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6 Easy Ways to Transform Your Coffee Table | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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For those looking to enhance their lounge spaces and living areas, we have news for you! The overlooked coffee table is no longer an item on which to place the television remote or your feet! It is one of the most budget-friendly ways to elevate your living room and it has the potential to set the tone of the complete interior. Styling it correctly can be challenging and here are 6 easy ways to ensure it is a success.

Less is More

The coffee table is a furnishing that has the ability to speak for itself with little to no assistance from accessories. The key to styling a coffee table correctly is to keep it simple: choosing 2-3 options which perfectly harmonise with each other will have a much more positive impact than displaying numerous objects.

Colour

Adding pops of colour will help bring structure to the room, but this need not be intense or overstated when concerning your coffee table. Being tactically subtle is a much easier and effective approach to help with its transformation. This blue glass vase is a great centrepiece and will help to lift the ambience within the room. Its elegant shape is pleasing to the eye which means it has the status to be styled just as it is.

Candles

Candles make great additions to a coffee table setting by adding a serene dimension and character to the space. If you are partial to the occasional scented candle, it should not only complement but enhance its surrounding environment; therefore choosing the right aroma is crucial as it will be the first sensory experience when walking into the room. These candles by Scandinavisk are beautifully designed and the Northern Lights scent contains elements of citrus and sea salt adding a refreshment to the home. Not only do they look stunning they also have a burning time of 50 hours. They can be purchased for £29.00 and the candle is contained in a delightfully painted glass jar.

Books

Coffee table books can an essential component to the table setting, but your personal selection should be considered carefully. Using books with beautifully eye-catching covers can add to the trend of your room. Also, larger books can be used as a base for a small glass vase or candle. However, you ultimately want books that reflect your interests. Illustration books relating to travel and art collections are perfect for the living room, as they allow the reader to casually flick through the beautiful images with no commitment required to the book itself.

This book produced by Taschen is a wonderful creation showcasing European travel destinations chosen by the New York Times. It is a fun and playful colour and will bring an element of chic intellectualism into the home. You can get hold of it from John Lewis for £16.99.

To celebrate your love for design, keep an inspirational design book available on the coffee table. The Hinterland is a book created to explore the architecture and design of different cabins and hideaways all over the world. It’s an enchanting read and is perfect for lovers of nature! It can be bought online for £35.00 from Blackwells.

Plants

Plants are perfect for bringing life and greenery to any room and can assist with embodying a sense of calm. For those who want a low maintenance option, succulents are a perfect choice as they require little water and do not shed their leaves. We recommend this stunning diamond shaped terrarium from Not On The High Street. It can be bought with or without the succulent and is perfect for adding an organic element to the coffee table with minimal care.

Sculpture

What better way is there to complement a standalone furnishing than with a standalone centrepiece? Perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach, a simple sculpture could satisfy every requirement for a truly beautiful coffee table. The depth and tone of this bowl’s self-acclaimed petrol hues will add a touch of understated luxury to the table. It is available from Habitat for £35.00.

You do not need to spend a fortune to transform your coffee table into the perfect showpiece. So long as you love the accompaniments, your eyes will be gladly drawn to the table upon every entrance into the room!

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Home Renovation Projects With The Best ROI | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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For anybody who owns a home, it may often feel like there is an endless list of home renovation projects to be done, some big, some small. One of the best ways to prioritise what gets done first, is to look at the potential return on investment (ROI) that a renovation project might bring in. Familiarising yourself with the projects that will give you the highest financial returns, may help you with the decision-making process.

Replacing The Entry Door

Amazing Designer Fabrics from Monsoon and Boeme on... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Article Sponsored by

For the longest time, sofas were universally upholstered in neutral greys, creams and beiges, placid colours designed to fade into the background, no matter how rich the materials or workmanship that had gone into making the piece. Lately, thanks to some amazing collaborations between fashion houses and interior design brands, we’re seeing an explosion of colour in the living room. It’s about time!

The idea of the sofa as a statement piece is fully supported by our friends at Multiyork, manufacturers of tailor-made sofas and armchairs in Britain for the past three decades. They’ve led the way in educating consumers about how to choose fabrics and styles for a customised sofa experience.

Dream Team For Handmade Sofa Designs

Now they’ve teamed up with two innovative design companies that specialise in creating eye-popping textiles. With a ½ price summer sale now on, it’s the perfect time to order a Multiyork bespoke handmade sofa featuring fabrics from the textile geniuses at Monsoon and Boeme.

Boeme

Boeme is a British design studio founded by painter Jo Bound in 2011. Many of the stunning textiles in the company’s catalogue are based on Bound’s fine art paintings. Her explorations of the natural world on canvas are translated into printed fabrics that are then manufactured into statement pieces that could easily anchor any room.

Mesmerising Designs

We love the painterly qualities of Boeme’s Ranmore Oxide on Multiyork’s Olivia chaise longue. Pick out any of the pattern’s dreamy colours – navy, smokey grey – to establish a palette for decorating a bedroom or lounge. This startling combination blends an old world shape with a subdued impressionistic aesthetic.

Boeme’s exclusive range for Multiyork also includes the mesmerising Panorama Rose fabric – a bold print that can turn any sofa into a piece of art. It’s shown here on the Gosfield sofa.

Read more about Multiyork’s collaboration with Boeme here.

Monsoon

For more stately (or occasionally even more riotous) colour and pattern combinations, look to Multiyork’s partnership with the high street fashion brand Monsoon. Following up two previous collections, their 2017 collaboration features six new designs.

