Innehållsförteckning för October 2022 från Living Etc

STAY SMILING If your walls really could talk, then Atelier Ellis’ Waving & Smiling paint collection is all the more telling. Capturing the aspirational, feel-good mood of design today, colourist Cassandra Ellis created 12 breathable shades intended to make you smile; colours like Chambray, a whispery warm blue, and Summer Pudding, a delightfully ruddy pink, embody a joyful human touch.…

award-winning designer Yinka Ilori began making over chairs he found in skips 10 years ago, and has gone on to create some of the biggest installations and brightest products of his generation. This month sees the launch of a major show of his work at the Design Museum, as part of London Design Festival. PIP RICH Since we last spoke, it seems like you’ve gone stratospheric! Only last week you met Prince Charles. What is it about your use of colour that you feel people are connecting to right now? YINKA ILORI Lockdown put us in a dark, stressful and confused place, and now I think people have got a new lease of life. They want to create new experiences, to feel hope and empowerment, and that’s what my work…

Nicoline Beerkens has come to know that if she sets herself a deadline, an eclectic and vibrant interior follows soon after. ‘A lot of people ask me how I get a sense that a home is completed,’ says the Amsterdam-based interior designer. ‘But the answer is simple: if I know there will be a photo shoot or an interview, then everything, down to the accessories and styling, must be done before that moment.’ When the listing for this house came on the market, Nicoline and her husband Pieter lived only two doors away. At first, they convinced friends to buy the apartment, located in a building dating from 1939, but when the sale fell through they snatched it themselves. ‘That delighted me as I was ready for an new look,’…

Sheena Murphy has an adventurous spirit, having lived in nine homes in three countries during the 15 years she has been with her husband Paul. So it’s hardly surprising that she chose an atypical house when she was looking at new places to live. Rather than go for the kind of pretty Victorian terrace that makes up most of her northwest London neighbourhood, the interior designer went for a utilitarian 1950s property built on a bomb-damaged site after the war. ‘I love the period houses in the area but, as a designer who works quite firmly on the modernist end of the spectrum, I was seeking something with fewer architectural boundaries, good light and something a little more unexpected,’ she says. Getting Paul on board was another story. ‘But after…

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On the couch The must-have piece for a home office these days is a sofa – a place to ‘sit soft’ while on calls or in contemplative mode. Remember also that creative juices flow when bright colours are used. ‘Our client requested a colour that reminded them of a warm orchid, and we found just the one,’ says Mary Patton, founder, Mary Patton Design. By taking it up over the ceiling, and contrasting with jewel tones, this office means business. GET THE LOOK Joinery, walls and ceiling in Brinjal by Farrow & Ball. Window treatment by Pierre Frey Umbrella effect ‘When designing this home office, we knew we wanted it to be a colourful, creative space without feeling too themed or trendy,’ says Annie DeSantis of W Design Collective. We…

Designing your bedroom is all about setting the scene for a good night’s sleep, and the most important part is choosing your dream bed. ‘You spend a third of your life in bed, so you should treat it like an investment,’ says interior designer, stylist and Ensemblier brand director Tara Craig. For those looking to invest wisely, here are the points to consider when choosing the right bed for you. The standard length of a single and double bed is 190cm. A king-size and super-king bed typically measure 200cm, so if you are particularly tall, this might be a preferable option. In terms of width, a single measures 90cm, a double is 135cm, a king-size comes to 150cm and a super king is 180cm wide. ‘You each want at least…

Rising star They say they don’t make ’em like they used to, but the four-piece Alma collection, a first-time collab from interior designer Beata Heuman and Original BTC, is retro-inspired and set to stun. The lamp’s bone china shades feature 41 handmade holes that shine like stars at night, while bendy and unlacquered polished brass arms are made to patina over time – the future is bright. Alma lights, starting at £489, Beata Heuman x Original BTC SPECIAL BATCH Like the perfect backing singers, the hues in this capsule paint range by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler were intended as strong yet neutral backdrops, ideal for enhancing the look and tone of other decor. The latest shade, a warm terracotta named Saffron, works in every room and hits just the…

