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august 2024 LEADING BY DESIGN DREAM BIGGER E X T E N S I O N , B AT H R O O M A N D F L O O R I N G T R E N D S T H AT W I L L L A S T DESIG N E R - PICKE D DECOR TO B R I N G T H E H O L I DAY F E E L I N G H O M E O U T D O O R S PAC E S YO U ’ L L U S E A L L Y E A R
august 2024 19 20 24 30 34 36 EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… The trend for solo spaces, zesty yellow, garden paving and more 64 JOHANNESBURG NEW BUILD A moder n ist bungalow designed around the trees on its plot INTERVIEW Iconic furniture brand B&B Italia 76 DESIGN REPORT Creatives are embracing the joy of adding indoor swings into projects CÔTE D’AZUR APARTMENT Contemporary cool interiors bring a luxe feel to this pad in a former hotel 86 HERO PIECES Designers share the travel destinations that inspire them – and how to get the look at home BANGKOK HIGH-RISE DUPLEX A tranquil, city centre home that pays homage to chic 1970s design 96 LONDON FLAT Damaged after water ingress, this home has been designed to stop it happening again OF THE MOMENT Playful scallop details on curtains EMERGING IDEA Eco-conscious outdoor furniture LIVINGETC DESIGN, DIRECTED Linda Boronkay on using room divider screens as pieces of art houses 4 40 AMSTERDAM CANAL HOUSE Clever contrasts blend happily together in this 17th-century home 52 MENORCAN HOUSE T h i s st yl i sh eco ret reat celebrates the natural materials of the island livingetc.com 108 decorat i ng COLOUR DECODED A striking abstract artwork is the centrepiece of this standout kitchen-diner scheme 110 PLAY IT COOL A ‘dark white’ palette is perfect for those seeking a pared-back and elegant interior 116 LOOKING UP Use papers, fabrics and painted murals on ceilings to take the decorating focus to new heights 118 THINK LIKE A PRO Expert advice on how to pick the right colour for your project COVER PHOTOGRAPHY WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX 11 news & v iews
CONTENTS 122 125 126 130 134 137 sou rcebook LITTLE BLACK BOOK Sources for chic accent tables 150 ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION Our gallery of striking ideas for modern extensions 160 162 ARCHITECTURE NEWS Curved contours GLOBAL OUTLOOK Design news from the USA THE BIG TICKET Outdoor swimming pools THE SPOTLIGHT: WHAT TO BUY NOW The hottest new pieces on our shopping list this month ON THE RISE Leather craft and marquetry specialists clever 168 174 IN THE KNOW The latest launches a nd looks in kitchens and bathrooms 178 139 HARDWARE SHOPPING Upgrade your cabinetry with stylish pull handles and cabinet knobs 142 DESIGN FEATURE OF THE MOMENT Bespoke vanity areas with sculptural sinks 147 148 SECRET ADDRESS BOOK Spa-style showers 6 104 DESIGN NOTES Hallway f looring ideas l i fes t y le GREECE IS THE WORD Four idyllic hotel stays SEE YOU IN ANTWERP Europe’s underrated design destination is packed with arts and culture NEXT BIG THING Mexican artist Ana Leovy a nd the rest EDITOR’S LETTER SUBSCRIBE TODAY Save 45% O F TH E M O M E NT Doorless showers ma ke bathrooms feel bigger and more luxurious livingetc.com 5
G N I T T T A CU GN I Y S A E E T H S T F D O E G D E Be the first to find out about the next decor trends and newest shapes, materials and moods with a Livingetc subscription S U B S C R I B E N OW – S AV E 4 5 % MORE DETAIL S ON PAG E 104
EDITOR ’ S LE T TER DREAM BIGGER It’s officially sunlounger month and I’m hoping you have nothing more taxing on your to-do list than choosing between a nap and another cocktail. Traditionally, this is the month I use to idly plan the rest of the year, thinking of the projects in my work and home life that I’ll turn to once the weather cools. And having finally – finally! – finished my bathroom renovation, perhaps I’ll start contemplating (how I might possibly be able to afford) an orangery… My bathroom project was fraught. It ended up being Pip Rich completed over ten weeks later than planned, a big delay for a Executive Editor @pip.rich relatively small space. Supplier delays, tradespeople dramas – you name it, I went through it. So if you have a renovation of your own coming up, let me share my survival guide. Don’t attempt to do two bathrooms at once. I thought there might possibly be an economy of scale, but everyone I know advised me not to. I could have coped with one week of showering at the gym, but ten? If you’re an interior designer – or using one – have a look at Portaire (or get your designer to). It’s a directory of trusted suppliers that streamlines the process and minimises setbacks. You could also take a peek at the handy new online tool renovatewithreno.co.uk, which I used for my bathroom. It’s brilliant – an easy-to-use program that guides you through the process, decoding what your tradespeople need to know and helping you visualise the finished room. It kept me on track when the whole project was going hay wire and, yes, PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN IMAGE) JON DAY helped me to dream a little bigger. W H AT I ’ M I N TO T H I S M O N T H 1 Matching House of Hackney paints to its beautiful wallpaper designs and trying to decide on the perfect pairing for my dining room. 2 Gessi taps. I was introduced to the brand at Clerkenwell Design Week and fell hard. They look like jewels – the ultimate bathroom adornment. 3 Artist Emily Forgot’s use of bold colours and her belief that bright shades can be soothing too. Scan this QR code to enjoy Livingetc in your inbox with our email newsletter livingetc.com 7
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ME TIME There is a trend in interiors at the moment towards solo spaces – niches and furniture pieces carved out for one person to enjoy, but luxuriously, with more space to stretch out than a standard armchair or daybed can offer. Ethimo taps into this desire for retreat with Hut, which it describes as ‘a nest on a human scale’ – a cushioned seat surrounded with Accoya wood slats that provide enough privacy without being too antisocial and allows you to stay connected to the outdoors while giving you a sense of shelter. Of course, you could curl up here with a loved one for socialising on a more intimate scale – but why share when you could have this all to yourself? Hut by Marco Lavit, price on request, Ethimo DESIGN IS HAVING FUN – FROM INNOVATIVE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND INDOOR SWINGS TO DECOR ATIVE SCREENS , SCALLOPS AND MORE X livingetc.com 11
e v e r y o n e ’s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . . X yellow furniture The interiors world can’t get enough of this sunny shade – dopamine-boosting design never looked so good CONSIDERED CURVES R O U N D TA B L E The vibrant yellow of the Flute coffee table by Mash.T Design Studio brings a fresh zest to the terrazzo trend, which has now been popular for several years. Founded by designer Thabisa Mjo, the South African studio is turning heads across the globe with this table, which references Thabisa’s much-loved Tutu light. From £885.03, Mash.T Design Studio If you’re seeking out design that looks good while being responsibly produced, the Knotty series by Dutch studio The New Raw is for you. This bench is made from recycled plastic while alluding to the organic forms of liquid rock. The Rotterdam-based workshop has harnessed the power of technology to create its unique designs, such as this vibrant, digitally woven ‘fabric’. Price on request, The New Raw block part y With its simple form, the Arco coffee table works well in minimalist settings. Complemented with a birch burl veneer, the contrasting lacquered yellow finish is vivacious without being gaudy. £3,280, Moritz TA K E A S E AT Bannach for Bannach at Monologue London The beechwood Bullnose chair by Marco Campardo for Hem is available in lounge and dining configurations and is crafted from repeated iterations of a single shape. Alluding to a bullnose trim, Marco’s creation works in all settings and is also offered in black and natural wood. From €449, Marco Campardo for Hem FEATURE RODDY CLARKE PHOTOGRAPHS (TAKE A SEAT) GEORGE BAGGALEY X glowing up A clever rechargeable bulb is the easy answer to our lighting prayers – three cheers to Pooky We really are quite taken by Pooky’s new cordless range of lamps for the sheer versatility it offers to the home. You can use the rechargeable bulb at the centre of the concept, Genesis, in suitable fittings including table lamps and wall lights, so you can do away with pesky wires in favour of a neat, streamlined lighting solution. Genius! Invest this season and use the handy bulb for portable lighting for summer picnics and alfresco dinners that stretch long into the evening. Twinky larger rechargeable wall light in antique brass, £120, Pooky livingetc.com 13
e v e r y o n e ’s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . . X summery paving Take inspiration from the Med for outdoor flooring that feels sunny all year long There’s something about the combination of limestone and terracotta paving in this shot from Artisans of Devizes that instantly whisks us away to the Med – the wash of sunshine helps too, of course. The set-up is part of its new-season launch, which includes f ive crea my limestones in seasoned and tumbled finishes that are perfect for use indoors and out (because you know linking the two makes for a more spacious-feeling home). The terracotta tiles are another new addition to the collection. We’re so ready to bring a bit of this holiday spirit into our own gardens this summer. 14 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPH SIMON BEVAN STYLING HANNAH FRANKLIN Romaine Limestone, £130m2; Wansdyke Exterior Terracotta (in front), £144m2, both Artisans of Devizes
e v e r y o n e ’s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . . X spherical feet Forget tapered legs on furniture – round is the shape of things to come as these designs show H AV I N G A B A L L Who said functional objects had to be boring? You’ll want to get the party started with these playful planters that bring joy to interior and exterior settings. Available in a range of colours, the Boule planters by Axel Chay for 13 Desserts make the perfect home for your florae while creating an eye-catching ornamental display. Constructed from steel with a lacquered finish. €850, Axel Chay for 13 Desserts marble mar vel Commanding attention in any space, thanks to its prominent silhouette and the polished Dark Emperador marble, the Oxley coffee table by Soho Home is a masterpiece. Inspired by the aesthetic of furniture seen within Soho House Hong Kong, this majestic design has five large marble spheres acting as the base. It creates a gorgeous centrepiece around which you can FEATURE RODDY CLARKE create a cohesive interior scheme. £3,995, Soho Home ANOTH ER S PH ER E With its wool fabric and curvaceous silhouette, the Rupert armchair by Bryan O’Sullivan seamlessly merges form and function. Set on solid oak wooden spheres, the chair creates a striking statement wherever it’s placed. Available with a matching ottoman, you can put your feet up and relax in style. It might be summer right now but come autumn, this piece is ideal as fireside seating. Armchair, £8,400; ottoman, £2,400, both Bryan O’Sullivan livingetc.com 17
e v e r y o n e ’s t a l k i n g a b o u t . . . X powder blue Join the blue brigade – this ethereal pastel has made its way from the catwalk to the home and we are forever grateful Där Ruan bobbin wall mirror, £150, John Lewis & Partners Swirl suspension light in Sea Blue, £592.90, LZF Lamps Barro cups in Light Blue, £29 for set of 2, Hay at Selfridges Linje fabric table lamp, £129, Heal’s Teklan Frame wool rug in Mulberry Sky, from £580, Layered Interior Fendi’s baby blue two-piece paired perfectly with bold orange accessories The shade took a romantic turn with this flowy number at Ermanno Scervino Perch slipper armchair in Blue Checkmate Cotton, £1,595, NiX by Nicola Harding Post coffee table in Ice Blue, £655, Ferm Living 18 livingetc.com Sadie cushion in Blue & Beige, £137, Christina Lundsteen at Couverture & The Garbstore FEATURE AMY NEASON PHOTOGRAPHS (FENDI) VICTOR VIRGILE/GAMMARAPHO VIA GETTY IMAGES; (ERMANNO SCERVINO) ESTROP/GETTY IMAGES Phantom dish in Soft Blue, £190, Ursula Futura at Earl of East
interview X enduring style B&B Italia has pioneered modern Italian furniture design since 1966 – but its latest collection feels as fresh as ever f or Salone del Mobile in April, B & B It a l i a d e s c r i b e d i t s presentation as an ‘anthology’ that, in pa r t, rev isited the bra nd’s historic collections while also launching new pieces, including those pictured on this page. We spoke to CEO Demetrio Apolloni (right) to find out more. Allure O’ Dot table by Monica Armani FEATURE ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS (SOFA AND TABLE) GIONATA XERRA With your recent show in mind, why is it important to look back – as well as forwards – at design? The title of B&B Italia’s presentation was The Collection. Our goal was to trace the path of the brand’s designs, including t he her it age made up of record s, innovation and projects that have often revolutionised the concept of living. Alongside new products, we displayed some of the most distinctive creations. Are there any past pieces that you think particularly represent a moment of change in how we live? B&B Italia has always understood and even anticipated trends, responding to transformations in taste and living needs. Some products, such as Serie Up by Gaetano Pesce, Camaleonda and Le Bambole by Mario Bellini, are a perfect expression of their time. They have also survived the test of time, experiencing a great revival in recent years. With curved sofas being the trend in recent years, it is refreshing to see the new Dambodue. Why did you opt for such strong lines? While presenting linear geometries, this seating system is surprisingly cosy and comfortable, thanks to its generous Dambodue sofa by Piero Lissoni Omoi armchair by Naoto Fukasawa shape and richly upholstered back and armrests. It is a luxury proposal, but with a silent and understated presence, as very elegant pieces should be. of our internal R&D centre – the heart of the company – which has achieved a very strong reputation in terms of research, technology and innovation worldwide. We find there’s a playfulness to the Omoi and Narinari chairs – what was the idea behind the designs? You are referring to the unusual shapes and vivid, bright colours of the new Omoi and Narinari armchairs. Their unique style, elegance and originality are the result of the extraordinary work What three words would you use to describe the new collection? Timeless, innovative and contemporary. Our mission has always been to create the most original, iconic and enduring design to inspire people around the globe. X bebitalia.com livingetc.com 19
Lee Broom’s Hanging Hoop chair in a living room created by Anne-Marie Barton of AMB Design
d e s i g n re p o r t X good mood swings Designers have turned indoor swings into a micro-trend, one that embraces joy and happiness and hangs wellness principles in the centre of your home FEATURE Pip Rich g w y net h Pa lt row ha s one. The iconic interior designer Brigette Romanek has one ( hav i ng f i rst i n st a lled t he one i n Gwyneth’s before wanting one herself). Beyoncé sat in a Lee Broom one for a music video. We’re talking swings, and swinging is back with a vengeance not seen since its 1970s heyday, except this time it’s a design trend, not a lifestyle one. Designers have been adding indoor swings into projects with increasing regularity, and they’ve been spotted hanging out in some of the most beautiful new homes of the year. Why? Quite simply, because they’re f un, a joyous addition that can lif t your spirits as they lift you off the floor. ‘They help you to relax,’ says Brigette. ‘They put a smile on your face. To me, they’re another form of wellness, able to put you into a trance. Close those eyes and sway. Gwyneth Paltrow has had one for years and always loved them – you can’t beat swinging in front of that view.’ D e sig ner A n ne -Ma r ie Ba r t on incorporated Lee Broom’s Hanging Hoop chair (that of the Beyoncé music vid fame) in a project recently, and agrees they’re a dash of pure hedonism. ‘Swings add an air of informality and play to a space,’ she says. ‘That’s why we love them.’ At t h is poi nt , you’re probably wondering how practical they could possibly be, but Brigette baulks at such a pedestrian question. ‘That doesn’t matter!’ she says with undisguised glee. ‘And that’s what I love so much about design – it’s what works for you in your home. It also ser ves a f unction [of relaxing you], as good design really should.’ Admittedly, they’re not for the faint-hearted. ‘When a client comes to me w ith the idea of a sw ing, my ph i losophy about t hei r projec t is enhanced and I know who they are b a s e d o n t h a t s t a t e m e n t ,’ a d d s Anne-Marie. ‘It says: “I have courage”.’ Lisa Furuland Kotsianis is practically an ambassador for swinging. The founder of Lalande Living, the lifestyle store that designs and sells happily unnecessary h Aqva swing armchair, Monica Gasperini at Artemest livingetc.com 21
de sign re port X heig htened sensor y experience.’ She uses her indoor sw ing for reading, meditation, l i s t e n i n g t o mu s i c or for enter t a i n i ng g uests. ‘They inv ite conv iv ia lit y du r i ng gatherings,’ she says. ‘In my home I have dedicated half the lounge to a cent ra lly placed sw i ng wh ich I t reat a s an ethereal installation.’ Her guests, she says, are entranced, keen to have a go, instantly at ease and Milos swing, Lalande Living primed for a rela xed evening of conversation. And while Brigette may be less concerned with the practicalities, Lisa promises COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALIT Y IN A HOME swings are actually not as tricky as you might imagine. ‘You need less space than A R E N OT E N O U G H – W E N E E D M AG I C F O R you think,’ she assures. ‘Half a metre can A H EIG HTEN ED SENSORY E XPERIENCE be enough. Of course, the more room you have, the more you’re able to swing, but a gentle mot ion st ill evokes a wonderful sensation.’ She counsels The swing in designer Brigette that depending on the home’s structure Romanek’s you may have to strengthen the ceiling. own living room, made by Thomas ‘It will need to be hung from a bearing Hayes Studio element so it can hold an adult.’ And of course, position it away from your most precious and well-loved valuables. Convinced? Then the way to do a swing is to embrace its eye-catching beauty, and to be as daring and playful as you can. Lalande Living’s swings come embellished with ebullient leather tassels; Lee Broom’s is padded with a rich seat cushion and can be specified in a ny materia l you li ke; Briget te Romanek picked a colour story for hers (created bespoke by Thomas Hayes Studio in beige, cream and gold) which she says is ‘soothing and felt calm’. W hile many hanging chairs are made for rocking gently, Lalande’s are like those you’ll find in a playground. ‘To own a swing is to feel pure joy,’ Lisa says. ‘There is no such thing as an age limit to use one. Trust me, it ’s the same as swimming in the ocean, feeling the breeze, those ex periences that make you feel happy. Life is too short not to provide that emotion within the walls of your own home.’ A way to get high – in all senses of the word. PHOTOGRAPHS (LEFT) MICHAEL CLIFFORD but decor- and soul-enhancing home products like plinths, obelisks and, yes, swings, extols the virtues of having one. ‘I’ve always loved the act of swinging,’ she says. ‘They’re gravity defying; it’s incredibly calming and a totally joyous thing to do. You know, comfort and functionality in a home are not enough – we need magic, we need art for the pu r poses of decoration but a lso a
hero p iece s X holiday at home Four creatives reveal the travel destinations they’ve been inspired by – and how you can get the beauty of these places without stepping on a plane FEATURE Rory Robertson Spa and hotel Mii amo is nestled within Sedona’s Boynton Canyon
