Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Living Etc

‘But does it enhance your life?!’ That was the much-repeated refrain that the senior editorial team kept crying when we got together recently to judge the fifth annual Livingetc Style Awards. It’s a broad criteria for a broad list of pieces for your home, but each one, we believe, enhances your life somehow. It could be a fabric that immediately adds joie de vivre and pleasant nostalgia (see page 24). It could be a kitchen tap that is so satisfying to use and hold it seems to make everyday life just that little bit easier (see page 36). And, yes, it could even be a vacuum cleaner that mops as well – a one-less-thing-to-think-about solution that you never knew you needed but gives you more time to enjoy your home…

1 Best rug Sound 1 by Tai Ping Tai Ping swept our accessories category last year, and now the brand is back with a new host of soothing neutral designs. A standout is the Sound 1, its just-off white tone and raised texture elevating its sumptuous feel. ‘It’s quite breathtaking, and a way to do a patterned rug that only enhances rather than overwhelms,’ says Hugh. 2 Best mirror Galia by Porta Romana Don’t be fooled by the hand-worn charm of the ridges in this glazed mirror – it required an extremely complex, fraught and tricky mould to get it just so. But that care only adds to its magnetism. ‘There is so much character in this one piece that it’s totally transformative to a room,’ says Ellen. 3 Best…

With any luck, we’ve a good couple of months left to enjoy our outdoor furniture before packing it away for winter – and so we’re looking to invest in Seeds, a new collection of alfresco pieces by Ethimo in collaboration with Italian designer Cristina Celestino. An ode to traditional plant nursery furniture, the benches and tables in the collection have slender, stalk-like legs and are topped with natural teak and variegated terracotta. There’s built-in flexibility, too: the modular designs mean you can configure them how you wish, be it turning benches into coffee tables or coffee tables into plant stands. Seeds collection, price on request, Ethimo…

TOP TABLE If ever you needed proof that a bold hero piece can bring a room together, this scheme is it. The Verde Alpi marble dining table is undoubtedly the star, elevating an otherwise neutral look to another level and adding a large dose of luxe while it’s at it. Credit, of course, goes to Kelly Boukobza, the talented designer who artfully combines an impressive number of influences – from the parquet floors of the Palace of Versailles to the art of Piet Mondrian – to create her schemes. Read more about this Parisian apartment over the page – you won’t be disappointed. Custom table, shelving system and sideboard, all Kelly Boukobza. Vintage chairs, Galerie Glustin…

 how do you turn a former vicarage into a home that suits the needs of a growing-up family of four? You dig out the basement is how, creating an expansive modern and modish entertainment zone, which allows you to then embrace the remaining historical features of the more traditional original building. Behind the charming ecclesiastical details of its exterior, this south London conversion is home to a family who, with a busy schedule of travel, sports and culture, fully embrace city living. So their home functions as a refuge from the outside world – a place to reconnect as a family, as well as entertain friends. With a background in graphic design, homeowner Victoria has an innate sense of style, so she needed to feel in tune with the team…

as a small child growing up in a Victorian semi in a leafy north London suburb, it didn’t occur to Kieran Moyyay to even think about how it might figure in his future. ‘We left to live in Zurich when I was five and the house was rented out to tenants until three years ago, so it was never on my radar,’ he says. Kieran, who works in finance, and his wife Rosie, a doctor, were living in a warehouse apartment in east London with their son Remy, now four, and were hoping to size up, when fortuitously they were able to acquire his childhood home. Although grateful for their luck, the house was dated to say the least and ticked neither of the ‘space and light’ boxes the couple…

TURNING THE TABLE  Using stone offcuts to create bespoke furniture is a creative alternative to traditional materials such as timber. In this home, designed by Australian interior design firm Tom Mark Henry for architect Jelena Marinkovic of Studio Doma, the bespoke dining table provides textural interest. ‘Drawing inspiration from the unique crazy paver flooring, the table was crafted to echo its shape and form,’ says Jade Nottage of Tom Mark Henry. ‘We utilised stone offcuts that reflected the harmony of textures throughout the home.’ STRONG FOUNDATIONS  Architecture that integrates stone features embeds textural interest into the bones of a home – like this fireplace designed by Nick McKimm, founder of architecture and design practice Mckimm, for his penthouse apartment. The warm sandy palette of the materials was the foundation for…

