Innehållsförteckning för February 2023 från Living Etc

@pip.rich My parents have put their house on the market – the one they’ve had since I was 10, that essentially I grew up in and where I sat listening to Tori Amos on repeat while being a very moody teen. When they told me, I kept waiting for the upset to kick in, or waves of nostalgia at any rate, but nothing happened. I love their house (it was designed by an architect for herself to live in during the 1930s and has tons of character), but I support their decision to downsize and selling it seems sensible. I think I’ve taken this decision in my stride because I’ve been busy employing all the design tricks in my armoury so that my current house makes me happy in the…

the endless joy of colour ARTIST AND DESIGNER CAMILLE WALALA ON THE SHADE THAT’S BECOME AN UNEXPECTED MUSE I never normally use brown in my designs. However, having experimented with the colour palette of Danish furniture company Montana, developed by designer Margrethe Odgaard, to reimagine the exterior of their factory to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary, I’ve found joy in some unexpected combinations. A brown with a pale yellow, a pale blue, a lilac – suddenly brown becomes a happy colour. For a palette like this, it brings in balance. I’ve recently bought a new house, so maybe this turn towards a colour like brown is part of the nesting process. The Memphis movement has been a huge inspiration, although when I first came face to face with it, I…

LIVING SPACE Architect and owner, Guto Requena has blended his own pieces with Brazilian design classics, creating a rich, earthy palette that works brilliantly with the vivid green foliage of the apartment’s many plants. The projector screen can show films or online meetings and transforms into a digital gallery displaying Guto and husband Hugo’s collection of NFT works. Modular sofas and coffee tables, all Micasa. White armchair, sideboard and rug, all Estudio Guto Requena. Armchair and ottoman, both Jean Gillon. Side table, Hay. Bench, Espasso DINING AREA The soft curves of the dining table and playful cluster of mix-and-match chairs create a flexible set-up for different dining occasions. Dining table, Jacqueline Terpins. Chairs by Lina Bo Bardi, Irmãos Campana, Maarten Baas, Lucas Neves, Verner Panton and Pax Arquitetura. Vases, Carol…

TRUE ART One reason why gypsum plaster makes the perfect finish is that it is ideal for displaying your favourite things against. A rich backdrop, it makes curated art and curiosities feel almost like they belong in a museum. IN A NEW LIGHT The texture of the gypsum comes alive in the light that pours into this space, thanks to the triple-height windows. Black metal accents from the window frames, lights and shelving add an edge to a soft finish. ALL IS CALM In this dining area, the freshly plastered walls are left bare, sealed, and with a stripe of blue paint where the wall meets the ceiling. The result is a simply decorated yet energising breakfast spot – a place to dream while starting the day. WARM FRONTS By…

Storage and style don’t always go hand in hand, but fitted wardrobes can utilise awkward corners and unused alcoves, all with a seamless and stylish finish. ‘A wardrobe isn’t only storage; it’s a transforming object that evolves and adapts to become an integral part of our life,’ says Steve Leung of Steve Leung Design Group, who designed the Eureka wardrobe for LEMA. With so many options, we’re here to help you invest in the best. When it comes to sizing, your fitted wardrobe should measure around 50-67cm deep from the back wall to the front. Any less and you’re not getting much in; any more and you’re entering Narnia territory. Don’t be afraid to go floor-to-ceiling, which is seamless and provides room up top for pigeon hole shelving. A ladder…

Although staircases are among the most functional features in our homes, it doesn’t mean they’re all utilitarian. The impulse to infuse bold elements, twists and turns has precedent, which is why, in an effort to be different, a handful of architects have stumbled onto a brilliant idea: changing the very first step. By switching up the shape, material and treatment at the base of the stairs, designers create a new layer of visual interest, an upfront feature that stands out within a structure known for continuity. Does it break all the rules? Yes, and that’s precisely what makes it so exciting. The not-so-subtle style is certainly in line with the current desire for one-of-a-kind customisation throughout modern interiors. ‘Owners are wanting their spaces to be less cookie-cutter and more reflective…

