Innehållsförteckning för February 2020 från Homes & Gardens

In this issue we turn the spotlight on savvy style. It’s the first time in H&G history that we’ve done a special on beauty within budget. Rather than looking to suggest shortcuts or knock-offs, the focus is on innovative ideas, best-value designs and space-maximising solutions. I love the house by designers Gunter & Co (page 32). It shows how to achieve maximum impact with a small footprint. And I learnt a lot from our ‘Bright Ideas’ feature, for which we asked industry luminaries for their budget-stretching secrets (page 26). Also woven throughout this issue is an interest in sustainability. Most notably, we launch our new columnist, designer Sebastian Cox (page 30). In ‘The Sustainable Life’ he will chart a year working consciously to create beautiful furniture. Sebastian is a champion…

It’s that time of year when our workshop and our woodland begin to meet again. As the ground firms up but before bluebells and orchids show their tips, we extract the timber we’ve harvested over the winter and take it back to London to machine cut and dry it ready to be made into furniture. This year has seen a good haul: hornbeam, hazel, birch, chestnut and ash, all no older than 18 years, cut close to the ground from ‘stools’ or root systems that have been throwing up strong, straight, workable young branches for woodmen like me for centuries. This is known as coppicing. Our five-acre ancient woodland in Kent is divided by two banks with adjacent ditches and hornbeam pollards, indicating this remarkable cycle has happened here since…

WATERPROOF WALLS The unusual vaulted ceiling of this bathroom made tiling the walls a difficult option. To create a considered waterproof finish, Irene opted for a mineral ‘skin’ in a waxed concrete effect instead, choosing an elegant pale terracotta hue that complements the adjoining rooms. The walls in this project are in No 29 by Mortex. WHERE TO SOURCE PLASTER-EFFECT PAINTS Bring depth and texture to walls using lime wash paints to create a subtle concrete or plaster appearance. WOOD VENEER PANEL To make a statement in the entrance hall, Irene used a panel of wallpaper made from circles of real wood veneer. She created a neat join between the panel and adjoining wallpaper using a decorative braid in a punchy laser-cut design. The panel is in Circles wood veneer…

DISCOVER: ISLINGTON SQUARE  Just a skip off bustling Upper Street, Islington Square is a new residential and lifestyle development with ground-floor spaces hosting a selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and social hubs. Currently in Chapter One of its opening, the square boasts Campbell-Rey-curated interiors boutique House of Harth, plant shop Conservatory Archives, and the first bricks-and-mortar store by Partnership Editions art gallery. There’s also a smart coffee shop, a members’ club aimed at parents and their children, and an outpost of the Third Space fitness studios, with plenty more openings in 2020, islingtonsquare.com SEE: NAUM GABO AT TATE ST IVES Russian-Jewish artist Naum Gabo was a leading light of constructivism, an art and architectural movement that greatly influenced many of the major design trends of the 20th century, including the…

AS an established stylist, art director, photographer and author, Hans Blomquist is known as the master of his aesthetic. Rustic edges, moody colours and natural materials combine to create a warm, welcoming style, showcased in his new book, Inspired by Nature. It explores his approach to interiors, encouraging us to see the world through his eyes, constructing imagery using the humblest of items to create painterly and thought-provoking spaces. Nature is at the heart of Hans’ decorating philosophy, and he reveals how found objects, shells and feathers are used to form his atmospheric displays, while his interiors are furnished with worn wood, washed linen and battered leather. Residing in Paris, Hans’ creativity is highly sought after and he travels the world for his book endeavours and impressive list of clients:…

Tucked away in Cape Town’s Tamboerskloof suburb on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head mountain, this period home was just the place property developer Bruce Peach had been longing to find. Located on one of the area’s tree-lined cobbled streets, the house ticked lots of boxes for Bruce. It is secluded yet cosmopolitan, modern but romantic. ‘Bruce wanted to live in an urban environment that had a real sense of heritage,’ says Johannesburg-based fashion designer-turned-interior decorator Lindie Ferreira, who was tasked with making Bruce’s style vision a reality. ‘He loves authenticity and history, having spent years living in London, so he opted for this smaller home that offered quality over quantity.’ The house had lost some of its lustre in the last few years and an update was in order.…