a merica n d rea m Utzon stool, £1,099, Fritz Hansen Alarik rug in Aged Terracotta, £1,495, Oka Acoma Pueblo hand-coiled Eye Dazzler pottery, £743, Paula Estevan at Pueblo Direct PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN IMAGE) DOUGLAS_FRIEDMAN Striped cashmere blanket, £3,055, The Elder Statesman Gomma chairs, from £2,615 each, De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi at Zanotta PA R I S - B A S E D I N T E R I O R D E S I G N ER C H LO É N ÈG R E FELL I N LOVE WITH TH E L ANDSCAPE AND ST YLE OF T H E A R IZO N A D E S E R T I went to Arizona for a family road trip in winter. The sun shines all day there with a distinctive bright and intense desert light – because the sun is quite low, that light appears warm and it creates a very particular atmosphere. I loved the contrast of colours and materials between the matt ochre of the earth and the intense brilliant blue of the sky. On top of this, the graphic plants add a vibrancy to the landscape. I was taken with the Native craftsmanship, too: ceramics and felt blankets with graphic patterns, stripes and bold colours. A hint of Arizona interior i n s pi r at ion c ou ld mea n adding a Native-inspired plate, a cool statement piece of rattan or wood furniture, or updating an existing piece of upholstery with a Manuel Canovas trimming, such as the Louison trim design. Since returning, I’ve been working on a selection of material for our furniture launch in Paris Design Week – an earth-coloured sofa with generous trimmings and fringes, and a rattan armchair with big stripes – and I think you’ll see the influence. h livingetc.com 25
h e ro p i e c e s X Aso Oke fabric – a cloth handwoven by the Yoruba people of West Africa notes f rom n igeria Triangular stacking table set, £1,750, Miles Redd at The Lacquer Company Ignis IX vase, £2,550, Bisila Noha at Thrown Contemporary Raft bench, £700, Tejumola Butler Adenuga 26 livingetc.com Mallaig Natural jute and cotton rug, £695, Soho Home FOR ARTIST TEJUMOLA BUTLER ADENUGA , NIGERIA’S OGUN STATE HAS AN IRRESISTIBLE PULL – HERE’S HOW TO BRING IT MINDFULLY TO YOUR HOME I grew up in Ogun State. The aesthetic appears as a blend of Yoruba culture and modernit y – it ’s a great f usion and inspiration for a contemporary interiors palette. You will find a focus on locally sourced materials like wood, clay and handmade textiles. This defines homes and also public spaces, too. If you were to try and transplant the essence of Ogun State I’d suggest a d el ic at e b a l a n c e of h o m a g e a n d ad a pt at ion . It ’s a l l a b ou t s u bt le references. Imagine introducing weaved mat f looring that ’s reminiscent of traditional craftsmanship. A nod to mud-pla ster i ng of fers a t act ile connection between the nature and the landscapes of Ogun State. Other elements might include bamboo and cast iron. Be mindful that there is a wider global influence to be found there, from Portugal, England and Holland – so it’s OK to curate a blended style palette with i n f luence s f rom ot her c u l t u r e s , t o o . It i s important to stay away from the more stereotypical motifs. They carry deep cultural meaning – instead I would suggest lacing your scheme with light touches of the locality, including a few key pieces of artwork from local artisans. PHOTOGRAPHS (ASO-OKE FABRIC) THOMAS COCKREM/ ALAMY STOCK PHOTO 700 pendant light, £435, Original BTC
h e ro p i e c e s X Mosque minarets in Dakar set for senega l PHOTOGRAPHS (DAKAR) VÍCTOR SUÁREZ NARANJO/GETTY IMAGES HEAD FOR THE COASTAL CITY OF DAKAR TO BE BEGUILED BY BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP A N D B O L D T E X TI L E S , SAYS DESIGNER TOLA OJUOLAPE I wa s cu r ious to go to a n A f r ica n francophone country, and Dakar, the capital of Senegal, offered a combination of a vibrant, creative city, island escapes and a depth of history. The Dakar Art Biennale was also a draw for me. There’s a feeling of warmth there that comes from the tactile finishes of the buildings and the contrast of the colours in the textiles. When it comes to the interiors, I think that the aesthetic is historically inspired by the natural landscape. The colour palette is warm, leaning into the terracotta hues that are visible throughout the city and beyond. I particularly loved the approach to upcycling metalwork I discovered. The contemporary craft scene is championed by designers like Ousmane Mbaye, and tex tile designers such as A ïssa Dione and Leonie Textiles. I think a successful way of interpreting the look in a design might be to pick up on some of these contemporary t ex t i le s a nd apply t hem ont o furniture. This way you can create something modern whilst appreciating the craftsmanship and materiality, but, importantly, avoid creating anything that looks too stereotypical or clichéd. h Stigido walnut side table, £445, AM.PM Yabane Brgt fabric in Dark Green, €395m, Aïssa Dione for Okujun Mario Sabot armchair, £2,343, 1stDibs Malagoon cushion, £48, Goodhood 6 door enfilade, price on request, Graphik Collection by Ousmane Mbaye Design 27
hero p iece s
h e ro p i e c e s X Events venue Artchimboldi Menorca, designed by local architect Emma Martí Eclipse mirror, £1,255, Dominic Schuster MENORCA IS AN ISLAND G EM FO R D E S I G N ER JAM E S TH U RSTAN WATERWORTH – AND THE SOURCE OF PLENTY OF DESIGN CUES Flow cement tile, £118sq m, Mosaic Factory PHOTOGRAPHS (ARTCHIMBOLDI MENORCA) POL VILADOMS 0110 17th-century Spanish baroque walnut desk, £3,250, Thurstan Peonia sofa in Burt by Yarn Collective, £8,753, Wilkinson & Rivera at SCP spa n ish st yle Barbara lamp in Biscuit with Bongo shade in Flint White, £1,261, Porta Romana I first visited Menorca on a family sailing holiday in my mid-teens and I have been going out there w ith my friends and family every year since. There is a beautiful juxtaposition of pared-backed rawness and ut t er b eaut y acro s s t he island. It draws me back time and time again, and I think it is so special – I proposed to my wife and got married there. The interiors feature terracotta f loors, exposed timber beams, white walls and rustic finishes. There is a restrained approach to the amount of furniture and the detailing – the pieces you see are beautifully simple. Introducing soft palettes with the occasional punch of colour can work wonderfully in the UK, and is something I have consciously employed in a number of different projects that I have worked on. The key is to curate an interior where you can feel comfortable barefoot. Remember also when buying furniture that choosing an antique piece rather than a replica will create an authentic feel. Something as easy as ruthlessly decluttering a space goes some way to cultivating Menorcan style. livingetc.com 29
of the moment X sophisticated scallops We’ve long been in love with this trim detail – and on window dressings its undulating edges make the views more marvellous DEFINING MOMENT In Louisville, Kentucky’s Hotel Genevieve, designed by Bunkhouse and Rohe Creative, the scallop edges of the sheer curtains are outlined by a dark border to add definition to the window dressing. It’s a subtle approach to this use of the pattern, adding a delicate hint of playfulness to the room without drawing focus from the other shapes. 30 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (DEFINING MOMENT) NICK SIMONITE; (FRILL SEEKER) ANSON SMART STYLING (FRILL SEEKER) STEVE CORDONY FEATURE Ellen Finch and Oonagh Turner
FRILL SEEKER Added to curtains, the gentle undulating frill of a scallop trim gives modern window treatments a hint of whimsy. In this space by Sydney studio Arent&Pyke, an opaque red trim adds contrast to the sheer neutral curtains, helping to soften the harder materials of the architecture – and drawing on the other red accents in the room. h
of the moment SHAPE UP Kemble Interiors went all-out on the scallop detailing for this room in The Colony Palm Beach Hotel, using it to line the bottom of the wicker pelmet and carrying the motif over to the ceiling as a border. ‘Using wicker as a window topper is unexpected and fun,’ says founder Mimi Maddock McMakin. ‘We paired it with a geometric curtain panel for an especially whimsical mix.’ 32 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (SHAPE UP) CARMEL BRANTLEY; (NEW WAVE) LAUREN MILLER X
N E W WAV E Ontario’s Hotel Julie is no stranger to this pretty pattern: s c a ll o p m otif s fe atu re throughout the property’s rooms, crafted by interior design studios Stay Here and Twenty-Two Twelve, including on headboards and mirrors. But it’s this curtain pelmet that stands out for us: the loosely wavy edge, combined with the dramatic domed shape and opaque velvet fabric, give the scheme a sense of grandiosity – but in a brilliantly fresh and contemporary way.
e m e rg i n g i d e a X the green outdoors You can lounge in the sun with a clean conscience thanks to innovations in alfresco furnishings – the next wave is built from sustainable materials t here’s a reason why designers like to use plastics for outdoor furniture. They’re durable enough to weather the elements and lightweight, so it can be easily moved and stored. And, it’s important to point out, the materials they are using are recycled and often recyclable or biodegradable themselves. But more than practicality, there’s a design story behind these pieces. Outdoor furniture brands have, as of late, been presenting recycled plastic in a more design-forward light. ‘It’s not a new trend, but one we’re seeing more [in the] ma i n s t rea m ,’ says Br ia n K i ng of US-based Loll Designs. ‘A product that is made from partially recycled plastic that can, in turn, be recycled at the end of its life, is something that consumers are more conscious of as we all try to limit our environmental footprint.’ These pieces tend to be made from HDPE or PP pla st ics, wh ich have characteristics that ensure they suit life outdoors. Lindsay Schleis of US brand Polywood, which recreates the look of wood from sustainable plastics, says the benefits of HDPE are many. ‘Furniture made from recycled HDPE plastics is easy to clean and maintain, and very durable,’ she says. ‘Unlike wood that can rot and splinter, or metals that are prone to rust, these materials are resistant to the elements. [Using] recycled material also lessens the impact of deforestation that traditional wood may contribute to.’ Still it should be acknowledged that this is a material that doesn’t look like Alder, a new collection by Patricia Urquiola and furniture brand Mater, introduces recycled plastics mixed with coffee shell and wood waste 34 livingetc.com wood, despite being charming in its own way. If you’re looking for a more textural approach , t here a re ot her bra nd s pushing forward material mixes that incorporate recycled plastics, but seek to escape the ‘plastic’ look. Danish brand Mater’s new Alder collection, created in collaboration with Patricia Urquiola, is made from a new biodegradable version of its material Matek. ‘Our planet ’s resources are not infinite, and we need to rethink antiquated ways of production,’ says CEO Ketil Årdal. ‘Biodegradable plastic, in this case sugar cane, is a renewable source that can be harvested 1-2 times a year. It absorbs carbon dioxide while growing and can be decomposed by living organisms in the same way as any other natural material.’ The design is built around 94% recycled aluminium, and designed to be deconstructed so the individual elements can be recycled. It’s not just hard materials that are b ei ng r ei m a g i ne d f r om r e c ycle d materials. Textiles made from plastic waste aren’t a new phenomenon, but they’ve come a long way from the first outdoor rugs. The likes of Gan’s Mangas Outdoor collection, also designed with Patricia Urquiola, is a seating and rug collection inspired by woolly jumpers. It brings a tactile quality to the designs, recreating the look of the brand’s indoor version – but the outdoor upholstery is made from 100% recycled PET instead. Innovations in these materials has transformed the outdoor landscapes of our homes, meaning we can introduce a sof tness and comfort that ma kes a garden more of a joy to spend time in. PHOTOGRAPHS (RIGHT) ANGEL SEGURA LOPEZ FEATURE Faiza Saqib and Hugh Metcalf
Inspired by the comfort of woollen jumpers, Gan’s Mangas Outdoor collection is handmade from recycled PET
divide and conquer Designer Linda Boronkay has fallen for the joy of screens, using them as hero pieces instead of just zoning devices, as she tells our editor Pip Rich A bathroom at Osborn House hotel, where Linda used a screen as decoration as well as for serving the functional purpose of privacy
LI N DA B O R O N K AY You know, room dividers have been on my mind a lot recently. We’re working on a project where I’m using one less to zone a space, more as a piece of art – it’ll be the backdrop to the sofa in the living room. I’m thinking of it as a 3D piece of art that adds an extra layer to the look and feel of the space. PIP RICH And unlike a piece of wall art, which tends to stay f ixed once it is up, I suppose it ’s rea lly ea sy to move around, allowing you to play with the space a little more? LB Exactly. My mum has a vintage collection of screens, and we had them behind the TV, in the corner, not working a s you’d ex pect a room d iv ider to traditionally. But they’re so elegant and versatile, coming in rich patterns and tapestries, and are a wonderful way to add some detail to, say, a smaller room that might not have any period charm to it. It can transform your decor, in the same way as getting just the right cushion can. PR Where’s the screen from that you’re using in your project? LB We’re working on a bespoke one by the artist Gergei Erdei, who has recently been experimenting a lot with screens. For this home, I was going to use a wallpaper or a tapestr y and I thought, you k now what? A screen would be so much more versatile – and just as beautiful. PR Are you thinking of screens as solely decorative, or will you be harnessing functionality too? LB Totally both! When I was designing Osborn House [a hotel in Australia], I used screens in some the bathrooms in the suites, to create a bit of privacy. PR You once told me that curtains were a good starting point for a room, when I came to you struggling to choose them. Do you think screens could be equally as good? Would you build a scheme around one? LB You certainly could, if you had a screen already that had emotional significance. My favourite of the ones my mum ow ned was made of lit tle pictures of birds, and was like a mosaic, it was so characterful and decorative. It could easily have been a hero piece. Funny you mention curtains, as I think of screens as having the same warmth and effect on a space, making it more intimate, but curtains aren’t flexible in the same way. That said, I love using curtains as room dividers, to soften and give an acoustic feel, or we use a lot of indoor plants in the same way. Ficus lyrata trees are particularly good as they have smaller leaves than many trees, so don’t take up too much room. PR For me, room dividers are about being held – they offer enclosure. I also see this vibe reflected in the rise of the reading nook, and in colour choices people are making. Do you agree? LB Absolutely – the beauty of screens or plants comes when they’re not full height, so they don’t stop light flowing and in fact just create another level for the eye to dance across. In today’s societ y, people have a n issue w ith commitment, partly because of social media and seeing new ideas all the time, and partly because ideas just seem to be changing so fast. So to my mind, a screen is the perfect thing for t hose t hat f i nd it ha rd to ma ke a decision, You can simply move it around when you want a change. X U P YO U R S C R E E N T I M E Constellation screen, price on request, Anton Laborde x Friedmann & Versace Lempicka screen, £1,595, Oka Côte Sauvage folding screen, £7,470, Métaphores at The Invisible Collection Paravent screen, price on request, Anais Vindel PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN IMAGE) ALAN JENSEN Four of the best that are also works of art livingetc.com 37
FA N C Y T H AT PHOTOGRAPH WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX The August issue is one of our favourites for which to pick out houses because, with any luck, it’s the one you’ll be reading poolside somewhere sunny and warm. That means escapism is very much the order of the day – and on that, we can deliver. Still, we want the homes we feature to have real-world inspiration, too – ideas that you can pull out and add to your own mood board. In this new-build modernist bungalow on page 64, the burgundy-hued window frames do just that, delivering a dose of colour to the inside and outside, adding a ton of wonderful character and making the natural surroundings pop. This is the kind of daring we need to push us out of our own project comfort zones. HAN D - P I C K ED FO R TH EI R G O O D LO O K S AN D C L E V ER I D E A S , TH E S E H O M E S W ER E D E S TI N E D TO B E D R E A MT A BO U T FR O M TH E S U N LO U N G E R X livingetc.com 39
TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED Seventeenth-century origins meet vibrant contemporary design in a cleverly reimagined Amsterdam canal house X PHOTOGRAPHY Kasia Gatkowska/Photofoyer WORDS Mary Weaver 40 livingetc.com
HOUSES GARDEN ROOM ‘The table is a sculptural ceramic, blurring the line between form and function,’ says Thomas. ‘We designed the shelves at Framework with a blacksmith who made them in hand-beaten stainless-steel to contrast with the original beams.’ Mantelpiece, Framework Studio; tiles, Eva Crebolder. Vintage mirror, Turner. Twist table, Floris Wubben x The Future Perfect. Rick Resin chair (left), Joris Poggioli. Similar 1980s blue chair, Vinterior. Mobile and white sculptures are vintage. Various vintage sculptural pieces (on shelves), Florence Bamberger and Coco de Mer
HOUSES ‘ We decided to create this house purely to suit us,’ says designer Thomas Geerlings of his 17th-century canalside home in A msterdam. I didn’t want to think about its future value, nor whether it would be trending on Instagram – it was just about what we loved and what were crafted by companies that have been working with Thomas we needed.’ His wife Danielle, who runs a fashion agency, was for 15 years, from when Framework Studio started as a one-man totally in step with this vision. ‘In fact, she was the main band. Now it employs a team of 20 architects and designers, inspiration – she wanted a home that was outspoken and work i ng on projec t s at home a nd f la mboya nt , not a ll good t a ste, internationally. ‘We have learnt together tone-on-tone colours,’ he adds. about the limitations and possibilities of Thomas’ skill is in bringing to materials and techniques – even more so life the intrinsic history of a building THE DESIGNER/OWNER on this project as it was personal,’ he says. a nd merging it w ith unex pected Thomas Geerlings, creative director and founder of Despite having been used as a series materials, artefacts and furniture architecture and interior design firm Framework of warehouses and most recently a set of to create a whole that is harmonious Studio. He lives here with his wife Danielle, who runs fashion agency New Market, and their offices, the five-storey house was still yet deliberately a little off kilter. ‘A daughters Doetse, 13, and Bonnie, eight, plus relatively untouched, with original space should ma ke you question dog Vos, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. details waiting to be explored and others things,’ he says, ‘and confront you with that needed to be reinstated. During the the unexpected.’ There is a thread THE PROPERTY renovations the family were living in r u n ning th roug h the house that A canal house dating to the 1640s, previously used their previous home just three doors reflects the way the couple see life: as a shoe, then a wine, warehouse. The area it is in down [featured in Livingetc, February colourful, with dark undertones; edgy was undesirable until the 1980s when it was then 2019], which meant Thomas could be and exciting, yet comfortable for revitalised and became fashionable, attracting very hands-on. ‘So much history of the family life with their two daughters, families, rather than offices, with its vibrant mix of house was revealed,’ he says, ‘such as Doetse and Bonnie. ‘It’s somewhere boutique hotels, bars and restaurants. The house finding doors behind plastered walls between a gallery and the house of a has been restored to reflect its origins with that would not have been touched for hoarder,’ Thomas jokes. In fact, it’s contemporary additions. Set over five floors, the lower ground holds the kitchen-diner, a laundry decades or even centuries. It brought a home of clever contrasts, where room, a study, a gym and a guest room. On the about an even greater respect for these ancient and modern, eccentric and ground floor is the living room and garden room, historic buildings and made the work a classic, blend happily together; where connected to a terrace. The first floor has the main real labour of love.’ 17th-century ceiling beams blend bedroom and en suite. The children’s rooms, which And far from pushing himself out of w ith 1970s a r tefacts, industria l are mini stand-alone ‘apartments’, are his comfort zone, Thomas says the house shelving with soft, floaty drapes. sited on the second and third floors. is his comfort zone. ‘It is a reflection of A n e a s y- on -t h e - e ye c olou r me and my family, a place to ma ke palette, with textured paint (mixed memories and keep memories. And most of all a place we want with silver sand) for the walls, and neutral floors in stone, oak to return to when we’re not there.’ planks and terracotta tiles, allows the furnishings and finishes to be outspoken with dazzling custom ceramic pieces as furniture X and talking-point artwork and sculptures. Many of the fittings framework.eu the dow n load 42 livingetc.com
