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Patch: Revolutionising Our Approach to Plants | Spencer Thorpe Bloghttps://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/166067770399/patch-revolutionising-our-approach-to-plants_=_ Keeping a plant alive can be tricky and for many of us having even a basic knowledge of plants is a pipe dream. However with the rise in popularity of botanical interiors and house plants good advice is always welcome no matter how much knowledge you possess. This is why we met with Freddie Blackett the founder of Patch the online plant company who are revolutionising the gardening industry and helping us all make an educated and well-informed investment in our plants. We want everyone to be given the chance to feel the benefits of having plants in their lives however inexperienced or time-poor you might be. The Story of Patch Patch co-founders Freddie Blackett and Ed Barrow IDEALIST: How did Patch come about? The story of Patch started when I moved in with my girlfriend back in 2014. Clemmie had this unloved empty balcony that I was determined to transform into an urban oasis but I realised quite quickly that firstly I knew absolutely nothing about plants nor gardening and secondly I was going to have to drive to the suburbs to find a half-decent garden centre. Even when I got there I didnt know which plants I liked or which ones would work for my space. Through conversations with friends I realised I wasnt the only one struggling with a first foray into the world of plants and thats when I came up with the idea for Patch. IDEALIST: How did you realise there was a need for Patch? Over the last year weve consistently grown by a third every month with a lot of our customers coming back many times and more and more positive chatter on Instagram. I suppose its a combination of all this that has encouraged me that theres a whole bunch of people out there who want a new accessible and reliable way to bring some life into their homes and offices. An Evolving Process IDEALIST: From your initial thoughts to actually setting up Patch as a business how long was this process? The idea came to me back in 2014 but I knew I couldnt commit to starting this business unless I developed a passion for plants myself. So I spent a year or so growing (and killing!) some more plants and gradually I found that I was getting the hang of it and falling in love with it. It was then in April 2016 that I left my job and went full time. Uniqueness IDEALIST: What makes Patch unique as a brand? We make it easy for anyone to enjoy all the benefits that plants bring especially to urban homes. We do this in lots of different ways; from swapping out the Latin names of our plants for easy human names like Chaz and Howard to providing detailed care instructions for every plant we sell. We want everyone to be given the chance to feel the benefits of having plants in their lives however inexperienced or time-poor you might be. IDEALIST: How did you market your brand in the initial stages? We hand-delivered 10000 flyers to new builds with balconies in East London over the Summer of 2016 then we started running ads on Google to people in London searching for plants. Now we focus on offering really inspirational and educational content on our Instagram website and email newsletter hoping to earn the attention of potential plant buyers by being genuinely helpful. Challenges IDEALIST: What have been your biggest challenges so far? Weve been expanding quickly so of course there have been growing pains. The gardening market is a very old-fashioned one getting to grips with that has been both our biggest challenge and probably our most important achievement. Top Suggestions IDEALIST: Regarding plants in the home what are your current top 3 suggestions for those living in London who have little time? Do some research before you get started. For example choosing the right home for a plant in your space i.e. a sunny vs. shady spot is half the battle of setting up the right environment for it to survive. We have great care instructions for each of the plants we sell on their product page and a beginners plant guide which can be downloaded for free here. Buy in quality plants. Theres a big difference between buying plants from a supermarket and buying from a good plant retailer. It costs a bit more but theyll be far harder to kill. Finally a big one that lots of people dont know is that over-watering is often worse for plants than under-watering. We find novice plant-owners will reach for the watering can too soon when a plants looking a bit worse for wear. The best way to find out if a plant needs water is to stick your finger in the soil two inches down and feel how dry it is. The gardening market is a very old-fashioned one getting to grips with that has been both our biggest challenge and probably our most important achievement. IDEALIST: For a start up like yourselves what are your top 3 advice tips? Dont bother doing something unless you can do it excellently. Know that saying yes to something has to mean saying no to something else. Enlist 5-6 people outside the business to be your own personal board on whom you can rely great honest advice when you need it. The Future IDEALIST: Where do you see Patch in 5 years time? Having helped a million people to discover the joys of living with plants. IDEALIST: Are there any exciting developments on the horizon? I cant go into the specifics but suffice to say that were working hard on making technology that help more people to discover and look after beautiful plants. You May Also Like Ken Howard amp; Friends The Auction Modern Heroes: Venoor Living Modern Danish Hero: Jonas Krger of Brdr. Krger All photos courtesy of Patch. The post Patch: Revolutionising Our Approach to Plants appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/patch-homes-gardens-uk/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/166067582363

Idealist City Guide: Bristol | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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For a city, an absurd amount of culture and history can be found within Bristol’s forty square miles. On the one hand, the city has always been a terribly industrious place – think Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge that he designed, the Floating Harbour and city’s railway and nautical heritage. That said, injected deep into Bristol’s DNA is the city’s punkish and youthful edge. The city has become a cathedral to the youthful, creative and artistic through its array of live music venues, cafes, collectives and street art. It’s somewhat unsurprising, therefore, that Bristol is home to perhaps one of the nation’s most notorious and elusive sons- the graffiti artist-cum-political activist, Banksy. With Bristol positively bristling with so much character, history, and a vibrant arts scene, it would be absurd not to consider it as an option a cool option for your next city break. Certainly, with the city’s many art galleries, boutiques and antiques dealers, you might find yourself bringing a fair bit of Bristol back into your home.

