El Pastór – Bringing an Authentic Mexican... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
El Pastór – Bringing an Authentic Mexican... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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‘My books are derived from city images, and the city of my dreams or nightmares is Mexico City.’ –Carlos Fuentes
Few places capture one’s imagination in quite the way that Mexico City does. Today one of the financial and cultural powerhouses of Latin America, the very thought of the city’s sun baked plazas, the kaleidoscopic pastels of its markets and the proud murals of the country’s many chaptered history mentally sets in motion an explosion of colour -total sensorial immersion. So it’s fair to imagine the gargantuan challenge that faced the London-based architectural practice, Michaelis Boyd, who were tasked with capturing the colour and carnivalesque vibrancy of Mexico City when composing the interiors of El Pastór, a London-based Mexican restaurant that pays homage to both Mexico City and the famous al pastor taco- brought to the country in the 19th century by Lebanese immigrants but now synonymous with Mexican culture.
El Pastór is a joint venture between the Hart Brothers, of Barrafina fame, and Crispin Somerville, a founding partner in El Comillo, a seminal underground jazz bar located in the famous Juárez district of Mexico City. So that El Pastór depicted Mexico City with the faithful strokes, Michael Boyd, the Harts and Somerville travelled to the city, intent on authentically bottling the colour, sounds and scents of a local taqueira – a Mexican street food café. Found at No.7A Stoney Street, El Pastór’s brilliant façade, with the name resplendently illuminated in amber-tinged neon, cuts the uniform greys of that have come to characterise our fair city streets. The location also adds to the drama and theatrics of it all. Found under the railway arches that encircle Borough Market, El Pastór shuttered front suddenly refashions itself as a portal from London’s monochromic walkways to the orchestral din of Mexico City’s lanes. We take a look at El Pastór, diligently paying attention to the various elements through which Michaelis Boyd were able to channel the colour and personality of Mexico City, brought right to London’s heart.
Urban Mexico
Michaelis Boyd’s goal with the interior El Pastór was to capture Mexico City’s urbanity in all its candid glory. In order to do this, much of the restaurant’s interior spaces were actually composed according to the vernacular of Mexico City’s avenues; corrugated metal sheets, shutters, and antiqued expose brick dress the walls, whilst a polished concrete floor ornaments the floor, complete with manhole covers – a perfect imitation of the city streets. Michaelis Boyd further develops this narrative through adorning the walls with hand-painted vintage advertisements and other street paraphernalia- a distinct lack of English heightens the idea that defiantly Mexican cultural mode is in operation. Shelving units, antiqued and road worn, allows for intelligent storage flexibility, whilst still retaining the raw and edgy urbanity the Michaelis and Boyd were going for. Gaze upward, and celestially floating above the dining tables are busy networks of light bulbs, which, in star-like fashion, kiss the space with a soft, warm glow reminiscent of the city’s night-time fiesta culture.
However, Michaelis and Boyd did not stop at mere, albeit astoundingly beautiful, visual imitation of Mexico City’s streets with El Pastór. When at the restaurant, diners are immersed in an authentic cultural dialogue, caught in the middle of the action in Mexico City’s streets. Michaelis Boyd achieve this through the inclusion of a real tortilla factory on a mezzanine floor, bringing with it the sights, smells and sounds of Mexico. Similarly, inspired by the city’s food markets, Michaelis Boyd created a mezcleria, finished in a breath taking emerald green marble conglomerate. Immediately behind the bar, the back wall is dressed with both fruit and glass bottles, just as they would be in Mexico.
Take a seat
Michaelis Boyd’s keen eye for detail is also observed with El Pastór’s table arrangements. The restaurants tables sport unique Pyrolave tabletops- lava rock that has been heated and at very high temperatures to yield a vitreous finish. Glazed in a beautifully mottled, sea form green, the tops serve as brilliant accent point whilst still retaining a gritty tactile quality that keeps with the restaurant’s urban feel and ambience. Aside from central, fixed seating areas, satellite tables flaunt woven Afro Chairs by India Mahdavi; each featuring a latticework of brightly coloured threads, wrapped around an elegantly simple metal frame.
