Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2020 i Homes & Gardens

With this issue, we take the temperature of design today. In a special 12-page report, news and shopping editor Jo Bailey beautifully rounds up the style zeitgeist, covering 1970s nostalgia, the rise of weaving, sustainable thinking and much more. In the back section, our Masterworks feature showcases rooms designed by some of the world’s best-renowned names and reveals the thinking behind each decision. For our garden inspiration story, we asked three top names to tell us what to do outdoors this month. This new season has crept up on us, and so it’s time to think about the now and the next. With this letter, I’d also like to reveal the 2020 version of our annual Design Awards. In response to this year’s tumult, we felt it appropriate to rethink…

HOME EXHIBIT Grouping pieces together under glass is a stunning way to show off your collectables. Glass Virtue cabinet, £1,400, Robert Shackleton at Princelet. Limited edition Womb Relax armchair, £7,878, Eero Saarinen for Knoll at The Conran Shop. Nibbe table, £260, Galvin Brothers. Sympoiesis vessel, £410, Viv Lee at Toast. Pablo stoneware ceramic candlestick, £550, Abigail Ozora Simpson. Soft dish, £225, Soft Soft Hard Group by Naomi Bikis at M.A.H Gallery. Hand-built stoneware in 04 Sand, £200; 03 Black, £175, both Tracy Dixon Ceramics. Petal Spine VI vase by Julie Nelson, £900; Fortune vessel by Ateme Ceramics, £350, both M.A.H Gallery. Tenanted vessel 2018 in olive ash, £2,000, Forest + Found. Zitoune blanket, £475, Lrnce at A New Tribe € CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES As the striking furnishings…

HIGH CONCEPT Anoud Khaled launches &YOU this month, a new online multi-brand interiors and lifestyle concept store with an impressive roster of brands under its umbrella. Independent designers such as Lara Bohinc, Kana London and Lina Saleh sit next to Campbell-Rey’s vividly striped mouth-blown Murano tumblers (shown), Once Milano’s Italian hand-cut, sewn and dyed table linen and sculpted wool wall hangings by LA-based textile artist Taiana Giefer (usually working to commission only). ■ andyoulifestyle.com PAINTING THE TOWN Stop by Andrew Martin’s vibrant pop-up on Sloane Avenue to explore the new range of eco-friendly water-based performance paint – the kaleidoscopic wall of colour, boasting a riot of 114 shades, is in itself mesmerising. Then revel in founder and creative director Martin Waller’s treasure trove of wonderfully surreal sculptures, quirky accessories and…

There is a particular pale shade that birch or hazel hold in that first cut in the autumn. This custard-cream is so pure in an otherwise autumnal wood, it’s tempting to reach down and eat the chips. I always make the first cut with an axe before starting the chainsaw, an odd ritual I’ve fabricated out of respect, easing the woodland into its felling season, but also acknowledging the woodmen managing Broome Wood with axes and billhooks for a thousand years before me. I’m sure the birds know the sound of an axe or hook through generationally passed knowledge, so my first cut is also a request for their permission, demonstrating my understanding of the old ways. Nonsense, possibly, but I like to show intent towards nature’s needs through an…

CHAAT MASALA POTATOES SERVES 4 AS A SIDE 750g baby new potatoes, cut into 1cm-thick slices 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chaat masala ½ tsp ground turmeric 250g Greek-style yogurt ½ small red onion, thinly sliced 1 green chilli, thinly sliced 1½ tsp coriander seeds, toasted 1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted salt FOR THE CORIANDER CHUTNEY 30g fresh coriander 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped 1 tbsp lime juice 60ml olive oil FOR THE TAMARIND DRESSING 1½ tbsp tamarind paste 1½ tsp caster sugar ¼ tsp chaat masala ■■ Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 8. Put the potatoes and 2 tsp of salt into a pan and top with water to cover by 4cm. Boil, then simmer for 6 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a parchment-lined tray and toss…

Sheila Bouttier shares her loves and inspiration MOST SUCCESSFUL PART OF THE PROJECT Finding a way to showcase the incredible artwork of my grandfather, Benjamin Abramowitz, in virtually every room. GREATEST INDULGENCE The steel windows and doors were probably the biggest splurge. WHAT’S ON YOUR COFFEE TABLE I have a mid-century Japanese Ikebana that is quite sculptural. It is a piece that people often comment on when they come into my sitting room. WORDS TO LIVE BY Try to add pieces with age and history into your home. They are often one-of-a-kind artefacts that individually can make a striking statement. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Our architect, William Hefner, added honed Indiana Buff limestone thresholds into each room, which had a major impact and was a unique touch. ONE THING YOU…

