Innehållsförteckning för April 2020 från Living Etc

I’m not particularly good with change. I find comfort in routine, friendliness in the familiar, solace in knowing what’s about to happen next. It’s an unfortunate personality trait that I’m always intending to work on (although my fiancé might say it’s not as bad as my inability to unload cutlery from the dishwasher without making a clatter), as clinging to the knowable is not a quality that gets you very far in 2020. I am writing this four days before the UK is due to leave the EU – and it looks as though it might actually happen this time – another example of shifting circumstances, a future shrouded in uncertainty. And so, I’ve decided to get on board with it all. Not all change is bad (if I say…

samsung WHERE Coal Drops Yard, London WHAT While the traditional high-street model has largely been built on a buy-now, try-at-home-later mentality, Samsung is flipping the very concept of how we shop on its head. Its Samsung KX space swaps the humble four-wall shop (both figuratively and literally given it’s housed under Heatherwick Studio’s strikingly curved ‘kissing’ roofs) in favour of ‘experience spaces’ and ‘inspiration hubs’, offering visitors the chance to sample the brand’s technology by way of film nights, gaming tournaments, cocktail masterclasses and a state-of-the-art ‘connected kitchen’ (make purchases at home later if impressed). Samsung is calling it ‘retail therapy of the future’; we’re calling it a pretty fun day out. habitat WHERE Tottenham Court Road, London WHAT The paradox of modern tech is that we’re better connected yet…

Marrying beautiful traditional details with bold designs in even bolder colours is no mean feat. But with a background in fashion and project management, it’s no surprise that Laura Higgs has used the pops of red, orange, yellow, green and blue found in her wardrobe to such great effect in the Victorian house she shares with husband Chris and their two daughters. The couple found the west London property six years ago – ‘a 1970s relic in a Victorian shell, with peach-coloured bathrooms and old newspapers behind the walls,’ recalls Laura. ‘Chris’ parents had given us some money towards it on the condition that we knocked everything through to give them a mini flat space for when they visit. And although the garden isn’t huge, the house is double-fronted, rare…

Layered textures and welcoming curves soften hard lines Gentle greens and painterly marks blur the edges for a calming retreat…

LIMEWASH Unlike many paints, limewash is a great sustainable choice as it is not made from synthetic chemicals, which can be less healthy for the environment; instead, it is a mixture of natural clays, minerals and pigments. The result is a surface that’s infused with colour and free from solvents and toxins. While many paints prevent the breathability of walls, limewash works in harmony with building materials such as stone and brick. It also makes our homes healthier: it boosts air quality by reducing the risk of damp and has anti-allergenic and antibacterial properties. Beware: not all limewash products are created equal. For example, some are hybrids (usually mixed with acrylics) while others are available in a limited colour palette. If you want a fully eco-friendly option, look for a…

State of the art The latest smart appliances are also statement pieces in their own right. Case in point? These banked Smeg ovens mounted at eye level in sophisticated black glass with elegant copper trims. Hidden depths Proof tech really can be discreet comes in the form of this Victorian townhouse. Created by architect William Smalley and interior designer Danny Pine, it features many vintage Italian pieces, but behind the scenes you’ll also find smart lighting and in-wall invisible speakers. Library opening Architect Ernst Hoek didn’t want a basic door separating his home and office, so he designed these bookshelves that work brilliantly as both a literary passageway and soundproof room dividers. Each one weighs 500kg but opens smoothly and is able to hold in position every 90 degrees. Panel…

1 Consider a home technology integrator. ‘Think of them as you would a builder,’ says Simon Fulstow at SONA. ‘Just as builders have the Federation of Master Builders, reputable installation companies are part of the trade body CEDIA. Look for companies that let you get hands on so you can see what can be achieved.’ 2 When future-proofing your property, remember that off-the-shelf gadgets can’t yet offer the usability of a professionally installed smart home. ‘Using a professional home integrator will bring items such as heating, lighting and entertainment together as one,’ says Owen Maddock of CinemaWorks. ‘Instead of manually controlling your home’s services, or using individual apps, an integrator will install a system that allows you to manage them in one place, whether that’s in one room, across the…

eat WHAT… A bite or two at NYC import Davies and Brook. WHERE… The revamped dining room at Claridge’s. WHY… Because your tastebuds deserve to be tantalised. Swiss chef Daniel Humm won three coveted Michelin stars for his cooking at New York’s Eleven Madison Park restaurant, where his dishes were noted for their simplicity and purity of flavour. He’s bringing that foodie flair to London icon Claridge’s, which has been preparing for his arrival for the past 12 months. Expect to find a tranquil, minimalist dining room that places the focus squarely on Humm’s remarkable cooking. Culinary gongs will no doubt start piling in soon, so make your booking now. discover WHAT… Photographic extravaganza Masculinities. WHERE… At the Barbican’s brutalist art gallery. WHY… The blockbuster exhibition unpicks society’s perception of…