In Media Res
With bold tones, flavours, scents and sounds, it is difficult not to imagine oneself as right in the heart of Mexico City when at El Pastór. The uncompromising atmospheric warmth and cultural verisimilitude achieved through Michaelis Boyd’s masterful command of the interiors conjure up soft warmth of sublime, summer evenings spent in the company of friends and lovers. By translating elements straight from Mexico City to the restaurant’s Stone Street location, the sounds the ring in one’s ear, the sights that envelop one’s eyes and scents that fragrance the room are that of Mexico City’s, even though they are encountered in the heart of London.
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All images courtesy of Alexander James
The post El Pastór – Bringing an Authentic Mexican Aesthetic to Borough Market appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/el-pastor-mexican-borough/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167935008153
Posted on November 27th, 2017
Tewkesbury Park Hotel timeless design with a... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Posted on November 26th, 2017
Get The Look: Relaxed dining for winter suppers | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Get The Look: Relaxed dining for winter suppers | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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As the days grow shorter and gloom descends, gathering for a meal at the end of the day, whether with family or friends, becomes a source of comfort and warmth. Make sure your dining area is ready to provide the cosy for hearty winter suppers to linger over.
Tables & Chairs
If you have the space, start with a really great table, sturdy and substantial enough to accommodate family service (where plates of food are left on the table for everyone to take as much as they like).
This refectory style table in oak seats up to 12 with an extension and works well with mid century modern, Scandanavian and contemporary interiors. £995 Pair it with a matching bench on one side and champagne-coloured upholstered chairs on the other for a more intimate and relaxed take on dinner seating. £350 / £315
For a rustic bistro look, start with this oak and whitewash farm table. £1235
Your guests, especially the younger ones, will enjoy settling into a cushy settee for supper. It’s more laid back than individual dining chairs and can add considerable charm as well.
We love this Tetrad Harris tweed settee with button details. £1599 For a bolder statement, use this saffron two-seater on one side, and a few comfy velvet dining chairs in contrasting colours on the other. £450 / £95
Tableware
Set your winter supper table with dishes that are casual, sturdy and colourful. This faience Citron earthenware series from Maisons du monde will add a sunny hit to the dinner service. £50
For something a bit more earthy and dramatic, consider this dark graphite stoneware series from Portugal – off set with gold, copper or bronze flatware and accessories for maximum gleam. £95
Accessories in organic materials can also add to the textural and atmospheric warmth of your table. We’re thinking punctuating items such as this solid teak hand hewn bowl, for example, or several of these hand glazed serving platters. £95 / £30
Turn on the Heat
In a dining room, decorative elements that utilize light, reflection and heat will go a long way to establishing a cosy ambiance. A fireplace would be nice – but realistically, few of us have one in our home, never mind dining room. This freestanding Imagin bioethanol fireplace could change all that. Amazingly, it’s portable and requires no complicated ducts or flues. £430
You can get that same soothing effect of dancing flames by carefully choosing light fixtures and decorative elements that amplify and refract light. We love these black and yellow pendant lights hung in a series over the dinner table. They’re contemporary yet cast an old fashioned glow. £95
Add Accessories
This wall installation does something similar while providing a talking point and casting a soft pink glow (the most flattering kind for the human face) over your guests. Great in rooms with a pale colour scheme, we see it hanging over a sturdy sideboard, such as this quietly stunning chalky grey piece from Loaf. £93/ £825
Mirrors are also a wonderful way to spread warmth and light over the proceedings. Especially when combined with candlelight. This sunburst mirror would look great in a dining room with its convex glass and antiqued gold rays. £161
Cooking hearty meals to share with family and friends is a great strategy for making it through the dark and slushy days and nights of winter with a warm feeling inside. You don’t need a dedicated dining room for relaxed winter suppers – whatever you’re working with can be dressed up with ambient light sources, cosy materials and and a eye on comfort.
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All photos courtesy of respective brands.
The post Get The Look: Relaxed dining for winter suppers appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-relaxed-dining-winter-suppers/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167832423428
Posted on November 24th, 2017
Our 10 Favourite Winter Home Accessories | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Our 10 Favourite Winter Home Accessories | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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We all love summer, but many of us welcome the blustery autumn and winter days, cherishing the prospect of that cosy home feeling. It seems nearly everything changes with the seasons, including our favourite foods and drinks, the music we listen to, and even the way we style our homes.