There’s no doubt that the winter season can be depressing. Dark mornings, dark evenings and grey skies can lead to what’s known as seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) – a type of depression that hits during the winter months. When it strikes, our homes can feel less comforting, with even usually bright spaces looking flat and white walls dulling to a sallow grey, sucking the energy out of the room. ‘For architects, natural light is always the most important consideration in any space,’ architect Matthew Wood, founder of MW Architects tells us. ‘It is the lifeblood of a space, constantly changing and moving and pouring energy deep into a room. Without light the space is lifeless. So, of course, there is a synergy between natural light and how a space…

FACE OFF Spanish architecture practice OOIIO calls this residential build in Valdemorillo, a town just north of Madrid, ‘the house of a thousand faces’ – and with its sprawling structure, jutting out at every angle, we can see why. The Sierra de Madrid sits on the distant horizon; the mountainous landscape acted as inspiration for OOIIO. In an effort to maximise views – as well as to accommodate the trees and rocks already occupying the plot – the architects created a ‘pinwheel’ of a home, with viewpoints revolving around a double-height core. Clay-like ceramic cladding in red-grey tones picks up the colour of the earth beneath and contrasts with the surrounding greenery. LLO House looks different from day to day, hour to hour, changing depending on the light, the season…

HIDE AND SEEK A dedicated breakfast servery holds a toaster, crockery, peanut butter et al in this kitchen by Matthew Sedgwick, senior designer at Martin Moore. Its surface, a beautiful and easy-to-care-for polished quartz, coordinates with the rest of the room, while the rich tones of the sculptural hand-blown glass pendant pick up on shades in the wood. Martin Moore kitchens, from £45,000. New Classic cabinetry, Martin Moore. Hand-blown Double Dine light, £3,950, Curiousa LIGHT TOUCHES LEDs cast subtle under-cupboard illumination while pendant lights hang low over the island, creating a feel of intimacy for chopping, chatting or chomping. A stately slab of ultra-durable polished Grigio Atlantic quartz forms a centrepiece, positioned to allow daylight to flow past it into the darker corners, while a mirrored splashback enhances the brightness…

1 everyone’s talking about…IMPACTFUL RUGS Graphic prints that are almost too wonderful to walk on The warm minimalism trend looks set to stay strong in 2023 – pared-back palettes and an edit of personality-filled pieces being the only things needed to make a house a home. And key to this look is powerfully patterned rugs. A hit of joy on the floor – or, as shown here, just as beautiful on the wall – they are most impactful when paired with little else, stopping a space from seeming empty but without the cluttering feel of too many accessories. The rugs in Deirdre Dyson’s brand-new collection are definitely power players. Launching this month at Maison&Objet in Paris, the rugs sing with her flair for colour and artful eye for design. 2…

Sofas that look like a nest of shimmering sea snakes, storage that is reminiscent of straw huts indigenous to South A merica and tables that glitter as if made from shards of broken mirror – those are just a few of the works of Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana. Together, the two long worked to push the aesthetic edges of home design, creating furniture that is functional, yes, but fun too. It was a privilege to talk to Fernando before his death, aged 61. He smiled as he told me about his ethos, work and mission to delight–something the brand will certainly continue to do. The pair founded Estudio Campana in 1984 and one of their most famous collaborations is with Edra, a brand who always loves to verge on…

Interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan is celebrating 10 years of his eponymous studio, and is particularly well known for his work at hotels like Claridge’s and The Berkeley. His schemes have an elegance to them that is always balanced – pleasingly – with a mix of modern shapes and shades. PIP RICH So Bryan, all of the spaces of yours that I’ve been in – or even just seen pictures of – make me happy. There is a joy to their upscale-yet-relaxed glamour. Is that emotion by the people who experience your work somethingyou factor into the design process? BRYAN O’SULLIVAN Definitely! Our goal is to make a space feel uplifting, happy and joyful. If a room is functioning correctly, as, say, the best TV room it can be, or the…