Graceful Patterns

Our favourite has to be Calista in rosewater, a contemporary fabric blend covered in birds and blooming flowers. It would look so great on the squishy Verona armchair, perhaps with a contrasting foot stool covered with Calista in denim blue. Once you start mixing patterns, prints and beautiful colours, you may find it difficult to stop.

Complimenting Combinations

Monsoon specialises is updating vintage and traditional prints in fresh and exciting ways. Whether abstract, dotted or geometric in form, designs such as Lennox Ocean (shown here on the Long Island Snuggler) and combinations such as the Greenwich sofa in Alivia Coral paired with a large rectangular footstool in Colby Raspberry, are pretty much state of the art.

Be Adventurous

Explore more of these brilliant Monsoon options here, and read more about their collaboration with Multiyork here.

Patterns and colour run riot in these supremely fun upholstered pieces from Multiyork. Play around with their online mix and match platform to discover a combo that suits your personality and needs. Want the best of both worlds? You can also order slipcovers in a more subdued style for when the parents come to visit, or seasonal change demands a refresh. This is the lovely thing about bespoke – it’s all about getting what suits your life, rather than adjusting your life to accommodate a new possession.

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This is a sponsored post which may contain affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions expressed however are those of the author for The Idealist and are not of the sponsoring company.

The post Amazing Designer Fabrics from Monsoon and Boeme on Handmade Sofas! appeared first on The Idealist.

from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/multiyork-monsoon-boeme-handmade-sofas/



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Insider City Guide: Shopping in Brighton | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Over the years, Brighton’s romance with the silver screen has made it something, well, bigger than the touristic coastal town that your generic tour guide would figure it as being. Think of the legendary Quadrophenia, or The Young Victoria, The Boat that Rocked, The End of the Affair, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging or the iconic Brighton Rock. Each film paints the town with slightly different strokes, but nevertheless shows Brighton’s capacity to reinvent and stay current as cultural hub from one generation to the next. And frankly, the Brighton of real-life certainly does not lack any of the character seen in its depictions by both Hollywood and indie British studios. Whether you find yourself nestled in the labyrinthine flea markets of the Bohemian North Laine district, lost in the boutiques of designers and taste makers, or even simply walking through the town’s historic seafront, Brighton truly does pack it all.

An artist’s city, boutiques embedded throughout Brighton’s artsy lanes offer quirky and inspiring options for your home just as much as they do your wardrobe. We’ve shortlisted a couple of our favourites along with some of the city’s most renowned restaurants and hotels so that you’re well and truly set- whenever you feel the need to be beside the seaside.

The Papillon Shop

Since opening its doors in 2009, The Papillon Shop has become a must for lovers of intriguing and stylish interiors. Situated at the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, the shop stocks everything from furniture to home décor to lighting and perfumery. The brand was the brainchild of co-founders Stephen and Andrew, who have sourced their thought-provoking and unique pieces from all over the world. The Papillon Shop have got the giddy alchemy of fragrance building down to an art-form, which can be experienced in full splendour at their emporium, right in Brighton’s beating heart.

Three Angels

Just off the seafront, at No. 5 Hove Street, you’ll find Three Angels. This popular boutique stocks original French furniture, chandeliers, beds, mirrors, and quite possibly anything else you could need to inject a rustic, old-world sense of sophistication to your home. Many of the shop’s pieces are gorgeously antiqued and would make for a gorgeous addition to a country-styled home or a counterpoint to the clean lines of a metropolitan London apartment. Packing all sorts of curiosities, it’s highly likely you won’t be leaving empty handed.

Mister Smith

In their own words, Mister Smith are ‘here to make your home sing’ – and with the eclectic range of wallpaper, fabric and flooring options available, we’re confident your home will be hitting all the right notes. Situated at No. 23 New Road, Mister Smith is only a short walk away from the famous Pavilion. Mister Smith offers an encyclopaedic array of prints ranging from trendy florals, luxurious plain tones to angular geometric designs; you’re bound to find something that fits your home perfectly, giving it that lift and new life you’ve long been craving for it.

IO Gallery

The IO Gallery has been a feature of the Brighton art scene for the past twenty years. In their own words, they’re ‘a gallery run by artists for artists’. In that sense, they makes a point of putting Brighton’s best and most promising on full display, having helped hundreds of local artists sell their work in a way that is both fair to, and rewards the work of artists.

Two Kats and a Cow

Whether it’s a traditional fish and chips or an ice cream you’ve enjoyed on the Pier, it’s imperative that, if you’re an art lover, Two Kats and a Cow is your next destination. Situated in one of Brighton Beach’s Victorian sea-front arches, it’s only a stone’s throw away. The brainchild of painters Katy McMurray, Kathryn Matthews and John Marshall, the gallery takes its name from the two ‘Kats’ in the trio and a ‘Cow’, a reference to one of John’s works. Today, the gallery is home to the work of a whole roster of artists, jewellers, ceramicists and sculptors and have become a key attraction on Brighton’s seafront. Regarded by the Independent as a ‘must see’, we simply cannot help but agree. If intriguing and original works are what you’re after, this is the place.

Let’s Eat

Whilst tucking into a well-seasoned portion of chips or nice piece of toffee rock is all fair and good in rounding off your seaside experience, it would be a sin to not experience the restaurants Brighton also has to offer. With some of the freshest seafood and charmingly original cafes right at your fingertips, Brighton’s culinary map is just as colourful as its hip, Bohemian quarters

English’s of Brighton

English’s of Brighton is a restaurant and oyster bar that has become synonymous with Brighton’s food culture, having been around since 1945. A firm favourite amongst both locals and tourists, the restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest and finest seafood. Whether it is an indulgent meal you’re after in one of the restaurant’s dining rooms, or perhaps something lighter in the restaurant’s marble-topped oyster bar, you’ll be sure to sample the best of Brighton’s seafood delights here.