Each season provides a unique opportunity for a redecoration. Winter is no different. As the possibility for snow arises and the weather shifts from mild fall breezes to chilling winter winds, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the holidays. If you’re looking for tips on how to style your home like a winter wonderland, check out these 10 home winter accessories we’ve found.
10 Home Accessories for the cold Winter
We all love summer, but many of us welcome the blustery autumn and winter days, cherishing the prospect of that cosy home feeling. It seems nearly everything changes with the seasons, including our favourite foods and drinks, the music we listen to, and even the way we style our homes.
Each season provides a unique opportunity for a redecoration. Winter is no different. As the possibility for snow arises and the weather shifts from mild fall breezes to chilling winter winds, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the holidays. If you’re looking for tips on how to style your home like a winter wonderland, check out these 10 home winter accessories we’ve found.
Getting Cosy
If there’s one thing you want during the winter, it’s staying warm. The easiest way to do that on those cold winter days—aside from cranking up the heat—is to get some nice blankets. The Brilliant blanket from Loaf is a great choice because it’s both lightweight and large enough to cover any bed.
However, if you need something a bit warmer, the perfect solution is a sinfully soft, but sinless, faux fur throw from Feather & Black.
If you prefer your winter blankets with a bit of Christmas flare, John Lewis has some beautiful throw blankets, including this red woodland throw.
There’s no better complement to blankets than some beautiful cushions. If you prefer a small square cushion, these faux fur cushions from Feather & Black are great—plus they’ll match their throw.
If you prefer something a bit more traditional and homely, try this stunning grey cable knit cashmere mix cushion.
Or pair this red knitted reindeer cushion from John Lewis with the red woodland throw from the same brand to create a cohesive combo that serves as a perfect reminder that Christmas is right around the corner.
Warming the Winter Glow
A cosy winter wouldn’t be so cosy without candles. The smell, the warm feeling… you can never go wrong with candles. This cream vanilla scented candle will fill your home with scents reminiscent of warm baked goods.
For those of you who can’t get enough Christmas spirit—not that we blame you—check out some of the scented glass candles available at Maisons du Monde.
They even have a candle with a vivid winter scene inside featuring an adorable little mouse.
If you prefer your candles with no scent, you still have plenty of options. This white curved candle has a unique look that will provide gentle, warm light in your living room for hours on end.
You can even toss some tea lights in a decorative holder, like this copper lotus tea light holder from John Lewis.
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All photos courtesy of respective brands.
The post Our 10 Favourite Winter Home Accessories appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/10-favourite-winter-home-accessories/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167800141328
Posted on November 23rd, 2017
Get The Look: Antiques + Ultra-Modern | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Get The Look: Antiques + Ultra-Modern | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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For those confident enough to ignore rules and conventions, mixing and matching furniture pieces from different historical eras can be lots of fun.
There is an art to combining looks but it’s a good one to master – because everyone has an heirloom piece or two that they just can’t part with. Fortunately, Grandmother’s Victorian sideboard can co-exist happily with your own mid-century modern sensibility, alongside a few ultra-modern pieces your partner feels strongly about. It’s all a question of layering texture and colour, editing and juxtaposing.
Your goal is to ensure that each piece has its perfect place in a coherent whole.
Here are a few ideas:
In very broad terms, antique implies luxury and a sense of the ornate while modern values are more often associated with minimalism. The simplest way to mix the two is just to put them together in a single working unit. So, for a dining room think of a very modern table with vintage chairs. Or an antique find of a sideboard floating just past an ultra-modern dining set. See how this very contemporary oak and grey dining set from Habitat could hold its own next to a much more complexly textured antique-style mirrored sideboard from Artisanti? £490.00 /£1050
Antique Dishes
Or imagine the sophistication of antique dishes on a modern table. The contrast couldn’t be greater between this sleek black and copper dining table and a set of multi-hued Wedgewood dishes that recall Edwardian times. £715 / £170 Yet somehow the elements speak to each other. If you have your own ornate (gilt-edged?) heirloom china passed down through generations, all the better.
Sitting Area
Another way to create a framework in which to mix the antique and the modern is to layer colour… or do away with it altogether. The California design studio Shabby Chic created a strategy for blending disparate styles by limiting rooms’ colour palette to tones of white, cream and very light pastels. You can adopt the same method for blending antiques and more modern pieces.
