Tag: Lighting
A New Venture
Bespoke furniture maker Ventura has opened its first showroom outside of its native Ireland, in Design Centre East. It offers a full turnkey service, from conception to completion, as well as individual custom-made pieces such as this 'Hugo' dining table, above, which features striking cut-out metal legs and a tabletop that comes in multiple sizes, depths and finishes. As well …
Coveted by Tatler
This 'Ivy' pedant by CTO Lighting is one of Tatler's picks for London Design Week 2019's best in show. The British lighting brand is a new addition to the relaunched Fox Linton showroom, and 'Ivy' is typical of its collections, which use premium materials such as satin brass, hand-blown glass, alabaster and marble – with everything made in the UK. Tatler's …
Maker’s Mark
A new generation is discovering the sculptural shapes of handcrafted pottery. This ‘Shawnee’ terracotta lamp by Arteriors was first formed on the potter’s wheel, before the banded textures were etched and stamped by a skilled artisan. Arteriors, Third Floor, Design Centre East
A Celebratory Mood
Porta Romana's 'Urchin' chandelier tells a tale of two birthdays. The lighting company has been in business for 30 years, and has commemorated the occasion by donating five of the chandeliers to the Royal Academy – which, a couple of centuries ahead, is 250 this year. The pieces, which are made from hand-painted folded steel, and are based on the …
Poised in Porcelain
In a smart navy and white livery that gives it a Mediterranean feel, this whimsical bottle-shaped ‘Marbella’ lamp from Arteriors has an inherent individuality. Each one is unique, thanks to its hand-painted stripes and the textures on the porcelain's crackle glaze – setting it apart from a mass-produced design. Arteriors, Third Floor, Design Centre East
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 …
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 …
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 …
Right Here, Right Now with Andrew Hills
Design Centre, Chelsea Habour is "a fantastic place for us to showcase our collection" says Porta Romana's chairman and creative director, as the lighting company celebrates 30 years in business.
Long-Lasting Legacies
Old has never looked so right now, as we look to heritage and tradition to ground us and make sense of a fast-paced world. Just as the Burberry trenchcoat is subtly reinvented season after season, designers are showing their appreciation for what has gone before, but nearly always with a twist that makes the pieces right for today. The clean …
Clearly Original
Poliform may be marking 30 years at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, but it is still at the cutting edge when it comes to tracking down worldwide talent. New to the showroom is Czech lighting company Bomma, which explores the potential of fragile glass with curiosity and creativity. The deceptively simple shapes of these ‘Phenomena’ lights, their glass shades fading from …
The Bee’s Knees
It’s been a flurry of activity in the Brooklyn, New York workroom of Remains Lighting. Its team of skilled artisans have been busy creating the new ‘Modern Beehive’ pendant, inspired by the elegantly bulbous shape of a traditional beehive. Made using sustainable practices and traditional skills, it features a handblown, fluted shade hung from a slender stem. Remains Lighting, Fourth Floor, …
Rise and Shine
There's good news for devotees of US interiors brand Oomph: its entire collection is now available at Nina Campbell. Specialising in lacquered furniture and lighting in joyfully bright colours, as well as upholstered pieces, Oomph had already created a capsule collection with Campbell, but this initiative sees the full product range available to the European market for the first time. …
Modern Masterpieces
Fine art is the nucleus of inspiration for so much of the best design – whether it responds to the stylistic traits of the painters of the past or involves creating sculptural furniture and objects that are just as expressive as something from a gallery. In addition, designers are working with an increasingly sophisticated client base who see art as central …
Telling Tales
While some will always celebrate pared-back minimalism, there's no doubt that its counterpoint, 'maximalism', is on the rise. These joyously layered interiors – where multiple colours, patterns and textures create a feast for the senses – are not just a rebellion against minimalism and a case of 'what goes around, comes around'. In design, the creation of a narrative and …
Mother Nature
