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Inside a Magical House of Books | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Today’s house tour takes us to a unique ‘House of Books’ in Hampstead. The former home of Labour grandee Michael Foot, it’s been transformed into a modern design and bibliophile’s paradise by SHH Architects. Behind a traditional facade, the interior is a marvel of clean lines, stunning attention to detail and imaginative use of space.

The name ‘House of Books’, though grounded in some kind of abstract and perhaps architectural reality, can be seen as flirting more with pure fantasy. The name inspires images of make-belief rooms, magically walled by a patchwork of browns, burgundies, blues and emerald greens -the spines of weathered, leather-bound books that proudly endorse philosophies, scientific advancements of bygone, and possibly more enchanting times.

So it’s not difficult to appreciate the gravity of the challenge faced by the West London Chartered Architecture and Interior Design practice SHH, who had to negotiate a bibliophile’s dream-world and reality when commissioned to develop the former home of politician, Michael Foot, into a ‘House a Books’. Foot’s former ownership of the property somewhat increased the weight of expectation for the project. Beside a rather turbulent political career, Foot’s lengthy time as a writer and massive erudition resulted in an enormous personal library that covered every corner of his home. As journalist Anthony Howard remarked, Foot’s house was ‘dedicated to books – reaching high to the ceiling in bookshelves, piled untidily on tables, even scattered randomly about on the floor’.

Needless to say, the ‘House of Books’ envisioned and brought to life by SHH, is nothing short of breath-taking. Imaginatively reconfigured from the ground up, the unique construction of SHH’s ‘House of Books’ truly evokes the idea of a home being poised somewhere between reality and a booklover’s fantasy land.

‘Never judge a book by its cover.’

If you were to walk down the street where the ‘House of Books’ is located, it’s probably likely that you’d walk right past it without ever noticing. This is chiefly due to the property’s period façade being no different from any other that you would find in Hampstead’s leafy suburbs. SHH were legally obliged to retain it as part of the planning permission agreements with the local council. However, make no mistake, the period façade is where commonalities between the property and other houses of the area both begin and end. As SHH Associate Director and leader of the project, Stuart McLauchlan recounts:

‘We ripped the whole house out behind the façade and built a new steel and timber-frame to sit within the old brick skin and connect it to the existing structure. The space configuration and resulting floors, walls and stairs are all new.’

This sense of reconciling the house’s past with its present undeniably adds to the ‘House of Books’’ charm. The contrast between its normal exterior and ambitiously extravagant interior similarly lends to the narrative of fantasy, in an almost Narnia-like fashion, marking the transition from the ordinariness of the outside to the infinite possibilities of home, constrained only by one’s imagination.

A bibliophile’s paradise

Jointly inspired by the new owners’ passion for books, who themselves own over a hundred linear metres of them, and also as a tip of the hat to the house’s past, incorporation of a book-based motif was part of creating and distilling an atmosphere befitting to the house’s name. McLauchlan’s team responded with a central structure that spans the height of the house, like a book, functioning as a top-to-bottom spine that binds its five storeys. Made from machine-anodised steel sheets, the bookcases’ almost underdressed, minimalistic look assert the pieces as a central structural component to the home, a beating heart in much the same way the book motif serves as a motif to the home. However, its simplicity does not detract from its elegance. Designed so that its panels are bound by countersunk, stainless-steel screws, the piece offers clean and defined lines, in an almost silhouette-like fashion, accentuating the books it holds. By the same token, its muted, metallic finish fits well with the overall colour palette of the house, meaning a structure of such great size does not overbear or shrink the room.

SHH’s manipulation of perspective injects a sense of magic into this centrepiece also. The bookcase features clear, walk-on slots that sit flush with timber flooring on the first, second third and fourth floors of the house. The effect created by this is nothing short of spectacular. At any given moment, one is able to get a full, top-to-bottom view of the bookcase in its entirety. Capped by a broad window fitted to the ceiling space immediately above it, catching this view in the correct lighting is certainly something special, asserting the house’s identity as the ‘House of Books’ whilst also dabbling with name’s fantastical edge also.

Floating a clinical 50mm from the book case are the stairs of the property, designed to wrap around the bookcase. This ingenious design ensures that every book is within reach and easily accessible to the owner. This ease of access transforms and elevates the bookcase into something more organic. It remains in a state of perpetual flux, able to evolve and be reshaped by the tastes of its owner. By this token, what also remains at the heart of the house is, ultimately, a candid and personal bibliographic snapshot of the owner.

The stairs also instil a sense of drama in the way it tonally accentuates the open, neutral tonal palette that ornaments much of the house. Each individual step, a formed and bespoke steel tray, is dipped into a bright orange liquid rubber. Its tangerine glow injects a youthful energy to the home. Nevertheless, retention of industrial black grey tones in the design of these trays, paired with their open design, mean that they do not disrupt the overall ambience of the space. Rather, inviting, and further developing, a sense of theatre to what is already an enchantingly imaginative living space.

Intelligent Space

When commissioning the redevelopment of the ‘House of Books’, the new owners wanted to give visitors a sense of surprise from the moment they entered. SHH certainly delivered on this aspect. Through keeping the entrance and kitchen-diner garden level floors open plan, visitors are immediately greeted with views of both the entrance and garden-level extension. The view enhances the dynamics of the property, displaying the seamless and organic flow between both rooms and levels.





So that the space remains functional and accommodating to the needs of the owners, SHH skilfully implemented methods to allow the house to adapt with the daily lives of the owners. Just the entrance floor alone is a masterclass maximising the functionality of the home through use of flexible space. Featuring the house’s ante-lobby lounge area and also a workspace for one of the owners, the various areas can be separated through use of discreet sliding doors. Sofas at the far end of this entrance floor overlook the extended floor space of garden-level floor immediately below, in addition to unobstructed view of the garden, seen through sliding glass doors. These views are meticulously thought out by SHH, who constructed the garden-floor level a whole metre higher so that this sightline and perspective could be achieved.