The freshness of blues is really appealing, but they can look a little cold. What should I look for in the ideal blue paint? This is a really difficult one, as yes, blues can be tricky, and rely solely on what sort of light a space has. Steer clear of blue in north-facing spaces, where many blues become something else far too quickly. Anything bright goes cold, and with warmer blues, which tend to have a bit of red in them, they end up as lavender or lilac. A shade I love is Aerial Tint by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, which is really soft and has a tiny bit of pink pigment in it. I used it in a big drawing room that had windows at both ends. In warm…

PAPER ROUTE Wallpaper doesn’t need to be a no-go zone for the bathroom these days as there is a plethora of water-friendly papers and handy protection tricks that mean you can expand your bathroom surface beyond the utilitarian. Studio Duggan lined the walls of a cloakroom (left) in a Georgian townhouse with Pierre Frey’s Au Bord Du Lac Sousbois wallpaper, covering the splash zone of the custom lava stone basin with an extra wide splashback to keep water at bay. ‘The wallpaper is reminiscent of an antique verdure tapestry and brings a really immersive, cocooning feel to the room,’ says the studio’s founder, Tiffany Duggan. ‘The blue skirting adds a contemporary twist.’ UNDERNEATH IT ALL As you’ll see here, there’s a plethora of options for bathroom surfaces, but before you…

I’ve been thinking a lot about what the word ‘style’ means to us now, in the second half of 2025, midway through a decade that has seen zeitgeists shift so quickly from wanting homes to comfort us to spaces that make us feel more elegant, but like we’re also ready to have a good time. And style, to me, is all about confidence. Let’s use the analogy of how you might put together an outfit. Give two people the same shirt, the same jewellery, the same shoe options and perhaps only one will have the confidence to roll the cuff so they look like a boss lady, pair a sock with the high heel and fix a single earring to just one of their lobes. Those nuances make all the…

Fabric of the year Mata by Élitis Inspired by vintage floors, Mata (on front cushion) taps into the comforting, retro and highly stylish 1970s vibe that feels so right for now. Available in three colourways, it’s the green that the judges felt stood out for how easy it would be to live with. Reminiscent of picnic blankets we all had as kids, this design can’t help but make people feel at home around it. ‘A sofa in it would be even more exciting than just a cushion,’ says Hugh. BEST IN CLASS 2025 Best in class Aurora fabric collection by Yarn Collective x Sister by Studio Ashby This isn’t the first time that interior designer Sophie Ashby has collaborated with Yarn Collective, the fabric brand that uses recycled textiles in…

1 Best joinery Atelier Helen by SHEPEL’ There is so much artistry in every corner of every cabinet: from the grain of the wood to the way each drawer closes and each door opens, so much time and skill has gone into getting it exactly right. ‘The level of thought given to even the tiniest elements is mind-blowing,’ says Sarah. 2 Best space solution Pocket doors by Symphony Made almost entirely from recycled material, these are lightweight, easy to use and come in five colours with two handle options. ‘I’m impressed with how much flexibility they bring to a home, allowing you to reconfigure it with relative ease,’ says Hugh. 3 Best switches The Palaces collection by The Soho Lighting Company In collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, this collection has…

READY, SET… CURATE! Is the urge to reorganise come September a hangover from the days of stocking up on new stationery every school year? Perhaps so – but we’ll lean into it if it means we get to invest in this new L25 shelving system from Lema to display our freshly curated wares. With a sleek, lightweight structure crafted from aluminium and wood finishes, the contemporary lines of the design speak our language. It’s a standout among many standouts in the Italian furniture brand’s new collection, which also includes the plush Mirea sofa – the perfect pick for cosy nights to come thanks to its sinuous form and enveloping curves. L25 system and Mirea sofa, prices on request, Lema…

It’s not often that products that have stood the test of time haven’t evolved in some way. Usually there’s an upgrade of materials, a slimming of shape or a tech add-on here or there. But for USM’s iconic, innovative and truly mind-shifting Haller system, the only tweaks since its inception in 1962 are a few new colour options along the way. This steadfast commitment to the original design is what makes the Haller – in all its configurations, from desk to nightstand to bookshelf to table and more – so instantly recognisable, adding a mid-century flavour to many, many modern homes. Strangely, it wasn’t originally created for residential use. ‘USM was founded in Switzerland back in 1885, making hinges and hardware,’ says Mirko Mueller, USM UK’s CEO. ‘Then in the…

