Interior Design Blog
Nautical nostalgia
January 29, 2010
Are the dreary January afternoons getting you down? Thinking of getting away to a luxury beach-house? Florestine has solved the problem; their new online store can now bring the beach to you, adding a touch of summer to any room and following the latest trend.
A Night at the Museum
Designers in Residence: (from left) Mark Owens, Dave Bowker, Asif Khan, Giles Miller (of Farm) and Bethan Wood.
January is already tuning into February, and with the New Year has come a flurry of invitations to must-see design events all over the world. Unfortunately, it's impossible to attend every one, but one event I'm making sure I get to is Design Overtime at the Design Museum in London.
Emma loves retro
Crafty Emma Glibbery is creating some of the most collectible cushions at the moment; she reuses and recycles vintage prints to create lavish and eclectic soft furnishings. She is the pioneer behind her own website emmalovesretro and has been requested as a contributor for many other companies.
Domestic Bliss
January 28, 2010
There was more than a hint of domesticity last night at the opening of the new exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. A host of familiar objects have been transformed by Saatchi's latest brood of up-and-coming talent into beautiful and challenging works of art including a bed, a stack of old chairs, some mattresses, a vacuum cleaner and a variety of pots and pans on canvas and on the floor.
Funky Fridges
Gnarly, retro fridges are here, and these classic wonders are courtesy of Gorenje, who have released a range of fridges from back-in-the-day. The stunning models have three specific ranges, Chic, Vintage and Funky.
Design Real exhibition
"In Japan the relationship between the object and the environment is more important then the object itself." A perfect statement to introduce you into the experience of Design Real, an exhibition that challenges your belief on everyday objects.
The Red Room
The Red Room is a concept designed by Linedota, and are serviced apartments combining the ultimate in luxury with the very peak in eco-friendly technology.
Ron Arad: Restless
Ron Arad, the radical furniture and architect designer, will be having his first major UK exhibition of his work at the Barbican Art Gallery; entitled Restless. The artist who creates his own conception of furniture, will be showing some of his most famous pieces from 18 February until 16 May 2010.
Tuiss's flower power
Instead of letting their blinds shut out the garden, Tuiss are providing each customer with wild flower seeds. Mimicking their lavish floral designs Tuiss will be giving every customer a packet of seeds from the 1st April through until May, so that now customers' gardens can look like their wild blinds.
Ligne Roset inspired by Pierre Paulin
Celebrating its 150th Anniversary, Ligne Roset will be releasing its 2011 collection with contributions from the late contemporary legend, Pierre Paulin. Having 60 years in the business, Paulin always looked for that little bit more imaginative flare; he will make a welcome addition to the Ligne Roset collection.
William Ball: Linea collection
William Ball has created a fresh new feel with his new Linea collection. Much different from his classic wooden kitchens, these designs offer the sleek and slender look of combined high-gloss and aluminium.
Pretty Vintage
Are you looking for that quintessential English tea-party? If so, then look no further then Pretty Vintage. The perfect place to hire for all your cups, saucers and crockery needs. This eclectic collection offers a selection of vintage teacups, saucers, plates, jugs, sugar bowls, candlesticks and beautiful embroidered table linen. All from way back, when a tea-party was the ultimate fastidious gathering. This tea-set oozes appeal, with its charming decorations and floral design. This delicately painted tableware is the perfect addition for anyone loving the vintage trend right now.
Donald Judd exhibition
January 27, 2010
To understand the brilliance and impact of Donald Judd's Installations at Simon Lee, you must first understand the man himself. The works focus on Judd's early efforts to transition from 2D to 3D and depict his relationship between colour, space and object.
Moving Experience
PAC Home cinema specialists hosted a very fun evening at the Haymarket hotel, to celebrate the announcement that they have gone into partnership with D-Box Technologies. This is the company that supply the moving cinema seats, with a cutting edge motion system in sync with the action occurring in the movie, for the famed Mann Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood, California and across the theatre malls of America.