LIVING ROOM A mustard ceiling amplifies the natural light that filters into this room, as well as drawing the eye to the sculptural forms of the copper pipe installation. Sofa, Poliform. Sculpture and artwork, all by Federico Massimiliano Mozzano. For a similar paint colour, try Yellow-Pink by Little Greene THE BOLD CHOICE OF COLOURS WAS INSPIRED BY A PALETTE CREATED BY LE CORBUSIER IN THE 1920S STAIRWELL A zig-zag skirting board emphasises the graphic line of the steps. Custom bannister designed by Annalisa Mauri. Painting from the Under Pressure series by Federico Massimiliano Mozzano to step into Chiara Moro’s fabulous two-storey apartment is to be transported into a technicolour world of rich, saturated tones. Unapologetically bold hues – whether a sensual plum or a playful yellow – create the sense…

LIVING ROOM This space at the front of the house is the couple’s favourite. ‘It has all the elements we love,’ says Dylan. Sofa, Roche Bobois. Canopée floor lamp by E. Gallina, AM/PM Lighting. Nikal curtains, A Rum Fellow x George Spencer Designs. Vora Form rug, A Rum Fellow. Similar sculptural stool, Pols Potten LIVING ROOM ‘The colours here were inspired by the beautifully vibrant and warm colours of the buildings in Antigua, Guatemala,’ says Dylan. Woodwork in Toasted Beige, Valspar. Cushion and hand-knotted rug (in bespoke colourways), both A Rum Fellow. Chair, HKliving. Malawian woven grass wall art, People of the Sun ten years ago, Dylan O’Shea and Caroline Lindsell set up their boutique textile brand, A Rum Fellow, specialising in marrying abstract contemporary designs with artisanal production methods.…

Each of the tones used within this scheme are based on natural pigments. The overarching brown on the ceiling contains umber; the off-white on the walls contains a pink hue representative of red oxide and a touch of muted ochre. All of these pigments have an inherent warmth to them, and the use of these tones in combination naturally creates a gentle and inviting atmosphere. The wall tiles are slightly cooler in that they have a more grey tone to them, and the sofa contains a little yellow. The variety of neutral tones within the scheme adds depth to the space and the arrangement of these colours alongside the natural materials provides tranquillity. It’s a harmonious scheme brought about by the subtle complexity of these natural pigments. Honey tones, browns…

As a master of the art of restoring furniture, Jay Blades has plenty of wisdom to share when it comes to refreshing a scheme. In light of a new collection with G Plan, we spoke to the designer about happy-making design – and the joy to be found in unexpected details. Your work with G Plan is centred around refreshing their iconic designs with fun fabrics. The unexpected details feel very joyful – what effect do you think they have? Anyone can buy a piece of furniture, but adding little details [like] an element of colour allows your personality to shine through. I think every room should have a statement piece: a big, pictureless ornate frame in the centre of a room or a colourful vase. These G Plan sofas…

HADELAND GLASSVERK From the 1930s to the late 1960s, in the aftermath of the war, sprung a new interest in space and a desire for self-expression in interiors – which led to the creation of a whole new look. Mid-century modern, influenced by fresh colour schemes and shapes, gave rise to iconic designs, and it was during that period that the design team at Hadeland launched a series of utilitarian and industrial lights. With a minimal profile and restrained aesthetic, they defined this period of Scandinavian design. Now, 90 years later, the contemporary team at Hadeland has rediscovered these gems and relaunched them. The lights, made with the original wooden moulds, went back into production with minimal revisions, and are now available in brass, black and brushed steel. Individualistic in…

Transforming your home into something extraordinary is all in the finer details – and light switches are a prime example. Traditionally seen as purely functional, and often given very little thought, our attitude is changing as we do away with white, plastic switchboards in favour of brass, or swap the classic flick for a dimmer or decorative toggle. ‘Choosing a beautiful switch helps to layer a foundation of styling that will establish your home’s interiors,’ says Brooke Boden from Buster + Punch. To help, our handy hints will shine a light on how to find the perfect switch for you. Light switches range from classic flick switches to push-buttons and dimmers. Classic flick switches in a dolly toggle style have a satisfying click and vintage feel – find great options…

