
Smart Bathrooms Ltd, Warrington www.smartbathroomswarrington.co.uk
Kitchen, Tile & Bathroom Gallery, Alcester
Purely Bathrooms, Lancaster
www.plumbase.co.uk
www.ktbgallery.co.uk
www.purelysimplylovely.com
WC ONE, Bromley
Elite Kitchens & Baths Ltd, Cheadle
Harry Bates Ltd, Stockport
www.elitekbb.com
www.harrybates.co.uk
County Tiles & Bathrooms, Ludlow
Draw a Bath Ltd, Wirral
www.countytiles.com
www.drawabath.co.uk
Walter Tipper, Lichfield
IRELAND
Plumbase Ltd, Heathfield
www.wcone.co.uk
www.tippers.com
Waterloo Bathrooms, Dun Laoghaire www.waterloo.ie
WWW.SWADLINGBRASSWARE.CO.UK DESIGNED AND MADE IN HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
december 2019
11 13 14 19 23 24 29 31
4
news & shopping EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT Jo Malone’s magical Christmas, calorie-reduced cocktails and lavish avant-garde style (minimalists beware) NEWS We’re set to rent a stunning artwork from M.A.H, go supersized with Nkuku’s baubles and celebrate chintz with Linwood’s bold botanicals THE EDITED CHOICE Candelabras just waiting to be the centre of attention THE CATWALK LOOK Bring the Scandi-chic look from the AW collections home THE EDITED CHOICE Comforting, warm , wonderful – winter throws with an arty edge DECORATIONS DECODED Folky fantasy or modern mono? Pick a festive theme and run with it THE JOY OF DECS Novelist Emma Jane Unsworth on the importance of Yuletide sparkle LIFE . ST YLE .ETC Baker Claire Ptak talks Christmas menus and making cakes for royalty
livingetc.com
35 36 46 58 68 76
fabulous spaces ROOM OF THE MONTH The White Company’s serene, snow-white dining area LONDON TOWNHOUSE Interior designer Julia Thompson uses dark, dreamy hues and eclectic touches to achieve a truly individual look COURCHEVEL CHALET Candice and Marc have reinvented an alpine classic, creating a home full of humour and surprises KR AKOW APARTMENT Pared-back and luxury were the watchwords for designers Piotr and Zuza Paradowski when putting together this space LONDON FAMILY HOME Vibrant jewel shades and eye-catching art pack plenty of personality into designer Ana Engelhorn’s period townhouse TASMANIAN HOTELAfter major renovation work, Kerry and Alastair have transformed a derelict former pub into an elegant property that is both their home and a hotel
87 89 97 102 COVER PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MERRELL. NEVER LEAVE BURNING CANDLES UNATTENDED
108
114 117 119 121 131 133
design & decorating DETAIL OF THE MONTH LumoConcept’s artistic take on lighting is simply breathtaking CIRCUS Bold colours and bright lights will bring big-top excitement to your festive celebrations STYLE FILE Fabulous faux trees , kitsch baubles, wow wreaths, power papers, too-cool tree toppers – your Christmas arsenal is sorted FESTIVE REMIX Modern decoration and display ideas for switched-on seasonal style DESIGN PROFILE Four creatives share the secrets to their very stylish festivities
entertain dossier NEWS Cool kit for party perfection SHOPPING Scene-stealing sideboards SHOPPING Swoon-worthy seating LOOKBOOK Decorating inspo for gorgeous dining and celebration spaces INTERVIEW Florist Alice Strange likes table bouquets simple and chic PLANNING The how-tos of dining in style
135 137 141 143 146 150 158
32 34 96
the lifestyle edit PLACE OF THE MONTH The old-school eatery bringing all-day dining to Mayfair GOING OUT OUT Diaries to hand – our pick of the coolest places to visit this month COOK Cassata baked alaska – a twist on panettone DOWNTIME Essential sights, sounds and reads for the ultimate you-time HOTEL HOT LIST Dream holiday spots, from a relaxing beach retreat to a grand historic hotel GLOBETROTTER Aussie food guru Donna Hay opens her Sydney little black book MY HAPPY PLACE The London artist’s house that transports our art editor back in time
and the rest… SUBSCRIBE Sign up to never miss an issue DESIGN COMPETITION Win the chance to have your product made and sold by Habitat ONLINE THIS MONTH Your daily fix of spaces, style and shopping at livingetc.com
livingetc.com
5
E X C L U S I V E
C A R P E T S
MANDARIN & HARLEQUIN from the Plumage Collection www.deirdredyson.com
A N D
R U G S
PHOTOGRAPH JAKE CURTIS
celebrate There are three London treats lighting up my to-do radar this month. First, Walton Street Winter Market, which takes place on Saturday 7 December. Artisan makers, independent food stalls, cosy winter fashion and lively street entertainment all make for a delightful day out. Second, I have booked tickets for director Sally Cookson’s production of CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Bridge Theatre. It is transferring to London from Leeds where it was billed as ‘epic’ and a ‘theatrical miracle’; I can’t wait to step into magical Narnia. Third, I have bagged a few places at the com mu na l table of restau ra nt Mãos at Blue Mountain School in Shoreditch. Led by Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes and with just 16 seats and a supper club v ibe, it ha s ju st been awa rded a Michelin star. It’s bound to be an indulgent treat. This issue is our celebration of all things Christmas. We have houses sparkled up for the big day, a circusthemed party shoot by stylist Lucy Gough and photographer Simon Bevan, and oodles of decorations to shop for. Plus we spoke to foodie Skye McAlpine, beauty guru Sherrille Riley, fashion designer Matthew Williamson and doyenne of colour and pattern
Tricia Guild to discover how they celebrate this special time of year. One tradition I plan to steal from Skye is her Christmas Day breakfast of toasted, buttered panettone served with ginger tea a nd hot chocolate. W hat a n ut terly delicious way to sta r t celebrations (I may add a glass of champagne). For those less into Christmas – I can hear your sighs at the very mention of it – there is also plenty of non-festive inspiration to pique your interest. The houses in this issue may vary in scale and style, but they are all creative masterpieces. Take our chalet in Courchevel. Right from the arty entrance with its cowhide wallpaper and melting snowman sculpture, the owners have created a wonderf ully whimsical world that ’s f ull of personalit y. Over in Tasmania, desig n ideas abound in Kerry and Alastair Houston’s converted pub; they have used dark hues, antique furniture and textural layers to create a cosseting, cosy scheme. I wou ld l i ke t o f i n i sh w it h a not her ment ion of ou r #i nclusiv it yetc ca mpa ig n a nd the desig n compet it ion i n association with Habitat (info on page 34). Spread the word to all budding designers that we are looking for the next big thing.
Sarah Spiteri Editorial Director
livingetc.com
7
TI MEDIA LIMITED, 161 MARSH WALL, LONDON E14 9AP. TELEPHONE: 020 3148 7154 EMAIL: livingetc@ti-media.com
editorial
publishing
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Spiteri
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, LIFE & STYLE Angela O’Farrell
EXECUTIVE EDITORS Kate French and Pip McCormac
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emma Williams
Michelle Briant
GROUP CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Anne Esden
MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Winterton
COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jane Akers
BUSINESS DIRECTOR Grainne McKenna DIGITAL DIRECTOR, LIFE & ST YLE Sarah Rafati
HOMES CONTENT TEAM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rhoda Parry HOUSES EDITOR Mary Weaver
advertising
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Busola Evans
PUBLISHER Joanne O’Hara (020 3148 7642)
INTERIORS EDITOR Emma Thomas
ADVERTISING MANAGER Ruth Roscorla (020 3148 7639)
NEWS EDITOR Maudie Manton
INTERNATIONAL/LUXURY ACCOUNT MANAGER
NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR Thea Babington-Stitt
Carole Bunce (020 3148 7620)
TRAVEL AND NEWS EDITOR Patrick Hamilton Courtney
HOMES DIGITAL DIRECTOR Ellie Naber (020 3148 4253)
SHOPPING EDITOR Holly Phillips
INSERT SALES – CANOPY MEDIA Michael Davie (020 7611 1062)
CONTRIBUTING STYLE EDITOR Hannah Franklin
ITALIAN OFFICE Studio Villa, Graziamaria Grillo, Ilaria Prato
DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Holly Boultwood
(+39 0231 1662, graziamaria@studiovilla.com)
ACTING DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Stephanie Wood
DANISH OFFICE Morten Petersen (+45 2143 7518, mpe@jbmedia.dk)
DIGITAL EDITOR HOMES GROUP Amy Cutmore
SPANISH OFFICE Maria Maisey (+34 9131 99015,
ONLINE EDITOR Lotte Brouwer
mariamaisey@spectramedia.es)
ACTING ONLINE EDITOR Jacky Parker
CLASSIFIED SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Charlotte Beckett (020 3148 2511)
HEAD OF ART OPERATIONS Alison Walter
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Katrina Hutchison (0161 601 3720)
ART EDITOR Meredith Davies
REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Kim Milroy (07967 590362)
HEAD OF SUBS OPERATIONS Maxine Clarke
INSERT SALES MANAGER Katherine Brown (07464 544375)
HUB CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Jennifer Spaeth
HEAD OF MARKETING Sian Cupid (020 3148 6487)
SENIOR SUB-EDITORS Marian McNamara and Karen Wiley
DEPUTY HEAD OF MARKETING Laura Timms (020 3148 6239)
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Isabel Cruz
MARKETING EXECUTIVE Sally Dominic (020 3148 6237)
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicola Tillman
EVENTS PRODUCER Lama-Sea Dear (020 3148 6482)
DEPUTY EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Clare Willetts
SENIOR SUBSCRIPTIONS MARKETING MANAGER
ART PRODUCTION DESIGNER Chris Saggers
Anita Baghapour (020 3047 1985) CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Kira Gorman (020 3787 9017) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sam Viggers (020 3148 3466) HEAD OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS David Abbott (020 3148 5474) SYNDICATION Efi Mandrides (020 3148 5485) PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Bill Argent (020 3148 2683) ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Nick Williams
MISSED LAST MONTH’S ISSUE? If you require any other issues
(020 3148 2676)
of Livingetc magazine, these are available for purchase by calling
GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER Steve Twort
01795 662976 (lines open 9am-1pm Monday-Friday). Or order online at: mags-uk.com/browse-by-publisher/ti-media.html.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TI MEDIA LIMITED Marcus Rich
This issue of Livingetc is published on 31 October 2019 by TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP and distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU (020 3787 9101). The contents of the magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without permission. All prices are approximate © TI Media Limited, 2019. Printed by Walstead UK Limited. Repro by Rhapsody Media, 109-123 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4LD. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited. Livingetc is sold subject to these conditions: that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price on the cover, and that it shall not be lent, re-sold, hired out or disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary of pictorial matter whatsoever. Send subscription orders and correspondence to: TI Media Limited, Oakfield House, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DH. Publisher’s subscription rates for 12 issues (prices include postage): UK £60.40; Europe €171.70; USA $196.70; and rest of world £188.80. All subscription enquiries and orders: phone 0330 333 1113 or email help@magazinesdirect.com. Credit card hotline: 0330 333 1113. Send orders and correspondence to: TI Media Limited, PO Box 272, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3FS. Cheques payable to: TI Media Limited. All prices correct at time of going to press. Paint matching: printing processes may change colour reproduction, so it is advisable to use tester pots first. Building quotes: while we try to cost building work, prices vary widely. Never rely on one quote. EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.
8
livingetc.com
table Skorpio Keramik chairs Belinda lamp Phoenix sideboards Tiffany rugs Mumbay
The Place we Live
agent for uk: alberto schiatti - ph +39 0362 328162 - info@schiatti.it
1949 – 2019. Standing the hard test of time
stringfurniture.com
String® Shelving System, made in Sweden.
Birmingham Minima Bournemouth So Furniture Bradford TheHome Bristol Oskar Furniture Cardiff Momentum Cornwall Iroka DublinInreda,LostWeekend East Yorkshire IvorInnesLtd. Glasgow Tojo Design Kent Papillon Interiors Leeds Funktionalley Liverpool Utility London Do South, Haus, Indish, Insidestore, Places and Spaces, Scp, Twentytwentyone Manchester Urbansuite North Yorkshire Cimmermann Norwich Design House Norwich Nottingham Atomic Interiors Ltd Oxford Central Sheffield Nest.co.uk Suffolk Tea and Kate Tetbury Treacle George Windsor Urbansuite Selected John Lewis stores and johnlewis.com Agent www.pira.info
everyone’s talking about... FORTNUM &MASON Think of the newly revamped confectionery department at the Piccadilly flagship not as a shop but a destination, its beautiful interiors lined with ‘sweet-filled amphitheatres’ (in F&M’s own words) over regular counters. Expect hot chocolate on tap, interactive tastings and a new Heinz Baked Beanz chocolate. Yum.
1
2
M AG I C AT CHRISTMAS Looking to inject your Christmas with a touch of spectacle? Channel Jo Malone London, whose seasonal campaign takes its cue from the magician's parlour. Think fringed velvet, circus stripes, gold and midnight blue, while satin gloves and a threepiece suit are optional.
3
THE NEW RO MANTIC S
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
Make way, minimalists, for the new school of avantgarde decorators, who are putting swirling pastels and eccentric florals firmly back on the interiors map. Check out the work of event stylists Studio Cruz, botanical sculptor Rachel Dein and set designer Charlotte Lawton – muralist at Martyn Thompson Studio’s LDF townhouse (pictured).
CLARIFIED C O C K TA I L S
4
These transparent (and caloriereduced) versions of drinks, using purified juices, means the pursuit of wellness has reached our cocktail glasses. Aim for the Mirror Margarita (pictured) at Dalston’s Hacha – clear, but with all the amazing flavour.
5
PLASTER Material of the moment thanks to a slew of newseason lighting designs from Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam, Vaughan and Porta Romana, which has also teamed up with plaster princess Viola Lanari on its Bohème collection (pictured). Looks set to be a white Christmas after all.
livingetc.com
11
Firing imaginations for over 37 years
WOODBURNING
| GAS
M U LT I - F U E L
| ELECTRIC
Find your local retailer at stovax.com
news
THE FINISHING TOUCH
it ’s a w rap
THE STYLE HERO
Designer Birgitte Herrig’s mantra for the Christmas offerings at Walther & Co? Only make it if you’d hang it on your tree, use as a festive decoration or gift to someone truly special. If we could stomach parting ways with her divine antique-feel decs, we would give this corker of an oversized bow as a pressie. It’s 2019’s update on the predictable pine-cone wreath. £84 (flintcollection.com)
bottoms up The colours on Finnish designer Hanna Anonen’s stunning Cocktail light take their cue from fizzy drinks, with the structure made of painted wooden ‘cocktail’ sticks blown up in size. Cheers to that! Price on request (hannaanonen.com)
THE POWER COUPLE
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON PHOTOGRAPHS (BOTTOMS UP) MIKKO RIKALA; (DIVIDE AND CONQUER) PETR KREJCI
mar y, mar y T he Rug C omp a ny ’s late st c ollab or ation i s w it h G r e ek- b or n, L ondon - b a s e d fa sh ion de sig ner M a r y K atr a nt z ou. Blow n-up f lor a ls r ub shoulder s w ith dr amatic sunr ay pr ints a nd mono chrome m ic r o f lor a l s a c r o s s h a nd - k not t e d T ib et a n wo ol a nd si l k . Fr a m i s (pict ured) do es a pa int-by-numb er s t a ke on a n im a l pr int in jewel a nd p e a rly g rey tones. From £3, 237 (ther ugcompany.com)
THE CORE PIECE
divide and conquer Sage, a collection from David Rockwell and Benchmark, takes the modern workforce as its muse, addressing wellness, comfort and privacy across sustainable and non-toxic natural wood furniture. The Sage Credenza – a sideboard-come-shelving unit – doubles as a room divider for when you want to shut off pesky co-home-workers. From £5,509 (benchmarkfurniture.com)
livingetc.com
13
the edited choice
Candelabra No2, £245, Katrin Moye at The Shop Floor Project
Large brass candleholder, £85, Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen at Nordic Nest
Candelabra, £47.95 Nordal at Bell and Blue
Newstead black and gold metal candelabra, £25, Habitat
Swirl black & white candelabra, £280, Tom Dixon
Kaysa iron candlestick, £39.60, Broste Copenhagen
candelabras Luna brass candle centrepiece, £38, Rowen & Wren
14
livingetc.com
Tabletop treats that’ll look beautiful and bold with or without candles...
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON PHOTOGRAPHS (ANOTHER COUNTRY) YESHEN-VENEMA
Candleholder in ash, £65, Another Country
loveyourhomeuk www.love-your-home.co.uk
THE NEW COLLABORATION WITH
news Giant antique baubles, from £18.95 each; Bequai display pyramid candlesticks, from £14.95 each; Abeeko wine glass, £34.95 for four (nkuku.com)
ONE FOR THE KIDS
dreamy design The biggest diary date for little ’uns? Christmas morning! So naturally they’ll want to look the part while seeing to their stockings. The Nico PJ set from Night by Wilder makes an equally good pressie wrapped up under the tree. Love the swing-style top. £55 (nightsbywilder.com)
THE SEASONAL BUY
epic proportions Fe el i ng t he f i r st f lutt er of u nc er t a i nt y o v er how t o de c or at e t he fe sti ve t able? G o X X L . N k u k u’s a ntique b auble s a r e r oug h l y t he s a me si z e a s fo otb a l l s , m a k i ng t hem t he p er fe c t d a ng le - over-the - d i n ner-t able or n a ment s.