SMALL BUDGET, BIG IMPACT A strong paint colour gives great bang for your buck. Pictures especially look great against deeper backgrounds. QUICK DECORATING FIX One or two lovely lampshades for existing bases… instant hit! FAVOURITE PIECE I am currently obsessed with the scalloped jute rugs from Tate & Darby. I have bought three for a dark flagstone corridor in my house and they have immediately lifted and softened it. SPACE-SAVING IDEA Use a low chest of drawers as a bedside table so you can use it for clothes and not have to clutter up your room with too much hard furniture. GO-TO COLOURS Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster or Edward Bulmer’s Cuisse de Nymphe Emue – both wonderful warm pinks, perfect for a bedroom. YOUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS Warm,…

When Monica Liljedahl inherited the farm that had been in her family since the late 1600s, she vowed to honour and restore its traditional interiors. ‘It’s the house that set up the rules and I have had to listen carefully,’ she says. Such was Monica’s devotion to the renovation of the property that during the project, she herself became an authority on the paint stencilling and splatter techniques that are so characteristic of the region. Hälsingland, in central Sweden, is famous for its decorated farmhouses, which are so well preserved that collectively the area has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like the others, Monica’s farm is comprised of a large farmhouse with around 15 smaller buildings surrounding it. Typical of the agricultural properties in Hälsingland, the house’s timber walls…

Like its namesake, Cardamom, from Benjamin Moore’s Century collection, is enticingly warm and versatile. Deeper than ochre and earthier than gold, this rich yet understated tone strikes a refined note in south-facing rooms and creates an inviting, cocoon-like feel in less light-filled spaces. This hue favours brown furniture and other colours rooted in nature like forest greens and creamy whites. But a burst of a bold bright will also give it a wondrous lift. Wall in Cardamom U2 soft touch matte, from £29 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore…

NEATSMITH This family-run company designs and installs bespoke wardrobes and walk-in dressing rooms, including everything from the cabinetry and doors to built-in lighting and space-saving clothes rails, neatsmith.co.uk HEAL’S For neat storage solutions, look to this retailer, which has been designing, making and selling furniture since 1810. It offers an ever-evolving collection of products, from shelving systems and sideboards to blanket boxes and baskets, heals.com NEVILLE JOHNSON In business for more than 30 years, this firm designs bespoke staircases in a range of styles. As well as creating new staircases, the company can also transform existing ones using glass, timber or steel, nevillejohnson.co.uk MARTIN MOORE Established in 1975, this family-owned kitchen cabinet maker and joiner specialises in classic furniture for both traditional and contemporary homes. Every piece is hand made…

How do you describe the magic of this time of year? A celebration of all the hard work that’s gone on beforehand, summer is unrivalled for its spectacle of flowers and lush foliage. It’s an exciting time for any gardener and I’m no exception. What are the main tasks for this season? Watering, weeding and grass-cutting, of course, but the main job is actually feeding, especially the plants we grow in pots and the crops in the kitchen garden. We apply a high potash feed in summer to keep the flowers blooming and to encourage fruits to form. Anything new in the garden in 2020? We are renowned for courses here at West Dean and floristry is becoming increasingly popular, so this year we’re enhancing our cutting garden to give…

1. LET’S GROOVE Great on glass and glorious on natural stone, fluted surfaces are big news and bring 3D decoration to this solid marble sit-on sink. Fluted Tuscan farmhouse 1000 double marble sink, £4,025, deVOL. 2. DOUBLE UP A twin-bowl sit-on sink is perfectly framed beneath the window in this kitchen, offering plenty of room for pans and a great view while washing up. Double bowl 800 ceramic sink, £673, Shaws of Darwen. 3. SMART LOOK Dark painted cabinetry and a sleek brass pendant light provide a modern backdrop for this classic butler sink, proving it’s a style not just suited to traditional kitchens. Yorkshire sit-on ceramic sink, £229, Caple. 4. WARM METAL Made from naturally antibacterial copper, the hammered, hand-polished finish of this sit-on sink is striking and beautifully…