Having lived in London for five years, Joshua Schulman’s previous home of New York beckoned him back with a new job opportunity and the chance to reunite with his partner, now husband, Jim Conley. ‘Jim had been living in my old apartment, so with my return we decided to start looking for a home we could share together,’ says Joshua, who is a long-term fashion and retail executive while Jim works as a marketing executive at Twitter. ‘Like any hunt for property in Manhattan, we had our ups and downs, but as soon as we walked into this house we knew we had found the right one,’ Joshua says of their period townhouse near Gramercy Park, an area known for its brownstone properties and tree-lined streets. ‘The building had started…

Claire Sa shares her loves and style vision BIGGEST INDULGENCE Soane Britain wall lights – expensive but beautiful. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Add beading to walls to create a panelled effect. Painting over, or even just adding a wide architrave around a window can make an amazing difference. THE NEXT GAME CHANGER IN DESIGN 3D printing possibly and definitely recycling. Jennifer Manners makes wonderful rugs from plastic bottles – this has to be the way forward. DESIGN HERO It changes regularly – at the moment I’m studying Steven Gambrel’s careful moulding details; and always Mies van der Rohe, one of the great pioneers of modernist architecture. BEST GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN A monogrammed bathrobe, which I sewed myself! FAVOURITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @filipa_de_abreu (a design ambassador for Tory Burch). She has…

LIGHTING FOR DINING Proportion is key – the aim is glow without glare and an even pool of light that doesn’t leave the edge of the table, or diners, marooned in shadow. This is impeccably demonstrated in the East Hampton home of American decorator Robert Stilin, where a mid-century metal design strikes the right note over a vintage table and chairs (1stdibs.com is a good place to hunt for vintage lighting). ‘Even though I keep it dimmed quite low, the way it glows from the end of each arm creates a great mood,’ says Robert. Ideally, the gap between the base of an overhead light and the top of a dining table should be 75-100cm – this gives functional illumination while still feeling cosy. ON THE WIRE There’s an art…

TOM STUART-SMITH COMBINES THE MUTED COLOURS OF NATIVE TREES WITH COLOURFUL FLOWERS FOR SEASONAL SPARKLE “THE NUTTY RICH RUSSETS OF THE OAKS IN THE AUTUMN GARDEN ARE FOR ME THE BEST OF ALL” “My garden here at the Barn in Hertfordshire looks beautiful in autumn. Asters are a mainstay in the borders and my favourites include the tall violet and yellow Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Violetta’ and delicate pale blue Symphyotrichum turbinellum. Some rudbeckias such as R. maxima are also still in flower in October in our prairie garden and the seed heads then extend their appeal later in the season. The compass plant, Silphium laciniatum, is another good late flower for a naturalistic garden if you have space for it – the sturdy stems of yellow daisies can reach over 2.5m…

“THE COUPLE DIDN’T WANT TO LIVE IN A HOME THAT WAS TOO GROWN-UP – THEY WANTED SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT WOULD ALSO AGE WELL OVER TIME”TAMSIN JOHNSON , interior designer 1. THIS 1930S HOUSE in Sydney was in an unloved state when my clients, a couple with a young family, bought it. There’s a sense of maturity about the property, which I particularly wanted to underline in the formal rooms, but bearing in mind the youthful sensibility of my clients, it was important not to overdo this, too. 2. Double doors lead into the formal living area from the hallway; I was keen to keep the spaces delineated as opposed to open-plan. While keeping original features, such as high skirting boards and decorative cornicing, we introduced a contemporary whimsy with fresh…

“ILLUMINATE ART – LIGHTING WILLBRING PAINTINGS TO LIFE. INVESTIN DISCREET, DIRECTIONALLIGHTING OR SIMPLY POSITION ATABLE LAMP UNDER ARTWORK” IMPACTFUL ARTWORK  DO s ■ Allow art to breathe. There is something very beautiful about hanging a small, singular piece on a large expanse of wall. ■ Install a picture rail system, if you like to move art around – they look particularly smart. ■ Pay attention to framing. Contemporary canvas pieces look wonderful in a sleek tray frame with a shadow gap. A traditional frame with a gilt slip adds finesse. ■ Go with what you love but do ask professionals if you need to – a trusted gallery owner or picture framer will be able to help. DON’T s ■ Resist charging ahead. Arrange groupings on the floor in the…

One of the smartest kitchen trends we’ve seen lately, mesh or grate panels provide a glimpse of what’s inside cupboards. Lanserring makes an impact with full-height doors in intricately woven brass, while at Plain English the mesh has a more utilitarian feel. For Smallbone of Devizes, the use of mesh in its Mulberry kitchen (above) stemmed from a desire to introduce subtle industrial notes. ‘The original design was a bespoke commission in New York’s SoHo and we took inspiration from the industrial surroundings,’ explains Nick Bell, design and sales director, Smallbone of Devizes. ‘Mesh adds interest to an eclectic mix of materials and can be used to complement other metal details such as handle finishes and lighting.’…