Panama Pacifico's: international business park
Phase one of the construction of the Panama Pacifico's international business park, IBP, is complete. The park was designed by Ware Malcomb and is located 15-minutes from Panama City and is surrounded by forest. It is in close proximity to both the Pan-American Highway and the Panama Canal, catering to the business needs of its prospective users.
Ambiente 2010
One of the year's most important award ceremonies is back; Ambiente 2010 will be showcasing the trends of tomorrow in February. Ambiente is the major consumer-goods event of the first half of the year.
Ulla von Brandenburg's: Wagon Wheel
January 26, 2010
Ulla von Brandenburg's Wagon Wheel exhibition is a story portrayed through quilts. A labyrinth of creation, it portrays messages of everyday life using these archaic creations.
THG's Inspired Environments
These are shots from THG's Inspired Environments range. Designed by Jamie Drake, the theme is simple and luxurious, with clean lines and inspired details.
Winner of a TOBY
The newly renovated Bank of America Tower in San Diego has received the highly celebrated TOBY, The Office Building of the Year award. The Bank of America Tower, located at 450 B Street received the award under the 'renovated building' category in late December 2009.
Stuart Haygarth: Found exhibition
January 25, 2010
Stuart Haygarth is the tremendous artist who is storming London's Haunch of Venison; his creative visions are made out of discarded old objects to make inspiring new furniture works.
William Pianta Nahoor collection
January 22, 2010
An epic saga is being conveyed by William Pianta's new Nahoor collection of lighting. Nahoor, which means 'source', expresses the journey of light and metal and is making its debut at the Maison and Object concept. Pianta hopes to tell the story of the 'domestic sphere,' creating pieces that represent the reliance on light.
Indian Ocean's 2010 collection
The fresh pieces in Indian Ocean's new 2010 collection deliver the usual groundbreaking al fresco furniture that people have come to expect from the high end brand, as well as several new accessories. Its new mosaic decorative ball combines intricate design with a bold statement and their metallic garden globes and windmill create the right light catching feature.
Roca's new revolutionary W+W system
Roca Innovation Lab in partnership with designers Gabriele and Oscar Buratti have created an ingenious new 'water-reuse' technology. The new W+W design aims to reduce water usage by 25 per cent, and combines the two essential elements of every bathroom by combining the washbasin (sink) and water-closet (toilet), hence the W+W title.
Botanic by Bolon
Bolon have release an exhilarating new range, Botanic, a revolutionary new woven vinyl. Botanic is made using renewable raw materials, striving for a climate neutral product, while still retaining Bolon's artistic and inspiring designs.
Surface Design Show: Part 3
January 19, 2010
RAK's new tile
This is the final post in a three-part series previewing the 2010 Surface Design Show, which will be held February 16-18 at the Business Design Centre in London. For more details on the show, and to register, please visit www.surfacedesignshow.com. Read Friday's post on new products for flooring, Monday's post on products for walls and below for today's peek at at everything in between.
Asmolean Museum's lighting redesign
January 18, 2010
Oxford's Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology has undergone a £61 million development programme. The prestigious museum has been extended, doubling its gallery space, and has also benefitted from a brand new lighting scheme by Kevan Shaw Lighting Design.
Brit Insurance Design Awards Shortlist
MAXXI, National Museum of the XXI Century Arts, Rome, Italy by Zaha Hadid Architects, one of the shortlisted finalists in the architecture category
It's that time of year again--Awards Season! I don't know about you, but last night's Golden Globes usually marks my countdown to the Oscars and a lot of last minute movie-viewing. That's a lie. I usually watch for the dresses.
But let's not overlook (or forget that we're at work) another exciting awards program. The Brit Insurance Design Awards announced their 2010 shortlist today across seven industry sectors: architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport. Antony Gormley will be chairing the jury, which will select the seven finalists announced on March 4, and an overall winner on March 16.
Icons of the Highway
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico; photographed by Eva Worobiec
Looking at Tony and Eva Worobiec's photographs of roadside diners, motels and cinemas in Icons of the Highway, a new exhibition at The National Trust's Fox Talbot Museum, you can easily imagine Jack Kerouac stopping for a slice of apple pie on that first journey 'Out West' to Denver.