GARDEN ROOM ‘The beams are late 17th-century and were discovered behind a partly painted plastered ceiling that had no substantial value, so we exposed and restored them,’ says Thomas. Similar stone flooring, Cullifords. Bespoke shelves, Framework Studio. Vintage Jindrich Halabala chairs; covered in mohair fabric, Pierre Frey. Side table, Rodrigo Pinto Studio. Sculpture (on table) by Thomas Kiesewetter, Saatchi Gallery. Curtains, Dedar
HOUSES LIVING ROOM The ceiling dates from 1910, while the intricate carved double doors were salvaged from the house of the Brazilian artist Athos Bulcão. Thomas’ studio designed the graphic fireplace. Bespoke fireplace, Framework Studio. Art (above fireplace) by Dirk Vander Kooij. Bespoke sofa, Framework Studio. Specchio di Venere glass coffee table, Glas Italia. 1930s chair, Fundamente. Floor lamp, The Future Perfect
DINING AREA Thomas designed the black leather bench seating to curl around the table. Hanging lights, PSLab Antwerp. Artwork, by Noémie Goudal. Dining bench, Framework Studio. Table, Ado Chale. Vintage dining chairs, Morentz. Sculpture (on table), Pulpo. Similar terracotta floor tiles, Claybrook Studio livingetc.com 45
HOUSES K I TC H E N ‘We designed the units with a spray-painted, chiselled effect to add texture and depth,’ says Thomas. Bespoke cabinets, Framework Studio. Cabinet knobs, Maison Vervloet. Kitchen appliances, Gaggenau. Similar stone, Cullifords. Within 15 Minutes artwork by Alma Haser. Vases, The Frozen Fountain 46 livingetc.com
S T U DY Large-scale furniture adds a sense of drama to the home office. Artwork by Patrik Grijalvo. Similar B17 Bibliothèque shelving system by Pierre Chapo, 1stDibs. Vintage table by Pierre Chapo; vintage chairs, all Morentz. Snoopy table light, Flos livingetc.com 47
HOUSES DAU G H T E R ’ S ROOM The children have the freedom of mini ‘apartments’ with living areas that give them independence. Liquefy table, Patricia Urquiola at Glas Italia. Rational Jigsaw chairs, Studio Julien Manaira. PXL table light, Zero Interior. Artwork (on wall) by Phillipe Vogelenzang. Curtains, Nobilis. Similar wide oak flooring, Havwoods 48 livingetc.com
MAIN BEDROOM A bespoke headboard provides a place to display pieces Thomas and Danielle have collected over the years. Similar vintage chairs by Guillerme et Chambron, 1stDibs. Small side tables; bespoke headboard, all Framework Studio
HOUSES 50 livingetc.com
MAIN B AT H R O O M ‘We think of this more as a living room where we can relax, bathe and catch up together,’ says Thomas. Reflex bath, Antonio Lupi. Bespoke oak cabinetry and vanity, Framework Studio. Taps, Gessi. Vintage wooden stools, Fundamente. Curtains, Pierre Frey. Artwork (in mirror) by Martin van Wordragen S H OW E R Dramatic stones and textures combine for an invigorating experience. Bespoke shower, Framework Studio. Shower fittings, Gessi. Similar stone, Cullifords
HOUSES F O A K G C E O home have made a stylish yet sustainable retreat using the island’s signature stone S R The owners of a Menorcan PHOTOGRAPHS Greg Cox/Bureaux X WORDS Robyn Alexander/Bureaux and Rachel Christie PRODUCTION Sven Alberding/Bureaux EXTERIOR The gardens surrounding the farmhouse create a dialogue with the natural landscape beyond, anchoring the building in the local countryside. Garden design, Eugenia Corcoy 52 livingetc.com
D I N I N G S PAC E ‘Breakfast at Son Blanc Farmhouse is laid-back and homely,’ says owner Benedicta Linares Pearce. ‘Guests can get chatty around this walnut woodtopped table made by a local carpenter.’ Dining table, Gavila. Cadiero chairs, Midi. Pendant light, VanVilt. Glass jug, Polspotten
HOUSES enorca’s autochthonous limestone, known as marés, is a beautiful natural material that varies in colour between ochre and white and is seen everywhere on the island – from the ancient structures left behind by the Talayotic culture to everyday farm buildings. When Benedicta Linares Pearce and Benoît Pellegrini acquired this abandoned rural property, they knew that its renovation would require sensitivity in terms of preserving the marés stone and also in bringing this beautiful old house into the 21st century. ‘We decided to leave the facade unprotected with the marés stone on show, as the farmhouse is all about working with local materials and this limestone is, undoubtedly, the island’s star one,’ they say. T E R R AC E Around 300 days of sunshine a year on Menorca means that shaded outdoor dining areas are essential. Table, La Redoute. Genoa armchairs, Cesare Ehr for TrabÀ at Artemest. Natural coconut-fibre shade sail, La Scourtinerie Born in Menorca, but having lived in London, Benedicta had long wanted to fully reconnect with her place of birth, while Benoît – having visited the island many times – also felt its pull. Looking around for the best team to help them create their luxe eco retreat, the couple met Anne-Cécile Comar, an architect and co-founder of the French architectural practice Atelier du Pont, who, due to many visits, also knew the island well. ‘We discovered a common fascination for nature, traditional architecture and the powerful link that Menorcans have for their island,’ explain the couple. ‘Our priority was to generate as little environmental impact as possible, not only with the construction but in the day-to-day running of the farm and retreat.’ These ideas chimed perfectly with the way Atelier du Pont approaches its projects: creating buildings and interiors that take inspiration from their contexts, both in geographical and cultural terms. From the start, the farmhouse was conceived to respect the traditions of its place and to tread lightly on the earth. From the use of marés, which is easy to chisel, sculpt and polish – and much of which was sourced at the farm itself – to the inspiration taken from the traditional architecture and crafts of the island, the emphasis throughout is on a locally focused, sustainable and bioclimatic design approach. ‘We want only to have European-made items, ideally artisanally, to stay as local, natural and to have as low an environmental impact as possible,’ say the duo. Traditional processes such as using cork for insulation and finishes like whitewashing are complemented by contemporary sustainable systems, including geothermal heat pumps and rainwater harvesting. For the interiors, artists and artisans were commissioned to create site-specific works and bespoke pieces of furniture. This layer of handmade craft and art – incorporating tactile natural materials such as wood, cotton, clay, wool and coconut fibres – is where sustainability meets a deliberate simplicity of forms and materials. This creative and collaborative approach has resulted in a finished property that has a unique look and feel. ‘We are so proud of the journey and the outcome: a self-sufficient eco-retreat with crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable gardens that feed our restaurant and special spaces for a real community to grow around,’ says Benedicta. The result is a quietly luxurious country house that facilitates lazy days of sun-drenched ease and reconnection with the natural world. X sonblancmenorca.com; atelierdupont.fr
K I TC H E N ‘This was designed with bespoke marés limestone – carved by local specialist stonemasons Fuguet, based in Alaior – and pinewood joinery,’ says Benedicta. ‘The volcanic stone island is a reclaimed piece.’ For a similar island slab, try Calacatta Lilac polished marble slab 1413, Starel Stones. Citeaux Classic 150 range cooker, Lacanche. For similar lights, try Cromia large brown pendant by Plato Design, Artemest livingetc.com 65
HOUSES BAR ‘This is our honesty bar, made from lava stone and sourced from Évian in France,’ says Benedicta. ‘The charming textured wall plaster treatment was created on site by the crafter-builders using a metal ‘comb’.’ Bar stools, Eloi Schultz. Pendant lights, Contain. For a similar sculptural wall sconce, try the Louis wall light by Serax at Heal’s 56 livingetc.com
SITTING ROOM The custom-made fireplace was carved from a single block of marés stone. ‘It’s all about textures here – the sconces, barrelling plaster, panelling on the walls and chiselled stone fireplace,’ says Benedicta. Palma sofa, Pierre Frey; upholstered in bouclé, Dedar. Burnt wood coffee table, Vincent Vincent. Rug, Karpeta. Fly lounge chair, Space Copenhagen at &Tradition
the dow n load THE OWNERS Benedicta Linares Pearce, a hotel developer/owner, and her husband Benoît Pellegrini. THE PROPERTY A 19th-century farmhouse on a 130 hectare estate. With the help of their architects, Atelier du Pont, the couple have turned it into a retreat comprising three sitting rooms, a kitchen-diner, a bar area, 14 double bedrooms, a restaurant, a wellness studio, a yoga deck, a pottery workshop and a farm barn. S TA I R C A S E ‘Atelier du Pont designed the undulating, sculptural, organic form of the stone staircase that connects the two floors,’ says Benedicta. For a similar wall sconce, try the Kiro ceramic wall light, Dyke & Dean. Sculpture (under the staircase) by Adriana Meunié and Jaume Roig. Virgin wool hanging fabric piece, Perrine Paris
HOUSES S E AT I N G A R E A An informal lounge space on the landing at the top of the stairs is furnished with a built-in couch, typical of traditional Menorcan buildings. ‘We have three separate seating areas, so different groups can get together at the same time,’ says Benedicta. Custom built-in sofa; upholstered in Marina, Élitis. Set of three Isole side tables, Flores Design at The Invisible Collection livingetc.com 59
HOUSES B AT H R O O M ‘Inspired by Moroccan Bejmat tiles, we wanted to find local stone and craftsmen that could make our very own Menorcan version,’ says Benedicta. For similar floor and bath tiles, try Bejmat terracotta tiles, Otto Tiles & Design. Brooklyn taps, The Watermark Collection. Try the 100% French flax linen waffle bath towel in Rust, Bed Threads 60 livingetc.com
BEDROOM ‘The linen and cotton artwork – with materials sourced from the Guadalquivir Valley in Andalusia – is hung as a bedhead and imitates Menorcan dry stone walls, also known as paret seca,’ says Benedicta. Custom artwork by Mariona Cañadas and Pedro Murúa. Sculptural bedside pedestals by Núria Efe. Canevas Geo rug (in foreground), Gan at Heal’s. White linen sheet set, MagicLinen. Cushion covers, Flores Textile Studio
HOUSES EN SUITE Raw and porous on the outside and sealed on the inside, the terracotta clay basins bring a fresh aspect to the material from which they have been created. For a similar terracotta clay basin, try the Millie basin, Nood Co. For a mirror with this look, see the LHYZF oval ceiling mirror, Ninth Avenue. Brooklyn taps, The Watermark Collection 62 livingetc.com
BEDROOM Separating this space from the en suite, the custom terracotta headboard/screen is inspired by lattices – it functions as both a light filter and a material link between the two areas. ‘The tile arrangement was designed to let the light through and create geometric shadows,’ explains Benedicta. Terracotta tile headboard/ screen, Ceràmica Cumella. White linen sheet set, MagicLinen. Cushion covers, Flores Textile Studio. Chair, Heaps & Woods
HOUSES O U TS 64 66 livingetc.com IDE I N
d e t a t c i d as w a c i r f th A u o S n i ow ow l l f a r g o n o u d b t u st o i n r r o e o d d o n ni sm i a h r t o f f o e r n i ig es d e h t d The des n ta o l p e h t on s e e r t e b y th X ureaux eath/B H n e r r Y Wa GRAPH PHOTO ood aham W r G S D erding WOR ven Alb S N O I CT PRODU S E AT I N G A R E A An outside entertainment zone includes, as architect Gregory puts it, ‘some 70s influences’ – such as the sunken lounge. The change in volume, emphasised by the skylight above, gives this space a very different spatial quality from the rest of the house, opening it to the sky, even as it is sheltered from the sun and rain. Cushions, Blake Matthew Design and Up-cycled. Vase (on table in dining area), Rialheim. Glazing in Red Wine RAL colour
HOUSES POOL The bedrooms open directly onto the deck and swimming-pool courtyard, creating a resort-like feeling. Graffiti mural art (on the water tank) by George Mars from Kudos Creative. Loungers, Panda Beanbags; similar, Cox & Cox
HOUSES fter several years of searching unsuccessfully for a new house, Johannesburg-based couple Toni and Graeme Twidale eventually found a plot of land freed up by a subdivision and filled with beautiful, established, indigenous trees. At that moment, Toni says she realised that what she wanted more than a house was to live among the trees. ‘I wanted to see green all the time,’ she says. ‘I wanted the outside in.’ So they decided to build a house that would be all about those trees. The couple enlisted the help of architect Gregory Katz, well-known for his creative, often unconventional, approach. His brief was a bit of a ‘mathematical puzzle’, he says: how to fit the dimensions of a house between the trees? In the end, he devised an arrangement by which he slipped two long, slim ‘bars’ between them, with alternating strips of open space for the driveway and entrance, central courtyard and swimming pool. The two wings are connected by what Gregory calls an ‘umbilical cord’: a glazed corridor that steps down slightly with the slope of the site. The tree branches reach up and over a flat concrete roof planted with wavy grass, essentially lifting what would have been on the ground up a level and adding to the overall sense of greenery. ‘When you drive in, you see the grass on the roof and it looks like the house is underground,’ says Toni. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls let the garden in and transform the house into something more like an outdoor pavilion. At points, the trees are so close they seem as if they’re inside; sections of the eaves had to be cast with cut-outs through which branches could grow. Nevertheless, Gregory thinks of the design as following a fairly typical double-storey model – just flipped on its side. All the rooms have lovely natural light, although the deep eaves keep out sun in summer and shield the windows from thundershowers. And every room opens out onto the garden. The result is ‘almost like a resort’, says Gregory – a real suburban sanctuary. ‘Jo’burg has the most amazing country feeling in its suburbs.’ While the configuration of the house might have been dictated by necessity, Gregory found opportunities to exercise his creativity within its constraints. ‘Restraint is actually a good design principle,’ he says. ‘You’re not overconsuming; you’re not overdoing things.’ Instead, the restrictions compelled him to design every aspect of the house ‘with care and thought’. It’s an approach that puts a different spin on the old modernist maxim that ‘less is more’. Rather than leading down a path towards stark minimalism, in Gregory’s hands it becomes a tactile, expressive approach. Superficially, this house might look like a homage to mid-century modernism, but it is actually a complex and original response to Johannesburg suburban life. And, like all the best modernist designs, deceptively simple-looking. EXTERIOR The brutalist-looking concrete stair leading to the roof was designed by Gregory. This space is planted with herbs, botanicals, blueberries and citrus to create a ‘gin garden’ the dow n load THE DESIGNER Architect Gregory Katz, who was tasked by Toni and Graeme Twidale to design them a home that would fit around the many trees sited on its Johannesburg plot. The couple live here with their son Jamie, 12, their Shih Tzu Bokkie and Oggy the cat. THE PROPERTY A single-storey, two-winged new build designed to slot between plentiful established trees on a sloping site. One wing houses the entrance, the garage, a WC and the open-plan kitchen/bar/dining/living area, leading to an outdoor sunken seating area. A glass corridor leads from this part of the house to the lower private wing where there are four bedrooms and four en-suite bathrooms, with a swimming pool tucked beyond. X gregorykatz.co.za livingetc.com 67
HOUSES K I TC H E N Owner Toni is a keen cook and a baker, so this space is not only beautiful but highly functional. The leathered granite of the island adds to the rich textural palette that runs through the house. The parallelogram-shaped skylight is also a visual pun on the shape of the block of light that an ordinary skylight casts. Similar leathered granite, UK Stone. Similar black units, Sola Kitchens. Similar cement floor, Concrete Flooring Solutions 68 livingetc.com
DINING AREA The floors are simply cement screed and the ceilings raw concrete. The cylindrical feature houses the fireplace but, as Gregory points out, it also plays a structural role in supporting the large uninterrupted ceiling, which he notes required some ‘structural gymnastics’. Dining table, chairs and bar stools, all Houtlander. Rug, Yudu livingetc.com 69
HOUSES L I V I N G S PAC E Gregory has been deft in the way he has brought natural light into the interiors. In this area, skylights at the edge of the room wash the interior walls with light from above. He used black bricks for a feature wall in which he has included little receded display spaces. Custom sofa and coffee tables, Blake Matthew Interior Design. Similar rug, Nordic Knots. Similar velvet cushions, Andrew Martin. Large abstract artwork (on the wall) by Gregory Katz 70 livingetc.com
CORRIDOR The house has been nicknamed the ‘Wing Wing’ home because of its structure: two wings enclosing a central courtyard and connected by a minimalist glass corridor. This acts as a decompression zone between the living and dormitory areas. The bright orange of the floor-to-ceiling doors complements the brickwork. Similar doors, Urban Front livingetc.com 71
HOUSES MAIN BEDROOM The simple, low-slung, multi-functional bed unit and floor-to-ceiling built-in cupboards receding into the background keep the space serene and uncluttered. Custom bed and storage, Gregory Katz. Similar bedding, Secret Linen Store. Similar variegated rubber plant (Ficus elastica), Hortology THE DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF THE HOUSE IS REPETITION A N D D I F F E R E N C E – T H E M AT E R I A L S R E P E AT B U T H AV E B E E N U S E D I N D I F F E R E N T WAYS X 72 livingetc.com
