Tag: FOCUS/18
More is More
As the late Postmodern architect Robert Venturi once said: "less is a bore". These days, highly individual interiors keep adding, layer on layer: artfully clashing patterns, unusual surface finishes from flocking to foil, and an abundance of finishing touches such as trimmings, lamps and decorative objects all contribute to a feast for the senses. Create an environment that surprises and …
Bring the Joy
From coral, blush and emerald to sherbet lemon, burnt orange and cerulean blue, colour palettes are joyful, sophisticated and unexpected this season. For inspiration, look to French design house Le Manach, now owned by Pierre Frey, which has had a confident approach to colour ever since its founding in 1829. This spectacular ‘Taraz’ wallcovering is based on a fabric from …
Right Here, Right Now with Kate Burnett
The editor of Studio magazine on how finishes and products are integrating with technology.
Design on Tour
Hop on board a Design Discovery Tour for a bite-sized guide to the best that Focus/18 has to offer. Taking in half a dozen or so showrooms with a short presentation in each, the daily tours are a way to delve deeper into the stories behind new products: every day is different, so there's ample reason to return over the …
Right Here, Right Now with Sophie Robinson
"Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is a brilliant resource for someone like me," says the interior designer.
More for the Floor
A new arrival to Design Centre East, Sacco Carpet is well-established in the US as the go-to for superior carpets. Its roster of collaborators includes Adam Tihany, David Rockwell and Yabu Pushelberg, while its extensive portfolio graces yachts, private jets and high-end residences – as well as many hospitality projects such as Nobu in New York (pictured). Now, the new showroom …
Journey of Colour
Artist Moritz Waldemeyer's interactive installation for the Design Hub at Focus/18 brings the newest collections to life in a surprising and engaging way. Called Journey of Colour, the 12-metre-long walkway consists of a series of digitally fabricated octagonal coronas – inspired by the shape of the Design Centre's domes – mounted on the wall. Hold a fabric or wallpaper swatch …
Right Here, Right Now with Georgia Coleridge
"It brings joy, creativity, groundedness, inspiration" – the energy healer and author on the importance of colour in all areas of our lives.
Pressed for Success
Cawston Press is dispensing complimentary tasters of its drinks from its base on the third floor of Design Centre East. Proclaiming that it is 'making fizzy great again', the company's award-winning range includes tart rhubarb, cloudy apple, ginger beer and lemonade – flavours inspired by the kitchen garden. Not too sweet and with no artificial ingredients, they live up to …
Invest in the Best
Look to invest in pieces where creativity and craftsmanship meet. It’s all about the maker’s passion for detail. From left to right: ‘Frank’ lounge chair, by Vincent Van Duysen at Sutherland Perennials Studio. ‘Le Coupe’ occasional chair, J. Robert Scott. ‘Koi Carp’, Alexander Lamont at Miles x Bookshop. Books, Potterton Books. ‘African Pot’ table lamp, neutral, with ikat cotton shade, Vaughan. …
On the Ascent
Taking cues from the free-spirited approach to colour and creativity that is in the ascent, Focus/18's aerial installation, conceived by Arabella McNie, has a decidedly positive mood. Called Freedom of Creativity, its centrepiece is a bird with exotic plumage, surrounded by fluttering butterflies, each one fashioned in joyous palettes and exuberant colour combinations. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour continues to evolve and develop, …
Right Here, Right Now with Lindsay Blair
"People are being bolder with their colour choices, creating a much more interesting story within their living spaces," says the editor of Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms.
Positively in Bloom
Floristry by John Carter Flowers bring effervescent life to Focus/18, with barely a corner untouched by an exuberant display. Soft and romantic sprays of pastel-hued delphiniums, anchored by mop-head hydrangeas, are a recurring theme across the show; meanwhile every pop-up food and drink space has been given its own distinctive floral personality. La Dolce Vita is surrounded by citrus trees …
Right Here, Right Now with Etienne Gounot
"We're happy to have visibility in London" - the co-founder of French lighting company Ozone on its new base within GMR Interiors.
