Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2023 i Living Etc

I’m just back from a few days in Puglia, having stayed at Tenuta Negroamaro. It was designed by Olga Ashby, who cleverly has made the whole hotel in a way that means you can waft around it barefoot, always comfortable and always charmed. The decor is soft and soothing, and she tells me on page 30 how we can easily recreate this mood back home. It made me think – why wouldn’t we want to feel as close as possible to how we do on holiday in our everyday lives? The spirit of a kaftan and a bowl of peaches and a spot to quietly laze in whenever we get the opportunity is so enticing. There’s a lot of inspiration for all of this in our houses, particularly the project…

When we last spoke to designer and multi-disciplinary artist Yinka Ilori, he told us that making people smile was key to his work as a way to help forge connections through our environment. Such an optimistic approach to design is a way, too, of providing uplifting and joyful moments in a day. So we were, well, overjoyed to see the designer’s debut tile collection for Domus – a collaboration that draws on his British-Nigerian heritage, combining his signature vibrant use of colour with the dynamic, geometric shapes seen across traditional African patterns and architecture. The porcelain and ceramic tiles – Screen and Glaze, respectively – are made to be experimented with: their versatility offers countless possibilities for a playful scheme. ‘I’m excited to see how people adapt my work in…

Brutalist interiors are, it’s fair to say, not everyone’s cup of tea. Brutalism is an exploration of materials and textures in design, but its expressive forms and focus on how buildings are constructed mean that the resulting homes, and their interiors, are divisive. They’re spaces often defined by exposed brick, steel beams and, of course, concrete – all materials that undoubtedly have a beauty to them, but while some people adore the stark minimalist aesthetic of traditional brutalism, others may feel that the elements of this interior design style are too harsh to create a cosy interior. Other people still fall somewhere in the middle. The allure of beautiful buildings with brutalist-style architecture or materials can be great, but there’s still this desire to create a home that feels, well,…

POOL A large overhang of concrete creates some useful shade for the main infinity pool TERRACE The sunsets from this vantage point are amazing and the modular seating is perfect for lounging or afternoon siestas. ENTRANCE ‘The stepping stones appear to push upwards from the ground, as if they are a sculptural abstraction of the landscape itself,’ says architect Phillippe Fouché. Terracotta breezeblocks designed by Patricia Urquiola wrap the building, filtering soft, dappled light into the interiors DINING AREA Quilted dining chairs are a playful – and comfortable – addition to the bespoke Douglas fir dining table. KITCHEN Handleless units keep this minimalist space sleek and uncluttered. With its uninterrupted views of the sea and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, there are few vantage points as extraordinary as this plot…

POOL James (standing) and Jonno. ‘Our home is quite hard to leave,’ says Jonno. The deck is also a diving board. DINING AREA ‘We love entertaining, so we supersized the dining experience,’ says James. ‘If we squeeze in, we can fit 16 round the table.’ MEDIA ROOM ‘The bifold windows allow two full walls to be removed – the best way to while away a lazy weekend by the pool,’ says James. THE HOUSE IS MEANT TO BE LIGHT AND AIRY, BUT IS ALSO A NETWORK OF INTIMATE HANGOUT SPACES KITCHEN ‘We designed the kitchen based on Omakase-style dining, but with a central position in the house,’ says James. ‘With its tall ceilings and enormous windows it also functions as a great hall where guests are welcomed.’ WE HAVE A…

OPPOSITES ATTRACT Done well, a mix-and-match approach to pattern is very effective, adding a fun touch to outdoor furniture and allowing you to cross over styles as you please. No design lends itself to this technique better than geometrics. Named after a cloth unique to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba by Osborne & Little features interlocking diamond shapes. Style with pared-back furniture and fabrics, allowing it to take centre stage – or with a clashing print, like the marine-inspired design here. SEVENTIES SHOW Acosta, the new outdoor fabric collection from Élitis, draws design inspiration from Mexico and California. Earthy tones create memorable palettes that evoke the cool contrasts of this part of the world, with prints that are even more inviting. There’s something of the 70s – a…

