Innehållsförteckning för April 2016 från Living Etc

Dina Koulla Creative Director, Livingetc Which three words sum you up? Frantic, fearless, philosophile. What’s your favourite thing about Livingetc’s new look? The new elegance. Who is your design hero? Saul Bass. The king of kinetic typography – his opening title sequence to West Side Story is the most beautiful and moving thing I’ll ever see. What’s the most unusual shoot you’ve done? Once, for a still life, I partially melted a lobster from a block of ice with a hairdryer. Which high-street homeware brand is your guilty pleasure? Anthropologie. I always manage to find something that I think I need. Which celebrity would you love to dine with? Will.i.am. He’s from the future. Peter Carlsson Photographer, Love mix Which three words sum you up? Careful, cheerful, purposeful. What are…

DRIFT AWAY… Happiness is… floating through life on the Cloud sofa by Lema. It’s composed of puffy, plumped-up pieces in all shapes and sizes that can be mixed and matched into giant L-shapes, standalone pouffes and everything in-between. The clever twist is its removable arm rests, which double up as extra seats or storage trays. Heavenly. £11,167 for the configuration shown (lemamobili.com) PETAL PUSHER You’ve got the wallpaper (or have seen it on Instagram), so next up from dark florals-lover Ellie Cashman is scarves – her first foray into fashion. Each of the silk accessories is a direct match with the designer’s magnificent murals, only on a less encompassing scale. When you’ve got rooms as pretty as these, why wouldn’t you want to blend into them? Approx £144 (elliecashmandesign.com) Oil…

Better learn your warp from your weft – twine, rope and everything in-between have threaded their way into the trend pile. Balmain was one of spring/summer 2016’s top knots – its models wove down the runway in intricate macramé creations. Christopher Kane, meanwhile, had braided brights almost unravelling on his catwalk. Interiors have become highly strung too, with Sebastian Cox’s armoire woven from English sycamore, Naomi Paul’s Cave shade knitted into shape and Holloways of Ludlow’s cushions a colourful display of ordered crisscrosses. Just don’t drop a stitch……

Layer inky-blue wallpapers to add depth and vibrancy – install an art-like focal point by framing one shade. WALLS Papered in Innocence Nuage ICC27559109 wallpaper in Gris, £56.50 per roll, Casadeco; with panel in Baltic Sea in Blue, £119 per roll, Teija Vartianen at Feathr. FURNITURE Dedicato console table, £1,175, Didier Gomez for Ligne Roset at Chaplins. FLOOR Seashell engineered-oak planks, £74.94 per sq m, Fired Earth. DETAILS Leaning Ladder, £1,800, Katharine Morling. Denim jacket, from £55, Rokit. On console: tableware, from £15 for an espresso cup, Mud Australia at Harrods; and Suton vase, £25; and Abaya vases, £15 each, Habitat. Artists’ sketchbooks, from £13.50 each, Jackson’s Art Supplies. Explore tonal harmony by using the whole of a palette – from soft, pastel blue to the deepest azure. WALL As…

HOME PROFILE THE OWNERS Nick and Amy Bancroft and their son Porter, ten, and seven-year-old triplets Izzy, Chloe and Ellis. THE PROPERTY An architect-designed new build near Lake Tahoe in California. On the ground floor is an open-plan living room/kitchendiner, pantry, laundry room, library, powder room, master bedroom suite with walk-in wardrobe and four bedroom suites for the children. There’s a play area in the basement and a mezzanine office above the kitchen. As well as four patios set around the house at ground level, plus a terrace on the roof, there’s also a separate one-bedroom guest house. EXTERIOR ‘The forest is a sanctuary, it’s all around us,’ says Nick, and with its striking steel beams, the house commands a presence alongside the towering pine trees. Get the look This…

Join us for an exclusive 20% off private shopping morning at Liberty Sitting in the Liberty Flowers ceramics, gifts and home accessories collection, the Phoebe print features on everything from traditional earthenware to printed fabric accessories. Spring into the new collection with something as simple as an egg cup or teapot, or surround yourself with a meadow load of coat hangers or some new table linen. Prices start at £12.95. Liberty has a wide range of textiles, wallpapers, objets and furniture, all carefully designed and sourced with a view to helping you turn your home into a haven. Located in the heart of London’s West End, the Liberty store is an icon in its own right, designed and created specially to make customers feel like they’re entering a home. Printed…