“LITHE AND REFINED STRIPS OF CRISP POLISHED NICKEL FOLLOW THE LINES OF TRADITIONAL DOOR MOULDINGS, CREATING A CALMING AND ORDERED VISUAL EFFECT”KAREN WILLIAMS , creative director, St Charles New York Following the lines of traditional door mouldings, but swapping wood for metal, this trend offers a long-overdue alternative to standard Shaker or Georgian designs. The look is very tailored and upmarket; little wonder we’ve spotted examples at bespoke ateliers, such as Clive Christian and McCarron & Co. Think more Chelsea penthouse, less Cornish bolthole. Choose to have the metal set proud, as in this new design by luxury US brand St Charles New York (above) incorporating the handles, or fitted flush into the surface. There’s a notable swing back towards silvered metals, such as polished nickel and chrome. Pitched against…

Kitchen, around £80,000, Eggersmann Design. Coffee Brown marble, around £550sq m, cut and installed by Stewkley Stone. BOP250102 oven, £3,207; BOP251102 oven, £3,207; BSP251100 combi steam oven, £3,212; BMP250100 combi microwave, £3,342; DVP221100 vacuuming drawer, £2,298; WS461100 warming drawer, £1,026; VG491211 gas hob, £4,252; DF260165F dishwasher, £1,195; RW466364 wine fridge, £8,136; RB492304 fridge freezer, £9,475, all Gaggenau. Downdraught recirculating extractor, £6,500, EMB. Tara Ultra mixer tap, £835; Tara Ultra boiling water tap, £1,916, both Dornbracht. All supplied by Eggersmann Design…

Unistone Quartz worktops in Carrara Misterio, from £400sq m, including installation; Antiqued mirror splashback, £1,848; New Classic White gloss tiles, £78sq m, all Martin Moore. EX975LVV1E 90cm FlexInduction hob, £1,569; HM676 G0S6B Active Clean oven with microwave, £1,549; HB632GBS1B single oven, £729; BI630DNS1 warming drawer, £544; SN658D02MG dishwasher, £759, all Siemens. Iron Tones undermounted sink 6625-0, £1,022, Kohler. Pro3 Classic Nordic boiling water tap, £1,150, Quooker. Oberon C Spout tap and rinse, £543.72, Perrin & Rowe. IKB 3576 integrated fridge, £1,296; SIGN 3576 integrated freezer, £1,449; UWKes1752 wine cooler, £1,679, all Liebherr. Sediments Olimpia porcelain floor tiles, £49.90sq m, County Tile Warehouse. Browning Lantern pendants, £275 each, Neptune. Similar stools, Clover, £199 each, Danetti…

1 . Everything revolves around the kitchen; it takes up half of the ground floor with ceiling-height windows that flood it with light. It was designed by my boyfriend Henry Relph and our friend Paul Cochran, an amazing carpenter who handmade it. He’s passed away now, and we treasure his work. 2 . I wanted a huge island because it’s my workplace – I spend all day at it recipe testing or teaching classes and it’s big enough to have 16 people around it chopping and cooking together. It’s in Richlite, a sustainable material made from recycled paper. 3 . The pantry cupboard is my favourite piece in the room. It’s got big drawers, shelves, a wine rack and a solid-marble countertop. I can’t stop buying Vitsoe shelves. They’re covered…

We’ve already revived tasselled lampshades, fringes and swag pelmets in our living rooms, revelling in the gentle nostalgia of a bygone age. Now bathrooms are getting the same treatment. ‘Incorporating some luxury and joy into this domestic epicentre is exactly what we need in these turbulent times,’ says colour and paint expert Annie Sloan. ‘Simply adding a sumptuous swag of beautiful fabric will make the space feel more indulgent, secluded and spiritually restorative.’ Choose muted, antiqued linens and muddied paint colours to achieve an authentic time-worn edge. A blowsy frilled shower curtain, stencilled floorboards and some vintage artwork is all it takes to dress simple sanitaryware up to the nines.…

Wye freestanding bath, from £3,570; Coll lever floor-standing bath and shower mixer, from £2.376; Double Lowther vanity with Arabescato marble, from £7,980; Coll lever deck-mounted three-hole basin mixers, from £1,170 each; Mull Classic shower controls, from £1,632; 300mm shower rose with Classic shower arm from ceiling, from £804; five-bar floor-mounted heated towel rail, from £2,742; Derwent double wall lights, from £654 each, all in Nickel, all Drummonds. Square Black Victorian floor tiles, £73.44sq m; Greek Key border tiles, £5.95 each, all Original Style. London Class Chelsea encaustic tiles, £75sq m, Mainzu. Cranleigh pendant light, £298, Abigail Ahern. Walls and woodwork painted in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball…

1 ELEGANT SPACE This master en-suite bathroom is located on the top floor of Centrepoint, enjoying both complete privacy and spectacular unobstructed views across London’s skyline. We placed the vanity unit well away from the window to help avoid glare and reflection of sunlight on the mirror. The bath is near the door to the terrace, so the owner can gaze at the vista while bathing. 2 REFINED FINISH We selected all of the elegant sanitaryware and brassware from C.P. Hart to ensure the elements work beautifully together, leaving the owner the chance to make the space their own. Dornbracht’s Lulu brassware, with its modern simplicity, is particularly captivating. We chose the Platinum Matt finish for its smooth feel, depth of colour and warm hue. 3 WALLS & FLOOR We…