Shopping

Dig Haüshizzle is the brainchild of Cassandra and Edward Nicholas. Since opening its doors in 2010, the boutique has been the word in the way vintage furniture, reimagined with a dark and fiercely modern edge. In Cassandra and Edward’s own words, ‘We buy what we love … that is our main buying criteria.’ Consequently, their Coulson Street store, located in the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter of the city centre, is jam-packed with furniture, prints, lighting, taxidermy and all manner of wildcard curiosities that simply beam with an effortlessly cool, punkish rawness. If you’re looking for that special something to administer a healthy of character to your home, you’ll be certain to find it here.

Neptune’s mission statement is rather simple. They believe in beautiful furniture and accessories for the home, constructed in a manner that brings the best out of the materials used whilst honouring traditional craftsmanship- it’s something they’ve been doing, with great success, for over twenty years. Their store, housed in a Georgian building with a double-height gallery space displays Neptune’s wares with beautifully, bringing out the best in the products. For styles of furniture ranging form contemporary-modern to classically influenced pieces, much can be found here.

Found at No.11 St. Nicholas Street, Rag & Bone was founded in 2012 by impassioned antiques collectors, Arthur and Mollie. Their indie shop offers an eclectic mix of pieces from a variety of styles including antique furniture, old school mid-century pieces and all manner of curiosities. They often work with film and television companies, and are can also lend their expertise and taste in the way of a full interior design service. With an inventory that includes everything from art, to mirrors, furniture and garden pieces, we’re confident that something you’ll fall in love with can be found here.

Bristol Handmade Glass continues the city’s proud glass heritage and produces glassware from paperweights to decanters, to their signature stain glass. Their gallery, found at the top of Christmas Steps, next to the city’s Royal Infirmary, stocks everything from mirrors, lamps, lighting to bespoke blown glass pieces by the likes of Peter Leyton, Peter St. Clair and English Antique Glass, to name a few artists and companies. If you’ve an got idea in mind, Bristol Handmade Glass also create bespoke designs in conjunction with you to bring them to life.

Let’s Eat

Bristol is certainly a city that looks out to the world- and certainly- one of the places where this is best observed is through the cultural diversity in the city’s many restaurants. Whether it is something Mediterranean, Far Eastern, American style diner grub or modern British cooking, a little something from all the globe’s four corners can be found here.

In the way of refined British cuisine, Casamia is at the cutting edge. The brainchild of brothers Peter and Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias, Casamia has been awarded a Michelin star for the artfully composed dishes that adorn their tasting menus. Though the food is certainly highbrow, the flavours complex and a tremendous display of modern cooking techniques, in the words of celebrity critic Jay Rayner, food at Casamia ‘never loses sight of feeding people well’. Their dishes are inspired by the energy, multicultural soul and creative spirit of Bristol. To avoid disappointment, it is imperative that a reservation is placed prior to visiting.

Bravas is a modern Spanish restaurant with a old soul. The owners often travel to Spain and are always amazed by the fresh, unpretentious and inexpensive offerings they find in the country’s many local tapas bars. Breavas follows in that vein. Bravas’ relaxed, warm interior captures the spirit of the Spanish tapas bar- a social space where you can unwind with friends. The open kitchen introduces a sense of drama to the space, offering diners a front row seat where they can see, hear and smell the action in the kitchen. In creating a genuine tapas experience, Bravas’ menu relies on fresh produce, often changing to make the best of seasonal produce.

Aquila brings traditional cuisine from Italy’s many regions to the heart of Bristol. Their large selection of Pane, Risotto, Pizza, Pasta, Dolci, Antipasti and salad dishes are all creations of head chef Daniele Pellicane and team and are hinged on fresh, authentic ingredients to most optimally bring out similarly authentic flavours. Aquila’s sommeliers have curated a list of wines that gorgeously pair with and complement the dishes on the menu to round off your dining experience.

Getting Here & Hotels

Bristol is a hub, and very much a beast in its own right when it comes to connections with other British cities. With London, it couldn’t be easier getting there. If you don’t fancy the drive, regular services from Paddington Station will get you there within or around the two-hour mark. However, though this may tempt the day-trip, it is vital you look beyond it if you plan on making the most of the city. Fortunately, Bristol is no slouch when it comes to some quality, boutique hotels. We’ve listed three of our favourite below.

For lovers of all things urban, the Paintworks Apartment might just be the perfect place to stay. Paintworks is comprised of five apartments situated in a converted paint factory. The five apartments each have their own theme, each bristling with cool music memorabilia and artefacts that beautifully complement Paintwork’s overall urban, minimalist-industrial, and at times, Scandi look. The apartments come fully equipped with all the things you would come to expect from a residential one, including: cooking facilities, Wi-Fi, fridge-freezers and television. It’s a perfect pad from which Bristol can be explored on your own terms.

Perhaps you’re after something a little more quaint and traditional, for both instances which few things can top a nice bed and breakfast. The Greenhouse is certainly that and so much more. The hotel is typical of the architecture found in Southville, the sleepy Bristol suburb in which it is based. Interior spaces are light, breezy and contemporary. However, by the way the hotel operates, it is wholly green. It’s hot water and electricity are powered by solar panels and its lights are driven by enormously efficient LED systems. It’s six rooms all sport warm colours, a patchwork of off-whites and light browns. As you’d imagine, Breakfast is included in the price and Wi-Fi and parking are complementary. The Greenhouse is just a stone’s throw away from many of the city’s historical attractions.