So a monochromatic palette in a study or office could combine an antique style bleached wood writing desk, this one from Loaf £775, with a chair that boasts a more modern aesthetic like this metal and linen number, also from Loaf. £320
Decorate
Accessorise in either direction. For example, this carved frame mirror reads vintage, while this metal mirror from Maisons du Monde references more space age values. £75 / £287.50
Add a Layer
Rugs are also great for reinforcing a mix and match theme. You can stick with the monochromatic option but add another layer of texture with something like this cream tin ceiling inspired Morris and Co rug. £480 Or if you simply can’t resist adding a punch of colour, consider a modern bold graphic rug or the muted tones of an antique Persian carpet. This traditional style Pazyrk in 100% wool is a great substitute for the real thing. £625
For the Bedroom
In a bedroom you could set a Regency style bench at the foot of a clean lined contemporary bed frame to signal a multi-era design scheme. This French Rococo bench from Swoon Editions comes traditionally upholstered in several muted fabrics. £299 The bed, from John Lewis, is also upholstered in linen but in a very contemporary way. £1050
Antique Twist
There’s another way to slyly time travel through design eras: with a unique work of mashup art. This Sèvres Dicranocephalus Wallichii AP giclée print by Magnus Gjoen takes the Victorian convention of displaying insects, and adds an early 18th century reference to fine porcelain for a very contemporary twist. £435
Whether you are a collector of museum quality antique furniture pieces, or just the recipient of some much loved hand me downs, don’t let anyone tell you they won’t sit well with a modern design aesthetic. Place each element carefully and you can enjoy it all, no matter its lineage.
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All photos courtesy of respective brands.
The post Get The Look: Antiques + Ultra-Modern appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-antiques-ultra-modern/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167729758983
Posted on November 21st, 2017
Dream Hollywood Hotel: Iconic mid-century design... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Dream Hollywood Hotel: Iconic mid-century design... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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Surrounded by the famous Hollywood hills, the Dream Hollywood Hotel has been designed in reference to the iconic mid-century modern architecture of Los Angeles by the Rockwell Group, a New York based architectural practice. Along with his team, led by Rockwell Group Partner and Studio Leader Shawn Sullivan, they have created a contemporary framework for the lobby, guest rooms and rooftop amenities. The 178 room hotel is moments from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the landmark Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with views of the iconic Hollywood sign and the city’s skyline from the rooftop bar, lounge and restaurant.
Respected mid-century architects in such as John Launter, Richard Neutra and others were the inspiration for the hotel drawing on their residential work in California. Garden-inspired elements and plush upholstery were key components to creating an experience that is the perfect blend of hyper-chic and comfort.
A Sense of Space
Reflected in the landscape and neighbouring hillside properties, the hotel has strong, seamless visual connections between the indoors and outdoors. This is evident as soon as guests enter the lobby with it’s double height entrance space opening up to a landscaped pedestrian ‘path’ Subtle tiling leads to a reception and concierge area with a focal point of an oversized stone fireplace inspired by the hearths found in many mid-century Los Angeles homes.
A Sense of Play
Even when walking around the hotel there’s a playful hint of the outdoors with strips of grass set between stone tile flooring and corridor ceilings lit in a way to echo sunlight streaming in through the wooden slats. Custom carpets are based on abstract random patterns created when light hits the floor and in the lobby area at night there are lights mimicking the shadows cast by the sun hitting the trees.
A Sense of Nature
The two colour schemes for the guest rooms were inspired by colours found in nature. The first was inspired by sky, water and white houses against a desert backdrop with a palette of blues, whites and the neutral tones accented with orange. The second palette draws from the warmer hues of a sunset.
A Sense of Openness
Each guest room has been designed to convey a modern sense of openness with large windows linking the outside and inside worlds. Internally, the bathroom and sleeping areas are divided by a row of freestanding, bronze shelving units that support the bathroom sink, mirror and mini bar. The bathroom walls and walkway are clad in reclaimed wooden tiles arranged in an exaggerated parquet pattern, adding texture, interest and warmth to the rooms.
