Storing Fine Wine: We Interview Paul from Wine by Design
In the ever-evolving world of interior architecture it is important to be versatile in your approach; maximising the potential of your space is best achieved by being inventive. Catering for a client’s needs and exceeding expectations are two of our most important aims that we bear in mind whenever we undertake a project. While luxury interior design in London is often impeded by space constraints, certain features, or whole rooms, can be added on to existing space to increase the value and style of your home. When we were approached to completely renovate a spacious Kensington House, our imaginative and dynamic approach to design enabled us to integrate an array of stylish features, one of which was a sophisticated wine cellar. Fast becoming staples of luxury properties, wine cellars represent the ultimate in luxury living. We see wine cellars as a chic addition that can improve the charm of any home.
We spoke to Paul van Maaren from Wine by Design, a trusted partner of Callender Howorth, to find out more about the advantages of storing fine wine. Discover the benefits of converting your basement into a sophisticated wine cellar:
Why Store wine?
The reality is that nine out of ten bottles of wine bought are probably consumed within days of purchase. Perhaps the percentage is 95 out of 100. Nothing wrong with that. Most wines are designed to be enjoyed within a year or two of the vintage.
Which wines age well?
The principal international red grape varieties which age successfully are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah/
The ageing process in the bottle
Red grapes for keeping wines, with the exception of pinot noir, have naturally high concentration of phenols; anthocyanins (the colouring matter found just under the grapes’ skins) and tannins(the mouth puckering dry ingredient found also in skins and pips and the wood in which wine is aged.)
These ingredients help keep the wine fresh, but during ageing tannins gradually soften (they ‘polymerise’ or form larger chemical entities) and the colour changes from bluish red via ruby, mahogany to finally becoming pale and brown.
More importantly, during the process the primary aromas of fresh fruit develop more complicated and persistent secondary and tertiary aromas. The bouquet and flavour of fine mature wine have many nuances and layers of complexity that make it worth the wait.
When is the right time to drink?
This depends on the original quality of the wine (the potential of the vineyard); the vintage (lighter years mature more quickly); the storage (a dark place and a steady coolish temperature of 13ºC or so help; see below); and even the size of the bottle (half bottles age faster than full bottles or magnums).
The right age depends too on personal taste, whether you prefer the accent to be on primary fruit or you look for the added complexity that comes with age. Taking the above into consideration, some wines can age effortless for 60 years plus whilst other peak at 5-20 years.
Why wait?
As with other good things in life, pleasure may be enhanced by taking a little trouble and savouring the moment in advance. Discussing, selecting, anticipating a bottle before you drink it can simply be a sensible way of making the most of your purchase. It is part of the magic and fun. Quite simply, good wine that its designed to age gets better the older it gets.
The best way to age wine
The best way to age wine is in temperature and humidity controlled cellars.
If you are interested in installing a wine cellar to improve your home, contact our friendly team. We will assist you in all aspects of interior design.
Supplier of the Month: LBConstruct
In order to deliver bespoke projects of the highest standards, we have been working closely with a range of distinguished partners here at Callender Howorth. From builders to art consultants, and everything in between, our contacts bring the best in construction, design and production to our projects, perfectly complementing the refined interior design services for both commercial and residential properties that we at Callender Howorth already offer.
Valued partners of Callender Howorth, the committed team at LBConstruct specialise in bespoke craftsmanship and joinery for both residential and commercial interiors. The company produces bespoke furniture, tailored wardrobes, kitchen units and bathrooms for both professional and domestic settings. The company is based in Bethnal Green and, according to Louis Baker of LBConstruct, being “a small cabinet makers and joinery company enables [them] to deliver a very personal service.”
Among recent projects, LBConstruct were essential in the transformation of the Belsize Park penthouse apartment, located within a redbrick mansion block in an exclusive area of London. We worked closely with the team to honour the building’s original charm, while adding a sophisticated portrayal of modern interior design. The tired apartment was converted into a timeless space with the careful placement of LBConstruct’s polished and contemporary furnishings.