Top of interior architect Irene Gunter’s list of dream ingredients for a project are high ceilings and beautiful windows – neither of which this small property in London’s Belgravia possessed. But she is not one to shy away from a challenge: ‘When you are compromised in both those departments, it makes your mind work harder to come up with more creative solutions,’ she says. This house was certainly going to put Irene’s ingenuity to the test. When she first visited, water was pouring through the roof right to the basement, where the living and sleeping quarters were laid out in ‘such a whirlwind of interconnecting rooms that it was almost impossible to make sense of it’. The ground floor, which now accommodates the kitchen and living area, was ‘a weird,…

WHAT TO INVEST IN Bespoke shower enclosures as off-the-shelf options are too limiting. Also a nice kitchen worktop because it’s something you’ll use every day, plus good taps. QUICK DECORATING FIX Paint and wallpaper. We love using it on unexpected surfaces such as ceilings and in rooms you wouldn’t expect, like kitchens. FAVOURITE AFFORDABLE WALLPAPER Ziggy by Parker & Jules. I awarded this best product at last year’s Decorex. GO-TO COLOUR The Slate series by Paint & Paper Library – it is warm and cosy without being oaty or overly yellow. MUSEUM TO VISIT Sir John Soane’s Museum for its amazing proportions and interior detailing. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? I’m a big lover of high-end fashion retail store design. The detailing and material combinations always trickle through into residential…

Q Tell us about your route into landscape design. I trained as a psychologist and psychotherapist, and ran a residential charity for men with significant mental ill health. Gardening has always been my hobby and I used it as a form of rehabilitation for the men, who really enjoyed it. My passion then morphed into a desire to create environments, so I decided to have a go at designing landscapes, which opened up a whole new career. “I HAVE PACKED MY TINY LONDON GARDEN WITH A FUSION OF PLANTS – FROM EXOTIC TREE FERNS TO TRADITIONAL TEA ROSES AND IRISES” Q Describe your ethos. I don’t really have a signature look, more a signature approach. If you look at 20 of my gardens, they are all different, each responding to…

SMALL BUDGET, BIG IMPACT Rearranging furniture, decorating with a new paint colour and rehanging art can reinvigorate a room. FAVOURITE AFFORDABLE PIECE I love curtains as they soften spaces and create warmth. Floor-to-ceiling fabric in a white or putty colour elongates a room and makes windows look finished and a scheme complete. SPACE-SAVING IDEA Invest in good-quality furniture on a smaller scale. Pieces that are too big for the space cramp a room. Compact items are easier to move and more flexible. YOUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS Warm, layered, detailed.…

Monica Liljedahl shares her tips QUICK DECORATING FIX You can never have too many wild flower arrangements to make an interior inviting. We’re lucky to have so many growing in our garden. SECRET ADDRESS Svenskt Tenn – I love the Josef Frank fabrics SMALL BUDGET, BIG IMPACT In my old barns, I found benches, tools and buckets that were never designed for a domestic interior but make great additions to a rustic kitchen. LAST EXHIBITION VISITED The Affordable Art Fair in Stockholm.…

CREATE A COMPACT WORKSPACE As working from home is becoming more commonplace, many of us are having to carve out a suitable area, and sliding doors are a handy way to hide unsightly elements while allowing for more floor area. You won’t be able to hang artworks on the doors as that will prevent them from moving into their pockets, so instead think about the finish – choose a highly grained walnut or teak effect for an understated look. Here, the busy open-plan work area is balanced by clear floor space underneath. The horizontal lines formed by the shelves and desk are subtly picked up on the door fascia, adding a neat design detail, particularly when the door is open. SLOT IT IN Built-in shelves not only provide ample storage…

AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL at 16 to pursue her love of fine art, Simone Webb eventually made the decision to explore the digital art world, embarking on a degree in graphic design and illustration at De Montfort University. Despite initial reservations, she found it transformed her creative style for the better. Now based in Brighton, Simone combines the traditional methods she knows and loves with more contemporary digital techniques to create striking artworks inspired by the transient beauty that can be found in nature. Here, she tells us more. What is the story behind your style? While I love flowers, I’m not green-fingered myself. Any attempt at keeping them thriving ended in failure, which led me to think about creating something that would last longer. Flora and fauna bloom and decay…