B AT H R O O M The walls are covered with vertical brick tiles in slightly different shades, exemplifying Gregory’s use of repetition and similar materials throughout the house. Try Ca’ Pietra for similar wall tiles. Similar brushed brass fittings, Just Taps. Similar mirror, Heal’s livingetc.com 73
HOUSES JA M I E ’ S BEDROOM A feature wall behind the bed has been clad in cork, adding a warmth and tactile dimension to the interior – and revealing Gregory’s preference for using natural materials. Similar cork wall, Floors To Walls. Similar bedding, Secret Linen Store. Similar reading lights, Pooky 74 livingetc.com
A PLACE IN THE SUN An apartment within a former luxury hotel celebrates – and updates – the style of France’s Côte d’Azur B A LC O N Y X PHOTOGRAPHY Frenchie Cristogatin WORDS Kate Jacobs ‘This terrace has been kept entirely in its original state, with the terrazzo flooring inspiring the colour scheme of the furniture,’ says owner and designer France. Bistro table, Ardamez. Beaux-Arts chairs, Maison Louis Drucker. Giardino jug, Alex and Trahanas, is similar DINING AREA ‘We wanted to create something rather minimalist with rounded, comfortable shapes,’ says France. The chandelier is a creation of a local artist. Covered in plaster, it truly captures the spirit of old Provence.’ Custom dining table, Bleu Gris. Fat dining chairs, Tom Dixon. Hortensia armchair, Moooi. Custommade pendant light, Picasta. Paradox vases, Jonathan Adler. Carnaval de Nice lithograph by César Baldaccini, Passion Estampes. Plinth, Audo 76 livingetc.com
HOUSES
K I TC H E N ‘To integrate the cook space seamlessly into the main living area, we used the same walnut timber that we used for the library section and the same Calacatta Viola marble as the fireplace,’ says France. Kitchen, Bleu Gris. Fat bar stools, Tom Dixon. Mandarin Stone sells Calacatta Viola marble. Quatre Saisons Printemps island worktop, Mineral Expertise
HOUSES an a hallway ever really be truly ‘compelling’, something that stops you in your track s a nd pulls you onwa rds? French interior desig n duo Bleu Gris – a ka France Bittel and Olivier Chanard – have nailed it in their own apartment in the heart of glamorous Nice. Upon arrival you are greeted by a seductive, curving space, with light bouncing off the bronze-toned walls, a colour echoed in the bold, geometric-patterned stone floor. ‘We created a curved wall and dressed it in bronze metallic fabric, reminiscent of the luxury of old apartment entrances,’ explains France. A sculptural bench provides the cool, contemporary twist that sets the tone for the rest of the apartment. The curving corridor, which enabled the couple to make more space for three en-suite bedrooms, leads visitors towards the main space – once chopped into two rooms, now zoned into living, dining and kitchen areas. ‘The idea was to bring this curving bronze element right into the living room – it’s the backbone of the apartment,’ says Olivier. In moving here, France and Olivier were fulfilling a long-cherished ambition. ‘Living in one of these former luxury hotels, nestled in the heart of a park in the city centre has always been our dream. We had been searching for an apartment in this palais for a long time,’ says France. ‘To find one with a bow window and view of the gardens was incredible.’ The belle époque charms of the building – with its impressive volumes and vast windows – inspired the couple to create a space that’s a contemporary reinterpretation of the era. They were able to take a guilt-free approach to their design because the apartment had lost much of its original character and period detail via several renovations since it was built in 1889. So they recreated coffered ceilings to define and structure the open-plan space of the living areas, while concealing the air-conditioning system. ‘We took care to work with materials that existed at the time of the building’s construction,’ explains France. For the living space, the couple opted for a Versailles pattern oak parquet f loor, while deeply veined Calacatta Viola marble features throughout the apartment to create a sense of coherence. Colours throughout take their cues from the materials and the Mediterranean coast setting, ‘evoking the shades of the south, such as brown, sage green and Klein blue. These are our colours – both calming and energising,’ says Olivier. Opening off the main space, there’s a charming balcony that the couple have decked out in a classic Côte d’Azur cafe style, as well as a year-round sunroom – a bow-fronted niche in the living area where the couple have brought nature inside via a willow leaf mural. ‘I’ve always dreamt of having hand-painted ceilings such as you see in palaces. The idea here was to treat them in a more contemporary manner, to let the leaves overflow from the frame and seem alive,’ explains France. ‘It’s a place where we can settle in the armchair to enjoy the warmth amidst the plants and read a book, and in summer we can open it completely and add a table to have lunch in the sun.’ X bleu-gris.com livingetc.com 79
the dow n load THE DESIGNERS/ OWNERS Partners in both life and work, France Bittel and Olivier Chanard co-run interior architecture practice Bleu Gris – specialising in residential and commercial spaces – as well as boutique gallery @cobalt_nice, offering mid-century-inspired and custom-made furniture. They live here with their daughter Ornella, 13, and their French bulldog Orage. THE PROPERTY Located on the second floor of a belle époque building, formerly a grand ‘palais hôtel’, it’s set within its own park in Nice’s desirable Cimiez district. Entering the apartment via a striking curved corridor, the three en-suite bedrooms lead off to the left, with a guest cloakroom on the right. The corridor opens into the main space, with a living area to one end – complete with sunroom annexe – a central dining area and a kitchen at the other end, off which is the unobtrusive laundry room. There’s more space to sit on the balcony overlooking the palais gardens.
HOUSES LIVING AREA ‘The atmosphere we brought to this room is soft and calm,’ says France. ‘Neutral tones were favoured, with the idea that colour would be brought in through materials, like the wood flooring and the violet marble.’ Camaleonda sofas, B&B Italia. Briël side tables, Eichholtz. Ghost wall lights, Entrelacs. Seated Nude rug, cc-tapis. Custom grey side table, Bleu Gris. Flair metallic wallcovering, Nobilis. Mural (just seen, right) painted by Lucie Dimbare and Nicolas Blazicevic livingetc.com 81
HOUSES H A L LWAY ‘The space was restructured to enlarge the bedrooms,’ says France. ‘The bronze wallcovering, along with the curve, directs light into the corridor. A bench signed by Daniel Arsham adds a gallery-like touch.’ Snarkitecture Broken bench, Gufram. Flair metallic wallcovering, Nobilis. Caged wall lights, Buster + Punch. Custom-made Unseen chandelier, Studiopepe. Similar tiled floor, Floors of London 82 livingetc.com
MAIN BEDROOM ‘We liked the idea of a lacquered wooden headboard in a sage green colour, with a certain thickness to allow for placing objects on top, such as the lithograph by Franck Lebraly, a Cannes-based artist,’ says Olivier. Custom headboard, Bleu Gris. Plinth, Audo. Walking on Clouds rug, Moooi
HOUSES MAIN B AT H R O O M ‘This space was designed to be rather dark and monastic, with the use of the Calacatta Viola marble, a curved design in the shower, walls painted in a laurel-copper colour and soft lighting – all contributing to a relaxing atmosphere,’ says France. Callipyge WC, Trone. Volante shower hardware, Neve. Similar Calacatta Viola marble, Mandarin Stone 84 livingetc.com
HOUSES TOP OF THE WORLD High above the busy streets of Bangkok, two talented designers have created a tranquil retreat that nods to chic 1970s style and makes the most of the views X WORDS Emma J Page PHOTOGRAPHY Thanawat Phetchan/Thanawatchu 86 livingetc.com
LIVING AREA Wrapped in a pink velvet, the sofa is offset by burgundy armchairs. ‘We anchored the space with a custom rug with soft lines, textural variations and blush tones,’ says the designer Paula. Camaleonda sofa, B&B Italia. Rio coffee table, Charlotte Perriand for Cassina. Ivory Barba armchairs, Fogia. Burgundy Alky armchairs, Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli. Lilas Mosaïque bench, Gallotti&Radice. 6 Lune ceiling lamp, Angelo Lelii for Arredoluce. Bespoke rug, Studio 1:10 livingetc.com 87
OUTDOOR S E AT I N G A R E A ‘We incorporated moments of greenery around the terrace because we wanted to bring nature into the apartment,’ says Paula. Lounge chairs; side table, all Kundesign
HOUSES hat do you do when halfway through a modern-minimalist renovation your party-loving clients announce both a wedding and the arrival of a baby? It was quite a change of course for interior designers Paula Barrionuevo Paez and Joko Tandijono, but one they took in their stride. ‘The couple love entertaining at home, so we had created a karaoke room for them upstairs,’ recalls Paula. ‘The TV was already chased into the wall when we realised we’d be turning it into a nursery instead. But it was a happy challenge to take on.’ This Bangkok duplex, with its striking cityscape, had long been due an overhaul. Located in what Joko terms a ‘modern-tropical’ building, with a ground floor foyer clad in dark wood, it felt dated and cramped when the couple bought it as their first home. ‘The culture here is to live quite privately and discreetly,’ says Spanish-born Paula. ‘There’s not always a connection with the natural world, and interiors tend to favour dark finishes and screened-off spaces. We suggested injecting the apartment with a lighter, more European feel, which the couple favoured, having spent some years studying and living abroad.’ So out went the cherrywood flooring and a huge kitchen island in a comprehensive renovation that saw the duplex space reappraised with a fine-tooth comb. The staircase was opened up to incorporate a wine nook; the terrace became an extension of the living space and one of the three bedrooms was reworked, making way for a larger main bedroom complete with study area and separate dressing room. A keen feel for materiality keeps the revamp interesting. Downstairs, an interplay of white hues is complemented by dusky pinks and deep burgundy tones, while vibrant Calacatta marble, brass and overscaled lighting provide gravitas. ‘The previous kitchen island was tall, lumpy and not very practical,’ says Paula. ‘Instead, we opted to install a marble bar shelf, spanning the width of the window, so the couple and their friends can enjoy the view over a drink.’ Combined with three lacquered burgundy stools designed by Paula and Joko, it’s now one of the owners’ favourite zones. Of course, living in a high-rise presented unique challenges when it came to selecting furniture. ‘We knew we wanted to design a statement marble dining table,’ says Paula. ‘However, there was no way we’d be able to transport one seamless slab into the space.’ Their solution was to commission three separate, double bullnose-edged slabs of Calacatta marble, whose joins are so expertly fused that they are nearly invisible. Likewise, the cocooning wall panel behind the bed required some ingenuity: using a painted effect on Italian plaster with curved edges in solid wood, it is designed to mimic travertine for a cosseting yet tactile feel. Rounded silhouettes are a recurring motif, chosen for their softening effect. ‘We really wanted to pay homage to 1970s design, so we opted for curves,’ says Paula, who anchored the living space with the pink Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini, complemented by Charlotte Perriand’s Rio coffee table. ‘Those shapes work in a smaller space, as there are no hard angles to trip over.’ Lighting reinforces that feel. ‘There’s a bit of a passion for crystal pendants in this city, but we steered the couple towards simple shapes, such as the Cloud chandelier by Apparatus, which works brilliantly over the dining table because it’s playful and visually lightweight.’ A lot can change in a year and this renovation was a rebirth in more ways than one. Home to a new family member, as well as a new look, its transformation is complete. the dow n load THE DESIGNERS Paula Barrionuevo Paez and Joko Tandijono, co-founders of Bangkok-based interior design practice Studio 1:10, who reworked this city centre high-rise duplex for a couple and their newborn baby. THE PROPERTY A contemporary 24th- and 25thfloor duplex in central Bangkok, designed by architects Kerry Hills and Ed Tuttle. On the lower floor there’s an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, plus powder room, wine niche and outdoor terrace. The upper floor houses the main bedroom, with two separate walk-in closets, an office, a nursery and two en-suite bathrooms. X studio1-10.com livingetc.com 89
HOUSES L I V I N G I N A H I G H - R I S E P R E S E N TS C H A L L E N G E S W H E N I T CO M E S TO F U R N I T U R E – FO R T H E K I TC H E N TA B L E W E CO M M I SS I O N E D T H R E E S E PA R AT E M A R B L E S L A B S T H AT W E R E T H E N F U S E D TO G E T H E R X OUTDOOR DINING T E R R AC E ‘With a great view over the city below, this is the perfect space for alfresco entertaining and dining in the cooler, drier months,’ says Paula. Roll chairs, Kettal. Lotus table, Kundesign. Ceramic vases, H&M Home. Tribute travertine wall sconces, Kelly Wearstler 90 livingetc.com DINING AREA ‘We fell in love with the whimsical chandelier – it feels like a sculpture and it finishes this space,’ says Paula. ‘The owner had her eye on these chairs from the start. Taking our cue from the couples’ vibrant personalities, we opted to upholster them in a houndstooth fabric.’ Cloud 25 chandelier, Apparatus. Botolo dining chairs, Arflex. Bespoke honed Calacatta marble dining table; bespoke Calacatta Viola marble splashback and worktop, all Studio 1:10. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry, Studio 1:10; painted in Holland Park, Mylands. Hardware, Buster + Punch. Tap, Gessi
HOUSES O U R C H O S E N PA L E T T E I S L A R G E LY W H I T E H U E S CO M P L E M E N T E D BY D U ST Y P I N K A N D D E E P B U R G U N DY FO R A TO U C H O F G R AV I TAS X ‘FLOATING’ BAR ‘This concept was conceived during our initial visit to the apartment,’ says Paula. ‘It serves as a dynamic setting for lazy weekend breakfasts overlooking urban Bangkok.’ Bespoke Calacatta Viola bar; burgundy lacquered bar stools, all Studio 1:10 MAIN BEDROOM The curved, full-height headboard is actually Italian plaster and wood edges painted to look like travertine by a local artisan. Clip bed; Skin night tables, all Ditre Italia. Leplì bench, Poltrona Frau. Getlucky small armchair, Patricia Urquiola for Moroso. Bolle pendants, Gallotti&Radice livingetc.com 93
HOUSES MAIN B AT H R O O M A palette of whites helps to create a serene area in which to wind down after a busy day. ‘The Bianco Perla white marble was chosen for its clarity,’ says Paula. Bespoke vanity units; floating shelves and hanging mirrors, all Studio 1:10. Taps, Inciso collection by Gessi. Freestanding bath, Villeroy & Boch. Hardware, Buster + Punch. Flauti wall light, Giopato & Coombes 94 livingetc.com
FORCE OF NATURE LIVING AREA ‘A balance needs to be struck around the use of glass in an extension – between bringing in sunlight but not so much that you’re boiling hot in summer. I think we achieved that,’ says architect Charles Wu. Vintage CH25 chair, Carl Hansen & Søn. Plant stool, Another Country 96 livingetc.com
HOUSES An unexpected flood into what was already a dark basement flat prompted a new vision, full of light, natural materials and foliage X PHOTOGRAPHY French+Tye WORDS Fleur Britten livingetc.com 97
HOUSES the dow n load THE DESIGNER Charles Wu, founder of architecture and interior design practice Polysmiths, was asked to revamp this home after a flash flood. The owner, Christoph Halstenberg, is a journalist and content creator who had relocated to London from his native Germany. THE PROPERTY This 800-square-foot basement flat is part of a Victorian townhouse, built in the 1830s, in north London. It comprises an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. 98 livingetc.com
K I TC H E N / DINING AREA ‘We wanted to conceal the visual noise of the kitchen, so we used walnut-veneered cabinets and dark appliances,’ says Charles. They blend into the background. Black-lacquered CPH table, Hay. Vintage chairs, Ercol. Vintage green chair, Knoll. Semi white pendant, Gubi. Beau 100 pendant, Design For The People. Porcelain worktop, Mandarin Stone. Walls in soft grey limewash paint, The Traditional Paint Company livingetc.com 99
LIVING AREA ‘The new pitched roof of the extension brings light in diagonally and more deeply, but also creates an architectural language for the extension,’ says Charles. Mags sofa, Hay; upholstered in two tones of green fabric, Kvadrat. Similar sisal rug, The Cotswold Company. Panier coffee table, Kartell. Billy bookcases, Ikea. Jute pouffes, John Lewis & Partners. Glo-Ball pendant light, Flos
HOUSES H A L LWAY ‘We used stained plywood to reflect light from the skylight – it created a bronze effect,’ says Charles. Antique table, client’s own; for similar, try Selling Antiques. Portable Bellhop lamp, Flos he flat was not in a nice state when I first saw it,’ says architect Charles Wu, founder of the award-winning design practice Polysmiths. ‘The floorboards had curled and it smelled of damp – it was a real mess.’ Just a few weeks after its owner, a German journalist, moved in, a flash flood forced him to move out again. However, this misfortune turned out to be a blessing because the work needed on the dated, gloomy flat had to be actioned sooner than originally planned. ‘The client bought it thinking he could live there for a bit,’ explains Charles. When the f lood struck, the owner took the opportunity to do a full renovation – and, of course, some essential flood-proofing. The end result – which included an extension half-sunk into the garden, bringing lush greenery right up to the windows – is, says Charles, ‘like being in a hut and living outside’. Indeed, the property is named Walden after the book by the 19th-century American naturalist Henry David Thoreau, which documents his two-year experiment living in a cabin in the woods. Nature has informed the decorative brief, too. ‘All the materials we used are real and honest – wood, steel, glass. They’re all close to the elements,’ says Charles. However, perhaps the best natural ingredient here is sunlight – but that wasn’t the case initially. ‘The flat had a deep and narrow floor plan and is 12m from front to back,’ says Charles, ‘so the middle got really dark.’ He installed a pitched roof with three angled skylights, bringing light much more deeply in while also adding privacy (previously the neighbours had a direct view into the basement). And around the windowless bathroom in the middle, Charles installed a glass brick screen that borrows natural light from the living area. To ensure that the flat is now flooded with sunlight only, Polysmiths implemented various flood-proofing strategies. For starters, that verdant garden is designed to provide drainage. The builders removed the thick London clay soil surrounding the foundations and filled the space with topsoil, which, says Charles, ‘is easier for water to run off’. Underground French drains, storm valves and a pump were also laid, while external walls were tanked and treated with damp-resistant slurry, then painted with breathable limewash. The garden is now planted with longerrooting vegetation to soak up more water. The plants have another role, too. ‘We planted things that smelled good, such as roses, lavender and jasmine,’ says Charles. ‘When the client opens the window, his head is at the same level as them.’ Another thoughtful touch that marks the extent of the flat’s transformation. GUEST BEDROOM ‘Double doors connect the two bedrooms and we painted the rooms the same colour, so that when guests aren’t around, the client can make use of both spaces,’ says Charles. Haru sofa bed, Made at Next. Artwork by Sabine Wild, Lumas X polysmiths.com livingetc.com 101