Parisian interior designer Kelly Boukobza has many influences: think furniture by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand and the art of Keith Haring and Piet Mondrian. She also likes to keep up to date with what’s happening in the hospitality world. ‘I love checking out hotels,’ she says. ‘Even in Paris, I regularly go to spend a night in one.’ In most of her projects, she integrates art deco touches, too. Several examples can be found in this apartment she revamped on Paris’ Right Bank. One is the travertine fireplace with its ribbed rounded forms, which is the focal point of the sitting room. ‘When you think of stone, you imagine something rectilinear and solid,’ she says. ‘With this model, I wanted to demonstrate it doesn’t need to be hard and…

CONTEXT IS CRUCIAL – SO WHILE WE AIMED FOR A MODERN INTERIOR, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT IT HARMONISED WITH THE FINCA STYLE for me, this home has a soft aura that evokes a sense of tranquillity,’ says Tom L aw rence - Levy, founder and head of design at Natural Asthetik, the studio behind this modern Ibizan finca. Belying its relaxed vibes, getting to this point required patience and time: several years to imagine then build the house, as well as a clear vision for how to reinterpret the island’s traditional architectural style and give it a contemporary twist (which was brought to life in collaboration with local architects Blakstad). The team needed plenty of perseverance thanks to the remote location of the property, which necessitated complex logistics and deliveries.…

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What makes this palette so dreamlike is how it’s almost natural. Almost. Soft peach and cream, wicker and wood, sand and stone are buffeted against how-did-they-get-there streams of lavender and mauve, which rise up from the rug like smoke drifting from a genie’s bottle, tipping things slightly off-kilter and giving it all a hint of ethereality – while keeping it contemporary and nonconformist. It’s tantalisingly cosy. I can practically feel the balmy, soul-stirring breeze that would wash over me if I stepped inside. Please can I sink into the peach and purple-toned ocean – or at least bob on top of it on a wicker lounger (The Citizenry’s Liang lounge chair)? ‘The summer sunset palette of soft oranges, muted corals and golden yellows adds a lot of warmth to the…

METAL WORKS Vipp’s new V3 kitchen feels more like art than it does functional furniture – cabinets crafted from naturally anodised aluminium are slick and sculptural. It’s a reimagining of the Danish brand’s iconic modular kitchen design in a new material – complete with curved vertical profiles and integrated handles for a super-minimalist design. Stainless-steel worktops nod to the brand’s humble metalwork origin, but the extruded aluminium finish references the architecture of Vipp’s own guest houses – a clever way to unite two very successful strands of this Scandinavian design powerhouse. V3 kitchen available in three modules: island, wall and tall, price on request, Vipp…

‘Large-scale headboards are one of those architectural gestures that can completely transform a bedroom,’ says Jack Simpson, founder and director of Nomad Developments, a London-based premium real estate developer now offering an interior design service. The aspiration for interior spaces that exude the ambience of a luxury boutique hotel is on the rise, he adds. ‘Every design decision we make is driven by a desire to create spaces that feel both elevated and effortless and we achieve that through refined materials, generous proportions and thoughtfully layered details.’ With oversize headboards making an instant impression, such a scale can also increase the visual impact of a room – a neat trick in more compact homes. Within bigger rooms, playing with the shape of a larger headboard can help to reclaim comfort…

GOING FOR GOLD The Dorchester has long been one of London’s most iconic hotels – helped by its association with Kate Moss and the fact it seems to be one of her favourite party locations. And interior designer Martin Brudnizki’s overhaul of its Vesper Bar has layered in some extra luxe, going big on gilt edges, green velvet and a glow that comes from sparkling mirrored surfaces. Inspired by the Roaring Twenties but through a very 2020s lens, go for the haute interiors and stay for the watermelon-infused cocktails.…

