December 18th, 2014
2014 has been a great year for the practice with lots of exciting new projects in many different styles. In the next few posts we’ll be showcasing some of the properties we transformed with some classic “before and after” photos – we hope you enjoy and keep following!
In December last year the owners of this significantly extended 1930’s cottage asked us to create a luxurious, elegant, impressive and modern home. We wanted to honour the original architecture of the house while successfully integrating more recent extensions. They have built up a mixture of architectural and furniture styles over the years and our challenge was to make old and new work in harmony, where modern classic meets contemporary wow!
“BEFORE”

“BEFORE”
And “AFTER”

Traditional and more contemporary pieces side-by-side in the sitting room

These stunning lamps make a statement in the master bedroom

In the modern kitchen extension the focus was on “contemporary wow” softened with wooden accents and interesting artwork

We created a colourful home office within the kitchen area…

… and updated the hall with some strong architectural pieces leading into the contemporary extension

This print by artist Jessica Zoob ” A Time to Rest” became the focal point for the guest room and inspired the colours for the new lamps, accessories and soft furnishings

.. and finally we also gave the garden a make-over

We had fun with these bright contemporary chairs, always a talking point …
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"A place to rest" by Jessica Zoob, Barlow Tyrie, Colourful home office, Contemporary kitchen extension, Elegant and luxurious master bedroom, Garden furniture makeover, Jessica Zoob, Mixing old and new, Monochrome kitchen, Scandia Chairs, Tom Faulkner, Tyson table lamps, Vienna Chair by Tom Faulkner
September 21st, 2014
It’s hard to believe another year has gone by and here I am again at one of London’s leading design shows, DECOREX, with literally hundreds of exhibitors launching their new ranges for the season ahead. One of the good things about a blog is that it acts as a diary, in a strange kind of way. In last year’s DECOREX post it was all about technology, monochrome and the interior world’s obsession with “grey”. One year on, many of the trends have come full circle – technology is still playing a major part in every corner, but there is definitely a return to more “traditional”/”hand-made” designs with a focus on colour and texture, especially among many of the “newcomers on the block”. So without further ado (and in no particular order!) here are some of this season’s favourites…
First up is another striking design by Tom Faulkner, the newly launched “Vienna Chair”. Great with a desk or for dining and super comfortable.

The newly-launched Vienna Chair by Tom Faulkner
Contrast this contemporary design with another more traditional favourite by Victoria Bain. Use these embroidered tape and panel designs on cushions, chairs and curtains to add a classic and elegant design “twist”. Victoria has added several new contemporary colourways, including the dark taupe and raspberry red below.

Embroidered tapes and panels by Victoria Bain
The new Jaipur collections from Zoffany were next to catch my eye as they signal a trend towards updating designs traditionally used in English country houses, this time using Indian and Persian themes. The collection is highly coloured and textured.

New collection from fabric house, Zoffany
At the other end of the scale, is this equally highly coloured and textured display (just that little bit more quirky!) from House of Hackney – loved it, but not for the faint-hearted!

Wonderful fun display from House of Hackney, Decorex 2014

House of Hackney, Decorex 2014
Continuing the theme of colour and texture were several relative newcomers Korla (colourful and contemporary design partnership founded in 2011), Melodi Horne and “A Rum Fellow”.

Bright and contemporary designs from relative newcomer “Korla”

Lampshade and cushion range from Melodie Horne

A Rum Fellow

A Rum Fellow
And finally, you may be wondering if I’ve forgotten the technology theme – its impact on bathroom design continues to amaze me. This stand from Bard & Brazier shows that pretty much anything is possible now in terms of both finish and design. Pleased to see we have lime green, not avocado.

Bard and Brazier, Decorex 2014
And finally, finally, I loved the DeGournay stand for the sheer luxury of the bathing experience!

De Gournay, Decorex 2104
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A Rum Fellow, Bard & Brazier, Decorex 2014, DeGournay, House of Hackney, Korla, Melodie Horne, Notting Hill, Tom Faulkner, Victoria Bain trimmings, Vienna Chair by Tom Faulkner, Zoffany