Our favourite launches from the London Design Festival
It’s been a busy few weeks in the studio since the annual extravaganza that is the London Design Festival, and we’ve had some quite ferocious debates over which products and brands have made our top picks for this year!
There was so much to see, as ever, and the endless bubbles, canapés, late nights and long days have made things just a little foggy, but here are a few of our favourite designers, who all stood out from the crowds with their wondrous creations…
The Moooi Showroom
Co-founded by Marcel Wanders, it’s no wonder that Moooi continues to impress. And during the festival, they transformed their west London showroom with items from their Unexpected Welcome collection, debuted at Milan this year, to create a new take on conventional living spaces. After all, no living room is complete without an orange male mannequins. Is it us or does he look a bit depressed? Cheer up love.
Melody Rose
Exhibiting at Tent, exciting ceramic brand Melody Rose really stood out with their upcycled vintage ceramics. A quirky idea, well-executed – these plates would certainly make a talking point over the dinner table.
Surface View
Surface View are a pretty unique company – creating bespoke wall murals, canvases, window films… anything on a ‘surface’ basically. They can also create completely bespoke designs from your own images. Exhibiting at 100% design this year, they’re definitely one to watch. Check out the fab ‘View of Amsterdam’ window film above.
Buster + Punch
We’re long-time fans of Buster + Punch at Callender Howorth. Biker and rock ‘n’ roll inspired designs are their speciality, and we love the raw, masculine edge of their designs. Perfect statement pieces for the suave man about town.
Timorous Beasties
Timorous Beasties’ refreshing take on toile de Jouy caught our eyes a while ago and is still just as captivating – look closely and you’ll see the London Eye and the Gherkin amongst other landmarks in their London Toile design, pictured. And as for the colourway… Just fabulous.
Mauger Modern Art
Fibre optics have transformed our ability to use light to create outstanding and unusual pieces, such as the striking Columbia Seated Child, above, by Ibizan artist Roseline de Thelen, on display at Mauger Modern Art. Set up by artist Richard Mauger and his brother, the gallery in Pimlico is definitely worth a visit.
James UK
With accolades from the likes of Elle Decoration under the belt, it’s no wonder that James UK continues to go from strength to strength. The ‘James’ in question is James Harrison, who’s gathering legions of fans for his simple, clean-lined contemporary furniture. We like.
Tandem Studio
We discovered Tandem Studio at Designjunction and immediately fell for their quirky, inventive designs. Established in 2005, Tandem is led by Jonathan and Simone Wright, a furniture maker and architect. They work with architects and private clients across the UK, creating timeless and elegant furniture and interiors for commercial, residential and public settings.
Chisel & Mouse
‘Buy a piece of architecture for your home’ – that’s the tagline for sculptors Chisel & Mouse, who create delightful mini versions of some of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks. They also take on commissions – we wonder how they’d feel about taking on the Shard…
Delightfull
We can never get enough of great lighting designs at Callender Howorth. Delightfull have a huge range of playful, individual pieces, characterised by sculptured forms, reduced shapes, clear lines and plenty of colour. What more could you want?!
That’s just a small selection of the designers we’ll be keeping an eye on over the next few months. We’d love to hear what you thought – tweet us at @c_h_studio with your top picks!
LONDON LIVING
Our guide to areas and who is living there…
Battersea – family friendly terrace houses, riverside apartments
The area spreading out from Clapham Junction, which proclaims itself as Britain’s busiest railway station, is mainly home to a complementary mix of trendy young professionals and well-to-do families. The transition from one to the other (but not back again!) is a smooth one in the area between-the-commons (Wandsworth and Clapham) known as “nappy valley”, where yummy mummies do brunch with their Bugaboos (a “travel system” for babies) along the lovely, bustling Northcote Road with its posh market and pretty cafes. This is almost exclusively a residential area and not a hub for hotels, but it’s definitely worth a day trip.
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Islington – smart Houses and a mix of funky eclectic flats…
Islington mixes elegant Georgian squares inhabited by London’s liberal elite with some rough-and-ready bits. This vibrant borough has a thriving fringe theatre scene and a bustling nightlife, centred on the clubs, bars and restaurants of Upper Street, and, if you’re planning on partying, the hotels here are a good option. The area is also home to Arsenal, one of London’s biggest football clubs, and The King’s Head Theatre, the first and best of London’s theatre pubs. Nestled between Essex Road and Upper Street, Canonbury boasts the delightful New River walk, while just south of Angel you’ll find a very pretty stretch of the canal.