ART Casa Iramaia, Rua Iramaia, 105 - Jardim Europa, São Paulo - SP, 01450-020 Casa Iramaia by Mendes Wood DM is a must-see. The gallery recently restored this iconic 1950s residence, transforming it into an exhibition space. The house is stunning and the outdoor areas feature incredible sculptures. DESIGN Lucas Recchia Studio, Rua Maria Carolina, 692 - Loja 2, São Paulo - SP, 01445-000 Lucas Recchia Studio is another must-see. In my opinion, he is the most prominent Brazilian designer today. His studio is a fascinating place, filled with prototypes and pieces that haven’t been launched yet. It’s a rare opportunity to see a designer’s process up close. FOOD Cozinha 212, Rua dos Pinheiros, 174 - Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP, 05422-010 Cozinha 212 is one of my favourite places. I…

BEST IN CLASS 2025 1 Best in class LALA Reimagined x Anthropologie furniture collection LA-based design studio LALA Reimagined teamed up with Anthropologie for a capsule collection of furniture with their trademark personality. ‘It’s an impressive collection imbued with wit and warmth and in such interesting shapes. I love it,’ says Sarah. 2 Best storage Mariner bar cabinet by Julian Chichester In an era when homes are about entertaining, a drinks cabinet has become almost as key as a sofa and a bed. Especially when it’s made in a deep, dark French oak and studded with raised brass stars. ‘I also love the character that comes from the aged mirror inlay,’ says Pip. 3 Best cocktail chair Velvet lounge chair by Six The Residence Taking its lead from the best…

How do you define stylish lighting? It’s definitely not, as generations once thought, total illumination and the power to see every corner in high definition. It’s also not something you want to think about once a home’s design is finished. It should be simple, straightforward, work for the way you live and be able to be operated – quite literally – at your fingertips. For me, stylish lighting provides layering and different moods. It wakes you up and refreshes you in the morning; it decompresses and relaxes you at night. Yes, the same lighting scheme needs to be able to provide both, and everything in between. So you need lots of different lighting sources, and piecing them together is a good place to start. I’m an LED person – I…

Best bathroom surface Rosso Dante marble by Cullifords Rosso Dante, the new marble from Cullifords, has such an intense red veining that it practically burns, dramatically contrasting with metallic accents, rich wood finishes and the other materials that need to be in a bathroom in order to make it function. ‘It’s more than just an opulent choice – it elevates everything that you put with it,’ says Ellen. BEST IN CLASS 2025 Best in class Fluted vanity by Blakes London Usually better known for kitchens, Blakes London’s new vanity unit immediately stood out to all the judges, who fell for it on sight. Warm, honey-toned stained wood and marble have subverted its subtle Shaker influences, bringing the style completely up to date. ‘It’s quite breathtaking. The ultimate in luxury and…

Best in audio R810 high fidelity radiogram by Ruark On-trend chrome legs and a mid-century-style walnut casing made the R810 stand out in the sea of latest tech offerings. It’s essentially a speaker, but one that does everything, from Spotify to your vinyl collection and all the many ways you listen to music in between. ‘The sound quality – and how easy it is to flip between music inputs – is just incredible,’ says Ellen. 1 Best appliance X Series 11 washing machine by Haier What impressed was the Ultra Fresh Air function – it blows air into the drum, so washing inside will stay fresh even if it sits, having been washed, for up to 12 hours. ‘Remembering to take laundry out when it’s finished is the bane of…

1 THEO GALLIAKIS We spotted Theo’s work on display in the Alcova design show during this year’s Milan Design Week. Working between Greece and France, Theo is an architect and designer influenced by his Greek heritage and traditions. He pursues the balance between proportion, light and material, merging a sense of timelessness with the contemporary. His recent collection, Throne Room, is inspired by ancient spaces of power – ‘where kingship bridged the earthly and the divine’ – and crafted from stainless steel, steel and copper. theogalliakis.com; @theogalliakis 2 LARA BOHINC OF BOHINC STUDIO After a decade-long stint with Cartier exploring design and sculpture through jewellery, Lara Bohinc founded her eponymous design studio. Her latest collection, Anima, features a series of curvaceous furniture and glass sculptures. ‘Anima is really about the…