Lulu deck-mounted mono basin mixers, £1,310 each; Lulu floor-mounted bath mixer with hand shower, £6,114; Lulu shower systems, including diverters, rain shower, hand shower and body jets, £4,068 each; Lulu robe hooks, £145 each; Lulu loo roll holder, £388, all in Platinum Matt, Dornbracht at C.P. Hart. Saneux undermounted basins, £399 each; Bette Starlet oval bath, £5,598; Duravit Starck 3 loo, £554, all at C.P. Hart. The vanity unit is bespoke; for a similar style try Zone four-drawer vanity unit in Light Oak, £1,479.95, C.P. Hart. The Bleu de Savoie marble was supplied by Marmi Stone; for private homes, try Lapicida, from £695sq m…

SOOTHING SPRAY The PureRain spray in Grohe’s showerhead creates large droplets to emulate summer rain. Rainshower 310 Mono with 422mm arm in Brushed Cool Sunrise finish, £866.65, Grohe. TERRAZZO TONES Whether in terrazzo (cement speckled with marble, stone or glass) or made from terrazzo-effect porcelain, these tiles tick all the retro boxes. 1 Terrazzo Bosello tile, 20x20cm, £99sq m, Fired Earth. 2 Piazza Geo Graphite terrazzo-effect porcelain tile, 80x80cm, £70sq m, Ca’Pietra. 3 Fragments Terrazzo tile, 60x60cm, £89sq m, Domus. ON THE CURVE The latest addition to Duravit’s Happy D.2 Plus collection by Sieger Design is the curvaceous C-shaped basin vanity unit, £3,712, in White Satin Matt, which perfectly complements the matching freestanding bath, £4,225. NEW NATURAL Retro style and earthy tones blend beautifully here. The Vintage 80 vanity unit,…

LAYOUT & LIGHTING LOUISE ASHDOWN, HEAD OF DESIGN AT WEST ONE BATHROOMS, DESCRIBES HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE First, consider whether you can improve the size of your room, perhaps by moving a partition wall and stealing space from a landing. Think about the fittings required: if you rarely use a bath, for instance, it may be better to devote your space to a larger shower. A sloping ceiling can dictate the position of fittings, as can the plumbing. Moving the WC, for example, may have cost implications. As to size, 1200x900mm is popular for a shower enclosure; try not to go any smaller than 800x800mm to avoid feeling cramped. Baths vary in length from the usual 1700mm to more than 2000mm or down to a hip…

THE COLLECTION Two industry heavyweights join forces to create this season’s most exciting new designs When we heard that Morris & Co had teamed up with interior designer – and Morris enthusiast – Ben Pentreath (pictured), we knew we were in for something special. The Queen Square collection, named after the street that once housed the Morris & Co factory, revives Blackthorn and Daffodil from the archives, alongside cherished designs such as Willow Bough, all of which Ben has reimagined in olive green, burnt orange and vivid turquoise across 18 fabrics and papers. THE INNOVATION Exciting new textiles made using cutting-edge techniques push the boundaries Known for its experimental style, Kirkby Design has launched two hi-tech collections. Futurebound comprises nine decorative weaves created with methods that use electric needles to…

WITH a career that spans over 30 years, internationally renowned interiors photographer Simon Watson has captured some spectacular homes belonging to fascinating people. The stories presented in his aptly titled book, The Lives of Others: Sublime Interiors of Extraordinary People, are exactly that – a handful of remarkable residences that he’s explored over the years. With an innate ability to capture intimacy, Simon takes the reader on a personal journey, revealing not only the creativity and personality of each dwelling and their esteemed inhabitants, but also his own experience from each encounter. Displaying an interesting collection of art from around the world, Christian Louboutin’s 18th-century apartment in Paris is every bit as avant-garde as you’d expect. While architect Roberto Baciocchi’s nonconformist fusion of a traditional 16th-century Tuscan house mixed with…

Make extra coriander chutney and tamarind sauce to brighten up sandwiches, to spoon over eggs, or serve with tofu or fish. The chutney will keep in the fridge for a week and the sauce for 2 weeks. Use coarse cornmeal polenta here rather than the quick-cooking kind as it won’t yield the result you want. This is a great brunch dish, but will work equally well for lunch or a light dinner with a green salad. It’s quick and super practical to make this dish because the pasta actually cooks in the sauce. Try it and you may not feel the need to boil pasta ever again.…