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of design studio A Rum Fellow: its beautiful handcrafted rugs and textiles, from flat weaves to brocades and tufted finishes, are an immediate way to add character to a scheme. And now it’s opened its first London showroom at 60 Golborne Road, we know we’ll be making regular visits. ‘Our new showroom is a space to inspire creativity and a place to connect with the magic of handcrafted rugs and textiles,’ says director and co-founder Dylan O’Shea. Head over there to see new collections like Pepenado (pictured on the chaise), as well as new colourways of the handwoven Holmul.…

Parasols are the perfect way to pep up your garden in an instant – particularly when they’re from Monchiqe. This Swedish brand ditches the dull in favour of brights, stripes and characterful patterns – so it is our go-to for throwing shade on patios. Founded in 2020 after a long search for the ideal umbrella led to the discovery of a sun-bleached treasure hidden in the shed of a local cafe, Monchiqe’s mission is to create designs that evoke memories of your favourite sunny destinations, be it the Algarve or the French Riviera. The recent collaboration with Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson is a delight: fringed parasols in shades of yellow or pink hide a surprise pattern inside, adding a playful touch to your outdoor decor.…

Rarely can technology be described as artful – but Italian-born Brionvega is the exception, with its design-led radios and sound systems that we think are things of beauty. On the launch of its latest piece – a new blue colourway for Radiofonografo, the radio and record player – at Milan Design Week, we wanted to highlight another classic: Totem, the hi-fi stereo system designed by Mario Bellini in 1971. Modern, ergonomic and sculptural, it’s a reminder that technology can, in fact, be surprisingly sublime.…

NATURE FIRST Some of the most intriguing architecture comes from working within limitations – as evidenced by Brazilian architect Luciano Lerner Basso, who built this home around a Paraná pine. The tree breaks through the deck on the upper floor, becoming an architectural element itself. The vegetation on the land was virtually untouched during the project; away from the deck, the main material of the home is concrete, which will age along with its natural surroundings. UP IN THE TREES Pepper Tree Passive House, by the Australian architect Alexander Symes, sees an eponymous 60-year-old pepper tree take a central role in its structure. In fact, the office space and guest accommodation sits in the tree canopy, with a native plant-filled green roof and recycled Shou Sugi Ban cladding helping to…

The world of home security is on the precipice of something new. We’re beginning to see literal robots as security tech, with the potential to replace static systems. Amazon, it appears, is at the forefront of bringing these innovations to our homes, whether it’s the Astro household robot or the Ring Always Home Cam drone security system. However, while these innovations are both technically available now, they’re only purchasable by invite. So while they may be the home security systems of tomorrow, what about today? There are some equally clever things that home security systems can do in 2023, making using (and let’s be honest, not tripping) your alarm easier than ever. EASY DISARM The blind panic of trying to enter your pin number into your home alarm system before…

More and more, designers are looking for playful ways to add colour to interiors, subverting decorative pieces in their bid to do so. So it follows that tinted mirrors, with all their jewellery-box appeal, are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. The work of Rotterdam-based Studio Sabine Marcelis includes an array of irregularly shaped mirrors in ombre shades. ‘Materials that have transparency, reflective qualities and colour are eye-catching and have an element of magic to them,’ says Sabine. ‘We’re seeing a lot of designers playing into these qualities and effects. Having worked with coloured mirrors for over a decade, they still haven’t lost their allure for me.’…

CHECKMATE The chequerboard pattern of the Damier collection by L’Objet is referenced in the name – and the pieces on offer, from vases to platters, are the perfect move towards a chic home. Hand-painted in Portugal by artisans, they’re heirlooms in the making. We’d pair this vase with red flowers for a winning moment. From £405, L’Objet TOP TABLE Featuring a high-gloss lacquered tulipwood and curvy steel base with a Carrara marble top, the elegant Terra coffee table trio by Le Berre Vevaud can be styled as a group but creates just as much impact individually. Handmade in France, each table oozes sophistication and is timeless. This is the black-and-white aesthetic at its most luxurious. Price on request, Le Berre Vevaud RETRO REVIVAL Originally designed in 1968 by Danish designer…

