Contemporary Interior Design

• Posted on 29th September 2012 by Nicola Holden

Between the London Design Festival and Decorex 2012, it has been a busy two weeks. And, whilst I love and dread these two weeks every September, it is always wonderful to see so much design, and to discover so many new ideas for current and future projects. Decorex, though, has to be my favourite!

I’ve already written a short blog for Decorex, highlighting my top 3 products, but it was so hard choosing just three that I thought I would expand upon those here. So, here are some more of my highlights from this year’s show:

Lighting
I am a huge fan of lighting as it does have such an impact of the ambience of any room. Ochre’s Seed Cloud installation made it into my top 3, as I just love the element of drama this light creates. Emily Todhunter’s Anemone table lamp for Best & Lloyd exudes 1920s elegance and glamour, and I just love its sparkle. My eye was caught by Elstead’s collection of ‘retro-contemporary’ lighting, produced in collaboration with Harlequin, whose fabrics are used for the lampshades. And finally I thought I would share Sharon Marston’s exquisite fibre optic cascades!

Furniture
Another item from my top 3 was this beautiful Exe dining table by Tom Faulkner. Don’t you just love those legs? Talking of great legs, I love the lines on this Spyder dining table by Paul Case – oh so elegant. Angus Ross steam-bends local ash or oak to create the strong triangulated Y component in these fabulous contemporary bar stools. Benchmark are now producing the fabulously shaped CH33 chair, originally designed by Hans Wegner in 1957.

Rugs
The final item in my top 3 was this beautiful rug by Front. Designed by Jan Kath, I just love the concept of Erased Heritage depicted in this rug. Wow! In sharp contrast, don’t you just love the playful element in this bright and cheerful rug by Veedon Fleece? I was also delighted to find out about The Rug Company’s new Studio Collection of more affordable rugs, which includes this new design by Jonathan Adler, as well as dhurries and bamboo Ikats. My eye was also drawn to Tania Johnson’s collection, and in particular her Ripple rug, translated from a photograph of ripples on a lake.

Fabric and Wallpaper
There is always a wonderful selection of new fabric and wallpaper at Decorex, and this year was no exception. Don’t you just love Linwood’s eccentric and playful Mind the Gap wallpaper and fabric from their new Art House collection? I have had my eye on Deborah Bowness’ wallpaper, Genuine Fake Books, for a while now – perfect for a feature wall. Emily Bond has a wonderful range of classic printed linens, including this Oyster Catcher pattern. I love the simplicity of her designs, and the red splashes of colour in this one. I thought the new collection of Cecil Beaton Fabrics by Beaudesert was such fun –inspired by Beaton’s fashion sketches.

Other Accessories
I find Spina’s beautiful curtain tie-backs totally irristible! And, I just loved this porthole bathroom cabinet from Chadder & Co. If your sport is cricket, then what better way to display your passion than these cricket ball doorknobs from Chloe Alberry? I love the textured finish of this solid bronze door handle by Philip Watts Design – it will add a touch of class to any door.

Did you visit Decorex this year? What were your highlights from the show?

Image credits from respective companies.

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• Posted in Decorex, Interior Design | 2 Comments

• Posted on 17th July 2012 by Nicola Holden

Oops, I’ve just realised that it’s been almost six whole weeks since I last blogged! Apologies to all of you who follow my blog. I know I’ve been performing a bit of a disappearing act, but the exciting news is that I have been busy working on a guest blog for Decorex 2012 that I can now share with you here.

As a runner-up in last year’s Decorex Blogging competition it was an honour to have been asked to write a blog for the site this year, and I decided to focus on the theme for this year’s Decorex – design heritage.

Click here to read this blog.

I have also just got back from a much needed 10 day wildlife holiday around Scotland where I fortunately managed to avoid most of the rain. I took plenty of photographs, and I will be sharing some of these with you, with insights into the design inspirations that nature provides.

Until next time …

• Posted in Decorex, Design Heritage, Interior Design | 1 Comment

• Posted on 10th October 2011 by Nicola Holden

Today I thought I would blog about some of the decorative objets that Decorex had to offer this year.