What makes this season so special? I’m from Sweden where the growing season is much shorter, so for me the long British autumns are a treat, with their soft light, subtle textures and beautiful red, orange and gold leaf tints. What keeps you busy at this time of year? As with any mature garden, there are plenty of areas in need of rejuvenation. In autumn, we are busy filling empty gaps in the borders and preparing the ground for spring planting. What are your favourite autumn plants? Ornamental grasses erupt into flower at this time of year, adding texture and movement to the borders. Great choices include Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Haze’, which has purple-tinted foliage, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ghana’, with its coppery tones, and Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea ‘Transparent’ (or tall…

DESIGNER Robert Rhodes, director, Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors, 020 3397 4733, robertrhodes.co.uk. THE PROPERTY A two-storey, Grade II-listed Victorian flat in north London. DESIGN BRIEF Inspired by Italian palazzi, the owners wanted an elegant ‘grand salon’ that was also a practical kitchen. DIMENSIONS 5.5x3.6m LAYOUT This large kitchen-diner opens onto the garden via a rear glass extension. ‘Crittall-style doors were key to the owners’ vision. It was essential that the conservatory read as an extension of the kitchen, rather than a barrier between it and the garden,’ Robert says. ‘The layout is an efficient double galley that provides ample preparation space, room for large appliances and plenty of storage.’ CABINETRY ‘As an American, I have an affinity with traditional cabinetmaking. Fortunately, the owners changed tack from early ideas of…

DESIGNERS Paul Cuschieri, director, and Malcolm Abela Sciberras, interior designer, Rebirth at Cuschieri Architects, 00356 2122 0431, carchitects.eu. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom 1920s apartment in the art nouveau Balluta Buildings in St Julians, Malta. DESIGN BRIEF The building had fallen into disrepair and the new owners of this apartment wanted it restored to its former glory, updating it with modern comforts. For the wet room, they requested a practical design with art deco influences that would leave guests in awe. DIMENSIONS 3.9x1.9m LAYOUT This is the apartment’s second bathroom, which was converted into a wet room for the owners’ children and guests. The layout was mainly dictated by necessity. The apartment had various floors that needed to be levelled without impacting the impressive high ceilings. ‘As the floor couldn’t be…

‘We often source and collaborate with Studio27 (above), One Brick Lane and The Restoration. All three specialise in upscaling mid-century pieces to add warmth, colour and individuality while respecting the design and watching the budget.’ CAZ MYERS , cazmyers.com ‘A simple trick is a cloth-covered table – be it a console, centre or side table. This can be a traditional treatment with a generous bullion fringe around the bottom or more modern, with a pleated or graphic fabric. A long cover is also really useful for hiding things behind.’ NICOLE SALVESEN , salvesengraham.com ‘When shopping for projects, consider buying internationally rather than limiting yourself to the UK market. Try looking in the US for furniture, the Netherlands for amazing tapware and Germany for appliances.’ IRENE GUNTER , gunterandco.com ‘FOR AFFORDABLE…

QUICK-FIX Paint and wallpaper. I love decorating unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings, and adding wallpaper where you don’t usually see it used, like kitchens. GO-TO COLOUR The Slate series by Paint & Paper Library – warm and cosy without being oaty or overly yellow. SPACE-SAVER Wall-hung fittings in small bathrooms, from toilets to vanities. WHAT TO INVEST IN Bespoke shower enclosures as off-the-shelf options are limiting; a nice kitchen worktop because you use it every day; good-quality taps. SECRET ADDRESS Cadogan Contemporary in South Kensington for the most amazing art collections. INSPIRATION SOURCE High-end fashion retail store design. The detailing and material combinations always trickle through to residential interiors years later. NEXT TREND More curves in interiors. I’m really looking forward to continuing to explore this theme. YOUR STYLE IN…

FULL OF CHARACTER The patina of wood improves with age, so arrange pieces in different colours and finishes together to create a sense of charm and personality. BEYOND THE PALE Adding dashes of black to a palette of blond woods is both modern and daring, yet comforting too. Here, assorted chairs and stools make for an eclectic, collected look. OF THE CLOTH  Nothing pairs with wooden pieces more beautifully than woven linen, a tactile backdrop to showcase the natural beauty and idiosyncrasies of the utensils. CUPBOARD LOVE  A home is often filled with objects curated over time, and a beautiful antique ebonised cupboard becomes the showcase for all the treasures you love to live with. TAKE A SEAT The simple yet striking wooden slatted divider sets the tone for this…