Setting the tones

The many elements in the first two floors of the property, the entrance and garden-floor kitchen-diner levels, are tied together by selection of a choice, core colours. By sticking to predominantly open, and earthy shades: off-whites, browns, ashen greys and copper notes, SHH achieve a flow and continuity between the various spaces contained within these levels. These tones also allow for the house to breathe, carrying a relaxed and uncongested ambience.

This is same philosophy is maintained with textural aspects also. Dark zinc, used on the railings, pairs gorgeously with the house’s many black and grey elements, injecting metropolitan sophistication and silhouette-like depth to the room. Matched with the warmer, natural hues of solid cedar, the harshness that sometimes comes with high contrast clashes between the spaces’ off-whites and black zinc notes is lessened. The wood’s grain means that continuity is achieved between indoors and out, gorgeously marrying with the wooden patio area.

A style anthology

SHH’s incorporation of this tonal and textural palettes make the ‘House of Books’’ living spaces highly compatible with a variety of different styles of furniture and furnishings –and-truthful to this claim, the myriad of different styles found in the home’s social rooms demonstrates the sheer robustness of these palettes. The house boasts the ease with which it effortlessly pairs and accommodates mid-century modern elements with pieces styled in the classical European and Ottoman traditions. These elements are effortlessly incorporated into the kitchen, by Bulthaup, and the lounge areas – never jarring with the clinical sleekness of their modern styling as one would imagine it would. The talent and ingenuity in SHH’s interior design work can be seen in how effortlessly these historically separate styles are made to work, and that too, with a certain finesse.

Moving up:

The first floor, immediately above the house’s two social levels, features the master suite and dressing rooms. It carries the architectural and design philosophies observed in the house’s first two levels. Fold-back double doors completely transform the suite during the day and night, adapting to a more open planned space during the day, and seal off during the night. Designed in a neutrally toned, modern style, the bedrooms and bathrooms showcase the clean lines and precision geometries of the furniture and furnishings contained within. The upper floors shift gear from the entrance and garden-level kitchen through a heavier use of muted grey notes. This alters the mood slightly, giving the bedrooms a more complex, metropolitan edge over the roundedness and communally airy feel of the lower levels. The tasteful use of black mosaic tiles in the shower-area of the master suite, a hip and sophisticated touch reminiscent of underground tiles, reinforces this shift to a more metropolitan state of mind. Similarly, walnut replaces the cedar of the home’s lower decks. The wood has a bronze tinge, giving it a slightly more metallic tone which makes for a smoother pairing with the rooms’ grey notes. Other family bedrooms and a shared shower room can also be found on this floor, with an additional bedroom, shower, toilet and guest suite on a higher floor.

An art form

The ‘House of Books’ is a name that suggests a type of magic, a flirtation with the unreal. In many ways, SHH’s ‘House of Books’ embodies this brand of magic. The house breaks from conventional floor plans by inventing its own, new and original cartographies that give the ‘book’ a primacy befitting to the house’s name. There’s also a particularly mystic allure in the way the ‘House of Books’ is an adaptable space, being able to move and evolve with the needs and requirements of its owner; an organic living space in the truest sense. In appreciation of this, it’s difficult to deny that SHH’s ‘House of Books’ is a celebration of both design and modern architecture. However, it would be wrong to assume it a product of the two as separate entities or processes. On the contrary, with the ‘House of Books’, SHH interweave architecture and design into a singular art form, a singular mode of thought and process, with the house that emerging from that being an embodiment of this method: part piece of art, part home. We love it.

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All photography courtesy Alastair Lever/SHH Architects and Interior Design.

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Grey, Orange & White – Cool Colours for an Older... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Children grow up so quickly and within the blink of an eye they’re swapping teddies for transformers. Here’s how we tackled a makeover for my nine year old son, whose bedroom was overdue for an update to reflect his needs and interests.

Collaboration

We approached the makeover as a joint venture creating a board on Pinterest for him to pin anything he liked the look of. This was the equivalent of a mood board as a starting point to see his preferred colours and styles.

Colours

Orange and grey were consistent colours within his board so we chose orange as the accent colour and a light grey for the walls. I was keen to have a versatile colour on the walls and to keep the bold orange for accents and accessories, items that are easy to change in the future. We also opted for white as some of his existing furniture was white and we could see the colours worked well together.

Layout

I looked at the shape and space of the room and considered how the bedroom was going to be used. My son would need a desk and chair for homework, a comfortable place to read and a playing space on the floor in addition to a single bed and clothes storage.

Personality

I was keen for my son’s bedroom to reflect his personality so I incorporated spaces to store and display his Lego models and creations, as well as display board that he can add to or change easily. Inspired by his Pinterest board, we made a Lego mini figure display board made from an old wooden picture frame with the glass removed. Lego bricks were glued on for his favourite mini figures also preventing them from letting lost in a large box of Lego pieces.

Storage

Older children still play with toys but they usually take up less space compared to big chunky baby and toddler toys. We managed to fit all his toys into three storage boxes that fit under the bed resulting in more space to play.

Fabrics and soft furnishings

Being a fabric designer I was happy to make a bespoke design for my son. He asked for a labrador print so I created one with a contrasting dark grey background with a white and orange repeating labrador design (we don’t have a dog but I think this was a strong hint!). For his bedding we chose a orange and white geometric print. Geometrics are great for kids bedrooms as the shapes and bold colours look youthful and contemporary.

