Innehållsförteckning för September 2016 från Home Journal

1. CRYSTAL CLEAR We speak to Jérôme Fougeras de Lavergnolle, the CEO of crystal purveyor Saint-Louis, about the ins and outs of the brand. 2. EUROPEAN FLAIR Ornate decor meets a modern French aesthetic in this family home in Mid-levels designed by JC Vision. 3. RAISE A GLASS! Get into the spirit of entertaining with a dedicated bar cart or drinks trolley – we show you how to decorate it and recommend spirits to stock. 4. MOODBOARD OF THE MONTH This month, we delve into the mind of London-based lighting and furniture designer Lee Broom to discover his inspirations and coveted cultural experiences. 5. LAP OF LUXURY This holiday villa in the south of France oozes elegance thanks to Taylor Howes’ thoughtful design. Visit our website at homejournal.hk Like us…

I’ve always been a city girl. I knew it the first time I went to London as a summer exchange student when I was 11 years old, and it was cemented when I visited New York a few years later. The lively pace, astounding architecture, vibrant energy and opportunities lurking in every corner spoke to me – and it all continues to do so. Obviously, my fascination with cities isn’t unique. In the 1950s, around 30 per cent of the world’s population lived in cities. Currently, that percentage stands at 54 and is expected to grow to 66 per cent in 2050, according to the United Nations. The statistics are clear – urban living is (and will be) the reality for many. Being based in Hong Kong, one of the…

Unconventional, unexpected and uninhibited – these are three words that can be used to describe the late Zaha Hadid and her unique works. Many of the outspoken Iraqi-British architect’s proposals were so radical that clients doubted that they could actually be constructed, so many of them never left the drawing board. Born in Iraq in 1950, Hadid’s father was a high-ranking Iraqi diplomat. Her liberal parents encouraged her curiosity and their various travels sparked a love for architecture. Growing up during a period when masters such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius were invited to design in Iraq certainly also exerted some influence. After studying mathematics at the American University in Beirut, Hadid undertook her studies at the Architectural Association in London. Upon her graduation in 1977, she joined her…

SHAPE OF THINGS Modern pressed plants and leaf forms are as much about preserving their beauty as they are about contributing to the interior mix. Look for graphic shapes to play with, and group them in an orderly or random fashion – the effect of either is quite striking. Here, a collection of pressed nasturtium leaves, ferns and a delicious monster leaf matches beautifully with a lush gathering of fresh leaves and potted plants. PLANT ART As with most art forms, there are no hard and fast rules about decorating with pressed plants and flowers. Here, a mismatched collection is teamed with a sculptural hanging plant, making for an attractive foil to the garden outside. Taller sculptural plants and flowers can be used to great effect in interior settings –…

Longlands, a 9,000sqft converted sawmill from the 16th century in the UK’s North Norfolk has become the centre of creativity for contemporary jeweller Monica Vinader and her staff of 45, who compose most of the brand’s design, customer care and visual merchandising teams. Though a seemingly unlikely location for an office, Monica grew up in the area and saw the potential of the space – particularly with its high ceilings and the historic, exposed brick facade, which gives the building its old-world charm. "I love the original structure of the building and I wanted to keep as many of its features as possible while injecting the brand colours of aubergine and gold," she says. Floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights bring plenty of natural light into the open-plan office, helping transform Longlands…

Above and beyond Rolex watches and Hermès handbags, space is arguably the most luxurious commodity you can buy in Hong Kong. And if that’s the case, then this light, airy apartment in Happy Valley is the height of luxury, although in this instance, space wasn’t bought. Rather, it was created by YC Chen, the director of interior design firm hoo, and his colleague, interior designer Natalie Tsoi. "Space-planning is the most important thing you can do when renovating an apartment," says YC. "First of all, I plan the layout, and then I follow with colour schemes and accessories. This is because the layout of your home transforms the way you live, so you have to put a lot of time and effort into ensuring it both maximises the square footage…

When Eleonore Cavalli moved from Bologna to Milan with her family two years ago, she exchanged a childhood home filled with memories for a new apartment in one of the most international and dynamic cities in Italy. "We moved for both business and personal reasons," she says. "The eldest of our two sons, Matteo, is a dance student at Accademia del Teatro alla Scala Milan, and we decided to support him in his path by living with him in the same city." Her new home is located in Sant’Ambrogio, the historical heart of Milan, where architecture from different historical periods sits next to ancient Roman ruins. The apartment is in a historical building and overlooks the park, the stillness of the area only interrupted by the bells of the…

When it comes to Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City might not be atop your Mid-Autumn Festival travel plans, but it’d be a crime to overlook the energetic, intriguing city. While you may already be familiar with its historical architecture – the colonial charm of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, for instance – and its buzzing street markets, look closer and you’ll discover the new and creative developing alongside the old and traditional, from the artisanal coffee houses cropping up next to the countless stalls and cafes where you can order Vietnamese drip coffee to young, up-and-coming designers infusing new life into local crafts. EXPLORE VESPA ADVENTURES Forget cruising through the city in the comfort of a taxi or coach – the best way to experience…

