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.
Callender Howorth Scoops Service Award from Houzz
It is with great pride that we can announce that Callender Howorth was awarded the ‘Best of Houzz 2017′ award for client satisfaction. Houzz is the internet’s leading platform for home design; over 40 million users worldwide access the website monthly, browsing inspiration for the design of every conceivable aspect of the home, from kitchens to home cinemas and wine cellars. The latest award, which is voted by Houzz users, builds on our already celebrated reputation amongst the Houzz community: not only are we recommended as a top supplier on Houzz, but we have also been recognised as a Houzz influencer – meaning that our knowledge and advice is highly valued by the Houzz community – and our photos have been added to users’ ideabooks over 25,000 times.
Split into three categories – design, customer service and photography – the Houzz Awards are presented with the aim of crediting the best home designers in the industry. Customer service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. There are numerous awards in each category for each region of the country. The winners of each award benefit from a ‘Best of Houzz’ icon on their Houzz profile, and the benefit of a community-voted stamp of recognition.
“We’re delighted to receive recognition from the Houzz community,” commented Mark Howorth, Owner of Callender Howorth. “Houzz really has captured the inspiration behind interior design and become one of the industries ‘buzz words’ almost overnight.”
“We’re so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Callender Howorth,” said Andrew Small, Managing Director of Houzz UK and Ireland. “Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.”
Get in touch with the dedicated team at Callender Howorth to find out how we can help you to transform your home.
Maison & Objet 2017: A Hub for Design Innovation
The prestigious Maison & Objet Paris trade show took place from January 20th until January 24th, 2017. The show is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the interior design calendar, renowned for its carefully curated selection of great design. The bi-annual show is one of the most important events for interior design in Europe and showcases innovative decoration, furniture, accessories, textiles and fragrances, all displayed in imaginative ways. Many interior designers from the UK seek inspiration at the Maison & Objet Paris. The January event often sets the tone for the design year ahead, so we picked some highlights.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
The five-day international homeware trade fair filled eight huge halls on the edge of Paris. British design is the largest design sector in Europe and that was apparent at Maison & Objet Paris, which was overrun with British talent. The UK does patterns extremely well and Royal College of Art graduate Kit Miles was a great representative of this aesthetic as his textile display was filled with his intricate artistry, which contrasts lavish designs with the utmost attention to detail.
Fine artist Helen Wilson paints her dark designs in oils and reworks the still-wet surface until it’s right for her dramatic wallpapers. Lancashire designers Wallace Sewell is celebrating 25 years in the industry and the team’s colourful woven fabrics wowed visitors. Their collection of throws, scarves and cushions are inspired by the colours and textures of countrysides and cityscapes.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
International designers were also well-represented and Shanghai-based furniture brand Maison Dada had a wonderful display of Little Eliah pending lamps. The colourful and fun lamp re-imagines traditional lighting into a whimsical suspended form, which frees owners from finding surface space to place it. Portuguese furniture designers Boca do Lobo displayed traditional handmade techniques that blend together contemporary design and Portuguese tradition. The variety of textures, which this year took on a particularly sparkling and reflective sheen, added a touch of glamour and elegance to the exhibition.
Boca do Lobo at Maison et Object. Video credit: Boca do Lobo
This year, there was an outstanding mix of technology, art, craft and design, which re-purposed and merged materials and objects in extremely inventive ways. Marcin Rusak, originally from Poland, dries sacks of flowers and sets them into an inky resin which is sliced for table tops, screens and lamps. Another fantastic combination of traditional craft and contemporary design comes straight from the East. Yoshihiko Fuji is an expert craftsman who used a 400-year-old lacquering process specific to the Wakayama district in Japan to create a collection of western tableware. He made a unique tray by encapsulating thin gold and silver leaves under several layers of flake rich lacquer to create a variation of the colour depending on the angle of observation.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
Covet House is a project that gathers the best European Design Brands in a magazine. From contemporary lighting companies to luxury furniture, Covet Lounge provided an inspiring and luxurious place to relax and have a drink during the event. The brands associated with this wonderful project are: BRABBU, Boca do lobo, KOKET, DelightFull, Maison Valentina, Essential Home, Luxxu and Circu.