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Chiswick – family friendly area with many detached properties, close proximity to park and river
If you don’t mind being a bit further west, Chiswick is a great answer. Local park with Chiswick House and close proximity of the Thames gives plenty opportunity to spend free time. Again, like Battersea, is a family friendly area with a well-established reputation. You can find plenty of beautiful detached Villas here, but that depends on how deep is your pocket.
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Knightsbridge – luxurious neighbourhood of London with its famous penthouses and large town houses
Harrods, the most recognised shop in the world famed for its annual Christmas lights and window displays, is at the centre of Knightsbridge, an area that is becoming the best place in London to max out your credit card. Bond Street was the traditional location for designers to have their flagship stores, but an increasing number, including legendary shoe designers Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, are moving to Knightsbridge. To the north, Hyde Park and the Serpentine lake provide attractive open spaces away from the bustle, and the south of Knightsbridge is also an attractive place for a stroll, with the grand fashion boutiques replaced by neat terraces, gardens and antique shops. On the ground floor and basement of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel can be found the first London restaurants of celebrated chefs Heston Blumenthal and Daniel Boulud.
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Mayfair – the most exclusive area of London
Primarily thanks to the game Monopoly, where the area is deigned to have London’s most expensive property, Mayfair’s sharp reputation precedes it. The smart neighbourhood is named after the annual May Fair which used to take place on the site that is Shepherd Market today. Rents are among the highest in London and the world – which adds to the area’s exclusive feel. Important buildings in Mayfair include the Royal Academy of Arts, the Grosvenor House Hotel, Claridge’s, The Dorchester and the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. Mayfair has also become an attractive location away from the City for private banks, hedge funds and wealth managers. Throw in the designer shops and art galleries of Old Bond Street, New Bond Street, Savile Row (home to some of the world’s most renowned tailors) and Conduit Street – and you begin to get a picture of just how exclusive the neighbourhood is.
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Just a few thoughts – you Londoners know lots of this already! But always fun to remind others of the truly eclectic city that we live in!
WE LOVE DESIGNING BATHROOMS
Bathrooms and kitchens sell a house. Just a few thought to inspire you from things that we have seen recently.
Brands such us Toto, Viega and Grohe are investing heavily in technology in bathrooms. These days at a push of a button you can set the temperature and flow from your tap or shower, set a massaging program in your bath and make sure the ambient lighting is just right!
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Cool classics
The classical look is always popular. Mixing modern and contemporary materials and antique mirrors and ornaments are always a hit.
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Grey is definitely the colour of today’s bathroom. Mix this with contemporary and rich finishes to get a moody effect. Polished concrete and plaster surfaces are also very popular at the moment.
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Bathrooms are also not necessarily bound to one room. These days they are becoming integrated into other living spaces and becoming a part of a master suite area.
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Builder’s crack, naked Corsicans and another Project done in Nice….
What a laugh we have had on this project on Rue Marachel Joffre. The naked Corsican builder…..more on that later!
Living space
This apartment was a right state when we took the project on to totally redesign and rebuild the apartment. Our client lives in Dubai but had always loved the South of France and wanted a magical and “bonkers” bolt hole that she could chill out in with friends. With direct daily flights from Dubai to Nice the plan was a win win for our client.
Living Room
Dinning Room
The designs as you will see are rather “bubbly” to say the least! But we wanted the space to be a really cheerful retreat that made our client smile every time that she returned to Nice. So lots colours, patterns, textures and chandeliers add a really jolly spirit to this space.
Kitchen
Kitchen storage
We gutted the apartment moving staircases and rearranging all of the internal spaces on two floors. We needed the right build team and once again the French delivered. Only a few Francophobe Brits say that the French are difficult to work with! What I have found is that they work smart and make the most of their time. Getting more done in a work day by focusing and also allowing time for a good lunch.
Master Bedroom
Spare Bedroom
It was priceless on my first site visit, when I stumbled on a large furniture carton covered with a table cloth, plates, glasses, napkins and an amazing spread of cheeses, pates, fruit and breads. Surrounding this delectable and stylish feast was my French build team having lunch. A chair was pulled up for me to join them and a glass of chilled rose thrust into my hand –my kind of builders!
The builders were mostly Nicois but Laurent, the dark swarthy one from Corsica, had a habit of changing in the morning from his very stylish designer clothes to his work clothes. As it happened this fortunately coincided with my morning view of progress on site! All I can say is that I have never seen a builder in London that looks quite as trim! Not a saggy builder’s crack in sight on the Cote D Azur!
