Innehållsförteckning för December 2023 från Living Etc

Can you believe it’s nearly Christmas?! I say that not to panic you – I promise – but because the anticipation is always the best bit. The first time you light that festively-scented candle, the bringing home of the tree. I’ve been thinking about it and talking about it for weeks – not because I’m super-organised but because I thrill in all the possibilities this time of year holds. I’ve decided on a palette of burgundies and pinks for the tree this year. Modern but slightly Victorian and nostalgic. And anyway, there is literally no need for you to panic at all, as we’ve got ideas for everything the holidays will throw at you across the pages of this issue. Some of the most tasteful tastemakers I know have compiled…

SERVING UP A STYLISH FEAST Cookery author Skye McAlpine reveals ways to create a feeling of abundance through food I want my home to feel abundant and plentiful at Christmas. It’s nice for it to feel extravagant in some way, because that’s what the festive season is about – being together, but also spoiling each other, and a really lovely way to do that is through food. Roasts are easy to do for large numbers, but often the side dishes are the most labour intensive parts. I have this really easy way of doing roast potatoes where you don’t have to peel them or parboil them – just drench them in more olive oil than seems sensible and put them in a medium oven for a long time. Then I…

It’s not that we’re saying goodbye to the curved sofa – we’re still far too in love with its rounded form for that. But we have noticed its more angular cousin taking the spotlight at several leading brands now. We saw it in the diamond-shaped arms of Calligaris’ Jill sofa – and now Minotti’s Dylan series, which bends gently to create a similar arched shape that’s a little more linear. It’s also a modular design – another key trend that expresses our need for pieces that fit like a glove into our homes. We challenge you not to be tempted by the clean lines and smart look of this sofa – is it time for something a little less free-flowing?…

cassandra Ellis is the genius behind Atelier Ellis, the Bath-based paint brand she founded in 2018. She specialises in richly pigmented hues and spaces that feel like home… except better. PIP RICH Last time we spoke, about 18 months ago, you talked about how collectively everyone was exhausted from the pandemic, and wanted rooms that you could flop in and that gave you a hug! I felt so seen – so validated. I was exhausted, and I wanted rooms to hug me, and you saying that made so much sense. We talked about browns answering this need specifically. What do you think is the zeitgeist today? I LIKE GOLD AT CHRISTMAS, PAIRED WITH IVORY AND GREEN – IT’S FUN AND SPARKLY AND SIMPLE AND SO BEAUTIFUL FOR A TABLE CASSANDRA…

It may have wow-factor, but this room doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. Designed by Shannon Shlom and Dominique Brammah, directors of Australian interiors studio Duet, the living room has an incredible amount going on – but it’s rather casual and nonchalant about it. Contemporary, traditional, opulent, mellow, dramatic, easy-going: welcome to a world of opposites. Texture leaps out, the expansive thick Moroccan rug contrasting the armchair’s sleek silk, the flatness of the painted surfaces and the marble tabletop, which in turn juxtapose the intricate tactile accents scattered about. Jewel-like colours meet hits of freshness. Everything comes together in a cacophony of excitement – and calm. It’s all about the greens here. Rich teal dominates in multiple forms – woven and ready to walk on, folded around the armchair and coated…

GAGGIA I’m quite emotional about some of the pieces I cook with, including an ice-cream machine I’ve had for 30 years from Gaggia. It’s a total workhorse and made me get into ice cream – I’m not a massive eater of it but I like making it because it’s a place where you can fuse flavours together. The modern versions are easier to clean. It has to sit on a shelf in the laundry room because it’s so large; I give it a little pat when I walk past it sometimes. LE CREUSET One piece I couldn’t be without for dishes I do in the oven is a 30cm shallow casserole – I have a Le Creuset one. If you’re doing a dish you’re bunging in the oven, it’s big…

COLOUR CALL Kelling Home is probably best known for its fabulous lamps and cushions, but its new collection of china tableware is the unexpected star that will bring colour to your dining room. Each plate is silkscreen printed in a Kelling colour – we love Raspberry for a modern twist on a traditional Christmas hue, and Peridot for the delicious contrast between red and chartreuse. Mix and match for the ultimate colourful festive scheme. The Kelling Collection china tableware, from £30, Kelling Home TILE STYLE Decorative tiles are such a fresh way to accessorise – we’ve seen them recently at Graham and Green – and now Scotland-based homeware brand Petra Palumbo’s Delft tile collection has stolen our hearts. Choose from a range of delicate motifs – we love this wreath…