Spanish-born, Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola is one of the world’s most soughtafter names in modern interiors, collaborating with everyone from Italian furniture brand Cassina (she was appointed its creative director in 2015) to iconic fashion house Louis Vuitton. She’s also designed hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona and the W Retreat & Spa in Puerto Rico and masterminded shop interiors for shoe emporium Gianvito Rossi, lifestyle stalwart Missoni and watchmaker Panerai. Patricia also branched out into kitchen design with the launch of Salinas for Boffi last September. Here, she reveals her style secrets and inspiration… How did you start your career? I first studied architecture in Madrid, before graduating in Milan under the tutelage of Achille Castiglioni [the architect and designer best known for his Arco…

LAWN MOWERS Controlled from your smartphone, this powerful mower cuts right to the border of your lawn. RC304 Robotic lawn mower, £1,199, Robomow at John Lewis By mapping your plot, this clever fella calculates the shortest mowing path, covering every inch with maximum efficiency. Indego Connect lawn mower, £1,299.99, Bosch VACUUM CLEANERS This cautious cleaner moves carefully around obstacles, including loose wires, furniture and stairs. Roomba 651 vacuum cleaner, £399, iRobot Sweep, brush and vacuum your way to pristine floors. This beauty’s triple-cleaning system targets corners twice for a thorough clean. Scout RX1 Robotic vacuum cleaner, £500, Miele Utilise this model’s Point Cleaning function to target specific, difficult-to-clean spots. Powerbot VR9000 vacuum cleaner, £644, Samsung MOPS This cleans any hard-floor surface, dry or damp, quickly and efficiently. It remembers where…

Forget no-frills hotels and paperless check-in – the biggest trend in travel right now is immersion. It’s no longer enough just to visit a destination, you need to find ways to dig into local life, whether that means staying in a less-hyped-up neighbourhood or simply having access to insider secrets or home-grown delicacies. Thanks to the likes of Airbnb and Onefinestay, it’s very easy to bunk up in a homestay, but if apartment life isn’t for you, there are now plenty of gorgeous hotels geared towards creating the home-from-home experience. In Paris, you’ll find the Henriette, an out-of-the-way haven for designistas, SP34 brings some much-needed personality to the Copenhagen hotel scene, while the new Ace in LA and Boro in New York are both single-handedly making their up-and-coming neighbourhoods the…

TURN IT ON ‘Even in a family kitchen, good design can add a bit of a kick,’ says Sebastian Mann of Minale + Mann, who created this space. Knurled brass handles, inspired by guitar and amp tuning knobs, feel edgy and after-dark. GET THE LOOK The brushed brass handles cost £33 each from Buster + Punch (busterandpunch.com). The units are from Leicht (leicht.com), where a kitchen starts at £15,000. Which marble? Everyone’s love affair with the hard white stuff continues. Choose honed Carrara for a soft, elegant feel or to make a statement, look into bookmatched Statuario, a little pricier, but it creates worktops that are like works of art. SEAMLESS BLEND Smoothly designed handles in the same oak as the drawers create a distraction-free, crafted look. Think of it…

CLAD ALL OVER Shuttered concrete is cast to obtain a texture similar to timber, but in a brilliantly practical, lightweight and on-trend surface. Take panels up the walls for a seamless and surprisingly warm effect. GET THE LOOK Concreations (concreations.co.uk) can supply similar micro concrete with a shuttered effect from £240 per sq m; and pre-cast concrete worktops from £360 per m. The hip mix Contrasting different textured materials, such as concrete and copper, is very stylish, but limit yourself to two or three key materials to avoid overkill. Pick your star and make everything else play a supporting role. SET THE SCENE Encaustic tiles are a combination of cement, ground marble, stone and natural pigments and can be worked in geometric patterns. Go as regular or abstract as you…