One minute with Corran Brownlee Describe your style. I like my pieces to feel like a dream or a memory. I’ll leave hints of narrative but keep most of the scene in shadow. This way, the viewer becomes the storyteller and connects with my work on a more meaningful level. Favourite materials? I feel a deep affinity with charcoal as a medium; it’s been used to tell stories for centuries. I use black so that the viewers can project their own colours; it’s more personal that way. Artistic inspiration? Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles were big influences in my previous career as a storyboard artist, and that feeds into my pieces today. Any celebrity fans? Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst and Jodie Whittaker, to name a few. Display advice? I’m a…

in the glittering world of contemporary jewellery, the name Patcharavipa Bodiratnangkura is big. Trained at Central St Martins and with her work stocked at Dover Street Market, the Thai designer is known for her bold, spontaneous aesthetic and jewels that feel fresh and forward-looking. We caught five minutes to get the lowdown on her home town, Thailand’s iconic capital, Bangkok. First thing’s first – where should we stay? Try the Park Hyatt Hotel by Yabu Pushelberg at the Central Embassy mall (hyatt.com). I’m always checking in for staycations as it’s close to my shop. We’re into local dishes. Where’s Bangkok’s best som tam? Head to Thai Lao Yeh restaurant at the Cabochon Hotel on Sukhumvit 45 Alley (cabochonhotel.com). The dishes are inspired by Thailand’s north-eastern Isan region, and blend together…

wooden bar stools These finely crafted perches add the perfect finish to any kitchen – so take a seat wine coolers Sleek units for storing bottles in optimal conditions sphere pendants Hang over an island or table to bring your design full circle hexagonal floor tiles Plain or patterned, these crisp shapes add vibrancy and depth to a scheme hot-water taps Say goodbye to the kettle and hello to an all-in-one faucet engineered wood flooring These timber-topped beauties are made to last…

The decoration of this bathroom in Malta’s landmark Balluta Buildings was always going to be heavily influenced by the property’s illustrious history. It is one of the few surviving examples of art nouveau architecture on the island and, when it was built in 1928, was revered as one of the largest and most luxurious apartment blocks in Europe. For the first apartment to undergo major renovation in recent years, the owners were keen to honour the building’s past, without creating a pastiche. A few mod cons, such as good water pressure and heating, were also welcomed. Local design studio Rebirth at Cuschieri Architects undertook intensive studies of the art deco era, in which the property was built, and the preceding art nouveau period that influenced its exterior design. The research…

colourful basins Add a splash of personality to your scheme with these bright beauties statement showerheads Grand designs for a luxurious experience – let it pour square basin mixers Deliver geometric detail to your bathroom with these chic angles slick towel radiators Warm up to these wonderful classic and contemporary styles flush bathroom lights Low ceiling? No problem. Look up to these surface-hugging designs 3D tiles From smooth contours to woven mosaics – top choices for a textural finish…

1 POP EATS Yes, the Marilyn Diptych will be on show at Tate Modern’s imminent Warhol blockbuster (from 12 March), but you’d be a fool to miss the action upstairs at Level 9 Restaurant. Head chef Jon Atashroo has devised a witty snack menu reimagining popular American foods, with Coca-Cola jelly, cornflakes panna cotta and ‘bringing home the bacon’ ice cream. 2 FAB COLLABS We love a surprise design dalliance. This month’s creative couplings bring us graphic furnishing fabrics (left) by fashion designer Duro Olowu and furniture maker Soane, and vases and tableware by Claudia Schiffer in partnership with Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro. 3 TRAVEL-TERIORS Mile-high style doesn’t have to be all plastic trays and dull lighting. At JFK, calm pre-flight nerves in TWA’s Connie Bar (right) – located…

what will the decades ahead look like, and how will your house evolve to incorporate them? Probably in more ways than you might expect, as your next home is likely to look very different from those of today. No, we’re not talking space for a Jetsons-era robot housemaid, but architecture that embraces and enhances the changes in our lifestyles. One major shift is the rise in blended or multi-generational families as well as single-person households, meaning that traditional home layouts need updating. And because more people are working from home, a trend is emerging that is part of the ‘sharer economy’, where communities share resources such as meeting rooms and gardens. COLLABORATIVE APPROACH This new way of thinking is shaping developments such as Marmalade Lane, a RIBA award-winning project in…