Video credit: Covet House
People who enjoy nature can bring it indoors stylishly with D&M, a Belgian company who create plant pots. The designer’s amazing vertical plant pots are a revelation in minimalist white, and clean symmetrical edges. They’re not just pretty to look at, but the large version is more technically engineered to ensure correct watering and the waterproof porcelain means that the pretty pots are just as at home outside as they are inside.
If the displays at Maison & Object Paris have inspired you to redesign your home, don’t hesitate to contact us to help make your dream a reality.
Top Drawer 2017 Review
Top Drawer, Olympia, London. Photo credit: Top Drawer Twitter
The Top Drawer Trade Show takes place twice a year at Olympia – London’s most beautiful exhibition venue. Top Drawer’s 2017 Spring Show took place on 15-17th January and showcased beautiful, design-led and innovative products from both established and new exhibitors. The event includes six categories to view including Home, Gift, Craft, Food, Fashion and ‘Spotted’ (new talent). Products like home decorations, storage, stationery and travel accessories take centre stage at the three-day trade fair. It attracts London interior designers who find inspiration in the fantastic array of products being launched, sold and displayed. And this year’s exhibition didn’t disappoint, so we’ve selected some of our favourite displays.
Home
Obviously, home is our favourite section. From interior accessories to furniture and lighting, Top Drawer finds the best exhibitors to display an exceptional array of international brands and must-have pieces. We’ve long enjoyed the work of Above & Beyond’s striking minimalist and monochrome designs, particularly their ‘Between the Lines’ cushion. It’s made from 100% cotton and comes with a range of different coloured backs. Their range currently includes plates, tea towels, cushions, pillow cases and prints. Bob Crooks: First Glass also caught our eye. The company specialises in handmade decorative and functional glassware, from scent bottles to large scale bespoke pieces including lighting and mirrors.
Bob Crooks: First Glass. Photo credit: Top Drawer/ Bob Crooks
Cult British interiors brand Mini Moderns celebrate their 10th anniversary this year with a home fragrance and travel wash bag collection. The Festival of Lights Scented Candle Collection celebrates four of Mini Moderns’ classic print designs (full of clean lines and retro patterns) with a set of heaven-scented candles. We also love Hill House Design’s beautiful handmade lampshades that vary in size from small bedside lamps to oversized central pendants. Some of Home’s other exclusive exhibitors include Design Letters & Friends, Lauren Dickinson Clarke, Claribel London, Skagerak and Bluebellgray.
This ‘Abstract Print Grey & Ivory Placemat’ is an example of Claribel London’s beautiful homeware products. Photo credit: Claribel London/Top Drawer
Food Emporium
The popular Food Emporium made a return to the show and this time it was bigger than ever. More than 80 artisans and producers sold ‘giftable’ food products, from sweet treats like iced biscuits to condiments and seasonal treats. Ross & Ross Food brought along their home curing kits and BBQ condiments and Ace Tea London displayed a selection of their 100% natural teas that can be enjoyed hot, iced or mixed in cocktails. Other exhibitors included Anglesey Sea Salt, Hawkshead Relish Company, Makers & Merchants and Hasslacher’s Hot Chocolate.
Sample Ace Tea London’s flavourful teas with great taste and stunning aesthetics. Photo credit: Ace Tea London/ Top Drawer
Spotted at Top Drawer
‘Spotted’ at Top Drawer celebrates new British talent and has helped over 40 businesses make their trade show debut. This is the section to come to if you’re interested in discovering future design stars. Some highlights include Kent-based Denys & Fielding’s bright, bold deckchairs, with matching indoor/outdoor cushions and accessories for the garden or even your balcony.