Get the gloss Nothing makes a bright and bold statement quite like glossy red units. Mixing the new Raffello kitchen with outsized metro tiles gives a twist to the retro look. From £1,765 for six units, Cooke & Lewis at B&Q (diy.com) Nice bit of rough Holloways of Ludlow’s take on the vintage look is spot-on with this rustic island unit. It’s made from reclaimed oak floorboards, sanded and softened with a pale stain. Prices start at £25,000 (holloways kitchens.com) NEW SHAKER STYLE Call off the search, we’ve found the perfect modern update on classic Shaker styling. Luxe marble splashbacks, artisan detailing – check out the quirky library ladder for accessing high storage – and a pop of colour courtesy of Farrow & Ball’s Brassica estate eggshell. Bespoke kitchens start…

WRITE ON It’ll be hard to miss morning memos when they’re chalked up on this new blackboard version of Smeg’s iconic FAB28 fridge, which is also A++ rated for energy. £1,499 (smeguk.com) Flat line Flush-mounted hobs don’t come any sleeker than Caple’s chic C950i multizone induction model, which merges seamlessly into the worktop. The four heat zones each feature 11 power levels. From £1,844 (caple.co.uk) Curve ball These professional-grade gas hobs in welded steel and cast iron are made exclusively for Pedini to follow the chic, signature curves of its Artika kitchen. From £2,400 per hob (pedinilondon.co.uk) EASY LIFE Put your feet up and let AEG’s latest oven automatically steam, bake or roast your dinner. BS836680KM SousVide ProCombi Plus oven, from £1,500 (aeg.co.uk) 4 of the best... COOKER HOODS WHITE…

INDULGE THE SENSES The rest of this Swiss architect’s home is a symphony of muted greys… until you open the bathroom door. A bathing space can set its own rules, which allows you to be as indulgent as you like. Go for gold! GET THE LOOK This bathroom was designed by architect Cornelius Morscher. Oro mosaic tiles, £3,393 per sq m, Bisazza (bisazza.com), would achieve this look.…

DECENT EXPOSURE Call it a passion for detail if you like, but if you’re OCD about perfection, you’ll appreciate the ability to specify the lever material of Volevatch’s Carpe and Lyre exposed shower system. Choose from woods such as ebony, shown here, metal, Carrara marble or rock crystal. From £3,213 at The Water Monopoly (thewatermonopoly.com) CROWNING GLORY Better known for fine porcelain figurines, Royal Crown Derby’s collaboration with Samuel Heath introduces intricate decoration to the humble tap – the results are stunning. £1,147 as shown (samuel-heath.co.uk) RULE BREAKER It’s rarely wise to meddle with classic design, but this Solid Natural Brass version of Vola’s iconic HV1 single-lever basin tap is a worthy exception. Pair it with a rugged stone bowl and marvel at your own good taste. £543 (vola.co.uk) Singing…

GO DIGITAL With thermostatic technology, the Bristan Artisan Evo Digital shower provides accurate temperature and flow control via this batteryoperated wireless controller. It’s also designed to make installation quick and easy, which should be reflected in your plumber’s bill. Pair it with a fixed rose or adjustable riser shower. £249.95 (victorianplumbing.co.uk) MEDIA MIRROR Fancy watching a movie in the bath or catching the headlines while you wash? Pilkington’s MirroView is a highly reflective mirror coating, designed for concealing digital and video screens and protecting precious tech from moisture ingress in the process. When you need to switch off from media intrusions, the glass returns to a simple mirror. Price on application (pilkington.co.uk) DANCE OFF Ever done the shower boogie, where you strip off, only to prance about waiting for the…

Fashion and interiors have always been easy bedfellows and this issue is our testament to just that. Look no further than fashion darling Matthew Williamson, who has recently turned his flamboyant eye to designing wallpapers as well as frocks and created a vibrant home that reflects his confident combination of colour, pattern and global references (page 50). Or design entrepreneur Rupert Landendinger, one half of the original By Malene Birger fashion label, whose eclectic, elegant Copenhagen apartment showcases his taste for rich textures and interesting detail (page 148). And our decorating shoots have got in on the act too – a pair of denim dungarees is the perfect piece of ‘art’ in the Utah-inspired Natural Wonders story (page 85), while the cheeky baseball cap on a graffitied classical bust (Artists’…