Growing up

To add a grown up touch within his room we bought black picture frames for the wall art. This brings a slightly more edgy feel to the room which will grow with him into the next phase, the teenage years. But I’m not sure I’m ready for that phase just yet…

Get the Look

Idealist City Guide: VENICE | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Venice is known as La Serenissima (from her official title of the Serene Republic of Venice) for good reason. Even while sinking, the northern Italy city of legend has been a cool capital of art and design for centuries. Dramatic location (built on and around 450 bridges and 120 islands) and romantic ambiance aside, many flock to Venice for its art, architecture and design attractions, especially every second year when the Venice Biennale gathers contemporary artists and their fans from all over the world. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of a few days in this historic and atmospheric city.

Shopping

There are specialty items that you can only get in Venice. One of them is hand-crafted carnival masks. The maker of record is Mondo Novo, Palazzo Corielli, via Cardinal de Lai, 2 MALO, where Guerrino Lovato is the purveyor of traditional papier maché Venetian masks worn during the run up to Easter at a series of balls or masquerades. The museum workshop displays masks which are for sale online. Another must visit shop is La Bottega dei Mascareri, San Polo 80, where brothers Sergio and Massimo Boldrin craft commedia del’arte masks and others based on Tiepolo or Longhi paintings.

Another especially Venetian commodity is glass. The island of Murano has housed master craftsmen in glass since the Renaissance and the factories (check out Tommasi & Figli for a great selection of decorative and useful Murano glass pieces) and museum are still worth a visit. Nearby Davide Penso, F.ta Riva Longa, 48, makes exquisite glass jewellery and beads, and conducts classes.

After glass and masks, paper is probably the craft with the biggest presence in Venice’s lively centro storico. Visit Legatoria Piazzesi, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2511c, for beautifully bound notebooks and hand tinted cards and stationary. The Venetian outpost of the Italian chain Il Papiro, at 5275 Castello, is also worth a visit for marbleized paper boxes, folios and journals.

Staying Over

The art deco style Ca Pisani Design Hotel, Rio Terrà Foscarini, 979A , is set in a 14th century building a few minutes walk from the iconic Piazza San Marco. An elegant favourite of the art set, it’s also close to many of the most interesting galleries and museums.

The truly budget conscious may want to consider the San Giorgio Maggiore Benedictine monastery where you can pay the monks whatever you can afford for a room in a 16th century monastery not far from St Mark’s Square. There’s no WIFI, website or email so try calling 39-041-241-4717. The monastery sits on its own small island in the Grand Canal.

Galleries and Museums

Peggy Guggenheim Collection, 704 Dorsoduro, houses the late American heiress’s personal collection of 20th century art in her unfinished palazzo on the Grand Canal. Enjoy viewing Guggenheim’s masterworks by Chagall, Picasso, Dali and other modern-era greats, as well as temporary travelling exhibits, in rooms of classical perfection.

For pre-19th century art, visit the Gallerie della’Accademia, Campo Della Carità, 1050. Here you can feast your eyes on the work of Venetian masters Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Longhi and many others.

Where to Eat

Venice is packed with neighbourhood osterias, bacaros (small bars) and trattorias, many of which offer small tapas-style dishes (cicchetti) and drinks in close quarters indoors, or on canal-side terraces outside in fine weather. But there are several restaurants working to create a more contemporary Venetian cuisine that are worth checking out.

Among them, Ogio, Salizada dei Spechieri, 4877, in what was once the Convento dei Crociferi, has an inexpensive canteen style lunch room serving innovative dishes with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, a more formal dining room for blow out dinners.

Le Spighe, Via Garibaldi 1341, Castello, offers a vegan, vegetarian and organic take on Venetian cuisine. It’s casual, with a few tables and a flourishing takeaway service for picnics. The menu changes daily according to what’s available and fresh in the market.

Speaking of markets, head to the famed Rialto Bridge on the San Polo (western) side of the bridge. There has been a market on this site, Campo della Pescheria, 30125 San Polo, for almost a thousand years, and it’s still going strong. The Rialto Market is best known for the freshly caught seafood, but also sells fruit and vegetables. Go early because the show is over by noon.

Must see

The sites of Venice are many, but contemporary art lovers should take advantage of biennial orgy taking place in the Giardini district from June through November. La Biennale di Venezia invites artist representatives of many countries to create work installed in architect-designed pavilions scattered throughout the Giardini gardens and in the former Venetian military dockyard known as the Arsenale. In addition to exhibits there is a full roster of talks, parties and special events at venues all over Venice. It can be a physical workout so plan ahead, don’t expect to see everything in one day and pack snacks.

How to get there

Many major airlines fly direct to Marco Polo airport frequently, including Monarch, Easyjet and British Airways. The direct train from Rome takes about 3 hours.