HOUSES B AT H R O O M ‘We decided that this room would be the cosy, quiet space, so we went for black tiling,’ says Charles. ‘And because of its low headroom, we used reflective, bronze-coloured panels so that the ceiling doesn’t feel so close.’ And light comes in from the living area through the opaque glass brick wall. Rectangular ceramic basin, VitrA. Rectangular LED mirror, Victorian Plumbing. Hoxton Black Gloss metro tiles, Mandarin Stone. Glass bricks, Glass Blocks Direct 102 livingetc.com
july 2024 april 2024 may 2024 LEADING BY DESIGN LEADING BY DESIGN ALL ABOUT LEADING BY DESIGN INTRODUCING THE P L AY F UL ISM NEW PRETTY LET THE FUN IN WITH DESIGN’S NEW SURREALISM-INSPIRED SIDE THE SMALL S PAC E ISSUE A M A Z I N G A PA R T M E N T S , BIG IDEAS FOR BEDROOMS, STRIKING MUR AL S TO MAKE TH E MOST OF E VE RY INCH H OW T O D E C O R AT E T O DAY CO LLEC TO R ’ S COVE R march 2024 LEADING BY DESIGN february 2024 LEADING BY DESIGN january 2024 LEADING BY DESIGN december 2023 LEADING BY DESIGN C E L E B R AT E IN ST YLE W E ’ V E G O T D E C O R AT I N G A N D HOSTING ALL WRAPPED UP DESIGNERS PICK THE U LT I M AT E C H R I S T M A S G I F T S N EW DECOR TRE N DS FOR KITCH E N , D I N I N G A N D B E D R O O M I N S P I R AT I O N THE DESIGN TRENDS ISSUE W E K N OW H OW YO U ’ L L B E D E C O R AT I N G T H I S Y E A R A N D B E YO N D THE YEAR O F CO S Y D E C O R S C H E M E S T O WA R M YO U R S O U L FURNITURE AND LIGHTING FOR PERFECT LIVING ROOMS P L U S S T O R AG E, E X T E N S I O N S A N D T H E A R T O F THE PLASTER FINISH EXPRESSIVE ELEGANCE W I T H L AU R A H A R R I E R INTRODUCING 2024’S CHICEST DESIGN TREND november 2023 LEADING BY DESIGN august 2023 september 2023 LEADING BY DESIGN LEADING BY DESIGN DRESSED TO I M P R E S S T H E M O S T E XC I T I N G C R E AT I V E S O N H OW T O S T Y L E YO U R H O M E SMALL DECOR PROJ EC TS TO E L E VAT E E AC H R O O M A N E W C O L O U R PA L E T T E SETTING NEXT SEASON’S TRENDS ST YLE IS E V E RY T H I N G G E T I N TO THE MOOD T H E 5 3 B E S T H O M E WA R E D E S I G N S O F T H E Y E A R H OW TO US E CO LO U R LI K E A PRO T H E M AT E R I A L S , T H E C O L O U R S , T H E T E X T U R E S A N D T H E L I G H T I N G T H AT S E T T H E T O N E F O R A N E W S E A S O N O F S T Y L E D E C O R AT E W I T H C O N F I D E N C E T O L I V E I N A S PAC E YO U L OV E may 2023 july 2023 LEADING BY DESIGN LEADING BY DESIGN TURN UP THE H E AT H O W T O B R I N G T H AT S U N S H I N E F E E L I N G T O YO U R H O M E A L L Y E A R O U R E D I T O F S U M M E R ’ S B E S T PAT T E R N S E V E R Y T H I N G YO U N E E D T O S T Y L E T H E P E R F E C T O U T D O O R S PAC E D E S I G N YO U R H A P P Y P L AC E PAT T E R N S , T E X T UR E S A N D C O L O U R S T O E L E VAT E E V E R Y R O O M T H E J OY O F T H E P E R F E C T N O O K N E W - S E A S O N PA L E T T E S T H E B E S T C R E AT I V E S L OV E N OW 104 livingetc.com
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FA R AWAY FA B R I C S The nomadic lifestyle provided inspiration for Fischbacher 1819’s collection presented at Paris Déco Off earlier this year – and it feels just right for summer. The fabrics (and wallpapers) that make up Nomadic Journeys take their cues from global sources – Qashqai, for example, pays tribute to the rich textile tradition of the nomadic community from which it gets its name. The brand describes the collection as ‘[telling] stories of freedom and journeys to remote places’, and that’s the kind of vibe we can get behind – we love the basketweave pattern and powdery blue palette of Quipu, pictured here. Quipu in 701, £162m, Fischbacher 1819 W H Y W E LOV E ‘ DA R K W H I T E ’, A N A R C H I T EC T ’ S G U I D E TO U S I N G CO LO U R LI K E A PRO, PLUS C R E ATIVE C EI LI N G S AN D LIVI N G S PAC E S X livingetc.com 107
colour decoded As with all successful schemes, there’s much more going on beneath the surface of this space than first appears –Livingetc’s colour expert Amy Moorea Wong reveals all This kitchen-diner designed by Kate Guinness introduces bold colour through movable pieces
D E C O R AT I N G PHOTOGRAPH (MAIN IMAGE) JAMES MCDONALD It’s the artwork that propels this room into the realm of dictionary-definition ‘colourful’. The blocky, abstract jigsaw of form (a commission by John Goodison) is the dining space’s centrepiece, the tonal, almost-bright, hues linking and pulling together the other colours on its periphery and neatly sewing the scheme together. It establishes a balanced triangle of concentrated boldness with itself, the blue-tealnavy kitchen (Edward Bulmer Natural Paint’s Azurite) and the rich red Wishbone chairs. As well as exploring new shades – lime, ochre, orange, all of the blues – the art’s shapes include soothing neutral tones that nod to the room’s natural elements, amping things up and packing a punch while smoothlyslottinginlikethe final piece of the puzzle. So, let’s start at the beginning. Picture it empty, a sea of soft suede surfaces (walls in bespoke Tawny at 50% by Edward Bulmer, ceiling in Off White 9 by Papers and Paints) – where to even start? Would many of us think of reds, blues, a brazenly multicoloured artwork? ‘The paint and the stronger tone of the k itchen ca me f irst in conjunction with the floor. From there, textiles and furniture were overlaid, with the commissioned artwork coming last,’ explains the space’s creator Kate Guinness, founder and director of Kate Guinness Design. ‘The earthy, nutty wall and ceiling shades generally keep the room feeling calm, while the kitchen gives a kick of energy.’ In some ways, it’s the neutral walls that feel like the most daring move. Colour is so often set against paler shades that slink into the background or additional colour/pattern, whereas here the gentle neutral is a surprising key player. The walls resonate with the deepness of the brighter hues, working with the darker timbers to add a honey-like warmth to the area while enriching the colours as if dousing them in evening sunlight. Have you noticed anything stripy? Despite its large size, it takes a while for the rug to emerge and it’s hard to focus on it with all the surrounding excitement. Its pastel tones quietly clash with the rest of the palette, not quite sure what to do encircled by chunks of such vividity. Here, its strips of grey-blue, lemon and rose become neutrals, working with the paler natural materials – tabletop, woven seats – and the walls to integrate into the space. Meanwhile the rug’s heaviest blue effortlessly pulls the kitchen colour scheme into the dining area, linking the two zones while allowing them their own personality. What a subtle, delicate dance. I love the unexpected red theory as much as the next guy (which very basically comes down to add i ng a da sh of noncoordinating red to the home) and while I tend to be wary of trends – damn, that decadent cherry tone of the Wishbones looks majest ic! Red is of ten a colour that comes top of I’m-scared-of-that-inmy-home list; these chairs are a lesson in how to get over that. Knock back the brightness of colouringpencil red to something more palatable and think instead of Merlot, ruby and brick. Come over to the dark side – it’s easier, and it looks really good. Much of the colour here is movable. As it’s so all-encompassing, it’s hard to accept that all (bar the kitchen, sure) can be whipped away in a matter of minutes. In fact, when you distil it, the dining area’s impressive palette is led by the artwork, chairs and rug plus some small bits. It’s the scale of each of the three main components that fills the room with a rainbow – the artwork is huge, dominating the wall, the chairs are generous (and there are a lot of them), and the rug is the biggest the space can take. Let’s call it... supersized colour minimalism. X Amy Moorea Wong is a design journalist and author. @amy_moorea; amymoorea.com BRONZE RED, LITTLE GREENE FADED TERRACOTTA, FARROW & BALL GOLDEN SQUARE, MYLANDS HUMBLE, COAT OFF WHITE 9, PAPERS AND PAINTS MARBLE TOP, CROWN AZURITE, EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINT livingetc.com 109
D E C O R AT I N G play it cool Just a shade off grey, ‘dark white’ is the nuanced colour designers are turning to for light, luxurious and elegant spaces FEATURE Faaizah Shah EXPENSIVE TA S T E A dark white backdrop allows warmer washes of beige and brown to stand out in this London apartment by Elicyon. The aim, says founder and director Charu Gandhi, was to ensure that ‘the quality of the spaces speak for themselves’ – something that this particular shade of white can deliver well, thanks to its ability to make spaces feel more expensive. PHOTOGRAPHS (EXPENSIVE TASTE) MICHAEL SINCLAIR For similar paint, try Cloud White, Atelier Ellis 110 livingetc.com
LIGHT AND SHADOW This airy dining room showcases the duality of dark white. As the light shines into the space, areas of white feel crisp and bright; elsewhere, they feel softer and serene. ‘Balanced layers of colour are key at the moment, so bright white trim is less in favour; use a white that is complementary to your wall colour, or indeed a “darker” white on the walls themselves,’ says Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball. Walls in Blackened, Farrow & Ball h
COOL WELCOM E Hallways are a natural fit for a dark white palette, thanks to their tendency to be smaller and, quite often, darker. Using a cool-toned white with a hint grey can help enhance the moodiness of this area – and as shown here in a project by Maddux Creative, can make a rather grand design feel even grander. The ceiling is kept a purer white for a traditional look, while accent furniture and sculpture in woods and black draw on this muted palette. Walls in Slate, Paint & Paper Library 112 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (COOL WELCOME) MICHAEL SINCLAIR; (MUTED MONOCHROME) FRAN PARENTE D E C O R AT I N G
MUTED MONOCHROME Shades of black, grey and white decorate this Upper East Side apartment created by contemporary interior designer Ryan Korban. The curated choice of colours creates a wonderful sense of depth. Used on the panelled walls, a cool white offers a counterpoint to the black accents, says Ryan: ‘It balances that sense of drama without feeling dark.’ Walls in Strong White, Farrow & Ball. Framed photograph by Ruvén Afanador h
COLOU R CODE Dial up this evocative base with tones and textures that complement or contrast its coolness. This elegant Fifth Avenue residence by interior designer Ryan Korban presents synergies between the softness of a muted pink and the sharp nature of dark white. The white tempers the sweetness of the shade while the pink brings levity and colour to this space. ‘I have always been drawn to that last shade of white just before grey,’ says Ryan. ‘To me, it evokes such emotion.’ Walls in Strong White, Farrow & Ball. Painting by Marco Lorenzetto
D E C O R AT I N G DAS H OF DRAMA Austin-based studio Cuppett Kilpatrick offers a charming example of how dark white can be used in conjunction with traditional elements such as panelling. The dark wood grounds the scheme while refreshing doses of white bring light into the room. ‘Crisp white paint and accessories contrast with the warm wood,’ says founding partner Tim Cuppett. PHOTOGRAPHS (COLOUR CODE) FRAN PARENTE; (DASH OF DRAMA) CUPPETT KILPATRICK For similar paint, try Gauze, Little Greene livingetc.com 115
D E C O R AT I N G looking up Ceilings adorned with papers, fabrics and painted patterns were everywhere at New York’s design week – this trick makes rooms feel larger and infinitely more interesting FEATURE Julia Demer 1
2 1 A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S For the maximalist or the unconventional, ceiling wallpaper is the next frontier. First, it offers extra surface area to play with – why should walls be the limit? Second, it’s unexpected, almost undetectable upon entering a room. For her bathroom in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York this year, interior designer Vanessa Deleon used a gold wallcovering with multilayered metallic leafing by Phillip Jeffries on the ceiling: it offers a reflective contrast to the dramatic emerald walls and draws the brass fixtures from Kohler into the space. 2 TO U CH - M E TE X TU R E Look to wallpaper to deliver texture to your ceiling – be it the layered metallics shown on the left or, in the case of Jeremiah Brent’s room for Kips Bay, the soft, soothing look of suede. Suited to bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms – all places you want to invite this sense of sumptuous luxury – it is an unexpected choice. But as Jeremiah’s scheme with its white walls and floor paired with a deep brown faux suede wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries shows, it makes quite the style statement. 3 P A I N T E R LY A P P R O A C H Like a wall mural, a decorative ceiling increases the perception of height and, if done right, makes the room feel larger rather than closed in. One fearless execution came from Barbara Ostrom of Barbara Ostrom Associates. She’s the type of creative who cheekily pairs an accent chair made of plush stuffed animals with real hides on cushions and stools. For her safari-themed design week exhibit, flying cranes formed a circle against an abstract sky backdrop. PHOTOGRAPHS NICKOLAS SARGENT 3 117
think like a pro It’s not just interior designers who are skilled at picking the perfect palette – architects are in on the act, too, and Richard Parr knows just how to get the ideal shade The living room of Richard Parr Associates’ Oxfordshire project, where each colour was ultracarefully considered 118 livingetc.com
D E C O R AT I N G Colour is something that evolves and emerges throughout a project – it’s not something that is arrived at by me putting paint swatches on a table and j u s t c h o o s i n g m y f avou r i t e o n e . Everything we do is meshed together, a nd I’ll consider the colour of the building’s brick, the way the light falls and what’s outside the window before I choose. The result is a shade that creates exactly the mood you were setting out for – and how we came to create a colour called People’s Red for our studio, which played off the bricks to perfection and we used on interior tiles. PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN IMAGE) BROTHERTON-LOCK; (RIGHT) GILBERT MCCARRAGHER Colour is not flat - and that’s why I’m against paint samples. It’s never static, but changes throughout the day, and you need to consider the emotional response you get from it rather than the solely visual one. I choose colour like I’m cooking – if I’m making a recipe and throwing in ingredients you’re aiming for harmony, but every now and again you add vinegar or spice – a contrast. The same can be said for a paint palette – shades that blend, but then have one h or two moments to lift them. Tiles glazed for Richard’s studio in People’s Red, a colour he created specifically for the space livingetc.com 119
D E C O R AT I N G The limewash was chosen because it was able to complement the many variations in the concrete floor The cladding was stained rather than painted to lead to true colour homogeneity W H E N D E C I D I N G O N A PA L E T T E , I ’ L L C O N S I D E R T H E C O LO U R O F T H E B U I L D I N G ’ S B R I C K S , T H E WAY T H E L I G H T Be open to being inspired by nature – it’s where a lot of the best colours are. We have a project in Suffolk, and as I walked along the shoreline I collected a jar full of sand, shell fragments, bits of brick and porcelain that had washed up. It wasn’t tasteful, necessarily, but it was interesting, the colours that came from the shells and the glazes. We extracted those hues and used them to inform the project. It came right from the local vernacular. Start with your most difficult corner, a nd work f rom there. In our Oxfordshire project, it was trying to find a hue that worked with the poured grey 120 livingetc.com concrete on the floors, a surface as varied as a cloud-filled sky. Once we found the right lime plaster it was easy to build a harmonious scheme from there, getting the trickiest bit out of the way. bits with little natural light – in Penny by Benjamin Moore. It’s somewhere bet ween r u st a nd och re a nd ver y heart-warming when shafts of light happen to hit it. You can create a soothing scheme that isn’t light – most people’s mistake is that they equate ‘soothing’ with something being not noticeable, and err towards bland so as not to create a reaction. Pure white is a non-colour and can be harsh – instead richer colours tend to be more soothing because they make you feel warm. I painted my own home’s interior – the landing and stairwell and those Sometimes, painted surfaces won’t give you the finish you’re after. Spray can be too flat, hand-brushing can have too much texture. In our Oxfordshire project, we used a deep stain on the exterior timber as I wanted it to be a homogenous colour. It took a lot of effort, but the result was a wonderful evenness that still showed the woodgrain through. Attention to the detail here was key. PHOTOGRAPHS BROTHERTON LOCK FA L L S A N D W H AT ’ S O U T S I D E T H E W I N D OW
Clockwise, from far left: Camille Walala’s Pink Noise rug; Henry Holland’s I Feel Love rug in Orange; Kitty Joseph’s Chroma rug in Green; John Booth’s Giovanni rug in Blue. all from 10x10 series, from £395, Floor_Story MAKE A SPLASH With design names including Henry Holland, Camille Walala and 2LG on the roster, is it any wonder that 10x10, the new series by east London rug dealer Floor_Story, is an explosion of colour? Celebrating a decade of collaborating with talent from the world of art, craft, print, fashion and, of course, interiors, the collection is a design event in itself. It’s also just really fun. Keep an eye out for Kangan Arora’s bold geometrics and Diane Bresson’s playful abstracts – these pieces were meant to inject your home with vibrancy and dynamism. W H E R E TO FI N D A M A ZI N G ACC EN T TA B L E S , T H E H OT P I EC E S A R R IV I N G F R O M A M E R I C A , O U T D O O R P O O L I D E A S , M O D ER N M A R Q U E T RY A N D M O R E X livingetc.com 121
SOURCEBOOK little black book: accent tables FRENCH DESIG N ER SOPHIE ROUSSEL LOVES ARTISANAL DESIG NS – S H E T E L L S U S W H E R E S H E S H O P S F O R S I D E TA B L E S W I T H G R A V I TA S FEATURE ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS (SOPHIE ROUSSEL PROJECT ) HARRY CROWDER A Sophie Roussel project featuring an Ado Chale table – ‘a Belgian artist whose studio was down the street where I grew up’ 122 livingetc.com
PROANTIC A platform with a beautiful array of dealers, Proantic is a dream for antique furniture. I love to source from them as I find mixing modern and vintage pieces a great combination for any space. An 18th-century accent table with a modern Italian sofa can do wonders for a living room. INVISIBLE COLLECTION This is my all-time favourite company to source from. The furniture is of incredible variety and quality. The showrooms change regularly and champion different designers. Accent tables are a fun item to look for, and you can find everything from lacquer to wood, bronze to ceramic or glass. My last purchase was a trio of tables with a blue resin top for a project in Athens. PHILIPPE HUREL Founded in 1911, this company is one of my most adored sources for tables. It offers a classic, timeless design, made in France, with a very modern, fresh look. I especially love the pieces that mix wood with leather or parchment. The Tobias table (shown) is a favourite and has been installed in a couple of projects, switching finishes every time as most of its products are customisable. PROMEMORIA A staple in Italian design, you can never go wrong with Promemoria. They are exceptional craftspeople: the Francoise table (shown) is a timeless classic and my go-to. They are cabinetmakers originally so their woodwork is impeccable, but I am especially drawn to the way they work with bronze. These are pieces you will keep forever, and pass on to future generations. AT E L I E R S M U Q U E T A few projects require custom-made furniture and Ateliers Muquet is my go-to. They are exceptional artisans working at the highest level of woodwork, as well as creating bespoke materials and decorative panels. Last year, I could not find an accent table for a chalet and collaborated with them to create a wooden one with a resin and chrome top. H O M O FA B E R I try to source locally and promote new artisans wherever I have a project. This platform champions artisans and craft all over the world by creating guides for an array of towns that list all the local artisans from each area. You will find everything from renowned artists to small independent designers selling beautiful pieces. X T H E L I V I N G E TC T E A M R E C O M M E N D S EDRA The Cicladi side tables by Jacopo Foggini are the ultimate sculptural pieces – a stroke of genius from this treasured Italian brand. JULIAN CHICHESTER Ever-present on our list of makers, Julian Chichester is our choice for unusual accent tables in finishes from dark bronze to teal vellum. JONATHAN ADLER Bold, playful and always interesting, the range of accent tables – including Coliseum, right – is incredible. Every design makes us smile. livingetc.com 123
