Design Centre Stories

Tag: FOCUS/17

Be Well, Do Well

In a busy, intense world, the spa might be the only place we switch off our phones and truly relax – and homeowners are now actively looking to recreate these rejuvenating experiences at home. So much of the success of these spaces is down to design: beautiful materials and luxurious touches as well as consideration for ergonomics and functionality – …

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Right Here, Right Now with Mark Bickerstaffe

"Creativity comes from the interaction between people, and you really get that here - it has a heart, it has a soul," says the global head of design for Kohler Kitchen & Bath.

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Right Here, Right Now with Simon Rawlings

The creative director of David Collins Studio is launching a collection of fabrics and wallcoverings for Baker, and says that "Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is something that I have always aspired to be a part of."

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Serenity Calls

What could be more calming than blue and white? The colours of sea and sky are as refreshing as they are timeless, given a modern kick with strong geometrics, textural depth and a glimmer of metallics. Main image: ‘Kaloon’ club chair, Marc De Berny. ‘Luna’ console, Ceccotti Collezioni. ‘Chrysalis’ tile (12), Ann Sacks at West One Bathrooms. ‘Madrid Star’ tile, Artisan of …

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Right Here, Right Now with Nicholas Jeanes

"There's definitely a community feeling – everyone's willing to help and go the extra mile for you," says the creative director of &Objects about Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.

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A Multiple of Metals

The craftsmanship of Gallotti&Radice's master artisans is evident in this ‘Eris’ hanging LED lamp, designed by Massimo Castagna. A play of different textures and finishes, it features a series of metal plates curving around a black-painted bronze central spine. Gallotti&Radice, Second Floor, Centre Dome

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Green Scene

When times get tough, make the house a haven. Embrace irresistibly tactile textures to add depth and comfort; deep forest greens, teal and turquoise create a tranquil, nature-inspired mood. Main image: ‘Pebble’ side table, copper, Birgit Israel. ‘YBU’ dining table, Christophe Delcourt at GMR Interiors. ‘Diamond’ table lamp (TL703) with 13” Tall Drum shade, Bella Figura. ‘Hutton’ club chair, Ensemble London at …

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Right Here, Right Now with Esti Barnes

"There is a great community here; if I was an interior designer, I wouldn't go anywhere else," says the creative director of Topfloor by Esti.

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Easy Does It

It's time to reappraise the 70s as a design decade. Harness an easy vibe with throwback shapes, dark timber and a palette of teal, tobacco and marmalade. Add smoked glass to complete this rich and sophisticated look. Pictured from top to bottom are 'Les Ondes de Jade' fabric, by Misia, available from Colony; Gallotti&Radice's 'Diantha' pendant; 'All Grain Noir' leather, …

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Right Here, Right Now with Raffaele Fabrizio

"Every time, we discover something new; it's a wonderful place to be," says the co-owner of Dedar.

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A Refreshing Approach to Sleep

You might be familiar with 'clean eating', but what about 'clean sleeping'? Auping, the heritage Dutch bed company, has the solution to the perfect night's sleep, via a series of technical advancements and the dogged pursuit of ergonomic comfort. A mesh base and breathable mattress combine to give perfect air flow and temperature control, and the beds are designed to …

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Right Here, Right Now with Sam Reich

The managing director of Tibor on reviving his grandfather's prestigious post-war textile brand, supplier to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Concorde and many more.

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Art that Endures

Artwork once found in a gallery is now durable enough to survive the messiness of modern life. American abstract artist Sam Glankoff’s work has been translated into a hand-knotted rug using solution-dyed acrylic yarn; called ‘Visionary’, the piece faithfully details the artist's subtle colour blends and technique of using overlapping panels of paper. Find out more at Sutherland Perennials Studio. Sutherland …

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Tailored to Fit

Tailoring doesn't just belong in the fashion industry. A profusion of classic fabrics that could easily make the leap on to the pattern-cutter's table have arrived, with textured weaves, dogtooth, herringbone and smart checks. The trend also goes beyond fabrics: seek out details that have a natural affinity with tailoring, such as herringbone patterns for tiles and flooring, and furniture …

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Luxury, Made in London

Lacaze London’s work is a melting pot of traditional and modern production techniques, offering luxurious bespoke furniture including upholstery, cabinetry and metalwork. On display in the new showroom on the third floor of Design Centre is a raft of statement pieces made from exquisite materials. The workshop is based in West London where highly skilled craftsmen ensure that every last …