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Idealist City Guide: BILBAO | Spencer Thorpe Bloghttps://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/161919457844/idealist-city-guide-bilbao_=_ Bilbao is known throughout the world for its stunning architecture and Basque culture. Bilbao doesnt knock you out with its physical beauty but it slowly wins you over with its two small mountain ranges its riverfront landscapes quirky architecture and of course its gleaming and otherworldly modern landmark the Guggenheim Bilbao Art Museum. Galleries amp; Museums Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry designed the famous glass and titanium Guggenheim Museum in 1997 as a museum of contemporary art. But its not just whats inside thats important; the cutting-edge technology and expert architecture are a sight to behold in themselves. Abandoibarra Etorb. 2 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 35 90 80 Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of the most popular museums in the country drawing visitors from around the world to see the stunning collection of Basque Spanish and European art from the past and the present. Think El Greco Francis Bacon Gauguin. Museo Plaza 2 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 39 60 60 Reproductions Museum Bilbao. Created in 1927 the Reproductions Museum Bilbao curates a collection of reproductions of classic art pieces for viewing pleasure. They reproduce art from a range of artists and have hundreds of pieces on display at any given time. Its a charmingly eclectic collection of classics. San Frantzisko Kalea 14 48003 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain Must-See Attractions Playa de Plentzia. If youre looking for a peaceful getaway make sure you check out Playa de Plentzia an absolutely gorgeous beach with mountains and forests leading up to it. Its a great spot to enjoy some sun and fully unwind. Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo is a walking tour of historic Bilbao that goes through the Bilbo Zaharra neighbourhood. This gives you a great idea of what Bilbao was like before it grew into the metropolis it is today. Plaza Nueva. This is the perfect spot if youre looking to have a drink and see the city. There are bars cafes and restaurants scattered about the plaza and children can play in the open centre while parents have a drink or a bite to eat. Plaza Nueva S/N 48005 Bilbao Vizcaya Spain Food Restaurante Mandoya. Located in the heart of historic Bilbao Mandoya is a local favourite serving up traditional Basque cuisine. They bring in fresh fish daily and source all of their meats and vegetables locally. Txakur Kalea 3-5 48005 Bilbao Vizcaya Bizkaia Spain 944 15 02 28 Casa Rufo. With their selection of delicious Basque food Casa Rufo would already be a great choice. But add to that the fact that the building is mysteriously filled with connected secret rooms that you can explore giving you plenty of knick-knacks and delicious food to peruse. Hurtado de Amzaga Kalea 5 48008 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 43 21 72 Nerua (Guggenheim). While youre taking a look at the Guggenheim Museum make a stop at Nerua one of the hippest restaurants in Bilbao. Restaurant magazine included Nerua in their Worlds 100 Best Restaurants list a prestigious honour. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Abandoibarra Etorb. 2 48009 Bilbo 944 00 04 30 Shopping Cestera Alonso. If youre a fan of woven furniture and accessories youll love Cestera Alonso. Theyve been hand-crafting beautiful wicker and raffia furniture since 1900 making them one of the leading providers of such furniture. Their products include rocking chairs garden chairs other furniture baskets and more. Calle Belosticalle 15 48005 Bilbao Vizcaya Spain 944 15 33 51 Imatra: This interior design studio has a range of brands designed not only to look wonderful but to make a statement. They also showcase the work of architects and artists. Most of the designers who collaborate with Imatra are Basque so you get an added touch of authenticity. Apartamento 23. If youre looking for something a bit unique you have to check this place out. They carry a handful of top brands in a relatively large showroom and you can find everything from furniture to lighting at Apartamento 23. Juan Ajuriaguerra 23 48009 Bilbao BI Spain 944 24 66 03 Rosita. Rositas first showcase was in 2003 when they showed some particularly unusual furniture that Bilbao wasnt very familiar with. Fast forward 14 years and Rosita is still making innovations in interior design helping people realise their vision for a perfect home. Estrauntza K. 6 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 42 04 09 Bomarzo: Bomarzo isnt just a furniture store they also specialise in interior design. That means that youll be served by knowledgeable individuals who can help you get that new look youve been wanting or find the perfect item to complement your existing decor. Juan Ajuriaguerra 46 Bajo Puerta 8 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 39 31 13 Narata. This is one of those great all-around furniture stores. The designers at Narata know how to pick good furniture and they also offer an interior design service. They have a range of brands including Estasblished and Sons and Donna Wilson. And Narata stocks everything you need from furnitures and accessories all the way down to art. Indautxu Kalea 4 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 39 90 47 Staying Over Hotel Miro. For a reasonable nightly rate Hotel Miro gives you a wonderfully decorated room easy access to the Guggenheim Museum and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. There is coffee and tea in the lobby and a steam room for ultimate relaxation. Mazarredo Zumarkalea 77 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 946 61 18 80 Basque Boutique. If youre looking to get a taste of Basque decor check out the Basque Boutique a beautifully designed hotel that comes at a very reasonable price. Each room is different from the next with unique furniture and decor in each of them. Its also situated close to the train station and metro shops. Dorre Kalea 2 48005 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 13 48 49 Hotel Ercilla Lopez de Haro. The Hotel Ercilla Lopez de Haro may be a luxury hotel but the decor and feel lean more toward the boutique side. Featuring a great lounge and located a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum this is a great spot for tourism. Orueta Apezpikuaren Kalea 2 48009 Bilbo Bizkaia Spain 944 23 55 00 Travel The best way to travel from London to Bilbao is by plane. A roundtrip ticket from London to Bilbao will cost between 85 and 200 depending on which airline and times you choose. You May Also Like Insider City Shopping Guide: NEWCASTLE Idealist City Guide: Liverpool Idealist City Guide: Cambridge All photos courtesy of respective locations. Feature image pattyco222 / 123RF Stock Photo Save Save The post Idealist City Guide: BILBAO appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/city-guide-bilbao/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/161918823783

National Picnic Week: 12 Fab Finds for Picnic... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Fans of picnicking rejoice – National Picnic Week takes place across the UK this June. Time to fine tune your sandwich making skills, stock up on bubbly and summery savouries and create a picnic kit to ensure maximum al fresco comfort and enjoyment for you and your guests. No need to sacrifice style. We’ve sourced some great coordinated looks to kick your picnic design game up a notch.

Mixing and matching the freshest colours is always a great way to coordinate a coherent picnic look. Pick a palette – straw/rattan/wicker, pastels, bright tropical prints and solids, a single bold colour such as red (stay away from bulls tho) or all white for a Victorian garden party feel. Or, opt for our easy peasy favourite, crisp navy and white – it’s a classic combo that will never let you down at the beach, on the lawn or in the woods.