SOURCEBOOK global outlook: interiors report O U R N E W YO R K E D I TO R K E I T H F L A N AG A N H E A D E D TO T H E H I G H P O I N T M A R K E T H O M E WA R E S H O W I N N O R T H C A R O L I N A TO F I N D O U T W H AT ’ S H OT R I G H T N O W 1 B RIG HT S POT While natural and neutral palettes still have a hold on the market, splashes of colour were all the more exhilarating to spot. One of the brightest launches was a playful collaboration between New York designer Sasha Bikoff and Abner Henry, an Amish furniture company based in Oh io. T he Da r iu s a r moi re wa s a personal favourite with its two-tone cer used wood f ront a nd colou r f ul interior like a box of Crayolas. The best part? The collection is customisable – every piece can change size, colour and finish. They’re calling it functional art; I’m calling it a whole lot of fun. 2 1 PHOTOGRAPHS (3) COURTESY OF JAIPUR LIVING; (4) VISUAL COMFORT & CO 2 STO N E AG E It was hard to miss the sheer amount of lighting incorporating stone throughout High Point Market this year–especially illuminated stone, which can emit an almost ethereal glow. Milky and opaque, these stones were of ten encased in metallic bases, brackets and bezels for a mixed material experience that levelled up the whole look. The debut that caught my eye came from San Francisco-based designer Noz Nozawa, who partnered with Corbett Lighting on a striking collection inspired by antique jewellery. Metallic silhouettes nod to anything from stackable rings to swooping chains – emulating pieces Noz wears herself – in fixtures like the Lariat chandelier with alabaster tubes or the Riviere sconce with an onyx disc shade, all casting a moody and ambient quality of light. 3 PLUMPED UP There are simply some home items that you’ve got to feel to believe. That’s my takeaway after visiting Jaipur Living’s show room. The company, based in Atlanta and known for hand-knotted rugs, has raised its level once again with 3 4 a new Fine Fibers collection crafted with luxurious materials like Mongolian cashmere and New Zealand wool. I’d seen photos of the line before visiting and loved what I saw, but trust me, the images hardly compare to seeing and touching these rugs in person. 4 L I G H T FA N TA S T I C We tend to think of light fixtures as f i xed object s. But the categor y of c o r d le s s , r e c h a r g e a ble l a m p s i s certainly on the rise. One brand leaning into the movement is Visual Comfort & Co, which recently cut the cord for about 30 of its bestselling designs, offering p or t a ble ver sion s w it h bu lb -l i ke modules that pop in and out of full-sized lamps (the charge lasts upwards of nine hours and the docking stations are ha ndsome). It mea ns that updated designs, like this Tiglia lamp by Kelly Wearstler, can be moved around the home, placed anywhere regardless of whether a socket is nearby. Lamps with legs? It’s a new dawn for lighting design. livingetc.com 125
SOURCEBOOK the big ticket: outdoor pools D I V E I N TO A WO R L D O F P O O L PA R T I E S A N D M O R N I N G D I P S W I T H Y O U R O W N P R I VAT E L I D O – S U M M E R S J U S T G O T S U N N I E R ‘Pools allow for a multitude of possibilities,’ says Hillary Littlejohn, principal of her eponymous design Shallow steps lead down to a pool tucked under a stairway in this São Paulo project by architecture firm Entre Escalas studio in Dallas, Texas. ‘They ca n become focal points or supporting actors positioned as water feat u res w ith swimming capabilit y. A pool of ten grounds a large expansive space like a lawn or large terrace; infinity pools direct your eye towards a horizon.’ If you’re convinced of the benefits of an outdoor pool, the first step in the design process is to visualise – and rationalise – how you’re actually going to use it. ‘Is it for swimming laps, family playtime, relaxing in, lounging beside in the summer?,’ ask Emma Ward-Lambert and Magnus Ström of Lymington-based Ström Architects. ‘Is it intended as a feature of the landscape, something to enjoy looking out over, or more of a private retreat? Are you working with existing garden and house features and styles? These factors play a crucial role in determining how to landscape around it – the level of privacy desired, how important shade or orientation are, how much time will be spent around it rather than in it, whether it needs to interface, complement or contrast with existing features and materials.’ Next, think about placement. In the UK, says Pawel Nawojczyk, director of architecture at London design firm SHH, that means ‘looking for the largest a rea w ith least obstructions [a nd] ensuring the most use of the sun, e.g. away from trees’ – as well as considering implications on adjoining structures, underground services, geotechnical characteristics and hydrology. Allowing for a decent amount of space around a pool is always advantageous. ‘I am perplexed when people choose to nudge the pool six feet from the house when they have an expansive backyard,’ says Hillary. ‘At the other extreme I recently witnessed a pool built into the side of the house with zero ledge and the effect was striking. [It] seemed to float.’ Consider, too, the architecture surrounding the pool, and how it might be complemented. ‘Design the pool in harmony with surrounding st r uct u res, such a s i ncor porat i ng features like pergolas, decks or built-in seating areas,’ say Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani, directors of Mumbaibased architects MuseLAB. ‘For our Hacienda project, we constructed a 75foot-long vault using custom formwork. This allowed for the roof of the pool to integrate with the architecture of the home.’ Consider, too, how the pool is h FEATURE ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS (ENTRE ESCALAS) PEDRO KOK; (SANDBOX STUDIO) KATHERINE LU Thanks to the characteristically up-anddown nature of British summer weather, a swimming pool isn’t necessarily at the top of most people’s project wish lists – until, that is, we visit a hotel or rent a private villa abroad and realise what we’re missing. An outdoor pool can be a beautiful addition to a garden landscape and a design feature in its own right. ‘A swimming pool provides a dynamic ae s t het ic fe at u r e t o a home a nd surrounding landscape,’ says Luke Carter, director of Sydney and Canberra architectural practice Sandbox Studio.
Australian firm Sandbox Studio’s Curl Curl house includes a pool that mimics the curves of the roof that extends over the decked area parallel livingetc.com 127
SOURCEBOOK Luke also suggests incorporating a shallower ‘beach’ zone or bench seating within the pool. viewed from within the house. ‘If there is a striking panorama, then perhaps the pool empha si se s t h i s by r u n n i ng laterally across the viewing plane,’ say Emma and Magnus. ‘If the pool sits next to a living area, then it may be worth considering a lifting pool floor that can double as a terrace for entertaining. If the house is elevated, then we may create an infinity edge to intensify that sense of the view extending.’ Mosaic tiles emphasise the architectural structure that surrounds this indoor-outdoor pool design (top) by Bombay-based design firm MuseLAB 128 livingetc.com A project by Oliver Segura Arquitectura and Cebrià Arquitectura includes a pool with a moveable floor that can be raised to create a patio space If your pool is for casual use rather than exercise, consider having fun with shape. ‘Rectangles and squares are timeless and offer a clean, modern look: they are ideal for lap swimming and fit well in contemporary settings,’ says Pawel. ‘Curves add visual interest and can make a statement; they can also surround sunken sitting areas including fire pits. Infinity pools are striking when positioned to overlook scenic views. For a more natural, organic look, consider freeform shapes. These pools often mimic the appearance of natural bodies of water with curves and irregular edges.’ Pawel recommends a level of contrast for safety reasons (so that those with poor eyesight can see where the pool begins). ‘Dark pools provide a striking statement while lighter colours make the water very inviting with the light reflections painted by the sun,’ he says. ‘Ultramodern pools can bring in exposed glass walls and stainless steel; sleek designs might call for large-format tiles; a more characterful pool will benefit from smaller mosaics that add sparkle and colour, [and] a more rustic pool could benefit from a plaster finish.’ And of course, there are a few final details that will help maximise your enjoyment of your pool. ‘Lighting is always important, and not just the ubiquitous single light in the deep end – [it’s also] lighting just under the bullnose around the perimeter,’ says Hillary. ‘Finally, and most importantly, heat the pool! It might seem counterintuitive but if you want the pool to be utilised it should be warmed to 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit [25-29 degrees Celsius].’ PHOTOGRAPHS (MUSELAB) ISHITA SITWALA; (OLIVER SEGURA) MARIO MARTÍNEZ AT LATENART; (MESURA) SALVA LÓPEZ Finishes can also help your pool design make more of a splash. ‘We frequently use stone paving for pool surrounds, but this is often not suitable for below the waterline – in these cases we opt for porcelain tiles that resemble the stone,’ say Emma and Magnus. ‘Another option, for a minimalist and seamless aesthetic, is microcement. We specified a product called Baxab on a project in Barcelona, where the interior floor, terraces and pool were all finished in a beautiful, smooth, pale microcement that gave a faultless, uniform surface.’
Barcelona-based architecture firm Mesura employed earthy terracottatoned tiles to line the pool of its Casa Ter project
the spotlight: what to buy now C O N S C I O U S LY C H I C ST YLISH STRIPES Yarn Collective is a great example of a bra nd pioneering responsible design. Its new collection of textiles is made from materials selected for their renewable and biodegradable qualities, but the rich colour palette takes things to the next level. Think earthy olives, deep burnt reds and creamy neutrals. Throw in Iris linen satin in Olive, £166m; bolster cushion in Flock wool velvet in Olive, £284m, Yarn Collective Loving String is fast gaining traction for its colourf ul cotton lampshades. So we wanted to spotlight one of its cheer y pieces for when your home needs an injection of sun. Cozzie lampshade, from £65, Loving String S E R V I N G LO O K S Mango wood Lisbon Foliage round platter, £28, John Lewis & Partners Set your alfresco table and style up those salads with our pick of the best new plates and serving platters. KEEP IT SIMPLE Elizabeth serving platter, £205, Carolina Irving & Daughters Laguna dinner plate, £160 for set of 4, Skye McAlpine Tavola 130 livingetc.com This natty little stool is a recent launch from Fredericia, the Danish design brand and our current Scandinavian obsession. It ’s part of the Pioneer Collection in collaboration with Maria Bruun, a series of sculptural stools in solid wood – proof that simple is often best when it comes to furniture pieces. From €709 FEATURE ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS (HOME GROWN) KEV HISCOE, STYLING RUTH WEBBER AN EDIT OF THE BE AUTIES ON TE AM LIVINGE TC ’S SHOPPING LIST
SOURCEBOOK M A R V E L LO U S M A R Q U E T RY T her e ’s b e en a lot of t a l k a b ou t marquetry recently, including in this very magazine – and there’s a good reason, because this technique makes for fascinating pieces. Shepel Furniture is worth investigating for standout pieces, from cabinets to coffee tables. Soho side table, £6,370, Shepel Furniture A SHADE BETTER Sparkling new brand Plia Parasols makes hardwood garden parasols with canopies sewn in Cornwall – and you can choose your own upholstery fabric for your bespoke piece. For those of us who find it tricky to find parasols that fit our interior style, this is an exciting launch – we can’t wait to get our hands on one. From £1,045 H O M E G R OW N P L AY F U L PAT T E R N As long-time fans of artist a nd de sig ner A n n i k a R e e d ’s w o r k , w e ’ r e delighted to say that her new wallpaper collection, Dancing Queen, definitely lives up to expectations. Inspired by the rhythmic elegance of dance, the six colou r f u l desig ns feel joyf ul and lively – just what we want from our home s . C r o s s St it c h wallpaper, £170 a roll, Annika Reed Studio If you’re af ter beautif ul f urniture, new Yorkshire-based brand FORM is one to add to your little black book. Its collection includes furniture, lighting, rugs and accessories. The Jaipur sofa, inspired by an Anglo-Indian sofa that founder Matt Dixon spotted on his travels, is our pick. Jaipur sofa, £4,995, FORMh livingetc.com 131
FUN TIMES K it Kemp’s New Forest collection for Annie Selke is a lot of fun: inspired by the national park, it’s packed with pattern and colour, each piece infused with Kit’s playful hand. Knight Wood linen cushion cover in Olive, £125; Spring Bush embroidered cushion cover in Green, £150, Kit Kemp x Annie Selke L I G H T TO U C H deVOL always delivers on classically elegant lighting and the new Heirloom wall light is no exception – it features a curved brass arm that angles slightly upwards to allow light to shine out, rather than straight down. It’s a simple trick that makes the world of difference when it comes to setting ambience in a room. Heirloom wall light, £320, deVOL S E T I N S TO N E We came across Studio Gaïa at Maison&Objet in January and haven’t been able to stop thinking about the brand since: its furniture is crafted from beautiful stone. They are investment pieces, but if your budget can stretch, you’ll love them for decades to come. Frida side table in Onyx, €3,400, Studio Gaïa AND RELAX… Caravane’s Princesse divan remains one of the brand’s most iconic designs, and we’re revisiting it for its casual take on a piece: cushions appear stacked effortlessly, one on top of the other, lending a nonchalant vibe to any room it’s set in. It’s perfect for 2024’s easygoing and informal mood. Princesse à Paris outdoor couch in Curcuma, €4,640, Caravane 132 livingetc.com
SOURCEBOOK L A D O LC E V I TA Paint brand Graphenstone collaborated with Kate Watson-Smy th of Mad About the House to create the paints for her new home in Turin, inspired by Italy’s romantic shades – but w ith the sof tness of the British countryside, too. Available to buy online. S L E E P S O U N D LY If you’ve always wanted a Hästens mattress but can’t quite stretch to the high price points, we’ve got news for you: the Swedish brand is reintroducing the Marquis bed, the entry-level piece, which has all the hallmarks of a Hästens product – quality craftsmanship, natural materials and exceptional comfort – but with a lightweight design and a lower price point. From £3,500 S C U L P T U R A L P I EC E The rounded base and smoked glass top of the Bell coffee table, a recent addition to Australian design house The Wood Room’s collection, caught our eye the moment we spotted it – it’s the sibling of the brand’s Bell table, which has been commissioned by numerous leading interior designers for their projects. Customisable to any dimension and made to order with a range of timbers. Price on request F LO R A L A R R A N G E M E N T There’s something so charming about decorative tiles and we have our sights set on Botanica, the new collection by Neisha Crosland for surface specialist De Ferranti – delicate and whimsical, they depict floral forms in elegant colourways. Can Can tile in Clementine; Florissa tile in Blue, £25.92 each; Tulip (Lined) tile in Jade Pink, £37.44, available at De Ferranti livingetc.com 133
SOURCEBOOK on the rise: leathercraft and marquetry E A C H I S S U E , W E C H AT W I T H A N I N D E P E N D E N T C R E AT I V E M A K I N G A N I M PAC T – A N D S U G G E S T A F E W OT H E R S TO G E T TO K N OW Abstract marquetry artist Carl Fox finds himself in a creative sweet spot. Not only does he love his craft, he is pushing the boundaries in what is arguably unventured artistic and design territory. ‘I don’t know many people who do what I do,’ he says. ‘My work combines leather and wood marquetry and parquetry on the same boards, so I’ve had to develop my own processes to be able to bring the two materials together.’ From first picking up leathercraft in 2020, Carl was swiftly recognised and awarded a studio space by The Leathersellers and Cockpit studios a year later, and was the recipient of the 2023 QEST Carpenters’ Company Scholarship, which allowed him to train with experts from the world of woodwork. His inspiration stems from modernist and brutalist design, and he finds joy 134 livingetc.com in abstraction. Leather and wood, he says, ‘are materials destined to be used together: they invite you in to touch them’. Within the past year, Carl has moved to a larger studio and his work has grown in scale as a result. Some of these pieces, showcased at Collect in March, combine veneering techniques used in cabinetmaking with leatherwork. They explore ‘complicated fa milial connections within the queer community’ – an idea close to Carl’s heart. The series includes h is f i rst collaborat ive piece w it h printmaker Rosanna Bishop, who screenprinted her designs onto leather hides. ‘The addition of pattern and print really helped to add a new dimension,’ he says. What’s next for Carl? ‘I would love to introduce ceramic elements to my work. It’s a tricky concept to be complementary to my practice – but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge!’ X @carlfox_artist; paulovulpes.co.uk X T H E L I V I N G E TC T E A M R E C O M M E N D S ANTON LABORDE French visual artist Anton Laborde’s work spans 2D panels and 3D furniture designs. He hand-colours sheets of precious and semi-precious wood himself, before collaging together. @antonlaborde ELAINE CHAN-PERRYMAN The Amsterdam-based maker employs labourintensive methods – pattern cutting, hand-carving and traditional hand-stitching – to curate her geometric and sculptural receptacles. @atelier_wolfson VALENTINE HUYGHUESDESPOINTES This passionate diver’s recent work, Archipelago, involved crafting a deep sea life scene (or ‘mural’) out of leather scraps and upcycled materials. @valentinehdespointes FEATURE RORY ROBERTSON C A R L F OX
A STEP AHEAD PHOTOGRAPH AMY ADAMS OF NO ORDINARY SPACE Interior designer Amy Adams of No Ordinary Space has come up with an ingenious way to stop the water sloshing that is the bane of most wetroom owners, while not ruining the flow of her beautiful bathroom projects – and that’s to double down on the use of tiles. Making a feature out of the step between the shower space and main floor area by cladding it in the same ridged surface as the walls, this subtle demarcation is a considered and beautiful solution. Wall and edges of the step clad in Zen Marble Reed mosaic tiles, Ca’ Pietra. Floor clad in pattern 10433 in colours G41 and G33, Granito range at Mosaic Factory. Design by Amy Adams, No Ordinary Space SU M M ER PROJ EC TS I NS PI R ATIO N – S MART KITCH EN AN D BATH ROO M B U YS , FAB FLOO RI N G , E XCELLENT E X TENSIO NS AN D OTH ER ARCH ITEC TU R E N E WS X livingetc.com 135