The Regency

The Regency is something of a restaurant and cultural landmark. Its 131 King’s Road address is historic, having formerly been the palatial seafront home of Harriet Mellon, once the richest woman in Europe. The site became the Regency, as we know it today, in the 1930’s, offering some of the best locally caught, fresh fish in the area. With rave reviews foodies and journalists alike, it’s fair to say The Regency’s reputation for excellence is known far and wide. The restaurant also boasts a gorgeous view of the seaside, whilst also being just a stone’s throw away from the i360 tower, which offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Brighton.

Sunbirds Deli

Perhaps you’re after something a little lighter, in which case few places come better recommended than Sunbirds Deli. The café prides itself on dishing up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delights, whilst also offering vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Found on London Road, Sunbirds Deli delivers homemade, fresh and hearty food that has won the hearts of locals. When there, give their meatball meze and baklava a shot – they both come highly recommended.

Getting Here & Places to Stay

We Londoners are spoiled by the fact that Brighton is only an hour away. Whether it’s a weekend trip, or just something on a whim, trains can easily be caught from Victoria, London Bridge or Blackfriars stations. There are several departures per hour, so it’s just a simple case of: show up, grab your ticket, and you’re there! However, to really get a feel for the place, look beyond the day trip. Spending time in the city really helps you etch out a Brighton of your own, and make your time spent here that bit more meaningful.

Drakes

If it’s opulence you’re after, few hotels come better than Drakes of Brighton. The bespoke rooms come furnished with handcrafted beds, designer fabrics, free standing baths and sea views of Brighton’s gorgeous coast are featured in many of their rooms. With private dining options at their exclusive restaurant, in addition to private, couple’s suites, such as the hotel’s breathtaking Super King Feature Room, Drakes’ keen eye for detail means that your stay will be nothing short of luxurious.

Blanch House

As Brighton’s original boutique hotel, Blanch House delivers chic, old world charm by the bucketload. The hotel is housed in a Grade II listed town house, situated in cool, Bohemian Kemp Town. The rooms are individually designed and are equipped to meet the needs of all its guests. Featuring a flat-screen TV, all your connectivity needs, a selection of teas and biscuits paired with aromatherapy, toiletries and bathrobes, it’s fair to say that Blanch House have all your needs and requirements covered.

Fab Guest

Hip, spunky and bursting with personality, Fab Guest’s bold and unapologetically cool design has made it a favourite amongst the young and artsy. Behind the grey of its skinny five storey Georgian townhouse exterior lie the hotel’s 14 rooms. Whilst cosier in size, they are phenomenally well designed and highly comfortable. With wacky and curious accent pieces dotted all over the hotel, Fab Guest is the place if you’re after something off the beaten track. It brings the energy and hipster charm and appeal of your favourite London districts right up to the Brighton coast.

Brighton has arguably become one of the country’s main epicentres of hip, Bohemian culture, and whilst its proximity to London has given the town a slight metropolitan edge in recent times, it nonetheless exudes a character all of its own. This is conveyed in what you can find here. The old cliché of ‘expecting the unexpected’ has never held truer anywhere but with Brighton- and there’s a good chance of you being pleasantly surprised by what you find here.

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Idealist City Guide: PHILADELPHIA | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the second largest in the whole of the East Coast. One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States, Philadelphia is a mishmash of cultures and rich symbolism. The city is where the American Revolution started, where the declaration of independence was signed and is also home to the Liberty Bell.

Like all American cities, Philadelphia is very much a modern city, but the evidence of its great history can still be found throughout the city. There’s a vast array of shopping streets, accommodation and dining options for guests from simple budget hotels to high-end hotels and restaurants in the city.

Must-See Attractions

There are plenty of attractions you can’t afford to skip on your visit to Philadelphia. Take a look at:

The Liberty Bell: On 6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA. This is a highly admired attraction. Visit the historical attraction and get to know the story of how it came to be.

Independence Visitor Centre: At the corner of 6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA. This is one of the best places to learn about America’s political history. Get to watch the independence film and explore the orientation exhibits of the country’s rich history.

Philadelphia Art Museum: On 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the oldest art museum in America. You can easily spend a full day on the facility’s vast collection of local and international art.

Philadelphia Zoo: On 3400 W Girard Ave Philadelphia, PA. The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the best family spots in the city. Get a glimpse of the local and exotic species as your little ones enjoy themselves riding the Victorian style train, swan boats or a balloon ride.

Design Shopping

Philadelphia offers a variety of style shopping options for visitors; it has whatever you are in the mood for: from antique furniture and interiors to sophisticated, funky objects. Find unique wares and souvenirs in one of the city’s dozens of indie stores or take a shopping trip to any of the following locations.

Peddler’s Village: The Peddler’s Village offers a variety of wares for both visitors and locals. Here, you’ll find everything from eye-catching home décor to locally made goods and top brands alike. Browse through Peddler’s Village’s dozens of specialty shops and find something nice for yourself.

Address: Routes 202 & 263 Lahaska, Bucks County, PA

Ten Thousand Villages: At Ten Thousand Villages, you will find a variety of handcrafted items and accessories made by people from developing countries around the world. These people are fairly compensated and have an income they can count on. Every handcrafted accessory you buy at Ten Thousand Villages will make a difference in someone else’s life.

