What does your style of kitchen say about you? If you are what you eat, well, perhaps you are what you live and cook in too. All too often, when it comes to kitchens, safe wins against bold. If your kitchen is more toad-in-the-hole than Thai red curry, spice things up with a style injection.

Varenna kitchen from Poliform

The trouble with many a kitchen is uniformity. The most important room in the house deserves a mix of material and colour, rather than rows of bland cupboards. Mix stone, timber, stainless steel and glass. A combination of different but high quality surfaces will give a homely feel. The Varenna kitchen from Poliform is sleek yet warm, with its dark timber units.

Kitchen from Cooke & Lewis at B&Q

Why choose a single colour for your kitchen? Offset a bold colour like bright red with white, as in this kitchen from Cooke and Lewis by B+Q. Vibrant shades give a boost of energy and update. A room with a high ceiling is the perfect vehicle for strong colour.

Replacing an uninspiring worktop with something unexpected can give your kitchen immediate edge. A coloured composite in a rich hue is a fun option – try Surface Tiles and their Technical Stone range. When it comes to thickness, the latest look is slimline, just 12mm thick. Specify a sharknose edge for an up-to-date look. Composites work well for the floor too, in large format tiles. They are incredibly durable and come in a myriad of colours. If you crave a change from the usual browns, beiges and greys they could be the answer. For an economical but no less effective colour hit, painting cupboards a rich hue gives them a new lease of life. Try the Little Greene Paint Company for paints with high pigment content and great coverage.

Warhol switch in purple from Haute Deco

Even in a predominantly neutral scheme, a spot of colour, like a punctuation mark, can make a statement. Hardware offers a great opportunity for a bit of boldness. The range of Pop Art knobs, handles and light switches, with arty names such as Mercer knob in Hockney Red and Bauhaus Pull in Clockwork Orange will stand out in an otherwise simple scheme. Available from Haute Deco. Your taps needn’t be stainless steel or chrome.

KV1 Mixer tap in blue from Vola

The KV1 mixer tap from Vola comes in an array of colours and makes food preparation less of a chore and more of a joy. Think of them as fabulous little accessories for your kitchen, like of the interiors equivalent a pair of vividly coloured heels with an LBD.

When it comes to lighting, large, decorative lights bring bucketloads of personality to a kitchen, or any other room for that matter. Very much in vogue at the moment, a statement pendant gives zing to a kitchen counter or table. It provides a great focal point and is so much more interesting than standard recessed spotlights. A dimmer is an absolute must for changing the mood or drawing attention away from messy worktops. Architect Thomas Housden’s debut terracotta and white pendant from Hand and Eye studio manages to be both warm and slick. Terracotta is an underrated material for interior use. The Spanish understand well the virtues of terracotta. It is such a primal and earthy material that belongs in the kitchen just as much as in the garden.

Terracotta pendant by Thomas Housden from Hand and Eye studio

The most welcoming kitchens are those where all the utensils are on display, like well- loved tools in a workshop. Solid shelves piled with plates and pots and pans rather than hidden away out of sight in cupboards are reassuring, showing that this is a working space, which nurtures and sustains.

It is only with use that kitchens live and are at the centre of our homes. Being bold is about making confident choices and expressing our true selves; not about trying too hard or showing off. Do what feels right and your kitchen will keep on giving.

Source book
Poliform poliformuk.com
B&Q diy.com
Surface Tiles surfacetiles.com
The Little Greene Paint Company littlegreene.com
Haute Deco hautedeco.com
Vola vola.com
Hand and Eye studio handandeyestudio.com

Essentially a staircase is a transitional space; a means to get the next level, a vertical corridor. But it is so much more than that. Staircases capture the imagination, conjuring up scenes from films or fairytales or of grand public buildings. Stairs with low risers are particularly pleasing to descend, as they require little effort to scale and can be skipped down with ease.

Staircases can influence the entire mood of a place by their very form. Straight staircases fit satisfyingly into the area towards which they lead. Curving staircases and ones that disappear from view and then reappear are mysterious and intriguing. A light and open staircase can bring a wonderful sense of spaciousness to an interior.

If a staircase is wide and sweeping it presents marvellous opportunities for display, from large paintings or photographs and trophies or carved newels and banisters. And a long banister can provide hours of bum-sliding fun for kids. A light and open staircase can bring a wonderful sense of spaciousness to an interior.

Even if the staircase is narrow, enclosed and bereft of natural light, it is still an important component in the home. Bright, light hues helps to render it a place to enjoy passing through rather than one of neglect and gloom.

Cantilevered stone staircase in a rustic French home

The stairway at Pembridge House, a mews in Notting Hill, has been given special consideration by young practice West Architecture. Crafted from solid timber with a central joint, they have an almost spinal look. The balustrade is satisfyingly chunky too.

Timber staircase by West Architecture

The architect Eva Jiricna has become synonymous with the design of staircases. Her designs, of sinuous steel and glass are impressive feats of engineering, as well as being exquisite to the eye. They have a formal sculptural quality, sweeping and flowing yet delicate and functional. The staircase at Boodles jewellers in New Bond St is almost like a giant piece of jewellery itself in all its sparkly glory.

