Maison et Objet : Trends for 2020

Just after the announcement of Pantone Classic Blue 19-4052 as 2020’s colour of the year, we were curious to explore the newest musings at Maison et Objet in Paris. What we were most after was the tangible feeling of design influence as we begin a new decade.

What we found was the sentiment of returning to deep seated values, a collective statement that as we move forward we are doing so with a newfound agency for appreciation of nature, wellbeing, responsibility and authenticity.

A similar feeling as if you just came back from an exotic transformational retreat. Reconnected.

True Blue

A safe approach, timeless yet smart.

Classic Blue never fails as accent pieces or for suggestively setting the mood. Whether an elegantly understated vase or velvety banquette, this true blue is always lovely to work with and always catches the eye when subtly appointed.

Bert Frank

Staying Neutral and Natural

Certainly a reflection of today’s regeneration movement, we are seeing more eco-friendly pieces and materials.

More sobriety in living areas without compromising luxury. Mineral shaped lamp bases or suspension lighting, a wink to the emitting energy found in nature.

Natural luxury is steadily moving towards becoming the new luxury….sublime and responsibly sincere. Lots of bamboo weaves everywhere.

HKliving

Curved and classy

The soft and intimate influence of curved pieces from sofas, seating, lighting, and sideboards reveal the desire for more connection and conversation.

The soothing feeling of cocooning the space as our own sanctuary from a world gone mad.

Cozy and curved by Dooq.

Greys and Greens

Elegant grey, versatile for any space lends its presence subdued yet stable can be paired endlessly.

Like the colours of beach pebbles in different shades, grey reminds of its natural and neutral imprint and considering the organic theme of wellbeing throughout the show, it mirrors a stable source of strength.

FOREVER

Green Vitality

Like the vital energy as if you have just walked through the forest, the deep greens are noticed in accessories, prints, sofas, seating, plates, and wall colours.

Breathing the vitality of life into spaces more than just with indoor plants. We can all use more of that!

@boliacom

Made by hand

A soulful calling for handcrafted unique pieces, speaking originality and authenticity.

This is one trend that is truly reflecting the appreciation for our unique talents and gifts. One unlike no other.

Beautiful work by Villari

We were delighted with this year’s Maison et Objet and are always enthusiastic attending these industry exhibitions that are at the forefront of design.

We look forward to attending Milan and Stockholm later this year so that we can continuously share new ideas and concepts with our clients. Watch this space!

Tile Me Pretty: Ten Stunning Floor Tiles

For so long confined to utility spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and outdoor areas, the floor tile is now having its moment in the sun and it is now entirely acceptable to lay tiling in every room in your house, including bedrooms and living rooms. There are some fantastic designers to discover who are having fun using a variety of materials – many at the luxury end of the scale – and experimenting with patterns that range from twists on the traditional to bold and contemporary motives. So much so that, today, the choice of floor tiling can really set the tone for the character of a room. Our only advice – if you choose a statement tile to create your interior flooring designs, make sure it is the stand out feature in the space it occupies. (more…)

Best in Show: Maison & Objet 2018 Favourites

The Maison & Objet international trade fair, held every January and September in Paris, never fails to conjure up an Aladdin’s cave of interior design wonders – and curiosities – and our trip across the channel to the City of Lights this January proved no exception. After a busy week spent meeting with the talented exhibitors from around the world at the event, the Callender Howorth team of luxury interior designers has returned back to London bursting with inspiration drawn from the imaginative and innovative ideas on exhibit. (more…)

The Flooring Trends of 2018

As Christmas looms closer so does the prospect of New Year, and with that; new starts. Forget the fad diets and new running shoes that you’ll never use, the new year is all about new looks, more so; new trends. If you’re planning a well needed home renovation in the new year, why not start right at the bottom with your floor. Our guide to the top flooring trends expected to see in 2018 will help you when it comes to making the right choice.  (more…)

5 Minutes Well Spent: Discover Dream Kitchen Designs

Kitchens are a fundamental part of home interior design. Not only are they a place to prepare meals, but they are also places to gather family and friends together. Kitchens are utilitarian spaces used for everything from cooking sumptuous dinners to providing venues to catch up on gossip while having a cup of tea with friends. Their design reflects the homeowner’s taste and lifestyle and creates an ambience that fits that of the whole property. The construction and style of the kitchen plays an important part in determining a home’s resale value and should not be overlooked.