CLEVER IN THE KNOW kitchens & bathrooms T H E L AT E S T L A U N C H E S , L O O K S A N D I D E A S E X C I T I N G U S N O W FLOCK TO IT Word of Anthropologie’s latest tea towel drop is always cause for giddy e xc i t e m e n t (w e ’ r e kitch e n n e rd s a n d owning it). This season’s collab with LA-based print and textile designer A l e x a n d r a Fa r m e r doesn’t disappoint. Part of a wider picnic-ware collection, this cheery 100% cotton number p ro m ise s to b ri n g summertime inside. The Flock tea towel, £22, Anthropologie NAKED IN THE CITY PROTEC T YO U R A S S E TS Perfectionists, lean in: Rutland London has developed a clever coating that harnesses molecular technology to protect its metallic finishes, so they’ll stay box fresh for years to come. Shown here in Heritage Bronze, Protect+ is available on a wide range of metallic finishes including brass, nickel, copper and gold. Peabody heated towel rail, £3,882, Rutland London Norfolk-based country mouse Naked Kitchens has ventured to the Big Smoke with the opening of its first London showroom in west London. Showcasing eight kitchen designs within 3000sq ft, it’s an immersive space in which to touch, stroke, slam a few doors and get a feel for the quality furniture this maker can deliver. We’d recommend booking an appointment online to be sure of the team’s undivided attention. Naked Kitchens, 10 Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SL FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON SMITTEN B Y S AT I N While super polished and flat matt are lovely, satin is the new brassware finish that suits all, according to Grohe. Unveiling its new satin finish, the German brassware behemoth waxed lyrical about satin’s silken touch and timeless appeal. In Satin Steel or Satin Graphite, the finish is available across the Allure and Atrio collections. Allure 3-hole basin mixer in Satin Graphite, from £1,700, Grohe Spa h livingetc.com 137
CLEVER GO GREEN We’re green with envy over Quorn Stone’s latest ‘fake it ’til you make it’ porcelain launch. Featuring verdant green veining flecked with greys and reddy-rust tones, it faithfully replicates exotic Malachite marble without the maintenance headaches real stone presents. In a matt or polished finish, these 60x60cm tiles are suitable for floors and walls – do both for a trendy colourdrenched look. Lucca Malachite-effect porcelain tiles, from £49sq m, Quorn Stone FULL EXPOSURE Bring some old school cred into your bathroom with ABI Interiors’ fab new exposed shower set. In moody matt black, this transitional piece straddles the trad/modern divide with serious style. Striking on its own, or as part of a wider collection that includes accessories for all your needs, it also comes in brushed brass, brushed nickel and chrome. Kingsley Provincial shower set, from £304, ABI Interiors BRAND TO K N OW It may be the newest bathroom brand on the block but Nôsa is already big news. Literally, in the case of this glorious Dia150cm freestanding bath in fluted stone. Handfinished and supplied with a lifetime guarantee, it’s just one of many unusual pieces that are worth checking out from this new contemporary bathroom specialist. Chloe freestanding fluted stone bath, £1,997, Nôsa 138 livingetc.com DOUBLE DUTY If lack of space is the only thing thwarting your air-fryer owning ambitions, the new trend for including air-frying powers on built-in ovens could be your salvation. Miele leads the way with its AirFry function, which combines Fan Plus with Top Heat to create crispy yet moist fodder. H2766-1 BP oven with AirFry function, £1,449, Miele
H A R DWA R E S H O P P I N G pull handles Te £ 3 rra ri u 5.9 9 , Dm C h ow r ysl si n e r h g& a Re n d l e yn o , lds Brass Wiggle handle, £45, Bias Editions Linear L-bar handle in Black, £30, Buster + Punch IN-350 handles in Copper, €8.65 each, Didheya Swell aluminium handle, £31, Superfront I T ’ S T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S T H AT C O U N T – A N Y O F T H E S E S T U N N E R S W I L L U P G R A D E Y O U R U N I T S N I C E LY Harris cup handle in Brushed Gold, £25, Lusso Stone Bamboo handle in Cherry, £26, Matilda Goad & Co Begripa half round handle in Yellow, £6 for two, Ikea of t i n S re e l a d h a n H a rd w r a T-b ank gle . 9 5 , Pl g i S q u c , £ 27 Lil a l e, nd f t a h o et , C r n i 5 ab . 9 t c 83 T il m £ f ro livingetc.com 139
H A R DWA R E S H O P P I N G cabinet knobs A F E W P O L I S H E D P I C K S T H AT A R E B O T H U N D E R S TA T E D A N D T H O R O U G H LY C H A R M I N G Hegman 60mm round pull in Ash, £12, ABI Interiors MIX straight knurled cabinet knob in Satin Nickel plate, £51.72, Armac Martin Milliner furniture knob in Antique Brass, £13.20, Corston Key handle in Yellow, €15, Toniton Wiggle knob, £8 for two, Anthropologie Stoneware door knobs, £4.99 for two, H&M Home Half Moon cabinet knob, from £31.06, Croft 30mm Forged Ball handle in Matt Black, £12.34, Jim Lawrence Beetham solid brass and leather furniture knob, £11, Meraki 140 livingetc.com
D E S I G N F E AT U R E O F T H E M O M E N T vanity areas P U L L I N G F O C U S F R O M S TA T E M E N T T U B S , T H I S S P A C E I S G O I N G B E S P O K E W I T H S C U L P T U R A L B A S I N S A N D C A P T I VAT I N G C A B I N E T R Y FEATURE Keith Flanagan 1
CLEVER There is a perfectly plain reason to customise your vanity area: it is often the focal point of modern bathrooms, whether you like it or not. From countertops to sinks and cabinetry (not to forget a bathroom mirror), the amount of details concentrated in one space can create an altogether eye-catching design moment. ‘It’s worth using the excuse to create something beautiful, and there are endless possibilities in combining elements that must exist next to each other to create a functional bathroom interior, and which can be composed to create a unique combination of textures, shapes and solids,’ says designer Katarzyna Baumiller. Designers f lex dramatic materials like marble to craft sculptural bathroom sinks in fascinating shapes and colours, or bespoke bathroom storage ideas that maximise space and usher in textural surfaces beyond the reach of store-bought solutions. Throw in a dazzling mirror and flattering lighting, and your vanity area is guaranteed to take centre stage. ‘We have definitely seen a trend where people want to adopt a more luxurious, hotel-like approach to the vanity area, especially in cloakrooms,’ says Liz Ride, associate director at Studio Tate, noting how these compact spaces represent an affordable place to splurge on high-end materials and fittings – a small area with major wow-factor potential. And for many designers, the vanity area is just another way to create an experience, a design moment that gives us pause. ‘Our time in a bathroom is usually solitary, quiet, and contemplative – whether we are in our own home or someone else’s – so those occasions are prime times to reflect on a piece of consequential design,’ says designer Dylan Farrell. Going bespoke? These crafted vanity areas bring a new layer of attraction to these next-level bathrooms. h PHOTOGRAPHS (1) BROCK BEAZLEY PHOTOGRAPHY; (2) THOMAS DE BRUYNE; (3) FELIX FOREST 1 F I X AT I N G FIXTURES Playing with balance and levels, designer Kate Cooper used a clever bath tap to mix up the traditional set-up, ultimately creating a vanity area that gives levity to hefty materials. ‘I wanted to use a floor-mounted bath filler that spilled into a pedestal style basin, and the idea of doing a stone floating vanity was then brought to life,’ says Kate, noting how the tap arches over a custom pink marble bench. ‘I love to have more fun in a cloakroom as it’s always great to surprise people when they walk into a space.’ PROJECT BY Kate Cooper Interiors 2 P O W E R P L AY Bespoke aesthetics are on full display in this material-rich bathroom, where a custom oval-shaped mirror shines alongside a green marble arch that frames the entire vanity. But what don’t you see here is a single power outlet. ‘Installing electrical outlets at strategic locations makes it easy to plug 2 3 in electrical appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors or electric toothbrushes,’ says French studio Caprini & Pellerin of its disguised and tailored-toperfection vision. ‘We always make sure that they are hidden in the cabinets.’ PROJECT BY Caprini & Pellerin 3 ACED BASE Conceived by New York and Sydney based designers Dylan and Nicolette Farrell of Dylan Farrell Design, this geometric base was achieved wit h a simple twist: the shape matches pentagonal floor tiles beneath it. ‘If you want to make for an interesting shaped va n i t y wi t h o u t b l owi n g a budget, try and reduce the amount of functions required,’ recommends Dylan. ‘ For example, if you need toilet paper storage, attempt to find it in an adjacent location, like a wall niche, medicine cabinet or basket. This way there are less moving parts to be addressed when considering atypical shapes, materials or finishes.’ PROJECT BY Dylan Farrell Design livingetc.com 143
PROJECT BY Katarzyna Baumiller Studio 144 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (RAD SHAPE) AGNIESZKA MURAK/ALICJA T./PHOTOFOYER; (MAIN DRAW) CARA WOODHOUSE INTERIORS RAD SHAPE While many modern vanity areas are shaped around rectangular or square cabinetry, this playful design gives the concept a twist – a rounded base floats above the floor, reflecting similar curves in an arched mirror installed above. ‘I like to surprise with a clever combination of shapes,’ says designer Katarzyna Baumiller, who also plays with materials, colours and textures to create vanities that are altogether unique. ‘I think it’s important not to be afraid of non-obvious combinations, because it pleases the eye and inspires.’
CLEVER M A I N D R AW The vanity area can seem daunting with so many crucial elements – sinks, mirrors, millwork, hardware and more. But designer Cara Woodhouse believes that if you can dream it, or draw a picture of it, you can find someone to build it. ‘Don’t be afraid to go for it and try to create something different,’ she says. She designed this abstract double vanity in dramatic green marble. ‘People get very overwhelmed by custom pieces, but don’t! All you have to do is draw a sketch, show an image of something that inspires you and find a local fabricator or millworker to create it.’ PROJECT BY Cara Woodhouse Interiors h livingetc.com 145
WORK OF ART Choosing a dramatic material is one of the easiest ways to make a statement. ‘Materiality is key – as cloakrooms tend to be smaller it’s a great area to splash out on a fabulous feature stone or a specialist wall finish,’ says designer Liz Ride. But the material does not stand alone in this interior: Liz made the most of a sculptural sink by placing a full height mirror alongside it, plus an adjacent marble shelf. ‘Ideally, storage is concealed, towels and soap are accounted for, and areas for display or decoration are integrated.’ PROJECT BY Studio Tate 146 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPH ANSON SMART CLEVER
SECRET ADDRESS BOOK spa showers I F W E L L N E S S I S O N YO U R M I N D, M E E T T H E B R A N D D E L I V E R I N G A THER APEUTIC (AND ST YLISH) SHOWER EXPERIENCE DORN B R ACHT PHOTOGRAPH ROBERT RIEGER The concept of a spa bathroom is gaining traction in interiors – after all, who wouldn’t want one of their ow n? F u r t her i ng t he c au s e i s Dornbracht, which launched the Aquahalo sculptural experience shower at Milan in April. Designed with reference to crystal chandeliers, it fe at u r e s t h r e e f low m o d e s , including a spot for light and water integrated into the ceiling. It aims to deliver a meditative and invigorating experience within the comfort of your own bathroom – and having seen it in person, we can confirm it’s definitely one of the most beautiful showers we’ve laid eyes on. Aquahalo shower, price on request, Dornbracht livingetc.com 147
OF THE MOMENT doorless showers T H I S D E S I G N C H O I C E C R E AT E S A N I L L U S I O N O F E X T E N D E D S PA C E – B U T TH ER E AR E TH I N G S TO CO N S I D ER B EFO R E TRYI N G IT O U T FEATURE Aditi Sharma Maheshwari 1
CLEVER 2 1 N AT U R A L W O N D E R The airy feel of this doorless shower in a bathroom for Studio Andrew Trotter’s Casolare Scarani project is enhanced by the curved architecture and plaster-like wall finish. Of course, creating a scheme like this requires a certain amount of room but the concept can work in smaller bathrooms. ‘In larger spaces, leveraging the expansive nature can create a luxurious spa-like retreat for bathing,’ says Severine Tatangelo, founder of Studio PCH. ‘Conversely, in smaller areas, doorless showers can augment the perception of openness and light.’ 3 PHOTOGRAPHS (1) SALVA LÓPEZ; (2) BARBARA KRAFT; (3) MADELINE TOLLE STYLING (1) GERMÁN VÁZQUEZ 2 T WO ’ S C O M PA N Y ‘Doorless showers offer practicality across various settings, seamlessly integrating into diverse spaces ranging from compact studio apartments to expansive en-suite bathrooms,’ says Severine Tatangelo. ‘Embracing minimalism and a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, they lend an air of sophistication. In this space, we enhanced the room by incorporating a teak tub alongside custom-coloured concrete walls and floors, elevating the ambience with refined elegance. It’s prudent to include a glass shower panel splash guard to uphold practicality.’ 3 ALL IN ONE In small bathrooms, you can also include a free-standing bathtub in the shower area, as design studio Union of Art did here. Because the feature holds so much space within the room, choose interesting shower wall materials and eye-catching hardware to create a modern look. Glass bricks are on trend and fun; alternatively, consider a cloud-like plaster finish, or a seamless marble surface that adds an elegant edge. livingetc.com 149
A R C H I T E C T U R A L I N S P I R AT I O N modern extensions W I T H S T R I K I N G U S E O F C O L O U R , M AT E R I A L S A N D S H A P E , T H E L AT E S T D E S I G N S A D D S O M U C H M O R E T H A N A N E X T R A R O O M FEATURE Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
CLEVER ‘Light is a crucial consideration when it comes to planning an extension. Introducing natural light where possible is a must and this can be done in a variety of ways, from roof lanterns and flat Velux windows to sloped glazing, which gives a contemporary feel. A good extension design will take into account how the light moves, changes and lessens over the day and factor in where to boost natural light and where to introduce light fixtures.’ Sara Thompson of Thompson Clarke Interiors ‘Panoramic rear glazing can be used to bring the outside in, but if your plot is narrow or north-facing you could think about a full-on glass box. However, it is important to design the extension hand-in-hand with what the room is going to be used for, so that walls can be planned to house kitchen units, for example, and services such as electrics can be positioned in the right place.’ Richard Atkins, MD of DesignSpace London PHOTOGRAPH STÅLE ERIKSEN ‘The flow between new and old spaces in a double-storey extension should be as natural as possible for a successful design. Ensuring floor levels in the extension match those of the original property will make the new rooms feel like part of the old house. Similarly continuing mouldings, skirting boards, door furniture and colour schemes will create a harmonious flow.’ Pereen d’Avoine, founder of architecture studio Russian for Fish A B OV E A N D B E YO N D A sculptural ceiling in natural wood is an eye-catching contrast to all that glass, while a coffered design will bring down the height of the room for a cosier feel. ‘This ceiling is made from beautifully grained Douglas fir and the lattice structure is exposed to create a feature that demarcates the sitting room within the open-plan living space,’ says Will Gamble, director of Will Gamble Architects. GET THE LOOK Similar corner sofa, Hay. Coffee table, Another Country h livingetc.com 151
FRO M TH E TO P Push the limits of your interior with a cleverly designed skylight that does much more than usher light into the room. ‘This skylight is the centre point in the house and draws movement towards it from the entrance. It is angled to enable views of the green roof from the living spaces and acts as a beacon of light from which the other rooms radiate,’ says Oliver Leech, founder of Oliver Leech Architects. GET THE LOOK The dining table is a vintage French oak kitchen table. Vintage Red Carimate carver chair by Vico Magistretti 152 livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM THE TOP) JIM STEPHENSON; (COLOUR BLOCKS) JENNIFER HUGHES CLEVER COLOU R B LOCKS Dare to define your extension with multiple colours. ‘Here, the upper band of windows was organised around the two sets of sliders below. The palette was a fun collaboration with the homeowner. Hoping for a bold but non-primary tone, we chose softened hues that stayed darker than pastels and more towards a mid-century colourway,’ says Colleen Gove Healey, founder of Colleen Healey Architecture. GET THE LOOK Panton chairs in White, Vitra h livingetc.com 153
OVER ARCHING APPE AL If redesigning the ceiling is on the cards, consider a vaulted roof that adds endless style. ‘This roof was born from the need to achieve a dramatic, playful space with the best possible ceiling height, while fitting within local authority planning constraints. The ribbed timber structure has solved so many problems for this site and it looks cool, too!’ says Shaun O’Brien, director of Roar Architects. GET THE LOOK Similar dining set, Wayfair 154 livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPHS (OVERARCHING APPEAL) CHRIS WHARTON; (ECO CONSCIOUS) FRED HOWARTH CLEVER ECO CONSCIOUS Looking for a standout material that combines great looks with strong eco credentials? ‘Cork was chosen for this extension due to its sustainable properties – being fully recyclable and regenerative – but it is also a highly insulating material with natural tactile qualities, and it complements the light Victorian brickwork of the original house,’ says Alex Raher, director of Delve Architects. GET THE LOOK Outdoor table, Hay. Stools, Arnold Circus h livingetc.com 155
WI N DOW TO TH E WO R LD ‘We wanted to design a window with more than one function – and a place that would be easy to go out through, the way kids do in country homes. That’s why we created this soft seating area, so you can see the landscape and enjoy the natural light pouring in, while also feeling the breeze. Plus, the small wooden door allows you to jump outside at any time,’ say Anna and Eugeni Bach, founders of A&EB. GET THE LOOK Similar radiator, The Radiator Company. Similar light shade, Ikea 156 livingetc.com
PHOTOGRAPHS (WINDOW TO THE WORLD) A&EB; (BUTTERFLY EFFECT) RICHARD CHIVERS CLEVER B U T T E R F LY E F F E C T Give your exterior a unique expression by echoing nature’s beauty. ‘The butterfly roof is visually striking,’ says Daniel Woolfson, director of DHaus. ‘For this project we developed a custom-shaped brick that mimics the angles on the butterfly roof on the street. We wanted this concept not just at roof level, but in the way the bricks were set out, creating amazing shadows and reinforcing the V in elevation.’ GET THE LOOK Dining table, Adventures in Furniture. Kitchen island, Materialise Creative Design h livingetc.com 157
158 livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (IN THE PINK) LORENZO ZANDRI; (RED ALERT) ANDY STAGG IN THE PINK To give your extension a seamless look, think about using a unified material to create an uninterrupted visual effect throughout. ‘Playful landforming was essential to unlocking the potential of this home, connecting the spaces inside the house to a challenging steep upwards sloping garden. The creative use of a limited material palette [focusing on dusty-pink pigmented concrete] allowed us to create a cohesive home that feels contemporary and characterful,’ says Ben Hayes, director of Unknown Works.