Stairway by Eva Jiricna architects

Spiral staircases are space saving as well as beautiful to look at. Albini and Fontanot’s Techne Linear staircase is as hi tech as it is aesthetically pleasing. Years of development yielded the design, which is made from polypropylene and polyamide, so it is strong. It can also withstand a wide range of temperatures, from –20C to 60C making it extremely versatile for various climates and indoor or outdoor applications. The colour won’t fade in UV light either.

Techne Linear spiral stairs by Albini and Fontanot

One of the most innovative staircases of all time has to be the open staircase leading to the waterfall at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house. Wright made use of the powerful sound of the falls and the dramatic rock ledges and boulders; by incorporating these elements into the serene spaces of his structure. He intended for the viewer’s experience of nature to be raw and interactive, instead of just a view from a window.

Stairway at Falling Water

A public building which has recently allowed visitors use of its stairways once again is the Penshaw monument, near Sunderland. A Grade II listed building based on the design of the Thesion temple of Hephaestus in Athens, it was built in 1844 by Thomas Pratt. Access to its roof was closed in 1926 following  a fatal fall from the roof but the ‘secret staircase’ is due to reopen soon, allowing visitors to go up on the roof once again.

Staircases are not just a means of getting upstairs, they can be structures of awe inspiring form and beauty, with the power to stop you in your tracks.

Source book
West Architecture westarchitecture.co.uk
Eva Jiricna architects ejal.com
Boodles Jewellers boodles.com
Albini and Fontanot fontanotstaircases.co.uk
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation franklloydwright.org
Falling Water fallingwater.org
Penshaw monument visitnortheastengland.com

I drove around London for 8 years. I thought nothing of it – apart from when I was stuck in traffic jams (which was all the time).  Now I cycle. I am a confirmed cyclist. I even binned the car. So when the uber-cool Tokyobike announced it was setting up shop permanently (they ran a pop-up shop in London last July) yards from Clerkenwell’s design area in London, it caught my attention.

Available in Tokyo since 2002, this bike has been gathering fans as it makes its journey west.  Without a permanent shop, smart marketing placed the Tokyobike in the hands of design enthusiasts and journalists during Clerkenwell Design Week 2010 & 2011.

Weighing in at just 10kg, this Cr-Mo steel bike comes in a variety of models – including single speed for those that dwell on such things – and over 30 colours. British design luminary Tom Dixon has even designed a model in orange with the option of fabulous white tyres. The emphasis is on sharp design and a smooth ride. For the Tokyobike, the journey is as important as the destination. The smaller wheel means it’s not the fastest out the bike shed but it wins hands down in the style awards.

Tokyobike in green with white tyres

And as of today, Tokyobike opens its first store in London. For those that fancy a free ride combined with a guided tour of all things ‘design’, head to Clerkenwell Design Week on the 22nd – 24th May.

There’s never been a better time to saddle up.  Rumour has it you’ll be in good company.

The beauty of the roof terrace is the vantage point it provides from above. Several storeys high, you are granted a bird’s-eye view of the street and landscape below. City terraces in particular can become small pockets of tranquillity amid the sounds of traffic and looming buildings. Roof terraces are often much more private than ground floor gardens. They provide the perfect spot for entertaining, conversation, reflection and contemplation.

I have some fond memories of balmy nights on roof terraces. Softroom architects, a London based practice my husband once worked for, have a pretty little terrace on the fourth floor office on Oxford Street. It came into its own in the spring, as a great warm weather lunch spot for everyone in the office and a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle and a great warm weather lunch spot for everyone in the office. Fitting to its urban environment, the terrace houses pots of low-maintenance coastal plants ideal for the busy architects, so when they’re not around to take care of their plants, they take care of themselves. I enjoyed several annual summer parties out there, complete with barbecued sausages, Prosecco and a pumping playlist.

Roof terrace by Vuery Design

If your spot is less than secluded, build a living screen, which will add privacy without making your terrace feel claustrophobic. Hardy varieties of bamboo are a smart choice, as they are quick to grow and easy to look after. For an instant green screen, buy bamboo ready grown in pots. It also makes a lovely swishing sound in the breeze. The uplit bamboo in this scheme by Vuery design offsets the hard edged elements of the design beautifully. Rooftop planting needs careful planning, as increased exposure to wind and sun can obliterate delicate plants. Evergreen architectural plants are a good bet, as are verbenas and cornflowers alongside grasses that provide year round colour.

Even a modest roof terrace can become a room outside with the addition of some chic potted plants, a table and chairs. The furniture in these spaces needs careful thought and attention, as pieces that are too elaborate or finished can look out of place. Simpler materials and forms, such as unpolished hardwoods and metals work well. Consider the surfaces you love inside your home and find an outdoor equivalent. This will forge a stronger connection between the inside and outside. Furnishings that are often only seen indoors, such as table and floor lamps can really give the feel of an outdoor living room.