As experienced Central London and Hyde Park interior designers, Callender Howorth has a lot of experience designing kitchens. We’ve selected some of our favourite styles and designs.

Modular Kitchens

Modular kitchens are an off-the-shelf solution for many homes. Sometimes known as semi-custom kitchens, a modular design enables an architect or homeowner to piece together their own plan. Modular kitchen designs are perfect for optimising storage space by using diversified materials to create an easily adjustable package.

Although the units are prefabricated, they can be of a very high standard and incorporate durable materials such as stainless steel, cherry wood, oak and marble. Every aspect of the kitchen, from the height of the countertops to the inclusion of islands is customisable. Individual components can be replaced if necessary while leaving the rest of your kitchen intact. Our Hyde Park designers filled a client’s Knightsbridge Penthouse kitchen with space-saving storage to maximise the limited space in this chic city apartment.

Rustic Kitchens

Farmhouse style kitchens offer a bucolic atmosphere and warm ambience. Using heavy woods such as oak give the kitchens an old-world appeal, and can be combined with trendy appliances to keep the kitchen in the modern age. Alternatively, you can install an Aga stove and place a pile of logs in a corner for a cottage effect.

Rustic touches such as beams or old-fashioned tiles really add to the rural vibe, while furniture or chandeliers with wrought iron components, woven baskets and a gingham tablecloth can make all the difference. Our Nice Apartment project has a modern white kitchen but its open layout, original stone wall and ceiling beams give it a semi-rustic feel.

Sleek and Modern

Modern kitchens give a glossy feel with symmetrical lines and minimal clutter. From ergonomic islands to hidden storage, modern kitchen designs are cutting edge, yet inviting. Our Essex Mansion project involved the design of a stunning contemporary kitchen that fitted the client’s brief of having a modern space, perfect for entertaining. The result was a beautiful kitchen with floor-to-ceiling closed storage, multiple wall ovens and an island with futuristic breakfast bar stools. We used a neutral palette of white and charcoal with a splash of green and marble, stone and solid wood materials.

All White

White doesn’t mean boring! White kitchens are pure and clean and their appearance can easily be adapted with bright kitchen towels, colourful appliances, a patterned fruit bowl, or any other accessory you choose. White kitchens are best when they are kept simple, otherwise they can start to look a bit too “busy” or cheap. Integrated appliances create a seamless look, and natural lighting completes the picture.

Callender Howorth created an all-white kitchen for our City Penthouse project in Shoreditch. The owner was interested in New York loft style apartment and we contrasted the exposed brickwork of the main living space with a dazzling white kitchen. We added full-length light beige coloured cupboards and stools to create contrast with the white countertop and cupboards taking up the kitchen’s main wall and the small, low island.

If you are interested in Callender Howorth designing the kitchen of your dreams, please contact us.

Investing in Prime Central London: the 4 Best Areas

The prime central London property market is known for its grand Georgian freehold houses and luxury penthouses – many of which Callender Howorth has assisted in bringing to life with luxury interior design.

Investing in prime central London real estate is a savvy decision for those looking to capitalise on a market characterised by its resilience and growth potential. 

The allure of London as a premier global city, combined with a robust property market, makes it an ideal destination for discerning investors. Here are four top areas in central London that stand out for investment in 2023.

South Kensington

This neighbourhood is experiencing a vibrant phase of gentrification, transforming it into a sought-after location. It’s home to a diverse community, including affluent residents and artistic newcomers. 