The Best Beans
Colombia's mountain ranges are ideal territory for growing coffee, and family-owned company Kinta Loma works with a network of small farmers to deliver the best. The company sells only high-quality, single-origin beans from carefully selected Colombian regions, packaged in an environmentally friendly way, and adhering to the highest ethical standards regarding the wellbeing of farmer communities. Kinta Loma is serving up …
Right Here, Right Now with Edward Bulmer
The interior designer and founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint says that Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour "has become a centre for some very old established brands, but also a great range of newer, smaller and more artisan-led businesses."
In Praise of Peggy
Part of the same artistic circle as Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and Enid Marx, painter and designer Peggy Angus has a distinctive style that has been rediscovered in recent years. Her role as a teacher also made her an influential force in 20th-century design, beyond her own work. Blithfield has added to its wallcoverings and fabrics featuring her lino-print designs, …
Right Here, Right Now with Steve Corcoran
"People are braver now than they ever have been with colour – and we're here to guide them along the way," says the fabric and wallpaper consultant for House of Hackney, which has a pop-up at Focus/18.
Sheer Heaven
Creation Baumann's ‘Tinto’ voile is a brilliant way to set the scene, with a fluid feel and a colour-gradient design that sees one shade fade gently into another thanks to its digital print. Three upbeat colour palettes include this orange and green, a bold combination that sums up the wider move towards brilliantly positive interiors. Creation Baumann, First Floor, Design Centre …
From the City of Lights
A nocturnal walk under the street lamps of Paris inspired the design of this 'Parisienne S' table light, designed by Régis Botta for Ozone. The French lighting brand is new to GMR Interiors; its minimalist designs, made in Paris, combine traditional craftsmanship with LED technology, and are notable for their chic simplicity and grand presentation. The table light has a …
Right Here, Right Now with Nina Campbell
"I've enjoyed every single project," says the interior designer, celebrating 50 years in the design world.
An Added Dimension
This ‘Prism’ cabinet is an expression of Alexander Lamont’s dedication to meticulous detail, exquisite materials and a look refined by a life lived between Asia and Europe. The fractured, three-dimensional effect of its surface is achieved with mother-of-pearl, patinated copper, lustrous indigo and taupe straw marquetry inlaid by hand over the front and sides. Discover more at Miles x Bookshop. Miles …
Sanctuary for Tastemakers
Mediterranean flavours on the menu, with the latest design directions as added inspiration: the domes' two pop-up restaurants at Focus/18 are competing with each other for the most chic places to spend some down-time. The surroundings allow diners to take in the seasons' emerging trends, incorporating the latest collections: at South Dome Tapas, it's all about a vibrant, spicy palette that …
Right Here, Right Now with Marco Piva
"Ideas and products come from all over the world – and this is the gathering point," says the architect and designer about Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Right Here, Right Now with Michelle Ogundehin
"I can find everything I need here. It's an amazing resource," says the writer and broadcaster.
Design Date – Georgina Cave
Georgina Cave founded Cave Interiors in 2002. Based in north London, the practice works locally as well as internationally. Georgina's decorating style is eclectic and full of personality, but always with an eye on creating practical spaces tailored to an individuals' needs. This is exactly the subject she'll be discussing at a Conversations in Design session, along with a panel …
Right Here, Right Now with Patrick Frey
"We need colour in this crazy time, to give us some optimism," says the creative director and owner of Pierre Frey.
Right Here, right Now with Michelle Jana Chan
"People come here from all over the world; we feel privileged to have it on our doorstep," says Vanity Fair's travel editor.
Time to Shine
Lacquered and other high-gloss surfaces add lustre and incredible depth to interiors, often providing a powerful shot of colour, too: if any finish summed up bold and confident decorating, it would be this one. Traditional lacquerwork is time-consuming and undertaken by skilled artisans, but gives unmatched results: head to Nina Campbell to see the work of US brand Oomph, which …
Freedom of Creativity
Take cues from the free-spirited approach to colour and pattern that is in the ascent. Fantastical birds and beasts emerge from dark grounds; and citrus shades contrast with teal and forest green. Above, from left to right: ‘Calle Stella’ side table, Rubelli Casa at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Triennale 2’ sofa (12105), Rubelli Casa at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Carmen’ ottoman, Flexform. 'Saybrook' pendant, Oomph at Nina …