Relax outside with a stylish Denys & Fielding Classic Deckchair. Photo credit: Denys & Fielding/Top Drawer
Continuing the country lifestyle theme, Tally Ho Interiors use British materials and motifs to create fabulous fabrics, lampshades and cushions. Fortunately, there is an abundance of talent in the UK and it can be scoped out at Top Drawer’s Spotted where modernist homewares harmoniously share exhibition space with filigree jewellery and handmade candles.
Callender Howorth strives to keep up with current trends in design since we never know what amazing new trend or idea will influence us to produce truly unique interior design projects.
Minimalist Design Approach: Tips & Ideas
Less is more. Nowhere is the old adage truer than in one’s living or work space. An uncluttered environment reduces visual distractions, leaving more room for focus and creativity. To achieve this, our team of luxury interior designers relies on some key techniques.
Clean lines bring structure and order to a room, and create the impression of a larger space than it may actually be. If the eye can easily process function and make sense context, it sends the brain a signal to relax. As a result, we experience a sense of well-being and safety. To avoid that pure lines look formal and cold, well-balanced layers and (sparingly used) contrasting shapes create depth, visual interest, and warmth. Large walls can be broken up by a plant or a vase of flowers, geometric symmetry is softened through round accents such as a lamp or the gentle curves of a chair. The use of plush fabric also helps to break geometric uniformity.
Using a colour palette within the same family is another key element to open up a space and create a sense of zen. This does not necessarily mean that colours have to be bland or monochrome – on the contrary, they can run the gamut from light to dark, with contrasting patterns creating a lively interplay. The key is simply to decide on one base colour and then mix and match it in all its glorious variations. Juxtaposing natural materials such as exposed brick, rustic wood, or terracotta tiles with noble ones like leather, silk, or cashmere creates an extravagant contrast with a discreet hint of luxury – a style that is both contemporary and timeless.
Nothing says “sophistication” quite like the conscious reduction to one dramatic focal element. Maybe it is already a natural part of the space, like a panorama window wall or an exquisitely handcrafted staircase, maybe it is an addition to the décor such as a bespoke piece of art or a statement instrument like a grand piano…. Either way it impregnates the environment with its owner’s personality and deserves to stand out. Ban the exhibit of collectibles – the authentic Renoir or Dali paintings excluded, of course – and instead shine the spotlight on that one grand showstopping piece.
These three guidelines – clean lines, a tight colour palette, and an eye-catching piece of art – have been expertly applied to this luxury apartment in Nice, France which is a study in minimalistic design paired with an inviting living environment.
Suggested for you: The Nice Apartment Renovation – Before and After
The same principles apply to offices where a clean and uncluttered environment is proven to increase productivity and a sense of identification with one’s surrounding. This case study of our recent refurbishment project of the Flamingo commercial offices in London shows how creative chaos has been tamed and transformed into a world of zenitude with a modern twist.
Our highly experienced team of award-winning luxury interior designers knows how to bring out the best features of any space, always with a keen eye on aesthetics of course but – equally important – also a genuine concern for the well-being of its occupants. We are delighted to answer your questions and assist with your projects.
Artwork and Interior Design: 3 Artists to Watch
The interior design consultants at Callender Howorth consider their work to be an art form. Each splash of paint is painted after a lengthy planning process; each furnishing is selected after long consideration; each art work is hung after a professional consultation. Mauger Modern Art, an art consultancy in the heart of London, leads the field, providing expert advice on artworks for our luxury interior design projects in London and beyond. We spoke to Mauger to find out more about emerging artists, and how their works complete the design of a home. In no particular order, here are three artists that Mauger supports; invigorate your home with their artwork in 2017.
3) Jeff Robb
An international authority on lenticular photography, Jeff Robb is a London-based artist who creates artworks with holography, lenticular photography and laser light. He was educated at the Royal College of Art in London, where he developed his appreciation of Holography. His works feature in some of the most celebrated collections from around the world, including a hologram that was acquired by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum – the first artist to claim this accolade. Jess Robb can also be credited as the only artist to have ever taken 3D photos under water.