JUST LAUNCHED
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
THE INVESTMENT PIECE
mixed mediums Good design is a game of contrasts and with Gallotti&Radice’s 1968 coffee tables you get just that. Think tabletops in Verde Alpi (left) or Calacatta Vagli Oro marble and burnished-brass bases that are neatly offset with lacquered wooden parts. Consider them all-out showstoppers. Small table, £1,584; large table, £1,692 (gallottiradice.it)
face off French furnishing house Lelièvre is all for championing crossovers into the worlds of fashion, travel and art, and its muse for new collection Deuxieme Chapitre is artist and 20th-century enfant terrible Jean Cocteau. Find his figurative drawings across 11 wallpapers in what’s a firm contender for this season’s It collection. Émail in Bleu (top), £68.50 a roll; Union in Azur, £64.25 a roll (lelievreparis.com)
livingetc.com
17
Choose from over 60 exclusive designs Available in 1000s of fabrics, each handcrafted to order in the UK Call free on 0800 2300 048 or discover our full range and your nearest shop at sofaworkshop.com Sofa shown is Eden medium sofa in Dusky Airforce Blue.
the catwalk look Frendi sofabed, from £1,420, Tapio Anttila
Liuku pendant ball light in linden wood and smoke glass, £303, Maija Puoskari for Mater
Table trees, £115 for three, Georg Jensen
BOSS had voluptuous coats all wrapped up
Great Dixter cushion, £185, The Shop Floor Project
Fir metallic tumbler, £16 for two, LSA International
Acne Studios rocked knits made for northern climes
Taika Siimes glass ornament, €24.90, Klaus Haapaniemi for Iittala
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
Curly shearling bench in Ivory, £695, The White Company
nordic f ling Channel the charm of a Lapland log cabin with pale woods, shearling and subtle hits of glistening gold White oak/black chrome turning table, £450, Menu at Opumo
livingetc.com
19
news T H E P O W E R PAT T E R N
retro revival Chinoiserie and chintz are the season’s biggest comeback kings and Linwood’s new 100 per cent linen Belleville collection takes tomato red as its hero hue, seen here on Miji – one of seven new ‘bold botanicals made for contemporary tastes’. Miji in Tomato LF2128C/005, £79.90m (linwoodfabric.com)
WA N T I T, W E A R I T
the k nit crowd Christmas jumpers needn’t be naff and we’re looking to offbeat Belgian brand Essential Antwerp for the most covetable of cover-ups. Do you dare to zigzag in multicoloured mohair or will you play it safe in a tried-and-tested cable knit? Either way, time to retire that novelty Rudolph sweater to the back of the wardrobe for good. Tune sweater (top), £210;Tahini sweater, £250 (essentiel-antwerp.com/uk)
THE WEEKEND BUY
swoon worthy Space Copenhagen has relaunched its chic Swoon Lounge chair for Fredericia in a smaller, more snug version. It’s destined for the flexiworker who likes to get comfy with their laptop or anyone who wants to sit pretty. Swoon Lounge Petit chair, from £1,800 (fredericia.com)
20
livingetc.com
HAY’s tabletop picks are for the cool customer who likes to approach Christmas in a less obvious way. Sprinkle its Flare candleholders amongst turkey and trimmings and admire the way the coloured and durable borosilicate glass brings a modern twist to your festive table. £25 each (hay.dk/en)
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
FUTURE CLASSIC
colour pop
news THE NAME TO DROP
laura f ulmine
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON PHOTOGRAPH BEN ANDERS
Having worked as an interior stylist for nearly 15 years, Laura Fulmine knows only too well that the road towards art and sculpture hire was one littered with copyright issues, high stress and hefty price tags. Her solution? M.A.H (Modern Art Hire), a contemporary art platform for stylists, photographers and, most recently, residential clients, offering short-term lets on works by talented artists and makers. These include John Booth, Esther Cox, David Charles and Margate wonder weaver, Jo Elbourne. Under the umbrella of the Airbnb rental concept, the beauty here lies in the try-before-you-buy mentality. This savvy stylist also has two strictly-under-wraps hotel projects currently in the pipeline‌ watch these walls. (laurafulmine.com)
livingetc.com
21
the edited choice
Stunning Allium cotton throw, £195, Lucy Tiffney at Rockett St George
Mohair throw in Pink & Green, £350, The Conran Shop
Labyrinth throw in Gold, £165, One Nine Eight Five at Amara
The Caster quilt, £920, House of Quinn
Mythos two wool blanket, £162, George Greaves at ZigZagZurich
Lolium throw in Blossom, £360, Bristol Weaving Mill at The New Craftsmen
Vista blanket in Off-White, £120, Ferm Living
Linnea Andersson blanket in Blue, £59, Arket
FEATURE JESSE HARRIS
cosy throws Amyas reversible throw in Pink/Red, £70, Luke Edward Hall for Habitat
Baby it’s cold outside, so hunker down in high style with one of these distinctive winter warmers
livingetc.com
23
decorations decoded SO MANY CHRISTMAS LOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME… TO HELP, HERE ARE THE FOUR
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
FESTIVE STYLES THAT HAVE US EXCITED
glimmering BURNISHED GOLD This is one high-concept look; think Miss Havisham hits up Petersham Nurseries and channel great Dickensian dining halls flickering in candlelight. All in the name of creating a feast that, quite frankly, will be fit for a queen. (Clockwise from top left) These baubles are a real feast for the eyes. Decorations,
from £7 each, Harrods; Hang your tea lights high for a warm glow overhead. POV candleholder, £90, Menu at Nest; Every extravagant dining space needs a chandelier – even if it’s mini. Gold chandelier decoration, £35, Petersham Nurseries; A pile of baubles on a platter makes a perfect table centrepiece. Gold ribbed bauble, £3.49, The Contemporary Home; Hand-forged brass brings an
old-world edge. Jahi candlesticks, £17.95 each; Jahi bowls, from £7.95 each, all Nkuku; Even napkins deserve a gold hit. Napkin rings, £35 for four, Ferm Living at Nordic Nest; Serve up festive drinks and nibbles in style. Maralia tray, £35.75, The Taylor; Strictly by royal appointment only. Limited gold edition My Crown ornament, £59, Seletti at Amara
folksy F E S T I V E FA N TA S Y Approach this one with a strictly more-ismore mindset and fire up the celebrations with blooming florals and naive prints. A punchy, multicoloured palette is showcased in joyful illustrations, intricate embroideries and patchwork effects for Christmas with a carefree, cabinet-of-curiosities feel.
(Clockwise from top left) Create a mini folklore forest. Christmas Piero 15cm tree, £33, OYOY at Nordic Nest; Wrap with beautiful recycled paper. Winter Seed-pods giftwrap, £20 for eight sheets, The Shop Floor Project; Make artist Lucy Tiffney your muse. Mural painted using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, from £5.95 for 120ml;
Finnish design for the table. Fruits table runner, €130, Klaus Haapaniemi; Smells as good as it looks. Holiday Lucky Flowers 190g candle, £53, Diptyque; Crackers with simple charm. Crackers, £39 for six, Cambridge Imprint; A stocking filler as easy as ABC. Letter B Zarzodi monogram decoration, £10, Anthropologie
foraged N AT U R A L B L U S H Lace up your hiking boots and throw on a Puffa – this look is all about the forest floor, with woody tones and accents the colour of a glowing winter twilight. Think fallen foliage, rustic touches and soft hues that sit between purple and pink.
(Clockwise from top left) Add natural charm to gifts. Manila tag, £2.49 for 10, Ginger Ray; Stripes keep it smart. Two-sided giftwrap, £4.95 for a roll, Monograph at Trouva; These decorations haven’t fallen far from the tree. Hanging acorns, £30 for five, Oka; Burning with anticipation. Advent
candle, £17.40, Broste Copenhagen. Hung and dried – if they weren’t made of linen. Faux stems, from £8 each, Neptune; Raise a toast. Martini gin glasses, £38.95 for four, Audenza; A rustic flourish for the front door. Blush eucalyptus wreath, £65, Cox & Cox
graphic MODERN MONO With just black and white in your Christmas decorating arsenal, you’ll need to be brave with pattern – clash polka dots with stripes, swirls with stars. It’s modern and bold and festive all at once. Happy holidays. (Clockwise from top left) A set of candles that really burn their stripes. Candles, from
£22 for a slim candleholder, Concrete & Wax; Spot the super-chic crackers. Spotty Luxury Christmas crackers, £35 for six, Nancy & Betty Studio; Hang out with these stars over the holidays. Black and white paper decorations, from €7.50 each, House Doctor at Villa Madelief; Baubles need to be bold for this standout look. Swirl bauble, £7.50; Dot Glitter bauble, £9.50, both The Conran Shop;
A simple striped ribbon will have your pressies all tied up. Ribbon, £4.50 for 5m, Nancy & Betty Studio; Starry nights suit the season – and this tableware suits the monochrome look. Astier de Villatte Etoile dessert plates, £90 each; Astier de Villatte Etoile dinner plates, £115 each; Falling Stars linen tablecloth, from £625, all Summerill & Bishop
E XCLUSIVE COLLEC TION
A REIMAGINED & RECOLOURED collection from the design archives
Morris & Co. Thistle 216748
WINTER WARMER
OPEN TO THE TR ADE AND PUBLIC SINCE 1904
6 Ã Ì LÀiÜiÀðV °Õ Ì w ` Þ ÕÀ V> ÃÌ Ài
essay
theof joy
FILLING YOU R HOM E WITH SPARKLE IS ABOUT M UCH MORE THAN CRE ATING A LOOK , SAYS NOVE LIST E M MA JAN E U NSWORTH
PHOTOGRAPH ALEX LAKE
e
decs
very year, without fail, my mum buys me an Advent calendar. A chocolate one. She’s done it my whole life. It’s usually one with cartoon characters on it, or themed around a kids’ TV show. (Did I mention that I’m 40? I’m 40.) Then, every day in December, I wake up, open the right window and eat the tiny chocolate with my morning cup of tea. It’s a little ritual, but one that sets the tone for the season of luxury and small pleasures, away from the rest of the year’s rules and routine. When I was growing up in the Eighties, my sister and I insisted on the gaudiest, most tasteless decorations for the tree. Mum obliged, so we went to town. All the tinsel. All the colours of fairy lights. Every last little weird tattered bird. At the start of December, we’d haul the storage boxes down from the loft and peel back the layers of newspaper, revealing treasure, delicately extracting each decoration like we were performing an archaeological dig. We’d dust off each decoration and hang or clip it onto the tree (always a real tree), our beloved, ancient, one-legged fairy strapped to the top branch, frozen in a perfect pirouette. Mum had got that fairy for the first Christmas she had with my dad in their own home. It was the beginning of a lifetime of collecting things that would symbolise her own Christmas, her own way of doing things, the cement that was to hold her own family’s building blocks together. Now I have my own home and my own child, I really get that. That fairy and so many of those early decorations symbolised her independence and the making of her own traditions. It’s a rite of passage, building up your own box of
Christmas decorations, each with memories and meaning, each taking on far more importance than its price tag or aesthetic value. I live in a small flat so can’t go too wild with festive ornaments, but my husband and I have started our own collection, storing them in a box ready to spring open in December. All that festive potential feels like a promise, just like the boxes did in my childhood home: a promise that this Christmas will be a joyful one. That it will be an abundance of loved things, of loved people. Decorating your home – taking time out from the obligations and shopping and last-minute deadlines to do something as indulgent as hang baubles on a tree – is about strengthening your own sense of anticipation. December is like the last few millimetres between people’s lips before they kiss, the promise that the best is yet to come. Every unopened Advent calendar window is a certainty of a sweet little indulgence. Every wrapped present is a secret joy – soon to be revealed. Every festoonery hung in the corner of your living room is forging the link between you and this season, a reminder of why decorations are so worthwhile. Because all the tips and tricks in this magazine are not just about making your home look good, but about making you feel good, too. About adding some literal and metaphorical sparkle, a celebration of a moment and mood. Traditions ground you; whether new this year or passed down from your parents, they remind you what – and who – is important. This year we’re all going to my mum’s for Christmas, and I’m looking forward to seeing the mixture of memories and new Christmas things she has in store. She’s already told me not to steal the chocolates off the tree, as she does every year. But just like you’re never too old for an Advent calendar, you’re never too old to steal the chocolate decorations off your mum’s tree. You just get better at hiding the wrappers. X
Emma Jane Unsworth’s new novel, Adults (£12.99, HarperCollins), is out on 30 January 2020 and is available to pre-order now.
livingetc.com
29
life.style.etc Baker and food writer Claire Ptak talks Christmas menus, clothes shopping , cakes for royals and her most flamboyant creation
c
FEATURE SARAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPH WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES
laire Ptak was catapulted into the spotlight after making Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake (Amalfi lemon and elderflower decorated with Swiss meringue buttercream) nearly two years ago. Her sales doubled, but the Californian-born baker was doing pretty well before royalty came knocking. After moving to east London in 2005, she sold home-made cakes at Hackney’s Broadway Market before opening her bakery Violet in 2010. With four cookbooks under her apron, Claire now writes books and for The Guardian and hosts a lifestyle podcast, Violet Sessions. She lives in Hackney with her three-year-old daughter Frances. Sum up your business in five words… Blood, sweat, tears, joy, laughter. What was your light-bulb moment? While working as a food stylist with a friend, I iced some mini cupcakes with a star tip. My friend said, ‘They should always be like that.’ Right then I knew I could bake and sell them. What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for work? Living 6,000 miles from my mother. She’s in Inverness, California. What inspires you? Travel and books. Favourite cake? Coconut. Christmas Day dessert? I’ll be making Christmas cake, persimmon pudding and Black Forest gâteau. M ost ex t ravag a nt ba ke? Henr y Holland’s wedding cake, inspired by artist Will Cotton’s cake sculptures. It was crazy: eight tiers tall with chocolate Guinness, salted caramel, lemon, grape, Battenberg and red velvet flavours! Pinch-me moments? Baking the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cake, then, a year later, when the Queen cut the cake I made for Sainsbury’s 150th birthday.
Which bakers and chefs do you most admire? Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine, Ed Wilson of Brawn, James Lowe of Flor and Lyle’s, and Ignacio Mattos of Estela. A cookbook you’d recommend… I Am Almost Always Hungry by Lora Zarubin. What would be your last-ever meal? Chicken soup with fresh corn tortillas, then tangerines dipped in goat’s milk caramel. What’s your biggest extravagance? I spend way too much on clothes, but I dress to express myself, protect myself and be strong. Name three stores you couldn’t live w i t h o u t … Twent y t went yone , t he
Greenwood [Food & Wine] corner shop across from Violet and Matchesfashion. Describe your interiors style. I follow the words of Le Corbusier: ‘And long live the good taste manifested by choice, subtlety, proportion and harmony.’ What’s the last thing you bought for your home? Palissade dining chairs by Hay for my roof terrace. Your top business tip… Trust your gut. It knows what to do. Your brain gets in the way. X
violetcakes.com
While working as a food stylist, I iced some mini cupcakes with a star tip. Right then I knew I could bake and sell them livingetc.com
31
SEND COMPLETED COUPON TO: FREEPOST TI Media Limited (No further address needed. No stamp required – for UK only)
YES! I would like to subscribe to Livingetc: Please tick your preferred payment method
UK Annual Direct Debit (12 issues): Pay just £31.99 per year, saving 47% (full price £60.40)
BEST OFFER!
UK 2-year, cheque, credit or debit card (24 issues): Pay just £63.99, saving 47% (full price £120.80) UK 1-year, cheque, credit or debit card (12 issues): Pay just £34.99, saving 42% (full price £60.40)
YOU R DETA I L S Mrs ⁄ Ms ⁄ Miss ⁄ Mr
Forename
Surname Address Postcode Home tel Mobile Email By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy available at www.ti-media.com/privacy. Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from Livingetc and other brands within the TI Media Limited Group by email, post, telephone and/or SMS. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A GI F T SU B SCR I P T ION Please fill out both the recipient’s details below and your details above. For more than one subscription, give address details on a separate sheet.
Mrs ⁄ Ms ⁄ Miss ⁄ Mr
Forename
Surname Address Postcode A Christmas card will be sent to all gift orders received by 8th December 2019 (either by email or post) so that you can send it on to the recipient before Christmas. If you supply an email address your order will be acknowledged by email and you will be given the option to download a Christmas card or request one by post. If you do not supply an email address you will automatically be sent a postal Christmas card.
C H O O S E F R OM 3 E A S Y WA Y S T O PA Y 1 . UK Annual Direct Debit: Pay only £31.99 for 12 months Service user number:
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit. Name and full postal address of your bank or building society. To: The Manager
7642 2 1
Bank/Building Society:
Address: Postcode: Name(s) of Account Holder(s): Branch Sort Code:
Bank/Building Society Account No:
Instructions to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Magazines Direct from the accounts detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Magazines Direct and if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank or Building Society.
Signature
Date
(I am over 18)
Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account.
2 . I enclose a cheque ⁄ postal order made payable to TI Media Limited, for the amount of £ .....................