A Sense of Calm
The Guest House is a spacious, glass-walled retreat inspired by the clean simplicity of mid-century architecture. Floor to ceiling windows maximise the sweeping views of the Los Angeles cityscape and a glass-enclosed daybed surrounded by views of the trees provides a cosy area for lounging with an additional dining/bar area and a living room with a feature marble wall.
A Sense of Sophistication
Located on the rooftop of the hotel is the Highlight Room, an outdoor bar, lounge and restaurant covered by a retractable roof enclosure with views of the city skyline and iconic Hollywood sign. The pool area offers guests intimate seating such as two-person chaises and raised cabanas with a retractable top and sides or there is more communal seating with a fire pit area for guests to gather. However you choose to relax, this is pure Hollywood sophistication.
ADDRESS: Hotel address 6417 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
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Photography: Interior images by Emily Andres/ Highlight room and rooftop images by Warren Jagger
The post Dream Hollywood Hotel: Iconic mid-century design meets LA style. appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/dream-hollywood-hotel-iconic-mid-century-design-la-style/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167582184863
Posted on November 17th, 2017
East London Industrial: A Residential... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
East London Industrial: A Residential... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
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Neatly fitted between an office building and an apartment block on a quiet side street in Clerkenwell, East London, lies a three-storey house that has undergone a full refurbishment. Michaelis Boyd, a design-led architectural practice known for their simple, elegant approach with an emphasis on sustainability, were commissioned to work on the house. Originally an 18th Century ironmonger’s workshop, this property has gone through numerous changes and renovations with it’s last incarnation in the early 1990s from a two-storey office to a three-storey contemporary town house. The origins of the building formed the inspiration for this project resulting in a modern design style with a light industrial touch.
Multifunctional Spaces
The owner wanted to create spaces suitable for working and entertaining so the floor plans were reconfigured with the ground floor for meetings and large parties, living level on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor.
Commenting on the project, Alex Michaelis, co-founder of Michaelis Boyd says “Working on the Pear Street project was challenging in that there was so much space for a couple and they were living in a very disjointed way within the spaces, so convincing them to change their ways and create a flow to the spaces, and a more natural way of living and working in the spaces.”
Outside links
Being a terraced property the outdoor space has been cleverly utilised with a terrace at first floor level creating an extension to the living space and a new roof terrace providing vast views of the City. The design concept was to live connected to the exterior environment, taking in the views and integrating outdoor spaces achieved through bespoke windows and skylights throughout the house. The glazing on the terrace façades has been designed with minimal frames which slide completely into the walls creating a seamless feel of outdoor/indoor living when opened up. Three white birch trees have been planted for their sculptural form and shade they provide in the summer.
Material World
The façade to the street was clad in new brickwork and the window openings were reconfigured to suit the new layout including two new glass boxes projecting out from the building whilst providing window seats in the living room and guest bedroom. This attention to the materials and finish is present throughout the whole property with new polished concrete slabs on the ground floor and engineered rustic oak flooring in the rest of the house.
Industrial History
The new staircase is made of blackened steel plates clad with rustic oak treads with blackened perforated metal balustrades referencing the original ironmonger’s workshop and the industrial history of the area.
The Art of Food
The Bulthaup kitchen was designed so that cooking from the hob in the island unit faces out onto the terrace. The owner loves to barbecue so this was designed to function as an extension of the kitchen with a white painted brick clad chimney space housing a bio-ethanol fuelled fireplace outside.
A Bedroom Oasis
Designed specifically as a haven for rest, the master bedroom suite has a picture framed window with views across London with the only other items in the room being the bed and custom designed black stained oak and velvet headboard. The master bathroom has a grey moody palette with dark grey polished plaster wall, black chevron tile flooring and matt black sanitary ware from Dornbracht. Skylights over the double shower and dressing room allow light to penetrate these spaces.
Michaelis Boyd have created open circulation spaces allowing for the natural flow of people and activities, finished to their high standards whilst regenerating the property to suit modern day living with a sensitive nod to the building’s past.
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All photos courtesy of Billy Bolton
The post East London Industrial: A Residential Refurbishment inspired by an Ironmonger’s appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/east-london-industrial-ironmongers-inspiration-residential-refurbishment/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167546782273
Posted on November 16th, 2017
Inside a beautiful Crouch End Family Home | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Inside a beautiful Crouch End Family Home | Spencer Thorpe Blog
https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167482523444/inside-a-beautiful-crouch-end-family-home#_=_
Run a house with a large family and the décor will often be substituted for more practical needs. However, there is one family in North London who have learnt to buck the trend and keep design at the forefront of their home, whilst keeping it at the heart of the family.