Tuli lamp from Heals

The Tuli outdoor lamp from Heals comes with a transformer and a waterproof insulated 15ft cable. When it comes to furniture, why not be bolder than you might be inside the house?

Perforated A chair by Tolix

I love the perforated A chair by Chantal Andriot for Tolix with its modern twist on the classic vintage design. It looks terribly sporty and hi tec, maybe that’s down to its ‘breathable’ holes. The Easy chair by Jerszy Seymour for Magis comes in nine jolly colours and is stackable. They would work just as well indoors.

Easy chairs by Magis

Dedon are renowned for their luxurious and laid back outdoor furniture. As an alternative to a swing or hammock, the hanging ‘Nestrest’ is the perfect cocoon-like hideaway on a lazy summer’s afternoon. Make like a small bird and nestle down on your elevated perch. Flooring is possibly the most important finish of all. The load bearing limit of your roof will rule out heavier materials. Lightweight yet strong porcelain imitating wood or stone is a great choice, as it will withstand the elements much better than natural timbers and stones.

Nestrest by Dedon

If you’re a Londoner lacking outdoor space, a visit to Kensington roof gardens will soothe the most stressed out heads. The Spanish gardens are particularly seductive. Based on the Alhambra palace in Granada, they ooze Moorish charm. If you are planning a terrace makeover, there is oodles of inspiration to be found here.

The Spanish gardens at Kensington Roof Gardens

Go forth and create your little piece of green heaven. Before long, you’ll be eating your breakfast outside, or reading an award winning novel with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio.

Source book
Softroom architects softroom.com
Vuery design vuerydesign.com
Heals heals.co.uk
Tolix tolix.fr/en
Magis magisdesign.com
Dedon dedon.de/en
Kensington Roof Gardens roofgardens.virgin.com

Using words as decoration allows you to introduce a sense of self into your interior. There has been a growing trend in the last few years to incorporate letters or words into design schemes. Customise a surface or an object with a favourite saying, name or perhaps some song lyrics. Maybe even your own motto. The beauty of fonts is in their distinct and varied personalities. The typeface you use can be transformed by the choice of colour, weight, spacing and size. The possibilities for decorating are infinite.

Vintage ‘hoes’ sign from The Old Cinema

Anthopologie sells metal letters

Every interior needs pieces. Old signs offer a witty distraction in otherwise functional rooms, such as in the kitchen. The Vintage ‘Hoes’ sign from the Old Cinema is rather funny. It would look great adorning garden sheds or boudoirs alike. Metal letters hung on the wall or used as bookends have remained on trend for the last few years and are still going strong. Hung on the wall or used as bookends, they look chic. Anthropologie does a nice line in these.

Renowned Swedish designer Jimmy Shonning has homed in on the trend for oversized lettering with his bold stencilled doors. BTG is a Swedish abbreviation for betong, which translates as concrete, one of the designers’ favourite materials. B also stands for bathroom, T for laundry (tvaltsuga) and g for guest room. There would be no getting lost in his house. If you would rather stick letters on than stencil them, you’ll find bespoke giant wall stickers at Brume.

Typographic signage in the office of Stuttgart based designer Buro Uebele

My graphic design tutor Maggie lived and breathed typography. She used to harp on about the beauty of the lower case Garamond g. I thought she was bonkers but looking back I can appreciate why she loved it so much. It is the perfect balance of form and function.

Typographic snobbery was rife on my course. Lo and behold anyone who tried to use Comic Sans or incorporated a drop shadow into their project. I still tend to avoid most handwriting-style fonts. It’s murky territory; unless it truly is handwritten and done well, I would go for a real font.

Mosaic typography has been around since Roman times and it retains a timeless look.

The Croft Institute in Melbourne is a bar with the look of the science lab. It boasts Melbourne’s largest private collection of laboratory apparatus but also houses a rather lovely mosaic splashback behind. It has a very elegant sort of appeal. Bisazza’s Alfabeto Positivo – available at Surface Tiles - is similar; the phrase or word of your choice can be made up or you.

Mosaic lettering at the Croft institute in Melbourne

Despite all this talk of tasteful typography, I am not averse to a bit of trash once in a while, especially when it is undeniably tongue in cheek. The late fashion icon Isabella Blow’s Belgravia Flat had an exquisite drawing room full of heirlooms but with a tongue in cheek neon sign saying Conceptual Art. Get your own vision in neon at Neon creations.

Neon sign in the late Isabella Blow’s Belgravia apartment

For maximum impact, is no other way to go but full scale. Buro Uebele, a Stuttgart based design studio, have floor to ceiling lettering in their office. The white gives it an architectural look strong and sculptural but not overwhelming. Highly original and rather beautiful, I think.

We’re surrounded by typography everyday. We type on computers, we’re bombarded with it via adverts, magazines. It can be overwhelming. As the great typographer Eric Gill once said. “There are now about as many different varieties of letters as there are different kinds of fools.”