Arch Hotel, London
On 28th January, new luxury hotel The Arch London will be officially opening its doors to discerning travellers. The lavish interiors were conceived by award-winning hotel designers RDD plc. I love the way that they have combined contemporary London design influences with the architectural heritage of the Georgian Grade ll listed townhouses that host the hotel. Here are a few of my favourite images. I especially like this golden fish Cole and Son style wallpaper!
Surface Design Show: Part 2
Muraspec's Impressions
This is the second in a three-post series previewing the 2010 Surface Design Show, which will be held February 16-18 at the Business Design Centre in London. For more details on the show, and to register, please visit www.surfacedesignshow.com. Read Friday's post on new products for flooring, below for today's peek at products for walls and come back tomorrow for everything in between
.Surface Design Show: Part 1
January 15, 2010
2tec2's Seamless tiles
Check out the latest, greatest and even the unfathomable from surface brands you know and new ones you need to know. This year's Surface Design Show, is coming up February 16-18, and it's the UK's only show exclusively focused on interior and exterior surfaces.
Walls Are Talking: Wallpaper, Art and Culture
In February, Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery opens its exhibition of wallpaper, featuring more than 30 international artists. At first thought that may not sound like a wild time, but the designs are. The show wants viewers to re-evaluate the role of wallpaper in contemporary art. In brief, these aren't the florals of your nan's bathroom.
Mareel music and cinema venue
January 14, 2010
Lerwick's forthcoming Mareel performing arts venue designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects will encompass a concert hall, cinema and other faculties like a recording studio, lecture theatre and café. Located on the quayside's edge, adjacent to the Shetland Museum, the striking and contemporary building is part of a regeneration masterplan for the town's waterfront.
New suites at Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
January 12, 2010
I've never needed an excuse to go to Germany, especially Munich--and that couldn't be truer after seeing the new Harald Klein-designed suites at the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost. After an extensive two-year renovation, each has its own contemporary design scheme, tastefully organised around themes like the retro Hollywood glamour or alpine chalet.
Davis + Warshow showroom by Focus Lighting
January 11, 2010
Here are a selection of images that New York's Focus Lighting came up with for bathroom and kitchen specialists Davis + Warshow's flagship showroom, also located in the Big Apple. These are guaranteed to brighten up your day (assuming where you are is as gloomy as London).
Kensington Art and Antiques Fair
January 8, 2010
Sick of seeing white? We thought so. With all the snow, ice and other wintry delights sweeping across the UK, it's time for a dash of colour. Brave the elements for the Kensington Art and Antiques Fair this weekend.
PSTV Studios by HEAD Architecture
When PSTV needed to move out of the headquarters they shared with Star TV in Hung Hom, they required a studio within Hong Kong that could compete with large international news organisations in Asia, Europe and the US. They approached HEAD Architecture to give their new home the desired gloss.
New homeless daycare facility by Featherstone Young
Featherstone Young has secured planning permission for a new building to expand on the existing day centre facilities for local East-end charity for the homeless, Providence Row, which provides support and hope to
homeless people in Tower Hamlets and the City of London.
Out and about in Europe
January 7, 2010
IMM Cologne
Here is a quick round-up of a few January interior design events to keep in mind if you'll be in Europe in the next few weeks. If design is your hobby, most of these are trade events with exception of Brafa and the last two days of IMM Cologne.
Grand Hyatt Macau
Design World Partnership (DWP) drew upon the themes of Earth, wind, water and fire to create the clean, bold design concept of the Grand Hyatt Macau. While understated Asian accents add a dash of chic style. In other words, it's gorgeous. Here's a sneak peek at a few of my favorite bits.
Panerai refurbished 1936 Eilean Yacht
It's snowing in London, so what better excuse to look at yachts and think of basking on the top deck as you sail around crystal clear waters in tropical temperatures! Italian watchmakers Panerai has just finished refurbishing a classic 1936 Fife Yacht Eilean which will race for the first time in decades this April at the Antigua Regatta - part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.
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