3 . Please debit my
Q MasterCard Q Visa Q Visa Debit Q Amex
Card Number
Expiry date
Signature
Date
(I am over 18)
Please keep me up to date with special offers and news just by email from carefully selected companies. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. Final closing date for all orders is Monday 3rd February 2020. *£31.99 payable by annual Direct Debit. This price is guaranteed for the first 12 months and we will notify you in advance of any price changes. Orders purchased as a gift before Sunday 8th December 2019 will start with the February 2020 issue published in January. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). The full subscription rate is for 12 months (12 issues) and includes postage and packaging. All prices are correct at time of going to press. TI Media may cancel a subscription and provide a pro rata refund if it ceases to publish the relevant title for any reason. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle. XLE CODE: ANE9
The perfect gift this Christmas
subscribe for only £31.99 *
Find the coolest homes and an edited insight into the world of modern design Save money on the shop price Never miss an issue with the luxury of home delivery
choose from 3 simple ways to subscribe O R D E R O N L I N E AT m a g a z i n e s d i re c t . c o m / L E TC D E C 2 0 1 9
PHOTOGRAPH JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
O R D E R BY P H O N E 03 30 3 3 3 1 1 13 Q U OT E C O D E A N E 9 L i n e s a r e o p e n M o n d ay - S a t u r d ay f rom 8 am - 6pm U K time O R D E R BY P OS T using the FREEPOST coupon
THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE. This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Magazines Direct will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Magazines Direct to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Magazines Direct or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Magazines Direct asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
INCLUSIVIT YETC
WE G IVE YOU TH E CHANCE TO B RE AK INTO TH E IN DUSTRY BY HAVING YOU R PRODUC T CRE ATE D AND SOLD BY HABITAT
w ALL PRODUCTS (SHOWN IN IMAGE, RIGHT) AVAILABLE FROM HABITAT
e
e know that the routes into the design world are not open to everyone; that the industry is not as diverse as the nation and that there is work to be done on getting a good representation of the country into creative fields. So we are excited to be partnering with Habitat for an inclusivity initiative, opening doors to everyone. If you have a bright idea for a piece of furniture, some lighting or textiles, now is the chance to have it created, sold and be paid fairly for your work by Habitat, one of the UK’s leading retailers of contemporary design. We’re looking to champion new talent: people who have never had their work put into production before and who have the potential to become the next big stars of our industry. Three winners will get to work closely with Habitat and develop their submissions into real-life designs. They will see their pieces make it into store, be offered mentorship by Livingetc, Habitat and relevant designers from our networks and have this unique opportunity to learn and develop… all while being paid an industry standard fee for their idea. We want to help redress the balance by making design a more democratic field, rewarding ideas over privilege and ensuring that this is truly open to all. Good luck!
We’re after sketches, a description of yourself and your designs. Apply at livingetc.com/inclusivityetc Standard Livingetc terms and conditions apply, for details go to ti-media.com⁄standard-competition-terms. Entry implies acceptance to these rules. Competition is open from 3 October 2019 to 31 March 2020
34
livingetc.com
Wreath; tea-light holders; Bruton cutlery; Printed Stripe place mats; Jute woven place mats; Milford wine glasses; Milford tumblers; Heart boards; Portobello dinner plates; napkins; Marble star candleholders; candles; sheepskins; mini pine cones, all from a selection at The White Company
fabulous spaces W E C H O O S E O N E R O O M TO G E T YO U I N T H E H O U S E S M O O D
FEATURE MARY WEAVER
Unbelievably, The White Company is 25 years old this year. Its take on Christmas has always been calm and chic (just look at the simple beauty of this table setting). Pick up founder Chrissie Rucker’s new book For The Love of White and it won’t matter if it’s not snowing outside livingetc.com
35
Designer Julia Thompson’s dark and delicious schemes make an ideal backdrop for a divinely decadent Christmas PHOTOGRAPHY James Merrell X
STYLING Jennifer Haslam WORDS Steven Efstathiou
houses
LIVING ROOM A well-loved period portrait is zhused up for the holidays in flamboyant fashion. Foliage and feathers, Rebel Rebel. Gold garland, Meri Meri. Wall in Madison Grey, Abigail Ahern. Similar fire, Chesneys
livingetc.com
37
Home profile THE DESIGNER Julia Thompson, who restyled much of the interior of this family home for a professional couple and their twin 11-year-old sons.
THE PROPERTY A Victorian townhouse in south London, comprising a kitchen-diner, utility room, snug/ TV room and WC on the lower-ground floor; a hall, living room and study on the ground floor; and the master bedroom suite with walk-in wardrobe on the first floor. One of the twins’ bedrooms is on the second floor, along with a shower room and guest bedroom, while his brother’s bedroom suite is in the attic conversion up above.
LIVING ROOM Deep grey walls, ceiling and woodwork give a luxe look outside the holiday season.
38
livingetc.com
Pre-lit tree and small baubles, John Lewis & Partners. Large baubles, Habitat. Fans and balls, Pipii. Light, Graham and Green. Table, La Redoute. Foliage, Rebel Rebel. Backgammon set, Jonathan Adler
houses
i
love creating muted backdrops against which sparkling accessories can really pop,’ says interior designer Julia Thompson. And the schemes she’s drawn up for this stylish south London home fizz and shimmer with excitement, especially when the Victorian townhouse is so flamboyantly dressed for the season. Every room has an individual twist – there’s nothing staid here – yet the key to Julia’s success is in working alongside her clients to bring out their eye for fine design. For this project, it helped that Julia resided in a nearby street and her own home became a showcase of ideas. ‘I’ve known this couple for almost as long as I’ve lived here,’ says Julia. ‘When they saw my house, they liked my use of vintage pieces.’ The raw material you have to begin with is rather important, too, but when you’re working with as fine a property as this five-storey townhouse you’re off to a good start. ‘It’s surprising that this part of the Peck ham area took so long to become popular, as the housing stock round here is amazing,’ says Julia. You can instantly see what she means when you step through the front door. From the double-aspect living area to the roomy landings on each floor, the property mixes impressive proportions with pleasing architectural details. But when Julia was first brought in to weave her magic, the owners had yet to use the place to its full potential. For example, the kitchen extension on the lower-ground floor was already in situ, however its decor was rather uninspiring. ‘Originally, the walls were painted in a mid-grey, which was neither here nor there,’ Julia recalls. ‘I suggested painting them in a deeper RAL
shade to match the colour of the sliding doors. This also provides tonal continuity with the patio area at the near side of the garden, which enhances the indoor/outdoor feel.’ Upstairs, the story was rather different as the owners had already decided to extend up into the attic to get another bedroom, so Julia worked in and around the builders as that project progressed. She came up with simple design solutions, such as rehanging the doors on the second f loor so that they opened in, rather than out, to create additional space both on the landing and in a revamped shower room. The builders actually contributed to the scheme of one of the bedrooms of the owners’ sons. ‘It happened somewhat organically,’ Julia explains. ‘While working on the attic conversion, they removed the plaster from a wall, which exposed the brickwork, and the resulting look chimed in beautifully
with an idea we had to give the room a semi-industrial feel.’ Another feature in this space – the pegboard wall – was all Julia’s doing. ‘I got the idea from a shop I’d visited and decided to install one here on the same grand scale,’ she says. ‘The lad loves it and it provides a lot of storage. His mother has a good eye for accessories, too, so we both picked up things for his room and the rest of the house, mainly from vintage fairs.’ Julia’s expert touch is also evident in the master bedroom suite. ‘The old layout had a separate bathroom and in the bedroom there was a huge antique wardrobe, which totally dominated the space,’ she recalls. ‘We took out the wardrobe and reworked the floor plan to create a free-flowing suite, including a dressing area between the bedroom and the bathroom.’ It’s in the living room, however, that the full extent of Julia’s design skills can be seen. Although the owners had already embraced ‘going down the dark route’, as Julia calls it, the reception area was originally dressed in a far more formal style. ‘There was wallpaper on the chimney breasts and curtains at the window – it was very traditional,’ Julia says. ‘So we painted everything out – the walls, the ceiling and the coving.’ Then she introduced a few reclaimed storage pieces, such as vintage display cabinets, in order to better show off the eclectic accessories that now enliven the space. ‘I also brought in all the plants and their accompanying stands,’ says Julia.’ It’s these accessories that really make a house a home.’ X
To see more of Julia’s interior design portfolio, visit frankinteriors.space
livingetc.com
39
houses
home truths FAV O U R I T E M A R K E T ? I just love all the local markets at Christmas, in places like Peckham and Shoreditch.
TRAD XMAS DINNER OR SOMETHING UNIQUE? Definitely trad. My husband would not forgive me if I did anything else!
B OA R D GA M E S O R B OX S E T S ? Both. Board games during the day, then snuggling up to watch box sets.
YO U R M U S T- B U Y ? An original Polish movie poster from Projekt26.com. They’re so cool.
2020 WISHES? A calmer, less crazy world.
NEW YEAR DESIGN A DV I C E ? Buy more vintage. It’s sustainable and better made than a lot of modern stuff.
KITCHE N Handleless cabinetry and matching the units and worktops keeps things sleek. Cabinetry, Oikos Cucine at Simply Italian. Pendants, BSweden at Simply Scandinavian. Indoor plant (just seen), Pearspring
40
livingetc.com
DINING AREA A cascade of Verner Panton FlowerPot pendants adds definition to this open space. Eames DSR chairs, Vitra. Panton Flowerpot pendant lights, &Tradition. Hurricane lamps, The Conran Shop. Floral display, Rebel Rebel. Fairy lights, Lights4fun
MASTER EN SUITE Picking out the blue from the stand-out floor tiles and using it on the walls and ceiling gives a lovely cocooning feel. Floor tiles, Martin Moore. Vintage tables, eBay. Similar bath, Drummonds. Dressing area door handle, Buster + Punch. Plants, Pearspring
42
livingetc.com
houses
“Dreamy shades with verdant foliage is one of my go-to combinations” X
MASTER BEDROOM
drama, which the mirror definitely delivers,’ says Julia.
An industrial-style pendant light looks perfectly at home alongside the more traditional panelled wall. At the foot of the bed is an oversize gilt mirror. ‘The owners wanted a calm space with a bit of
Pendant, Buster + Punch. Bed, Made. Table, The Modern Warehouse. Ruched cushion, Rockett St George Mirror and chair, eBay. Pendant, Vinterior. Curtains in Designers Guild fabric. Lamp, Mrs Benn. Rug, Hide Rugs
livingetc.com
43
44
livingetc.com
TWIN’S BEDROOM
TWIN’S BEDROOM
A wall of pegboards provides acres of space to showcase favourite and most-used toys.
The graffiti art is the star of the show, but the wall of hidden storage is impressive, too.
Shelving unit, Midcentury Modern fair. Pegboards, Kreisdesign. Similar armchair, Swoon
Bespoke storage, Dan Clark Furniture. Graffiti art, Rob Irish (signofdesigns@gmail.com). Bed, Loaf. Bedside cabinets, Mustard
STYLING ASSISTANTS CELIA CAMPBELL AND PAULA MAY EVANS
houses
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
Julia mixed mid-century shapes and moody hues for a luxe look
Marlin starburst chandelier, £740, Abigail Ahern
FEATURE PIP MCCORMAC
Harlequin Takara cushion in Teal/Ink, £32, John Lewis & Partners
Tall amber bottle, £45, Trouva
Deko ‘Christmas mix’ paper decorations, £6 each, Broste Copenhagen
Round antiqued gold drinks trolley, £189.90, The Farthing
Moroccan leather pouffe in Chocolate Mocha oiled, £126, Bohemia Design
Rubens wingback armchair in Nickel Grey, £399, Made
Boho 8280 beige rug, from £99.99, Think Rugs at Woven
Toy Solider eco chic paint, £18.86 for 750ml, Earthborn
livingetc.com
45
winter
wonderland
Alpine clichĂŠs were turned on their head in this playful reinterpretation
46
livingetc.com
houses
of the classic ski chalet
EXTERIOR
H A L LWAY
The spectacular mountain views were central to the design of Sisimiut Chalet. The owners wanted a modern take on a traditional style, incorporating their love of contemporary art.
The owners have played with the red and black colour scheme with slalom-inspired wall effect and colourful floor tiles. The arty entrance also features a melting snowman.
Life-size horse lamp by Front for Moooi
Cowhide wallcovering, Elitis. Floor tiles, Bisazza
PHOTOGRAPHY Frenchie Cristogatin X
STYLING Christine Hebras WORDS Susan Springate
livingetc.com
47
LIVING AREA The couple have filled the space with an avalanche of styles and curated items, which reflect their love of the mountains. Mounted derrière of bear by Ghyslain Bertholon at School Gallery. Bend sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. Multi-coloured ottoman by Christelle Le DÊan for Maison M
houses
w
ith its snow-covered landscape and streets lit up with twinkling lights, Courchevel is a magical place at Christmas,’ says mountain enthusiast Candice. ‘ We usually spend Christmas morning on the slopes with our extended family and then head back home for a relaxed lunch and a cosy log fire.’ The alpine experience was at the heart of Candice’s vision for this home, named Chalet Sisimiut, her large (400m 2) dwelling in the famous resort in the French Alps. Located in Courchevel Village itself, it is the second of three properties she and partner Marc have built on the site of an old barn and land belonging to Marc’s family. ‘It’s a modern reinterpretion of the classic chalet,’ says Candice. ‘We wanted to move away from the traditional ski lodge style and share our own view of mountain living. The result is a whimsical Alice in Wonderland affair, full of humour and surprises.’ Candice created the scheme with Parisian architect and interior designer Olivier Gay, a childhood friend, with whom she could give free rein to her imagination. ‘Marc was the voice of practicality to make sure Olivier and I didn’t get too carried away with the creative process,’ says Candice. ‘The only thing we planned was the idea that we would give each of the five en suite bedrooms a theme relating to the mountains; so there is the calming serenity of the Igloo bedroom; the Modern Mountain room, which is more typical of the Courchevel style; the Retro Ski room, with its 1950s ski motifs and vintage skis and poles in the bathroom; the Forest room with its black wallpaper peppered with creatures of the
forest; and the Alpine room at the top, which is like a mountain hideaway for children. Olivier was determined too that each room, whether it’s a bathroom or living room, is different.’ Blend i ng i n sea m lessly w it h it s snow-covered surroundings – and 180-degree mountain view – the chalet comprises two separate structures combined: the charred black wood traditional Swiss-style chalet sits alongside its modern counterpart, clad in contrasting light-coloured meleze wood; and nearby is a life-sized horse lamp from Moooi, welcoming guests from its glass shelter. Inside the surprises continue apace: an entrance hallway, as dramatic as the mountains,with its jaunty red and black Bisazza tiled floor and slalom-inspired wall, which meanders its way through to the cavernous open-plan living room, bar and dining room – a visual cacophony of clashing colours and designs and brocante finds, that shouldn’t work – but do. ‘We threw out the rule book,’ says Candice. ‘We just brought in everything we liked, so there’s a mix of styles: modern, retro, kitsch – it’s a coup de Coeur – we love it.’ Her greatest challenge was filling the space. The living room area alone is 45m2 with a ceiling height in excess of five metres. ‘I was terrified of it being cold and unwelcoming so I divided up the room with large comfy sofas,’ she explains. ‘The Versailles parquet floor is made of reclaimed railway sleepers and brings a lot of warmth to the space; while the Balloons chandelier by Matteo Gonet is from a gallery in Paris. I thought it was fun!’ Taking pride of place in the dining room, meanwhile, is artwork, Heaven’s Door 6 by
Nathalie Talec, which has special resonance for Candice: ‘It sums up Marc and I,’ she says. ‘He’s the mountain guy and I am the city girl, who loves fashion and design. The mountain is where our worlds come together.’ Although the couple met and got together in the alpine resort some 13 years ago, Candice is a former events organiser who was based in Paris and still has a small apartment in the Marais. Non-negotiable for Candice was the indoor-outdoor swimming pool, where you can swim whatever the weather and still feel you are immersed in the surrounding nature. ‘We used to have one when we came here for family holidays when I was little, so it feels very nostalgic,’ explains Candice. To complete the après-ski experience, she installed a spa suite that features a steam and massage room, gym, as well as the stunning relaxation area with its illusory mountain lake view, which is actually a backlit photograph of a Canadian landscape. It’s a trick she and Olivier repeated for the ceiling of the Forest Room en suite in order to connect the windowless space to the outside. ‘When you look up, you feel you are overshadowed by the snow-covered treetops,’ says Candice. ‘The surrounding landscape was central to the whole scheme,’ she adds. ‘The chalet has a panoramic view of the mountains, so it was important that you could see the landscape from every window – that you feel immersed in nature.’ X
S e e m o r e o f O l i v i e r G a y ’s w o r k a t ogarchitecture.com. Find Candice and Marc’s travel company at heliskigreenland.com and chalet rental company at marcandou.com
livingetc.com
49
home profile TH E OWN E RS Candice Pinoncély and her partner Marc Lazzaroni run ski travel and chalet rental companies from their home in the French Alps.
THE PROPERTY A chalet-style home in Courchevel over three floors. On the lower floor, there is an open-plan living room, dining room and bar; a kitchen; an en suite bedroom, a boot room and in/out swimming pool. On the ground floor, there are three en suite bedrooms and a spa area. On the top floor, there is a further en suite bedroom.