Bottoms Up!

Many people prefer to pack plastic for their picnic refreshments (and in fact some parks and reserves prohibit the use of glass dishes). Nonetheless we like to use real wineglasses where possible. It just feels better. And for some of us, full on china, silver and glass stemware are actually part of a picnic ethos. This glassware from Lexington is sturdy enough for outdoor use and can simply be washed up once you’re back home. £16 each

If you are restricted to using plastic, you could do worse than these attractive acrylic glasses from John Lewis. Options include champagne flutes, highballs and basic tumblers as well. £4 – £4.50 each

The Blues

Why use paper plates when unbreakable dishes are so much more beautiful than they used to be. Consider these Royal Doulton melamine dinner plates in shades of white and blue. They’re lightweight, forgiving of drops and travel bumps and gorgeous enough to build a design theme around. £24/four

Wicker

The wicker hamper is synonymous with Edwardian and Victorian era daytrippers – who arguably elevated the act of picnicking to a fine art. This elegant 2-person hamper is equipped with almost everything you and your BFF need for an intimate meal outdoors, including a corkscrew. Just add a bottle of bubbly and nibbles. £125

This well-appointed white-washed wicker hamper has more of a Little Red Riding Hood vibe, but is equally handy (and romantic) for toting paté, cheese and a nice baguette. £57.50

Backpacker’s Delight

If you’re walking to your picnic site, you’ll love this compact 2-person navy and white backpack picnic hamper with padded straps and a handle. It includes basic dishes and utensils (again the corkscrew) and has an insulated section for keeping items cool. £40

Earn Your Stripes

Soft textiles are a great way to add style and comfort to the proceedings. Deck a dubious picnic table with this classic striped tablecloth (or even use it on the ground) for an instant upgrade. Made from 100% cotton, it’s easy to clean when the party’s over. £89

This pretty Joules picnic blanket has a water resistant backing so lunch won’t be ruined by creeping damp. It folds neatly into itself and has a self carry handle. £29.95

Match ground coverings with these blue and white jacquard cotton napkins – a touch of luxury that will surprise and delight picnic guests. £10 each

Lap of Luxury

Effective lounging is more likely when there are pillows to lean on and cozy blankets in case of a cool wind. We love this French-style striped fabric cushion, especially made for outdoor use. £20.58 Pack several alongside a soft all-cotton throw or two in midnight blue. £63.20

Swingtime

You can string up a hammock for relaxing anywhere there are two trees not too far apart. Everyone will want to take a post-prandial turn in this blue and white striped hammock. It’s great for hot weather lethargy as well as, piled with cushions and throws, cuddling up for a nap on cooler days and nights. £98

Pay tribute to one of summertime’s best and most enduring collective pastimes by committing to regular and stylish picnic parties. Good company, delicious food and smartly designed accoutrements; everything is just better outdoors.

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Colour Scheme: Black in the bathroom | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Black in the bathroom may seem counter-intuitive. The contemporary design and decor trend is towards all things light and bright, with a hygienic spa-type vibe prevailing. That’s all very nice and relaxing, but we’ve been thinking about the challenges and potential triumphs of anchoring bathroom spaces with … black. Yes, negative, dark, sultry and suggestive black.

We’re not sure about going the whole hog and having a black bath tub, although we love this one, but bathroom hardware aside, there are many imaginative ways to incorporate black into a sophisticated, elegant, or even playful decor scheme for your bathroom. We’ve sourced a range of furniture and accessory pieces to help you do it.

Black and White Traditional

Let’s ease into things with a look at the absolutely traditional yet still very sound black and white design scheme for the bathroom. Think subway tiles on the walls and black and white penny mosaic on the floors. It remains fresh and clean, but you can play with the balance of white to black in a way that makes this classic early 20th century style completely modern.

Start with those iconic black and white tiles (still very easy to source) and then consider an elegant vanity and sink unit with a light-coloured wood base and a darker stone basin and counter. This retro beauty from Maisons du monde fits the bill beautifully. £839

Top it with contrasting white marble accessories – a basin tidy, soap dispenser, tissue cover and accessory tray. These are all hand-crafted Jaipur marble from John Lewis. £12.00 – £28.00

Then bring back the black with solid colour Egyptian cotton towels draped on racks and stacked. Add a few white ones (or some other pale colour – light pink, perhaps?) for contrast. £2.00 – £30.00 A textured all-cotton black bathmat will also look great against black and white tiles. £25

Super contemporary

Black can take your bathroom in a completely different, ultra modern direction. It tends to pair well with metal and chrome surfaces in what is usually considered a masculine look – but it also appeals to many women. Think all black towels on polished chrome heated towel racks. And black or white porcelain, ceramic or marble wall tiles punctuated with a striking geometric lighting fixture. £120

Or go for a matt black towel rail for the full effect. £79.99. This would look great with black or contrasting towels.

On the accessories side, if you have the room, we love the starkness of this black metal standing mirror with extra shelving discreetly tucked behind the glass. £85 This black accented shaving mirror can be used for all sorts of grooming with its 7X magnification. £35 And just for fun, and because contemporary does tiny hits of pop culture better than any other design ethos, who can resist this noir Batman version of a rubber ducky for the bath? £10

Quirky Victorian/Steampunk

Finally, black denotes the mysterious, nocturnal side of culture expressed so well by the Victorians or by creative cult movements such as steampunk. We love the idea of bringing some of this dark energy to the bathroom. This striking wood and marble washstand and basin from Maisons du monde has all of the requisite qualities. Brooding, with a sensuously wavy front, it’s a solid piece to build a bathroom around. £1,501.00 Top it with this stunning convex mirror with a matte black surround. £230 We also love this moody marble basin tidy for organising toiletries. £28

Three very different bathroom decor styles, using black in different intensities for a range of effects. In a sea of spa style white and pastel bathrooms, it’s a dramatic alternative decor scheme for the brave and the creative.