The Bristol Harbour Hotel is pretty much as boutique as it comes. Luxurious, unapologetically bold and situated slap-bang in the city’s heart, The Bristol Harbour Hotel used to be two city banks in a former life with one being the former headquarters of Lloyd’s. The facades of the building’s exterior are simply breath taking, designed in the 1840’s based off the Liberty St. Mark’s in Venice. The hotel features the stunning Sansovino Hall, which formerly a bank hall, is now used for events. The rooms flaunt understated tones compositionally, and each feature an eclectic but elegant set of furniture and decanter of gin and sherry as standard. It is a wholly relaxing space. Large windows flood the rooms with light where features such as a Sleepeazee mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathrooms sport Italian marble and come ready with White company products. Wi-Fi comes complementary during your stay.

Bristol Calling

For a city steeped in so much history, and for one bursting with so much culture and personality, Bristol is criminally undersold. Certainly, if you’re in the mood to switching gears from London just for the while, the city is hugely refreshing- it’s certainly the perfect place to find those special pieces pieces that inspire new life into your home.

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Ken Howard & Friends – The Auction | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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In both the circles of artists and laymen, Ken Howard requires no introduction. The artist and painter’s penchant for poetic composition, and ability to capture spaces with an endearing and candid sincerity has made him one of the country’s most respected and beloved artists. Beside Howard’s OBE, which he received during the 2010 Birthday Celebrations, he has been elected a both an Associate and Academician of the Royal Academy and is also a former President of the New English Art Society- to mark just four highlights in his long and decorated career.

Along with the work of personal friends, many of whom are fellow former and current Presidents and of some of the world’s most prestigious art societies, Ken Howard’s work will be featuring at ‘Ken Howard & Friends- The Auction’ on Thursday 26^th October at Chelsea’s John Bly Gallery.

The fifty-fifty auction is organised in close conjunction with Kids for Kids, an initiative that provides much needed help to the critically forgotten children of Darfur, Sudan. Kids for Kids’ work is simply remarkable. By offering goat loans and the creation of sustainable development programmes, Kids for Kids greatly aid communities living in near inhospitable regions, often ravaged by drought.

Inspired by this noble cause, the auction will bring together oil paintings and watercolour works composed by Howard and fellow Royal Academians, members of Royal Watercolour Society and the New English Art Society.

For art buffs, ‘Ken Butler & Friends – The Auction’ serves as a great opportunity to study, and potentially own, the works of some the nation’s finest artists. The auction will feature work by the likes of Ken Howard, Richard Pikesley, Francis Bowyer, Alan Cotton, Maurice Sheppard, Bob Brown, Salliann Putman, Diana Armfield, Andrew Macara, Sir Quentin Blake, Toby Ward, Melissa Scott-Miller, Susan Ryder, William Bowyer, David Parfitt, Mary Jackson, Tom Coates, Michael Sandle, Patrick Cullen, Ann Le Bas, Fred Cuming and Charles Bone.

As Kids for Kids founder Patricia Parker MBE observes: “This is a rare opportunity to see works by our leading artists from the highest echelons of the art world, paintings in different mediums, shown together… It is a real honour, and very touching, that such famous artists want to help the forgotten children of Darfur.”

The collection will be available to view from the 19^th October up to the evening of the auction on the 26^th during the opening hours of the John Bly Gallery (Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Private Viewings can also be arranged on either Thursday 19^th and Tuesday 24^th of October; one would be required to apply for a ticket so as to avoid disappointment.

We’ve shortlisted a few pieces of our favourites from the auction. For those unable to visit, the entire ‘Ken Howard & Friends – The Auction’s collection can also be viewed online.

Drawing for Kids for Kids

by Michael Sandle RA

From the Bacinni, Venice

by Ken Howard OBE RA

Udairpur Sunset overlooking the lake

by Patrick Cullen NEAC

Alternative Drawing for the façade of Angers University Hospital Maternity Unit

by Sir Quentin Blake CBI RDI

Summer Flowers

by Melissa Scott-Miller NEAC RP

The Auction itself will take place at 6:30 for 7:00 p.m. at The John Bly Gallery 1st floor 533 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW10 0TZ. Celebrity auctioneer, John Bly, will conduct the auction.

On account of limited space, the event will be ticketed. These can be attained by contacting them. Although there is no charge for entry, donations are graciously accepted. More information, can be found at ‘Ken Howard & Friends- The Auction’.

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Teenage Kicks – Tips for Teenage Bedrooms | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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A teenage bedroom has to meet the needs of the busy and demanding stage between childhood and adulthood. Gone are the days of giant boxes of toys and shelves of cuddly teddies (apart form the extra special ones). Now the room has to fulfil many different purposes such as studying, sleeping and relaxing. Here’s some tips on how to create a cool teenage bedroom that they’ll actually want to spend time in.

Joining forces

It is crucial that any decision making about a teenager’s bedroom should be done together. Don’t forget they’re evolving into adults with their own opinions and views with ideas of how they want to express themselves. So talk about room layout, which furniture you have and where it will go with them, consider colour schemes and maybe create a digital or physical mood-board try to understand each other’s needs and ideas.

Zoned areas

It can be useful to create different areas for different purposes and using different colours is a great way of doing this. A light and bright study area should ideally be near a window as natural light is best and an interesting view will help too, whereas a relaxing area can take strong and darker colours.