DINING AREA Candice chose a variety of mismatched chairs. ‘I have never liked everything matching and in the same colour scheme,’ she says. Wild Artichokes wallpaper, Pascale Risbourg. Snowball pendant lamp by Giopato & Coombes at Galerie Bensimon. Nexton Plank dining table, Riva 1920
KITCHE N Architect Olivier Gay tried to reinterpret an Austrian classic kitchen by mixing wood, metal and Tyrolean tiles. Gustav Rosso floor tiles by Bisazza. Splashback tiles, 41zero42.com. Oval bar stool, Muubs. The cabinets were custom-made by One Atelier in Italy
livingetc.com
51
S PA A R E A ‘It’s not a real view, but the introduction of a bird on a perch plays tricks with your imagination. It’s playful and childlike,’ says Candice. The backlit view on glass was created by Visual Boutique in France. Chair, Kettal
houses
I N /O U T P O O L ‘We introduced a tropical theme to the pool area so you felt you were retiring to warmer climes after a day on the slopes,’ says Candice. Exotic porcelain tiles, 41zero42.com. Pop wood effect ceramic tiles in the pool itself by UonUon from 14oraitaliana.com
livingetc.com
53
home truths W H AT D O YO U L I K E T O D O O N C H R I S T M A S D AY ? Spend the morning off-piste on the slopes with family.
H O W D O YO U D E C O R AT E T H E C H A L E T AT C H R I S T M A S ? It depends on who is there, but one year we installed a family of illuminated reindeer outside.
H O W D O YO U C E L E B R AT E ? With family. We have the main meal on Christmas Eve and then a more relaxed lunch on Christmas Day.
W H AT M U S I C D O YO U L I S T E N T O ? House music and rap – as well as classical.
W H AT ’ S YO U R S T Y L E FA S H I O N - W I S E ? I like to mix textures, prints and colours and I love statement jewellery. My favourite designers include Dolce & Gabbana and Isabel Marant.
W H AT ’ S A LWAY S I N YO U R F R I D G E ? We are pretty healthy so it’s full of fresh and regional food. (We try to avoid too much charcuterie and cheese!)
IGLOO ROOM ‘The idea here is to give the impression of being in an Arctic environment – hence the all-white scheme.’ The combed plaster finish creates a handmade effect.
54
livingetc.com
Bellefeu candle lights, Authentage. Polar bear cushion, Jules Pansu
houses
ALPINE ROOM Hidden away in the eaves of the chalet, the Alpine Room serves as a family room or dormitory for the children. ‘It has a cabin feeling about it, which the children love,’ says Candice.
PLAN TE R R AC E
Wall in Montana fabric; cushions from Les Trois Vallées collection, all at Pierre Frey
RETRO SKI ROOM ‘This is a nod to the traditional Courchevel of the Fifties with its vintage images of skiers on cushions,’ says Candice. Équateur Derby wallpaper (on ceiling), Élitis. Piantama coffee table/lamp, by Marcantonio for Mogg. Eco-wise wool plaid/ stripe blanket, Pendleton
RETRO SKI ROOM
LIVING ROOM
MODERN M O U N TA I N ROOM
KITCHEN
FOREST ROOM DINING AREA POOL
POOL
IGLOO ROOM TE R R AC E
B O OT R O O M
LOWE R G RO U N D FLOO R
B AT H R O O M
RELAXING AREA STEAM ROOM
M A S S AG E ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
livingetc.com
55
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
Durban side table, £355, Abigail Ahern
1805 antique gold towel shelf, £39.99, The Bath Co at VictoriaPlum.com
Persecution wallpaper, £129 a roll, Marcos Navarro at The Gifted Few
Modi reclaimed wood sideboard, £875, Barker and Stonehouse
Ski lift Christmas tree decoration, £29, The Conran Shop
Black patterned grass rug, £95, Graham and Green
Milà chair in Red, £185, Jamie Hayón for Magis at Finnish Design Shop
Materials burnt wood PHM-35 wallpaper, £175 a roll, NLXL at Naken Interiors
56
livingetc.com
Beckett wood countertop basin, £379.99, Belfry Bathroom at Wayfair
FEATURE JESSE HARRIS
W himsical touches up the wow in Candice’s chic chalet
made for
christmas With its chocolate-toned wood and macaron-pink dressing room, this apartment in Krakow is a sweetly chic space to celebrate Yuletide X
PHOTOGRAPHY Kasia Gatkowska/Photofoyer WORDS AndrĂŠa Childs
58
livingetc.com
houses
DINING ROOM ‘The dining room is the first space you see as you enter the apartment, so this is where we set the tone of pared-back luxury,’ says designer Piotr Paradowski. CH23 side chairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen. 393 Light rectangular table by Matthew Hilton for De La Espada. Rug, Miinu. Gala 7220 chandelier, Rich Brilliant Willing
t
his Christmas, Ewa and Artur Lubomirski will kick off the celebrations with a few festive days in the Austrian Alps with their families, before returning to their Krakow home on Christmas Eve, ready to host friends on the day itself. There will be a traditional tree in the dining room and a wreath on the door but, like the apartment itself, the decorations will be defined by pared-back luxury. ‘They are both busy and travel a lot,’ explains Piotr Paradowski, who, with his design partner (and wife) Zuza, was commissioned to create the space. ‘Ewa has a wellness and nutrition business and Artur is a racing driver and works in the automotive industry. They like things to be simple, natural and functional – usability and convenience were a big part of their brief to us. But they also wanted a home that’s serene and relaxing while working in the city. ‘This apartment was built in the 1990s, after the fall of Communism, but we wanted to create a vibe of vintage Krakow and a lot of the materials came from that research,’ continues Piotr. ‘Terrazzo, for example, was used af ter the war and into the 1980s. A f ter independence, people were throwing it away as it held painful memories for them, but recently it has come back in a new, refreshed way. It’s also why we chose traditional oak parquet flooring and marmorino plaster, which has the look of pre-war cement-lime finishes. On top of this, we’ve layered contemporary designs inspired by hotels the owners have visited to create the timeless, chic and comfortable look they wanted.’ Piotr and Zuza were briefed in 2018 and it took seven months to complete the work. ‘Zuza loves research and bringing ideas together, while I like to start the design as quickly as possible, drafting layouts and testing out ideas,’ says Piotr. ‘The approaches overlap, so it becomes more of a brainstorm at the start of the project.’ The first – and
60
livingetc.com
biggest – challenge for the pair was to combine two apartments to create this larger living space. ‘We started with the elements that we’d get rid of and those we knew had to remain. We came up with solutions to integrate them into the décor, such as the bookcase that separates the living room and dining room; while you can see through most of it, the built-up part conceals the chimney.’ The apartment is divided into public and private areas. The former is a series of flowing spaces – a kitchen open to a dining room with a large terrace, plus a living room and guest bedrooms. The latter is the couple’s holistic hub – a bedroom with dressing room, bathroom and sauna, with a further gym and yoga space beyond. The colour palette was decided by the retro materials that were used, which are calm and natural in tone. ‘There are some intense elements, such as the pink wardrobe in the dressing room, which we wanted to clash with the purer elements,’ says Piotr. ‘The pink was initially one of the most controversial parts of the design for the couple but it’s gained a lot of fans in their friends and family.’ The Meblościanka cabinet was another challenge. These high-gloss self-assembly cabinets in wood veneer, based on the Eames ESU shelving system, were mass-produced in Poland in the Fifties and Sixties. ‘There was usually only one model available in stores and virtually every home had one,’ says Piotr. ‘We’ve reimagined it for today.’ The aim throughout was to create a youthful, sophisticated blend of simplicity and beautiful textures and materials. ‘It’s a place not just to retreat to but to host and entertain,’ says Piotr. ‘The living room is dedicated to guests and there’s a hidden jewel-like drinks cabinet in the kitchen. We wanted to create a place where good food and drink flow.’ It sounds like a home made for Christmas… X
See more of the designers’ work at piotrparadowski.com
houses
home profile THE DESIGNERS Piotr and Zuza Paradowski.
THE PROPERTY An apartment in Krakow, Poland. There’s an open-plan kitchen, pantry, dining room and living room with a large balcony, two guest bedrooms, guest bathroom and additional WC, plus a master suite with bedroom, dressing room, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom, sauna and gym.
KITCHE N The kitchen is designed to look raw and organic, with plenty of space to cook with friends. ‘It’s strong in its simplicity, with brushed oak cabinets painted in bitter chocolate tones and Italian Ceppo di Gré stone surfaces,’ says Piotr. Custom-designed cabinets, Piotr Paradowski. Stools, Space Copenhagen for Mater
home truths D E S I G N M A N T R A? ‘You don’t have to invent a new language to tell a new story’ (Robin Standefer).
H O W D O YO U R E L A X ? Zuza loves running and I’m crazy about off-piste ski touring.
ANY PETS? Our Polish greyhound, named Felekg.
FAV O U R I T E T R A D I T I O N ? Making pierogi with our grandmas.
C H R I S T M A S I S S P E N T. . . Together with our big families. We will have up to 30 people around the table.
W H AT P R E S E N T A R E YO U H O P I N G F O R ? A baby next year – if we’re lucky!
62
livingetc.com
houses
LIVING ROOM This is where owners Ewa and Artur will be hosting Christmas for their friends. ‘We wanted to create a chic and elegant space here,’ says Piotr. Erei sofa by Elisa Ossino for DePadova. 637 Utrecht armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina. Custom-designed tables by Piotr Paradowski
DRESSING ROOM The owners took some convincing but this plaster pink has become one of their favourite elements in the apartment. Walnut and raffia screens divide the space. Custom-designed cabinets and screens, Piotr Paradowski. Multi Lite pendant light, Gubi
houses
CABINET & FITNESS
KITCHEN BEDROOM
DINING ROOM
B AT H R O O M
DRESSING ROOM
PLAN
H A L LWAY
CHILDREN’S ROOM
GUEST ROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM The natural finish of this area echoes the dressing room screens and contrasts with the plaster pink. Lowland bed, Patricia Urquiola for Moroso. Custom-designed side tables, Piotr Paradowski. Barbara lamps, Porta Romana. Artwork Sebastian Ścigalski
livingetc.com
65
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
Slowdrill cushion cover in Amber, £40, Tine K Home
Gubi Multi-Lite brass pendant, £520, Louis Weisdorf for Gubi at Innes
Transfer framed print, from £150, Formworks Studio
Sling armchair in Harbour Blue Grey, £559, John Lewis & Partners
Stoff Nagel candleholder, £36, Werner Stoff at Aram Store
Reclaimed Manoir Oak chevron flooring, from £94.80sq m, The New & Reclaimed Flooring Company
Quinn table light, £30, Debenhams
Conch medium decorative vase, £60, Soho Home
Indies acacia and mango wood bedside table, £215, Maisons du Monde
66
livingetc.com
FEATURE MARINA COMBAL
Ewa and Artur’s apartment is all about chic clean lines
I N S TA N T C L A S S I C Steaming hot water from a traditionally-styled tap Perrin & Roweโ s instant hot water taps set the standard for quality with less vrbเฆฎ m] -m7 lou; 1om|uoัด r;u=;1| 0ัด;m7 o= |;1_moัดo] -m7 1u-[ vl-mv_br bm7 o u m;-u;v| u;|-bัด;u om o u ;0vb|;ฤท ou bvb| o u v_o uool -| |_; ;vb]m ;m|u;ฤท _;ัดv;- -u0o u perrinandrowe.co.uk
PERRIN & ROWE SHOWROOM DESIGN CENTRE CHELSEA HARBOUR LONDON, SW10 0XE
KITCHE N Ana gave the space a sleek makeover, painting over the floor and varnished pine units a pale pink and adding handles that echo the jewel shades of the dining room beyond. Handles, Haute DĂŠco. Cabinets and floor in SC662; walls and ceiling in Traffic Green, both Papers and Paints
PHOTOGRAPHY Patrick Williamson X
STYLING Jennifer Haslam/Celia Campbell WORDS Jo Leevers
box of treasures Each of the rooms in Ana Engelhorn’s London home comes perfectly wrapped in jewel shades 68
livingetc.com
houses
DINING ROOM ‘I’ve always associated green with English interiors,’ says Ana. Here, she’s combined a deep shade with vibrant fuchsia velvet. Platner table for Knoll; Series 430 chair by Verner Panton for Verpan, both The Conran Shop. Recycled glass bottle chandelier, Luzio. Floral arrangement, Nikki Tibbles Wild At Heart. Decanter; glasses, Tom Dixon at Heal's. Honeycomb balls, Peach Blossom
houses
olden ferns, paper stars and armfuls of winter foliage are all that’s needed to add a festive air to Ana Engelhorn’s London home. Her Georgian house is already laden with atmosphere, with rooms decorated in jewel shades and chandeliers that cast iridescent flecks of light on to the ceilings. But when Ana, an interior designer, her husband Carlos Rubia Simón, a marketing manager, and their children Lola, 10, and Charlie, two, moved into this tall townhouse, it was wall-to-wall beige. ‘In theory, it was decorated to be a clean slate, so that anyone could come in and like it. In my case, I didn’t like the decor but loved the location and architecture – and could envisage plenty of ways to make it less dreary,’ she says. The family moved to London from Barcelona and rent this home, but this didn’t deter Ana from carrying out a comprehensive transformation. First, she pulled up a few corners of the cream fitted carpets to see what condition the floorboards were in. ‘I just thought, we’re in this 1800s building – imagine what they could look like?’ Luckily, they were a nice surprise. ‘We had to replace a couple of boards, but on the whole they were in good shape,’ she says. The oak boards immediately gave the rooms a more interesting tex ture and hinted at a more authentic character for the house. ‘Under one f loorboard we even TH E OWN E R found a bell pull cord that would Ana Engelhorn, an interior designer. have summoned servants many She lives here with her husband years ago. It felt as though we Carlos Rubia Simón, a marketing were peeling back the layers of the manager, and their children house’s history,’ Ana remembers. Lola, 10, and Charlie, two. Nex t up, A na negot iat ed THE PROPERTY repainting the walls throughout in A Georgian townhouse in southwest the strong colours she’s found London. The dining room and herself drawn to since moving to kitchen and a WC are on the ground London. ‘Perhaps it is to counter floor. The living room, a sitting room the grey skies,’ she muses. Now, the and study are on the first floor. On bold shades are central to this the two upper floors are the master home’s personality. suite with dressing room, three In the hallway, she settled on a bedrooms (one en suite), a bathroom sunshiny yellow. ‘It feels inviting and a WC. A guest bedroom, shower when you walk in,’ she says. In the room and utility spaces are on the living room, she opted for a green lower ground floor.
home profile
70
livingetc.com
that’s soothing rather than sober, mixing it with hot pinks and deeper blues, while a separate sitting room is wrapped in a warm red, the paint taken over the fireplace surround for an all-enveloping effect. Ana grew up in Switzerland and is interested in how colours have different associations for different people. ‘I’ve researched colour psychology, but I think that your own character, including your cultural background, also plays a big part,’ she says. ‘Red is supposed to be fiery and emotional, but I find the shade in our sitting room very calming. It’s where I go for some quiet contemplation.’ Next, she revamped the lighting, as the house had been fitted with new-build-bland downlighters. She already owned the standout chandelier constructed from vintage bottles hanging over the dining table, but the sparkling number in the living room was bought recently in London. ‘Lighting must be functional, but it can also be decorative – the two aspects are not mutually exclusive,’ she says. When it came to the art, Ana had plenty of ideas. She grew up going to galleries and art fairs with her parents. ‘I was dragged along when I was little then, when I was older, I appreciated being able to accompany them,’ she says. For this home, she deliberately chose works that surprise or stir the imagination. ‘Putting contemporary art in a period setting is very much my style. It’s a way to instantly create balance and a sense of dynamism.’ So in the living room, a hyper-real steed by Miguel Macaya stands serenely at one end, while a sculpture by Alicia Martin lets loose a cascade of old library books at the other. Likewise, furniture from different eras is brought together in unexpectedly beautiful arrangements: a modern sofa works next to Italian chairs from the Fifties reupholstered in deep velvet, all positioned beneath a 19th-century chandelier. The jewel shades and luxe textures of this house make it particularly atmospheric during the run up to Christmas and when they get their tree, it’ll be real, smelling of pine needles. ‘I’m Swiss, I could never go faux!’ Ana exclaims in mock horror. She hasn’t quite decided on the scheme for her tree yet. But it hardly matters in this home, where luminous colours and gleam aren’t just for Christmas. X
See more of Ana’s work at anaengelhorn.com
LIVING ROOM ‘Colour is central to my style as it has such a personal associations for each of us,’ says Ana. Velvet upholstery adds depth and intensity to her choice of shades. Painting, Miguel Macaya. Vintage coffee table; Italian Fifties chair, both Gallery 25. Lamp, Augustus Brandt. Chiltern sofa in Navy, The Conran Shop. Antique chandelier, similar from The Hoarde. Walls in Highland Green by Dulux
KITCHEN
PLAN
DINING ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
S T U DY
LIVING ROOM
SITTING ROOM
EN SUITE
FIRST FLOOR
BEDROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
DRESSING ROOM
SECOND FLOOR
ENTRANCE HALL ‘This shade of yellow is so inviting,’ says Ana. Delicate foliage adds a subtly festive touch to the staircase. Walls in Soane Yellow by Papers and Paints. Stairs in Highland Green by Dulux. Asparagus ferns, Nikki Tibbles Wild At Heart. Star, Ginger Ray
72
livingetc.com
LIVING ROOM The cascade of books artwork above the fireplace is a much smaller version of an iconic one the artist created in Madrid, using 5,000 volumes. The chandelier and its cord are hung, rather than fixed into the ceiling. ‘It’ll be easier to take with us when we move on and I rather like the look of the old-school cord looping down,’ says Ana.