What is Intoart? We’re a collaborative art and design studio in Peckham, south London, which was set up as a cooperative for people with learning difficulties. Our overall vision is to help people to be visible, equal and established. It’s a collective ethos – we have 20 artists who we work with closely as they develop their practices. Why did you set it up? I started volunteering with people with learning disabilities in my second year at Central Saint Martins, and became acutely aware that the people I was working with didn’t have the same access to opportunity that I did. There is a lack of provision and ambition to extend arts education to all, meaning that a lot of talent goes unharnessed, so we opened Intoart in 2000 and…

When your Instagram starts pinging frantically with requests to stay at a property that you are still building, you know something special is happening,’ says Lynda. ‘So many guests pre-booked without seeing the finished space – that sense of trust felt very overwhelming and was so unexpected.’ For those in the know, however, it comes as no surprise. Internationally renowned interior stylist Lynda Gardener has spent the last 30 years establishing an unrivalled reputation for her unique design aesthetic and down-to-earth, can-do attitude – styling showrooms for Levi Strauss & Co; opening Melbourne-based Empire – one of the world’s first vintage concept stores that ran for 24 years; establishing design company Inside Story; and building a portfolio of five boutique accommodation properties. The latest boutique property, Room + Board, is…

Seeing the full potential in something right from the start is a real gift. And with this property – pre-renovation – first impressions didn’t exactly lure likely buyers to its dilapidated doorstep. ‘It was run-down, damp and in dire need of an overhaul,’ says owner Mallika Chaudhuri. ‘But my husband Sean, who is an architect, knew he could do something special with it, even though it meant completely gutting the building.’ Although the couple took a risk by buying without planning permission, Sean was confident that his professional experience would serve him well. A big draw was the south-facing garden, plus the opportunity to strip things back to the bare bones and rebuild using a mix of sustainable and natural materials. This was a crucial factor to both Mallika, who…

rugs Standout designs created by artisan craftspeople sofas Built-to-last seating that champions sustainable resources and ethical production storage baskets Produced by traditional weaving communities worldwide cushions Crafted from recycled or natural textiles for eco-conscious comfort pendants…

Arjun Singh Assa Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, Arjun Singh Assa grew up in the thick of his family’s woodworking company. ‘Our home was above the workshop, so mornings began with me opening the doors for the employees and leaving for school to the sound of the machines running,’ he says. ‘In high school, I was more interested in fine arts, but financial challenges meant I joined the family business, not realising it would become my passion. It was then I began to learn about timber, how it’s grown, processed and shaped.’ After four years, Arjun moved to the UK, enrolling on the Furniture and Product Design degree course at Nottingham Trent University. ‘At that point, I was more of a traditional maker than a designer,’ he says, ‘so…

As the head of industrial design for Google Nest, I manage a team whose role it is to define the look and feel of our assistant speakers, displays, Wi-Fi and entertainment products. It’s a balance between art and science, as my aim is to create products that are beautiful, useful, understandable and considerate. I’m not a huge fan of the term ‘smart home’, as it sounds very techy; I prefer the idea of a ‘connected home’. Our homes change slowly, so some houses of the future will look similar to the one you are living in today. The evolution lies in how we connect with the world while at home. The connected home shouldn’t be clunky, it should be seamless and peaceful. The feeling of what it means to be…

1 cars YOUR NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE CLEVERER THAN YOU ARE New cars are stuffed full of clever tech to make driving more enjoyable, safer and environmentally friendly, and as David George, managing director of Mini UK, says, the way we live at home is influencing what we want on the road. ‘As people become more comfortable using voice commands, we have seen a surge of interest in Amazon Alexa, allowing customers to integrate smart home functionality into the car’s dashboard.’ But the real game-changing technology, as David says, is to be found in the engine. ‘The batteries in our first electric car in 2009 were so big we had to remove the back seats, but now they fit under the floor. There are 1.5 million homes that already have accessible…

from its origins over three decades ago as a terracotta tile supplier, Fired Earth has grown to become one of the UK’s leading homeware retailers, making it the first port of call for anyone embarking on a new interiors project. Now Livingetc and Fired Earth have teamed up to give readers a fantastic 15% off* tiles and bathrooms. So whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply looking to freshen up a space, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Fired Earth’s extensive range of beautiful designs. REDEEM YOUR 15% DISCOUNT Simply visit firedearth.com and enter the code LV20 at the checkout. Alternatively, you can fill in this voucher and present it at any Fired Earth showroom between 1 March and 30 April 2020. For a list of showrooms, visit firedearth.com…