1 Modern slats Slatted walls are popular contemporary finishes, but they can also perfectly conceal a door; a discreet horizontal cut is the only giveaway that a doorway even exists. ‘In this Sydney home, the doors conceal the pantry and powder room, and have been installed to flow up to form the staircase balustrade.’ Victoria D’Alisa, director, Porebski Architects 2 Secret en suite Another prime candidate for a hidden door is an en suite leading from a small bedroom. For one of her projects, interior designer Alison Lewis created an en-suite door in a built-in cupboard. ‘Given the small footprint of the home, maximising storage was paramount. Rather than breaking up the rectilinear cabinetry with a hinged door, I carried the cabinetry through to maximise above-door storage and show that practical…

milestone moments ONE YEAR IN DESIGN DISTRICT, GREENWICH PENINSULA Celebrating a year since its launch, Design District is opening its studios and workshops alongside a range of experiences. With a diverse roster of tenants, the blossoming creative hub will centre around Bureau, its co-working members club, with a programme of talks to attend. The topics at the top of the agenda? Sustainability and inclusivity, all led by industry leaders. Soak in the atmosphere with good food, drink, and live music. LDF, Design District, Greenwich Peninsula. designdistrict.co.uk 20:20 VISION TWENTY BY TOM DIXON Celebrating its 20th year, Tom Dixon is hosting its second iteration of TWENTY, an exhibition that kicked off at Milan Design Week in June and features 20 new designs. Join celebrations that include an assortment of events, talks,…

Intelligent cooktop The Novy Easy Pro 80cm vented induction hob, £2,599, features a quiet central extractor that regulates the extraction speed once cooking begins. It also has four cooking zones that can be converted into two large Flexzones on either side of the central extractor vent – useful for big pans and stockpots – and even an automatic cooking function, which immediately reduces boiling water to a simmer. GO WITH THE GRAIN In a new range of lacquer finishes the Intarsio storage system by Cesar, is an elegant blend of craftsmanship and functionality. Designed by García Cumini, its whorls and grains integrate seamlessly into the rest of the home. Price on application. CLEAN LINES Poliform’s Shape kitchen features recessed handles in Moka matt lacquer, seen here with steel units and…

The best approach for designing a kitchen is to think about how you like to cook. It seems obvious, but it is often forgotten. Everyone has favourite pots and pans and preferences in terms of appliances, so carefully consider the layout, the storage and practical needs. All the while, bear in mind that the kitchen is more than just for food preparation – it is the hub of the home, a media room, a family room, a dining room, a breakfast room, and there are different requirements for all these things. Consider also what will bring true enjoyment in the space. I believe that comes from the colour, texture and aesthetic of the room – and from a sense of soul. It is important that a kitchen reminds you of…

One of the important things about designing a bathroom – especially in the country – is that it doesn’t seem utilitarian. We like to make sure that it feels like any other decorative space, with antiques and freestanding elements. Often, old houses have limitations in terms of plumbing or structural features that can’t be moved, presenting layout challenges. We try to work with them, perhaps by putting a bath in the centre of the room, for example, keeping the original wood floor and adding a hard-wearing marble ‘rug’ for it to sit on. Using a frameless glass shower screen means it disappears, and the architectural features remain as the focus of the room. We will always use traditional-style tap and shower fittings in a country house, because they are part…

SHAPE SHIFTER Of the many trends to come out of Milan’s Salone del Mobile in June, chunky, rounded legs has got to be one of the most satisfying. Cattelan Italia and Ditre Italia both used them for exceptional hero tables, while at Sé, Ini Archibong’s Atlas bench in Carrara marble is proof that plumped up forms can be elegant too. These shapes are like smiles, soft at the edges, welcoming, fun, and they fit into next year’s design mood perfectly.…