The area boasts unique attractions like the Little Wormwood Scrubs and vibrant street markets like Portobello and Golborne. The ongoing regeneration projects, including 1,000 new developments by Catalyst, make it an area ripe for investment. Connecting three Zone 2 Underground stations adds to its appeal, providing easy access to central business districts.

The average price for all properties in this area is around £747,353. This figure further breaks down into an average of £675,769 for flats and apartments, based on 13 sales in July, and £980,000 for houses, from 4 sales in the same period.

The City of London

The city of London, known as ‘The Square Mile’, this historic district is a hub for business and finance. It uniquely blends Roman ruins, historic churches, and contemporary skyscrapers. Its cultural offerings, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Barbican Theatre, along with an array of fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, make it an attractive location for investors.

Properties in the Square Mile have an average selling price of £885,011. This central area, known for its blend of historical and modern architecture, offers a range of properties, predominantly in the form of flats and apartments in both low and high-rise blocks, providing ample investment opportunities​​.

Mayfair

This prestigious area is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Iconic streets like Oxford and Regent border it and offer low crime rates and many green spaces like Grosvenor Square and Berkeley Square. Mayfair is a shopper’s paradise with top-end retail outlets complemented by a rich array of dining and nightlife options. The area’s cultural richness and excellent connectivity via multiple Tube stations position it as a prime location for high-end investments.

Known for its exclusivity and luxury, properties in Mayfair command a significantly higher average price of £3,501,043. This area, bordered by some of London’s most famous streets, is a hub for high-end shopping and dining, contributing to its premium property values.​

St John’s Wood

Maintaining a village-like charm, St John’s Wood is a blend of prestige and tranquillity. It’s a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, offering greenery and serenity. Known for attractions like Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road Studios, the area attracts many tourists and affluent residents. The availability of quaint cafés and high-end eateries adds to its charm, making it a desirable investment location.

In St John’s Wood, properties sell for an average of £1,497,182. This price reflects the area’s village-like charm and prestigious status, with detached houses fetching an average of £3,837,500 and flats averaging £710,932

A post shared by Callender Howorth (@callenderhoworth) on Apr 15, 2015 at 3:34am PDT

London Market Insights and Trends

1. Consistent Performance: London’s property market has historically shown steady growth in rental yields and capital values, with a 4% increase in property prices in the year leading up to January 2023. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected increase of 13.9% by 2027​​.

2. Resilience: Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, London remains an attractive investment option. Its status as an international financial hub and the increasing demand for rental properties in central areas underpin this resilience​​.

3. Diverse Opportunities: London’s property market caters to various preferences, from new-build developments to period properties. New developments offer modern amenities and potential for capital appreciation, while period properties are sought after for their charm​​.

4. Foreign Investor Appeal: The weak pound, post-Brexit, has made UK property more affordable for foreign investors. Government initiatives like the Stamp Duty Holiday have further stimulated the market.

These figures illustrate the diversity and range of investment opportunities in central London’s property market, from more affordable options in areas like North Kensington to the high-end luxury market in Mayfair. Each area offers its unique appeal, whether it’s the historical significance and business centrality of the City of London, the artistic and gentrified atmosphere of North Kensington, the exclusive and luxurious environment of Mayfair, or the tranquil, village-like feel of St John’s Wood.

Callender Howorth offers all manner of interior design services, with a specialist knowledge of the areas in prime central London. Get in touch with a member of the design team to discuss your project.

The 4 Best Areas in Which to Invest in Prime Central London

How Can We Help With Properties in Prime Central London?

Investing in prime central London real estate presents a compelling opportunity driven by a stable and growing market. London’s economic strength, cultural richness, and diverse property options make it a prudent choice for long-term investments​​.