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Dining in the Great Outdoors – Nine Great Barbecue... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Savour the best moments of summer by moving life outside any time that the weather permits. That includes cooking – because barbecue season is finally upon us. Turn the smallest corner of your garden patio or terrace into an al fresco kitchen, whip up a pitcher of sangria and invite your friends. There’s no more festive way to celebrate summer.

We’ve found some gorgeous essentials for outdoor grilling and decorating. Here are nine barbecue ideas.

Mint Condition

First things first. You’ll need a great grill. This 3-burner gas barbecue for Everdure by Heston Blumenthal can handle multiple independent cooking tasks and looks good doing it. The sleek mint green exterior (it’s also available in graphite and orange), variable heat control and fold away servery all make it a significant upgrade from the old Hibachi. £699.00

Kettle BBQ Chips

Not everyone has the space (or the need) for an elaborate 3-burner. This classically stylish kettle-style charcoal barbecue from Weber is perfect for grilling burgers and steaks, but it doesn’t take up a ton of room. £179.99

Green Eggs and Barbecue Ham

Those who own them swear by their ceramic egg-style charcoal barbecues for the fast, even cooking of everything from roast chicken to pizza. This deep green version on wheels from John Lewis comes with handy shelves and a metal nest with handler. £1,345.00

Al Fresco Dining

You slaved over a hot grill. Serve up dinner family-style for the whole gang on a sturdy outdoor table. We love the sophistication of this greyed acacia wood rectangular table from Maisons du monde. It’s made of weather resistant materials to withstand the elements, but reads sleek rather than rustic. £262.50

Pair it with a matching bench on one side and chairs on the other. These lightweight aluminium chairs provide contrast and comfort (especially with seat pillows added) and continue the contemporary garden room vibe. £52.49

Firestarter

Communal gatherings to gaze at dancing flames in the night are as old as civilization. Firepits are a popular patio feature right now, but we also love a chiminea, which sends heat up and away. Traditionally made of clay and used indoors, this sleek steel version burns charcoal or wood. £149

For those who prefer a lower profile for their bonfire, check out this stylish black Morsø firepit with an additional grate for cooking. It’s bold Danish design adds a sculptural touch to the proceedings. £295

Patio Lanterns

Fairy lights are always fun, and there are many solar-powered versions on the market. But we love the architectural silhouette and flair of lanterns. Check out this angular handmade version made from recycled wood and available at Etsy UK. £40

Or, keep the sophisticated grey colour scheme of our dining table and chairs going with these natural wood lanterns from Maisons du Monde. They make for a great freestanding accent piece and are especially romantic at night filled with candles. £80.48

You don’t need tons of stuff to enjoy a summer outdoors. Seats to plunk guests with drinks in hand, a bit of fire, a bit of candlelight, stars overhead, grilled meat and a groaning table of seasonal sides – these are the quintessential ingredients for great summer entertaining at home.

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Insider City Guide: Shoreditch | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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In recent times, Shoreditch has undeservedly developed a Marmite-like reputation amongst Londoners. Since the nineties, the area has become an epicentre of hipster culture and creative industries alike, in the process becoming a byword for gentrification. However, to take this stance is to misunderstand the inclusiveness and playful inventiveness that can be argued as characterising Shoreditch. With graffiti ornamenting the walls of late Victorian buildings, which themselves sit next to new developments, the area thrives on its many identities and the impact of their juxtaposition.

There’s no denying that Shoreditch exudes a unique cool, capable of offering options just as vibrant for your home as much as it can your wardrobe. We’ve shortlisted some of Shoreditch’s finest to make the most of your visit to the world-renowned London district.

Labour and Wait. Clad in resplendent emerald green tile, you’ll find Labour and Wait on Redchurch Street. For the past seventeen years, Labour and Wait have offered wide range from kitchenware, to books, to stationery. All of the shop’s wares exude a mature and timeless elegance, making Labour and Wait a must for those desiring midcentury colours and a retro look for their homes.

Two Columbia Road. Since 1995, Two Columbia road has specialised in offering Londoners a broad range of furniture, photography and art. With the work of designers such as Charles Eames, Hans Wenger and Poul Kjærholm in their catalogues, Two Columbia Road is a fantastic option for those seeking to inject their homes with a notably midcentury definition of modernity. Their collection of art is also outstanding and exhibits no shortage of character. From monochrome prints to vivid painted works, finding something for every home can be done with ease.

Elemental. On Shoreditch High Street you’ll find Elemental. Spread across two floors of a converted iron works, Elemental offer an array of sympathetically restored vintage and antique furniture. From sofas, to lighting, to a whole assortment of wildcard curiosities, Elemental is a must for admirers of all things vintage and the adventurous. You’re sure to find that something with spades of character here.

House of Hackney. If big, vibrant and unapologetic prints are on the cards, you’ll be hard pressed to do better than House of Hackney. Located at 131 Shoreditch High Street, House of Hackney’s flagship store is a cathedral to the tradition of Great British print houses of the past. From furniture to lighting to fashion, items are made in England sport the brand’s signature prints. Playful and modern, House of Hackney’s iconic interiors are nonetheless steeped in tradition and make a tasteful match with both modern any classically inflected home designs.