Jade Lovejoy and her husband Andy have six children collectively and live in a 5 bedroom, Victorian semi-detached property in Crouch End. Jade is an interior stylist specialising in commercial & editorial photo shoots, window installations & visual merchandising displays. She has styled the windows for Liberty & Harvey Nichols and designed store layouts for Jack Wills, Urban Outfitters plus Cabbages and Roses (just to name a few).
Our home is an eclectic mix of styles, vintage treasures and old window props
Jade’s unique family life and interest in interiors has led her to document a series of creative family homes and lifestyles, in a truthful and realistic style blog.
When meeting with Jade she made one statement about her home which really summed it up: ‘Our home is an eclectic mix of styles, vintage treasures and old window props. But living with children, you learn not to be too precious about things. Our children’s masterpieces hang next to art we have collected and antiques we have inherited. Our house is a loud, vivacious family home and I think that is reflected in its style.’
As the focal point of the house, Jade’s kitchen has been renovated, incorporating an extension which allows plenty of light into the area through glass windows above and at the rear. The dark frames and walls complement the space by adding a beautiful contrast to the light streaming through.
Keeping the shelves the same colour as the walls helps to emphasise the pieces featured on them. This vintage dining table from The Old Cinema is beautifully rustic, whilst also providing enough space for all eight of them to enjoy a family dinner.
The kitchen-diner flows effortlessly with the use of colour. The Fired Earth tiles balance the transition between the walls and work surfaces, which themselves are accompanied with wonderful personal touches – the children’s sketch taped to the wall keeps the atmosphere homely.
The living room is beautifully designed with painted floorboards and contrasting walls. Pops of colour are added through accessories, such as the cushions and children’s artwork.
This showstopper of a cabinet creates a huge statement against the dark grey walls. Discovered and purchased at Kempton Antiques Market, Jade painted it herself with Farrow & Ball ‘Yellow Cake’. Accompanied with a Bianca Hall neon sign it adds life and intrigue to the room, plus a spirited style which is resembled in Jade herself.
In the bedroom Jade continues with the use of darker tones with bursts of colour. Her eclectic taste runs through the house, with a lot of pieces being market finds or family heirlooms. This trunk was found at Pure White Lines in East London and works perfectly as a bedside table.
Having children means there is always extra storage needed for books and toys. However, it is just as important to create a space in which children can also feel relaxed. This tepee was purchased from Etsy and creates a cute hideaway for children to read or even do their homework. The wooden storage crates add a rustic element, proving that toys don’t have to remain on show or be stored in unattractive, plastic boxes.
The bathroom is beautiful, and Jade has taken a lot of care to create a stunning sanctuary that is perfect for escaping a busy city life. The muted colours are calming, whilst the plants add life and freshness to the room. The vintage frames help to personalise the space and the mirror adds an extra dimension making the room feel bigger.
We wanted to know how Jade’s house remains so beautiful, plus any tips she has for keeping it that way. We asked a few questions to find out more!
IDEALIST: What is the biggest challenge of running a family home?
Learning to let go of perfectionism and realising a neat home is a dull one! Storage is one way of putting some of the things in your life in order and a big challenge in the family home. You have to create ways of hiding all of the kid paraphernalia, or at the very least closing some small door on it all! (the toys obviously, not the kids!)
The biggest design challenge is the chaos, the mix of styles, personalities and collections, although it does make our home unique.
IDEALIST: What advice would you give to other parents with children, in keeping the home a place you all love?
Teach your children to respect and love the things you have in your home as much as you do.
IDEALIST: Who is your biggest design inspiration?
Jan Showers says, “Every room needs a touch of black, just as it needs at least one antique piece.” I love this.
Pinterest is brilliant but the problem is we all follow the same boards so covert the same Berber rugs and we all have a tile obsession!
Inspiration can come from art, travel and nature as well as other inspirational designers.
IDEALIST: From doing your own renovation, what are your top design tips for a family home?
Paint is one of the easiest ways to transform a room, and it can also be one of the cheapest.