As far as unusual kitchen materials go, metal doesn’t exactly make the cut – cooking spaces have long embraced shiny and easy-to-clean materials (most notably stainless steel). But today’s designers are flexing cool-toned metal a touch further, applying it across more architectural features, incorporating even more sophisticated finishes and highlighting its ability to amplify light. There are practical reasons for why metals work well in kitchens: they can take the heat, literally, and are easy to clean. While scratches and patina are part of their charm, they can achieve striking clean lines, and a growing interest in this material goes beyond durability. ‘In the past, they had this futuristic, almost sci-fi look, but today manufacturers have introduced new surface finishes and combined them with warmer materials, giving them a more…

NEW TRADITIONS Even as contemporary design lovers, wecan’tdenythatChristmas doesn’t feel quite right without a nod to tradition – whether it’s the thread of red that runs through your decorations or the hand-me-down pieces that still make their way onto your table. So this year, we’re taking styling notes from Rowen & Wren, who has produced some of the most charming imagery we’ve seen this season – all hand-painted baubles in folksy patterns and modern stripes, wrapping paper in fun geometric prints, and simple tapered candles tied with a velvet ribbon flourish. Just looking at this set-up gives us a little thrill – we’ll be giving both new and old pieces their moment in the spotlight this year.…

SEASONAL SORBET Ice cream colours, but make it festive, with layers of pinks, yellow and plum. DO THE TWIST Let playful stripes, pretty marbling and twisty candles bring delightful talking points to your festive tablescape. BACK TO THE FUTURE The 1970s is the inspo for this very 2024 scheme of burgundy, black and brown. MINIMALUXE MOOD A pared-back palette and hand-worn textures create a sense of sophistication. CARAMEL COUTURE Farrow & Ball’s Jitney – the perfect warm tone – was the basis for this look. PATTERNED PERFECTION Layer stripes and colour on a neutral base for a table that’s fun but still smart.…

DINING AREA Chelsea usually forages in the nearby woodlands for leaves and twigs to make a wreath like this to sit above the Christmas table. The built-in bleached oak seating and shelves offer practical storage and add character to the house. KITCHEN A mix of materials gives a vintage vibe – bleached oak cupboards, steel door fronts and marble surfaces – a long way from the kitchen fit-out in your average new build. LIVING ROOM ‘I designed pocket doors so the space between the living room and kitchen can be used open plan or closed off for more intimacy,’ says Alex. The courtyard garden beyond has cooking and seating areas so the couple hang out there a lot. When you’ve just built a house, plus the one next door, established…

LIVING ROOM ‘The main thing was to be able to accommodate many people. The ottoman, which we use as a coffee table, can also serve as extra seating,’ says Leonardo. DESK AREA ‘We had the idea of creating a workspace without dedicating an entire room to that, so we stylised a bookcase to make it into a shelf that could accommodate various objects,’ says Leonardo. when Leonardo and Marzia Dainelli found their Milanese apartment, their priority was to save as many original features as they could. This involved reviving the gorgeous parquet and encaustic tile flooring and restoring the decorative window frames and plasterwork, such as cornicing and ceiling stuccos, typical of this kind of turn-of-the-century Milanese building. ‘When we find traces of the past in good condition, we tend…

METALLIC SHEEN There’s a certain timelessness to warm metals like brass and gold, but we’re seeing a resurgence of cooler tones in interiors lately – and they’re being used in inventive new ways, as our feature overleaf shows. Whichever way you sway, though, Arte’s new Metal X Patina collection is the wallcovering offering to shop now: each stunning design is printed on metal foil for a clever distressed finish. But as forward-looking as these are, there’s also a nod to the past: Chalk Stone, shown here, is a homage to travertine and its use in ancient Rome.…

Whether it’s an all-singing, all-dancing wet bar complete with a stocked mini fridge, or a humble bar cart styled with your favourite glassware, turning an unloved corner into a dedicated zone for entertaining feels decadent, glamorous and perfect for the festive season. If you’re looking to bring the feel of your favourite cocktail bar to your home, here’s where to start. If you have room to play around with and your budget allows, you might be best going bespoke to create a piece that perfectly slots into the space. ‘It is really worth investing in a show-stopping bespoke home bar to ensure you make the most of this investment piece of furniture,’ says Felix Milns of residential joinery specialist Hux London. ‘Not only can you add custom functional elements such…