1 WORLD CLASS Hayley Barker’s creations celebrate the mystical, mad, romantic rhythms of the natural world. Waning Crescent oil painting, price on request, Shrine (NYC) 2 GLOW UP Combining a textured bronze ring and glowing alabaster sphere, this stunning sconce is as unique as it is elegant. Astra sconce, price on request, Alexandre Logé 3 GOOD GRIP With simple colours, handmade forms and quirky oversized handles, these cups are perfect for a good pour of coffee. Haruki Murakami coffee cups, €80 for a set of 3, AboutPlanB 4 THROW BACK Beginning with its Flemish Sewing pots in the 90s, Atelier Vierkant continues to produce durable, sustainable pieces that stand the test of time. Earth Anthology series, prices on request, Atelier Vierkant 5 NO MISTAKE While the table legs are reminiscent of…

Slow design isn’t a new phenomenon in interiors, but it’s never been more relevant than it is today. ‘For better or worse, we’re living in Amazon’s world,’ say Michaele Simmering and Johannes Pauwen, the founders of the bespoke furniture design brand Kalon, as we discuss what slow design means in 2022. ‘Buyers expect goods to arrive to their house within 24 hours if they’re living in a city at this point. Plus, if there’s a problem with it, it’s immediately taken care of.’ THE MOVEMENT With speed so highly valued, it might seem surprising that many brands, alongside smaller designer-makers, are embracing the label of slow design. It’s an idea that’s been around for over two decades, under this moniker at least, taking its lead from other ‘slow’ movements. From…

While they serve a greater purpose, curtains have the potential to make or break the look of a room. Even a simple curtain can make a space feel finished while playing a pivotal role in transforming an interior – whether it’s by creating the illusion of a higher ceiling, framing a view or making a small window seem bigger. Better yet? They’re also a fabulous way to inject personality into a space. The first thing to consider when thinking about curtains is the impact their texture, colour or pattern will have on the rest of the space. Try letting the curtains become the focus of your room by using a standout print or eye-catching colour – the drama can be spectacular. Equally, by focusing on texture, they could be used…

i find joy in colour,’ says Dabito, and after a few minutes spent in his company, it’s not hard to see its impact, both in his optimistic outlook and the bright-hued interiors he inhabits. In four years, he’s transformed a box-like 1950s bungalow into a covetable LA pad, also home to his partner Ryan and their menagerie of pets, including two pit bulls and a cat. Dabito is the founder of Old Brand New, a platform that rose to prominence with Instagrammable interiors hacks – what he can’t tell you about inventive, affordable do-overs probably isn’t worth knowing. Having divided his time between New Orleans and his home turf for the last few years, Dabito was ready to ‘grow roots’ in the South Pasadena district where he grew up with…

Orange and green always work together because they share the commonality of yellow in their make-up. In this room, the stability of the muted green allows the stronger oranges to stand out. The variation of these tones works in harmony due to their inherent warmth. Each hue contains ochre, umber or red oxide, which means the colours relate to each other, translating into a balanced and inviting scheme despite the clear difference in tonal strength. Although orange and green could be thought of as a classic colour scheme, the use of terracotta and high gloss woodwork makes for a more contemporary finish here. The blend of greens creates depth and dynamism. The tonal variation of khaki, the olive tone of the sofa, the yellow-based green on the ceiling and the…

If your home office entices you to sit down at your desk, half the battle is won ‘Home offices need to encourage work. Colours that aid concentration and inspire thought are blues and purples. Blues are long associated with level-headed coolness, a quality that is definitely needed in the office – psychologically it encourages logic and clarity of thought. The more pastel the colour, the more soothing it is. A blue-purple could be ideal for finding inspiration.’ Natalie Tredgett, founder of design studio Natalie Tredgett Design ‘Over time, the sofa has become the biggest trend in home offices. I think when you’re using the sofa to sit on, rest or sleep on, there has to be a kind of softness and tactility to the piece. And it doesn’t mean it…