Feature element

Having a bold focal point will give the room interest and is an ideal opportunity for self expression. This could be a wall mounted bike/surfboard/skateboard, a gallery wall of photos, wall stickers or a giant map. It’s good to go with the interests of the teenager for this as it will reflect their personality. Alternative ways to make a feature space could be through wallpaper, cladding a wall in chipboard or painting an area in a bold colour.

The fifth wall

The ceiling. Here’s where you can let your/their imagination run wild as ceilings are often overlooked spaces. Posters, art, large stickers or taking the chance of painting the ceiling in a different colour can all work well in a teenager’s bedroom.

Storage

Wall mounted storage works great in teenage bedrooms as it maximises the floor space. An open clothes rail instead of a wardrobe is an effective space saver and adding shelves in less conventional places such as the space above the door works well too. Good storage and organisation of a study area will make it more appealing to use and wall planners and shelving are practical for books and stationery and can look good too.

Freestanding furniture

Flexible furniture that can be moved around when necessary is great in a teenager’s bedroom. A roll out bed stored under an existing bed is perfect for when friends stay over and it also prevents the under-the-bed-black-hole where items can easily be lost. Day beds that also work as sofas as a place to relax are ideal for creating an area to switch off and relax after studying.

Paint it black

Adding a few touches of black within a room adds a sense of maturity, clearly identifying the room as having moved on from a child’s room. Black out blinds are also great for encouraging a good night’s sleep. The only drawback might be getting them to leave their room…

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Idealist City Guide: Cardiff | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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As a city, it’s difficult to not observe Cardiff as a Janus-like entity. Like the mythological figure whose two facades face opposite directions, one looking forward and the other looking back, Cardiff too, is poised with a likewise dichotomy: it looks to the future in much the same way it looks to its past, all at the same time. Having become the official Welsh capital as late as 1955, Cardiff has jumped into its role as a notably modern, progressive city on both the European and global stages.

The city’s architecture certainly reflects this, seen through the bold and daring silhouettes of the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre. And still, interspersed in tiny pockets and urban crevices are echoes of its ancient past: Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, the Bute building and the Coal Exchange paint Cardiff as a historical space- a city with a many-chaptered story to tell. And I suppose it’s precisely this, which gives Cardiff its charm.

Cardiff’s many boutiques, galleries and restaurants pack this charm and energy in spades, making the city a fantastic option when the weary drone of London bustle grows a touch too monotonous.

Shopping

If you consider yourself a lover of contemporary furniture, it is vital you visit Monument during your time in the city. Over the past thirteen years, the family-run company has been working closely with leading European manufacturers to ensure the highest quality at the best value for the client. For lighting and furniture that sports a Midcentury, Scandi, Modern Industrial or even Boho touch, few places in Cardiff come better qualified than Monument. Their varied and international clientele, including interior designers and architects, can attest to the company’s passion for distinctly modern furniture and lighting.

If retro style is more your thing, we’re confident you’ll fall in love with Jacob’s. Its three-storey, converted warehouse store means that it is a cathedral to all things vintage; from bespoke lighting, furniture, vinyl, vintage clothing, army surplus and even comic books- all things old-school can be found within its walls. With more than thirty stalls, many of which work closely with to the television and film industries, it won’t be long until you find that retro-inspired accent piece and mojo-packed conversation starter to inject new life into your home.

Art buffs will simply adore the Martin Tinney Gallery. Since opening its doors in 1992, the gallery is now considered to be Wales’ premier private commercial art gallery. The Martin Tinney Gallery specialises in showcasing the best Welsh talent. Since moving to a renovated townhouse with a purpose built extension, the art can be enjoyed over three, gorgeously-lit floors. The gallery stock Wales’ greatest living artists, including Harry Holland, Sally Moore, Shani Rhys James and Kevin Sinnott, whilst also boasting a stock of influential 20^th century works from the likes of Gwen John, Augustus John, Ceri Richards, David Jones, Sir Cedric Morris, John Piper and Graham Sutherland- to name a few. With an international clientele that include The Tate Gallery and The National Museum of Wales, the Martin Tinney Gallery can similarly assist you whether it is an individual purchase you are making, or an investment into a collection of premier Welsh art.

If contemporary is more your flavour, you simply cannot afford to miss the BayArt gallery. Situated amongst the busy streets of Cardiff Bay, BayArt is a defiantly artist-led institution. Butetown Artists, many of whom have won international accolades and prizes in the contemporary art field, occupy sixteen studios above the gallery. BayArt also offer interpretation of the art that adorns its exhibition halls, hosting seminars and workshops to develop and enrich admirers’ understandings of modern contemporary art.

Let’s Eat

Cardiff is a truly international and multicultural city- and certainly, the diversity of the culinary delights offered by its many restaurants certainly attests to this observation. Whether you’re after a lunch from a modern gastro pub, continental cuisine or far eastern flavours, all can be found here.

Working under the mantra of ‘we love cooking, eating & gin’, The Potted Pig is a restaurant that is passionate about modern British cuisine. The restaurant does not restrict itself to a single concept or culinary philosophy. Rather, they pride themselves on dishing up tasty, seasonal cuisine with ingredient sourced from local suppliers, who they work closely with. Their gin menu is certainly not lacking either. With over thirty different varieties behind the bar, you’d be sure to find a new favourite tipple here.