PIP RICH I’ve loved watching the evolution of your work, seeing you go from Soho House to create what is now one of my favourite design studios. Your work is varied but upscale – and so easy to relax in. How do you decide what approach to take for each project?  JAMES THURSTAN WATERWORTH We start from scratch, looking at the architectural details of the building and then doing some digging with a historical consultant about the house and the surrounding area. We did a property in Portugal recently and, thanks to the way we scouted out the locality, we discovered an amazing third-generation basket weaver who we were able to use to help us explore what was possible with weaving. I suppose what I’m trying to say is: don’t…

i’m obsessed with the fashion stylist Larissa Mills,’ says the LA-based interior designer Jaqui Seerman. ‘Her outfits are very laid-back but high end: ripped denim with a caramel cashmere sweater and something like a port-coloured boot poking out of her pants. It’s super luxe but pared down and the exact vibe I try to create with decor.’ It’s unusual to hear about the crossover between fashion and home styling so obliquely, but interiors as cashmere was the perfect reference point for this eight-bedroom home hidden up a remote enclave off the iconic Mulholland Drive in Hollywood. It’s a place where the palette is mostly warm neutrals and the mood is just happily and cossetingly warm, as comfortingly refined as your very favourite jumper. ‘Don’t you just want to feel safe…

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES We’ve been thinking about Mindthegap’s dynamic new wallpaper launch, Jazz Live, since it was introduced in the brand’s buzzy Chelsea Harbour showroom in March during Design Week – and as we turn towards a new season, we can’t help but believe it’s exactly what homes need to carry that sense of vibrancy and energy into the darker months. Energetic, opulent and convivial, the designs in the collection would be perfect for a dining room as we bring hosting back indoors – fringed lampshades and extravagant chandeliers optional but very much encouraged. Saudade wallpaper in Green, £219 a roll, Mindthegap…

GEOMETRY LESSON With vibrant pops of orange set against a monochromatic background, this downstairs bathroom in a project by Studio Page Blanche packs a punch. ‘We played with a disciplined black and white grid to establish a calm, architectural backdrop, then punctuated it with bright orange fixtures to inject warmth,’ the studio’s founder and interior designer Fany Hely explains. ‘We wanted to balance the energy of strict geometry with playful accessories.’ GET THE LOOK Towel rail, bespoke. Basin, Antonio Lupi MAKE WAVES ‘Powder rooms are spaces where function meets fantasy,’ says German-born interior designer and architect Victoria Maria, ‘allowing for experimentation with different moods and characters.’ For this maison de maître project, the Brussels-based designer opted for an abstract printed wallpaper and an Iranian travertine sink resulting in a retro-inspired…

INSIDE AND OUT It might have views of the Cantabrian Sea, but this property looks inwards as much as it does out, using features such as courtyards, porches and overhanging eaves to protect inhabitants from the elements. With huge expanses of glass to make the most of those coastal views, and an earthy mix of finishes including traditional limestone masonry, it’s difficult to keep track of whether you’re inside or outside – part of design practice Zooco Estudio’s playful game of push and pull. ANOTHER LEVEL Thanks to a system of terraces and pergolas, framed by concrete pillars and covered walkways that form a grid-like formation around the living quarters, Meraki House by Sigurd Larsen exposes new twists and turns as you wander through it. The lower level is centred…

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab DUBAI I N A SENTENCE Not just a hotel but a lifestyle destination, in the brand’s own words – and with its own marina and social hub, plus a three-floor spa, we think the phrase is justified. DESIGN DOWNLOAD To suit its seafront location, the hotel takes its aesthetic cues from the superyacht – something you can see in the super-luxe materials (think marble, wood and mirrored glass) and the sheer size of the spaces within. But there’s a softer edge too: handcrafted silk carpets and textured fabrics make this a place to let go in. ON THE MENU Whatever cuisine you’re after, you can probably find something to satisfy your cravings here – there are 11 dining options, from Greek to Indian to French-Japanese fusion…

DETAIL ORIENTED I was working on a project in Balham, south London, and wanted to create a niche in a cloakroom to make use of some awkward space. I was recommended Dan Ward from Ovolo London to do the cornicing and to make it feel like it had always been part of the house. I called on him for the job and since then I’ve worked with him time and again. In a word, Dan is amazing. Part of his business is to sell a collection of ready-made ceiling roses and cornices, which are all wonderful, but the other part is to restore what’s already there, and I’ve been blown away by what he can do. Wiping years and years of paint and grime off mouldings and making them look…