Address: 704 Main Street, PO Box 307, Akron, PA

South Street: South Street is the place to be if you want to buy something to give you a hip Philadelphia look. The place is always buzzing with cultures and diverse forms of art. The restaurants, bars, and entertainment hubs are vibrant with business people from Society Hill and Washington Square West.

Address: 301 South Street (Between Front and 10th Streets) Philadelphia, PA

King of Prussia Mall: Make sure you put on your walking shoes as you grace the city’s top shopping destination. Here, you’ll find different specialty shops selling everything from trendy wear to handcrafted accessories from Ten Thousand Villages.

Address: 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA

Historic Antique Row Business Association (HARBA): Hit the Historic Antique Row Business Association (HARBA) within the city centre and shop for anything antique. It’s a distinctively organized tourist destination where you can find furniture, interiors, and other vintage items.

Address: 19107 Philadelphia, PA

Staying Over

You have lots of options when it comes to accommodation in Philadelphia. If you are taking your family with you, check out the Windsor Suites on 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway downtown Philadelphia to enjoy suites with Wi-Fi, pool, restaurant, a rooftop view of the city and spacious balconies, bedrooms and kitchens.

If you are in the city for business, you can check out the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel on 201 North 17th Street or the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on 1201 Market Street and experience some world class personalized service.

Food

Philadelphia offers a great variety of restaurants to make sure visitors and locals don’t go hungry during their daily activities. Like anywhere, Philly has a bunch of Starbucks. Our favourite branch to start your day would be at Starbucks Coffee House on 1301 Chestnut Street Downtown Philadelphia. But we have to say we prefer the Juice Merchant on 4330 Main Street. There’s something so refreshing about fresh juices and smoothies in the morning.

For lunch, check out the award-winning City Tavern Restaurant on 138 South 2nd Street and tantalize you palate with one of their amazing delicacies. There are hundreds of hotels in the city from sushi, Chinese, fast food and seafood all offering different kinds of cuisines and a great view of the city.

Museums & Art Galleries

Philadelphia is considered one of America’s hotspots for contemporary art due to the various pioneering art spaces in the city.

Check out the Wexler Gallery on 201 North 3rd Street, Pentimenti Gallery on 143 North 2nd Street, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts Space on North 2nd Street and catch a glimpse of the American art scene.

How to Visit from London

Getting to Philadelphia from London is an 8-hour flight that will cost you around £500.

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Colour Scheme: Lime for the Living room | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Green is having a designer moment – especially Emerald green which is this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year. Lime green, which contains a great deal of citrus-y yellow, also has great potential as a basis for a refined and yet inviting living area. For many people it references the tropics, the fruit from which it takes its lively colour and a sense of lush vegetation and warmth.

Decorating a main living area with lime green is a question of intensity – are you looking for a shade that approaches a soft citrine, elegant and muted? Or is the neon end of the spectrum – where lime green and its electric sidekicks fuchsia, orange and yellow reside – more appealing? Combine the former with soft yellows and lush tropical greens, or trendy palm, jungle and animalia prints. Use the latter carefully in sparing amounts in fun accessories. Both shades of lime are lovely with turquoise and pale pink notes for contrast.

Lime Green Walls

Begin with the wall coverings, a classic means of introducing lime into a room. You could put a solid paint colour on walls – Designers Guild has a range of intensities in lime. Then layer with lush prints for draperies and upholstery. We also love this elegant chinoiserie-inspired swallows wallpaper from Sanderson. £46 Or this busier William Morris floral and damask pattern with hints of deeper green, tan and lime. £70. And also this graphic trellis treatment with flocked relief. £70

Lime on the Furniture

Depending on the wall treatments a subtle print for main pieces of upholstered furniture can further introduce lime into your decorating scheme. For example, this sumptuous Hendricks green wool 3 seater sofa has low, wide arms – perfect for resting a drink on – and soft, deep cushions with button detailing. Currently reduced from £1600 to £1,280.

Or establish a different mood with the racier profile of this green wool and grey velvet armchair from Habitat. Hand-made in Italy, it’s a statement piece that could add equally effective punctuation to a traditional, mid-century modern or fully contemporary style of room. £796

Accessorize your Living Room

When accessorizing a lime-themed living room, you can either introduce or reinforce the colour palette with quick hits of colour here and there, or use strategic items in pink or turquoise shades for a respite from all that green.

Lime also goes great with copper – it’s a trendy combination that manages to feel retro and contemporary at the same time. This elegant over-size table lamp, for example, would contrast beautifully with palm leaf or jungle prints that have a deep green base, or furniture upholstered in solid shades of lime. £80

Another smart way to channel lime is in the art on the walls of your living room. We’ve found some striking examples that use lime to great effect. This fun limited edition giclee print from Ame72 could work with more modern interiors. £150 And Magnus Gjoen’s limited edition screen and giclee print with 24 c gold leaf would bring irreverence and vibrant colour to a traditional or contemporary space. £1800

Smaller items can also be layered into the scheme to temper the intensity of the lime experience. Play around with placements that please the eyes and draw attention to every corner of the room. This tall glass vase, for example, combines lime green with a tempering blue. £30

This white and turquoise ceramic lamp could subtly modify a lime green scheme in a mid century modern direction. £139 And trusty throw cushions can always be relied on to add complementary or supporting pops of colour. Consider these velvet numbers in a dusty pink. £25

For such an emphatic colour, lime is surprisingly versatile. Use it on tropical textiles to rock a mid century modern living space, or on classically shaped furniture and wall coverings to add interest to a traditional arrangement. Or simply throw caution to the winds and go neon for a quirky contemporary feel. Lime can do it all.