However, break down words to the simplicity of a letter or a number, and you see the true beauty of a font in its pure form. Good typography is an artform in itself. Find the right words to express yourself.

Source book
The Old Cinema theoldcinema.co.uk
Anthropologie anthropologie.com
Jimmy Shonning jimmyshonning.com
Brume brume.co.uk
The Croft Institute thecroftinstitute.com.au
Surface Tiles surfacetiles.com
Neon Creations neoncreations.co.uk
Buro Uebele uebele.com

The front door is the means of transition from the public domain of the street to the privacy of the interior; an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The front door is more than a means of access; it is a welcome home. As the face of your home, it provides clues about the interior lurking within.

A striking front entrance really works wonders in making a good impression. I used to pass the offices of Marks Barfield Architects on my way to work everyday and would admire the huge solid oak door with its hot pink reveal. The sight of that bold entrance would brighten many a dreary morning.

Entrance to the offices of Marks Barfield architects

When it comes to your own home, there are several ways to give your entrance a boost. The simplest and most effective way is to paint it. If your home is listed you don’t need permission to change the colour even if you’re required to have a particular style of door. Shiny black is sophisticated and great for a smart city pad. However, a bright colour is invigorating and will make your door stand out from the others on your street. They say go glossy for the city and matt for the country but I think that’s a load of nonsense. Besides, painting an old door with gloss will only accentuate every imperfection. The front door of our Clapham flat was painted in a matt pale blue and accessorised with a brass Edwardian knocker, which, when opened, echoed the pale blue and gold wallpaper in the hallway. It was a neat way of linking the outside with the inside.

Regency style door from the London Door Company

Unless your house is listed, you can make a statement by increasing the size of your door. The wider and taller, the better! Your choice of door will be dictated by the style of the building. If you have a dark hallway, go for one which is solid at the bottom with a glass pane above. The London Door Company has four showrooms across London, offering high quality bespoke doors. They have doors to suit every architectural style, from Regency, to Victorian and beyond. They can also supply internal and garden doors, enabling you to co-ordinated your look throughout the interior. A door that closes with a sturdy clunk is a must, for it makes us feel protected.  I remember being struck by the exquisite studded doors in Marrakesh a few years ago. I love the contemporary version on the entrance to the boutique at the Majorelle gardens; it reminds me of a designer handbag. It’s all in the detail.

Studded door at the Majorelle gardens in Marrakesh

I recall a magnificent old church door that my parents bought when I was very young, simply because my dad had to have it. It was stored in a garage for eight years in Surrey until it moved with us to Mallorca in the mid eighties and our house was built around it. It was an enormous arched structure, and to my young eyes looked like something out of a fairytale. Leominster Reclamation and Architectural Salvage have veritable treasure trove for the avid door seeker, including Ledge and Brace, Gothic arched and outsized. They are not as expensive as you might think either.

Detail of reclaimed pitch pine church door from Leominster Reclamation and Architectural Salvage

The area leading to the door is just as important as the door itself. Rather than the ubiquitous Victorian tiling, consider using large porcelain slabs, such as the stunning textured Ecotech range from Surface. Porcelain is low maintenance and frost free, making it perfectly suitable for exterior applications. If you have space, planters clad in the same material as the floor add a slick contemporary look. Plant some night scented flowers such as lilac or honeysuckle, with a wonderful scent to welcome you with glorious waft when you return home. Flanking the door with small trees looks chic and adds interest to the area.

Ecotech tiles from Surface

Every door deserves needs some decent accessories. Make sure the handle, letterbox and locks are all made of the same metal. SDS has an extensive selection of front door hardware. For maximum security, go to Banham.  The recommended height for your letterbox is 80-85cm from the ground. Look for a design that has a security latch so that no-one can put their hand through it and open the door. A wire basket to catch letters in is essential if you want to avoid that student-flat look of pizza flyers and bills scattered all over the floor when you come home.

Ensuring your front entrance is well lit is mandatory, not only for security but also to make it look welcoming. Rather than spending ages fumbling about trying to find keys in the dark or attempting to illuminate the keyhole with your mobile phone (guilty), install an outdoor light. Position it either above or to the side of the door, to make the entrance feel inviting and to give the impression that someone is home. Install a timer to come on in the evening and to turn off at midnight. John Cullen has some stylish options.

Outdoor lighting from John Cullen

Whether you live in a modest Mews or a magnificent mansion, pay some attention to your front entrance. Go forth and enhance your kerb appeal!

Source book
Marks Barfield architects marksbarfield.com
Marjorelle garden Marrakesh jardinmajorelle.com
The London Door Company londondoor.co.uk
Leominster Reclamation and Architectural Salvage leorec.co.uk
SDS London Architectural Ironmongery sdslondon.co.uk
Banham Locks banham.co.uk
John Cullen Lighting johncullenlighting.co.uk

The sight of buds coming into bloom lifts the spirits and heralds the start of spring. However,the long, cold winter means traditional spring flowers are thin on the ground. Alas, hope is not lost, for you can bring some floral induced joy into your home. Brushstroke florals are one of 2012’s key trends. The loose painterly style has been embraced by designers to add to the vast bouquet of floral inspired pieces out there. Put all thoughts of granny chic out of your head and get romantic with some bloomy beauties. Boys, fear not, they are not as girlie as you might expect. Either way, it is healthy thing to embrace your feminine side.