RUGGABLE You might say that Ruggable started with a happy accident: after a dog ruined a new carpet, the idea for a durable brand emerged. Founder Jeneva Bell went on to create style-forward floor coverings that are both stain-resistant and machine-washable – ideal for life with kids and pets. And the recently launched Ruggable Re-Jute designs are no less savvy, evoking visuals of jute without the issue of shedding. Made partially with recycled water bottles, they aim to lessen landfills, too, making the rugs clever and eco-friendly. Roll out the green carpet! ruggable.co.uk…

SUSPENDED STORAGE Searching for extra storage ideas? Scavolini suggests looking up. Referring to the growing trend for suspended storage, showroom manager of Scavolini by Multiliving, Brani Hadzhi, says the benefits are bountiful. ‘Ceiling-mounted storage is a great way to bring elements of the professional kitchen into the home,’ she enthuses. To blend and soften the look, greenery and glassware will do the trick. Diesel Open Workshop kitchen, from £10,000, Scavolini by Multiliving (multiliving.co.uk) The ultimate multitasker There’s a new wave of extractor fans on the block – and Franke is leading the way with the AQ Sense Monitor. Featuring an Air Quality Sensor, it will activate automatically when unsafe levels are detected. A touchscreen display allows you to browse websites, listen to music and keep an eye on home security…

For some, the idea of a hobby room is a total pipe dream, a luxury that their home simply can’t afford. But for many people, in homes big and small, there exists a space in their house that’s currently not being used to its full potential. Maybe it’s the guest room that’s used once a year, or the ironing room that, while functional, doesn’t bring you joy. And really, isn’t joy what we’re working towards in our homes? Dedicating space to something you love doing and that feeds your spirit doesn’t sound like a bad place to start in terms of making your home a happier one. When it comes to your general wellbeing, it’s easy to see why a hobby room might be beneficial. It has the potential to…

Getting the perfect radiator for your room can alter your home’s aesthetic and make a dramatic difference to heating bills, but there are so many things to think about before you settle on style. From energy efficiency to the best materials to go for, these are the secrets to choosing the right radiator. Firstly, always calculate energy requirement, or British Thermal Unit (BTU), for the room you’re heating. This calculation dictates what style and size you can go for and is based on room dimensions and window size. ‘One of the most common mistakes when fitting a radiator is calculating the BTU incorrectly,’ warns Simon Morris of The Radiator Company. ‘If your BTU output is too high for your room, you may be paying higher energy bills. If it’s too…

ROUND THE BLOCK This rounded brick house in Hoxton, unlike anything before it, looks like it ought to be surrounded by water, like a cross between a ship and a castle. The fantastic design, by architect Sam Jacob, channels a multitude of references, chiefly those of Konstantin Melnikov, whose avant-garde style (imaginative buildings with geometric cut-outs) shaped early-20th-century Soviet architecture. Built atop the remnants of a former pub, the new home is all odds and ends: circular and diamond windows that beckon like crown jewels, top-floor cylinders that rise like a ship’s smokestack, exterior brick walls that curve and spare interiors that swerve. The house even belies a ground-floor playschool, which feels right at home in such playful surrounds. Is it a novelty for all ages? Time will tell. For…

I like a kitchen to feel like a living room – a space where you can hang out and feel comfortable – as well as being functional. Many of my clients have kids and busy lives, so they want relaxed, practical rooms; nothing too precious, but with high impact. The interior architecture is my starting point: how we can build in a range cooker in a chimney breast to become a focal point in the space, add arches or beams, or create specific openings around windows and doors. These are the things that lay the foundation and add soul to a space. I try to stay with the architectural style in the choice of cabinetry door so there is consistency. This way, it feels as though the kitchen was built…

Simple power STEVEN SALT, UK CEO, BOFFI DE PADOVA Created for Boffi by Japanese designer, Naoto Fukasawa, the Round Sabbia bath, £57,732, is carved from Bianco Carrara marble and has a softly curved base to offset its monolithic form. ‘This piece deeply expresses the way the designer uses his personal design philosophies: simplicity, archetypal forms, comfort and practicality,’ says Steven. Eye line NOA SANTOS, FOUNDER, NAINOA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS ‘The further the eye travels uninterrupted, the larger a space feels,’ advises interior designer Noa. ‘For this Manhattan apartment, we wanted to clear a visual path from the primary bedroom into the primary bath, using a glass partition.’ The stone vanity makes a strong central focal point beyond. Marble beauty DAVID JOHN DICK, CO-PRINCIPAL, DISC INTERIORS As part of the renovation…