Grab a Coke and power up the DeLorean – we’re heading stateside for spring break, old-school style! The spring/summer 2016 catwalk was Americanized with denim, leather and patriotic patterns. Marc Jacobs’ models rodeoed down the runway in deconstructed flags, checks and distressed jeans, while Max Mara paired stars and stripes with glitter. Homeware’s cheering U-S-A too, with Bert Frank’s Revolve light bringing some Art Deco-style glam, while the supersize slogan on Urban Outfitter’s Circus arrow is just, like, totally awesome. We can’t help it – we’re the Kids in America.…

Designer Marcel Wanders, 2015 Details Matelassé velvet and Spessart oak lounge chair, £4,762, Poliform. Background The latest addition to Wanders’ Mad collection, which has been a storming success ever since its launch, the chair fulfils the Dutch designer’s desire to ‘tell a new story with each piece’. And what a fantastical tale the Mad King spins. ‘We didn’t just want to make something that looks like a luxury item,’ Wanders explains. ‘We wanted it to feel luxurious too.’ With its rich, woven upholstery and effortlessly chic design, the Mad King presents something of a departure from his often more radical pieces. ‘Softness is an important aspect of the Mad collection,’ Wanders points out. ‘The contrast between the hard outer shell and the textured upholstery; the curvature of the edges; the…

This classic Danish safari chair mixes soft canvas and pale leather for a low-slung, relaxed look. Safari chair, £675; and Safari stool, £324, Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen & Søn. Eco side table, £1,815, Riva 1920 at Heal’s. Waves vase, £37, BoConcept. Hector Dome floor light, £175, Original BTC. Linen scarf, £135, Toast. Hurricane lamps are given an unusual spin with leather straps and horn toggles. Hewes hurricane lamps: large, £195; and small, £125, Ralph Lauren Home. Peeler, inside lamp, £13.50, Hatchet + Bear at The Conran Shop. Runner made in Chukka CHU3 linen in Kudu, £187.50 per m, de Le Cuona. Blake shagreen side table, £1,995, The Sofa & Chair Company. Woven finishes are all the rage, whether in chairs, tables or pendant light designs. Tindari coffee table, £1,678,…

A new season always ushers in a mood for change and spring is no exception, with fresh new colours literally bursting on to the landscape. Around the home, it’s the ideal time not only to refresh your look but to ensure your home is maintained in peak condition. Achieving both has never been easier, with the Valspar® Premium paint range, available at B&Q. Oceanic blues and botanical greens offer just the right amount of spring zing for this time of year. Subtle greys or desert shades remain popular for bedrooms and even thoroughfares, thanks to the stain-resistance and super-scrubbability of Valspar® Premium Paint & Primer in One. Complementing these palettes with bright pops of colour on doors, panelling and skirting with Valspar® Premium Wood & Metal creates a perfect accent…

HOME PROFILE THE OWNERS Warren Johnson, founder of PR agency W Communications, and Claire Curran, director at Seven Dials PR, and their sons Charlie, seven, and Jake, five. THE PROPERTY A four-storey Edwardian house in northwest London. The ground floor has a cinema room, library and gym, leading down to the lower-ground rear extension, comprising a kitchen-diner, living area and WC. The master suite, guest bedroom and family bathroom are on the first floor, with the boys’ bedroom, playroom, bathroom and utility room on the top floor. HALLWAY The large artwork is an artist’s proof by Stuart Semple. Get the look For a similar paint shade, try Farrow & Ball’s Railings estate emulsion. Bert & May sells floor tiles like these. HALLWAY The décor here marks the point of departure…

ALTERED ANGLES Unleash your inner artist and get creative with Fired Earth’s Futurism tiles. Available in both left- and right-hand orientations, there’s hours of fun to be had configuring different patterns, let alone basking in their beauty once they’re on the wall. £79.46 per sq m (firedearth.com) Showered with light We’ve long been admirers of Curiousa & Curiousa’s hand-blown glass pendants and, happily, they’ve just been adapted so they can work within bathroom environments. Pick and mix from 21 glass colours and eight shapes to take you one step closer to that stylish home spa you’ve been dreaming of... From £540 each (curiousa.co.uk) Hot stuff The Aga may be nearing its 100th birthday, but the Brit range cooker is moving with the times by introducing an induction hob to sit…