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Laurent
WHATS NEW AND FUN THIS MONTH IN THE WORLD OF INTERIORS…..
Am going to start sharing things that I see along the way that are inspiring and new to the market. Really hope that you like them and get some ideas from them.
For those of you with an adventurous office environment – you really need to get this “swing desk” from Duffy London. It will make your meetings so much fun and literally swing by! Will also keep your clients amused.
http://duffylondon.com/
Another import from Portugal – we are seeing some great ideas and design coming from Portugal over the past year. Innovative, sexy and not too costly –check out this rather slick mirror from Ginger and Jagger.
http://gingerandjagger.com/EN/
For those of you with some wall space spare – check out Jenny Pockley’s luminous landscapes. A graduate from the masters programme at the Royal Academy. Jenny is now selling all over the world. Her pieces literally “shimmer” on the wall and give amazing wow factor.
http://jennypockley.com/
http://jennypockley.com/
http://jennypockley.com/
Vitamin are creating stunning objects that really marry form and function. This oil holder is simply beautiful and will jazz up any kitchen and dining setting.
http://vitaminliving.com/
And last and my no means least – my favourite find this month from Buster and Punch –the “coffin bar” is simply sexy. It will add a real impact to any living space. Also of note is their stylish and almost Goth Wingback chair.
http://busterandpunch.com/
http://busterandpunch.com/
So let us know what you think! Happy Shopping.
Do it up and sell it on…
We work on many projects for clients who want to invest in property. It never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved and how lucrative it can be.
Property in Mayfair
We have just refurbished a “very tired” 5000 sq. ft. house on one of the better streets in Wandsworth. Through careful sourcing and clever design we have enabled the house to sell for £650,000 more than it would have done pre “make over.” After our costs that is a £450,000 return for our client. Not bad for a 4 month turn around.
So London is still great post financial meltdown to get some serious profit within a short period of time.
Property in Knightsbridge
Great areas always have properties that are run down and not up to scratch. We are also working on a property in Holland Park worth over £5m and a house on the same street that has not been update for 40 years is on the market for £3m. Room for some profit on that one.
Property in Maida Vale
You need to keep ahead of the game and scour the areas. To buy luxury properties in London you’ll be against the affluent Russians, Chinese, Americans, Emiratis and Indians who are on a property shopping spree in London with the pound’s collapse in value. But if you look for the places that need some work –you may get ahead of this crowd as many of the foreign investors want a turnkey solution.
Property in Hampstead Heath
“The asset class itself – a good home – is understood the world over and prime central London homes are, for property, really easy and quick to sell. It’s an asset class in short supply, which makes for rising prices. The clarity over the new annual tax on enveloped dwellings has also helped”.
London skyline
So if you want to make an investment – keep property in mind and also a good interior designer that can help make it sell!
Happy Hunting.
Nice, France: A Place in the Sun
OK, I know I keep on about Nice (record stuck) but really think that with the horrific lack of summer weather I should encourage you all to buy a place in the sun.
Apartment with the view
Nice is flying. The city council decided a few years ago to implement a huge regeneration of Nice. New tram lines, public parks, development of the Port being a few of the innovative ideas. All of this innovation means that while many cities in Europe have a languishing property market, Nice is still vibrant and exciting, both in the property market and lifestyle it offers – and it’s getting better every day!
I found buying in Nice a doddle. Estate Agents in France are highly regulated and there are over 300 agencies in Nice. Sadly many do not speak English, so if your French stretches to just ordering a bottle of rose, I would suggest looking at some of the property finders. Totallyriviera.com is a fantastic service and is networked with the top agencies and has a great website that structure properties on the market by price point and area (all in English). Their team are all bi lingual and really know Nice and have found many properties for friends and clients of mine.
Square Rosetti
Once the property is found, you will sign a compromise de vente. It sets out the main terms of the agreement between the buyer and seller and upon signing the buyer will pay a deposit of 10%. Cleverly, there is also a statutory 7 day cooling off period, during which you, but not the seller, can withdraw from the purchase. Gazumping is an English phenomenon and not tolerated in France.
A Notaire (Solicitor) is appointed to handle the transaction (was effortless if a bit pricey!!) But within usually 3 months the keys are yours.
Pick your areas carefully and you will get a great deal on up and coming areas. One such are is Rue Bonaparte (south of Place Garibaldi). This area is a great investment and you can find some great deals in what is a very good area for investment.
Old town
SO, if you are fed up with the lack of sun here, book the orange airline and be Nice in just under 2 hours and start the hunt!