STACKED UP The Bit Stool Stack from Normann Copenhagen looks akin to a monolithic structure or column – and that’s no mistake because designer Simon Legald intended it to be bold, an object that holds its ground. £205, Normann Copenhagen at Heal’s CORE CORK Designed by Marco Carini for bathroom company Agape, the Vis-à-vis stool is impressively light thanks to its eco-friendly material, made with either natural or heat-treated cork. As a result, it’s easy enough to shimmy from room to room, and you can even take it into the shower cubicle to use as a seat. Price on request, Agape CROWNING JEWEL With its eye-catching hourglass silhouette, royal blue glaze and throne-like appearance, this is one bon-vivant stool that deserves its sovereign status. In fact, the Du Roy ceramic…

Faye Toogood is an established design polymath, who expertly moves between an array of media – it is this brilliant range that she explores in her new book, Drawing, Material, Sculpture, Landscape, which is published in partnership with Phaidon (£69.95). What can we expect to see in your book? Phaidon came to me asking if I’d like to do a book, and I think they were after something like a coffee table book of my work. I said let’s try and do something that includes things people have never seen. Something intimate and involving the studio. I suggested we go through my archive looking at the processes of how we work. I’m super OCD, so I’ve kept archive boxes for every project I’ve done. It’s an often in-depth look about…

GREEN VEINING Marbled surfaces were big in Milan, proof that the sense of opulence that comes from hi-shine finishes is here to stay. But emerging as a trend within the trend was a push towards green veining, a soft tactility that speaks of marble’s natural origins and brings its glamour down a liveable notch or two. Marazzi took it as the inspiration for its new collection called The Top, used to cover not just islands and counters but as flooring, too. Marble-effect, in 12mm antibacterial slabs, it results in a beguilingly sensual overall effect. Meanwhile, at Porada green stone has been harnessed to create the irregularly shaped Berry table, its ripples inviting friends to lean into conversation as they dine and luxuriate in the informality of its gentle whorls. And…

EYELET Eyelet curtain headings are threaded onto a pole through metal rings, with the curtains hanging in wide, uniform folds from top to bottom. This heading is particularly popular in modern homes and great for large expanses of window. PENCIL PLEAT Pencil-pleat headings gather the fabric into semi-cylindrical rolls that resemble a line of pencils. The curtains will then tumble freely to the floor. It’s a classic heading that goes with poles or tracks and can suit smaller windows. PINCH PLEAT Pinch pleat headings draw together lots of fabric, which is gathered in bunches and stitched to create a smart decorative finish featuring elegant folds flowing to the floor. As with pencil pleat headings, they work with either a pole or a track. WAVE Wave curtain headings are perfect for…

The number one rule in design is motive. Without one, you may find yourself lost at sea without a paddle. So, before investing in lamps and light fittings, get to know the room you’re designing and sort out which functions and activities will take place there. To start, draw a simple scale plan of the room: include key features (windows, doors and a rough furniture layout) and highlight areas you need to brighten up, noting the types of lighting you think will be most useful. Next, think through your options with a critical eye. For example, an LED lamp looks great in terms of efficiency, but it won’t glow as beautifully as a standard bulb (if you have the budget, artist Niamh Barry creates high-concept chandeliers in bronze and glass…

SUSIE ATKINSON Of course I use my own lamp designs a lot, too. We do very sharply angular shades alongside table lamp bases painted in deep, glossy colours. I like to pair them with antique brass, and to use them in bigger spaces where they provide a real contrast. ALVARO PICARDO A new find, we came across him on Instagram. Alvaro does graphic painted shades that are quite angular. We’re about to use one of his pieces in a dining room of a Queen Anne house in London – it’s a fairly traditional space and I know this will bring an element of modernity. Best of all, you can customise any of his shades in any Farrow & Ball colour. MAX ROLLITT It’s worth including a lamp base recommendation, too…