2) Nick Veasey
Nick Veasey redefines conceptions of x-ray through his work with radiographic imaging equipment. The innovative artist transforms usually banal objects into fascinating artworks, illustrating their intricacies in great detail. His work exemplifies the interplay between art and science, bringing to light how one complements the other. He has achieved something more than just a visually arresting photograph; science institutions and art galleries have moved to acquire his artworks – The Victoria & Albert Museum recently added his work to the British National Collection of Photography.
1) Kim Hyun-Sik
Whilst looking into new methods of expression, Kim Hyun-Sik came up with the idea of transforming a flat plane into a three-dimensional and textured surface. The tactile impression would be that of a two-dimensional plane, but the visual impression would be that of a three-dimensional object. Epoxy resin, which features excellent transparency and solubility in water, proved to be the perfect medium to create this vague border between a plane and a solid. This margin between two realms, neither a two-dimensional painting nor a three-dimensional sculpture, is the principal driving force of his work today.
Artworks in Callender Howorth Interior Design Projects
The Callender Howorth interior designers installed a vast, colourful mural in the Flamingo International offices. With the aim of reflecting the creative ethos of the company through the office design, Mark and his team brought the relaxation area to life in bright yellow – a colour that evokes happiness and airiness.
On the benefits of artwork in the home and the provision of art for differing projects, Dan Mauger – the Director of MAUGER – commented:
Over the past 10 years we’ve provided art for clients homes and offices across the globe, from Seoul, South Korea to South Beach, Miami. The aesthetic requirements always shift but what remains a constant is the marked enhancement of their environment that a great art piece provides; this ultimately results in improving their quality of life. Expertly chosen art in the home and workplace inspires on a daily basis, it provides a momentary distraction, can help relax, provide a sense of escape and offers an ongoing sense of intrigue and engagement. In todays busy world this can be invaluable. Art instantly adds a focal point to a room, creates interest, can make for a great talking point, has been proven to lower stress and increase productivity and wellbeing. Every environment and client has different requirements and thus a fresh curatorial approach. Through years of exhibiting on the international art circuit we have developed excellent relationships with a wide range of artists which allows us to perfectly meet each clients specific needs and to assist in helping make their homes and offices altogether nicer places to be.
To speak to an interior design professional about the artistic possibilities for your project, whether residential or professional, please contact a member of the Callender Howorth team.
The Perfect Bedroom Lighting
The bedroom is the truest of sanctuaries. It is the one place in the world where privacy is ensured. More than just a place to sleep, the bedroom has become a refuge in the modern household – the place one goes to escape the chaos of the world. Defining the space to a personalised taste is therefore essential in making one’s home feel relaxing and comfortable. There is no better way to characterise a bedroom than by illuminating it with the perfect lighting. The luxury interior designers at Callender Howorth have spent many years fine-tuning their design skills to understand how a creative approach to lighting can dramatically alter a room. Follow these tips to ensure you find the perfect lighting for your bedroom in 2017.
5) Size
Installing an eye-catching chandelier is an effective way of creating a stylish space that is tailored to your personal tastes. Nevertheless, if your bedroom is modestly sized, or the ceiling is particularly low, it might be advisable to install lighting fixtures that are less striking. Consider the placement of furniture when installing lights too; a large structure, such as a bed, should not be placed too close to a large fitting. This will make the room seem unbalanced and cramped in places.
4) Style – Modern or Classic?
You should base the style of your lighting on the decor of the house. If you’ve a traditionally decorated home, consider a glass chandelier – like the one we installed in the Nice Penthouse project. This timeless option evokes grandeur and sophistication. Otherwise, if your interior design is more akin to contemporary-styled projects that are undertaken by our designers, why not be more imaginative with the light fixures? Integrate them with furnishing for a minimalist effect. Line the underside of the bed with built-in lights to make it the focal point of the room.
3) Brightness
Analyse the levels of natural light entering the room to determine the brightness of your lighting. Many people enjoy dim lighting in their bedroom for an enhanced feeling of cosiness, yet this may be impractical if the level of natural light is low. Reflective surfaces, like mirrors, can make a room feel brighter. If you desire atmospheric lighting, fix a large mirror to expand the space.