Wawa

The brainchild of designer Richard Ward, Wawa can be found on Ezra Street. Wawa offer bespoke sofas that are all handmade and hand-upholstered with artisan sense, care and detail. Their designs are bold imaginative, but are nonetheless evocative of the traditions that inspired them. If you so wish, Wawa are capable of making a sofa that not only fits your home, but also makes a statement in accordance to your own personal specifications.

Fuel Up

It’s impossible to come to Shoreditch and not sample the food on offer. From street vendors to haute cuisine, the district covers the full culinary spectrum. Steeped in a rich multicultural history, Shoreditch’s food scene is as diverse as the art culture its so famous for.

Dishoom

The name Dishoom comes from the onomatopoeic sound effect signifying an impact of sorts in Bollywood culture. Think: the bad guy getting right hooked by the hero – dishoom! The food of Dishoom Shoreditch similarly packs a punch. Styled on the Bombay Cafes of old, themselves a cultural melting pot, Dishoom offers a wholly authentic Indian and Iranian dining experience. The menu is speckled with the food that kept India’s capital ticking for generations.

Brick Lane Beigel Bake, is an East-London institution, having been a feature of the Shoreditch scene since 1977. Found on iconic Brick Lane, the restaurant serves up New-York style bagels 24 hours a day. From tourists, residents, workers and late-night clubbers, the Brick Lane Beigel Bake is a favourite amongst all. If option paralysis strikes, we’ve yet to hear a bad thing said about their salmon and cream cheese or their salt beef and mustard bagels.

Hoi Polloi. Hoi Polloi, found at the Ace Hotel, and has attracted much acclaim for its seasonal British cuisine. Not overdressed, fashionable and intelligent, the all-day brasserie offers imaginative twists of classic British cuisine. To enter, one must travel through a quaint flower shop, after which Hoi Polloi’s 1970’s Scandinavian interior can be admired in its full splendour. The food carries a youthful energy, but its flavours are crafted with precision and are expertly articulated.

These are just the options in an entire ocean of culinary possibilities that Shoreditch can offer. To really take advantage of Shoreditch, taking to the streets is never a bad idea. Besides being immersed in the gritty, rough-around-the-edges charm of Shoreditch, you can find a variety of delicious and quick eats here also-leading us nicely on…

Diving into Shoreditch

Market culture is a mainstay of Shoreditch, and the Columbia Road and Brick Lane markets are absolute musts. From both, you can get a feel of East London, and the area’s heritage. Brick Lane is littered with bargains from furniture, to books, to music. Covering such a broad area, this can easily become a daytrip in and of itself. The streets of Shoreditch are also tapestries of modern art, and while you can get guided tours, losing yourself in its many streets with that foolhardy, ‘carpe diem’ spirit makes for more enjoyable and more personal memories.

For lovers of live music, The Blues Kitchen on Curtain Road has been tremendously popular with Londoners since its opening, eight years ago. Like it’s bigger Camden-based sibling, The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch is a restaurant by day, bar and live venue by night. The stateside influence is huge, from its décor to the menus. A variety of acts deliver killer renditions of classic funk, soul, rock n’ roll and blues.

Electric Cinema is a great haunt for film lovers. The Redchurch Street cinema offers a unique movie-going experience. Film buffs can watch their favourite of current film titles from the comfort of a personal armchair with a cashmere blanket to match. A deli bar and coffee station means that you’re able to enjoy light meals and a selection of drinks that include draught beers, wines, cocktails and coffee, either before or during the film.

Getting Here & Places to Stay

Shoreditch is a central district of London, and by that token, is tremendously well connected by the city’s bus and tube networks. With over 15 bus routs connecting Shoreditch to the rest of the capital, and a tube station right at its beating heart, a journey here is just a quick Google search and an Oyster top-up away.

If you desire to be immersed in the twenty four-seven bustle of Shoreditch, a fantastic range of hotels mean that you’re never too far away from the madness.

The Hoxton is synonymous with London’s, and naturally, Shoreditch’s hipster culture. It’s Great Eastern Street location means that you’re minutes away from both Columbia Road and Brick Lane. Dressed down and sporting a modern-industrial, no-fuss cool, the Hoxton makes for an uncluttered and streamlined hotel experience. The Hoxton Grill has been a favourite haunt amongst Londoners for a while now, which is always a welcomed bonus.

Staying at Boundary is also another fantastic option for the complete Shoreditch experience. Its rooms are inspired by designers and design movements such as Ray and Charles Eames, Bauhaus, and Josef Hoffman, to name a few. Staying at Boundary, you’ll also be able to jump the queue for one of London’s most serene and in-demand rooftop bars. Adorned with various citrus trees, the Boundary Rooftop Bar has become a prime East London haunt for the young and creative, often commanding queues that zip round the corner of its Red Church Street location. Sharing the same postcode with other Shoreditch institutions, like Dishoom, means that you’re never too far away from the action.

The Courthouse Hotel can be found on Old Street, opposite Shoreditch Town Hall. Its location means that much that Shoreditch has to offer is within walking distance. The hotel’s motto of ‘West End service and culture in Shoreditch’ leaves you under illusion as to the type of hospitality on offer. The Grade II listed Baroque style building, formerly the Old Street Magistrates Court and Station, is reconfigured into 128 luxurious rooms. Paired with facilities like a spa, pool, rooftop bar, bowling lanes and screening room, the Courthouse Hotel exudes the luxurious air that it promises.

Shoreditch carries a sublime sense of self-confidence in its complex identity, and by that token, is truly unique. It epitomises artistic expression while also maintaining a connection with its multicultural and blue-collar history. This raw, ‘gritty’, but inherently human energy resonates in all aspects of the district, with furniture and interior design pieces being no acceptation to this rule. An experience in the truest sense of the word, Shoreditch is a must for both Londoners and visitors.