Just when you thought window seats were the ultimate comfort, designers are taking it up a notch with sleeping nooks. The dreamy feature adds another zone for relaxation in modern homes, and a cosy space for guests to sit, read or nap. ‘A sleeping nook like this is a great option when space is hard to come by – think lake house or mountain cabin – where your need to maximise efficiency is matched by your desire to comfortably sleep as many people as you can,’ says designer Sean Anderson. A novelty, surely, these nooks can be luxuriously rustic (think beadboard walls and old-timey textiles) or cleverly clean-lined (constructed with sharp angles and edgy colour palettes). Designers often make the most of the architecture, installing storage whenever possible – like…

1 Maintain a zen feel with an open and uncluttered space. Be sure to provide enough room for the area to feel airy, given its purpose. If you have a place in your home that has a ton of glass allowing a view of Mother Nature, natural light and greenery are the perfect backdrop for creating an overall zen feel. 2 Keep it light and calming with the colour palette – we lean towards greens and blues, which provide a sense of calm and tranquillity. Add texture in wall and floor coverings, furniture, lighting and art to add overall warmth and cosiness. 3 We are proponents of plants in living spaces, but particularly a yoga room. Adding plants helps to reduce stress levels, helps purify the air and is an…

Saint James, Paris IN A SENTENCE Country house comfort and glamour in the heart of the city – with a glorious garden, two restaurants and a spa, it’s an oasis of luxury. DESIGN HIGHLIGHT The interior has been completely reimagined by the design scene’s current darling, Laura Gonzalez. A daring maximalist, Laura has introduced rich colours, joyful patterns and plush fabrics to bring contemporary drama to the building’s neoclassical architecture. IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD The hotel has a celebrated Michelin-star restaurant, so you truly don’t need to leave. The 16th arrondissement is a smart residential area, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. ESCAPE THE CITY Indulge in the spa, which, thanks to vaulted ceilings and a stone staircase, feels rather like a Greco-Roman bath. There’s…

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of my favourite rooms, but it is primarily a functional space. The design process is two-pronged – first, considering the layout and how one will move through the kitchen; then, how we want the room to feel – if it is to be an energising or calm, reflective space. The layout and look definitely need to feed into one another. Infusing a range of textural materials can be a great way to give dimension to a kitchen. I love creating a conversation between the interior and its exterior, through materials and textures that speak to the natural beauty of an environment. Marble is not only stylish but also durable. Adding panelled sections to kitchen walls or cabinets can create visual…

Shower experience The flush-fitted ceiling Dornbracht rain shower, from £1,044, is designed to deliver a spa-like experience. It features a powerful rinsing jet and a relaxing rain shower function with feather-like rain drops, as well as chromotherapy lighting. SAFETY FIRST As the water temperature increases, the LED display on the Grohe Plus mixer, £880 in chrome medium, changes from cool blue to warm red, as a helpful safety aid and a nudge towards saving energy. ASTUTE CONTROL Roca’s Smart Shower, £4,052 for the set shown here, allows up to three users to pre-set their shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates based on their individual requirements. It can be controlled via an app on your phone, so that you can monitor and reduce water and energy consumption. Modern drama The…

Bathrooms can be clinical spaces, so I work hard to make them the very opposite. I want them to feel homely and inviting, by injecting colour with a considered choice of tiles or painted joinery. For example, a vanity unit, painted in an unexpected colour, can make a standout piece that instantly introduces warmth. Plain subway wall tiles in a beautiful shade can be a cost effective way of introducing impact, especially when paired with joinery painted in a contrasting colour. We love playing around with pairings – sometimes surprising combinations are the most successful. White or off-white walls, white and grey marble tiles or even an expanse of plain white bath can be used as a juxtaposition to a bold colour pairing and to prevent a scheme becoming overwhelming…