Cliff Fong shares his loves and style vision GO-TO COLOUR A very light grey. It’s friendly and gives good reflected light on skin and on food. MOST SUCCESSFUL PART OF THE PROJECT The relationship with the client. It felt like all the stars and planets were lined up. Everything flowed very nicely. SECRET ADDRESS I’m never too proud to do some legwork and go to thrift stores and flea markets. I’m a scavenger at heart and I love finding something great in an unexpected place. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT The use of deeper colours, which allowed us to be more playful. The tone became punchy and fun. DESIGN HEROES Mid-century designers like Charlotte Perriand, Eileen Gray and Jean Prouvé. FAVOURITE BUILDING The Louisiana museum, outside Copenhagen (louisiana.dk). It’s a beautiful,…

Step over the threshold of Ethelmont Rise, the beautiful home of Emma and Stuart Burgess, and you are immediately immersed in a sense of nostalgia. Timeworn pieces fill this special property – from the mustard lampshades that are original to the house to the handsome antique dresser, a family heirloom that is now filled with warm yellow vintage French pottery from Poterie du Soleil. ‘The ochre tones have informed the colour palette throughout this house,’ says Emma. The hillside Arts and Crafts house has picturesque views down to the River Derwent and across to Sandy Bay from the front, while from the back, you look up to dramatic Mount Wellington. ‘The mountain and water influence the feel of each day,’ says Emma. Built originally in 1929 on the Ethelmont Estate…

HAVING grown up in the Hamptons, New York, an area known for its natural beauty, artist Jeff Muhs has always drawn inspiration from his surroundings. Passionate about drawing and painting from a young age, he’d head out with his father – a hunting and fishing guide – from sunrise to sunset and pick up ideas for his work. After studying at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where he learned the traditional techniques of oil painting, Jeff moved back to his home town, where he has lived and worked ever since. From his hand-built studio, he works primarily with oil on canvas but also experiments with concrete to create striking sculptures. How would you describe your style? I think of my paintings like a reflection in a puddle. Each…

OVERHEAD LIGHTING While overhead lights are often used only occasionally, most designers consider them essential. ‘I use them to bridge the gap between floors and high ceilings,’ says Deborah Bass, founder of Base Interior. ‘Because ceilings are a blank canvas, unlike floors, pendants help to link a whole space together,’ adds designer Lee Broom, who also uses them to zone different areas. While not seen as the most atmospheric light source, they can make a space feel cosier, argues Siobhan Kelly, associate director of David Collins Studio. ‘A ceiling in shadow flattens a room.’ MOOD ENHANCING A good balance of wall, table and floor lamps is comparable to theatre lighting, says Daniel Blaker, creative director of Nulty. ‘Your eyes are drawn to what the stage designer wants you to see;…

1. THIS IS THE MAIN living area of an artist’s studio in a west London mews built in the 1870s. There was a tremendous sense of scale combined with large expanses of glazing that flood the room with beautiful light. Our brief was to work with these elements but at the same time create a warm and comfortable house. 2. While the core of the detailing is contemporary, such as the brass inlays in the floors and polished plaster walls, every decision was taken respecting the building’s origins as a Victorian artist’s studio. The dramatic staircase provides the backbone to the space; it has an almost liquid feel that contrasts with the angular Crittall windows. 3. WE LIKE TO LAYER PATTERNS, large and small, and mix furniture from different eras…

1 . This is the rear end of a double sitting room in a London townhouse. French doors lead to a pretty balcony with views over the garden. The clients wanted the option to open it up as a double reception room for entertaining, as well as closed off as a home office. 2 . PREVIOUSLY IT WAS a rather dark and narrow space, so we removed a chimney breast to enlarge the room and lightened it with a soft pink on the walls. Doing this also provided a flat wall with no alcoves, which is ideal for placing furniture and hanging art. 3 . Overall, my aim was to create a contemporary-meets-traditional look. The double doors, with an updated Shaker-style on the panel, create a design statement for the…

1 . Thomas Chippendale is my design hero. As both cabinetmaker and interior designer he translated classical architecture into a look that was quintessentially English. 2 . Mauny’s wallpaper 287C is a favourite of mine. It’s so lush, indulgent and joyful. 3 . A design rule worth noting is to have something in a room that is out of character, recognising that nothing is completely perfect. 4 . Apart from good coffee, the other everyday luxury I can’t do without is decent cutlery. 5 . One shop I always enjoy visiting is Joshua Lumley in Kent for antique oriental and European rugs. He deals honourably and we share an aesthetic around colour, patination and the acceptable limits of wear. 6 . A new design name I discovered recently is Vicky…

“REDS AND BURGUNDIES ARE RICH, TRADITIONAL SHADES THAT LEND CHARACTER AND COSINESS. SOFTEN STRONG TONES ON FLOOR-TO-CEILING CABINETRY WITH GLAZED SECTIONS THAT REVEAL MELLOW, YELLOW INTERIORS”JASPER MIDDLETON, design director, Middleton Our love affair with dramatic dark cabinetry is far from over but this year things are warming up. Move over blacks, deep blues and greens, because rich reds are radiating their way into the heart of the home. Pure primary reds are still a bit 1990s; instead, this trend steers us towards muddier tones with tints of nature-led orange and brown. ‘Perhaps it’s a yearning for the light and warmth of Southern climes that’s behind the current demand for reds, burgundies and terracottas,’ suggests Merlin Wright, design director at Plain English. ‘Warm colours are positive and inspiring and complement other…