1 DOUBLE HEIGHT When extending over more than one storey, planning permission is vital, along with consideration of your neighbours’ ‘right to light’. Planners do not like new builds to over-dominate the existing building, but double the height rarely equates to double the bill. ‘There is less building fabric involved,’ explains Olly Bray, director at OB Architecture. ‘When the floors are stacked above one another, you only need half the area of roof to protect the extension.’ A multi-height extension will eat up less of your garden than a large, single-storey extension of the same square footage, while adding living and bedroom space in one fell swoop. 2 SIDE RETURN Reclaiming the often damp and dark passageway that runs alongside many period properties is a costeffective, relatively low-stress way of…

The first tin tiles are reputed to have appeared in Brooklyn, USA, in 1885, where they were used as makeshift restoration for a worn-out plaster ceiling. Cheap and easy to install, the idea quickly spread across America as an affordable alternative to ornate European-style plasterwork. Homeowners would paint their tiles white, giving the appearance of a hand-carved ceiling. More recently, tin tiles have strayed from their residential beginnings, finding a place in the world of commercial property. Particularly popular in bars and restaurants, metal ceilings are both fireproof and increase a room’s echo, enhancing atmosphere. Just take a look at London’s hipster hood Shoreditch, where Tommy Guns hairdressers and trendy bar The Blues Kitchen are working the trend. You don’t have to live in a former warehouse to get the…

So you’ve decided to go for it and fit a new kitchen. Now for the exciting part – the planning stage, where the first step is pulling together your ideas before deciding on the look you want. Next, select appliances from the myriad new ranges available, before finally adding those details that will give your space personality. And yet, with so much on the market, from programmable tech to energy-efficient electricals, it’s important tomake the right decisions. Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of the work for you, selecting the best designs and products available now. All you have to do is choose! LIVINGETC EDITOR Suzanne Imre SUPPLEMENT EDITOR Neil McLennan CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dina Koulla WRITERS Linda Clayton, Jo Leevers ADDITIONAL RESEARCH Jessica Latapie DESIGNERS Jonathan Sellers, Pippa Hester PICTURE RESEARCH…

UNITE KEY TONES Mirror the gleam of a copper hood with doors in polished, oxidized metal and bring out the beauty of hardwoods such as American walnut, teak or iroko. GET THE LOOK This kitchen is by Espresso Design (espressodesign.co.uk), using the Factory range from Aster (astercucine.it), from £1,680 per unit. Earthy metallics When it comes to modern metallics, it’s all about the finish. Choose either copper, bronze or brass for splashbacks or worktops, but to be right on trend, make sure it’s patinated, burnished or hammered. CONTRAST WITH BLACK There’s a Rothko-like beauty to this bold burnished copper set against dark polished plaster. With ample space and in a luxe-feel material, a wall-hung cabinet can command presence. GET THE LOOK The Urbo bespoke kitchen with a cabinet in burnished…

SET TO REPEAT The natural repetitions of Marmara, Olympic Striato and Rosa Egeo marble take on a beautifully abstract quality when used on a grand scale. Add accessories in copper as ‘jewellery’ to complement tones quarried from nature. GET THE LOOK Striato Olympo marble costs from £125 per sq m at Stone World (stoneworldlondon.co.uk). In a tile format, try Mimica Bianco ribbed porcelain faux-marble, £50.99 per sq m, at Mandarin Stone (mandarinstone.com). Made by man If natural materials are beyond your price range, man-made alternatives are easier to take care of, look great and are as realistic as you could ever wish for. Go for stone-look vinyl and wood-effect porcelain.…

READY TO ROLL Hanging wallpaper or a printed mural in the bathroom used to come with all sorts of provisos, but now high-impact papers can be produced with a waterproof membrane. GET THE LOOK Find this Mystical Dreams wallpaper, £156 per 10m roll, by Wall & Deco at West One Bathrooms (westonebathrooms.com). This is Aston Matthews’ (astonmatthews.co.uk) Astonian roll-top bath, from £921. Living space Bathrooms are increasingly borrowing decorative elements more traditionally found in the rest of the home. Warm woods, pattern and colour, plus the new waterproof wallpapers, are making the plain white bathroom a thing of the past.…