First off is LaLou, whose African Bust table lamps caught my eye. LaLou sources a stunning collection of objects from markets around the world, and these are then transformed into unique and beautiful lamps.
Helen Yardley describes her rugs as two-dimensional art for floors. I really like the designs in her new collection, which was on show at Decorex.
These beautifully luxurious throws by Evitavonni provide a fabulous finishing touch, especially as summer begins to turn to winter and the days and nights get cooler.
A company who have recently found their way onto my radar are Bronzino, and they were exhibiting their hand-made solid sheet copper planters which can be used both outdoors and indoors.
Dominic Schuster’s stand was eye catching with its enormous antique mirrors, one of which combined an image of Buddha. These mirrors can be used as stand-alone pictures, or they can be incorporated into mirror panelling to create a stunning work of art.
CCUK is a new brand of Contemporary Luxury Crystal from Cumbria Crystal. I love the way that these glasses are linked through their spherical shape, yet are distinct from each other through their different cut patterns, designed by Katy Holford.
I am not naturally drawn to lighting with LED lamps on display. However, Le Deun Luminaires are an exception to this rule with their clever decorative lighting designs, all using LEDs as the main light source. Handy with today’s ever challenging lighting regulations.
Whilst on the subject of lighting, David Hunt Lighting also produces original products incorporating different textures, colours and finishing techniques that result in a range of innovative and unusual lighting products.
Riviere create beautifully luxurious handknotted rugs whose designs combine understated elegance and timeless glamour. The rugs are handcrafted in Nepal using the finest grade, high altitude Tibetan wool and pure silk.
Objet de Curiosité uses the idea of the ‘curiosity cabinet’ of Renaissance Europe to inspire their range of unusual objects which combine the beauty of nature with the aesthetics of a place and a period. As they say, “We make something beautiful out of the extraordinary things Nature has created.”

Image credits from respective companies.

• Posted in Decorex, Interior Design | 2 Comments

• Posted on 06th October 2011 by Nicola Holden

Next up on the London Design Festival blogging I thought I would talk about my all-time favourite interior design show – Decorex. Decorex is the UK’s most prestigious design and interiors exhibition, and never fails to impress. On show are some of the most innovative, inspirational and high quality products.

As I try to make sense of all the brochures that I collected at the show this year, the one thing that jumps out at me for this blog is furniture with a difference – those statement pieces that complete a scheme.

I have previously blogged about Exceptional French Artisans, and Moissonnier are no exception. Their style is an amalgamation of traditional with avant-garde, bringing in artistic expertise from a wide range of subjects. The result is quirky pieces that would mix well in any modern eclectic scheme. I just loved this chest of drawers.

I think the stand that stood out the most for me at Decorex was that of Forbidden City, named after the largest imperial palace in China. This collection of contemporary furniture is a marriage of Chinese traditions with a minimal modern aesthetic, all of it produced to standards fir for an Emperor.

SplinterWorks make fabulous ‘functional sculpture’, and are the makers behind the much talked about ‘Stiletto’ desk. It was great to actually see this desk on their stand at Decorex. I wonder where they got the inspiration for this piece of furniture from?!

Although Charlotte James are traditionally renowned for their specialist upholstery, I really like their new range of bespoke cabinet furniture, combining colour with natural wood.

Susannah Hunter has translated her signature leather appliqué flowers into a bespoke furniture range including armchairs, ottomans, screens and dining chairs. All pieces are upholstered using the finest traditional methods and techniques.

The simplicity of form and purity of a good shape define the style that is Pinch. No other words are required to describe this simple yet elegant furniture.

Biden Designs imports rare and stunningly beautiful products from Japan, much of it from Kyoto where art has been produced in abundance for the aesthetically sophisticated Kyotoites.

Villiers Brothers produce high end bespoke pieces of furniture that ooze originality and craftsmanship. I love the lines in this console table, which would make a fabulous statement piece in a hallway, living or dining room.

All in all, an exciting and eclectic mix of furniture styles to choose from. Which is your favourite piece?

Image credits from respective companies.

• Posted in Decorex, Interior Design | 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