Bring nature indoors with birdlife – feathers, eggs and all – and other native creatures. A soothing palette of duck egg, turquoise and soft grey brings calm, serenity and comfort. From left to right: ‘Gesso’ vase with handles and ‘Gesso Seated Bird’, both Julian Chichester. ‘Deco Monobloc’ lever basin mixer, silver, Perrin & Rowe. ‘Satin Nickel' finial (F298), McKinney & Co. …
Everyday Nomadism
There are always new cultures and regions to explore via the medium of design, and the vogue for all-embracing interiors that take their inspiration from every corner of the world shows no sign of slowing down. There is a sense of freedom in playing around with traditional motifs – as Pierre Frey says about its latest, New-World-inspired collections, "this tribute …
In the Pink
Queen of the colour wheel, pink symbolises hope and empowerment – but it's also offering lessons in versatility when it comes to interiors. From calm, muted tones that segue into lilac to bubblegum shades that revel in an exuberant colour-clash with other brights, pink has lost its association with girlish prettiness and is embracing a new-found sophistication. Pictured from top …
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
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, …
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 …
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 …
Artefacts of Design
A growing consensus towards the creation of ‘democratic museums’ that involve audiences is an emerging trend in curation. Visitors heading to Design Centre East may have noticed the Design Lab, a new hub of exploration inspired by an interactive museum. The specially commissioned space showcases products, usually found in an interior scheme, displayed in an original way as artefacts. Keeping …
Thereby Hangs A Tale
Visitors can get deeper connection to the latest collections at the Design in Progress Gallery which tells the design and manufacturing stories behind the season’s most engaging products. Trace the design journey from start to finish via original material such as moodboards and sketches through to the finished work. Highlights include the ‘Coppélia’ pendant by Moooi (available from Chaplins). Original …
Rock Stars
Rocks, minerals and semi-precious stones make for a distinctly elemental take on design: the palette is earthy, shot through with jewel tones such as lapis lazuli and amethyst. Explore the geological trend via products such as Tai Ping's 'Density' rug (pictured top), and Wired Custom Lighting's 'Machine' chandelier (pictured centre), whose rough-hewn crystals are a contemporary alternative to cut-glass drops. The Silk Gallery's …
Cultural Developments
Ethnic prints, basketwork, tribal sketches and intricate beading mix ancient techniques and avant-garde ideas. ‘Raku’ ceramic, Birgit Israel. Fabrics in vitrine: ‘Kasbah’, de Le Cuona. ‘Basket’ pendant ceiling light (CC016HT25), Nicholas Haslam Ltd. ‘Black Ceramic’ table lamp with black shade, Birgit Israel. ‘Vic’ table (11K70), Flexform. ‘Milena' chair, upholstered in 'Jazz' fabric (FFCMIL70ST), Le Manach at Pierre Frey. Wool pom-pom samples, …
Strong Outlines
Geometrics reinvent themselves, again: this time, crisp black outlines and clean sculptural silhouettes are the shape of things to come. ‘Fold’ dining table (MR4537), Darryl Carter Collection for Milling Road at Baker. ‘Aztec’ candelabra, Francesco Della Femina at Passerini. ‘Rex’ chair (50002-52), Donghia at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Diamond’ table lamp and shade, Best & Lloyd at Fromental. ‘Coppelia’ pendant, Moooi at Chaplins. ‘Cecily’ dining …
Bring the House Home
How many homeowners have embarked on a bold bedroom refurbishment having been inspired by a stay at a Soho House? The members' club group has properties from Chicago to the Cotswolds, and at each one, the interiors – comfortable and luxurious without being flashy, and with great attention to detail – is irresistible. Now there is Soho Home, Interiors from Soho House, the retail arm …
Excavate The Past
Become a design archaeologist. Uncover the romantic treasures of the past to create timeless and eclectic interiors. ‘Chloe’ drink table (CHLO-T) and ‘Dublin’ lounge chair (DUBO-CH), both Holly Hunt at Fox Linton. ‘Oto’ dining table, Gallotti&Radice. ‘Danish’ copper candlesticks, Birgit Israel. Fabric on table: ‘Faceted Silk’ (6094/05), Pollack at Altfield. ‘Felino’ vase, Armani/Casa. ‘Stayman’ candlesticks, Remains Lighting. Wallcovering on left hand wall: …
The Roar of the Wild
Unleash your animal instinct with the menagerie of beasts that are gracing interiors. While animal prints – from snakeskin to leopard – are considered classic designs that can inject a bold sensuality to a scheme, they have been supplemented by a veritable Noah's Ark of animal motifs. Cole & Son's collaboration with South African design firm Ardmore leads the pack with monkeys, …