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A Stunning and Unique Architect Designed (and... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Take a stroll down the Blythe Road’s residential parts, and the views encountered wouldn’t be radically dissimilar to much of West London. The sober tones of exposed brick, period and occasional stucco facades obediently run parallel to the meandering path of the road.

Walk with a gaze aimed firmly at these facades and you’ll find one bleeding into the next, and perhaps with that observation, an urban script forming in your head, searching for a pattern or system as to why these houses are the way they are. And, perhaps, this view may hold true for a little while; that is, of course, until you reach No. 188.

Observing the Anomaly

A short, rather understated, front wall reflects the property’s sense of awareness of its surrounding. Muted and discreet, the wall unassumingly tracks the road like neighbouring houses. However, the off-white and almost rosy hue of the handmade Petersen brick, all within sight, inspires that there is something peculiarly different about No. 188.

Look up a little higher, and you’ll observe a cylindrical form, magnificently clad with two rows of large, feature windows. Even this bucks the trend, breaking from the norm in the way they play with shape: some frames rectangular, another, a square, and another, a circle. Continuing with the dialogue of you as the pedestrian, it’s highly probable that, at this point, you’ve ground to a complete halt. Like us, you’re captivated, kept there by a curious desire to understand the unique typography etched into the property, and I suppose more simply, just how and why it came to be.

Like all truly elegant architectural works, the home of Alex Michaelis, head of the world-renowned Michaelis Boyd Associates with partners Tim Boyd and Simon Haycock, does not announce its presence, rather, it draws in, lures with a slow yet enduring magnetism.

Tucked between two surrounding brick buildings, a huge part of the home’s charm is the effortlessness with which it negotiates the long and narrow plot of land on which it is built. Formerly a disused garage, No. 188 Blythe Road was originally destined to be the site of a joint project between Michaelis and a developer. However, when circumstances led him to sell his former home, also self-designed in Oxford Gardens, Michaelis bought the site from the developer; No. 188 Blythe Road became a new blank canvas onto which Michaelis was able to project a pure and unrestrained artistic vision for a bespoke home for both he and his family.

From the Outside

No. 188’s unique and inventive abstract form was inspired by Michaelis’ own artistic ideas to maximise natural light throughout the property, whilst also negotiating the odd shape of the plot of land on which the property now lies. In this sense, the home is purposefully detached to achieve natural illumination from all sides of the property. Michaelis’ liberal incorporation of windows captures natural light in ample quantity. This design philosophy is also maintained in the vertical plane.

As Michaelis states:

I thought it was really important, from the first floor up, to shrink the building a little bit to get light into the floors below.

Two turrets like, cylindrical forms are observed at the home’s northern and southern-most extremities.

Standing proud of surrounding buildings, Michaelis took full advantage of this by developing rooftop terraces on either tower, both of which offer great skyline views of West London. Michaelis was unable to maintain this height in the middle section of the property, as this would have reduced the light available to neighbouring homes.

Nevertheless, this does not detract from the ease with which light flows from room to room, giving the home a naturalistic and organic feel. In this sense, there’s a sense of movement within various spaces in the home. They work together, complementing each other as a coherent living space as opposed to defined and separate domains within a home.

However, this is not to say that the design of 188 Blythe Road is defined by the pragmatics of facilitating this, alone. As Michaelis mentions:

I always liked playing with form, not just fitting in

And No. 188 Blythe Road does anything but merely fit in. Its design is adventurous but simple and logical also. It is this penchant for functional yet strikingly original designs that has won Michaelis Boyd Associates international acclaim, with Michaelis’ home noteworthy a prime example of this.

The property is confident in its own identity- a home by definition, but one imagined in a modernist style. The ‘living wall’ is an example of this. The garden of convention lifted onto a vertical plane. A variety of plants, creepers and trees are planted on the ground level, which Michaelis hopes to grow against the side of the home. To achieve this, Michaelis worked closely with garden designer Jinny Blom.

The ‘living wall’ is an idea he credits to the philosophies of architect-cum-artist, Le Corbusier, whose stylistic touch can be seen all over the property also.

Michaelis notes one of Le Corbusier’s many mantras:

When you take a piece of land away, you have to try to give as much as you can back … as the plants grow, the whole thing will come alive.

The geometries at play in Michaelis’ design also serves as another tip of the hat to Corbusian modernism. The home’s exterior form clashes clean lines against free-form shapes, reminiscent of those seen in Le Corbusier’s own canonical, architectural masterpieces.

Modes of Travel

Michaelis’ tireless attention to detail and inventive methods in creating a connectedness between the house’s rooms means the entire home is gorgeously tied together. This opens up a variety for equally inventive ways in which it can be experienced.

A labyrinth of portholes, glass doors, bridges, slides and gorgeously large, feature windows inspire new ways of navigating the home’s various spaces. It is difficult to experience the home with any prolonged sense of repetition or weariness.

There’s always something new, a detail that you perhaps may not have previously caught, or a sense of play between the light and the room that may have formerly gone unnoticed. The complexity of the design means that the home is stimulating, engaging and does not tire.

The fireman’s pole is possibly one of the most thrilling ways of navigating the home. It’s certainly a favourite amongst adults and children alike. Cutting through the stairs and living quarters that both wrap around it, the fireman’s pole brings out the inner-child out of everyone.

As Michaelis states:

You can see the glint in every adult’s eye when they first see the pole.

It’s a feature born out of his belief that architecture can have a lighter side and be both fun and entertaining. The fireman’s pole has made a believer out of many a sceptic of this perspective.