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A New place to Loaf in Spitalfields | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Hipsters’ paradise Spitalfields has a new way to relax, unwind from those cold brew coffees and sleep off those Mason jar cocktails with the opening of an enormous new branch of Loaf on Commercial Street, E1.

As longtime fans of Loaf, it’s fab to see they’ve taken brought their laid-back loveliness to a new part of town and mixed in some industrial chic to keep things fresh.

the quintessentially British vibe of our new home feels like a natural segue

They’ve been open just a couple of weeks and the first thing to say when you walk in the door is – wow- it’s HUGE! 3,200 square feet of comfiness. We love that they’ve taken an old industrial building (back in Victorian times this used to be a Telephone Exchange – imagine the noise) and turned it into an emporium of downtime.

It’s their 3rd store in London and founder of Loaf, Charlie Marshall (who we profiled here) explains that Spitalfields is a natural fit for the Loaf brand.

“Spitalfields is a bit like the Notting Hill of the East End with its eclectic mix of heritage buildings and vibrant market. Loaf grew up in Portobello, so the quintessentially British vibe of our new home feels like a natural segue between the east and west of the capital. Our new Shack is slap bang in the middle of this buzzy neighbourhood – visitors can enjoy our comfy wares and a bit of a day out.”

While many of you might scratch your heads at the idea of a furniture store as destination shopping (especially with little ones in tow), they’re promising retro arcade games (who doesn’t love PacMan). And of course Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market are just down the road. And there’s more eating and drinking to be had than anywhere else we can think of. Everything from Galvin la Chapelle to Nando’s!

There will be a lot to make you smile about this 3,200 sq ft loafing emporium which will have the same cosy, relaxed feel as the two other Shacks. Adding to Loaf’s family of characterful shopping destinations, the Shack will be housed in the area’s Exchange Building which was originally designed for telephone operators in the early 1900s.

Getting There

Loaf Spitalfields Shack is a short walk from Liverpool Street station and Shoreditch High Street overground. From Old Spitalfields Market, go out the north east corner towards Brick Lane and turn left up Commercial Street.

UNITS B&C, 132 COMMERCIAL STREET, LONDON E1 6AZ, LOAF.COM / 0845 459 9937

All photos are courtesy of Loaf.

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Idealist City Guide: FLORENCE | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Florence, the beautiful capital of the district of Tuscany, is located in the heart of Italy’s northwest coast. The stunning medieval city is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its overflow of churches and palaces, and museums filled with masterful paintings and sculptures. Known for its leather goods, inlaid furniture and decorative items and gilded frames and boxes, Florence is a mecca for those looking to outfit their homes with unique, one-of-a-kind objects. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, there are plenty of shops to explore.

Style Shopping

Flair. Located in a classic Florentine townhouse with high ceilings and intricately-carved mouldings, Flair offers a diverse selection of high-end furniture, home decor and floor coverings. We particularly like their collection of modern sculpture. Be sure to see some of the fine work they have on display.

Banchi. If brass appeals to you, you won’t want to miss a trip to Banchi. This design studio features ornate, brass door hardware, lamps and even picture frames. You can even order custom-made hardware that looks like it was made in the 19th century. The shop at 10 via dei Serragli is a little off of the tourist track, but well worth the extra steps.

Mio. Mio’s ever-changing array of merchandise is colourful and fun to look at as well as intriguing to buy. Recent finds have included Danish modern-style chairs, upholstered with Roy Lichtenstein print fabric; glass cabinet handles that resemble cupcakes and life-size paper mache sculptures. If you love modern design, like we do, Mio is a must-see.

Roche Bobois. One of the top furniture stores in Italy, and our personal favourite, Roche Bobois features high-end chairs, sofas, desks and tables for all of the rooms in your home. As you would expect in Florence, they carry an extensive array of leather upholstered furniture. Be sure to check out the sleek patio sets.

Riccardo Barthel. If your taste runs to antique furnishings, make sure to make time for a visit to this stylish design emporium. You’ll find everything here from hand-carved, vintage chairs and sideboards to custom-made bathroom and kitchen fixtures and hardware. We are enchanted by the fact that one of this company’s specialties is designing custom tree houses.

Staying Over

If you really want to immerse yourself in Florentine style, you can’t do any better than to stay at Loggiato dei Serviti, an historic hotel located just off of Michelangelo Square. All of the rooms in the 16th century building area decorated with period antiques, but don’t fear; they still have air-conditioning and free WiFi.

Galleries and Museums

You could spend a month or more in Florence and not see all of the important museums and galleries in the city. However, if you have a limited amount of time, be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery with its collection of works by da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo; the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s “David;” and the Pitti Palace, with its royal apartments and paintings by Rapahel, Titian and Rubens.

Food

Tuscan food is famous throughout the world. In fact Florence has lent its name to a number of “Florentine” dishes, most of which feature sauteed spinach and garlic. Make sure to try panzanella, the region’s delicious bread salad with fresh basil, onions, olive oil and tomatoes; Florentine steak, a t-bone-style steak cut from local cattle and topped with a sweet bilbury sauce; and the smooth, delicious gelato found all over the city. Of course, no trip to Florence is complete without sampling at least one of the many Chiantis from the Tuscan region.

Must-See Things in Town

In addition to the excellent shopping and museums to be found in Florence, don’t leave the city without visiting the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the symbol of the city; the charming Ponte Vecchio that spans the Arno River; and the Villa Bardini, which offers sweeping views of the city from its stone patio.

How to Visit from London

Florence is easy to get to from London via air. The flight takes about 2.25 hours to get the city’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Expect to pay around £ 150 roundtrip. Public bus service connects the airport with the city centre.

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