Become a subscriber to Livingetc and you’ll be first to discover style trends and decorating ideas that inspire you to create a beautifully relaxed modern home. With great houses to ogle, brilliant shopping and expert tips, Livingetc is essential reading for every homeowner, delivered every month. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS Go Digital! Download your magazine right away. Every subscription package includes access to the digital version for iPad and iPhone* Save money on the cover price Enjoy home delivery every month Never miss an issue PLUS Get exclusive extras every month with Rewards MONTHLY EXTRAS, EXCLUSIVE TO SUBSCRIBERS. Rewards Every month enjoy new offers, giveaways and prizes at rewards.livingetc.co.uk With access to our FREE rewards and to the digital version of your magazine, your subscription will pay for itself in no…

You might miss the latest trend, as it’s harder to spot than usual. We’re opting for illusion for spring/summer 2016, as translucency replaces colour and design teeters on the brink of complete invisibility. In fashion, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi crafted outfits with delicate, see-through lace, while Dior’s runway had a pearlescent coating, with models draped in pink and peach organza so pale, it was barely there. Opaque is out in the home as well, with transparent materials such as glass and Perspex being used where once was wood and metal. Jonathan Adler’s Jacques étagère uses flashes of brass to define its edges and the Transmission pendant light by Lasvit builds up its Art Deco curves with layers of shapely glass. Opacity is so last season – that much is clear.…

HALLWAY ‘I’ve filled the walls with all my favourite things, like a memorabilia hall of fame,’ says Matthew. Get the look Matthew bought an old bedside table on eBay and repainted it in this pink. The blue vase is part of his Butterfly Home collection for Debenhams. HALLWAY ‘The intense colour has a great impact when you first walk into the apartment,’ says Matthew. Get the look The walls are painted in Dulux’s Fire Cracker emulsion. The mirror is from Tann Rokka. The seat is by Cologne & Cotton. HOME PROFILE THE OWNER Fashion designer Matthew Williamson and his dog Mr Plum. THE PROPERTY A ground floor apartment in a mid-19thcentury, Italianate-style semi in northwest London. There’s a living/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. LIVING ROOM…

1 TOP OF THE TABLES This Moroccan-inspired collection was our favourite tableware launch for SS16. Moroccan indigo dining set, from £2 for a knife, Sainsbury’s 2 HOT WHEELS Drinks trolleys continue to be a major trend and this little number is both chic and affordable. Bamboo and marble drinks trolley, £395, Oliver Bonas 3 TIMELESS BEAUTY Bring a flavour of Scandi elegance with this Jasper Conran-designed chair. Farringdon carver chair, £350, J by Jasper Conran for Debenhams 4 BORN TO SHIMMER Colour-effect steel cutlery, from £5.99 for a teaspoon, Zara Home 5 APOTHECARY COOL Get the reclamation look, without the endless hunt... Shoreditch apothecary chest, £1,289, BHS 6 INDUSTRIAL ELEGANCE We love the flashes of brass in this range of lighting; part of Livingetc’s collaboration with Made.com. Ogilvy wall lamp,…

HOME PROFILE THE OWNERS Artist Rory Dobner, his wife Claire, who co-runs rorydobner.com, and their sons Louie, 11, and Huxley, eight. THE PROPERTY Two merged flats in a Victorian mansion block in north London. There’s a living room, two studies, a music room, three bedrooms and a family bathroom on the ground floor. Downstairs is the kitchen-diner, pantry, a further bathroom and Rory’s studio. RORY’S STUDIO The original concrete bench from the courtyard takes up one corner. ‘We threw fabric over it for a draped effect, but then upholstered it too, for comfort,’ says Rory. Get the look The Hollandaise tables are from Astier de Villatte. The Zettel’z 5 lights are by Ingo Maurer. The hare was customised by Rory. Welcome to the House of Dobner, a magical warren where…