TAKE YOUR PICK FR OM INGENIOUS SMART HOME SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR SPACE 01. DELTA LIGHT A contemporary take on the shape of a classic lampshade, the Butler light plays with light and shadow to eye-catching effect. Combining functional lighting with a modern aesthetic, this is a charming reinterpretation of the traditional zig-zag design. Available at Zodiac Lighting 02. COR The award-winning TRIO sofa’s seats, backs and armrests are all moveable with just a few clicks. Take advantage of Chest Apply’s September sale to get up to 60% off all their furniture brands, including COR. Available at Chest Apply 03. PANASONIC Panasonic’s Robot Cleaner makes light work of cleaning, with dust sensors that detect even the tiniest particles and a unique triangular design allowing it access to tight corners. With…

The London Design Festival is back again – bringing over 400 events to the English capital from 17-25 September. Highlights for this year’s edition are architect Alison Brooks’ hardwood installation The Smile and dRMM’s unconvential building approach in the form of Baboushka Boxes. Talks, workshops, and other exhibitions abound as well, of course. londondesignfestival.com…

IT WAS AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY THAT MOTIVATED THE DESIGNER TO EXPERIMENT WITH NEW FORMS AND PRACTICES IN THE HOME Often, the design process starts with an initial concept, then moves onto mood boards before beginning renovations and finally choosing all the right furnishings to fill the new and improved space. In this Pok Fu Lam apartment, however, the interiors were conceived around the owner’s artful furnishings first. "The homeowner met Taiwanese artist Hsu Wei-bin; they collaborated on the look of the apartment together," says pPlusP Designers founder Wesley Liu, who was invited to see the artist’s collection and visit the artist’s home in Taiwan to further understand the look and feel."I worked with Hsu on the walls and ceiling design, the layout, the feeling… He makes furniture that’s of a…

“IT’S NOT EVERY DAY THAT YOU COME ACROSS A PROPERTY WITH SUCH INCREDIBLE HISTORY” For most of us, our dream home remains steadfastly that: just a dream. For Kelly Hoppen, however, that dream became a reality when she stumbled upon a disused auction house. The British designer has achieved celebrity status over her 40-year career and presides over an interiors empire that includes furniture collections, roles in TV shows and a library of books she has penned to help people on their own design journeys. Her most recent tomes include Kelly Hoppen Design Masterclass , published by Jacqui Small, and House of Hoppen , which will come out later this year. When Kelly was hunting for her new home, she knew she was looking for "something vast, light and open-plan,…

POMP AND CEREMONY Whether you prefer a crisp champagne or a fancy cocktail, a gilded drinks trolley (such as this one from Mirth) makes everything a celebration. Complement the gleaming glass and the metallic frame with crystal and brass accents, then add heft via a solid-hued ice bucket. Given the trolley’s lightweight appearance, it would also benefit from the addition of a flower arrangement to temper the Gatsby vibes. COCKTAIL PAIRING: From the outside, Vea’s Cleopatra Formosa is certainly a looker and one sip confirms its festive flavour. Inspired by the highest quality of pineapples called Queen Formosa, the cocktail features a combination of Absolut Elyx vodka, clarified pineapple and star anise syrup, fresh lime, plus smoky and spicy mezcal – making it a refreshing and intoxicating package. "Serving it…

WHETHER FINE FINISHES OR SMART GADGETRY, KITCHEN DETAILS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE Pick! CAESARSTONE 01. CAESARSTONE The new Statuario Maximus 5031 has all the durable properties of Caesarstone’s quartz surfacing – heat, stain and scratch resistance – and a marble inspired pattern featuring grey veins set on a white background. 02. SIGE Create extra storage with pull-out shelving for corner cabinets. To reach hard to get items at the back of the cabinet, the Art 371+ features a solid base that fully extends out. Both right-and left-sided options are available. 03. ALNO Consider the ALNOCERA kitchen for its Concretto ceramic finishing and concrete effect. This 2016 German Design Council award-winning kitchen also features innovative segmented wall units. 04. NOBILI The Move collection redefines the mixer faucet a shower head and…

A AIRLAND | Shop G21, G/F Provident Centre, North Point; tel 2518 8556 or Shop 15 G/F Site 12 Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom; tel 2330 7443 or Shop 247-248, HomeSquare, Sha Tin; tel 2732 2929, airland.com ALESSI | Shop 247, Prince’s Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central; tel 2869 6377 or Shop 3230A, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel 2175 0800 or 7/F Sogo, 555 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay; tel 2831 8903, alessi.com ALESTA | via Kitchen Highlights Ltd, 10/F Kings Wing Plaza 1, 3 On Kwan St, Shek Mun, Sha Tin; tel 3460 3008 ALNO | Shop A, G/F Wing Cheong Commercial Bldg, 19-25 Jervois St, Sheung Wan; tel 2806 3111. Distributed by Shun Hing Electric Works & Engineering Co Ltd; tel 2861 2767, alno.shew.com.hk ALTO BAR AND…