Yakitori #1 offers up modern Japanese cuisine from only the freshest and sustainably sourced ingredients. Their extensive menu sports delicious sushi, grilled meats, rice and noodle dishes in traditional Japanese styles and others that you may not have experienced before. Whether it is a light bite or a several course meal, dishes are designed to be shared at the table. An open kitchen allows for diners to watch the chefs as they cook, adding to the theatre and spectacle of the experience.

In their own words, Madeira Restaurante is all about ‘authentic and passionate Portuguese food served in the heart of Cardiff.’ Since opening its doors in 1998, the family run restaurant have been offering an extensive menu of freshly prepared, Portuguese dishes that boast a variety of meat, fish, poultry and vegetarian options. Its stone-clad walls and rustic interior beams with an Iberian charm and is the perfect setting for dinners. One would have to book to avoid disappointment.

In Shaam Nights’ own words, the restaurant is ‘a rather elegant dining experience and sets itself apart from the rest both inside and out.’ Illuminated by the dim, ambient glow of lanterns, and sporting gorgeous stained glass wall features and tiled flooring, Shaam Nights boasts a truly authentic Syrian dining experience. The restaurant’s masterfully put together menu is influenced by the diffusion of cultures and civilisations that called Syria home over time; consequently, Arabic, Persian and Ottoman influences can be found on the menu. Featuring dishes that were historically served to Caliphs and Sultans on special occasions, Shaam Nights delivers a truly opulent Middle-Eastern dining experience.

Getting Here & Place to Stay

We Londoners are spoiled by the many connections we have to the UK’s other metropolitan hubs. Cardiff is no exception. If you do not feel like getting behind the wheel, services are easily caught from Paddington Station- a mere three hours later and you’re there. However, to make the most of what the city has to offer, it is imperative you look beyond the day trip. We’ve shortlisted three of the best hotels in the city that beam with a character and energy all of their own.

Cathedral 73 are, in their own words, ‘a dignified Victorian townhouse with funky, fashionable 21st-century accommodation’ – certainly, its many spaces live up to that identity. Cathedral 73 offers nothing but the highest levels of service, including proper afternoon tea, a trendy night time piano bar and the being driven around in the hotel’s very own and iconic classic yellow Rolls Royce. Rooms feature all the trimmings, including: King-sized beds, bed linen from Linea, custom-made curtains walk-in showers, deluxe Conran bath and body toiletries and Smart TV and Wi-Fi access. With both room and suite options available, rooms are styled in a airy, uncluttered yet classically inspired style making Cathedral 73 a youthful and luxurious option for your stay in Cardiff.

The New House Country Hotel is situated on the rolling hills away from Cardiff’s city centre. Boasting a gorgeous period exterior, complete with fountain and creeper-clad walls, the New House Country Hotel is a superlative luxurious country getaway. The hotel boasts an array of rooms to suite a variety of arrangements running anything from a standard double to a bridal suite. Within, playful yet classically styled spaces create a relaxing, airy ambience. The rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, Mydffai toiletries, television, Wi-Fi and Tea and Coffee and hair dryers, to ensure all your bases are covered. The Sequoias Restaurant offers a dazzling array of lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, private dining and wine and drinks options.

If it’s a traditional bed and breakfast experience you’re after, The Lincoln is a fantastic option. The hotel prides itself on its premier B&B service, always ensuring the clients are looked after when food is required in the evening. The hotel’s central location means that most of Cardiff, and even South Wales, is all within easy reach. Likewise, The Lincoln have an arrangement with local restaurants that means you can enjoy the eclectic range of cuisines on offer and be billed directly to the hotel. If you would prefer to stay in, a take away service and bar ensures all the your needs are covered. All rooms are tastefully decorated by Victorian design and feature a double bed, an ensuite, complementary Wi-Fi, television, radio, a telephone and tea and coffee facilities.

Cardiff, certainly when compared to London, is a city still blooming, bristling with tabula rasa-like energy that excitedly waits for the chapters of its future to be written. In quite the same way, it’s a city with a lengthy history, and has wears sophistication and complexity attached through its period buildings and ancient streets. Cardiff is a tremendously exciting and eclectic place, and certainly when looking to recharge both the home and batteries of the mind, is a fantastic option that is just a mere stone’s throw away.

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Indoor plants to enhance your home | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Indoor plants have moved on from the lonely spider plant neglected in a corner of a room: they are now a fully integral part of interior decor. With plants ranging from collections of small succulents to big and bold plants making a statement, any interior photo from the last few years will confirm this growing trend.

Benefits

Plants literally breathe life into a room by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen and photochemicals which suppress mould spoors and bacteria. This makes them ideal for homes, especially bathrooms and bedrooms where clean air is essential. They also add humidity which helps to counter dry air caused by central heating which can be a problem of modern living. Adding green life to a home shows that the property is cared for enough to keep another growing plant alive and is particularly important if you don’t have any green space outside.

Plant suitability

Looking at a plant’s origins helps to determine the suitability of a plant to a specific area. Plants that come from hotter tropics prefer to be in warm rooms with moisture in the air so bathrooms are perfect. Succulents and cacti originate from dry and arid climates so sunny window sills and very little watering is best. Some ferns on the other extreme are very thirsty and need frequent watering. It’s always best to look at care labels when buying plants to find the optimum location and level of care needed for your plants to thrive.