Working Our Way Indoors

Enter through the front and you’re immediately greeted by the home’s spacious living, kitchen and dining areas, which occupy much of the property’s ground floor. It is here that we also encounter the home’s foundational colours and textures, which sets the tone for much of the property.

The floors are lined with Dinsen Douglas fir wood. Its light, ashen tone introduces a likewise lightness to the room, whilst the wood’s pronounced grain maintains a dressed-down, naturalistic touch that greatly contributes to the organic atmosphere that Michaelis strived for. This makes for a seamless transition between the home’s outdoor and indoor spaces also, as evidenced by the tonal pairing between the decking of the pool areas, and the fir on the other side of the spacious and transparent glass door.

The flooring is matched gorgeously with the walls, deliberately left with an unpainted plaster finish. It makes for a great textural counterpoint to the wood’s grain, though still retaining a rustic and relaxed appeal of its own.

The plastering’s light, almost pale orange-brown hue makes for a gorgeous tonal pairing with the fir. The neutral nature of these colours open up countless possibilities with regard to the design of the rooms – Michaelis takes this to full advantage.

Nestled in an around the living and dining areas are pieces of dark, silhouette-like furniture evocative of midcentury modern, late colonial, industrial, and classical European schools of thought. The home marries these various, differently styled pieces with ease. This undeniably stamps Michaelis’ own identity, but also providing a less-formal and ‘homely’ atmosphere.

Rather than style, Michaelis uses the pieces’ deep, near black colours to tie the home together. The contract created against the home’s light walls and flooring also adds a gorgeous sense of depth also.

Let’s Eat

The kitchen accounts for one of the zones in the open planned entrance area.

Boasting the professional-standard Electrolux Grand Cuisine kitchen, the kitchen packs the versatility to cater for everyday cooking needs to occasions such as entertaining guests.

The home’s kitchen is a fantastically functional space.

The work surfaces and central island are both finished in clinical brushed metal, professional and resistant to daily wear and tear. However, a focus on functionality does not necessitate a compromise in its looks, and the home’s kitchen being a prime example of this. Its angular forms play off the room natural geometries.

Though not rustic by any means, its mainly brushed metal finish makes for a gorgeous accent to the tawny, naturalistic tones in the room.

Moving Up

Work your way up the winding staircase and you’ll find the home’s bedrooms and bathrooms.

No. 188’s front column features the master bedroom and ensuite, along with two bedrooms belonging to Michaelis’ children; the remainder are found in the home’s lower bout. For the most part, the home’s upstairs section maintains the design mantras of its social areas, fashioned to give the property a relaxed, soothing and homely touch. However, it does shift gears a little.

The playful energy and rusticity of the brazen orange notes, found in the house’s lower decks, are replaced by more tranquil and muted grey-browns. Texturally, oriental tiles make an appearance as accents in the rooms, again to evoke a mellower ambience in these spaces.

Simplicity is another defining feature of these sections of the home. Though not minimalistic by any means, Michaelis has a knack for seeing the beauty in space. This again resonates with his goal in creating an organic living space. Through exercising a tasteful economy with his interior appointments, the bedrooms feel uncongested and can breathe.

The ensuite and bathrooms follow suit. With the bathtub and other appointments boasting brash and unapologetic, angular lines the bathrooms remind the viewer that the home is still defiantly a product of the modernist school of architecture. Though confident, these are not harsh or offensive, nor do they detract from the functionality of these items.

Paired with a musky greens and muted greys, a mellow tonal palette reinstates a sense of tranquillity amidst the bathrooms’ dramatically styled fittings.

Bespoke, Beautiful

Today, the word bespoke seems to have taken on a second life in the world of mass-marketing, and every now and again, something comes along that really captures the word in its entire essence. No. 188 Blythe Road is certainly one of these things.

Having taken a close look, it’s difficult to argue against the idea of every element of the home as being tailor-made for the Michaelis family.

From the mapping of the house’s various zones, to the way in which they are navigated and experienced, to the fine-tuned ambiences of each room’s decoration, Michaelis has left no stone unturned. The home is also an example of what can be built without limitation.

Having built from the ground up, Alex Michaelis was able to realise, not only a functional, family home, but also an artistic vision.

All photos courtesy of No. 188 Blythe Road by Tim Evan-Cook & John Cullen

The post A Stunning and Unique Architect Designed (and Occupied) Home appeared first on The Idealist.

from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/architect-blythe-road/



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Colour Scheme: Shocking Red | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Using a single bold colour to bring light and dynamism to a dark corner is an old designer trick that still works well. We love the shock of a clear bright red, or an almost neon crimson that fairly vibrates with energy.

The ancient Chinese were masters at using red to enliven dark rooms filled with ornately carved wood. They understood, as you should too, that a little of this lively hue, expertly applied, goes a long way. While it’s usually best to just get out of red’s way and let it do its thing, there are contrasting shades that can temper its ferocity. Think of combining it with gentle pink for a Park Avenue feel, neon limes and yellows for a more retro, almost psychedelic, vibe.