POLISHED LOOK Minimaluxe, livable luxe, quiet luxury: the trends to know now are all centred around bringing an elevated edge to your interiors, and Caesarstone’s new Taj Royale surface does just that. Think natural stone, but taken to another level – the warm, earthy marble-inspired base is lifted with delicate light brown veins and light-catching flecks of white. Use it in your kitchen or bathroom to bring an organic contrast to darker colours, as seen here – or make it the centrepiece and luxuriate in its soft, soothing beige tones.…

1 RETHINK THE NIGHTSTAND In this basement room, shelving made from chunky brass plays various roles – it’s a bedside table but also an L-shaped vanity/laptop space for guests to lay out their accessories and beauty products on. ‘We’ve created a really beautiful new space for them, enhanced with pops of colour and luxurious textures.’ Anna Burles, founder of Run for the Hills 2 LOOK UP FOR SOLUTIONS To accommodate a guest sleeping space into a one-bedroom loft, Yard Architects relocated the main bedroom and created a sleeping pod on a platform above. It’s an informal arrangement for guests, but one that works for this style of home. ‘Because of the very tight ceiling height we used steel joists to make the floor as thin as possible and left these exposed…

GLAMOROUS PIT STOP If you’ve noticed a slow return to art deco style in decor this year – the lacquered finishes seen at Julian Chichester, the brass lamps at Bert Frank, for example – then nowhere is it more perfectly on display than Le Magritte at The Beaumont hotel in Mayfair. The perfect post-Christmas shopping hideaway to hunker down in, its new pairing menu of haute snacks with even haute-r cocktails – who’s for lobster rolls with a Pilgrim (ABA Pisco, Yellow Chartreuse, Muyu Chinotto Nero, lime juice, passion fruit)? – is guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer.…

FINE FORM Geometric shapes are carved out of, and emerge from, the heart of this home by Melbourne-based architectural practice Auhaus – a bold approach that gives the house its own confident character in a street of charmingly mismatched dwellings. The arch is a common streetscape motif, blown up to oversized proportions here; the square box that houses the dining area, meanwhile, is extensively glazed, its shape exaggerated by the glossy dark green tiles that form a bold contrast against the white-bricked exterior of the main building. This is a playful design, but one that nevertheless feels grown-up and timeless.…

irene gunter INTERIOR DESIGNER linda boronkay INTERIOR DESIGNER staffan tollgård INTERIOR DESIGNER toni black INTERIOR DESIGNER pip rich GLOBAL EDITOR IN CHIEF, LIVINGETC colin king INTERIOR STYLIST…

HERE COMES THE SUN Designed and handmade in the UK, the Sunrise and Sunset glass collections by The Glass Studio are worth getting out of bed for. Capturing the enchanting hues and cloud-like wisps seen in the skies as the sun rises and sets, these delicate vases make an eye-catching centrepiece for the table when filled with seasonal blooms. For maximalists, pair different shapes, sizes and colours together to create more of an impact; for more muted schemes, let a single vase take centre stage. making waves Inspired by the movement of water, this Murano glass tumbler is part of a collaboration between Venetian glassware brand LagunaB and UK fashion and lifestyle brand Elaine Field. Each handmade piece is unique. HAPPY DAYS Mouth-blown in small batches, the utterly exquisite glassware…

it’s been a busy year for Samuel & Sons. The designers of beautiful decorative trimmings have released several exciting collections, including Gloriette – a collaboration with interior designers Maddux Creative – and now Taos, a vibrant offering inspired by the American Southwest. We spoke to Marisa Gutmacher, vice president of design, to find out more. The December issue feels like a very apt time to be talking about passementerie – this kind of embellishment feels quite festive. Why is it so important in design? Trimmings have the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their purpose is more ornamental and less functional – with the exception of curtain tiebacks or gimps to cover upholstery seams or tacks – but be it on a curtain, pillow, lampshade or upholstery furniture,…

DECK THE HALLS This month, we’re leaning into festive resplendence with homes primed for celebration and conviviality. In some cases, that means Christmas trees, tablescapes and floral centrepieces, sure – but it’s also an Italian quartzite island in a Haarlem apartment that’s perfect for serving up cocktails to friends, and a cosy Hertfordshire living room with a dramatic fireplace and a subtly festive colour scheme. Starting with a dressed-up Spitalfields townhouse over the page, these spaces are full of warmth, good tidings and cheer – we hope you enjoy touring them.…