Chiltern sofa and footstool in Navy, The Conran Shop. Cushion, Designers Guild. Books artwork, Alicia Martin. Fan decorations, Ginger Ray. Curtains in Leith by Mulberry Home. Pink sofa and ottoman, Att Pynta. Cushion, Heal’s. The timber side table was sourced in the Swiss Alps; Nkuku sells similar. Artwork, Lídia Masllorens. Chandelier and chair, as before
SITTING ROOM This is where Ana heads for calm during the pre-Christmas storm. ‘If the family is watching TV, my red room is where I can relax and read,’ she says. Walls in Philharmonic by Papers and Paints. Antique Venini sconces, Gallery 25. Painting, Miguel Macaya. Candlesticks and candles, Pentreath & Hall. Vases, Heal’s
houses home truths AT C H R I S T M A S W E ’ L L B E E AT I N G … Turkey, ever since my brother-in-law gave me an amazing recipe that works like a charm.
AND I’LL BE WEARING… Something that ‘gives’ a little. Nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable after dinner.
FAV O U R I T E C H R I S T M A S F I L M ? Drei Haselnüsse Für Aschenbrödel – a 1973 Czech/East German version of Cinderella that’s been shown on TV every year in Switzerland since I was a child.
TI P FO R F I N D I N G I NTE R E S TI N G A R T ? Try art shows that are curated abroad to lead you to different styles. I often buy in Spain.
E A S Y WAY T O T R A N S F O R M A H O M E ? Move everything around, from paintings to furniture. You will see everything in a new light.
MASTER BEDROOM Pretty meets punchy in this serene sleep zone, with trad floral curtains set against an enveloping blue paint shade. Bed, Hästens. Walls in Celestial Blue, Dulux. Throw, Heal’s. Ikat cushion, Pentreath & Hall
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
Ana’s eclectic interiors look is packed with personality
Mimosa ikat silk cushion cover, £70, Polkra
Strawberry Jam No 122 matt emulsion paint, £48 for 2.5L, Designers Guild
74
livingetc.com
Hand-painted creamware column candlestick in Blue, £52, Pentreath & Hall
Essence vintage large chandelier, £699, The French Bedroom Company
Henry Grande sofa in Rose Wine Luxury Velvet, £2,720, Arlo & Jacob
Grey-tipped cashmere pelt throw, £125, French Connection Home
Aurora lamp base, £95; block-printed lampshade, from £69, both Pooky
FEATURE JESSE HARRIS
Framed woodland leaf prints, £475 for eight, Oka
since 1908
Individual tailormade solutions for luxurious kitchens 0207 078 9640 | EGGERSMANN.COM
glam rock Tasmanian-based hoteliers, Kerry and Alastair, are new to the game, but their home and boutique hotel speaks a different story
PHOTOGRAPHY Marnie Hawson X
STYLING Inside Story WORDS Ali Heath
houses
V E R A N DA ‘We never tire of the view – dolphins, whales, fairy penguins, and a constantly changing nautical backdrop,’ says Kerry. Exterior woodwork and trims in Barely There by Haymes Paint
M O O - N U T- R E - K E R SUITE Each suite tells a story – tales of local happenings, shipwrecks and lives lived and lost. Portrait of Alastair’s grandmother by Ulrica Burke
livingetc.com
77
FA M I LY LIVING ROOM Dark walls and the original Tasmanian pine floorboards create a relaxing retreat. Walls in Seclusion by Haymes Paint. Antique chaise, similar from Streett Marburg. Bentwood dining chairs, similar from Dig HaĂźshizzle. Antique Tasmanian floorboards, similar Bert & May
78
livingetc.com
home profile TH E OWN E RS Kerry Houston, a former HR manager-turned-hotelier, lives here with Alastair, her stonemason husband and business partner, their four girls, April, 22, Matilda, 14, Lucy, nine and Bonnie, seven, and Border collie, Floss.
THE PROPERTY A former pub converted into two apartments and a boutique hotel in Stanley, Tasmania. The family’s apartment has a dining room, living room and kitchen on the ground floor. Upstairs is a master bedroom, four-bed bunk bedroom and bathroom.
houses
c
hristmas is hotting up in Tasmania and this year the Houston family will be celebrating in style, having completed an 18-month renovation transforming a derelict former pub into a chic boutique hotel and home at the foot of The Nut – a sheer rocky volcanic plug overlooking the picturesque harbour of Stanley. Their new home and business venture began life as a pub in 1849, built by Michael Lyons, grandfather of the former Australian Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons. The stone walls have seen pub owners come and go, along with an infamous 1880s roller-skating rink, a crowdpulling billiards and skittles room, and a cold room that doubled as the local doctor’s morgue, before falling into disrepair and standing empty for more than a year. If walls could talk, these would have tales to tell. Five years ago a much anticipated tropical holiday failed to meet expectations and the family decided to explore closer to their Hobart home. Despite growing up in the southern hemisphere, Alastair’s English family owned homes in Norfolk and the Isle of Skye, and as a child, he would visit regularly. ‘Discovering Stanley evoked fond memories of Skye for Alastair,’ says Kerry. ‘We wanted our children to enjoy the same rural freedom and decided to buy and renovate a holiday cottage – which we also offered occasionally as an Airbnb.’ Falling for the simple charms of Stanley, the family took a leap of faith. ‘I wanted to follow my passion for interiors and Alastair was keen to carve a future away from the arduous rigours of stonemasonry,’ says Kerry. The former pub caught their eye and they decided to make a permanent move to open their first boutique hotel, the Ship Inn. With the help of the Australian design duo Lynda Gardener and Belle Hemming of Inside Story, Kerry and Alastair have transformed the distinctive ochre-painted landmark into seven self-contained guest suites, along with two separate apartments for themselves and Kerry’s parents. With colour and style templates agreed, Lynda and Belle were given free rein to work their magic, combining stone and wood with soft linens, contemporary fittings, antique furniture and one-off decorative finds. The elegant interiors, decorated in earthy greys and muddy greens that reflect the local vernacular, are immensely welcoming – comfortable sofas, battered leather chairs, natural weave rugs and treasured collections of ancestral portraits, oils and sketches add a sense of time-worn nostalgia. Bespoke cabinetry features throughout, along with a hand-carved fireplace and stone garden walls, designed and built by Alastair, from the surrounding volcanic lava. With the festive season approaching, the tree waits patiently until Christmas Eve. ‘It’s a family tradition – Dean Martin plays on repeat, decorations are lovingly unpacked, the kids spend ages deliberating over which gift to open early and the turkey is prepped,’ smiles Kerry. ‘This year we will be very thankful for our new home and the life it has given us. It’s a winter wonderland indeed, even if it is midsummer!’ X
Find out about the Ship Inn at shipinnstanley.com.au
livingetc.com
79
KITCHE N A former barrel store was knocked through to create a light-filled family kitchen, with views out to the bay. Kitchen design and accessories, Inside Story. Cabinetry, Alec Blacklow, Smithton Joinery
80
livingetc.com
houses
“Our lives have simplified immensely. We feel content in this rural outpost – it’s the happiest we have all been” X
livingetc.com
81
home truths H O L I D AY AT T I R E – S PA R K LY O R C O S Y ? It’s warm here, so definitely sparkly!
BEST CHRISTMAS SONG? Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Dean Martin.
FESTIVE TIPPLE? Ice-cold Moët & Chandon, before lunch.
TURKEY OR LOBSTER? Turkey every time – a definite nod to my Sheffield-born parents.
CHRISTMAS PUD OR ICE-CREAM? Both! We make a delicious frozen bomb every year - crumbled Christmas pudding, mixed with ice-cream, frozen, then covered in melted chocolate and refrigerated.
C H R I S TM A S M E S SAG E ? Be kind, it’s not hard.
M O O - N U T- R E - K E R SUITE Decadent dark-hued walls are mixed with luxurious layers of cane, wood, linen and wool.
82
livingetc.com
Bedding, Cultiver; try Piglet for similar. Artwork and furnishings, Inside Story. Walls in Minimalist 1, Haymes Paint
houses
LYO N S R E T R E AT SUITE Suites combine original artefacts, art, soft linens and bespoke fittings. Bedhead, The Upholstery House. Bedding, Cultiver; try Larusi for similar. Lamp, find a similar style at Loaf
W I L DWAV E SUITE A rich floral wallpaper nods to the rugged landscape beyond. RaphaĂŤl Black wallpaper, Sandberg. Bedhead, The Upholstery House. Bedding, Cultiver; try Piglet for similar. Bedside table, Inside Story
M O O - N U TRE-KER EN SUITE Contemporary meets antique for a distinctive vibe in each space. Towels, Loom Towels. Tiles, similar from Tile Boutique. Stool, similar from The Fig Store. Mirror, similar from Made.com
S T Y L E TA K E AWAY S
Kerry and Alastair brought a dark, natural vibe to their retreat
Study of Cirrus Clouds wallpaper mural, from £40sq m, John Constable from the V&A Collection at Surface View
90 Mini Mini desk lamp, £99, Anglepoise at Heal’s
Natural linen bedding set, from £195, True Linen at Wolf & Badger
Black Pieni stool, £97.10, Oyoy at Connox
Black Siham herringbone tiles, £149sq m, Bert & May
Antique mirrored heart cake stand in brushed silver, £78, Casanad
Messel No 39 marble matt emulsion paint, £51 for 2.5L, Mylands
Kuba rattan grey wash bench, £189, Hicks & Hicks
84
livingetc.com
FEATURE MARINA COMBAL
Dark elm dining chair with steel back, £114, Turnbull & Thomas
eF/T\U ;A U\//> d;A-DdUJ
!
!!! "
# # #
"
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON PHOTOGRAPH BALAZS DANYI INTERIOR DESIGN JULIA LOSONCZI
Plate + Rod 4x4x558 light installation, £2,946, András Jánosi at LumoConcept
design & decorating A CO O L D E TA I L S E T S T H E TO N E FO R T H E P R OJ E C T S S E C T I O N
Anyone with a lofty space in need of striking lighting should look to Budapest-based LumoConcept. Its artistic Plate + Rod design features brushed-brass pendants and circular matt plates that provide illumination and diffuse the glow. It’s going on our Christmas wish list. livingetc.com
87
NEW COLOURCARD - AVAILABLE NOW A NUANCED PALETTE OF TWELVE BLACK AND WHITE SHADES. FREE COLOUR CARD | PAINT TO ORDER Nationwide Stockists | paintandpaperlibrary.com | +44 (0) 161 230 0882 | info@paintandpaperlibrary.com Find a stockist at paintandpaperlibrary.com
decorating
X
PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Bevan STYLING Lucy Gough
Roll up, roll up, party season is here! And nothing says celebration quite like the circus – red stripes, bright lights and a maximal feel that delights
circus
C R E AT E A FA N FA R E (Page 89) Vintage-style illustrations invite a warm feeling of nostalgia. Add hints of brass – or even brass band – for a moment of pure jubilance. Toy theatre kit, £25, The Shop Floor Project. Trumpet baubles, £1 each, George Home. Lei baubles, £10 for two, Habitat. Reader armchair in Bumblebee clever velvet, £895, Loaf. Norfolk stripe fabric in Peony, £29.50m, Ian Mankin
S TA R - S PA N G L E D S TA I R C A S E Ribbon isn’t just for gift wrap; it can also be used to great effect as a wall hanging decoration. For a more manageable trick, wind streamers around bannisters and add star lights to create impact when guests arrive.
90
livingetc.com
Various silk/satin ribbons, from £8.95m, VV Rouleaux. Polish Cyrk/ Circus poster – Unicycle Gentlemen 1970, £400, Hubert Hilscher at Mr Black Cat Smokey. Osby Oversized Star light, £39.99; Large Osby Window Star light, £14.99; Osby Window Star light, £9.99, all Lights4fun
decorating
UNIQUE TREE A tree made of parasols – inspired by those of a tightrope walker – becomes a vibrant centrepiece. Chinese parasols, £14.99, Brollies Galore. Tree base; 45cm drum lampshade, £95, Pooky. Circus personalised gift wrap, £6.50 a sheet, Abigail Warner at Heal’s. Monochrome animal wrapping paper, £12.50, Cox & Cox. Pink flamingo origami wrapping paper, £2, Dottie’s Paper Co at Etsy. Green celestial gift wrap, The Shop Floor Project. Mardi Gras 99 York Vinyl flooring, £15.99sq m, Carpetright. Sega mirror, £795; Rander Ceramic stool in Charcoal/White, £150, Oka. Lina decanter, £26, Oliver Bonas. Circular cushion, £75, The Shop Floor Project. Red top hat, £9.99, Amazon. Black bull elephant ornament, £50, Rockett St George. Various silk/satin ribbons, from £8.95m, VV Rouleaux
S H OW P O N Y Animal figurines double up as merry table settings and lovely mementos. Vintage & Co Grand Circus crackers, £10 for three, Heathcote & Ivory. Circus dinner plate, £8, Royal Stafford. Circus place mat, £61, Marcel Wanders for Alessi. A5 playing cards, £5, Flying Tiger. Gold teaspoons, £6.99 for three, H&M. Exotic Zebra decoration, £6 for two, Ella James. Carnival tickets, £3 for 50, Peach Blossom UK at Etsy. Diamond candlestick, £50, BoConcept
decorating
BIG TOP Simple and nostalgic paper chains make the table the centre of attention. Note table, £7,200, Edward Collinson at The New Craftsman. No 8 chair, from £848, Sibast Furniture at Aram Store. Triangle stools, £375 each, Jennifer Newman. Elouise stool, £350; Monkey lamp, £270, Graham and Green. Rug, from £745, Designers Guild. Gumdrop stool, £445, Loaf. Junior drum kit, £79.99, Amazon. Paper trees, £115 for three, Rose & Grey. Crepe paper, £2 for 2m, Crafty Arts. Paperchain kit, £14.50, The Shop Floor Project. Popcorn boxes, £9.99, eBay. Empress vase, £45, Audenza. Glass objet, £1,050, London Glassblowing
livingetc.com
93
DRINK ME Wide washi tape on the floor leads guests to your bar area – a literal guide to where the party begins.
94
livingetc.com
Bastone X Poiat cabinet, £5,220, Antrei Hartikainen for ÅBEN. Ace of Hearts collage, £495 for a pair; Turrent table, £350, OKA. Cone candles, from £8, Rebecca Udall. Monkey lamp, £195, Graham and Green. Circus wine cooler, £185; boxes, from £49, Marcel Wanders for Alessi. Fan decorations, £8.99 for five, Ginger Ray. Tiger figurine, £19.99, H&M. Mirrored tray, £48; Guilia Wine glass, £34 for four, Oliver Bonas. Martini glasses, £38.95 for four, Audenza. Pride canister, £98, Jonathan Adler. Coupe, £6.99, H&M. Frame, from £18, Oliver Bonas. Washi tape, from £11, HARU stuck-on design at Nitto. Four Pillars gin, £49.99, Selfridges
STYLE ASSISTANTS ISABELLA CHARLESWORTH, JESSICA JUNG, AREESHA RICHARDS
decorating
C U R TA I N C A L L Create an impactful doorway with lights and fabric – it’s showtime! Christmas tree stack: lampshades in various sizes and shapes, from £40, all Pooky. 30 Warm White Plug-In Fiesta Festoon lights, £11.99, Lights4fun. Norfolk stripe fabric in Peony, £29.50m, Ian Mankin. Bramante table lamp base, £195, Oka. ‘Couple on Carousel’ canvas, from £90, Surface View. Toy theatre kit, £25, The Shop Floor Project. Riley shelving, £2,520, Dare Studio at Aram Store. Lei baubles, £10 for two, Habitat
Make this the year you buy a bar cart with our gallery of the best. Cheers!
Wow factor dining rooms that’ll have all your guests sitting pretty
livingetc.com Y O U R D A I LY F I X O F S P A C E S , S H O P P I N G & S T Y L E . O N L I N E T H I S M O N T H . . .