THE REX CINEMA An evening at this impossibly charming art-deco cinema in Berkhamsted (a mere half-hour train journey from Euston) offers not just 90-odd minutes of sedentary escapism but the most gorgeous, speakeasy-feel surroundings you’ll find this side of the 21st century. Boasting ‘no popcorn, no flaccid hot dogs’ and enough legroom to accommodate the world’s tallest man, it’s a cinema experience with bygone elegance by the bucketload.…

TAKING SHAPE From the end of March, head to Poliform UK’s King’s Road showroom to see the Italian brand’s new Shape kitchen. The crisply executed range is defined by a tapered cut in the drawer line; it’s a subtle detail, but in the minimalist design, the resulting shadowline stands loud and proud. Kitchens, from £36,000 (poliformuk.com) Flash the trash Originally intended for commercial use – specifically, lugging waste around open-plan offices – Mizetto’s Bin There is ideal for taking the bin-day strain at home. And besides, the 1930s drinks cart-inspired design, with chic leather and pale wood details, offers a level of sophistication that is, frankly, wasted in the workplace. It’s available in Olive Green (shown), Copper Brown, Beige, Anthracite and Signal White. £997 (mizetto.se) The heat is on This…

Strong, modern brushed brass taps are a fabulous counterpoint to the soft pastels Mint green and candy pink is a colour combo that never fails to raise a smile. That’s precisely why Geraldine Tan chose these peppy pastels when she joined forces with Ripples to revamp her family bathroom. As with the rest of her Insta-famous London home, which is all about bright, playful hues anchored by original Victorian features, she wanted this room to be colourful and happy. Ripples proved invaluable when it came to spatial design and product sourcing. No stranger to mixing and matching colours and patterns, Geraldine was confident with her choice of Ca’ Pietra’s encaustic Eye tiles in Duck Egg for the floor. Sourcing the exact shades of pink hexagon tiles and paint took plenty…

GO WITH THE GRAIN Get the look of timber in your bathroom minus the practical drawbacks with luxury vinyl flooring by Karndean. Thanks to clever technology, it mimics the intricate grain of wood but is highly durable, waterproof and low-maintenance. Shown is Classic Oak from the Van Gogh collection, which spans effects from White Washed Oak to Walnut and Ebony. From £37.99sq m (karndean.com) Raising the bar When only the exact shade will do, radiator specialist Bisque can colour-match a range of its models – fabulous if you want to coordinate your heating unit with paint from a popular brand such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene or Mylands, or complement the hue of a bath, basin or tap. The Balmoral towel radiator shown has been matched to F&B’s Calamine.…

THE CORE PIECE suppor ting role If floor-to-ceiling storage strikes you as bulky and space-sapping, look to Living Divani for an approach that’s light and streamlined. Sailor, its bookcase designed by David Lopez Quincoces, features solid wood shelves held together by slender hexagonal uprights to form an understated piece that’ll let treasured objets shine. THE STYLE HERO retro gem First designed in the 1930s and now relaunched in a fabric from 1943, this punchy little stool from designer Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn will allow you to sit on a little slice of history. What’s more, look closely and you’ll notice that its Notturno print depicts yellow peppercorns dancing against palm trees in a tropical night’s sky. FINISHING TOUCH all the trimmings You can always rely on Christopher Farr Cloth…

“Even if you don’t live in an Italian palazzo, we think you’ll agree that the juxtaposition of this fabulous contemporary sofa and modern art with the classical curves and pillars is something to be inspired by. In fact, a sofa as gorgeous as this would be the star of any room…”…

this is a house rooted in its Georgian history, but its beauty has been illuminated with dashes of modernity. Creative colours, vintage furniture and clever architectural ideas have been brought together by interior designer Emilie Fournet to create an enduring whole. ‘If you surround yourself with art, objects and furniture that have an emotional memory, the look will transcend time,’ she says. Initially brought in to advise on one small room, Emilie went on to transform the entire ground and first floors – and then created further living spaces in the lower ground floor. The most radical move was adding a glass box to a back wall so the kitchen and downstairs areas benefit from natural light. ‘This property has beautiful bones, from the panelling and mouldings to the shuttered…