HIDDEN DEPTH Casa Yugen is named after a concept in Japanese aesthetics – one that can’t be directly translated but can mean, roughly, a sense of depth, profundity and abstraction. Studio Gabriel Bordin embraced it in this project, a residential home in Florianópolis, Brazil, through a curved wall that at first hides and then reveals the social space beyond. The dark walls, too, frame the lighter elements – the windows, the Rubens Oestroem painting, the furniture – around them. AIR OF MYSTERY Viewed from the street, you’d never suspect that Milk Bar House harbours a circular courtyard around which the sun moves as it passes across the sky – but surprises are plenty in this property, designed by Kennedy Nolan. The architects aimed to capture the mystery of walled cities,…

Sommerro, Oslo, Norway IN A SENTENCE A 1930s landmark has been reborn into the coolest new place to stay in Norway’s capital. DESIGN DOWNLOAD The interiors were masterminded by Alice Lund and Adam Greco from GrecoDeco; you may know them as the designers behind London’s The Ned. In celebrating the building’s art deco heritage they have created a homage to glamour and detailing. WHAT’S THE WELLNESS TWIST? Hotel Sommerro revives Oslo’s former public baths, with features including treatment rooms, a gym, an infrared sauna and a cold plunge pool for Nordic thermotherapy. The large original swimming pool has a stunning Pehr Krohg mosaic on its walls. The hotel also offers the city’s first year-round rooftop pool and sauna. ON THE MENU There are seven restaurants, including a couple of local…

BLACK VEINED SURFACES Dark worksurfaces were the surprise of 2022, a return to a pre-Instagram life when we wanted our kitchens to feel smartly functional and weren’t worried about them being photo backdrops too. But marble is going nowhere, so it’s natural that the two have blended in this ultra-luxe – and still very Instagrammable, thank you – aesthetic. N_Elle kitchen, Cesar BRASS EDGES We’ve embraced metallics in the kitchen – witness the rise of the gold island. Now meet its subtler cousin, the gilt edge. It’s a flash of something opulent that doesn’t detract from the overall effect of being a comfortable family space – it just adds that extra detail that makes all the difference. Metallics Collection kitchen in Verdigris Copper, Ledbury Studio SCANDI WITH A TWIST It’s…

BOLD AS BRASS The central point of this room, created by Paul Welburn, senior designer at Roundhouse, is the wow-factor island and coordinating upper cabinetry. Both of these are wrapped in pieces of metal with a hand-crafted antique brass finish. Italian cross-cut travertine floor tiles accentuate the Midas-touch mood, enhanced by a pale Taj Mahal quartzite splashback. Roundhouse kitchens, from £35,000. Fat dining chairs, from £980 each, Tom Dixon THE DARK SIDE Storage reigns with space for appliances big and small to hide, leaving the exterior sleek, neat and clutter-free. Matt black cupboards bookend the brass cabinetry in the middle of the room, creating a calmer, muted area for the eye to rest on, as well as helping to camouflage the built-in ovens. The metallic tone of the cupboard handles…

Mix materials and remember, finishes don’t have to match! It is important to think of the materials as a palette that interacts, complementing each other in their differences and still creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. This gives you the freedom to source fixtures and fittings, such as shower heads and lighting, from different suppliers and the distinctions allow you to notice the intrinsic beauty of them individually. It creates a narrative. Another important point is to remember the function of the materials. For instance, if you wish to use reclaimed teak, bear in mind the upkeep of looking after it. Pay attention to thresholds. These small details can make all the difference in a room such as the bathroom. Focusing on how materials meet, such as a marble worktop with…

BRONZE AGE Timeless is the best way to sum up the aesthetic of this bathroom, created by Orla Read of Orla Read Design Studio, Nicola Harding of Nicola Harding & Co and Victoria Barker of Studio Faeger. This floor-standing industrial-style bath tap is cast in solid brass and, as well as all the other hardware in the room, features an antique bronze finish. The shade is a nod to the natural materials and tones used throughout the space and adds to the overtly calming feel. Bestwood lever floor-standing bath and shower mixer tap, from £3,372, Drummonds BATHING BEAUTY Transformed with a splash of dusty raspberry paint, the freestanding bath brings a contemporary twist to the space, giving a wry smile to the traditional pieces around it. The Tay bath with…