If you’re hesitant, consider starting with touches of red in a foyer, hallway or mudroom, transitional spaces that are sometimes left behind when design is considered, and that are often darkish pass-through corridors to more lived in rooms. Make these forgotten corners special and worthy of lingering in with these great pieces:

Spicing up the Room

Stow coats and scarves in this fire-engine red retro-feel closet from Maisons du monde for £319. Add a charming footstool and you can see the theme developing. (£64.79)

Colouring the Corners

This metal coat and hat stand, also very red, adds to the vintage ambiance. £103.50 Remember when a home had one phone for the entire household to use, usually situated in the front entry or hallway? Revisit that retro vibe with this nostalgic rotary dial telephone in bright red. £35.99

Red Ranging Hood

Another room that does not require a full-on commitment to floor to ceiling vermilion for impact is the kitchen – here’s where bright pops of red can make cooking even more fun. Imagine the impact of an all white or pale pink kitchen with this spectacular red range cooker as a centrepiece. £2895 A matching extractor hood in gloss gilds the lily. £1014

Adding Redness to Appliances

The recent fashion for brightly coloured kitchen appliances definitely works in your favour when sourcing red. Charming hits of bright red work equally well to offset all-white or dark granite countertops. Great examples include Smeg’s toaster (and other small appliances in eye popping colours), Russel Hobbs’ legacy kettle, this Magimix blender and KitchenAid’s hand mixer. £98.10 -£179.99 You’ll want to leave them exposed rather than stowed. Top off your red theme with a bright metal pendant lamp or three over the breakfast bar, island or kitchen table. £87.98

Rediscovering the Lounge

Red is super sophisticated in a living room or lounge.

Red on the walls can be challenging (without a deft design hand, red walls can be claustrophobic and/or bordello-ish). But imagine this sleekly contemporary red velvet sofa with oak legs and matching armchair as a starting point. £950/£600

Store the bolsters and pile them high with an assortment of jewel toned velvet feather-filled scatter cushions. £25 each You could then build layers of red in additional textiles and draperies, or by using lighting and accessories such as this bright red metal octopus floor lamp. £87.98

Brightening Up the Senses

Another option for testing the bold colour waters involves taking a small and contained corner of the main living area and jolting it with a strong application of red. This club armchair could work as a base piece. £167 Add a few natural linen scatter cushions in pale pink or lime from Feather & Black for texture. £20

And then pick up the red with crimson draperies, or a special piece of artwork such as this stunning gicleé print from Magnus Gjoen. £2000

Using colour with confidence may not come naturally to everyone. But big rewards are available to those who take big risks. Just keep in mind all the positive associations of a colour such as red – in so many ways it is the colour of life – and use that to derive inspiration and courage. You may find that over time you grow to appreciate rooms with energy and dynamism, rooms that don’t aim to soothe, but rather stimulate the senses.

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Modern Heroes: Pluck Kitchens | Spencer Thorpe Bloghttps://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/162698265214/modern-heroes-pluck-kitchens_=_ Todays Modern Heroes are Pluck Kitchens who produce beautifully finished contemporary kitchens from their workshop in Brixton south London. They work with a stunning range of finishes and colours which really makes them stand out from most of the kitchens you see on the high street. We caught up with Lloyd Touwen at Clerkenwell Design Week where their bold colours and cool cork cabinetry really caught the eye of attendees. We use simple materials in a clever way Starting Point Lloyd Touwen amp; Team at Pluck Kitchens IDEALIST: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Lloyd: In 2016 we launched Pluck because we believed there was a need for better kitchen furniture to fit with modern living and tastes. We had been designing and making residential and commercial furniture for over 10 years and Pluck represents all that we have learnt about the dos and donts of kitchen design. IDEALIST: Where are your designs made?Lloyd: We have a studio and workshop in Brixton south London. Having the design and manufacture under one roof means we can prototype new ideas quickly. It also means that the integrity of the design is not lost in the making as the two processes are so directly linked. Behind the Style IDEALIST: Can you tell us the story behind your most popular product? Where does your particular style come from? Lloyd: Plucks designs utilise materials and fabrication techniques that first began to boom in the 1950s a time when mass production and standardisation were on the rise. Modernism as a movement had finished but its principles were being widely adopted in designs for the home. This crossover between new technology and utilitarian design is the starting point for much of our work. We love cooking so for us its key that our kitchens are practical but this does not come at the expense of their visual appeal. We use simple materials in a clever way and this is reflected in the colour texture and tone combinations in our kitchen furniture. crossover between new technology and utilitarian design is the starting point for much of our work Team Pluck IDEALIST: Who are your key people and what are their roles? Lloyd: Pluck is a collaboration between me and my wife Leila and our old friend and business partner George. I studied Industrial Design in Cape Town moved to London in 2000 and founded 2MZ (the company behind Pluck) in 2006. The exploration of new materials colour and pattern are what drives my designs. George studied 3D Design at the University of Brighton and joined 2MZ in 2007. Georges passion is for the detail and technical aspects of kitchen furniture design. Having spent 10 years as a BBC journalist Leila switched industries and joined 2MZ two years ago. With a clear focus on the visual identity of the brand she uses her understanding of communication to express Plucks style and ethos. Design Inspiration IDEALIST: Where do your designers get their inspiration from? Lloyd: Pluck was conceived over many years so we have bank of ideas generated during that time. Theres the technical side of what goes on behind the scenes in a kitchens design the nerdy stuff about optimum drawer height hinge positions and how a cabinet is put together. Having a workshop at our fingertips is inspiring in that we can hone and iterate our designs until we have reached what we believe is perfection. Then there is the aesthetic element about which materials work together and how we use those materials. We feel inspired when we go to our wood supplier and see a beautiful piece of timber which we know we will use to produce stunning veneers. There is colour inspiration everywhere in nature in cities in the UK and abroad so its hard to pin down an exact source. IDEALIST: Is there anything youve designed/launched that surprised you? Lloyd: Our cork cabinetry at this years Clerkenwell Design Week was extremely popular. Heroes IDEALIST: Who are your design heroes? Lloyd: Ern Goldfinger for interiors Hans Wegner for furniture Etorre Sotsass for materials and Jacques Majorelle for colour. There is colour inspiration everywhere in nature in cities in the UK and abroad Future Plans IDEALIST: What are your plans for the next season? Lloyd: Explore more new materials and expand our colour range Find Out More IDEALIST: Where can readers find out more? Lloyd: Our website Pluck Kitchen has more information and we are always open to discussing new projects. You May Also Like Modern Hero: Cornish fabric designer Helen Baker Modern Heroes: Lozi Designs Industrial chic meets crafted elegance chez Arthur Hoopers Save The post Modern Heroes: Pluck Kitchens appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/modern-heroes-pluck-kitchens/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/162698191198

Idealist City Guide: SYDNEY | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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Today’s city guide takes us to Sydney, a wonderful destination year round for outdoor life, music, shopping and sight-seeing. John shows us his favourite spots.