Metro bespoke kitchen in Back Rough Sawn Oak; pantry in RAL 6012 Black Green lacquer, from £35,000, Roundhouse. Calacatta Viola marble, from £850sq m, Superior Stone. Iron Corten sintered stone worktop (island), from £600sq m, Neolith. Bespoke extractor, £5,930, Westin. ICBSO30PM M Series Professional Single ovens, £7,440 each; ICBG365P/S Professional gas cooktop, £3,120, both Wolf. ICB648PRO 1219mm side-by-side fridge freezer in stainless steel, £27,600, Sub-Zero. KBX110 70 Kubus undermount sink, £367, Franke. Pro3 Nordic square Twintaps in stainless steel, £1,440, Quooker. G6665 SCVi XXL dishwasher, £1,073, Miele. UWTES 1672 built-in wine cooler, £1,470, Liebherr. Jielde Loft wall lights, £160 each, Holloways of Ludlow. Carl Hansen CH56 bar stools in walnut and leather, £765.85 each, Chaplins…

SPA SERENITY One of the few positives to come out of living in lockdown has, for many, been the chance to enjoy a slower pace of life without the daily commute, crammed social calendar and consumer pressures. The future still holds uncertainty so our homes are likely to remain our favourite sanctuaries in the months to come. ‘Today, creating a space of calm quietude is more important than ever for our wellbeing,’ says Lisa Persse, co-founder of Porter Bathroom. ‘We recommend creating a bathroom that combines muted tones and natural materials to calm both body and mind.’ A balanced layout based on symmetry and order will also aid relaxation. In the bathroom of this Irish country home, the honed Carrara marble surfaces of the bath and two vanity units work…

Marble is a luxurious material that’s here to stay thanks to its inherent timelessness. That said, nature’s finest creation is not immune to trends. If last year was all about classic white and grey, in 2020 marble choices are definitely taking a darker, more dramatic approach. ‘We are finding our clients are more open than ever to being steered away from traditional white and grey shades. Natural stone is still sought after but it’s being chosen in bolder colours and formats to create striking statements in the bathroom,’ reports Cherie Lee, director of Cherie Lee Interiors. Vein patterns are also moving away from the lightning-fork aesthetic, familiar on Carrara and Arabescato marble, towards more swirly patterning. Like oil on water, rippling veins are sensuous, unstructured and easy on the eye.…

Bespoke vanity unit and mirrors, around £25,000, all Gunter & Co. Calacatta Lusso M426 quartz, from £199.99sq m, Classic Quartz Stone. Barcelona bath, from £3,675, Victoria + Albert. Bespoke curved shower, from £4,200, Glasstrends. Purist thermostatic shower valve, £1,454; contemporary round rain shower head, £1,567; Purist deck-mounted three-hole basin mixer taps, £1,237 each; Purist floor-mounted bath filler, from £2,624, all in Vibrant Brushed Bronze by Kohler; Sterlingham Morville 9-440 towel warmer, from £1,644; Duravit Darling loo, £609, all West One Bathrooms. Nuvolette 114/28055 wallpaper, £50sq m, Cole & Son. Orb pendant lights, £1,026 each; Scallop Shell wall lights, £1,230 each, all Porta Romana. Visual Comfort Dresser long glass rod wall lights, £604 each, Best & Brown…

1 . The plinth was already here when we moved in nine years ago, probably to stop the bath crashing through the floor. I love the fact that it’s in the centre of the room, as the light comes through on different sides depending on the time of day. I had the plinth painted with a Union Jack to resemble the cover of my first book, True British . 2 . I have disco balls hanging around the house and I love the dappled reflections they give, so I created a ‘disco bath’, covering it with pieces of broken mirror. I did it one evening over a bottle of wine with my friend, model Jade Parfitt. I have been asked so many times where it’s from that I should probably…

Q Tell us a little bit about your background? I studied at Edinburgh College of Art and went on to work in the interiors and creative industry in London for six years. I’ve been interested in natural dye for a while and in 2019 when I went freelance, I was able to enrol on a course with Zoe Burt at Morley College. I fell in love with the process and Studio Madder has organically grown from then on. € Q Where do you look to find inspiration? My natural surroundings are a constant source of inspiration, that’s one of the reasons I moved out of the city and to Wales. I read a lot of blogs by natural dyers, there is an amazing global community of dyers who are happy…