PHOTOGRAPHS (DINING ROOM) JAMES MERRELL; (BAR CART) SIMON BEVAN; (LIVING ROOM) PAUL MASSEY
Presents galore: our epic Christmas gift guide has all your shopping covered
style file: christmas decorations artif icial trees Faux and fabulous (and no pesky pine needles)
FEATURE HOLLY PHILLIPS
Frosted mountain spruce tree (7ft), £279, Lights4fun.co.uk
Arram tree (1.8ft), £35, Habitat
Golden wire tree (165cm), £399, Ian Snow
Golden Deco tree (156cm) £70, Cox & Cox
Tree with lights (125cm), £130, House Doctor at Folk Interiors
Blue spruce pre-lit tree (7ft), £499, John Lewis & Partners
Ombre glamour faux tree (7ft), £99, Dobbies
Spike fir on log with red berries tree (64cm), £21.99, Car & Kitchen
livingetc.com
97
artisan baubles You’ll hang these keepers for years to come
Ceramic bauble in Rose, Navy and Gold, from £12.50, Marmor Paperie
Golden hanging mistletoe, £35, The Hambledon
Brass leaf, £10, Lora Avedian at Barbican Shop
Aspen wood tree, £6, Raj Tent Club
tree toppers
Eldan beaded bauble in Black, £10, Habitat
Handblown green & aqua glass bauble, £10, SALT Glass Studios
Three chic designs worthy of the top spot From top, German straw shooting star, £15, Raj Tent Club; Paper angel, £6.50, Hoos; Star in Silver, £55, Fortnum & Mason
98
livingetc.com
Victorian whale, £16, Petersham Nurseries
decorating
enchanting w reaths Ring in the party season with a warm and wonderful welcome
Peacock feather wreath, £65, Ella James
Hedgerow no.2 young oak leaves wreath, £145, Rowan MacGregor at The Shop Floor Project
Grass in gold glitter wreath, £28, Petersham Nurseries
Gold twig and seaweed wreath, £32.99, The Contemporary Home
Talini wreath, from £29.95, Nkuku
Wisley wreath, £100, Neptune
Bauble wreath, £15, Paperchase
Brass hoop candleholder, £14, Curious Egg
Metal olive wreath, £16.50, RE
livingetc.com
99
kitsch baubles They’re oh-so wrong yet hang so right! You know you want all of these garishly wacky delights
Glass turkey, £8, John Lewis
Diving Santa, £29, The Conran Shop
Pair of exotic zebra & giraffe, £6, Ella James
100
livingetc.com
Aubergine, £7.95, The National Gallery Shop
Hipster pug, £12, West Elm
OMG! in Pink, £12, Rockett St George
80s mixtape, £14, Cody Foster & Co at WA Green
Glass almond milk, £8, Paperchase
Balloon animal, £5.95, Liberty
decorating
paper hanging decorations Fan out a flurry of festive silhouettes to brilliant effect
Snowflake XL in Orion Blue, £38, Broste Copenhagen
Deko Christmas mix in Pink, £24 for set of four, Folk Interiors
Leaf in Copper, £7.50 for set of two, Rose and Grey
Foil lantern in Gold, £18 for set of three, Peach Blossom
w rapping paper Have a chic Christmas with these beauties From top, Queen Anne, £7 for three sheets, Rifle Paper Co; Squares in Copper, £5 for two sheets, Ola Studio; Patterned oak leaves in Red, £2.50 a sheet, Cambridge Imprint; The Woodlands, £2.50 a sheet, Arnelle Woker; Eco-friendly celestial stardust, from £2 a sheet, Nikki Strange
Giant stripy pinwheel, £20.50 for set of four, Meri Meri Ganesha paper star, £19.95, MoreThanHip
livingetc.com
101
decorating
GEO GLAM Traditional tree isn’t your thing? Then assemble your own in contemporary glowing geometric shapes. Seletti’s Linea lights can be hung from most surfaces and come in an array of neon shades to play with. Continue the modern festive theme with sleek acrylic pyramids. ‘Obelisks are every decorator’s secret weapon,’ says designer Jonathan Adler. ‘They’re perfect on a lonely tabletop or shelf.’
festive remix Switch up your decs, displays, gifts and garlands to keep modern style present this Christmas…
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPHS (GEO GLAM, SHAKE IT UP) PAUL MASSEY/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (MAKE LIGHT OF IT, ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT) SIMON BEVAN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Linea lights, £75 each, Seletti at Amara
SHAKE IT UP Create your own snow globe to hold the whole world (well, London at least) in your hands. Choose a Scandi-sleek terrarium, fill with fake snow and add in mini architectural marvels. Finish with a retro-style bottle brush tree. Similar marble London chess set, £235, Skyline Chess at Luxdeco. Try the Plant curved glass pot and oak base, £90, LSA International at Amara
MAKE LIGHT OF IT Thinking of gifting someone a ride for Christmas? Ditch the wrapping paper and deck it out in twinkling fairy lights for a present that delivers pizzazz. Co-ordinate any extra gifts in similar shades to keep the impact strong. Gold bike, around £1,500, Martone Cycling Co. Plush polar bear, made to order, Studio range at Steiff
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT If you’ve gone mad for monochrome, you could display a bright-white tree for a seasonal spin on your style. Indulge in metallic decs for a sure-fire way to keep thing shining bright. Christmas tree, £459, Balsam Hill. Matador armchair, £995, Content by Conran; upholstered in Chevy, from £45m, Tori Murphy
livingetc.com
103
decorating FESTIVE FURNITURE
BRING ON T H E B AU B L E S
Scrap the usual Advent calendar and give the kids something special to open each day with a repurposed apothecary chest. Add a few ornaments and labels on the handles and you have a magical calendar of epic proportions.
This year, take your cue from the giant tree in The Nutcracker, because bigger is definitely better. Adorn the tree in oversized decs like paper baubles, which come in tons of shapes, such as stars and pom-poms. Mixing and matching will add drama.
Ming 24-drawer apothecary chest, £410, Shropshire Design
Find similar decorations at Talking Tables
A L L T H AT GLITTERS Ramp up the festive flair on your wrapping. Take a faux feather, coat parts in glue and dip in a plate of (biodegradable) glitter to make the perfect finishing touch. Similar white feather quills, £1.80 for 8; Cosmic Shimmer silver biodegradable glitter, £4.70, all Hobbycraft
F L OW E R P OW E R Garlands may sound traditional, but by going for the ‘more is more’ approach you’ll find that something distinctly modern emerges. Create a statement by choosing an oversized mantelpiece arrangement bursting with foliage, flowers and baubles. ‘Look at the room and choose tones to harmonise with the colour scheme,’ says florist Nikki Tibbles.
PHOTOGRAPHS (FESTIVE FURNITURE) OLIVER PERROTT/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (ALL THAT GLITTERS) SIMON BEVAN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (BRING ON THE BAUBLES) PAUL RAESIDE/ TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM; (GO BIG OR GO HOME) JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Find similar garlands at Wild at Heart
livingetc.com
105
DESIGN PROFILE
a tastema ker’s christmas F O U R C R E AT I V E S F R O M T H E W O R L D S O F I NTE R I O R S , FO O D, FA S H I O N A N D B E AU T Y REVEAL THEIR STYLISH FESTIVE SECRETS
X
FEATURE Rachel Leedham
THIS PICTURE Skye loves her festive table to be overflowing with goodies ABOVE RIGHT Christmas is Skye’s happiest time of year
SHERRILLE RILEY Meghan Markle’s brow expert is on every A-lister’s speed dial. Sherrille (below, left) opened London’s first luxury nail and brow boutique, Nails & Brows Mayfair, in 2014 and her Beauty Edit Mayfair range of products is award-winning. At Christmas, she indulges her love of lobster and always parties in red lipstick.
SK YE MCALPINE
PHOTOGRAPHS (MATTHEW WILLIAMSON) NICK HARVEY
The food author moved to Venice when she was six and her passion for Venetian cooking resulted in her blogging about the city. Skye’s book, A Table In Venice: Recipes From My Home, evokes the joys of sharing simple, fresh dishes. A mum of two, Skye likes to gift home-made Christmas cakes and go over the top with her festive table. Sum up your Christmas in five words… My happiest time of year. Any traditions? Every year, I bake Christmas cakes and give them to friends as gifts – I’ve done it since I was a child. On Christmas Day, we always do the same thing for breakfast: slices of hot, buttered, toasted panettone with ginger tea and hot chocolate while we open our stockings. Tell us about your festive meal? We usually do Christmas lunch in the traditional British style: turkey or goose, lots of stuffing (my mother has a wonderful recipe), roast potatoes and red cabbage. Plus panettone with brandy butter and Christmas cake topped with marzipan for pudding. Do you have any cookery shortcuts? I don’t peel or parboil my potatoes before roasting. I just drench them in lots of olive oil, throw in a few handfuls of fresh thyme and rosemary, and roast in the oven until golden and crisp. What about the table? Christmas for me is all about going over the top: I like the table to be covered in goodies. I start with a nice linen tablecloth and napkins (Once Milano is my favourite), vintage plates and beautiful pink Murano glasses from Giberto Venezia. Then lots of pretty plants in terracotta pots down the centre of the table, interspersed with shimmering candles, bowls of fresh fruit and nuts, sweets, chocolates and glacé fruits. Three fail-safe gifts for foodies? A Sicilian pistachio butter-studded panettone (I buy mine online from Dosicily), monogrammed tea towels from Volga Linen and, of course, my cookbook!
Sum up your Christmas in five words… Family, fun, food, laughter, relaxation. What’s on the menu? I love, love, love lobster and champagne ! When I used to work as a beauty therapist at Harrods, I would save up my tips and go down to the food hall for a cooked lobster and a tiny bottle of champagne. My colleagues thought I was mad. Where do you like to visit at Christmas? The ice skating rink at Somerset House (below, right). I fall down all the time, but I go for the colours and energy. Go-to outfit for the party season? I have a number of pieces by Roland Mouret and Amanda Wakeley, and I always feel wow in them. I finish an outfit off with shoes by Rupert Sanderson, who makes gorgeous heels that I can actually walk in. Any advice for surviving festive meltdown? It’s important to find half an hour to yourself where you can put on a face mask and relax. La Prairie’s Cellular Hydralift Firming Mask is my favourite. Give us a festive make-up tip? It has to be a red lip. Isabella Blow told me a woman isn’t dressed unless she is wearing red lipstick. It transforms the face instantly. And a seasonal beauty saviour? At this time of year, your skin is under attack from the cold and central heating, so exfoliation is key. My favourite product is ›– it really helps to brighten your complexion. W hat’s your fail-safe gift for beaut y lovers? Vouchers to my salon go down well. I offer a course of treatments, such as six manicures or pedicures, as I think it encourages you to take care of yourself. X
nailsandbrows.me
livingetc.com
109
M AT T H E W W I L L I A M S O N The designer burst onto the fashion scene in 1997 and, over the years, his inimitable use of colour and intricate patterns has segued seamlessly into interiors. His lifestyle portfolio includes collaborations with The Rug Company, Osborne & Little, Les-Ottomans and Bloom & Wild. This festive season, Matthew intends to deck out his halls with rustic glamour and hopes to take in a fairground with his three-year-old daughter.
FROM TOP LEFT Matthew likes to go bold at Christmas; his Les-Ottomans range includes this colourful tray; Matthew’s Starry Night bouquet for Bloom & Wild makes a great centrepiece
Where will you be spending Christmas? Either in London or Spain – I need to decide, and fast! What does Christmas chez Williamson look like? I always admire those minimal naturalistic displays you often see at Christmas but for me, I like to go a bit bolder and inject some personality. I’ll be setting this year’s Christmas table on my new peacock feather table linen designed for Les-Ottomans. It’s rustic but decadent and has the perfect jewel-toned palette that is super eye-catching, so everything else can be more relaxed. I’ll use the tablecloth as a colour guide for my tree and tie all the elements together loosely. Is there a decoration you’re particularly attached to? I’ve collected my tree ornaments for years – from the classy to the kitsch. I don’t have a favourite but when they’re all dotted randomly over the tree, the overall effect is quite special and personal to me. I like to hang things with meaning and character, rather than buying a generic box of matching coloured balls. How will you scent your home? I have my ow n candle collection and right now I’m testing a new prototype called Amber Treasure. It’s really intense and heady with notes of sandalwood and rose, so for me it’s the perfect warming winter scent. What will you be visiting when in London? I’ll go for walks on Hampstead Heath with my dog and three-year-old daughter. She’s not had a Christmas in London yet so I’m looking forward to seeing it through her eyes. She loves the lights and chaos of fairgrounds (as do I), so no doubt we’ll find one to visit. How do you wrap your presents? I’ll probably use my metallic peacock feather wrapping paper, available from Selfridges. Perks of the job, I guess! X
matthewwilliamson.com
110
livingetc.com
design
ABOVE Tricia adorns her Christmas table with an array of single stem flowers ABOVE RIGHT Vibrant giftwrap creates impact
TRICIA GUILD Internationally renowned for her use of colour, pattern and texture, Tricia launched her first fabric collection in the early Seventies – and her signature lifestyle brand, Designers Guild, has been setting the pace ever since. In 2008, she was awarded the OBE for services to interior design. Tricia always layers up her Christmas table and follows the mantra ‘less is more’ when it comes to gift wrapping. How do you make Christmas Day special? I like to set the scene for when family and friends arrive, whether that’s placing those finishing touches in the guest bedroom or setting the table with beautiful linen, crockery, flowers and glassware. It’s the finer details that make the day memorable. Tell us how you decorate. I love to mix different looks, so I’ll pair vintagestyle decorations with hanging foliage and gorgeous floral garlands with fabric offcuts – think masterful, brooding florals in rich, resonant shades with complex geometrics. I like to create little still lifes around the house: I’ll hang delicate baubles and beautiful pieces of fabric from a large elegant branch, which is perfect for hallways, where perhaps space is limited. I also place a tree on the balcony outside – that’s a long-standing tradition. Does your palette change annually? It does change slightly, but I always
use beautiful textures and bursts of brilliant tonal colour. This year’s palette will be a gorgeous mix of lush greens and happy blues, punctuated with neutrals and masses of white. Your most treasured Christmas decoration is… Hand-made treasures by my granddaughter Lola, from when she was little. What will your table look like? I prefer to have a very layered, contemporary look. I use our pure linen Lario place mats and napkins, and a table runner in complementing colours, accessorised with unique decorations and exquisite crackers from our store. There will, of course, be a plethora of pretty flowers, arranged eclectically in various vases, and I get creative with my place settings, making them by hand. Tell us more about the flowers. I prefer single stems of seasonal flowers and foliage over large bouquets. They look beautiful and last much longer. What’s on the menu? We serve crab cakes, Parmesan biscuits, Italian involtini, that sort of thing. Everything is presented simply but beautifully on serving platters. Fail-safe presents for home lovers? I like to give cushions, textured throws or pure linen bedlinen – people always need those things and I love finding the right shade or pattern for each person. Any inventive ideas for wrapping? Less is more. This year, I’ll use jewel-hued tissue paper, matched with tonal twine and vintage ribbons. X
designersguild.com
livingetc.com
111
NEW ROMAN BLINDS COLLECTION CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
DESIGN DOSSIER
Your dining and celebration inspo is served…
livingetc.com
113
news
The latest launches for party perfection
Hip hosting at highstreet prices is the MO at Host, your online shop for an Instagramworthy #tablescape. Its collaboration with Ottoline serves up these delicious cloud and wiggle-print plates. From £12.95 for side plate, Ottoline x Host (hosthome.co.uk) TA B L E TA L K What sets fine dining apart from the average weeknight dinner? A helping of bling, we say, which makes Julian Chichester’s Tiffany table, with its bands of brass roundels, a certified corker. And that's not to mention the body in quarter-sawn bleached oak... £6,012 (julianchichester.com)
3 of the best Start the Christmas period smug in the knowledge that your glassware notches up some serious style points. From left, Diseguale worked stamp wine glass, £75 for set of six, Bitossi at Amara (amara. com). Lavaux goblet in Aubergine, £45 for four, Oka (oka.com). Incalmo G&T glass, £90, Jochen Holz at The New Craftsmen (thenewcraftsmen.com)
114
livingetc.com
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
Curve appeal Have a discerning party-pro on your gift list this year? Look no further than L’Objet - its focus on playful shapes and luxe touches, including 24k gold plating, make its statement serveware a must for the cool culinary crowd. Haas Twisted Horn two-piece serving set in Gold, £215 (l-objet.com)
ALL BAR ONE While a drinks trolley serves up wheel-in, wheel-out thrills, the seasoned host needs something a little more serious. High time then to upgrade to a bar cabinet. You won’t find one with more pulling power than this – think canaletta walnut, smokedglass doors and an LED-lit compartment for your tipples. Atlante bar, £8,720, C Ballabio for Porada at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (porada.it)
Sounds good No sweat if you don’t possess the DJ skills necessary to confidently spin vinyls on La Boite Concept’s turntable; Bluetooth compatibility means you can stream music via laptop, phone and tablet, all with enhanced high-fidelity, immersive and distortion-free audio. LX record player, £3,420, The Conran Shop (conranshop.com)
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
M O LT O B E L L A If you’re yet to hit up cult London eateries Gloria and Circolo Popolare, Big Mamma, the group behind the buzz, are bringing their twist on Italian cooking straight to your kitchen with a cookbook. Expect recipes for Burrata Flower Power and Double Choco Love alongside Tiramisu and Risotto alla Milanese classics. Big Mamma Cucina Popolare: Contemporary Italian Recipes (£27.95, phaidon.com)
Seductive dining is all about ambience, so get the lighting right and the rest will follow. The Planeta floor lamp triumphs not just for its burnished-steel frame but for the soft light cast by its glass orbs. £2,060, Studio Kronos for Cattelan Italia (chaplins.co.uk) livingetc.com
115
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
shopping
Sleek sideboards that could really take centre stage
FROM TOP Holborn 5ft sideboard, £1,380, Neptune. Doppler K sideboard, £4,090, Giuseppe Vigano for Bonaldo at Go Modern. Wave sideboard, from £900, Lozi. Dita console in Terracotta Brown, £1,815, Ligne Roset. Bosque sideboard in Night Jungle, €11,649, Ginger & Jagger. Jade marble sideboard, £799, Atkin and Thyme. Offshore sideboard, £5,340, Piero Lissoni for Porro at Cavigioli. Raphia sideboard, £599, Swoon
livingetc.com
117
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
FEATURE MAUDIE MANTON
shopping
Seats for sophisticated soirées and sitting pretty
TOP ROW Otto chair, from £610, Fabrice Berrux for Bonaldo at Go Modern. DSW plastic side chair in black maple and hopsak upholstery, £585, Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra at The Conran Shop. TV chair, from £514, Ligne Roset MIDDLE ROW Ines chair, from £263, Calligaris. Murciana dyed goat hair armchair, £625, Oka. Dakota chair, £1,086, Julian Chichester BOTTOM ROW Wire frame velvet chair, £199, West Elm at John Lewis & Partners. Molina chair with arms, £395, Soho Home. Bronte chair, £399 for two, Heal’s
livingetc.com
119
Green A new collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880
Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
lookbook
Divine dining spaces made for entertaining Set the scene ‘Think of your dining area as a mini theatre set and light it according to the story you want to tell,’ says Wendy Clark, creative director at Houseology. This Brooklyn home is a case in point. It tells a dramatic tale via a striking pendant set against a moody blue backdrop.