There’s a proliferation of pink in Mexican-born Fernando Laposse’s east London studio. Long, wispy trails of dyed sisal – hung like unicorn tails from drying racks – fill the space like fairy floss. Some of it is being used to create lamps that look uncannily like Cousin Itt from The Addams Family. In another corner, someone is flat-ironing corn husks out of which they’ll cut hexagonal shapes to create the equivalent of a veneered wallpaper. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Fernando’s unique approach to sustainable design. Since graduating in product design from Central Saint Martins in 2011, Fernando has worked on his own projects, transforming ‘humble, natural materials, often considered waste, into refined design’, he says. The backbone of his work is marrying natural materials with Mexican…

SPICY SPROUT AND MUSHROOM NOODLES SERVES 2 1 small onion, finely sliced 1tbsp oil or ghee 400g Brussels sprouts with tops; sprouts sliced and tops finely shredded 400g mushrooms, any type, chopped 3cm piece of ginger, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated 1 whole fresh red chilli, finely chopped ¾tsp five spice 2 bundles of noodles 1tbsp maple syrup 2tbsp plus 1tsp tamari 1tbsp lemon or lime juice or vinegar 2tbsp black sesame seeds or chopped nuts or seeds, to serve Fresh coriander or mint, to serve (optional) ■ Fry the onion in oil or ghee in a wok or large, deep-sided frying pan until translucent. Add the sprouts in an even layer and fry over a high heat, untouched, for 1 min or so, then fry…

It’s a telling sign that a home is ready for a rethink when you can barely battle your way beyond the front door for the sea of shoes, coats and school bags, and this was certainly the case for this Victorian terrace in west London. Having lived here for 13 years, its occupants – a family of five, plus a dog – had reached a stage where the house was no longer in step with their busy lifestyle. ‘We were desperately short on storage and the children were growing up and needed their own space, but we all lived in the family room off the kitchen and never used the first-floor drawing room,’ recalls the owner. ‘I was also ready to introduce more colour – I was tired of white…

SMALL BUDGET, BIG IMPACT Simple, fine linen sash-window panels – affordable and chic. QUICK FIX Always paint. Choose a palette that flows easily – the effect is transformative. SPACE-SAVING IDEA Wall-to-wall peg rails for off-the-floor basket storage. DESIGN HEROES Studio Oliver Gustav, Maison Hand, Axel Vervoordt, Roman and Williams and Cassandra Ellis are firm favourites. SECRET ADDRESS Le Salon de Mam Muti in Île de Ré. This tiny store is inspirational beyond words. LATEST PURCHASE A Wayne Pate painting. FAVOURITE BUILDING Liberty of London. I love going there with my daughter Grace. WISE WORDS Life’s a journey, not a destination.…

CONSIDER THE LAYOUT When trying to make the most of limited space, take time to consider the natural flow through rooms, recommends Victoria Wormsley of French-Brooks Interiors. ‘Think about how people are going to pass through the space and ask if you really need each and every door [but be aware that some will need to be retained for fire regulations, particularly when it comes to kitchens]. Where possible, remove doors and architraves to improve the flow.’ DECORATIVE DETAILS Use colour and surface finishes to maximise the feeling of space, in lieu of being able to enlarge room dimensions. Antique mirrored walls can be an effective way to create the illusion of a much wider space – being particularly effective either on the backs of the recesses either side of…

What do you begin to notice as winter disappears? Spring means new life in the garden and marks a special time of year for me. The first signs of growth are emerging and in the kitchen garden the fruit trees are bursting into bloom. What are the main tasks at this time of year? We will be prepping the gardens by mulching the soil with layers of compost as the ground warms up, pruning plants that flower later in the year, and removing any stems damaged by winter storms. What are your favourite seasonal plants? I love the lilacs and daphnes – we tuck them behind seating to treat visitors to their wonderful fragrances. Both require a moisture-retentive soil that’s not too wet. Happy in sun or part-shade, these hardy…