We’ve long been fans of Naturalmat for its laudable sustainable ethos – it won the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development – and its dedication to craftsmanship, plus the fact that its mattresses and bedding are utterly cosseting and comfortable, so we’re delighted to have designed a range together. Featuring three statement beds with matching storage solutions, alongside luxurious organic bedding and bed linen, we think it’s your best chance at a perfect night’s sleep. SWEEPING CURVES We’re so taken by the Rosemoor bed, with its shapely curves that start on the headboard and flow down to the bed base. Padded with layers of organic lambswool, it is both a stylish and a comfortable focal point. From £1,950 1. EXTRA BOUNCE An extra high back with contemporary buttoning is seriously chic.…

Q Tell us a bit about yourself? As a child I grew up in the countryside and I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors. My dad had a farm in France that I would spend time working on. This experience continued into adulthood as I spent time travelling the world working and living on various farms – including a spell on a coffee farm in Colombia. This all contributed to an interest in working outdoors. I have € a passion for plants like some might have for music – for me horticulture is a whole world of wonder. “I FEEL AN AFFINITY TO THE BLOOMSBURY GROUP AS I ADMIRE THOSE WHO MANAGE TO COMBINE GARDENING WITH SOME FORM OF ARTISTRY” Q What sets Charleston apart from other gardens? One of…

Against the bright white backdrop of Daniel Reynolds’ south London studio, located in a charming Victorian cobbled mews, it’s easy to see the playfulness with which the sculptor twists and turns his ‘spaghetti-like’ Rope Abstraction forms and jostles hand-sculpted circles, rectangles, cubes, trapeziums and perforated discs in gently-rotating kinetic mobiles. While not formally trained in ceramics – ‘I learnt to make moulds literally in an afternoon’s adult education class’ – clay has played an integral role in Daniel’s work since he graduated in the mid-1980s with degrees in sculpture and painting, three-dimensional and furniture design. His porcelain pieces, cast in the shape of man-made objects (plastic bottles, oil cans and teapots) and vegetables, such as the 12 porcelain onion vases he was commissioned to create for Christie’s Dressing the Table:…

For Sheila Bouttier, inheriting a large collection of artwork was a blessing that prompted not only a new home but also her business, Galerie Provenance. As the only grandchild of the late acclaimed American artist Benjamin Abramowitz, Sheila and her husband Brett are the custodians of many of his works and decided that, as well as needing more room for their two growing children, they wanted a spacious new home to display the artwork. The collection, spanning 70 years, is managed by Sheila and her mother, Susan Rosenbaum. ‘As the catalogue is so vast and varied it became my mission to find a way to display it,’ Sheila says. Keen to keep the children in the same school, the couple didn’t move far from their previous 1930s Los Angeles abode.…

Clare Gaskin shares her style inspiration BIGGEST SUCCESS Reflecting our client’s love of texture, pattern and colour, and achieving a balance of the contemporary and older pieces. GREATEST INDULGENCE As in many projects, it would have to be the bespoke joinery. SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT Reframing some of the existing artwork. The previous ornate frames weren’t to our client’s taste and simpler, more contemporary, ones have changed the focus when you view them. WORDS TO LIVE BY Every great dream begins with a dreamer. NEXT GAME CHANGER IN DESIGN Our homes have become more important this year and I expect us to want them to be more flexible. SECRET ADDRESS Maison Auclert in Paris. I love jewellery and this tiny boutique is a gem, offering really unusual pieces with a…

Emma Burgess shares her style vision and loves SECRET ADDRESS Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk, Tasmania, and La Maison in Sydney. BIGGEST INDULGENCE The amazing zellige tiles in our kitchen. GO-TO DESIGNERS Sarah Andrews and Sibella Court. MUSEUM TO VISIT Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris. NEXT GAME CHANGER IN DESIGN The importance of sustainability. LAST EXHIBITION YOU VISITED Sydney’s Archibald Prize, Art Gallery NSW. DESIGN HERO William Morris. LAST PIECE OF ART YOU BOUGHT A handstitched paper dress lithograph by Tasmanian Simone Pfister.…

A warm blue with a hint of grey, this offering from Designers Guild brings in a touch of heritage while remaining modern and fresh. Reminiscent of summer skies, Oxford Gardens is uplifting yet equally soothing, quiet yet strong – the perfect balance needed in these unsettled times. It also has surprising decorating versatility. Its perfect partners are similarly warm tones – think burnt orange, deep reds, soft pinks and kicks of mustard. Marrying the shade with antique pieces also gives a contemporary spin to an otherwise traditional scheme. Walls in Oxford Gardens No 181 perfect matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Designers Guild…

JIM LAWRENCE  An invaluable resource for lampshades, this brand also excels at timeless light fittings in brass and fluted glass (including elegant IP-rated designs for bathrooms). Ceiling roses, switches and sockets complete the offering, jim-lawrence.co.uk VAUGHAN  Artists and designers Michael and Lucy Vaughan sell lighting for every imaginable purpose, and their selection of table lamps and sconces is one of the most original around. Swing-arm wall lights are another highlight, vaughandesigns.com CTO LIGHTING  Having worked with David Collins Studio, Philippe Starck and hotelier André Balazs, this specialist is well placed to deliver the bespoke lighting project of your dreams. It also sells its own range of modern designs, ctolighting.co.uk BERT FRANK  This creative British brand’s lights are a winning mix of industrial and vintage styles, with a pleasingly substantial, handcrafted…