Wallpaper and fabric are the natural vehicles for this trend. House of Hackney’s Dalston Rose print turns popular perceptions of chintz on their head with its darkly romantic design.

Dalston Rose print

‘Fabulous’ wallpaper by Julien McDonald for Graham and Brown

A far cry from the typical English rose, its dip dyed effect is on-trend and lends a punky feel. Julien McDonald has recently launched his second wallpaper collection for Graham and Brown. The bold floral ‘Fabulous” features large scale tropical florals with metallic detailing and holographic effects which just reek of glamour, like the sexy party dresses the designer is known for. “Designing a collection of wallpaper was something that came instinctively to me. The link between fashion and home has never been closer, so it was a natural progression,” says McDonald.

Clarissa Hulse has joined forces with Harlequin to produce the charming botanical inspired Kallianthi collection of prints, weaves and wallpapers. From delicate dappled leaves and grasses to flowers and herbs all in glorious jewel like colours, her love of the natural world is plain to see.

Kallianthi by Clarrisa Hulse

Blossom Rug from Woven Ground

The Blossom pure wool rug from Woven Ground is a real showstopper and a piece of art. The dye for each flower and leaf is hand painted In two layers and allowed to bleed, giving a fluid appearance, which resembles  a watercolour. Although the colour palette is inspired by trends for 2012 with its coral/pink/red and blue/purple combinations, this look transcends fashion. Of a similar ilk is the floral satin Rabat pouffe by Kenzo Maison at Interior Supply is a painterly piece with bright large orange blooms. It looks a bit like a handbag with its leather strap. It would make a great footrest or perch for books and magazines in a living area and has the added benefit of being portable.

I remember going to an exhibition on Power of Erotic at the Design Museum whilst on my Art Foundation course (what can I say, I had a kinky tutor) and being struck, amongst other things, by the beautiful Rose chair by Masanori Umeda. A sensual and decadent piece which captured the qualities of a red rose but with a sexy undertone. Not only was it exquisite to look at but it was probably the most comfortable chair I had ever set eyes upon. It was designed in 1990 and is available from Edra.

Rose chair by Masanori Umeda at Edra

However, florals need not be restricted to soft furnishings. Mosaic art factory Sicis have a stunning collection of bold handcut floral motifs, aptly named Flower Power. These large panels of vibrant flowers are bold and truly captivating. They remind me of a scene in Alice in Wonderland, such is the hypnotic effect of these giant blooms. These are serious art pieces, not for the shrinking violet, available at Surface Tiles.

Red FL06 Flower Power mosaic by Sicis

Mosaic powerhouse Bisazza have a variety of floral designs in different scales, some classically romantic, some stylised. If you are prefer something more subtle, you may like the Garden design. The graphic Sixties inspired design in demure beige and white is elegant and versatile in a neutral bathroom scheme. Also available at Surface Tiles.

Garden decori by Bisazza

Embrace the joys of spring with some petal power!

Source book
House of Hackney houseofhackney.com
Graham and Brown grahambrown.com
Julien Macdonald julienmacdonald.com
Harlequin harlequin.uk.com
Clarissa Hulse clarissahulse.com
Woven Ground wovenground.com
Interior Supply interiorsupply.co.uk
Edra edra.com
Sicis available at Surface Tiles surfacetiles.com
Bisazza available at Surface Tiles surfacetiles.com

Under the Surface catches up with Lara on the week of the Homes & Gardens Designer of the Year Award Ceremony. Lara, creative director at Lara Francis Design, has been shortlisted.

Monday 5th March
So here I am at Munich airport heading back to London from a long day on site in the Bavarian countryside. The last few months has seen me working on an exciting new project out here in Germany. My clients originally contacted me last year after seeing one of my projects in Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms magazine (see images below) and asked if I would oversee the design of their 5 luxury bathrooms and spa, sauna and wellness area in the country home they are building.

KBB Feature: Luxury Bathroom using Metal porcelain tiles from Surface Tiles

Today I met with the architect, project manager, senior electrician, my client, and about 12 other tradesmen (who seemed inordinately interested in the luxury bathroom designer from London), on site to discuss the first fix work and go through the next stage of the project. We were all very excited to meet each other after having only met previously via Skype and email and I was delighted to see my designs slowly coming to life. I had brought with me samples of the tiles I’ve specified from Surface Tiles for the various rooms including Buxy Perle Naturale and Elegance Via Condotti in the bathrooms, and Grigio Milano with real mother of pearl in the spa and wellness area. Lots of oohing and aahing from everyone concerned, along with a few raised eyebrows from the hordes of German tradesmen craning their necks to get a good look at the mother of pearl.