HOME PROFILE THE OWNER Rupert Landendinger, founder and managing director of perfume house RPL PARFUMS and luxury leather accessories line RPL VOYAGE. THE PROPERTY A third-floor apartment in a 19th-century listed building in the Frederiksstaden area of Copenhagen comprising a living room, dining room, kitchen, study, master bedroom, guest bedroom and bathroom. LIVING ROOM ‘Sometimes you think you’ve bought enough and can’t put more in,’ says Rupert. ‘But then you add another piece and it somehow makes the room look bigger not smaller.’ Get the look The art includes works by Yvon Taillandier, Marcel Burtin, Alexander Calder and Eduardo Chillida. The black leather armchairs are by Fabricius & Kastholm. ‘Elegance is what I aimed for,’ says Rupert Landendinger of his apartment in Copenhagen’s city centre. But then, a certain amount…

Spring is the time of year when everyone starts thinking about a home refresh. Unsurprisingly, bathrooms are top of most people’s lists. Whether going for a complete revamp or simply restyling your existing space, it’s key to introduce quality products that will not only look good but stand up to the rigours of daily use. Choose a stylish mirror to spruce up a bare wall, new furniture offering clever storage that creates a more spacious feel, smart tiles or even a statement tap – bathstore has an amazing range to select from. No idea where to start? bathstore can help here too, with its free in-store 3D design service that takes you through the entire planning journey, from initial concept to the finishing touches. The experts at bathstore will come…

THE COLOUR PALETTE THE NEUTRAL EDIT…

Raw tuna and crunchy potato salad Serves 4 * 1 garlic clove, crushed * 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind * 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, plus extra to serve * 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve * 500g sashimi-grade skinless tuna loin * 25g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped * 400g roasting potatoes, peeled and chopped * 250g cherry tomatoes, quartered * 45g small olives * 1 tablespoon lemon juice * freshly ground black pepper, to serve * micro basil leaves, to serve Place the garlic, lemon rind, salt and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a bowl and mix. Rub the garlic mix over the fish. Sprinkle the parsley on to a tray and roll the fish in it to coat. Wrap the fish tightly in clingfilm…

GO WITH THE GRAIN Reclaimed timber shakes off its rough-cut reputation when it’s finely crafted and set against high-spec materials. These hand-finished apothecary drawers are made from trees felled 80 years ago, but feel fresh and tactile next to oxidised steel and striated marble. GET THE LOOK This island is from the Tailor Made collection by Lida Cucina at Pedini London (pedinilondon.co.uk), from £18,000, including sink, tap and hob. GREAT LENGTHS This timber-rich space takes the luxurious length and breadth of Dinesen flooring a step further – the perfect way to enhance long units in a slim galley space. Smoky green walls and darkened brass are natural foils for the luxe wood. GET THE LOOK This is the HeartOak bespoke kitchen in Dinesen timber by Garde Hvalsøe (gardehvalsoe.dk) – units…

COUNTER CULTURE An open-plan kitchen space stays flexible rather than bolted down thanks to vintage bar stools and glass pendants. A marble counter and chef’s station keep the mood as buzzy as your favourite eaterie. GET THE LOOK Similar vintage bar stools can be found from £175 each from Turner & Cox (turnerandcox.co.uk). Trainspotters (trainspotters.co.uk) has original opaline lights, approx £200 each. Thick or thin? After years of expansion, it would appear worktop widths are slimming down again. ‘There’s an increasing demand for surfaces with a slimmer profile, especially on a statement island unit,’ says Mark Hill of DuPont Corian. THINK IN THREES The functional aesthetic of a downtown bar is replicated in this home, but the trio of over-counter lights gets zhuzhed up with Moooi’s dazzling LED-studded pendants that…

KEEP IN LINE Wood panelling can feel as fresh and clean as crisp Corian, while exuding plenty more character. Go for a uniform finish and take units high for the full effect. GET THE LOOK The Sebastian Cox kitchen by deVOL (devolkitchens.co.uk) works this look in sustainable British timbers, from £15,000. Line of sight When designing an open-plan space, it’s crucial to assess the sightlines to ensure everything remains sociable. Work from the centre of the cooking space to check views to and from the dining zone, the breakfast bar, children’s play and any garden areas.…