PS Castel Beach club is a perfect place to debate properties and negotiations whilst sipping rose with a view of the bay of Nice.
Bay at Nice
Callender Howorth specialises in renovating apartments in the city of Nice. View our recent redesign of this luxury apartment in the centre of Nice. To find out more information about luxury interior design in Nice, contact our team.
A tour de Force in Clerkenwell…….
We moved our studio to Clerkenwell 12 years ago and one can safely say that we were “ahead of the game.” Back then the area was far from design led! It is amazing what has happened since then. Clerkenwell is now by far one of the most important areas in Europe for Architecture and Luxuy Interior Design. The icing on the cake has to be Clerkenwell Design Week which helps to firmly confirm this area’s importance in design.
With that in mind, I wanted to help to plan a fun tour of our favourite showrooms and events with some pit stops along the way to sample the also burgeoning gastronomical delights in the neighborhood. So I hope you all have a blast and enjoy the events as much as we do at Callender Howorth.
Starting the day would be a coffee pit stop. “Look Mum No Hands” is now an institution on Old Street. It started as a bike shop / café and has grown to become a really funky, eclectic and inspiring place to start the day!
Next Stop…
Domus – this inspiring company is really leading the pack with some fantastic tile and stone finishes. The showroom is itself a master class in Showroom design. They will be displaying all of the most innovative and exciting new ranges, including one of our favourites – Patricia Urquiola’s new collection.
Tiles at Domus
Moving on to….
Poltrona Frau
A true classic and tour de force in the interior design world. “With more than 50 monobrand stores, 8 of which are flagship stores, stretching from New York and Rome to Paris and Milan, Poltrona Frau is the brand name that symbolises luxury with a discreet and universal elegance, craftsmanship and perfection.” An unusual next stop…
TOTO
Japanese company TOTO made its name in the UK with toilets that go above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak, including units with an arsenal of built in hoses, dryers and invisible deodorisers. But there’s more to this brand than high-tech toilets.
Toto toilet
Recently TOTO has collaborated with French design practice EliumStudio on a new range of bathroom fixtures and fittings called SG (Square Geometry). It includes a range of modular furniture, ceramic products including WCs and basins, stylish faucets and an elegant shower tower.
Don’t forget to try out one of those toilets before you leave, though – you’ll never look back.
Toto Showroom
On to another classic – Vitra – the real “Daddy of furniture emporiums.” What can I say on this one – just go and see one of the classiest and most famous furniture companies in the world.
Now for one of my real personal favourites –we are using tons of their product on residential projects at the moment – truly inspiring and unique – BOLON– they are driven by an indomitable will to change the view of the conventional – whether it is a square view of flooring or an antiquated attitude towards entrepreneurship.”
Next…. a short hop, skip and jump now to Knoll– The celebrated British duo Barber Osbergy, designers of the Olympic torch, have been designing furniture for leading international brands for over a decade now and have just finished an exciting collaboration with global leaders Knoll. You lucky visitors can see the new collection for the first time. This is not one to be missed!
Knoll sofa
Cocktails and lunch…………..
Now would be a good time for a lunch pit stop. Cicada is an institution on St John’s Steet and was one of the first places on the scene 17 years ago! Whilst the food and cocktails are legendary, the interior design has also lasted the test of time too! Sit on their terrace, sip a couple of cocktails (allowed as fun day) and watch the crowds walk by…..
After lunch hit the events that year on year become more exciting and inspiring – some of our favourites are….
Making Designers at the SCIN Gallery – a small and innovative space on Old Street with always something to make you smile and think….
The “Making Designers” exhibition will show the school work of well-known design stars, to inspire tomorrow’s generation of industry leaders. Before they were stars of their industry, top designers like Nigel Coates, Michael Marriott, Linda Morey-Smith and Matthew Hilton were curious school students exploring the DT workshops.
Architecture for Humanity
The Huts at Clerkenwell Design Week:
This year Architecture for Humanity is designing and building a village of huts for CDW – each with a different theme: Green Hut (clad with edible plants), Water Hut (pipes and bottles), Textile Hut (exploration of soft materials) and Remakery Hut (using objects from the Brixton Remakery centre).
Architecture for Humanity
Order of St John
“For 2013, Clerkenwell Design Week will present an exhibition of contemporary furniture and decorative collections in the buildings and grounds of the historic Order of St John.” Exhibitors include: OCHRE, Sharon Marston, Ginger & Jagger, Black & Key.