Which plant should I buy?

In addition to finding out how much water and light a plant needs, it’s worth bearing in mind the plant’s size and shape. Is it fast growing? Will it need repotting soon? What is the leaf shape, size and colour? Thinking about these questions will ensure you select the right plant for the right space. Popular and easy to maintain indoor plants include palms, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens, succulents, fiddle leaf fig trees and air plants.

How to arrange plants within the home

Take inspiration from website and magazine photos that contain plants. Grouping different plants together adds impact to a room, as does a collection of similar plants. Think about the height of a plant, as large leaf plants such as palms work well in large containers or baskets on the floor whereas others suit plant holders that maximise space and give added height. I often use stools for plant holders that double up as extra seating or side tables when needed. Arranging plants in odd numbers works best so think in threes and fives, perhaps using similar materials and colours in the pots. Terracotta is a classic material for plant containers that never goes out of style.

Bringing the outside in

Having greenery within the home provides a link with nature and being outside. Indoor plants help to achieve this by allowing the eye to connect plants inside and outside. This feels even more necessary now that the nights are drawing in and we don’t spend as much time outdoors, a perfect excuse to bring some plant life into our lives.

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An Heirloom Colour Scheme: Georgian Green | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Just as heirloom tomatoes and carrots are appreciated by today’s gourmands, heritage hues from iconic eras in European history are all the rage in interior design. One legacy hue that seems especially fresh and new for fall is Georgian green.

Much loved in drawing and dining rooms in the Georgian period (1714-1830), the original yellowish-green colour has broadened into a tonal palette that includes seafoam and blue green variations. This palette of greens and blues is fairly neutral, and also calm and soothing. If you’re lucky enough to have space for a formal dining room, here are a few ideas for dressing it up with a Georgian green-inspired palette.

Set the Backdrop

The walls are a great place to start. The most familiar scheme will be one with a version of Georgian green matt paint on the walls, perhaps interspersed with white trim. Little Greene Paint & Paper has been making wall treatments since Georgian times – they have a wide range of historic greens all available at John Lewis. Their Boxington matt emulsion is just one of many that could anchor a Georgian green scheme.

Wallpaper can also work really well to introduce all the main notes of the palette without committing to a solitary hue. This allows you a lot of flexibility to choose and use furniture pieces and accessories that pick up or echo the colours in the intensity you prefer. Check out this gorgeous Sanderson wallpaper design for inspiration. £65

Design the Dining Area

For dining tables, you can certainly pair monochromatic or wallpapered walls with paler woods for a light and airy neoclassical Scandinavian vibe. But magical Georgian green can also hold its own against darker woods like walnut and mahogany for a more Georgian or Colonial feel.

This dark ash black lacquered dining table from Lombok would look terrific against a gentle green backdrop. £495 Adding not quite matching bistro chairs completes a look that can skew retro, Asian or very contemporary depending on how you accessorise. £165

Adding Finer Touches

Another bonus to basing your design strategy around a colour like Georgian green is the fact that it mixes particularly well with copper or gold-toned accessories, another popular trend these past few seasons.

Imagine this copper chandelier gently glowing over a dining table against serene green walls. £240 Or this elegant copper bar trolley standing by loaded with drinks paraphanalia. £249 You could also gild the lily by setting your table with gold finish cutlery. £95

Whatever your style (and, more to the point, whatever the style of your existing furniture ), Georgian green can elevate your decor game in the dining room by adding a touch of history, glamour and serenity.