What is winter like in the garden? It’s a special moment in the year when the leaves have fallen and you can see the skeletal structures of the trees in all their glory. And winter-flowering plants you may not have noticed until now suddenly have their time in the spotlight. What are your main jobs at this time of year? It’s surprisingly busy. We prune the roses and some fruit trees, and clip the trees in our Lime Walk. The glasshouses are cleaned, ready for spring. Are you planning anything new this year? No new areas, but we are planning to enhance our Winter Garden, which is ten years old this year. We want to make it more accessible to visitors and will also be working on some new planting…

CABINETRY A similar bespoke kitchen designed by Robert Rhodes and made by Fruitwood Furniture would cost around £35,000. Painted in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Contractor, Projects Ten APPLIANCES Professional Series 90cm six-burner dual-fuel range cooker, £3,849; K90CONXA 90cm chimney cooker hood, £959, both Bertazzoni. CM656GBS6B combi microwave, £999; HB632GBS1B single oven, £680, both Siemens. SBSes8486 PremiumPlus BioFresh side-by-side fridge freezer and wine cooler, £5,099, Liebherr SINK & TAP Double Belfast sink, £299, Rangemaster. Britannia Classic mono sink mixer tap in Antique Bronze, £99.95, Victorian Plumbing SURFACES Range cooker splashback in Statuario Carrara marble, £250sq m, Marble & Granite. Iconic White quartz worktops, £350sq m, Silestone by Cosentino. Splashback in Snowdrop Plain 6x3in tiles, £36.72sq m; 3x3in tiles, £125.28sq m, H&E Smith. Fumed Oak White…

FITTINGS The Grand floorstanding shower pipes, from £1,134 each; The Grand shower roses 300mm, from £450 each; The Grand hand shower and wall bracket, from £426; The Chessleton thermostatic shower valves with china lever handles, from £774 each; The Chessleton shower controls with china lever handles, from £648 each; The Single Ladybower vanity basin suite in White Arabescato marble, from £4,782; The Chessleton three-hole basin mixer with china lever handles, from £1,350; freestanding towel rail, from £4,860; The Rother wall-mounted WC suite with china handle and standard seat, from £2,124; The Single Chessleton lights with fluted glass shades, from £510 each, all in Brushed Brass finish, all Drummonds SURFACES Dandelion tiles in Lawn/Milk, £159sq m, Marrakech Design at Tiles Etc. For similar wall, try Marmorino spatula polished plaster, from £75sq…

A Place for Everything 01244 680501 aplaceforeverything.co.uk A Rum Fellow 020 8245 6779 arumfellow.com Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Adam Ellis 020 8354 6546 adamellis.com Affordable Art Fair 020 8246 4848 affordableartfair. com Altfield 020 7351 5893 altfield.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Another Country 020 7486 3251 anothercountry.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Antonis Cardew 00 33 6 62 67 78 32 antonis cardew.com Appel + Hardwick 07738 000094 appelandhardwick.com Artefect 00 27 21 762 6793 artefect.co.za Artisans of Devizes 01380 735888 artisansofdevizes.com Artsper artsper.com Astier de Villatte 00 33 1 426 07413 astierdevillatte.com Aston Matthews 020 7226 7220 astonmatthews.co.uk Baileys 01989 561931 baileyshome.com Banda 020 7937 9600 bandaproperty.co.uk Barker and Stonehouse 0333 010 2352 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bauwerk Colour bauwerkcolour.co.uk Beata Heuman 020 8741 0102 beataheuman.com Ben Pentreath 020 7430 2424 benpentreath.com Benchmark 01488 608020 benchmarkfurniture.com Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Bert & May 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com Bertazzoni 0330 053 9185…

1 . Leonardo da Vinci is my design hero for the way he expressed things that no one had dreamed of in his time. I find visiting the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia in Milan, dedicated to his work, very inspiring. 2 . The new name in design to look out for is Mac Collins. His chair, Iklwa, fuses inspiration from his African and European heritage. I like his energy. 3 . A 5,000-year-old spearhead we found behind our house in Wiltshire is my most treasured piece of design. It is a great distillation of design and craft at its simplest. 4 . My one design rule is to always look to nature. There is nothing missing, nothing superfluous. 5 . The hot tub in our garden, made by a…