Tuesday
Today I’ve had my head down in my design studio working on a full house paint specification for my German clients. I spent some time with them yesterday on my Munich trip going through the architect plans for the rest of the house and discussing ideas for the kitchen and bedrooms. I know they’re going to love my proposed scheme for the kitchen. I’ve combined Farrow and Ball’s Elephant’s Breath on the units with Charleston Gray on the island (and contemporary freestanding fireplace), and Skimming Stone on the walls. I’m also loving the scheme I’ve created for the library using Farrow and Ball’s Charleston Gray again on the walls, and wall to wall shelving, with Picture Gallery Red adding a stunning accent on the interior shelving.

Also, on the to do list today was deciding what to wear tomorrow night for the 2012 Homes and Gardens Designer Awards for which I have been shortlisted in the Bathroom Designer of the Year category. I was originally nominated for the award by a journalist who had written a feature in Homes and Gardens on a luxury bathroom I had designed in Kensington. She loved how I had blended old and new by combining a traditional style wallpaper (from the Lotus Papers range by Farrow & Ball) and a carefully restored Victorian bath with contemporary shower enclosure, sleek brassware and bespoke, minimalist cabinetry. The elegant vanity unit and Corian basin were made to my own design and were offset by a stunning antique Venetian mirror above shimmering, iridescent  Sicis mosaics from Surface Tiles. I also used these tiles in the shower area, where their different shades beautifully echoed and complemented the colour palette I had created for the rest of the room.

Kensington Project: Luxury bathroom using SICIS mosaics from Surface Tiles

Kensington Project: Luxury bathroom using SICIS mosaics from Surface Tiles

Wednesday
I spent some time today overseeing the finishing touches to my 3D photorealistic visualisations for a proposed bathroom design scheme in a Victorian property in East Dulwich. The scheme combines a beautiful porcelain tile, Natural 1.0 in Seashell, on the floor with the stunning Neoglass Cashmere Cube glass mosaics lining the large walk-in shower area and covering the bespoke countertop underneath his and hers basins in the vanity area, all from Surface Tiles. I am always as amazed as my clients by this technology and love seeing the reaction when I present our 3D renders to them!

3D Visualisations of Victorian property in East Dulwich

3D Visualisations of Victorian property in East Dulwich

As for the what to wear dilemma, I finally decided on the 40’s style silk dress I bought last year from Warehouse (I love a High St find!), black opaques and killer heels for the awards ceremony at the British Museum tonight. Shame I didn’t win this time but, with only two finalists in the Bathroom Design category, I was honoured to be this year’s runner-up for 2012 UK Bathroom Designer of the Year.

Thursday
Today started with an early site meeting on one of my luxury bathroom projects just off the Strand in Central London. My client had been hankering for a dramatic shower so I’ve lined the walls and floor with Quarza Brilliante Nero from Surface Tiles. The bespoke mirror cabinets have LED lighting washing underneath them, the niches in the shower also have LED lighting and the ceiling recessed shower has a Lara Francis Design trademark; a fibreoptic starry night sky effect created by installing a lightbox in the ceiling cavity and pulling fibreoptic lights through tiny holes in the ceiling all around the recessed shower head. This project isn’t yet complete but here’s a picture of my starry shower effect in a previous project.

Blue Bathroom featuring blue mosaics from Surface Tiles

Blue bathroom with fibreoptics to create starry night effect

Friday
Well, it’s been such a long week I decided to take the day off and give myself a long weekend. So, after a full English breakfast and a cranberry juice at S&M’s café (that’s short for Sausage and Mash in case you’re wondering…) on Portobello Rd I hit the Friday market for a leisurely treasure trawl. Couldn’t quite resist checking out Alternative Plans in Notting Hill on the way home though…

Lara Francis Design
45 Helix Road
London SW2 2JR
t: +44 20 8674 2822
m: +44 7968 722363
e: Lara Francis
W. Lara Francis Design

Interior designer Adrian Chinn tells us about her week leading up to the Tile Design Open Day at Surface Tiles Islington on Saturday March 31st.

Monday – March 26th

Woke up to a fantastic sunny day, so hopped out of bed (unusually for me as I’m addicted to the Snooze button — I’m not a morning person) and started the day. Checked emails and spent some time on the phone sorting out some minor issues with a walk-in shower room which is being built for a client in West Hampstead. The room was in terrible state when it was gutted, with asbestos, faulty wiring, leaking plumbing — all hidden behind DIY panelling. Problems are getting ironed out, but it’s been a complicated job.

Took the tube into town to meet some Canadian friends on the Southbank for lunch at Wagamama — we hadn’t seen each other since 1980 (!) but are firm facebook friends. Sat outside in the sun, ate lots of noodles and the waiter told me I looked like Julie Lesco. I have to Google her now.

Came back via the Design Centre where I popped in to Romo, Robert Allen & Brian Yates to look for some fabric for a client’s new-build house in Stockwell, then hopped the bus back home. A few more emails, answering some questions for an on-line magazine, and Bob’s Your Uncle!