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Meet the Maker : Ana Kerin of KANA London | Spencer Thorpe Bloghttps://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/165505114854/meet-the-maker-ana-kerin-of-kana-london#_=_ Ana Kerin is the Slovenian-born founder of ceramics brand KANA London and we wanted to get to know her a little better by finding out what makes KANA one of the most exciting brands emerging in London today. It is always about creating objects that you would want to hold on to; objects that have value added to them. KANA offers a bespoke range of beautifully hand-made and hand-painted ceramics for the home as well as also offering workshops for those who are looking to learn the skill themselves. Anas style is distinctive; here we get to discover what lies behind the beautiful pieces she creates Background Story Ana Kerin Founder of KANA London IDEALIST: How did Kana come about? ANA: Kana started about 5 years ago after I slowly developed a strong interest and curiosity in working with functional objects whilst applying a fine art technique to working with clay. It is always about creating objects that you would want to hold on to; objects that have value added to them. There was also always a very strong interest in working with food. IDEALIST: As a ceramicist what training did you go through? ANA: I studied Fine art and Sculpture. I had very old fashioned fine art training which was an amazing experience. I feel very lucky to have those foundations and it has largely dictated my style and technique today. Inspiring Elements IDEALIST: Where do you draw your inspiration from? ANA: My favourite things are the sea islands and sea holidays. Swimming in the sea and lying on rocks heals me and fills me with energy and inspiration. New ideas just float on the surface. I draw other inspiration from good books architecture contemporary dance shows and inspiring people I work with. Its really about having time to just observe and to see beauty in the smaller details. I feel the inspiration comes from details I notice on my way around a city or holidays where you have more time to really slow down and observe. I spent two months in Tuscany this summer where I was invited to an art residency. There were a lot of details and beautiful moments I discovered which will definitely inspire and resonate within me for a while. She recalls: the beautiful morning light on the wall of the old marble staircasethe huge shadows of the tree falling on the facade of the pink and burnt orange colour villa Bend in the Road IDEALIST: What have been your biggest challenges so far? ANA: About 2 years ago my hands went numb. I was in huge pain non-stop and couldnt sleep for weeks. I was told that I had a condition which inflamed the nerves in my hands which the doctors had advised may stop me from continuing my passion. This health issue was really hard to accept particularly as Kana was just starting out. I havent even been able to talk about it for a long time. Eventually I decided that I have to either quit or work with it. I had to rethink my way of working and change from a one-person studio production into a creative studio with a small team of really great people to help me. It is super fun but extremely challenging to let go of something that used to be just me. However it is exciting and inspiring. My hands are feeling much better too! Design Tips IDEALIST: What are your top 5 design tips for the home? Work with light. The home is like a living structure. Find the movement of light and question what times of day you spend in which space. Live with light across your home. Use natural materials for everything. Stick with wood stone glass and ceramics. We spend 1/3 of our time in bed so invest in the best bed linen mattress duvet and pillows you can. Cherish old pieces and tradition. Stories come with historic objects and they are often made well. Invest in beautiful functional high quality pieces that will last more than one life time. Less is more. Leave space to breathe! Creative Heroes IDEALIST: Which creative personalities do your draw from? ANA: It changes with time. I am inspired by so many art movements as well as very primitive art. I draw from many areas of creative work and mostly not directly related to ceramics. I do think quite often about artists that have lived quite extroverted extraordinary and extravagant lives the ones that are pushing people out of their comfort zone in one way or another. I find it attractive and inspiring. A few people I keep referring to when I think about my work are: Giuseppe Pennone Pina Baucsh Pedro Amoldovar Banana Yoshimoto Picasso Brancussi Lars Von Trier and Josep Lluis Sert. Be true to your style. Advice for Ceramicists IDEALIST: What advice would you give to a ceramicist who is looking to start their own studio? ANA: Be careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Its physical and intense work and its important to not overwork your body. Be true to your style. Develop your language and stick to it. It doesnt matter how long it takes people to pick up on it. Future Aspirations IDEALIST: Where do you see Kana in 5 years? ANA: I would love it to grow as a creative studio and work on projects internationally. I am interested in evolving by working on many more multidisciplinary projects. Working with architects artists chefs and other ceramicists and designers would be great especially as I find it very exciting to get a chance to work on bespoke large scale tiled surfaces for private and commercial clients. Thats something I would love to explore. I would love to grow and build a team that has many sets of skills. As a sculptor I see myself personally stepping back towards fine art again. I might have a show in the pipe line! IDEALIST: Are there any exciting collaborations or projects on the horizon? ANA: There are quite few! The new Breddos tacos restaurant is opening on 7th of October in Soho and I have made a lot of plates and bowls for them. I am working on a wall installation with a new retailer in Hamburg and also a collection for a beautiful retailer in Copenhagen. There are also a few that its too early to talk aboutwatch this space! If you would like to see more of Anas work in detail visit her studio and even enrol on her one of her workshops! You can also see her designs this week throughout London Design Fair. She will be at: STAND 2 / British Craft Pavilion / Old Truman Brewery / 21st 24th of September You May Also Like Modern Heroes: Lozi Designs Modern Heroes: Venoor Living Modern Danish Hero: Jonas Krüger of Brdr. Krüger All photos courtesy of KANA London. The post Meet the Maker : Ana Kerin of KANA London appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/meet-maker-ana-kerin-kana-london/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/165505102298

A Retro Modern Townhouse Bedroom | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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The concept of retro-modernity is, to a certain capacity, rather problematic. After all, the very term is placed with a central dichotomy in that: how can something be retrospective and modern at the same time? However, in the world of interior design, the concept is a hugely exciting one. Certainly, it does look back, taking its cues from the trends and fashions on the past. However, it does not imitate. On the contrary, it reconfigures, reconceptualises these vintage ideas through a distinctly twenty-first century lens, somewhat updating the old-school chic that is so endearingly close to us for the modern home. And certainly, in the way of retro-modernity done right, few spaces wear the look better than the master bedroom of the bespoke modernist townhouse, tucked away in London’s Tufnell Park.

The room was designed by the interior lux decor and design firm, Kia Designs, who used seventies design elements as a thematic framework for the room’s renovation in keeping with client’s love for design that emerged from the period. We take a tour of this fantastic room, diligently paying attention to Kia Designs’ seamless marriage of new and old, and their expert repackaging of the past for a notably twenty-first century, London home.

The Art of Balance

Bold prints were a hallmark of seventies designs, boasting hip and angular geometries that marked the period’s forward-looking and inquisitive attitude. This said, seventies prints had big personalities, and placing many in too close a proximity can easily congest and shrink a space.

Kia Designs coolly manoeuvred around this through their mastery of balance. An example of this would be the feature chair by Made, the angular form of and colourful print of which exudes a notable seventies cool. Kia Designs juxtaposed this by setting against the canvas-like walls, both of which sport muted whites and blue-greys that form part of the room’s foundational tonal palette. They serve as a perfect foil the chair, inviting the eye as opposed to overpowering the space.

Similarly, Kia Designs creates harmony between the various prints at play in the room through tonal continuity, accentuating on common grey and mustard notes so as to neatly tie the room together. Through this the room draws heavily from the seventies interior design school of thought, whilst managing to stay clear of the pitfalls that subsequently aged and relegated that period to the history books.