Darker walls can instantly make a space feel more luxurious, stylish and, contrary to what we may think, it doesn’t make a space feel smaller – AND it hides handprints, scooter scuffs and whatever else they wipe on the walls!
‘Your home should tell a story of who you are and be a collection of what you love’. In our house it’s the dark colours and curiosities that create the drama (as well as the teenagers!).
Get the lighting right. I love our ceiling roses and decorative pendant lights (bought at Kempton antiques markets), but I feel uncomfortable in a room with the overhead lights on. We have lamps everywhere. Lighting will make a room cosy and inviting, but also highlights your home decoration.
This may make me sound boring BUT I wish we had the luxury of a big utility room in the middle of the house. Instead we have a washing machine in the basement. That was bad planning, all those stairs!
Make your downstairs loo a show stopper. You can be a lot more creative in a smaller space that has one function. Paint your ceiling, walls, skirts and trims all the same colour – it will unify the space.
The bigger the mirror, the bigger the impact. Our bedroom mirror is from Graham and Green and we bought the biggest one we could hang. It reflects the light, making our bedroom feel larger (and therefore a little more luxurious).
IDEALIST: What has been the biggest challenge in the renovation?
Not having an endless pot of pennies! We still have a to-do list.
I think you’ll only make a mistake with builders once, a well recommended builder is worth its weight in gold.
Interior wise, it’s been a challenge to try and incorporate everyone’s personalities into one well designed space.
IDEALIST: What is the focal point of your home?
To make our house feel like a home, a happy home.
IDEALIST: What would you change about your home décor if you didn’t have kids?
We would definitely live in an edgier, cooler part of town.
Interior wise, I’d like to think we would spend a bit more money on our furniture, but we probably wouldn’t. Maybe we would be more Scandi, and I’d have a beautiful collection of cacti!
IDEALIST: Which is your favourite room and why?
Our kitchen, it’s were all the parties start and end. The kitchen is the hub of our home. We hang out there as a family, cook and eat and the children also do their homework at the kitchen table.
It is however, on some occasions, my least favourite room too. I would like to extend, rebuild and redesign it. I would like a huge pantry and a central island unit on wheels, so it could be moved out of the way for dancing!
IDEALIST: Which purchase for your home has been your favourite?
We don’t have expensive furniture but some great pieces of art. I did an installation at Harvey Nichols for the launch of Another Magazine with Jefson Hack years ago, and afterwards we all got to keep a few of the art pieces – fashion campaigns printed onto huge sheets of acrylic – which have been scattered around the house and have a massive impact.
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All photographs were taken by Georgia Gold – a London based Interiors and Food photographer.
The post Inside a beautiful Crouch End Family Home appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/beautiful-crouch-end-family-home/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167482375133
Posted on November 14th, 2017
Mead House – Reconfiguring the Heart of the Home | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Mead House – Reconfiguring the Heart of the Home | Spencer Thorpe Blog
https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167403417029/mead-house-reconfiguring-the-heart-of-the-home#_=_
This family home has undergone a recent transformation from being the owner’s family home whilst growing up until his parents, who were looking to downsize, decided to ‘swap’ homes with their son. This resulted in both parties fulfilling their needs with the younger family looking for space to grow into. Design studio Robinson van Noort provided the architectural and design expertise for this residential project with their trademark high level of bespoke attention.
Challenges
Alongside the emotional attachments the families had, the original 17th Century property had grown with a Victorian addition and a 20th Century entrance. These resulted in a slightly muddled flow of the ground floor which led to needing to reconfigure the whole house.
Starting Point
The driving force for the redesign was to utilise the south facing part of the house for the most frequently used areas: the kitchen, dining room, hall and drawing room. The old kitchen, located in the original part of the property, was then freed up to create a family TV/snug room, better suited to the smaller proportions. An adjoining wall was knocked through to incorporate the existing games room which transformed this otherwise tight space. Soft furnishings from Eleanor Pritchard, curtains from The Linen Shop and a Hay Mags sofa all add to the cosy, warm feel of this family room.
Combining the Old and the New
Creating this friendly, open and playful space alongside the more formal rooms plays on the juxtaposition between the old and the new parts of the house, as does a new entrance hall that connects the west facing-courtyard to the east garden. This altered layout has vastly improved the circulation and flow of the ground floor whilst still being sympathetic to the period nature of the property with its contemporary 21st century additions.