Eyes down: this year’s most dynamic design story is underfoot. ‘Energising, interesting kitchen floors are becoming a must,’ says Alberto Villalobos, principal of New York-based design studio A Villalobos. ‘The kitchen floor is the perfect place to be more daring, and introducing strong pattern will give your cooking space incredible depth and dimension.’ The latest flooring is working extra hard thanks to ever-innovative installation techniques. Forget fluid connections; material or colour switches at unexpected junctures feel more modern. For example, the alternating tile formation lends extra punch to this terrazzo floor designed by A Villalobos. ‘The flooring adds colour, excitement and texture, enlivening this kitchen,’ says Alberto.…

Kitchen, Linear range; painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball, from £18,000, Harvey Jones. Skyscraper handles in Raw Brass, from £13.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds. H7860BP ovens, £3,649 each; ESW7010 warming drawers, £1,149 each; KM7897FL 90cm induction hob, £2,899; DA6890 Downdraught extractor, £2,299; G4982 SCVi Integrated dishwasher, £999, all Miele. Pro3 Nordic square Twintaps in stainless steel, £1,440, Quooker. Vault Smart Divide stainless steel sink, £823, Kohler. Smoked Oak flooring, from £72sq m, Antares Wood Floors. Firstlight 3474AB Empire 1 pendants in Antique Brass, £85.44 each, Ocean Lighting. Midas bar stools, £175 each, Rockett St George…

LAYOUT & LIGHTING TOM HOWLEY, DESIGN DIRECTOR OF TOM HOWLEY BESPOKE KITCHENS, REVEALS WAYS TO OPTIMISE A KITCHEN DESIGN I see every cabinet as an individual piece of furniture that should have good scale. But successful kitchen design comes not just from the scale of one unit, but from how they all work together and the practicality of the layout. The units need to be in proportion to each other and designed to suit the size and shape of the room, with a sense of symmetry. Think of the cabinetry in zones for preparing, cooking, washing up and storage, and the key appliances you want to include. American fridge freezers are generally 900mm wide, built-in fridge freezers 600mm or 1200mm wide, built-in ovens 600mm wide and range cookers usually between…

“MOULDINGS AND CURVES THAT SOFTEN STRAIGHT LINES REPRESENT THE BEST OF CONTEMPORARY BIOPHILIC DESIGN, CREATING EMBRACING SPACES WHERE PURITY AND SOFTNESS COEXIST IN HARMONY”SARA RAMUNDO , product design manager, Devon & Devon Organic lines are shaping up to be big news in bathrooms, softening our sanctuaries into more cosseting spaces. ‘This trend is all about creating a cocooning environment that will help you unwind physically and mentally,’ says Mandarin Stone’s creative director Louisa Morgan. Curves are abundant in nature, so there is a biophilic link at play. ‘On a simpler level, curves serve as a welcome relief to the straight lines and hard edges typically found in bathrooms.’ Bath and basin shapes are becoming increasingly refined, almost sculptural in form, thanks to the latest material innovations, such as manmade composites…

1 BOLD STYLE The brief called for a luxurious bathroom that was striking yet timeless. The owners also requested twin basins and ample storage, while quality was the most important element for the fittings themselves. The overall style was chosen to complement the late-Victorian character of the property. 2 DESIGN TRICK Placing one mirror on top of another is a favourite feature of mine and adds a layer of interest. This trick is especially useful when going for a really wide expanse of mirror to bring in maximum light, as we did here. Sometimes I use a brass frame around the smaller mirror, but having decorative wall lights positioned over the mirror called for a more subtle approach. 3 STRONG PALETTE When planning a monochrome look, consider the proportions of…

Jazz Four steel bath, £1,025, C.P. Hart. Gotham metal double vanity unit, £4,935; Pharmacy mirrored cabinets, £2,700 each, all in Nickel, Balineum. Classic undercounter basins, £403 each; Classic White lever three-hole basin mixer taps, £697 each; Classic White lever bath tap set, £1,316; Godolphin thermostatic shower valve with La Chapelle shower rose and Classic shower handset, £2,976; Classic floor-mounted towel warmer, £1,519; Classic back-to-wall loo, White ceramic lever and Classic Mahogany loo seat, £1,373, all in Silver Nickel, Lefroy Brooks at West One Bathrooms. Harmony shower enclosure in Nickel, Majestic Showers. Astonian steel shower tray in White, £531, Aston Matthews. Bateig Blue Stone countertops, around £5,000, Stone Fashion. For similar flooring, try Leafy Lane Rustic Oak engineered floor, £84.76sq m, Naked Floors. Opera wall lights in Nickel with Ivory shade,…