Image copyright Nicholas Yarsley (Wizzwam ltd).
2) Complementary Fixtures
Aside from a feature light fitting, many designers choose to install complementary lighting solutions to enhance the impact or feeling of the bedroom. Bedside lamps, under bed lighting or wardrobe lights are functional and can look great. Illuminate particular pieces of furniture, such as an armchair or a work of art, to shift the focus of the room and create various spaces within the same room. Complementary lighting fixtures evoke a sense of elegance and luxury.
1) Technology
Technological innovations are transforming each and every room of the house and the bedroom is no exception: from one console, you could control every feature of your bedroom: blinds could close, lights could dim, fireplaces could ignite, and hidden televisions could appear. Let the lighting in your favourite room be customisable from a single console. Begin the day without leaving your bed.
Whether you want to make your bedroom more comfortable, more stylish, more romantic, more modern or more valuable, consulting the experienced designers at Callender Howorth is the best way to go about it. Get in touch with our friendly team for advice.
Chromotherapy: Colours and Their Effects
Lately there has been much talk of chromotherapy. The concept behind this technical sounding term is not a new one – it actually dates back thousands of years. Light in the form of colour is thought to balance the body’s energy, and thus influence a person’s well-being on physical, emotional, spiritual or mental levels. What ancient Chinese healers, Indian practitioners of ayurveda, and the great Avicenna believed millennia ago, has recently made a comeback in holistic healing. Knowing the effect of colours on a person’s mood and feelings, luxury interior design company Callender Howorth puts much thought into its colour schemes to create the desired effect. Let us have a look at the principal properties ascribed to specific colours.
Red
The typical colour of state rooms, regal red symbolizes power, energy, courage, and of course love. Also often found in dining rooms, it is said to have a positive influence on appetite. While it warms up any room, too much of it can overstimulate the senses. Today’s interior designers therefore prefer to use it sparingly, as an accent rather than the dominant colour scheme, as it packs enough punch even in small doses to create a vibrant, convivial atmosphere.
Blue
The world’s most favorite colour is typically associated with trust, intelligence, and calm. Soothing blue is also the second most prevalent one in nature after green. Thinking of the blue sky or the blue sea triggers a sense of space and serenity. With its additional connotation of sophistication, blue is therefore a colour perfectly adapted to city living. Despite its dark hue, even a predominantly blue room will not look cold or uninviting if carefully paired with complementary colours.
Recommended for you: Interior Design Trends for 2017
Yellow
The colour of optimism, confidence, creativity and extraversion is closely connected to the qualities ascribed to red but is considered more cheerful. Reminiscent of sunshine and flowers, yellow is the colour favoured by the young and creative. More and more young, dynamic companies use its invigorating, energy-boosting power, such as the Commercial HQ of Flamingo International. A caveat in the living space though: it has to be carefully dosed in order not to overpower a room. An accent piece of furniture, a fabric, or a painting can already create the desired effect.
Green
The color of nature is synonymous with harmony, equilibrium and nurture. Restful to the eye, it is often used in spaces dedicated to restoration and healing. It is also the color of money in many currencies. The presence of green in a room is therefore a subliminal reminder of abundance and wellbeing on every level. Interior designers like to use it to create an oasis of calm, mixing green layers and textures as a reminder of the outdoors.
White, Grey, Black
Innocent white, neutral grey, discrete beige, and sophisticated black are surprisingly versatile colours that share a commonality: the theme of peace and safety. True team players, they pair well with other colours, setting off their peers’ qualities, but they are strong enough to make a statement all by themselves. They can blend to subtle combinations or can create bold contrast – either way their sleek, modern, understated look gives a sense of tranquility, as can be experienced in the Essex Mansion Project. And nothing brings out their true beauty than one well-placed accent piece in a different colour.
Chromotherapy is the art of listening to one’s instinct and senses, and translating them into a choice of colours most suited to enhance one’s well-being. The expert designers at Callender Howorth are on hand to offer their professional advice and oversee your project.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |