Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Living Etc

I hosted a panel discussion with the interior designer Alex Dauley recently (a regular on these pages). She was teaching an audience of – mostly – interiors professionals how to find their style, to work out the aesthetic that is unique to them. ‘Style evolves,’ she counselled. ‘Dig deep into how you live, how you want to live, and find the products and looks that fit for that life.’ I started thinking about the transmutability of style. That how you live today might be different to how you’ll live in a decade, but that your current lifestyle should define your style right now. Style changes, you see, as your needs and tastes naturally develop. What you like when you’re in your twenties and perhaps in a flat with no dependants…

BEST COFFEE TABLE Chanterelle by Giorgetti The first piece UK-based designer Staffan Tollgård has created for Giorgetti, it was inspired by the mushrooms of its namesake. ‘The way the light travels through it is quite incredible – there is an almost breathless airiness to this,’ says deputy editor Ellen Finch. BEST STORAGE Relief by String Furniture Launched this year, the Relief system consists of a chest of drawers and hook rails that can be connected and mixed in size and colour. ‘The possibilities are endless, but all lead to a well-organised and aesthetically impressive home,’ says global brand director Sarah Spiteri. BEST ACCENT CHAIR H2O by Gallotti&Radice This dining chair by Studiopepe has the sensibility of an armchair, cocooning you deliciously in its comfortably padded embrace. ‘It could only lead…

We live in a consumer society, and everyone is being bombarded with change, new ideas, new things. At the same time, sustainability has never been more important, and for that reason I am against buying new products. Instead, I’ve always focused on timelessness, and designs that will look as good in 20 years as they do today – and looking for those sort of pieces is the approach I suggest you take. For the good of the world, and your decor. For me, a timeless object is an absent one. I know I’ve succeeded in designing a piece that will last if it is discreet, not screaming for attention, with qualities that will grow through time in the way you appreciate it. So when it comes to lighting, I’m not…

BEST BATHROOM TAP Namika Assembly by ABI Interiors ‘Whenever I walk into the brand’s showroom, I’m always impressed by the affordable price levels and focus on style,’ says Pip. ‘Each finish and shape is contemporary yet classic, the sort of piece that would last you for years… which of course is what you want for a bathroom. I also really rate the brand’s shower heads – this is a showroom I’d recommend for all bathroom hardware.’ The Namika collection features solid brass construction and a high-performing Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating, ensuring exceptional longevity and durability, available in four finishes. Renee Enoka from ABI Interiors explains the Namika collection’s allure The Namika collection was intended to be a modern play on textural aesthetics. Undulating grooves designed to mimic wave-like formations…

BEST IN HOME SECURITY Battery Video Doorbell Pro by Ring We know from our traffic on Livingetc.com how much everyone loves the Ring doorbell. So our judges wanted to highlight the all-new Battery Video Doorbell Pro, and its advanced radar-powered features which allow you to have a bird’s-eye view of your home and its surroundings. It also has updated low-light sight, meaning even at night you’ll still be able to be alert to anything happening that shouldn’t be. ‘This is the sort of design you hope you’ll never need, but be eternally grateful to have should you find a reason for it,’ says Pip. ‘The fact it has a design-conscious casing is a bonus.’ BEST HOME CINEMA PROJECTOR The Freestyle 2nd Gen by Samsung This is not just your average…

visual flair Fusing nostalgia with contemporary design, the EX-Periment collection by Yury Goncharov was showcased at the Isola festival during Milan Design Week. Inspired by the 60s and artists such as Elvis, the tables reinterpret the hip-swaying moves of rock ’n’ roll, when flares were all the rage. Made from recyclable, eco-friendly polymers. From €6,000, Yury Goncharov at Ya Fabrica HANG OUT An organic design handcrafted from wood, the Waltzcoat hangerby GamFratesi references the iconic ballroom dance and its flow of movement when performed. Elegant yet practical, the piece also creates a sculptural feature on the wall and is the ideal balance of form and function. £495, GamFratesi for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna at Artemest DO A TWIRL Taking a solid material and giving it movement through form is an incredible…

deirdre Dyson is the name to covet in rug design. With a focus on high-end, high-quality pieces and a collaborative approach to her customers’ requests, her hand-knotted wool and silk carpets pop up in the coolest of homes – and each year, we’re wowed by her latest collection. That was certainly the case for Graduation, this year’s launch, which featured colour-fade and metallic-embellished designs perfect for adding a subtle statement to a scheme. Why do you think rugs are so transformational for a room? A rug will essentially ground a room and create the base to anchor all the elements of the space. Think about whether you would like yours to be the focal point of the room or to cradle what is already there. The size and shape can affect…

BRING IT HOME We can’t all buy a picturesque finca in Ibiza, as the owners of this property did – more on page 76 – but the beauty of the homes we feature in Livingetc is that there’s always something to spark your imagination and get ideas flowing for your own abode. It could be a colour palette that captures your heart, an architectural feature you can adapt for your extension, an unusual combination of textures – these pages are meant to be torn out and kept, to offer ideas you can make your own. Here, it’s the scalloped detailing of the roof, but also the casual, low-slung chairs placed just so – an easy way to bring the beach to our not-so-sunny gardens.…

This is a grey room. But is it fair to put it into the ‘grey rooms’ pile so quickly? We have grown to associate grey with dullness, hardness and the unimaginative – and yet this adventurous space by London-based boutique design studio Maison R A-D is delightfully none of the above. Yes, the walls in this living room are indeed grey (a bespoke Dulux mix), yet they’re also warm, soft, welcoming. They’re like putting on a favourite jumper, wrapping yourself in a beloved quilt. They feel soothing, like everything is under control. The introduction of colour starts gently, with the dense, architectural blue and red of the Ronan Bouroullec artworks pulling in similar shades – the blue-grey rug, the navy throw, the red in the curtain and terracotta plant pot…

ON THE SURFACE Sustainability and responsible design are front of mind for many in the industry, but especially those who create surfaces – in fact, that’s an area of numerous exciting developments as creators focus their efforts on solutions that are both high-performance and gentle on the planet. Durat has done just that with Durat Plus, the new solid surface launched at Milan this year. Fully recyclable, it contains recycled PET resin and recycled solid surface materials – plus it’s heat- and water-resistant. Highly textured and available in a range of colours – could this be the new material we turn to for our kitchen and bathroom designs? If the fabulously colourful showcase at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi park is anything to go by, then yes.…

BUILDING BLOCKS Two distinct but tonally similar materials define the floors of this family home in Mexicali, designed by Veintedoce Arquitectura – vertical ‘planks’ of reinforced concrete on the lower tier and smooth cement and dune sand plaster on the upper. United by their palette, the finishes highlight the curves of the architecture and will act as a neutral backdrop for a lush garden in the future. WHITE OUT Glazed tiles are a good alternative to brick for an extension – they create understated yet effective contrast and help to highlight where the new part of the structure starts. This semi-detached house in Ghent, Belgium, by Wim Heylen Architect is a great example: as well as standing out against the red brick of the original building and brightening the facade…

GREAT HOTELS FOR A WEEKEND ON THE CONTINENT, A STYLE LOVER’S GUIDE TO THE CÔTE D’AZUR AND A NEW DESIGNER ON OUR RADAR CENTRAL PERK Olga Ashby, designer and friend of Livingetc, is known for the elegance of the spaces she creates, from the way you just want to sink into them and relax among the colours and shapes that help you to feel like the best version of yourself. Previously, you would have had to travel to Puglia to stay in the Tenuta Negroamaro hotel she decorated, or befriend an owner of one of her private residence projects to experience her designs. But not anymore, as florist Mozart Concierge has unveiled its new coffee shop in the middle of Mayfair. Crafted by Olga, it’s a peaceful world of rose-scented…

ALL IN THE DETAIL I think I first came across Inga Mills of Ajoupa Interiors on Instagram, my attention caught by her incredible use of pattern and bold take on pairing colours. Then we met at Decorex and talked for ages. I quickly discovered that she has a very great eye for detail. I started working with her when I was doing consultations for design clients, bringing her in on all the curtains for the ground level of a farmhouse I’m working on. Laying out samples, she was able to see things I didn’t, immediately understanding which patterns would go together, and what edging or detailing they’d need. Working from a wonderful studio at the back of her house, she also makes headboards and cushions, pillows for bench seating and…

BEST IN DECORATING Carte Blanche wallpaper collection by Farrow & Ball Designed in collaboration with the artist Christopher John Rogers, these retro-inspired prints fill spaces with energy, verve and flair. BEST IN KITCHENS Breccia Medicea marble by Cullifords The veining in this stone varies so beautifully, with lighter and darker greys giving way to honeyed amber. A rich addition to a brand already offering a stellar range of worktops. BEST IN SLEEP Out For the Count four-poster bed by NiX by Nicola Harding One of Livingetc’s favourite designers has turned her hand to furniture design this year, with characteristic success. Its elegant turned legs contrast the grandly baroque headboard. BEST IN LIGHTING Petalii floor lamp by Nuura Bowed like a tulip after a rainstorm, Nika Zupanc’s design has a delicate…

BEST HOME DIFFUSER Pomelo by Jo Loves Already a bestselling scent, this new diffuser version offers a more constant way to fill your home with uplifting notes of grapefruit. ‘The fact the diffuser itself looks like a modern sculpture is just a bonus,’ says Ellen. BEST SCENT Versailles classic candle by Trudon With a scent inspired by the gardens at the French palace of its namesake, this candle is both very floral and very refreshing. ‘It reminds me of cut grass and lemon blossoms,’ says Pip. ‘It’s so zesty.’ BEST RUG Dawn by Knots Rugs Having already graced the cover of our May issue, it was no surprise that the judges still loved this painterly collaboration with artist Nat Maks. ‘It’s absolutely ethereal,’ says Sarah. BEST DECORATIVE OBJECTS Outcasts/Off cuts…

BEST PORTABLE LIGHT Bell by Tom Dixon As our desire to live more flexibly increases, portable lamps have become something of a design must, allowing us to illuminate wherever we choose to sit. Tom Dixon’s Bell lamp comes in a range of relaxing hues, ensuring it fits beautifully no matter where you place it. ‘And the dome-like shade creates a really wonderful downlight to read by,’ says Ellen. BEST WALL LIGHT Pop by David Hunt Lighting The metal backing of this globe-shaped bulb acts like a reflector, gently bouncing light back into the room, giving the Pop wall light an even warmer glow. It comes in four colours, and is easy to mix and match. ‘The scalloped edge is so pretty, and so considered,’ says Sarah. BEST DESK LIGHT Solarcycle…

BEST SUSTAINABLE BEDDING Naturals collection by EarthKind Cleverly – and brilliantly – EarthKind takes down that is destined for landfill and repurposes it for natural duvets and pillows, generating zero waste in the process. It’s fantastic to see a brand recognising an important issue and coming up with a solution that not only works but also creates a really good product, too. ‘I love how cosy these duvets are,’ says Hugh. BEST BED DESIGN BRAND Hästens Our judges have all (separately) been to the Hästens showroom on Wigmore Street in London, and all spent a happy hour or so trying out the different beds. They range from firm to soft in the most subtle degrees, but each one feeling as pillowed and enriching as would befit the princess and her…

BEST OUTDOOR COOKING ESSENTIAL Arc pizza oven by Gozney Incredibly, the Arc allows you to cook a pizza outside in just 60 seconds. And as if that wasn’t enough of a selling point, its compact and easy-to-move design will be – it’s only 48cm wide, so will work in even the tiniest of outdoor spaces. ‘This is an innovation that puts the space required for a built-in pizza oven to shame,’ says Ellen. ‘And who wouldn’t want a pizza to be ready in literally just one minute?!’ BEST OUTDOOR COLLECTION Arteriors This has been one of the brands of the year, impressing our judges with its slightly quirky yet wholly elegant interiors (the Tilda chandelier was a New Pretty star in May). But the brand’s outdoor collection is worth shining…

We’re feeling inspired by this styled up set from the shoot of A Rum Fellow’s latest collection to get a little braver with mixing prints. The textile design studio has always pioneered a carte blanche approach to pattern and so it seems fitting that Tekton, launched to mark 10 years in business, favours bold geometric motifs for its flatweave rugs that work as well together as they do solo. Returning to the brand’s artisanal roots, each design is an ode to the intricate nuances of handmade processes, from Dovetail – which takes inspiration from joinery – to Piloti and its celebration of architectural pillars. Any design obsessives will love the stories behind these rugs.…

LOUNGE TIME Designed in 1955, the frame of this chair is something of an engineering masterpiece, curved from one piece of tubular steel – and thanks to Danish design house Gubi, it now comes in a zesty orange colourway and with new indoor-outdoor fabric options. Copacabana lounge chair, from £1,299, Mathieu Matégot at Gubi 1 LIGHT UP With its beehive form, this mid-century design icon has ideal styling partner appeal. Splügen Bräu light, £429, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni at Flos 2 GO GEO We love the magic eye-like print of this hand-embroidered cushion. Illusions cushion in Rose Madder, £980, Christine Van Der Hurd at Vanderhurd 3 CHEERS! Handmade in Italy, this glass references the mythological undersea world. Nereida Red Amber coupe glass, £110, Agustina Bottoni at Artemest 4 ECO…

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ALL TOGETHER NOW Two-in-one venting hobs are how smart kitchen designers achieve clear air without blocking the sight lines or banging their heads on a bulky overhead hood. Add ovens to the mix with Bertazzoni’s Professional Series Air-Tec range cooker, which is topped with a sleek induction hob sporting 10-speed extraction. It comes in seven high-gloss colours – including this Arancio Orange. Professional Series 90cm Air-Tec range cooker, £5,799, Bertazzoni OPPOSITES ATTRACT Modernists celebrate, L’Ottocento’s panelling-inspired Floral kitchen has taken an industrial turn and the contrast is compelling. By pairing Floral with Virtus, a slick new proposal in brushed steel, the walnut cabinetry shakes off its private members’ club air for a pacier look that’s easily as exclusive. With its trad craftsmanship, futuristic feet and robust construction, Floral + Virtus…

GOOD MEASURE If you’re selecting a reclaimed material for your countertop, be sure to have a detailed plan of your kitchen to hand. ‘Reclaimed wood varies in width and length, so it’s beneficial to have an exact design for your kitchen. Knowing, for example, where the sink is located minimises waste as most iroko lab tops come with sink holes,’ explains Anthi Grapsa. She advises asking a joiner to help with exact measurements and requirements of sizes for your kitchen worktop, so you can choose the pieces wisely from a reclamation yard. DEEP THINKING Kitchen countertops have become increasingly slender in recent years, resulting in a streamlined aesthetic that’s well-suited to contemporary kitchens. Even affordable laminate worktops now come in thinner designs, aiming to better emulate their high-end alternatives. This…

El Fuerte Marbella, Spain IN A SENTENCE A peaceful haven, grounded in Andalusian culture, that offers the best of both worlds in its design – combining contemporary interiors with artisanal touches from local makers. DESIGN DOWNLOAD Designer Jaime Beriestain is at the helm of the interiors, creating his characteristic balance of colour and calm – think bright red, orange and aqua grounded by natural materials and a neutral palette. Then there are those nods to the local culture: hand-carved wooden ornaments and art by artists in the area. ON THE MENU Local fare is the star, with a focus on seafood – especially at Soleo, the hotel’s beachfront spot. Edge by Paco Pérez, meanwhile, is headed by a four-Michelin-star chef and has two tasting menus. IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD You’re a…

BEST PAINT COLOUR Mochi by Little Greene Creative director Ruth Mottershead reveals the versatility of this neutral shade Mochi is a warm neutral with just a hint of pink that brings an element of lightness and elegance, making it an incredibly versatile colour. It offers a natural backdrop, and yet still has character and personality, creating a soothing and gentle environment. It works harmoniously in restful spaces, such as a bedrooms or sitting rooms. Because Mochi is so versatile, it allows you to add deeper accent colours or gentle fresher whites to help zone areas. Consider pairing with deeper brown like our Scullery on skirting and doors and bright white like our Shirting on the ceiling. Alternatively, bring out the sweeter pink tones by pairing with other pinks, or highlight…

BEST KITCHEN DESIGN Sudbrooke II by Blakes London A harmonious blend of finishes, textures and curves, the Sudbrooke II universally impressed our judges. ‘It has so much character, despite being created with such a limited palette,’ says Sarah. ‘No mean feat, resulting in a supremely soothing yet functional space.’ Jeremy Bott from Blakes London tells us the secrets behind the success of the Sudbrooke II The palette is intentionally tight. It helps the space feel calm despite the fact that all kitchens are hectic at times. We varied the edge detail of the worktops and made them thicker than standard, at 60mm, so they feel more in proportion to the generous dimensions of the room – the island has a triple bull nose, which adds interest and also helps it…

BEST HANDLE Bobbin closet D-bar by Plank Hardware The Playfulism trend has seen even the most functional part of the house get given a little flair – scalloped shelving, wavy storage edging, and these bobbins used by Plank Hardware for handles. The design comes in several finishes and sizes and is the sort of finishing touch you’ll be glad you made. ‘It’s as satisfying to hold as it is to look at – an unexpected lift that completes any big renovation project,’ says Pip. BEST WOOD FLOORING Bloom field by Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors Because of the different size options available – 120mm, 70mm and a 70mm 45-degree chevron block – there is a versatility to this collection, and patterns can be created beyond the traditional parquet. Just as…

MODERN OPULENCE Ornamental patterns can be tricky to weave into a contemporary scheme, but Timorous Beasties has made things easier with its new Stucco collection of fabrics and wallcoverings. How? By combining designs inspired by ornate plasterwork and damasks with a palette of clean, muted colours. Many of the designs are bold, with sections of lacy pattern appearing to peek through layers of solid colour – the studio’s tongue-in-cheek take on Le Corbusier’s The Law of Ripolin – but we also love the supporting patterns, like this hand-printed wallpaper inspired by the plasterwork found on the ceilings of some Victorian apartments. It’s a nod to the classical side of design – but with a modern twist.…

that’s swell The Solar sofa by Faye Toogood for Tacchini invites you to sink into its padded comfort. Part of Tacchini’s Cosmic collection and unveiled within Faye’s conceptual installation, Rude Arts Club, during Milan Design Week, the sofa’s fabric is purposely wrinkled and its relaxed, squishy aesthetic embodies Faye’s ability to seamlessly blend comfort and elegance. From £7,640, Faye Toogood for Tacchini METALLIC MAGIC Looking to make a statement? The Type 3 sectional sofa by Bugatti Home will certainly give you the opportunity. From its reflective, metallic Bugatti blue leather to its voluminous silhouette, the design is not for the faint-hearted with its bold aesthetic taking centre stage wherever it is placed. Exuding a distinctive flair, the design is also available in armchair, chaise longue and ottoman configurations. From €44,286, Bugatti…

PIP RICH One of the things I’ve always admired about your work is the warmth you bring. You did my best friend’s spare bedroom recently, my home away from home, and staying there after you had decorated it was a totally different experience. Before, it was a pleasant, neutral box. Now, with the plaster-coloured Bauwerk paint finish on the walls, I felt held, safer. Even the noise from the London street outside didn’t seem as much – it was astonishing. TOM MORRIS Thank you, I’m glad you liked it! The pared-back look is over, we all need to find warmth where we can. Think about the context of modern life – we’re on our screens all the time, the cities many of us live in are shiny. Walking around the…

to say the way that Jasmien Hamed and her husband Kourosh Shah discovered their Ibizan home was serendipitous is an understatement. Having decided to move from San Francisco in 2021, they tirelessly searched online for a property, but to no avail. ‘For as long as I can remember, we would come to Ibiza on vacation and were always sad to leave,’ explains Jasmien. ‘Then, during the pandemic, we started to reconsider our life. We absorbed so much positivity from the island and thought, “Why not just live here?”. Of course, it wasn’t an overnight decision because applying for visas was extremely hard. But we soon realised you have to actually be in a place to find what you’re really looking for.’ Luckily, a generous friend offered them somewhere to stay…

SMOOTH AS SILK Wallcoverings don’t get much more luxurious than Arte’s new Wild Silk collection, which uses real silk to craft distinctive fabrics that offer an elegant alternative to other wallpapers. Choose from three silks in the collection: Katia, a blend of 80% hand-spun silk and 20% cotton with a matt-gloss finish; Pure Silk, which uses warp and weft threads of different thicknesses for a textured look; and Ghicha, made from silk sourced from silkworms that live in the wild in India. All of the silks are available in up to 18 colourways, and each one is as rich and luxurious looking as the next.…

1 MURAL MOMENT People just want to be transported… that’s my takeaway, at least, after previewing an expressive collaboration by Backdrop (Los Angeles-based maker of paints and wallpapers) and artist Xavier Donnelly (the creative director behind NYC’s Ash design studio). Real and imagined destinations are the provenance of the four-piece collection (from Rome’s Appian Way to other heavenly spaces), all printed on textured papers that bring them to life. I couldn’t take my eyes off the enchanted clouds in the Painted Sky print. I could see it in a kid’s room, and certainly a big kid’s room (yes, I’m referring to myself), for those prone to daydreaming. 2 TOP TIES ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’ is what I said at designer Lori Weitzner’s Flatiron studio, where she recently previewed…

Simply having a closet can feel like a big enough home goal, let alone a coveted walk-in wardrobe. But having a space large enough to qualify as a dressing room? Now that’s dreaming big. Designers and architects with room in their budgets are upping the ante, carving out space worthy of top-notch wardrobes. The differences between dressing rooms and walk-in closets aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but they do tend to have a little extra design in their DNA. First and foremost, a dressing room is often a larger space (with enough to walk around), and unlike walk-in closets, storage and cabinetry (think shelves and clothing rods) are often covered up by doors and fronts. ‘Whilst comparatively cost effective, the reality of walk-in wardrobes without doors is that they invariably look messy…

CLEARWATER INTERIORS With an eco end goal of carbon neutrality, Clearwater Interiors launched last year to much fanfare – and since then, the eco-conscious brand has continued to go from strength to strength. Its latest endeavour is a limited-edition bath created in collaboration with London-based artist and illustrator Emily Forgot, whose instantly recognisable patterns are playful, graphic and attention-grabbing. Her hand-painted design adds a powerful punch of colour to Clearwater’s tub – this is bathroom design with a very fun twist.…