Order of St John
A creepy space next that is often used for horror film movie sets……
House of Detention, EC1’s subterranean Victorian prison: “International and cutting-edge design”. Exhibitors include: Bridger & Buss, Carole Waller, Freyja Sewell, Kit Miles
House of Detention
“High-end contemporary design. This elegant Victorian former glassworks, provides a unique and striking backdrop for leading international interior design and architecture suppliers to present their collections in new and dramatic ways. “ Exhibitors include: BoConcept, deadgood, Holloways of Ludlow, Plumen, Dare Studio
The Farmiloe Building
And lastly a party you should register for at Domus – they throw good parties!!!
Wednesday: 18:30 Domus: A Doll’s House – A Miniature Preview
20 internationally-recognised architects including Zaha Hadid, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and David Adjaye have been asked by developers Cathedral Group to design and build a dolls’ house. These unique houses will be exhibited and auctioned by Bonham’s in November 2013 in support of KIDS, a charity that supports families with disabled children. “A Miniature Preview” is an exclusive opportunity to have a sneak peak at the work in progress from a selection of the architects.
Followed by Domus Aperitivo
(guest list only, register online at www.domustiles.com) until 21:00.
So that is a day and a half! Have lots of fun and get caught up in the Clerkenwell Design week buzz and creativity – get inspired!
Mark Howorth
Map of Clerkenwell Design Week 2013 Tour
A gem on the French Riviera that oozes interior design style……..
Between the port and the mainland in St Jean cap de ferrat near Nice, the floridly beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild bears witness to the wealth and worldly flair of the baroness who built it, Baroness Betrice de Rothschild – and she certainly put this villa firmly on the map with her outrageous and controversial style.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Constructed in 1905 in neo-Venetian style (its flamingo-pink facade was thought not to be in the best of taste by the neighbours at the time!), the house was baptized “Ile-de-France” in homage to the Baroness Bétrice de Rothschild’s favourite ocean liner.
Living room at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
In keeping with that theme, her staff used to wear sailing costumes and her ship travel kit is on view in her bedroom (rather camp at that time to say the least). She was also partial to taking the girls for a spin on the Promenade des Anglais in her Rolls Royce –she was in the driving seat – quite racy for the times!!
Bedroom at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Precious artworks, tapestries, and furniture adorn the salons—in typical Rothschildian fashion, each is given over to a different 18th-century “époque.” Upstairs are the private apartments of Madame la Baronne, which can only be seen on a guided tour offered around noon.
Drawing room at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Hallway Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The grounds are landscaped with no fewer than seven gardens and topped off with a Temple of Diana. Be sure to allow yourself time to wander here, as this is one of the few places on the coast where you’ll be allowed to experience the lavish pleasures characteristic of the Belle Époque Côte d’Azur.
Gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Tea and light lunches, served in a glassed-in porch overlooking the grounds and spectacular coastline, encourage you to linger over a rose or two…. Deliciously camp and a definite must to visit if you are in town.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at night
Calling all Foodies….
Twenty miles from central London on the banks of the Thames in rural Berkshire is the most amazing culinary experience in the world. And being the foodies that we are at Callender Howorth, an immediate road trip was called for.
Bray is a typical sleepy and charming 16th century village. But this village has bite. Within one square mile there are two 3 star Michelin restaurants and a new Italian arrival hot on the heels of the coveted stars.
Heston Blumenthal at Fat Duck
Heston Blumenthal reigns supreme with The Fat Duck, named the best restaurant in the world in 2005. The Tasting menu is bonkers and really a life experience that must be tasted! It is pure theatre as you are bombed with course after course of bizarre, adventurous and stimulating dishes. Notable were the Whisky wine gums and the Snail porridge… Oscar winning performance for sure.
Blumenthal’s Bray Empire crosses the road from the Fat Duck with The Crown and The Hinds Head – two delightful and atmospheric pubs –The Hinds Head now one of the only Michelin Starred pubs in the UK.
Food at Fat Duck
Just down the lane from The Fat Duck is the very well established Waterside Inn which celebrated its 40th Birthday last year. Whilst Heston Blumenthal was still in short trousers, The Roux Family introduced fine dining to this “sleepy backwater” in 1972. Classic French food, impeccably prepared, has given this romantic riverside restaurant its 3 Michelin stars and international following that have remained in place for over 25 years.
Waterside Inn Boat Jetty
Kitchen at Waterside Inn
A recent arrival to the Village from Italy is Caldesi in Campagna – a truly authentic, warm and comforting Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Delicious. Still a few leagues behind the others but catching up fast.
Riverside Dinning at Waterside Inn
So now that Spring has sprung, get yourselves to Bray for some seriously good nosh.
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