BRANCHING OUT With its feel of faded grandeur, the chinoiserie-patterned waterproof wallpaper adds a soft decorative touch to this bathroom, created by Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. The chunky bespoke unit is painted in almost-black RAL 7021 to match the bath standing opposite it, while the slice of Carrara marble on the top offers respite from the dark intensity. Bespoke Knightsbridge vanity unit, from £4,170; Ibis waterproof wallpaper, from £250 linear m, Inkiostro Bianco, both West One Bathrooms BATH SPA Painted in deepest grey, the imposing bath was the starting point for the palette of the room. Hexagonal floor tiles carry the same pattern as the larger-format tiles to the walls, their smaller size tricking the eye to make the floor feel more expansive as well…

1. FULL SCREEN Screens have both practical and decorative purposes. Coco Chanel was an avid collector of Chinese folding screens and is believed to have owned a total of 32. Start your collection now with this stunning Italian screen c1970 with the original silk moiré panels. Vintage screen, £3,800, Adam Bray 2. NATURE CALLS Emery & Cie has teamed up with craftsman Soufiane Tiglyene to create tiles inspired by the nature around us. Empreintes Végétales tiles, £25 each, Emery & Cie 3. WRAP UP So soft, thick and scrumptious is this oversized bear hug of a dressing robe that you may even be tempted to wear it out of the house… do not succumb! Bathrobe, from £155, Tekla Fabrics 4. IN SINK Each Whirligig concrete basin Sam Lander makes is…

On a perfectly clear day, you can feel the energy that comes with the sun beating through your windows. Yet unless you’ve committed to the installation of panels on your roof, solar power isn’t something we can easily embrace beyond a few garden lights. However, ‘solar designers’ Marjan van Aubel and Erwin Marges, co-founders of a new solar-powered lighting brand, Sunne, want to change this. ‘Solar energy can be seen as a democratic energy source, as it is free and everywhere,’ Erwin tells us. ‘The current geopolitical situation is highlighting our need to be self-sufficient, and solar is a key tool to achieve this.’ Sunne is not the first solar-concerned product designed by Marjan, but it’s perhaps the most marketable. The light fixture contains both the solar panels and the…

DINING AREA ‘We used a colour-block paint effect on the walls to add a contemporary twist to the period features,’ says Jo. Dining table, Ceccotti Collezioni. Vintage Danish dining chairs upholstered in sheepskin, Anna Unwin. Wall light, Robert Mathieu. Ceramics on table, Lrnce. Day bed in red leather from Rogers & Goffigon, Lampert & Harper LIVING ROOM The 1920s mouldings and flooring inspired the mood for this room. Serpentine sofa, Maddux Creative. Mirror artwork, Sabine Marcelis and Brit Van Nerven. Artwork (left), Silvina Der Meguerditchian. Coffee tables, Pierre Augustin Rose. Pendant, Charles Burnand. Painting, Ross Chisholm THE IDEA WAS TO CREATE A HOME WITH NOTHING TOO OVERPOWERING, YET NOTHING TOO BLAND HALLWAY The original mirrored doors help bounce light around – a good idea to copy in a dark space.…

■ Three issues for just £9.75 ■ Save 50% on the cover price ■ Never miss an issue with every copy delivered direct to your door two simple ways to subscribe ONLINE AT magazinesdirect.com/letcfeb23 BY PHONE 0330 333 1113 Quote code XB66. Lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm and Saturday 10am-3pm UK time OFFER CLOSES 31.01.2023. Offer open to new UK subscribers only. 50% saving is based on the annual subscriptionrate. We will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm and Saturday 10am-3pm UK Time or e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330…

JEAN MONRO We love Jean Monro, an iconic British brand. It’s where you get blousy, old-fashioned florals, which we love pairing with crisper, contemporary styles. If we could, we’d go big – the scale of her fabrics suit curtains, a sofa or a bed treatment–but an easy way in is through cushions. Some of the colourways are quite contemporary: the blue in Rose & Fern is so vibrant it’s almost electric. HOWE AT 36 BOURNE STREET The fabric arm of Howe London does pretty small-scale prints and good heavyweight upholstery fabrics. It’s great for leather, too. The colour combinations are always a little bit unusual. If you have a traditional home they’re sweet for attics, children’s bedrooms or pantries. However, the colour combos are so interesting you could use them…