Granite is back! After years languishing in worktop Siberia, granite returns – this time in busily veined versions, such as this striking Titanium by Nicholas Anthony. Kitchens from £25,000 (nicholasanthony. co.uk) Expert tip ‘Sintered worktops are the latest thing. They’re an engineered stone made of natural minerals – beautiful, recyclable and virtually non-porous.’ Scott Nicholson, managing director and head designer of Chamber Furniture LET IT SHIMMER This glamorous hand-beaten copper splashback by London-based Studio Duggan is framed with concealed LEDs that make the surface shimmer. Plus, the hammered copper will gently oxidise as it ages. A 2 x 1m sheet costs £240 (studioduggan.com) WOOD WORKS Solid oak is an unexpected splashback choice, but with a decent protective finish, it can prove surprisingly practical. Plank-effect, solid-oak splashback, shown in Cue &…

Choosing a new bathroom is one of the great pleasures of owning a home. The fun part is definitely the planning stage, where you gather inspiration before deciding on which overall look to go for. The next bit, selecting all your surfaces, ceramics and finishing touches, is more tricky. There’s been a lot going on, from iPhonecompatible tech to washable wallpaper, so there’s never been a better time to update your space. From inspiring bathroom looks to news on all the latest innovations, we’ve sifted through everything that’s out there right now for the ultimate edit. All you need to do short of booking the builder. Enjoy the process! LIVINGETC EDITOR Suzanne Imre SUPPLEMENT EDITOR Neil McLennan CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dina Koulla WRITERS Linda Clayton, Jo Leevers ADDITIONAL RESEARCH Jessica Latapie…

BRAND-NEW TADELAKT The ancient Moroccan surface of tadelakt can be moulded into waterproof shapes, from a curvaceous basin to an entire bathtub. To keep the look feeling luxe, ‘Combine raw elements with design classics,’ says designer Anna Gawlik. GET THE LOOK The bathroom is by Anna Gawlik at Anke Design Studio (anke-design.com). Tadelakt London (tadelaktlondon.co.uk) can create a similar bath for £1,500. The IIBagnoAlessi One basin, from Laufen (laufen.co.uk), approx £1,350, has the look of this design. PICK RUSTIC SHAPES The no-frills vibe of country stools and benches is having a moment. Work the trend with pared-back trestle silhouettes – but add a generous bath to stay the chic side of simple. GET THE LOOK This is the Cape Cod vanity unit, £3,278; and bath, from £2,221, by Philippe Starck…

HEAVY DUTY Slightly bonkers Dutch designer Lammert Moerman of JEE-O has one wish: to let the world feel the JEE-O DNA. Well, we’re definitely feeling it with his Soho Progressive Freestanding Shower Mixer, particularly in the tactile hammer-coated black matt finish shown. £2,991 at CP Hart (cphart.co.uk) SLIM PICKINGS At just 25mm thick, Roca’s In-Floor shower tray offers the look and feel of a walk-in shower without the faff and expense of tanking. £744 (uk.roca.com) STRONG LINES If you can’t go frameless, don’t apologise. The Matki-ONE shower enclosure collection is a refreshing alternative. The frames come in this Crittall-esque black, white or architectural bronze. From £996 (matki.co.uk) Expert tip ‘To boost performance, select a shower head with a small diameter. Though water flow is less, water pressure will increase, delivering…

Close call It would take an eagleeyed surface nerd to spot that Original Style’s Marble Carrara Bianco Paonazzetto ceramic wall tiles aren’t the real deal. At £29.95 per sq m, could you spot the difference? (originalstyle.com) Expert tip ‘Patterned flooring is a big trend in bathrooms right now. It works especially well on porcelain tiles and is super low-maintenance.‘ Rob Whitaker, creative director at Fired Earth BLOCK IT OUT These striking Colour Block tiles are made by imprinting real wood and concrete textures on to a single porcelain tile. The resulting pattern can be laid in 10 ‘freestyle’ combinations to create impressive geometric designs. Shown in Oak Blue, £81.60 per sq m (mandarinstone.com) DOT MATRIX Reed Harris’ Boston Petrolio tiles satisfy multiple surface trends in one hit. The glazed porcelain…