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS PHOTOGRAPH STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON/OTTO
GET THE LOOK DS.15.01 Drop System chandelier by Lindsey Adelman in verdigris finish (shown with a custom illuminated stem). Walls, try Railings estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
livingetc.com
121
First blush Soft pink is swept across the walls and ceiling of this cosy alcove, designed by Nicole Dohmen, for a cocooning feel. Banquette seating takes up less space than dining chairs, which makes it a no-brainer for snug spots. ‘A solid timber table will only get more characterful with age,’ notes Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. Go for one central table leg, though, so it’s easy for guests to manoeuvre around and onto the bench.
PHOTOGRAPH MARC VAN PRAAG/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
GET THE LOOK Walls in Calamine estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. CH24 Wishbone chairs, from £442 each, Aram
122
livingetc.com
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
PHOTOGRAPH KATE MARTIN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Dark arts Trilbey Gordon has dialled up the drama by blending the elegance of the Thirties with the raw edginess of the Seventies. Her starting point was the brass-edged marble dining table, which ties in beautifully with the vintage chairs covered in a navy velvet. This key colour is repeated on the rug and walls, drawing the eye effortlessly around the space. GET THE LOOK Design by Trilbey Gordon Interiors. Vintage dining table, Willy Rizzo. Try 1stdibs for the Milo Baughman chairs and Seventies chandelier. Antilocarpa rug, Stark Carpet. Silk wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries
livingetc.com
123
Creating contrast in your decor is definitely a conversational starting point and can work as a dinner-party icebreaker. ‘We have played with the juxtaposition of opposing elements – combining vintage with modern pieces, the raw with refined, natural with man-made,’ says Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby, who designed this space to be purposefully multifarious. GET THE LOOK Design by Studio Ashby. Bespoke dining table, Studio Ashby. Pendants by artist Ranti Bam. Large painting by Asger Harbou Gjerdevik
PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP DURRANT
In the mix
This space has an industrial feel with its exposed structure, swathes of glazing and concrete-look floor tiles. ‘The dining and kitchen areas are separated by an L-shaped banquette, which creates a sense of privacy and separation,’ says architect Matthew Giles of Giles & Pike Architects. GET THE LOOK Design by Giles & Pike Architects. Eames DSR chairs for Vitra, from £255 each, Utility Design. Bespoke kitchen and dining table, Woodstock Furniture
124
livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPH LOGAN IRVINE-MACDOUGALL
Rough luxe
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
PHOTOGRAPH KATE MARTIN
Clubhouse Arbiter of taste Peter Mikic knows how to get the party started. Cue a well-stocked drinks cabinet (pineapple decanter optional) and a focus on luxurious materials – walls finished in Hermès fabric, bespoke chairs clad in exotic croc-print leather. The star, however, is the dining table, cleverly designed to split and lower to create cocktail tables. GET THE LOOK Design by Peter Mikic. Bespoke chairs, table and bar, all Peter Mikic Interiors. Pendants, around £460 each, Rothschild & Bickers. Wall in Entrelacs in Ecru by Hermès
All a flutter Cecilia Casagrande converted a snug corner of this family kitchen into a decadent dining area. A round table and armless dining chairs maximise the room available, as does banquette seating. Upholstered in a pretty butterfly fabric, the pattern elevates the space saver into a hero piece.
PHOTOGRAPH SCOTT LITCHFIELD
GET THE LOOK Design by Cecilia Casagrande Interiors. Marset Discoco pendant, from £627, Twentytwentyone. Banquette in (back) Butterfly Parade by Christian Lacroix, £95m, Designers Guild. Gubi Beetle chairs in Indian Yellow velvet, £819, Nunido
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
PHOTOGRAPH JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Heads up Wow-factor wallpaper is a simple way to make a feature of your fifth wall (aka your ceiling), but why not take it further? Bring the wallpaper down on to your walls to lower the perceived height of a lofty ceiling and make the space feel cosier. When playing with a statement pattern, keep the rest of the room pared back so as not to overwhelm. GET THE LOOK Zebra Palm wallpaper in Jungle, around £63 a roll, Schumacher at Turnell & Gigon. Ester chairs (with and without arms), from £1,060 each, Chaplins. Infinity dining table, £4,150, Porada
livingetc.com
127
White walls, wooden floorboards and simple furniture – so far, so Scandi. Taking the chill off this space by architect James Macdonald Wright is a woodburning stove. If you want to keep your dining space toasty, start by calculating the right size and heat output needed for your space (many retailers have an online calculator to help). Also check if you live in a smoke-control area: if you want to burn wood, you’ll need a stove approved by DEFRA – find a list on its website. GET THE LOOK Hans Wegner CH24 Wishbone chairs, from £442 each, Aram. For a similar stove, try Morsø 6143, £1,799
128
livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPH JAMES MERRELL/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Scandinavian sensibilities
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
PHOTOGRAPH OLIVER PERROTT/ TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
’Tis the season If you prefer a subtle nod towards Christmas rather than stepping into Santa’s grotto, scale back decorations to something as simple as an oversized wreath. Either pick up a faux garland and arrange into a giant circle or weave stems of fir and eucalyptus around a wreath base. If you go the real route, lightly mist every few days to help it last. GET THE LOOK Blu Dot Branch dining table, from £1,539, Heal’s. Hamilton chairs, from £274 for two, Next Home. Karma Red rug, from £149, Woven. Vintage birdcage, £145, Orchid
An extraordinary masterpiece from award-winning, iconic artist
NEW
“In an age of exquisite picture books, this is possibly the most beautiful of the year� T H E O B S E RV E R
oliverjeffersworld.com
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
When I worked for interior designer Martin Brudnizki he taught me that you should never overcomplicate your arrangement. It should always enhance, so simple is definitely best. In addition to table arrangements, you can use colourful flowers to highlight accents of colour in the interior, or to soften corners of the home that otherwise might feel unlived in. You don’t always need big bouquets – sometimes a couple of sprigs is enough.
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS
Texture, colour and , again, simplicity are the things to focus on when creating a centrepiece for a busy dining table. Practicality is impor ta nt, too – you r f lowers should never be so tall that your guests can’t talk over the top of them. Flowers on a dining table are there to complement the setting, not overpower it. They are there to en ha nce the dining experience, whether that’s through the delicate scent of herbs or using shades of flowers that subtly pick up the hues in the tablecloth. The shape of your floral arrangements should reflect the shape of the table. For long, rectangular table settings, I like to do table runners of seasonal f lowers or a simple jam-jar arrangement along the middle with tea lights in between. A circular table needs a round arrangement in a vase, bowl or oasis. Again, you could always do a round cluster of jam jars or vintage bottles of varying sizes in the middle; I love presenting flowers in old jam jars, medicine bottles and spirit bottles. I look in markets and vintage shops for treasures I can use as vases. The more obscure the better!
There are tricks to help make your flowers last longer. To start, ensure they’re prepped so they can drink as much water as possible. Always cut an inch off the stems and remove three quarters of the leaves up to the flower head. This means that the water goes to the flower, not the straggly leaves below. Flowers with thicker stems, such as roses or hydrangeas, can often be rejuvenated – just re-cut the stems an inch, change the vase water and wrap the f lowers in newspaper with their heads supported in water, then leave overnight in a cool dark place. This doesn’t always work, but it’s certainly a good tip to have up your sleeve! At this time of year, my favourite arrangements include anemones, paper-whites and amaryllises. Paper-whites smell divine and are a winter white classic. Anemones are my favourite; they come in beautiful colours and look like giant poppies – perfect for the kitchen table. And you can’t go w rong w ith amar yllises; they have a fantastic vase life and are great for filling big spaces. Foliage on its own can work well, too. Gather natural greenery from the garden – for example, berried ivy, ilex berries or viburnum berries sprayed gold or silver look stunning and wild.
interview
Florist Alice Strange on mastering flowers at the table
Keep an eye on colour trends, but don’t overlook the classics. Bright corals and fuchsia pinks are popular now, but favourites such as greens and whites will never go out of fashion, while pastels are gorgeous and a safe bet. X
Find more tips from Alice at alicestrangeflowers.com
livingetc.com
131
The talk of the tiki bar. Shop now at swooneditions.com Pay in instalments with
Raphia sideboard
ÂŁ599
D E S I G N D O S S I E R : E N T E R TA I N
planning
Put the focus on function to dine in style
1
It’s tempting to concentrate on just the look when you’re creating a dining room from scratch. However, if you don’t factor in function, you may find that the space doesn’t work for you. ‘Is it a dining area for a couple that often hosts dinner parties? Or is it for a family with kids at different ages? You’ll need to organise the space to meet individual needs,’ says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design manager at Ikea UK and Ireland.
2 3 4 5
The next step is the furniture. To determine the right table size, think about the number of guests you’re likely to have, then allow a minimum width of 60-75cm – which includes wiggle room – for each diner. ‘Remember to allow space behind to slide chairs out,’ advises Wendy Clark, creative director at Houseology.
FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS PHOTOGRAPH EMMA LEE/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
For seating, consider a bench: ‘They’re ideal if you want to reconfigure the room for a bigger party, offering laid-back seating for many,’ says Victoria Atkin, co-founder of Atkin and Thyme. If you’re more into upholstered dining chairs, look into smart, stainproofed fabrics to keep them looking pristine.
The Seventies revival is still going strong, so if you have room for storage, consider a retro sideboard. ‘They provide the perfect space for storing serveware as opposed to cramming things into a kitchen cabinet,’ says Sam Greig, lead designer at Swoon. Ideally, the sideboard should be slightly taller than your dining table, for both ease and appearance.
Never underestimate the importance of getting your flooring right, points out David Snazel, buyer at Carpetright. ‘Dining rooms usually see a lot of traffic, so it’s best to opt for high-quality, durable flooring that’s low maintenance and will stand the test of time. Darker designs and styles will be more forgiving.’
6
Lighting is key to setting the tone in your room. Choose a pendant light or chandelier that adds sophistication overhead and mix it with softer light for contrast. ‘Combine side lights with feature lighting positioned to showcase art, a carefully curated bookcase or statement dining table,’ says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George. It is best to position pendants 60-70cm from the table. ‘The distance is important because you don’t want to be able to see the bulb inside,’ explains Ikea’s Clotilde Passalacqua.
7
‘Good music is a must,’ says Rodrigo Moreno Masey of Moreno Masey architects. ‘It’s not complicated to create a high-quality sound system.’ Sonos is a great brand for this as it’s easy to use, has both Alexa and Google Home built-in, and can link to your phone or record player. ‘Effortless invisible tech is the only tech worth having.’
livingetc.com
133
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
style and sustainability D E S I G N A N E N E R G Y- E F F I C I E N T B AT H R O O M W I T H O U T S AC R I F I C I N G O N A E S T H E T I C S W I T H E CO - F R I E N D LY S O L U T I O N S F R O M V I C T O R I A P L U M . CO M
b
eing energy efficient is becoming ever more important and since bathrooms use over half our average water consumption,* it’s the best place to start saving water and cut t i ng dow n you r bi l ls. Bat h room specia l i st VictoriaPlum.com offers eco products that will keep the planet happy, while satisfying your sense of style, too.
K E E P I T CO M FO R TA B L E If you want to save water but are not ready to give up the option of long soaks in a freestanding bath, look at investing in a smaller tub. The Dulwich roll-top from The Bath Co. is a great option – it has a 170-litre water capacity compared to the 250-plus litre capacity of other designs. A warm bathroom floor is the perfect everyday luxury and is still possible for those looking for an energy-efficient room. The latest underfloor heating developments allow you to control when and how you use your heating. Digital thermostats even learn what times and temperatures you use in certain rooms for ease of use. Find more ideas for improving your bathroom’s eco credentials at VictoriaPlum.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Find everything you need at victoriaplum.com or call 0344 804 4848 for a catalogue. Follow on social media @victoriaplumuk
134
livingetc.com
The SmarTap system lets you control water flow from taps and showers more efficiently. Shower systems, from £769, VictoriaPlum.com
Opt for a roll-top with a smaller water capacity to be more green. Dulwich roll-top bath, £559, VictoriaPlum.com
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT. *THAMES WATER
GET SMART While many of our homes are filled with smart products, the bathroom can be overlooked – but this tech is leading the way in helping to reduce water consumption. Try a digital shower, such as the Aqualisa Q, which has a proximity sensor so when you step away from the showerhead, water flow is reduced until you’re back underneath it. Another option is SmarTap, which allows you to control the flow rate of showers and taps, plus it can be linked to your smart home system, whether you use Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Also look out for taps with eco flow regulators, such as the Ideal Standard Ceraline basin mixer, which limit water use.
Open seven days a week for all-day dining, make a beeline for Moncks when your Christmas shopping gets too much. You’ll find us salivating over the truffle mac and cheese. In a rush? Grab a lobster roll at the bar
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPH HELEN CATHCART
the lifestyle edit T H E O N E T H I N G W E ’ R E L U S T I N G OV E R T H I S M O N T H
From the team behind Park Chinois, Mayfair’s den of opulent Chinese cabaret, comes new brasserie Moncks of Dover St. A classical European grand café, expect to find truffled eggs, baked lemon cheesecake and art-filled decor by Fettle Design. Bellini anyone? livingetc.com
135
CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR 12? Challenge accepted.
Engineered in Prescot since 1920.
Four ovens in one cooker Stoves Range Cookers are engineered for food. The only UK Range Cooker manufacturer with four ovens, the Quad Oven enTM maximises your cooking capacity for the perfect Christmas feast or festive gathering. Other features available on our Deluxe Range Cookers include two 5kW PowerWok PlusTM burners and ZeusTM Bluetooth® Connected Timer. STOVES.CO.UK
QUAD OVEN™ FOUR OVENS FOR MAXIMUM COOKING CAPACITY
going out out PL ACES TO GO, THINGS TO SE E . . .
drink
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS (THE BERKELEY) JAMIE MCGREGOR SMITH; (V&A) TIM WALKER
WHAT… A cocktail or two at The Berkeley’s new bar. WHERE… Round the corner from Harrods on Wilton Place. WHY… Joining David Collins’ Blue Bar, the notorious Noughties boozer once favoured by the likes of Naomi and Madonna, is new kid on the block The Berkeley Bar & Terrace. Designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, the man behind Cambridge’s The Tamburlaine Hotel, this chic buff-and-bronze toned hideaway serves up vintage champagne, rare wines, and a light-bites menu of oysters, crab beignets and the curiously named chicken tulips. Try the Penicillin cocktail for a post-shopping pick-me-up – it’ll have you back on your dancing feet in no time.
visit WHAT… British light artist Bruce Munro’s exhibition Time & Place. WHERE… In the rambling grounds of Messums Wiltshire. WHY… Exploring the medium of illumination within art, the gallery’s winter show will fill its 13th-century tithe barn and the surrounding landscape with pioneering artist Munro’s enchanting light installations. The twinkling LEDs and unspoilt countryside make for brilliant Instagram fodder but, better than that, you might just find a moment of quiet, peaceful reflection.
discover WHAT... Tim Walker’s new exhibition Wonderful Things. WHERE... The equally wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum. WHY... This autumn, the V&A’s main exhibition halls have been taken over by an immersive and bewitching photography extravaganza, with pictures, films and glorious installations by fashion’s most fantastical shutterbug Tim Walker. See snaps of Tilda Swinton sporting head-totoe Gucci, Karen Elson climbing out of a crate, plus Indian model Rhadika Nair (left), all influenced by the museum’s collections.
livingetc.com
137
ma ke WHAT… A Christmas wreath, of course! T’is the season to be jolly after all. WHERE… Pop-up events across London and the Cotswolds. WHY… Running from late November until the 20th December, Daylesford’s everpopular wreath courses are back. Priced from £125, they include a tour of the cutting garden and all the foliage and blooms for a ravishing festive garland. If Gloucestershire is a bit out of your way, try similar courses at Worm Studio in Clapton on the 3rd and 5th of December, or at Shepherd’s Bush’s Aesme on the 7th and 14th.
cook
create WHAT… Something crafty for under the Christmas tree. WHERE… At Cockpit Arts or Print Club London. WHY… Try your hand at an arty workshop where skilled makers guide budding amateurs through step-by-step craft courses. At Cockpit Arts, Candice Lau teaches leatherworking in a series of bag and purse-making classes, or learn the art of stitchcraft with artists Richard McVetis (pictured) and Ekta Kaul. Over at Print Club London, the Xmas Beginners Workshop will have you screen-printing your own festive artwork, ready to frame up and take home.