CLEVER RED ALERT Increase the functionality of your home by adding a dormer extension. ‘What was once an awkward leaky attic has been transformed into a spacious light-filled loft with an impressive view of the neighbouring park,’ says Richard Gill, director of Paul Archer Design. Its deep red colour stands out from the tone of the original house adding an attention-grabbing modern flourish. GET THE LOOK Cladding and window frames in polyester powder coating colour RAL 3013 Tomato Red livingetc.com 159
ARCHITECTURE NEWS curved contours ROUNDED EDGES CAN BE VERY ALLURING – AND THESE S H A P E LY D E S I G N S C E R TA I N LY H A V E U S C A P T I V A T E D FULL SWEEP With its sweeping roofline spanning the length of the structure, Brown Hill House in Victoria, Australia, is a truly elegant piece of architectural design. Architects Eldridge Anderson planned the structure to echo the natural way that the site falls away; stepped floor-to-ceiling windows all the way along maintain this shape while allowing a generous amount of light to flood the interior. 160 livingetc.com
CLEVER AT O N E W I T H N AT U R E What you see here is the back of Tiara House in Melbourne, Australia. It’s a thoroughly modern addition to a late 1800s Victorian terrace – and it holds its own against the typically ornamental frontage thanks to the way FMD Architects has played with shape and texture, combining the organic nature of the curved sliding door with a ribbon-like upper level clad in floating timber battens. AT T E N T I O N T O D E TA I L The devil really is in the detail in the renovation of this Federation house in Tasmania. Local studio Licht Architecture drew inspiration from the archways of the existing veranda in designing a new addition to replace a lean-to. We love the way the facade references the decorative details of Federation architecture in a suitably contemporary way – an example of how old and new can feel perfectly at home together. FEATURE ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS (FULL SWEEP) BEN HOSKING; (ATTENTION TO DETAIL) ANJIE BLAIR; (AT ONE WITH NATURE) DIANNA SNAPE; (SOFT SERVE) SIMONE BOSSI STYLING (FULL SWEEP) JESS KNEEBONE SOFT SERVE Once the entrance hall of a Basque villa in Biarritz, France, this apartment – the result of a project that carved the property into separate dwellings – takes its shapely inspiration from the Atlantic Ocean, which can be seen from the large bay window. Designed by Toledano + architects, the inside is entirely drawn in curves, including a mezzanine level that sweeps around the atrium, letting that aforementioned window and its spectacular views take centre stage.
Herringbone flooring in European oak defines this hallway designed by Pernille Lind
CLEVER DESIGN NOTES hallway flooring T H E E X P E R T S O N W H AT Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E I N V E S T I N G I N T H I S K E Y F E AT U R E FEATURE Tessa Pearson S M OOTH TR ANSITIO NS CHAR AC TER REFERENCE London-based interior designer Pernille Lind advocates using flooring to emphasise a hallway’s function and position in the house, marking it out as a space of its own. ‘You can choose to combine subtly contrasting flooring materials to highlight moving from the hall to a connecting space, or use the same material but change the pattern or direction in which it’s laid,’ says the designer, who, in her elegant seaside project, transitioned the soft-hued chequerboard entrance hall into a neighbouring boot room by removing one of the tile colours for a simpler aesthetic. A statement hallway has the potential to shape the experience of a home from the moment you step through the door, so it’s the perfect place to inject some personality. When Nicole Dohmen, founder of Amsterdam studio Atelier ND Interior, was tasked with putting the soul back into a 1920s townhouse, she devised a multicoloured herringbone marble floor for its hallway. ‘I wanted the entrance to make an impact and decided to do something bold with the flooring,’ she states. ‘I love to use soft colour in hallways, and selected the same size tiles as the timber parquet in the kitchen, but in 10 different shades of marble. The tiles h were all waste material, so we loved being able to implement them in this way.’ PHOTOGRAPHS (MAIN IMAGE) JOACHIM WICHMANN; (RIGHT) SPACE CONTENT STUDIO M AT E R I A L M AT T E R S Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk, an interior design studio on the Kent coast, recommends cork as an ideal floor covering for hallways. ‘I use it a lot in my projects; it’s sustainable, durable and waterproof.’ Sophie adds that she usually lets the period of the property guide the material choice. ‘In a modern home, sleek and minimalist polished concrete or cork might be preferable. In contrast, for a traditional home, hardwood floors or patterned tiles could be more fitting.’ Atelier ND Interior used coloured marble tiles to transform this entrance S PAC E E N H A N C E R S If you’re working with a narrow or awkwardly shaped hallway, spatial constraints might affect the feasibility of your chosen flooring design. ‘In the large villa where we installed the coloured marble floor (right), we were able to make the hallway into a really impressive space, but a lot of Dutch houses have much smaller entranceways, which are often used for storing strollers and bicycles, so cosiness and practicality are the key considerations,’ says Nicole. For small spaces, Sophie recommends flooring options that can visually expand the area, such as pale wood or stone, and larger planks or tiles to avoid too many joins or grout lines. If your hallway extends around corners, Pernille suggests choosing a non-directional pattern to add a more cohesive feel to the space. livingetc.com 163
CLEVER Cork forms a characterful and practical floor covering in this home designed by Côte de Folk FI R S T I M P R E S S I O N S ‘It’s safe to say that I do think a lot about the entrances to buildings and spaces,’ says Pernille, whose approach draws on both her Danish and Asian heritage, and prioritises craftsmanship. ‘The entrance hall informs the initial impression you have of a house, so the space cannot be overlooked. That said, it can have a very unique aesthetic.’ In one of Pernille’s recent projects, she designed a bespoke, two-tone sandstone f loor, which was laid in a diamond chequerboard pattern and transformed the entrance of a coastal home in Devon. ‘One of my favourite books is called Entryways of Milan,’ she says. ‘It’s a great source of inspiration.’ As proved by the eye-catching tiled entrances found in many period homes, patterned floors are a timeless choice for hallways. ‘I love the classic black and white diamond-laid pattern found in many traditional hallways and entryways,’ says Pernille, who devised a subtle take on this motif with the sandstone floor she installed in her Devon project. ‘Patterned floors can also help to disguise wear and tear,’ she adds. When it comes to choosing a design, she stresses the importance of scale, and how that relates to the size of your space. ‘It’s about balancing proportions with the kind of impact you want to achieve.’ HARD KNOCKS CHAIN RE AC TION If you plan to use the same flooring throughout connecting spaces – which can work well in smaller homes – don’t underestimate the impact your hallway design will have on elements elsewhere. ‘Flooring plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the house and is frequently the starting point for our decision-making process,’ says Sophie. ‘In a recent single-storey project, I used a cork hallway floor to establish a striking focal point upon entering, while maintaining the playful atmosphere we aimed to cultivate throughout. The decision to install that flooring set the tone for all subsequent choices within the project, influencing everything from the zellige tiles around the fireplace to the wallpaper in the second bedroom.’ 164 livingetc.com If you’re leaning towards natural stone or marble for your hallway, you’ll need to be realistic about how much foot traffic your floor will get over the years. ‘The family who owns the Amsterdam villa has kids and dogs, so the hallway needed to be resilient,’ says Nicole. ‘We made sure not to polish the surface of the marble too much, so that it will be more resistant to dirt and scratches.’ For stone floors, a sealant is required for protection. Pernille states that lighter tiles in particular need regular maintenance to avoid too much staining or discolouration, and advises that if you’d prefer something more practical, a darker stone, such as granite, could be a better fit. PHOTOGRAPHS (LEFT) CHRIS SNOOK; (RIGHT) JOACHIM WICHMANN PAT T E R N P O W E R
Pernille Lind designed a bespoke chequerboard floor for the entrance to this coastal house
ALL THE STYLE , TRENDS AND INTERIORS INSIGHT YO U N E E D T O S TAY A H E A D O F T H E C U R V E F O R WA R D -T H I N K I N G I D E A S F O R E V E R Y R O O M T O K I C K- S TA R T YO U R N E X T P R O J E C T P LU S D E S I G N N E WS , E XP E R T A DV I C E , S H O P P I N G A N D T H E L AT E S T I N N O VAT I O N S PHOTOGRAPH MARY WADSWORTH DA I LY I N S P I R AT I O N AT L I V I N G E TC .CO M
ALL G REEK TO US We’re taking you for a spin through some of our favourite Greek stays in our travel pages this month, but if you can’t make it to the sunnier climes of Corfu or Santorini, may we recommend Gaia, the hottest Greek restaurant in London? Located on Mayfair’s Dover Street, the interiors more than nod to the quintessential Mediterranean look; windows are lined with ceramic and terracotta pots and vases, sections of the dining area divided with domed arches and the bar is finished with hand-tiled mosaic flooring. The fish counter display hints at what’s to come from the menu: seafood is plentiful here, as are traditional meze dishes such as taramasalata and smoked cod roe. Start (and finish) with one of the herbaceous cocktails – close your eyes and imagine you’re perched at a table overlooking the Aegean Sea… G R E AT H OTEL S FO R A S U M M ER H O LI DAY I N G R EEC E , A D E S I G N LOVER ’ S G U I D E TO A N T W E R P A N D A N E M E R G I N G A RT I S T TO H AV E O N YO U R R A DA R X livingetc.com 167
GREECE IS THE WO R D You almost can’t go wrong with a Greek holiday – the weather, the food and scenery hit all the right notes – so buy a ticket to perfection by picking one of these four hotels
LIFESTYLE Nobu Hotel Santorini THE USP Luxury in the middle of an idyll, where Japanese fusion food, astrology-based massages (personalised to suit your star sign) and fiery sunsets are all on the menu of the day. T H E D E TA I L S Perched on the northeast tip of the island, Nobu Hotel Santorini is a slice of peaceful island life. The sunloungers face the ocean with a view that tumbles away down the hill between you and the sea – a scene that could only exist in this paradise. WHY CHOOSE THIS ONE If you thought Japandi was a good look, you’ll love Aegeandi, the mix of pared-back Greek architecture with equally blissful Japanese materials. The world-famous cocktails will make sundown your favourite moment, and kids are only welcome if aged over 14. DON’T MISS A hike with Santorini Walking Tours. Take in the beauty of the island, while earning that extra mezcal and mandarin smoker. FIND OUT MORE santorini.nobuhotels.com h livingetc.com 169
The Wild Sani Resort THE USP THE USP Mykonos may be where the world’s most glamorous like to gather, but this moment of rustic calm is a best-of-both bridge to retreat from after a day on – or looking at from the lounger – yachts. A world of its own on a peninsula jutting out of mainland Greece. Ten pools, such as the one in the image on the right, 40 restaurants and seven kilometres of sun-kissed shoreline. T H E D E TA I L S T H E D E TA I L S A clifftop hotel styled to pared-back perfection, these carefully curated rooms and suites overlook an infinity pool and the hotel’s own secret cove of a beach. Pack plenty of swimwear outfits for this spot, you won’t need very much else. Flanked by deep blue sea on either side, the Sani Resort contains everything you need. More restaurants than you could hope to eat at if you stayed there for a month, it’s pretty much a whole universe, with a pool to suit every mood, five spas (yes, truly), and 10km of forest trails if you get the itch to explore. You won’t have to think about anything more strenuous than where to choose for lunch. WHY CHOOSE THIS ONE As the hotel’s name suggests, this is a jumping-off point from the party scene Mykonos is known for, a base from which to explore nearby islands with no inhabitants, ancient ruins and water so clear it shines in all that sun. T he hotel ha s it s ow n on-site t aver na , a homely haven where hea lth food is the order of the day. Last month saw the opening of the brand new Sani Asterias Beachfront Residential Suites, upping the ante of refinement in an already well-polished offering. The resort takes any of the guesswork out of the holiday experience – you know each meal, each spa treatment, each pool is going to be top notch. FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE thewildhotel.com sani-resort.com h DON’T MISS 170 WHY CHOOSE THIS ONE livingetc.com PHOTOGRAPHS (SANI RESORT) HEINZ TROLL LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE Ikos Odisia THE USP An all-inclusive hotel in Corfu for people who don’t do all inclusives – where luxury never ends and your every wish is catered for. T H E D E TA I L S You think you don’t like all inclusives? You’ve clearly not been to an Ikos. There are a few scattered across Southern Europe, and each one has a host of Michelin-starred restaurants, a fleet of picturesque pools and staff that couldn’t be any more helpful. This particular resort in Corfu, snug on a peninsula looking out into the ocean, is the ultimate in fly-and-flop locations – go, be pampered and experience the sheer joy of stepping straight from your breakfast table and into the sea. PHOTOGRAPHS HEINZ TROLL WHY CHOOSE THIS ONE Family-friendly, you’ll love Ikos Corfu if you just want to truly switch off. The five à la carte restaurants provide just enough – but not too much – choice, allowing you to have an experience that works for you. And the kids club runs from 8am until 6pm. FIND OUT MORE British Airways Holidays curates seven-day trips including flights from London Gatwick Airport, britishairways.com/corfu livingetc.com 173
LIFESTYLE Museum aan de Stroom, MAS, in the Eilandje district of Antwerp S E E YO U I N ANT WERP GO FOR… The sheer number of artsy museums and galleries. Antwerp is one of those underrated cultural hotspots with a rich history of fashion and interior design. Start with the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, KMSKA – on Thursday evenings it turns into a live music venue so stick around for that. Also visit Valerie Traan, the home and gallery of Veerle Wenes – it helped launch Muller Van Severen back in 2011 – and the architecturally impressive Museum aan de Stroom. Finally, Rubens House opens its new gardens this summer, with planting chosen in collaboration with fashion’s Dries Van Noten. just to ma r vel at it s 3D protot y pi ng tech nolog y. A nd Kloosterstraat is the place to be for interiors enthusiasts. E AT AT… August, the hotel and restaurant reimagined by none other than Vincent Van Duysen back in 2019. The restaurant boasts a glass roof, hand-painted tiles and furniture made by Van Duysen for Molteni&C. And the menu? Seasonal fare with an inventive twist – we guarantee you’ll try something new and delicious here. DON’T MISS… S TAY F O R … The shopping. Oh, the shopping! At St Vincents, everything on display is for sale – it’s the place to go for collectible design. Bakermat is a fabric shop and virtual textile library, worth a visit 174 livingetc.com Kanaal, just under a half-hour drive from Antwerp centre. It’s a residential, commercial and cultural hub set within a converted industrial distillery and houses Axel Vervoordt Gallery as well as permanent art installations, an auditorium and lush gardens. PHOTOGRAPH MARCIN ROGOZINSKI/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Europe’s underrated design destination should be in your travel sights – it’s packed with arts, culture and interesting things to do
LIFESTYLE NEX T BIG THING Our favourite designers pick a name on their radar that ought to be on yours too. This month, designer Justina Blakeney puts the spotlight on Mexican artist and illustrator Ana Leovy Feb Was Red by Ana Leovy ‘I first came across Ana’s work on Instagram five years ago as I was looking for artists to feature in our online shop. I immediately loved her sense of colour and rhythm and there is a feeling of freedom to her work that made me happy. I often get the sense that I want to leap into her paintings and attend the parties and places and meet the people she paints. It feels like there is a strong narrative behind each piece and I can easily make up stories about the characters and relationships within them as there is a whimsicality and dream-like quality that really draws me in. ‘She was a featured artist in our online store for several years and we have incorporated her work into multiple design projects over the years, too. I would love to purchase an original piece from her someday! While I see her style evolving over time, she stays true to her own aesthetic and vibe. I find her work and hand to be instantly recognisable – iconic, even. When I come across artists who exude who they are in this way, there is an ephemeral quality that makes the work both relatable and timeless.’ X analeovy.com 178 livingetc.com Perspectives by Ana Leovy FEATURE RODDY CLARKE CO LO U R FU L STORIES
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