Flooring and Furniture
The use of herringbone wooden flooring throughout the ground floor provides a timeless, cohesive feel interconnecting each room. From the rustic wooden table in the entrance hallway to the crisp sleek lines of the kitchen breakfast bar, wood has been used to reflect the style of each room in a very sensitive way. Bespoke joinery of the blue glass fronted display cabinet, handles for the coat cupboard and the upholstered coffee table/footstool were designed by Ali Robinson with high attention to detail and design.
Colours
A mix of strong and subtle blues harmonises the home with added warmth from the wood and a clean, fresh element from white woodwork and other pieces. Glimpses of the striking Nuvole Cole and Son wallpaper from the Fornasetti Collection, can be seen through beautifully framed doorways into the formal dining room.
Lighting
The diverse yet complimentary lighting within each room is fascinating to have many different styles working together. There’s the 1970s three tiered yellow Murano glass chandelier, Nonia white and oak pendant lights in the kitchen and a Bocci 28d desk lamp in the snug. Perhaps it’s this mixing of styles, buildings and generations that creates the perfect home.
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All photos courtesy of the owners/Robinson van Noort studios.
The post Mead House – Reconfiguring the Heart of the Home appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/mead-house-reconfiguring-heart-home/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167403310188
Posted on November 12th, 2017
Indoor urban gardening – solutions for all spaces... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
Indoor urban gardening – solutions for all spaces... | Spencer Thorpe Blog
https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167367097544/indoor-urban-gardening-solutions-for-all-spaces#_=_
Whether you’re a plant lover, botanical challenged or feel your home and lifestyle aren’t suitable for plants, there are a growing number of solutions on the market to suit every need. The trend for indoor greenery certainly isn’t showing any signs of slowing down so we’ve rounded up a variety of options to keep your plants and your home looking great.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics (growing plants in water) is ideal for those who are away from home for periods of time, short on space for plants or simply don’t have much gardening experience. Eliminating the need for soil is also beneficial for homes with pets or young children where plant pots can get knocked over and make a mess. In fact, plants grown hydroponically grow stronger and faster as the roots don’t have to search to find the water and nutrients.
Optimus Garden is a smart vertical hydroponic garden that focuses on innovative design and efficient urban gardening. Up to nine plants can be grown simultaneously in the coloured casing and water levels and conditions can all be monitored through an app, providing a smart response to busy contemporary life. For further information visit Optimus Garden.
Planters
Vertical planters are perfect space savers as are plant hangers. Terrariums are perfect for creating a mini garden on a small scale with succulents and cacti so make ideal starter plants that need minimal care or watering. Window boxes suit all kinds of properties, whether its a collection of herbs for cooking or adding colour and greenery to a window they are really effective and easy to look after.
Tropical plants
Many interior photos contain large tropical plants and they work well indoors for several reasons. Tropical plants add interest to an otherwise difficult area, can be used a way of screening or partitioning a room and survive well in warm, dry conditions. Ikea have a great range of plants and planters that add instant colour and freshness to a room. Aloe Vera, Areca palm and Calathea (prayer plant) are all plants that make a statement whilst being easy to look after too.
Local Plant Centres and Nurseries
Plant centres, nurseries and independent shops are all great places to source indoor plants. Usually, the staff in such shops are gardening experts so tap into their knowledge so explain what you are looking for and they should be able to advise you. Look for healthy looking plants when buying to give them the best start in their new home too.
Plant Care, Maintenance and Accessories
The key to successfully maintaining your own indoor urban garden is getting to grips with the needs of the plants. Consider room temperature, how much light the plant will get and how much water it needs and then you’ll enjoy all the benefits plants bring to a home. Plant labels give the specific instructions required for each plant so keep them for future reference. Add in some stylish plant accessories such as baskets, metal or terracotta pots and a smart looking watering can and you’ll be well equipped to keep your plants looking their best.
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All photos courtesy of Optimus Graden
The post Indoor urban gardening – solutions for all spaces and lifestyles appeared first on The Idealist.
from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/indoor-urban-gardening-solutions-spaces-lifestyles/
from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167367082898
Posted on November 11th, 2017