Fougere Collection by Romo

Wednesday
Just finished a fun penthouse flat overlooking the Thames Barrier. The flat has wrap around windows and the most stunning view of the Thames — on a good day you can see most of London’s landmarks all the way down to the Millennium Wheel.

The scheme is a streamlined palette of black, white and red and punches of colour in comic book artwork. Electronic roller blinds keep the view there as a gorgeous panorama to daily life.

A Florence Knoll black leather sofa from Interior Addict and red leather Swan chair from Interior Addict take pride of place in the living room. I custom-designed grey lacquer shelving units in the living room, and white lacquer shelving in the study/music room (I really love the way the black wall make the white shelves pop!) and the red Eames Butterfly chair and desk lamp add a zing of colour to the otherwise black and white scheme in this room.

A really funky Tornado curved red leather sofa from Interiors for Homes looks fantastic in the TV corner in the master bedroom, while a black laquer bed with a headboard with integrated lighting from Go Modern takes center stage in the bedroom in front of the Viva wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki from Graham & Brown. A Wingback chair and ottoman in grey wool from bluesuntree looks great in front of the window.

Thursday

Wallpaper from Designers Guild

Another day of fabric and wallpaper ourcing and putting schemes together. Stopped by Chelsea Harbour Design Centre and popped into GPJ Baker who have a great selection of contemporary fabrics, then down Kings Road to Osborne & Little and Designers Guild and Heals (am looking for some fun bedding), and then up Sloane Avenue to get some inspiration at my favourite shop, Jonathan Adler (I’ve been a fan for years). Just love Jonathan’s modern take on retro 1960s style. Funkalicious!

Room interior designed by Jonathan Adler

Have started using Pinterest to pin furniture and accessory suggestions for clients to look at — like a virtual sample board, so did a lot of pinning this afternoon. My client has a tight budget so am searching sites like Dwell, bluesuntree, and Funky Rugs for fun, colourful retro items.

Spread all the fabrics and wallpapers onto my living room floor this afternoon to mull over the schemes. My cat helped me make my decisions but sitting on his favourite pile.

Dinner now, then some on-line pinning for another client tonight!

Check back daily for her diary updates…

Source book:
Surface Tiles: surfacetiles.com
Romo: romo.com
Robert Allen: robertallendesign.com
Brian Yates: brian-yates.co.uk
Interior Addict: interioraddict.com
Go Modern: gomodern.co.uk
Graham & Brown: grahambrown.com
Chelsea Harbour Design Centre: dcch.co.uk
GPJ Baker: gpjbaker.com
Osborne & Little: osborneandlittle.com
Designers Guild: designersguild.com
Heals: heals.co.uk
Jonathan Adler: jonathanadler.com
Dwell: dwell.co.uk
Bluesuntree: bluesuntree.co.uk
Funky Rugs: funkyrugs.co.uk

Adrienn Chinn Designs
Trident Business Centre
89 Bickerteth Road
London SW17 9SH
t: +44 20 8516 7783
m: +44 7899 916 268
e: Adrienne Chinn
W. www.adriennechinn.co.uk

I’m drawn to crime thrillers like a bee is to honey.  Good design also, so when episode two of Danish Den som dræber (Those Who Kill) aired on ITV3 it had my full attention. Set in Copenhagen the series is full of dark spaces and terrifying prospects.

Appropriately called ‘Utopia’ the episode focuses on three houses owned by wealthy, interior design-conscious families. Each house showcases Denmark’s legacy of mid-20th century furniture and lighting alongside other international product design heavy-weights.

House 1: The Reinholt Family Residence

Those Who Kill: The Reinholt Family Residence with sweeping spiral staircase

Wishbone Chair by Hans J Wegner

The focal-point is the spiral staircase in the centre of the house. All other design elements take their lead from this piece. The natural wood treads of the stair are echoed in various pieces of furniture throughout the house, including the Wishbone chairs designed in 1949 by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son.

Dubbed the Renaissance man of Danish architecture and design, Arne Jacobsen’s iconic AJ Lamp, made by Louis Poulsen in 1957, sits on the side-table by the door. The design looks as fresh today as it did then.

AJ Lamp by Arne Jacobsen

House 2: Lorch Family Residence
Two PK22 chairs are positioned carefully in the Lorch’s capacious hall. Designed by Paoul Kjærholm in 1956 and awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957, this chair launched the Danish designer onto the international scene very early on his career.

Those Who Kill Screen Shot featuring PK22 Chairs by Paoul Kjærholm

Space Chair by Jehs & Laub

Moving through into the sitting room we only catch a glimpse the interior, but German Duo Jehs & Laub’s Space Chair is visible. Minimalist and slender in form, the Space lounge chair offers comfort without the bulk. This modern piece sits comfortably next to pieces designed 50 years earlier.