ETHEREAL LOOK Quartzite is a designer’s go-to for capturing the drama of marble, while its crystalline nature means it often has a softer, more ethereal pattern than most marble types. It is also more robust. ‘Quartzite combines the aesthetic qualities of marble with the durability of granite,’ explains Antwerp-based architect Dieter Vander Velpen. ‘The stone is created by volcanic action so it’s really strong, doesn’t stain from citric acid and is heat resistant – it’s perfect for those who love to cook.’ The material’s range is displayed in this kitchen by Australian interior designer Smac Studio, with its soft green tones. ‘Some comes from South America, some from Asia,’ adds Dieter. ‘This brings new veins and colours to the design world.’ CLEAN AND CRISP As an engineered stone surface, quartz…

EXTERIOR Slim concrete pilotis create a colonnade along the front of the house, with one section sitting in a water channel, which joins to the wedge-shaped infinity pool. VERANDAS The two levels are connected with a galvanised iron spiral staircase. The rails and staircase have been left in their raw state. ‘That’s the way it should be,’ says owner Silvio. ‘Why put paint on a good material?’ the property at the end of architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens’ Johannesburg street had been on the market for several years before arousing their curiosity. Overgrown with pervasive wattle, the house had proved almost impossible to sell and it even took Silvio and Lesley a couple of visits to realise its potential. Hidden behind the thick screen of overgrown vegetation was a…

■ Save 35% on the cover price ■ Beautiful interiors inspiration inside every edition ■ Never miss an issue of Livingetc with the luxury of home delivery two simple ways to subscribe ONLINE AT magazinesdirect.com/LETCJUL23 BY PHONE 0330 333 1113 Quote code B83D. Lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm and Saturday 10am-3pm UK time OFFER CLOSES 03/07/2023. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. Pay just £12.50 every three months. Savings are based on the annual subscription rate. We will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113.…

Pink and blue are understood to be at the opposite ends of the scale in terms of their temperature. Pink is believed to be a warm colour and blue a much cooler tone – but of course, this isn’t always the case. There are warm blues that contain red and cooler tones of pink that contain violet. Essentially, it all comes down to undertones and how each of these colours relate to one another. The overall feeling of this scheme is one of contrast and tranquillity. This is brought about by the soft pink tones that add delicate accents to the space through the chairs, the lighting and glassware. In comparison, the blue is much bolder in colour strength, but its muted tone means it sits comfortably next to the…

BONACINA This is a brand we have used a lot previously on projects as I love the outdoor collection – and the loungers are such a classic. I’m a fan of Renzo Mongiardino, who collaborated on the Arpa lounger – he was such an amazing decorator and created wonderful homes around Italy, especially Milan. If a sun lounger can be transportive, then that one definitely is. It’s got such an essence of elegance, beauty and timelessness. POINT I love Point’s loungers: they’re very architectural and they scream quality – the proportions and materials are elegant as well as functional. If I had a more contemporary project, the Origin would be on my wish list. Loungers can be eye-catching, but this one doesn’t want to stand out, necessarily – it’s simply…

Choosing curtains involves lots of time agonising over fabric. The material is vital for the ambience of a space – but holding it all up is the pole or rail itself. To showcase the material at its best, it’s crucial to get the hardware spot on. ‘The right curtain poles can be a fabulous frame for curtains,’ says interior designer Lizzie Green. This guide will help you find the perfect piece. The trickiest part of installing curtains is getting the placement of the rod right. It’s a slightly different measuring process based on the style of the window and height of your ceiling, but get the basics right and you can adapt it. Using a tape measure, place your rod 2-6 inches above the window: consider positioning the pole as…

BANQUETTE SEATING Without a doubt, banquette seating is a kitchen trend of the moment – but if bespoke joinery is a little out of reach for your budget right now, you can get the look with a bit of design trickery from HUSK. The kitchen innovator created this seating area with the new Smoked Oak V-Groove door fronts and Ikea Besta units – and the whole set-up costs around £268sq m, excluding installation. There are even deep drawers underneath for extra storage. Smoked Oak V-Groove range, standard doors from £164, HUSK FINE ART If you love the dramatic look of a freestanding bath, may we point you in the direction of Agape’s new freestanding washbasin as an additional flourish? The newest iteration of the Italian bathroom design brand’s Undici Inox…