TAKE A SEAT Introducing our newest dream dining chair contender, the Abinger by Christian Watson. The furniture designer consistently delivers on elegant, minimalist pieces, and this is no exception. With a comfortable curved back, it’s a polished take on the rounded shapes we’ve come to love. Choose from British wool, bouclé or Portuguese cork finishes. Abinger dining chair in black cork, £624, Christian Watson DOPAMINE HIT For a dose of happiness to brighten up dull winter days, look to Swedish artist Astrid Wilson’s first homeware collection. Cushions, lampshades and wall hangings, all in Astrid’s signature blend of folkloric traditions and contemporary Nordic design, deliver all the pep you need to get through to spring. Wall Textile No.12, £360, Astrid Wilson GREEN CUISINE Sustainable choice runs right through to the pieces…

1 EVERY LAST INCH ‘We wanted to maximise space within this bedroom and design a cabinet that took advantage of corners. It creates an opportunity for display with an organic focal point. We pushed this feeling further by adding vintage enameled Gio Ponti door handles. This jewel-like pop counters the soft, earthy colours.’ Justin Capuco and Brittney Hart, co-founders of Husband Wife 2 BE SPOKE CURVE With a client seeking to maximise storage and find somewhere to fit a desk, The Stylesmiths made use of the space in front of a beautiful but awkward curved glass window for a custom built-in. ‘The desk follows the line of the curve along its back but also sits away from the glass to allow for a sheer curtain to cut out the glare…

Whether you want to organise clutter or add interest to a sparse wall, the power of bookshelves to enhance a space should not be underestimated. ‘They should be a feature of your living room in their own right and a place where you can express your personality,’ says interior designer Simone Gordon, co-founder of Owl Design, ‘from showcasing a few choice ceramics to using fun shapes and colours, with a clever mix of display and hidden storage.’ But before getting into the creative possibilities of bookshelves, what are the practical considerations to be aware of? ‘You need to decide what you’d like to display in that specific room,’ says Noz Nozawa, interior designer and founder of Noz Design. ‘For instance, in our bedroom, my husband and I keep novels and…

Re-outfit the existing cabinetry if you’re looking for a quick and simple solution – for example, when the budget is tight or if you’ve moved into a new home and want to upgrade the space before deciding to undertake any structural work. There are many ways to do this, though painting the cupboards is one of the most cost-effective routes to achieving a whole new look. However, for that unique flair, you could paint them in different shades or add a pop of colour inside – or even replace some of the front panels with glass that you can display a lovely fabric behind. Adding your own individual touch to the kitchen in this way might even convince you to put off major or longer-term alterations. Art is a must-have in…

DARK TONES While the trend for the neutral shades of spa bathrooms is still going strong, colour blocking more dramatic tones is the new look making a splash. Ideal for spaces that have no natural light – which can never be bright, no matter what you try – this approach leans into the moodiness of it all, creating a richness that’s surprisingly flattering to see yourself reflected within. Bathroom, Kingston Lafferty Design MODERN CONTRASTS Our love of Victorian-inspired fixtures is going nowhere – the shapes are so comfortingly familiar. But a new approach sees them partnered with decorative details in daringly modern designs – a blend that feels very in with the old. Lissa Doon basin, C.P. Hart. Fiamma wallcovering, Fromental MARBLE EVERYWHERE It might not surprise you that this…

FLORAL FANCY The latest collection for Wall&decò’s WET System – innovative waterproof wallcoverings perfect for bathrooms – unexpectedly centres on palettes of the superhero worlds of Smallville and Gotham. We’ve found ourselves falling for Ubud, an elaborate floral pattern designed by Maria Gomez Garcia in the darker tones of Gotham, inspired by black diamonds and the purple hues created by ultraviolet light. Take a closer look and you’ll find tropical plants woven into the oriental autumn setting. Ubud WET System wallcovering, £155sq m, Wall&decò SUPER SOAKER Introducing Megane, the brand new acrylic slipper bath from BC Designs. Shown here in Dulux’s Wild Wonder, the classic 1,700mm design suits traditional and contemporary schemes – and with the option to have it painted in any colour you like, it can be easily…