Those Who Kill Screen Shot featuring Viscontea Pendant Light, EM Table and DSW chairs

The view into the kitchen is visual treat; from the Viscontea Pendant Light designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1960) for Flos, to the EM Table designed by Jean Prouve (1950) for Vitra. Not forgetting the iconic DSW chairs – the first industrially manufactuerd plastic chair – by Charles and Ray Eames (1950) also for Vitra.

Viscontea Pendant Light, EM Table and DSW chair

There are even little design touches in the background on the window sill. It’s hard to tell but a Jens Quistgaard pepper mill for Dansk may adorn the sill – a prolific Danish industrial product designer who won the Lunning Prize in 1954. In his lifetime he won six gold medals at the Milan Trienalle and created more than 2,000 different designs of dinnerware, glassware and items for the home. Dansk re-released 5 models in 2009.

Jens Quistgaard Pepper Mills

House 3: The Forne Family Residence

Those Who Kill Screen Shot featuring Taraxacum Light

There are four items in this house which are stand-out design pieces. The ceiling lamp by Achille Castiglioni, the two chairs by Hans J Wegner and the floor lamp by Robert Dudley Best.

Taraxacum Pendant Light by Achille Castiglioni

The Taraxacum Pendant Light
Designed in 1988, the idea was to create a light source to replace the very decorative, classic chandelier with many lights. The Taraxacum – the generic name for the dandelion flower – maintains the same decorative lighting technique, but makes it simple and unified. The original version with 200 bulbs was created to light community areas, large lobbies and rooms where a great deal of light was required. The updated Taraxacum 88 uses 60 bulbs and is more suitable for domestic spaces.

Those Who Kill Screen Shot featuring BL3 Lamp & Hans J Wegner Chairs

PP225 Flag Halyard Chair by Hans J Wegner

The PP225 Flag Halyard Chair
My favourite piece, the PP225 chair adheres to the early modernist’s use of chromium-plated steel pipes (Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer) but with a Hans J Wegner twist. The chair’s surfaces are made of 240 metres of specially developed plaited flag line with the longhaired sheepskin softening the industrial sharpness of the steel, adding comfort. Wegner’s concept for the chair came in 1950 while watching his children play in the shallow water on the beach. He wanted to recreate the comfort of his sand-built chair. The result was the Flag Halyard PP225.

Flag Halyard Chair by Hans J Wegner

CH25 Chair by Hans J Wegner

The CH25 Chair
Also designed by Hans J Wegner in 1950 for Carl Hansen the CH25 Chair is hand woven using a unique pattern that requires more than 400 metres of paper cord. It takes a trained craftsman 8-10 hours to complete a single chair. The distinctive look comes from its special leg profile and broad armrests, which make this Wegner chair easy to get up from, even with its low seating and reclining back.

BL3 Floor Lamp by Robert Dudley Best

The BL3 Floor Lamp
Sitting behind the coveted Flag Chair is Robert Dudley Best’s BL3 floor lamp.  Best studied design in Paris and Düsseldorf and befriended Walter Gropius – founder of the Bauhaus movement – . The two exchanged ideas about functionality and simplicity. The result was the Bestlite and he returned home in 1930 with a sketch and the determination to put into production. Although his father owned the largest lighting manufacturing company in the world – Best & Lloyd – he had to fight to get the BL3 Lamp made. The Bestlite is now heralded as the ‘first manifestation of British Bauhaus design’ and is included in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Design Museum in London.

BL3 Floor Lamp by Robert Dudley Best

Navy Counter Stool by Philippe Starck

Le Corbusier LC2 Two-Seater Sofa

So if your after a gritty crime thriller with some a serious eye for the design classics of the mid-20th century, take a look at Denmark’s latest offering – Those Who Kill. Murder with with to-die-for furniture.

Source book:
Wishbone Chair (Hans J Wegner) available at Skandium: skandium.com
Emeco Navy chairs (Philippe Starck) available at Design Within Reach: dwr.com
AJ Lamp (Arne Jacobsen) available at Stardust: stardust.com
PK22 Chairs (Paoul Kjærholm) available at Fritz Hansen: fritzhansen.com
Space Chair (Jehs & Laub) availabe at Ivor Innes: ivor-innes.co.uk
Visontea Pendant Light (Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni) available at Spatial Lighting: spatial-lighting.co.uk
EM Table (Jean Prouve) availabe at Ivor Innes: ivor-innes.co.uk
DSW Chairs (Charles & Ray Eames) available at Heals: heals.co.uk
Pepper Mill (Jens Quistgaard) available at Dansk: dansk.com
Taraxacum Ceiling Light (Achille Castiglioni) available at TwentyTwentyOne: twentytwentyone.com
PP225 Flag Halyard Chair (Hans J Wegner) available at Danish Design Store: danishdesignstore.com
CH25 Chair (Hans J Wegner) available at Aram: aram.co.uk
BL3 Floor Lamp (Robert Dudley Best) available at Chaplins: chaplinsstore.co.uk
LC2 Sofa (Le Corbusier) available at Cassina: cassinausa.com