DINING AREA The couple are currently thinking of revamping this space to create an area for creative brainstorm sessions, morning coffees and drinks with friends. KITCHEN For the island, which was intended to ‘ground’ the whole open-plan living space, Milla and Nigel wanted a stone with colours that echoed the hues in the fresco, so they turned to stone expert Nick Blok, who found them this Italian quartzite. ‘The jewel of our home is definitely the soft pink quartzite stone the matches the original angel fresco,’ says Milla. LIVING AREA Milla and Nigel discovered the dramatic original fresco by happy accident when starting work on the apartment, after they had been told by the developer that there were none left. ‘It turned out to be the guardian angel for our…

ACCENT PIECE A step up from accessories, confident metal-framed furniture works wonders to introduce a contemporary edge into a scheme. Chrome and stainless steel can feel industrial in style, but mixing a piece of furniture or two made from the materials – a side table, say – in a softer space adds an element of surprise. For this chic, more industrial-like scheme by Los Angeles-based interior design studio Shapeside, the classic Hans J Wegner Flag Halyard chair helps to create a cool vignette. LOOKING UP Polished steel tiles with a 3D water-ripple effect area luxe alternative to a panelled ceiling for this sauna space by Polish design practices Akurat and PB/STUDIO – and the tone of the tiles is made warmer by the light that reflects off of them. ‘Since…

EYE CANDY It might just be the festive spirit taking over our judgement, but there’s something sweet about the new Caramella lighting collection from creative studio Cúpla (and it’s not just the name). Round globes decorated with candy-coloured confetti and swirl designs remind us a little of bonbons – only far more sophisticated. The collection is a contemporary tribute to traditional Murano glass techniques, designed by Cúpla and handmade in Italy. These lighting pieces are going to the top of our Christmas wish list.…

From shell dishes to candle holders in animal forms, French designer and artist Laetitia Rouget’s pieces capture a playful spirit – and are a continued presence on Livingetc’s wish list. They express an approach to design that doesn’t take itself too seriously – and take in a range of colourful influences, from the joie de vivre of Laetitia’s French heritage to the eccentricities of her largely London-based career. Handmade by Portuguese artisans near her home in Lisbon, these witty designs deserve a place on your table – they’ll imbue a casualness that’ll put your dinner party guests instantly at ease. Shop the collection at Harrods, Selfridges, Net-a-Porter and on Laetitia’s online shop.…

BETWEEN THE LINES It’s not often we can call an extractor beautiful, but there’s something pleasantly graphic about Parallel, the new launch from Falmec. Two slim parallel lines of LED lighting and a black or white glass lower panel give the extractor a sleek look, and the operation is just as simple: there’s integrated touch control via remote control. IN THE ROUND The newest addition to Indigenous’ countertop basins collection is Ahuir – named after a beautiful beach in Valencia. Handmade from terracotta, this round, sand-toned basin is the perfect rustic touch for a spa-like space. NEW HUES Eco Colours is the new generation of sustainable high-pressure laminates from kitchen designer Pluck. The carbon neutral colours, manufactured by Arpa Industriale, are created using lignin, a natural, renewable binder, in place…

What does ‘retreat’ mean to you? A few years ago, we would have always used it as a word for somewhere you go away to, somewhere you head to for a change of scenery. However, it’s become a word that we’ve found interior designers are using more and more to talk about our homes – the spaces we inhabit every day. The feeling of retreating somewhere is almost intangible, however. It’s not the same as merely being relaxing or calming – it’s a more complex emotion that’s about escapism. These spaces aren’t just for providing a balm to quieten the anxieties of the everyday world, but rather a way to leave them behind, for a moment at least. We wanted to know what ‘retreat’ meant for the interior designers who…

One&Only Aesthesis, Glyfada, Greece IN A SENTENCE An idyllic resort set in a stunning protected beach and forest reserve, with all the relaxed vibes of a private island – who knew you were just a short drive from the Greek capital? DESIGN DOWNLOAD Conceptualised to capture the cosmopolitan buzz of 1960s and 1970s Greece, there’s a nostalgic tinge to this resort’s interiors, with muted palettes, natural accents and leather details harking back to mid-century design. The gardens feature fragrant planting with outdoor showers and fireplaces for poolside languishing. ON THE MENU An all-day restaurant run by chef Ettore Botrini focuses on fresh Mediterranean flavours; pop-up venue El Bar de Paco Morales, meanwhile, takes inspiration from the chef’s home city of Cordoba. LITTLE LIVINGETCS A kids’ club with garden, tree house,…