1 STRETCH YOURSELF In this colourful bathroom by Studio Webster Dale, cabinets make the most of the wall space, stretching from floor to ceiling. ‘Cabinets only need to be narrow and building to the ceiling maximises the storage. We chose a terracotta colour with fluted panels for our units to inject personality.’  Stephanie Dale, Studio Webster Dale 2 ALL IS VANITY A bathroom vanityis an optimum tool for storage in a small space and will help you achieve your minimalist goals. Choosing one with ample storage and hidden compartments is game-changing. It is something that Melbourne-based practice Cheg Architecture put into play in a dark and moody bathroom project, using a wall-to-wall vanity with deep drawers to keep what little surface space was available clear. ‘Too many elements in a small…

There’s a real buzz around 1 Warwick, the new members’ house in London’s Soho by the team behind Mortimer House. Perhaps it’s the design, by boutique interior architecture and design firm Fettle, which takes the character of the Neo-Baroque building and infuses it with warmth, comfort and achingly cool style. Or maybe it’s the menu of the new rooftop bar and restaurant, masterminded by Tom Cenci, formerly of Loyal Tavern and Duck & Waffle, and featuring dishes inspired by his time in Istanbul. Either way, this is where the style set are headed to meet, work, create and connect – we want in.…

ALL WHITE There’s irony within the quintessentially Mediterranean white walls of More Than White House, a project by Spanish architects PLAY studio. The practice wanted to celebrate and reinterpret the local architecture of Alicante, in particular the modern buildings of the 1960s with their structural gridded arrangement and characterful lattice brickwork. At the same time, they wished to protest against the pristine, sterile aesthetic that has come to characterise more contemporary all-white buildings since then. To do that meant playing with texture, bringing in intricately patterned lattice walls, satin-finish carpentry and matt textures – forming a playful ‘white on white’ palette that challenges the use of this clean, crisp tone as it simultaneously embraces it.playstudio.es…

POP THE CORK We’ve seen cork gain traction in interiors over the past few years, but the Oolite Matt wallcoverings by Zinc Textile take the trend to a whole new level. In a variety of striking shades, these cork wallpapers uphold a contemporary and fresh aesthetic. From beautiful burnt red to olive green and even electric teal, these are designs that turn heads for all the right reasons. £462 for a 7.3m roll, Zinc Textile DAILY FIBRE Handwoven from the fibre of the buri palm tree, Schumacher’s Braided Buri wallcovering brings an organic quality to a room – and when paired with neutral tones and soft linens, creates a sanctuary you can escape to. Close your eyes and it’s like you’re relaxing under a palm tree. Understated, the beauty of…

As a custodian of iconic Danish design, Carl Hansen & Søn strikes a fine balance between preserving classic pieces, like Hans J. Wegner’s Wishbone chair, and creating the heirlooms of the future. We spoke to CEO Knud Erik Hansen about the company’s history – and what excites him about design today. What is it about Danish design that captures people’s imaginations? It all comes down to our functional design, traditional craftsmanship and choice of natural materials. It’s a no-nonsense approach combined with a human touch, making the products feel good both mentally and physically. How does it feel to be part of something that represents Danish design history – and how do you retain this sense of heritage? I am proud to be building on the legacy of my father,…

London-based designer Olga Ashby is known for the elegant comfort of the projects she creates, elevating the minimaluxe style with her signature skills of curation. She has recently completed Tenuta Negroamaro, a blissed-out hotel in Puglia. PIP RICH As you know, I’m just back from Tenuta Negroamaro and loved how relaxed yet elevated it was. It’s not that different from your normal vibe, but it works so well in that holiday setting – the rustic finishes sublime next to the contemporary pieces you’ve chosen. How do you get them to work together? OLGA ASHBY I love mixing and matching, but without showing the contrasts too much – everything needs a common thread even if you’re picking designs from different eras or styles. The vibe at Tenuta is absolutely natural –…