To explore the possibilities and benefits of investing in these prime locations and to envision how these spaces can be transformed into your ideal property, we invite you to contact the expert interior design team at Callender Howorth. Reach out to make the most of your investment in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Hot Fireplaces for Your Luxury Home

As night falls earlier and the evenings get chillier, we’re turning our attention to winter interior design. Fireplaces are arguably as much pieces of art as functional heating appliances in modern homes. They can blend in harmoniously or become an attractive statement piece in any space, but they are always a key element of a home’s decor. Below, we’ve selected some of our favourite fireplace designs.

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The 5 Best Interior Design Instagrammers

As a leading London interior designer, we at Callender Howorth are always on the hunt for the most inspirational looks when it comes to the world of decor. Whether renovating your kitchen or redecorating your bedroom, our designs are unique, creative and innovative in terms of styling. We look for inspiration in a range of places; we use Instagram to stay up to speed with some of the latest designs to emerge from the industry. Here, we’ve selected five Instagram accounts that sill fuel your creativity when it comes to interior design. (more…)

5 Ways to Make Your Home More Zen in 2017

The concept of Zen originates in the Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism and relates to meditation, relaxation and acceptance of that which cannot be changed. In interior design, the Zen style focuses on creating peaceful energy and a positive atmosphere in your home. The design style has evolved from its Japanese origins to evoke a more universal appeal. Although it doesn’t adhere to strict design rules, famous interior designers usually associate it with minimalism, pure lines and natural colours. We’ve chosen some of our favourite Zen design trends in 2017.

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Luxury Book Shelves: An Underrated Feature for the Home

Bookshelves are one of the most versatile and attractive features in any home. They are often seen as a practical piece of furniture, which they certainly are, but there is so much more to them than just a place to store books. They can become the luxurious focal point of any room or they can be a subtle feature that blends in with the rest of the decor and colour scheme. They come in a variety of sizes, depths and shapes and can even be used as room dividers or walls. We’ve selected a few of our projects to demonstrate the power of bookshelves in luxury interior design.

Subtle Bookshelves

Callender Howorth’s interior renovation of the Exchange Building City Penthouse didn’t skimp on bookshelves; we fitted them as if they were already part of the construction. The project involved the complete renovation of spacious penthouse apartment in the trendy Shoreditch area of London. The client wanted to create a home that replicated the “New York loft”  vibe so we emphasised the large spaces, high ceilings and natural light.

Subtle floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were fitted in the bedrooms blending perfectly with the white colour scheme. They actually became a part of the wall next to the head of the bed on either side and form perfect squares of space to be utilised with books, magazines, ornaments and other decorative features.

Meanwhile, in the living room, the same effect was employed but this time horizontally rather than vertically. We fitted a long yet narrow in breadth two-shelf white bookshelf that ran the length of the windows above it. Again, the shelf is white and seamlessly blends with its background; it is complemented by other neutral and white coloured furniture and walls.

Bold Bookshelves

Our Belsize Park interior design project prominently features bookcases in the living room and dining area. We transformed a dilapidated Victorian house into a dream home for our clients who wanted an eclectic look with Indian influences that would reflect their style and heritage. In fact, a rich brown bookcase was used as a focal point in the living room and takes up a whole wall.

The main bookcase was supplemented by a large bookshelf to create a wall above some discreet storage cupboards in the adjoining dining area and used in a very minimalist way with just one vase despite the presence of five shelves. When combined with an opulent chandelier above a dining table, the effect was a perfect contrast of empty space and detail so that the space feels harmonious, refined and uncluttered.

Similarly, our Nice Apartment project in France included fantastic full-length shelves that took up most of the wall. Framed by floor-to-ceiling cupboards on either side in the same dazzling white as the ceiling and one of the walls to emphasise a feeling of space and light that makes the ceiling seem higher than it actually is. The shelves were very sparingly populated, and the books were actually left elsewhere piled on a dresser to convey an eclectic effect.

If you would like the help of an interior design consultant to advise you on how luxurious bookcases and other items of furniture can transform your home, please contact Callender Howorth.