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New Dimensions

Geometrics look particularly bold in shades of grey with shots of acid yellow and mustard. Three-dimensionality is key: textured weaves, hair-on-hide and illusory prints bring a visual complexity to a limited palette. Main image: 'Club' floor lamp, Nina Campbell. ‘Barrique’ side table, Reflex at Chaplins. ‘Murani Dotty’ vase, Birgit Israel. ‘Adda' sofa, grey, (Elton 1677) with cushions in (Ernest 342), (Elton 1677) …

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Right Here, Right Now with Nicolò Rubelli

"Our heart is in London; we love being here," says Rubelli's CEO on a visit to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour to unveil the latest collections.

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World of Interiors Winners

Asking a designer where that first spark of inspiration came from often elicits a fascinating reply. Boussac’s new Cartoon collection from Pierre Frey – winner of The World of Interiors‘ Award at Focus/17 – gives a nod to the 80s. The playfulness and strong geometrics favoured by the Memphis Group are evoked in ‘Nestor’, a large reversible check in wool mohair …

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Right Here, Right Now with Giles Kime

"What's really exciting is when you get people talking," says the interior editor of Country Life about Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour's role as a catalyst of creative connections.

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Room to Grow

George Spencer Designs has a pedigree stretching back nearly 80 years, but what it didn’t have was an overly generous space to present its collections of fabric and wallpaper. A recent move from Chelsea into the redeveloped third floor of Design Centre East has changed that. “We thought our old showroom was a bit overwhelming, and we wanted to increase …

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The Lure of Linen – on the Walls

Wallcovering showroom Arte has teamed up with fellow Belgian design firm Flamant for two new collections. Flamant is best-known for its linen fabrics, and the wallcoverings recreate the textiles' subtle look and feel. Pictured is 'Rhythmique' from the Charactère collection, a smart, small-scale geometric pattern, while the Les Mémoires wallcoverings are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and far-flung travels. All are intended to …

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Right Here, Right Now with Laura Hammett

"Nothing beats seeing something in the flesh," says the interior designer about visiting Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.

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Right Here, Right Now with Audrey Carden

"Socially, it's a good plus for the interior design industry," says the founder of Carden Cunietti about Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.

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Make it a Slimline

Slim, straight lines make everything feel ordered and elegant, bringing a visual lightness to a scheme even when the palette is moody in shades of grey and black, or with a metallic edge. Pictured top to bottom are 'Matrix' tables by Armani/Casa; 'Lambro' wallcovering by Brian Yates; an 'Adele' pendant by Arteriors; 'Yacht Club' wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries; and 'Trapeze' fabric by …

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Right Here, Right Now with Matthew Gomez

"There's a great value in being together," says the managing director of Turnell & Gigon.

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The Key Ingredient

Focus/17 is a place to meet, talk, do business or simply catch up with friends – and in recognition of its sociable nature, there are more convivial places to eat and drink than ever before. Specially commissioned pop-up restaurants, bars and cafes are an essential ingredient of the experience, often with a side helping of design inspiration that showcases the …

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Blushed with Success

Soothing blush pink and dusky lilac work surprisingly well as neutrals, grounding an interiors scheme, making metallics stand out and and acting as a foil for sultry blues and darker purple. Main Image: Table lamp (01), Magic Circus at Poliform. ‘Jewel’ drum table (BB3384), Barbara Barry Collection at Baker. ‘Egos’ lounge chair and ottoman upholstered in ‘Sun Bear’ (30028-017), Rubelli at Rubelli/Donghia. …

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Cool Floors with Character

Wide-plank timber flooring brings a sense of nobility and character to an interior – and it's made to last. Siberian Floors, a newcomer to Design Centre East, makes its flooring to order, so it can be customised to create any pattern, colour and plank size. The engineered hardwood planks are pre-finished in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility outside Moscow, and finished with …

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Loose-fit Furniture

Poliform celebrates its ongoing relationship with French architect Jean-Marie Massaud with the New York range. There's a trend for furniture that is 'loose fit' when it comes to its purpose, and these freestanding upholstered pieces have flexibility in mind: used as a footrest, a complement to a sofa or occasional seating, they can adapt to any setting, from the home …

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Right Here, Right Now with Madeline Weinrib

"My whole work is inspired by my travels"  – the American designer discusses her global outlook, and a new collaboration with Savoir Beds.

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