SUNROOM The ceiling beams were finished with hand-painted swirls. LIVING ROOM ‘This house is about savouring summer all year round with its earthen glow spliced with citrus accents,’ says Yasmine. Can you think of a more heavenly holiday home than this piece of perfection by Australian design studio YSG? Yep, we’re hard-pressed, too. In lesser hands some of the details could tip into kitsch-y territory, but for Yasmine Ghoniem, the founder of the Sydney-based practice, it’s these balancing-act ingredients that bring the space to life: think throwback terracotta-hued chequerboard tiling, quirky hand-painted decorative effects and Willow-ish pattern lamp bases. Somehow, thanks to Yasmine’s magic touch, we want it all and we want it now. Situated on one of Sydney’s north beaches, the four-bed abode is the second home for a…

When we spoke to designer Linda Boronkay about her favourite sources for sun loungers, she espoused the virtues of bringing the inside out when it comes to garden furniture – be it a beautiful pattern on your lounger, a cushion cleverly embellished with contrast piping or an unexpected throw that brings life to a tired bench. And so it seems timely that we’re also celebrating the visual delights of this season’s chic patterned outdoor fabrics on page 101. Here’s a taster in the form of Pierre Frey’s Pagopago, a sunny woven design that has us dreaming of sipping cocktails poolside on an island somewhere in the South Pacific.…

CHECK IT OUT With its playful feel, chequerboard is a natural choice for outdoor accessories. Enter Swedish brand Pappelina, whose new PIX line of outdoor rugs offers this classic pattern in six sophisticated colourways. The rugs are made with phthalate-free PVC ribbon woven on traditional looms. PIX beige outdoor rug, £254, Pappelina WHAT ’S COOKIN’? Dragonf ly, part of the Stovax Heating Group, moves to fill a gap in the market for genuinely good-looking luxury products for outdoor living. Its plancha barbecue, the Firenza, is a statement piece with a contemporary curved top and angular base – we love it in the Corten finish. Firenza 1000CW, from £2,795, Dragonfly MOVEABLE FEAST Always in awe of Buchanan Studio’s creative approach, we were excited to see the brass-wheeled Muse table. The sleek…

1 ZONE OUT When choosing a permanent home for your coffee equipment, pick carefully – this curved niche stands out from any corner of the kitchen, but doesn’t stand in the way. ‘The arch shape is a cheeky nod at the idea of a little shrine, an altar to the caffeinated nectar being created within,’ says State of Kin’s designer Amy Clark, noting its convenient location along the fridge for easy milk access and zoned plumbing provisions, away from the main cooking area. ‘We wanted to pop it a little out of the flow of the kitchen footprint so that one can whip up a quick espresso while someone else is cooking.’ GET THE LOOK Project by State of Kin Drip coffee machines are among the most nostalgic kitchen appliances,…

If there’s any argument about summer being the best time of year, it’s surely won by the fact we are finally able to fully embrace our outdoor spaces. Our gardens, which can often be out of bounds for a large proportion of the year, suddenly become the place in your home everyone gravitates to, with little more to do than just bask in the glory of being outside. Outdoor spaces offer us a valuable escape from the stresses of modern life, with the best ones designed to be calming retreats. But not every garden is created equal and while some are better suited to being relaxing havens than others, there are ways to bring a little more zen to your outdoor area whatever you have to work with – if…

Susurros del Corazón, Punta de Mita, Mexico IN A SENTENCE The surf retreat with a luxury upgrade, combining contemporary design with a celebration of Mexico’s vibrant culture. DESIGN DOWNLOAD Furnishings and textiles from local artisans adorn the guest rooms of the resort. The palette is a pleasingly clean mix of natural woods, soft textures and well-curated contemporary pieces; stay in a villa and enjoy open-plan layouts and private terraces that offer the best of indoor-outdoor coastal living. HOTEL HIGHLIGHT Susurros del Corazón’s programme of experiences is one of its main draws: among the offerings are surf safaris, humpback whale-watching and community cacao ceremonies. This resort may be a surfer’s paradise, but it’s just as welcoming for the rest of us, too. IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD If you decide to venture beyond…