Sydney is a beautiful metropolis located on the east coast of Australia. It’s known for its beautiful natural scenery, ideal climate, the Sydney harbour, relaxed lifestyle, its wide variety of wildlife and friendly locals. Home to a wide variety of beaches and natural beauty, Sydney offers an excellent contrast with amazing views on one side and the bustling city life and culture on the other.

Must-See Attractions

Sydney Opera House: The Sydney Opera House is home to more than 40 shows every week, and it’s also one of the 19th century’s most famous buildings. Visitors get to know the people who created the building and made it what it is today.

Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

+61 2 9250 7111

Blue Mountains: When people speak of the natural beauty of Australia, this is the sort of thing they’re talking about. The Blue Mountains are located west of Sydney and feature sharp cliffs that make for absolutely stunning scenery. If you do go, make sure you check out the view from Echo Point.

Jenolan Caves: West of the Blue Mountains are the Jenolan limestone caves. But these aren’t ordinary limestone caves — they were discovered about 9,000 years ago by the Gundungurra tribe. There are a variety of available tours through the different caves, each of them varying in difficulty and capacity.

Jenolan, 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia

Design Shopping

Fanuli: Fanuli specialises in designer Italian and Australian furniture. They carry a range of different styles, all of them luxury with an added touch of authenticity. And since they carry furniture for every room of the house, it’s a great shop no matter what you’re looking for.

269 Military Rd, Cremorne NSW 2090, Australia





Strictly Comfort: The best furniture doesn’t just look great, it’s also comfortable. Strictly Comfort fully takes that into account, offering a selection of lounge room and bedroom furniture that you can fully customise — including dimensions, comfort and fabric.

368 Military Rd, Sydney NSW 2090, Australia





Wentworth Galleries: Sydney is home to many great artists, and you can view and purchase some of their work at Wentworth Galleries. They have a mix of contemporary and Aboriginal art, so you can bring home a piece of Australia or find something a bit more modern.

61 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia





Great Dane: Great Dane was established in Melbourne has become 2002 and is one of Australia’s premier Scandinavian and Danish furniture shops. They have a variety of furniture and accessories, but their lighting is where you’ll find some of their most innovative designs.

613 Elizabeth Street Redfern NSW Australia 2016

+61 2 9699 7677

Koskela: Koskela carries great interiors, but there’s more to them than that. They are Sydney’s largest design centre, and they work hard to bring you locally made interiors, homewares and lighting that will hold strong for years to come.

1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018, Australia

Staying Over

Avonmore On The Park: This award-winning boutique hotel features beautifully decorated contemporary rooms and classic heritage suites. It’s close to Coogee Beach and provides a calm, relaxing environment that’s perfect for anyone looking to get away from the fast pace of day-to-day life.

34 The Avenue, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia





The Hughenden: Built sometime around 1870, the Hughenden is an award-winning historic hotel that features Victorian dining rooms, marble fireplaces, and art exhibitions. If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel with history and culture, this may be the place for you.

14 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025, Australia

Morgans Boutique Hotel: One of the best aspect of Morgans is its location — in the city centre. It’s a short walk to the Sydney Opera House and the Darling Harbour, and it also features standard amenities like TV, wi-fi, and tea and coffee. There is also a courtyard and a rooftop terrace for relaxation.

304 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Galleries & Museums

Museum of Sydney: This building was once the home of the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. Founded in 1995, the Museum of Sydney provides a glimpse into the history of Sydney and what remains of the original building.

Phillip St & Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

The Mint: Sydney’s coining factory and oldest public building, The Mint, is now a historical site to behold. It features a verandah cafe, a courtyard, and the Caroline Simpson Library, a collection of public research into the history of the home and garden.

10 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia





Hyde Park Barracks: This historic 5-acre brick building was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway in the early 19th century and was originally built to house convicts. It would later become Sydney’s female Immigration Depot, a court, and eventually a museum in 1979.

Queens Square, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Food

Farmhouse Kings Cross: If you get a chance, you have to check out Farmhouse. They accept bookings to dine with them at 6:30pm or 8:30pm, as well as lunch at 2pm on Sundays, but the food is well worth the hassle. And since they switch half of the menu up every two weeks, you never know what awaits you.

4/40 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011, Australia





Zahli: With their wide range of Lebanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods, Zahli has become one of the most beloved restaurants in Sydney. They offer everything from a wonderful hummus to salt and pepper squid and fattoush, and the portion sizes are more than enough.

529 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

est.: Sometimes fine dining isn’t what you’re looking for. But when it is, head on over to est. They have a high-end course-based menu that features favourites such as venison, oysters and souffle. If you’re looking for a taste of the good life — or if you want to treat your partner — this is a great spot.

Establishment, 1, Establishment/252 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

How to Visit from London

A flight from London to Sydney costs between £575 and £700 Economy round trip. The flight takes nearly a day, so prepare for a lot of downtime.

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