Save money on the shop price every month Never miss an issue with convenient home delivery Find the coolest homes and an insight into modern design “Trends move so fast, but as a subcriber you won’t be left behind. Every issue is devoted to the latest ideas in design and is packed with shopping inspiration. Call it a smart investment in your home.” choose from 3 simple ways to subscribe ORDER ONLINE AT magazinesdirect.com/LETCAPRIL20 ORDER BY PHONE 0330 333 1113 QUOTE CODE 59AH Lines are open Monday-Saturday from 8am-6pm UK time. Overseas readers please call +44 330 333 1113. Lines open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK time. ORDER BY POST using the FREEPOST coupon THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE. This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay…

The recipe for any contemporary kitchen is to be bold with form, meticulous with function, and then to add a dash of individuality. Creating a cohesive mix relies on expertise and problem-solving and that’s where the experts at Homebase can help, with more than 50 designs at their fingertips, backed up by a wealth of sleek handles and quality internal fittings to turn a concept into reality. STATEMENT DESIGN If the goal is a minimalist, architect-inspired look, select Homebase’s handleless Copperbridge Urban kitchen. It comes in cool shades from delicate Porcelain to a bold Anthracite, which can be highlighted by a warm Rose Gold trim. The Silver Oak option is a prime mover for a city pad, teaming a pale neutral shade with a grain effect. Explore how they’ll look…

With this affordable DIY upgrade you can control any Velux Integra blind or window. The system measures CO2, humidity and temperature, and monitors weather data online to automatically control shade and ventilation, ensuring the healthiest conditions. Velux Active with Netatmo indoor climate control starter pack, £219.99 (netatmo.com) Let there be light Lazy loungers take note: Smart-Tilt are bespoke wood shutters that can be controlled using Apple HomeKit. You can make the slats open and close at sunrise and sunset, and have them shut automatically for cool off should a room get too warm. What’s more, hidden LED lights switch on as the shades close, creating the look of an occupied house from the outside. From £495sqm (ehenleyshutters.com) DIGITAL DRAPES Bridging the gap between bespoke installation and DIY, Somfy offers the…

Technology, by its very nature, is constantly changing. When the first home automation systems started to be widely specified a decade ago, they usually required clunky operating panels in walls, which, within a few years, became obsolete. Recent app-based systems are able to be controlled from a smartphone and easily updated, with minimal hard wiring. At first, most home automation systems related solely to programmable lighting, but increasingly audio visuals, window blinds, appliances, security and environmental control are included. And while everything looks to be wireless, a lot of cabling lies behind the fabric of the wall. Strong Wi-Fi coverage is the most important aspect of any project. After that’s implemented, we make sure that technology is easy to operate and in areas where it will be frequently used. If…

“Wiltons may date back to 1742, but the people behind the Jermyn Street stalwart still have a trick or two up their sleeves. Locket’s, designed by Fran Hickman, is the restaurant’s new little sister. Set in St James’s, it serves small plates, chilled vino and one incredible statement floor”…

serves 2 6 small new potatoes3tbsp light olive or sunflower oil½tsp cumin seeds4 eggs3 spring onions, sliced1 clove garlic, crushed1 green chilli, finely chopped2tbsp chopped coriander6 cherry tomatoes, quartered½tsp ground turmeric½tsp garam masalaGood handful young leaf spinachSalt and freshly ground black pepper You can add in any veg you have lying around: peppers, aubergine and mushrooms work well 1 Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and cut into quarters. Heat half the oil in a medium frying pan over a medium heat, add the cooked potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden, turning often. 2 Add the cumin seeds, season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the potatoes for a further 2 minutes until they are crisp, while crushing them slightly with…

1 For colour, we’re expecting a continued interest in strong shades and bold combinations, perhaps reflecting a desire for the warmth and optimism of mid-century modernism. Many of our projects are also being specified in natural greens, browns and blues. A successful colour scheme balances proportion and intensity; we prefer tonal colours, where the base hue is dulled with grey, as they feel more natural and calming than pure or primary shades. 2 When it comes to materials, we like classic or natural options that will age well, such as wood, leather, metal and stone. Despite changing fashions there will always be love for classic stones such as Carrara and Bianca Eclipsia, in a honed finish. We’re also seeing a mix of worktops, such as stainless steel, zinc, brass or…