New and Old

The bedroom is also a fine example of the way Kia Designs establish a dialogue between old and new.

Intertwined with the bedroom’s notably seventies soul are interior design cues that define the space as a distinctly modern one. Kia Designs’ use of timbre is a particularly noteworthy example.

The feature wall feature, which runs from one of the room’s vertical planes up to the ceiling injects a notable rusticity that foils the spacey angularity of other elements. Certainly, its understated, naturalistic look greatly relaxes the space, establishing the bedroom as a notably tranquil zone and allowing for the space to breathe. It’s deep amber-brown tones pair gorgeously with the Ecrol bedroom suite from Feather & Black, the simple forms and clean lines of which again serve as a counterpoint to the geometric complexity of the retro prints.

Kia Designs’ heavy use of simple, modern-industrial touches make for a brilliant pairing with these rustic timbre textures. Kia Designs’ use of black, silhouette-like lamps from Buster & Punch and Tom Dixon similarly play as an understated counterpoint to the intricacies of prints, whilst also adding a tremendous sense of depth to the space through their juxtaposition against the bedroom’s white walls.

Texture and Space

The glass door, finished in a translucent, smoke-grey, marks a natural transition point between the bedroom and the adjoining walk-in closet. It endows an air of drama to the room, often sporting a spectral reflection of the room or a curious play of light from the neighbouring windows.

The closet is a wholly efficient space, with the entirety of its walls clad in an uncomplicated array of shelves and racks. Finished in a brilliant off white, the space serves as a foil to the footwear and clothing it houses, the vibrancy of which pops all the more against their canvas-like backdrop.

The Final Polish

The master bedroom of the this gorgeously modernist home is truly a lyrically composed space. Passing through it are a whole network of narrative arcs, which tie and unite the space and its various elements. These are observed both texturally and tonally. Poppy prints, bold prisms and patterns form the accent points of the room, epicentres of colour and artistic expression that invite the coolly eye. These are foiled by slate hues, the crucial contrast that gives the space its sense of theatre and personality.

The historical dialogue which Kia Designs endows the master bedroom with must also be noted. Though it boasts a seventies charm, it is nonetheless a distinctly self-aware modern space, negotiating these seventies embellishments with a notably twenty-first century brand of rusticity and industrial-minimalist chic. The particular brilliance of Kia Designs’ work, can be observed through the manner by which all these styles are fashioned to coexist in a room that still breathes, and serving as a wholly elegant, tranquil hub.

The bespoke master bedroom is one that thrives in its idiosyncrasies: it is young, and yet in many ways old, adventurous, though still muted and sober in its tonality, metropolitan yet rustic, and I suppose most vitally, retrospective yet modern.

Here are design elements inspired by Kia Designs’ work to capture this look for your own home:

A Rich, Bohemian Colour Scheme: Aubergine | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Aubergine (or eggplant as it’s known in some parts of the world) is a sexy rich colour – especially as we slide out of summer into fall. We find its darkness a touch Bohemian, perfect for creating unique interiors with tons of personality. Used sparingly as part of a mixed palette, including soft or bright pinks and browns, it works with more conservative design schemes equally well.

The term aubergine actually refers to a range of colours from nearly black plum to much lighter soft purples. Layering intensities and providing relief in the forms of strongly contrasting colours will give you a cosy but lively room in which to ride out winter’s cold and wet weather. For that reason we love it in a study, library or person-cave, or in a bedroom. But it could also make for an offbeat and dramatic main living area. The colour works extremely well in velvet solids or as as a dominant colour in over-the-top prints.

Here are just a few wall treatments and furniture pieces we’ve recently discovered to provide inspiration

Set the Tone

Aubergine on the walls is a great way to set the tone for your Bohemian library, study or den. If you’re feeling confident, go dark with this matte eggplant emulsion paint from Sanderson (from £19.50); or use this French lilac(from £25) as a colour base with stronger aubergine accents elsewhere in the room if you wanted a less contained look.

You could also opt for a wallpaper print (on select feature walls if not all four)in which aubergine is a strong component. We love this dramatic floral from Designers Guild. £71 Use it to set the colour palette (note the chocolate brown and lighter pinks) for furniture and accessories.

Build Your Theme

You could, for example, then go for a rich brown or aubergine velvet sofa. This chaise longue, from Maisons du Monde, is perfect for curling up with a good book.

Add Quirky Vibes

Accent it with cushions in autumnal colours, an elegant sidetable (this one takes your room in a quirky direction but you could just as readily reinforce the Victorian vibe set by the chaise longue with a different style), and an adjustable reading light, and you’ve got the beginnings of a real Bohemian oasis. £135/£110.50/£859

Build an entire room around the theme or just commandeer a discreet corner if space is tight.

Design the Bedroom

Another way to use aubergine to great effect is in the bedroom. We love this upholstered bedstead and headboard in aubergine, light pink or brown velvet from Feather & Black. £1099

Add Layers of Comfort

Add textured cushions and throws and perhaps place a matching bench in a contrasting colour, or black (if you want to take things in a Gothic direction), at its foot. £35/£225/£287.50

Aubergine is a colour that aims to please. Use it a little, use it a lot. Use it with Industrial Chic, Victorian, Mid-century Modern or Contemporary decor schemes and it will adapt. It can stand on its own or serve as one layer in a textured and dimensional palette that’s easy to live with.

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