Contemporary Interior Design

• Posted on 20th September 2011 by Nicola Holden

This weekend was Open House London, an event where hundreds of buildings opened their doors to the public, giving us a unique opportunity to get under the skin of London’s amazing and varied architecture.

The highlight for me this year was being awarded tickets through the ballot to go up the BT Tower.

This iconic building, towering 189 metres into the London skyline, dates back to 1965. The revolving viewing platform is on the 34th floor, 158 meters above ground level, and affords wonderful views across all of London. Luckily for me, despite weather reports to the contrary, the sun was shining whilst I was up the tower.

The Cruciform Building, UCL	Matchbox London
Crescent Overlooking Regents Park	St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

From the BT Tower I had a leisurely stroll around that area of London:
- Past the contemporary frontage of Roka on Charlotte Street (I love the mix of modern metal and glass with the beautiful grained wood of the front door).

- Down University Street and past the Cruciform Building (which does not obviously show off its cruciform structure from ground level), and the colonnaded frontage of UCL.

- A peek into the amazing Gothic structure that is the recently refurbished St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel (sadly the tours around this building were very over-subscribed).

- To the German Gymnasium where the architects model of a refurbished Kings Cross Station was on view.

All in all, a great day of soaking up some of the rich and complex variety of architecture that London has to show.

“Architecture has recorded the great ideas of the human race. Not only every religious symbol, but every human thought has its page in that vast book.”
Victor Hugo

Images © Nicola Holden.

• Posted in Architecture, Open House London | Comments Off

• Posted on 01st September 2011 by Nicola Holden

September is an incredibly busy month in the interior design calendar! It is a month that leaves me feeling incredibly inspired and on fire, and one that I look forward to every year. From the 17th to the 25th of September the London Design Festival sees over 250 design events and activities in different design disciplines. Here are some of the design events not to be missed:

1. Decorex Top of my list is Decorex, the UK’s most prestigious design and interiors exhibition. On show are some of the most innovative, inspirational and high quality products. This year’s theme, Cherished Places, sees a selection of high profile designers explore the creation of sanctuary and our cherished places. When: 25-28 September 2011 Where: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
2. 100% Design 100% Design is the interiors show that brings you innovation and a wealth of talent all under one roof. With over 400 world-class exhibitors, 100% Design is the ultimate living sourcebook for you to meet designers and manufacturers and see tomorrow’s design superstars today. When: 22-25 September 2011 Where: Earls Court, London
3. Origin Origin’s catch-phrase is ‘Made not Manufactured’, and this says it all! This contemporary craft event is oozing with handmade products ranging from furniture and interior accessories to fashion accessories and jewellery, which you can buy directly from the maker. When: 22-28 September 2011 Where: Old Spittalfields Market, London
4. Open House London Open House London celebrates all that is best about the capital’s buildings, places and neighbourhoods, giving a unique opportunity to get under the skin of London’s amazing architecture, with over 700 buildings of all kinds opening their doors. When: 17-18 September Where: Various venues across London
5. 20/21 British Art Fair This fabulous art fair, which champions Modern British art, presents 56 of the country’s leading dealers featuring the great names of 20th Century British art as well as exceptional contemporary art from both established names and emerging talent. When: 14-18 September Where: Royal College of Art, London

So, roll on the British Design Festival, and for those of you who find yourselves at one or more of these shows, enjoy! I’ll be blogging about them all in due course, so do check back.

• Posted in 100% Design, Architecture, Art, British Art Fair, Decorex, Interior Design, Open House London, Origin | Comments Off