138
livingetc.com
WHAT… A festive chocolate treat. WHERE… One of London’s gourmet cookery schools. WHY… Who doesn’t like a little sugar and spice come Yuletide? Get to grips with chocolate truffles or Christmas logs at Waitrose Cookery Schools on select dates throughout December, or join the gurus at Le Cordon Bleu’s Chocolate Workshop on the 7th December and discover the secrets of tempering, moulding and piping. For something more lighthearted, pop along with the kids to one of The Chocolate Museum’s drop-in classes. No need to book, just turn up from Wednesday to Sunday and get sticky with fudge, ganache and lashings of melted cocoa.
MEIER M A K E A S TAT E M E N T
cook TA K E PA N E T T O N E U P A N O T C H W I T H A C A S S ATA B A K E D A L A S K A
serves 8-10 3L good quality vanilla ice cream 1kg panettone 150g candied orange peel 150g glacé cherries 150g candied pistachios 275g caster sugar 5 medium egg whites
PHOTOGRAPH JAN BALDWIN/TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM STYLING ALI BROWN
This showstopping dessert is a good make-ahead option and a kid-friendly alternative to Christmas cake
1 2
4
3
5
Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer and leave it to stand for 10-15 m i nut e s so t hat it sof t en s sl ig ht ly.
Line a bowl and place the panettone upside down inside. Cut a circle out of the base of the cake, leaving a 2cm margin around its sides. Carefully pull off the base and set aside, then remove the inside of the cake, leaving a 2cm wall all around.
Chop the peel, cherries and nuts, combine with the ice cream and spoon into the panettone cavity, before sealing with the base. Freeze until the ice cream turns solid.
When you are ready to serve, preheat the oven to 190ºC/Fan 170ºC/Gas 5. Place the caster sugar on a baking tray and heat in the oven for 10 minutes. Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until frothy, then gradually add the sugar while you whisk, until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a large piping bag with a star nozzle. Remove the panettone from the freezer and place upright on a serving plate or cake stand.
Starting just beneath the dome of the cake, pipe the meringue so as to make lines down to the base, then repeat all around and on top. Use a blowtorch to lightly colour the meringue, then serve in wedges at once.
livingetc.com
141
The one-stop edit of the best modern style and design ideas.
Domus Ceramic Colours Kaleidos DWKA 05 Matt
Battersea Clerkenwell West 1 Surrey (inc. Outlet) 020 7819 2300 domusgroup.com
downtime 3
S IT E S , S O U N DS A N D R E A DS FO R M O R E I N S P I R I N G YO U -TI M E
1
BIG SCREEN
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS (BIG SCREEN) 2019 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Director Paul Feig has been churning out cult classics of comedic cinema at an alarming rate over the past decade, with Bridesmaids, Spy and The Heat to name but a few of his clowning creations. For his latest flick, Last Christmas, Feig has recruited Henry Golding, leading man of box-office hit Crazy Rich Asians, and the queen of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke, for a merrily-themed romcom penned by Emma Thompson. Festive date night anyone?
ON THE GRAM
2
BOOK CLUB
Kelly Wearstler is one of our favourite design doyennes from across the pond and her signature soft-glam look is coveted by everyone from Hollywood hotels to shoppers bagging one of her arty home accessories. Binding all her best bits together, new coffee-table number Evocative Style is a treasure trove of dazzling ideas and never-before-seen rooms. (£42, Rizzoli)
4
Ruby Taylor’s (@rubyst) joyously colourful Instagram illustrations promise to add a vibrant hue to your morning scroll. Her painterly strokes will take you from the blue rooftops of Greece to the streets of Brooklyn.
PODCAST WAT C H
Much to the exasperation of chefs, ordering off-la-carte is now a popular practice. But what if the sky was the limit for ridiculous dining demands? Ed Gamble and James Acaster’s podcast Off Menu imagines a restaurant where celeb guests like Cerys Matthews and Jess Phillips MP discuss their dream meals with a large side order of humour. Available on Apple, Acast and Spotify.
5
ONE FOR YOUR INBOX
Since leaving Vanity Fair, all eyes have been fixed on what longtime editor Graydon Carter would do next. And it’s Air Mail (airmail.news), his weekly newsletter on life’s higher pursuits: books, art, film and politics, all from a global perspective. Recent highlights have included features on Peggy Guggenheim, British cocaine addiction and the Amazon inferno.
livingetc.com
143
Exceptional homes
by Berkeley in idyllic surroundings
4 & 5 bedroom homes from ÂŁ499,500*
4 & 5 bedroom homes from ÂŁ575,000*
01403 888 002
01252 755 851
broadacres-southwater.co.uk
edenbrookvillage.co.uk
Worthing Road, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9AX
Hitches Lane, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 5DN
Sales Suite & Showhomes open daily 10am - 5pm (Thursdays until 8pm)
Sales Suite & Showhomes open daily 10am - 5pm (Thursdays until 8pm)
Discover your dream home in the heart of the Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex countryside, with commuting times to London approximately 40 minutes† you can enjoy the perfect work-life balance.
HOMES AVAILABLE TO VIEW AND MOVE INTO NOW – VISIT US TODAY
3 & 4 bedroom homes from £577,500*
4 & 5 bedroom homes from £599,950*
4 & 5 bedroom homes from £745,000*
01372 885 780
01403 887 237
01483 355 707
princeschase.co.uk
highwoodvillage.co.uk
leighwoodfields.co.uk
Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BN
The Boulevard, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1FF
Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8RF
Sales Suite & Showhome open daily 10am - 5pm (Thursdays until 8pm)
Sales Suite & Showhomes open daily 10am - 5pm (Wednesdays until 8pm)
Sales Suite & Showhome open daily 10am - 5pm
*Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability. †Source: tfl.gov.uk. Photography depicts streetscenes and is indicative only.
hotel hot list T H E C H I C R E T R E AT S L I G H T I N G U P O U R S T Y L E R A D A R
Situated on a hill with views of the ocean and the countryside, Lon Retreat is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Each room combines earthy tones with contemporary style
Lon Retreat, Victoria, Australia
E
ven the most seasoned of travellers, with fully ticked-off bucket lists, will find a thrill at Lon Retreat. This sleepy hideaway on the Bellarine Peninsula has just seven simply designed suites spread throughout the farmstead-style sandstone lodge. Each of them offers a calm sanctuary from which to discover the real attraction, 200 acres of family-owned conservation-grade Australian landscape. Come here to swim, snorkel, fish or surf at the secluded private beach, drink local wines and foraged platters by a roaring firepit, and walk, hike and cycle spectacular coastal paths and local trails. A visit here is an antidotal pause from life’s stresses and worries: a true retreat in every sense of the word.
IN THE KNOW Discover wineries, cider houses, and provedores on the Bellarine Taste Trail. Take a dip with the dolphins at Port Phillip Bay – a memorable tick on your own bucket list. Book it Double rooms from £200 a night (lonretreat.com.au).
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS (PURO WARSAW) ANNA STATHAKI/PION STUDIO
Puro Warsaw, Poland
L
jubljana, Bratislava, Warsaw. Over the past decade, these lesser-visited European capitals have become bona fide destinations, joining their established popular neighbours Prague and Budapest. What could make these cities even more tempting to the livingetc reader? World-class design hotels, of course. And that’s just what Puro is delivering in the Polish capital. Housed in a glassy new build, the interiors at its Warsaw hotel were overseen by British studio DeSallesFlint, who have created a visual feast of design classics, vintage treasures and eye-catching local street art. Bedrooms are a lesson in stylish relaxation, all dove-grey upholstery and muted champagne metallic tones. In the warmer months, head upstairs to Loreta, the urbane rooftop bar to soak up vinyl tunes, Polish vodka cocktails, and sprawling city views.
Designed with vintage finesse by DeSallesFlint, the Puro Warsaw offers a style that beautifully blends local street art with a mid-century vibe. Though modernminimalist, the rooms are the ultimate in luxury
IN THE KNOW Discover Warsaw by bike, with the hotel’s own guided city tours every Friday lunchtime. Eat classical Polish cuisine at the extraordinary Belvedere restaurant, located in Warsaw’s Royal Baths Park. Book it rooms from £125 a night (purohotel.pl).
livingetc.com
147
It’s all in the detail at Maison de la Luz, where old-world opulence graces this historic building. The hotel’s many original features include wrought-iron, grand staircases and soaring ceilings
Maison de la Luz, New Orleans, Louisiana
F
or a long time, the international capital of jazz and soul food was underserved in the tourism arena, with a distinct lack of top flight, beautifully styled boutique hotels. That was then – New Orleans is now having a major hotel moment. Three game-changers have recently opened: Hotel Peter & Paul, The Eliza Jane and now Maison de la Luz by Atelier Ace. Its chic take on bohemian decor captures both the city’s rich heritage and its fresh, cosmopolitan attitude. Bedrooms boast high ceilings, original 19th-century detailing and pleasing palettes of ivory and faded navy. And don’t leave without spending an evening sipping craft cocktails at neighbouring Bar Marilou, accessed through a secret passageway.
IN THE KNOW Pack your swimming costume – guests have access to the pool at Ace Hotel New Orleans. Experience an authentic taste of New Orleans at Antoine’s, an icon of French Creole cooking. Book it Double rooms from £300 (maisondelaluz.com).
Nestled between some of the most famous bens in Scotland, Lundies House has refined interiors and a profound sense of comfort, which combine to create an air of stillness and beauty
Lundies House, Scotland
A
little over 10 years ago Anders and Anne Holch Povlsen founded Wildland, a conservation and sustainable development programme designed to protect some of Scotland’s most rugged, natural landscapes. Their latest venture is Lundies House, a restored former manse turned bucolic boutique hotel on the country’s northern coast. The six rooms here are designed in modern country style offering endless charm. Expect to find shaggy sheepskin armchairs, plush velvet sofas, and shelves heaving with curiosities and collectibles. In the kitchens emphasis is on the Highlands’ bounty of natural produce, but finished with a Nordic flare reflective of the owners’ heritage and expertise. Just beyond the house, the ruins of Caisteal Bharraich and the waters of Tongue Bay set the scene for a perfect Scottish escape.
IN THE KNOW Pack wellies, hiking boots, and raincoats to explore the vastness and staggering beauty of the Sutherland area of northern Scotland. Take a day trip to the Orkney Islands, easily reached by boat from the nearby coast. Book it Double rooms from £400 a night (lundies.scot).
livingetc.com
149
globetrotter D O N N A H AY S P I L L S H E R S Y D N E Y S E C R E T S
a
ustralian food guru Donna Hay has made a lifestyle empire out of her easygoing, stress-free attitude towards eating and entertaining. We picked her brains for the lowdown on where to find those Aussie good vibes in Sydney, the epicentre of chill.
Health junkies should head to? Bondi! The Saturday farmers’ market in the Bondi public school grounds doesn’t just sell great produce, it also has fabulous food stores (bondimarkets.com.au). Or visit one of Bondi’s health cafés – from Peppe’s, the vegan gnocchi bar, to Umu café in Gould Street.
First things first – where should we stay? Paramount House Hotel is located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios in a cool neighbourhood close to the city (paramounthousehotel.com). Its co-tenants Paramount Coffee Project, Paramount Recreation Club and Golden Age Cinema make it an even more fun stay.
Unique boutiques? Go to Glenmore Road in Paddington and cruise the strip of independent Australian fashion designers, from Lee Mathews, Zimmermann and Bassike to Jac + Jack.
Bennelong restaurant in Sydney Opera House
Where to get your coffee fix? I always drop by Bru Coffee in North Bondi after my morning run (brucoffee.com.au). Interior design hotspot? With its emphasis on craft and sustainability, Planet in Surry Hills (planetfurniture.com.au) has amazing furniture and a really beautiful selection of Australian ceramics.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar Paramount House Hotel
Table to book in advance? Sunday lunch at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi (idrb.com). You just cannot beat the view and the food is always consistently good.
The restaurant with the best interiors in town? I love the interiors at Mr Wong (merivale.com), where the clever and eclectic designs carry all the way through from the entrance to the bathrooms. Best place for a lazy Sunday brunch? My favourite thing is to catch the ferry down the harbour to Manly, walk from the wharf towards Manly Beach and take the walking track around to Shelly Beach. Laze away the day at The Boathouse with its relaxed vibe and fresh menu, right on the crystal-clear water of the beach (theboathousesb.com.au).
150
livingetc.com
The best gallery in town? White Rabbit Ga l ler y i n C h ipp enda le a lway s ha s s o m e t h i n g t o s u r p r i s e a n d d e l ig ht (jnprojects.net).
Picturesque spot for a quiet moment? If you are in the city, a stroll through The Royal Botanic Garden is always lovely (rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au), or catch the ferry to Watsons Bay. If you fancy a quick little swim after your walk, make sure you stop at Camp Cove Beach (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au).
White Rabbit Gallery
Don’t leave without doing? The Bondi to Bronte coastal track – breathtaking views across the Sydney coastline.
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHS (ICEBERGS & WHITE RABBIT GALLERY) PAUL LOVELACE/ALAMY; (PARAMOUNT HOUSE HOTEL) SHARYN CAIRNS
Sit by the harbour and wile away the day at? The Cured & Cultured bar in the Bennelong restaurant at Sydney Opera House has great seafood and a great wine and cocktail list (bennelong.com.au).
154
Architects
156
Home Improvements
154 155 153 156
Bathrooms 157
Lighting
152
Sofas
154
Tiles
Beds & Bedding Furniture Garden Furniture
www.idealhome .co.uk/livingetc
MARKET PLACE SOFAS
Order now for Christmas delivery Save 10% on all sofas, sofa beds & accessories
Over 35 years of British Craftsmanship Customise in over 200 fabrics Luxury sofa bed mattress options willowandhall.co.uk 020 8939 3800 | London showroom Featured design - The Foxcote sofa or sofa bed from £1,112 and £1,400
Autumn SALE
Let’s design together
13 Showrooms Nationwide
Saltdean in Textured Plain Bianco £1,394 £1,185
0808 178 3211 www.sofasandstuff.com
MARKET PLACE SOFAS
GREAT BRITISH SOFAS DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER SAVE 25% OFF IN OUR AUTUMN SALE
FURNITURE
Hang your hat in style. Designed for us by Ben Fowler and winner of a prestigious Design Guild Mark, each hat & coat tree is composed of eight strips of beech, steam bent at differing heights to support hats, coats, bags or anything else. Mount one unit anywhere at home, or put several side-by-side to kit out a cloakroom or hallway. Available only from Futon Company.
Agatha 3 seater sofa was £869 - Sale price £649
www.sofasofa.co.uk
Experts in small space living
For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226
21 stores | 0345 609 4455 | futoncompany.co.uk
FURNITURE
VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL RECLAIMED DINING TABLES & FURNITURE HANDMADE IN THE UK
SPECIAL OFFER FREE BENCH WITH EVERY TABLE ORDERED*
U BASE TABLE TRI BASE TABLE
V BASE TABLE
storminteriorsltd@gmail.com www.interiorstorm.co.uk
07722 921615 *tri, v & u base tables. selected sizes only
MARKET PLACE FURNITURE
ARCHITECTS
Albion’s Handmade Bathroom Furniture
Beautiful and practical storage for bathrooms big and small. From 450mm to 1500mm wide. Painted to your choice.
Request your brochure of our bathroom furniture. 01255 831605 albionbathco.com
HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
ALBION BATH COMPANY
BATHROOMS
What’s unique about an Albion Bath?
VINTAGE LEATHER RIBBED SCHOOL CHAIRS £129.50 EACH SALE
£79.50 limited quantity
www.interiorstorm.co.uk 07722921615 TILES
Our special material, Iso-Enamel, keeps your bath hotter for longer, and only a third of the weight of cast iron.
Request your brochure for our range of 50 beautiful bath tubs. HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
01255 831605 albionbathco.com
ALBION BATH COMPANY
MARKET PLACE BATHROOMS
BED PICTURED IN ENGLISH GOLDENROD BEAUFORT VELVET FABRIC
BEDS & BEDDING
LIVINGITUP.CO.UK | TELEPHONE 0116 269 5960
MARKET PLACE BEDS & BEDDING
For lovers of luxury.
Quality Beds & Mattresses | 03333 201 801 | www.buttonandsprung.com GARDEN FURNITURE
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Fireguards for stoves HUGE CHOICE OF STYLISH WIPEABLE TABLECLOTHS CUSTOM CUT TO SIZE
CHRISTMAS DESIGNS IN STOCK www.wipeeasytablecloths.com 01606 833886
Handmade in Britain
catalogue available
01225 851577
www.garden-requisites.co.uk
MARKET PLACE LIGHTING
Subscribe today
and save 47% 2 EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE
magazinesdirect.com/AET9
0330 333 1113 Quote code AET9 Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm (UK time). Please have your bank details ready when you call. Overseas: +44 (0)330 333 1113
Offer closes 3 February 2020. Terms and conditions apply. For full details visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms
my happy place The magical door into history that art editor Meredith Davies steps through to experience Christmases past
Minutes from my own front door in London’s Spitalfields sits a far more ancient entrance – the almost 300-yearold portal that leads into Dennis Severs’ House. Stepping through it, I’m whisked back into the company of the 18th-century Huguenot silk weavers who once lived here. Preserved as a museum showcasing life in the 1700s, the house is magical at Christmas, when you can linger in the shadows full of festive – and nostalgic – cheer. X
158
livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPH ROELOF BAKKER
DENNIS SEVERS’ HOUSE