Showcasing the latest in contemporary London interior design, Regents Park House is a conversion of three former mews houses. Positioned alongside an inviting cobbled court, the slick modern door hints towards the modern interiors of the upscale home. LBConstruct worked closely with Callender Howorth to create a design that is unique in its aesthetic, channeling modern methods of design and production for innovative results. LBConstruct’s crafted furnishings are illuminated by the custom gull windows and floating swimming pool that spans the length of the building.
The exclusive Kensington House, a family home located within the Boltons, had not been renovated in 30 years until Callender Howorth and LBConstruct set about bringing the space’s potential to life. The high end furnishings were crafted using organic and natural themes in order to contribute to the homes overall relaxed atmosphere. The children’s bedrooms feature crafted elevated beds with the added feature of a slide, allowing for a quick dash to the large sociable spaces of the Kensington House. This project best demonstrates the adaptable manner with which LBConstruct approaches a task.
The Flamingo International Offices in London exemplify LBConstruct’s ability to transfer their skills into a commercial environment. The property was recently brought up to date in terms of design, with this creative interior design. Through the close partnership with us at Callender Howorth, LBConstruct furnished the space using modern interior design techniques. Bold colours were utilised with the added touch of modern pop art in order to emphasise Flamingo International’s forward-thinking approach. The ambience of the brainstorming areas allow for colleagues to relax in areas which incubate creative thinking.
Through our joint effort with LBConstruct, we carefully placed modern fixtures to create a space that was both sophisticated and creative.
Please contact Callender Howorth to find out more information on how our partnership with LBConstruct can benefit your interior design.
Reflecting on Salone del Mobile 2016 in Milan
The biggest names in furniture design descended upon Milan for the 54th Salone Internazionale del Mobile. The annual Milan Furniture Fair showcases the latest innovations in international furniture and design from the very best luxury interior designers. The event took place on 12th-17th April 2016 and encompassed everything from lighting to specialist home furnishings. This year, Salone del Mobile celebrated the biennial Eurocucina exhibition with 120 international brands who displayed their quality kitchen products spread out over 23,000 square metres. It also dedicated time to emerging talent under the age of 35-years-old who exhibited their work at the 19th edition of Satellite, a popular secondary exhibit.
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The week-long event is really the place to be for interior architects and design enthusiasts. From offsite events and installations to product presentations and launches, Salone del Mobile does not disappoint. We’ve selected a few of our favorite pieces that were exhibited at the 2016 trade fair.
1.The Shoe Tree – Beatrix Ong and Samuel Chan
Wallpaper* magazine’s ‘Handmade’ exhibition is always one of the fair’s highlights. This year, British shoe designer Beatrix Ong MBE and Samuel Chan, founder of the artisan collective Joined and Jointed, collaborated to bring the ‘Shoe Tree’ to Milan. It’s a moveable and flexible tower of American black walnut shoeboxes which tackles the problem of shoe storage in an aesthetically pleasing way. The Shoe Tree comprise 15 shoe boxes that rise upwards with each box containing a small window so you can glimpse the shoes inside. Samuel Chan commented that “Boxes are intriguing; they hold surprises and invite discovery. They are also useful…Beatrix wanted to express this combination of intrigue and utility.”
2. “Reality or Illusion?” – Foscarini
Lighting brand Foscarini are always innovative and stylish and this year they brought more food for thought to the Salone del Mobile. Enlisting designer/architect Ferruccio Laviani to experiment with size and scale in a graphic world, the team created colourful illusions aided by oversized Foscarini lamps. It was a real ‘Alice in Wonderland’ experience.
3. The Butler – David Chipperfield
Another interesting design from the Wallpaper* Handmade section was David Chipperfield Architects contribution to this year’s theme of ‘Travel’. It was designed to deal with the reality of unpacking in hotels. David Chipperfield described his inspiration: “Most hotels have badly designed wardrobes and cupboards. They are not well organised and unpacking your suitcase is not enjoyable. The idea of Butler was to design a ‘dressing table’ that makes unpacking in a hotel room a joy.” His team collaborated with furniture-makers e15 and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) to use American willow in creating the bespoke piece of furniture that makes unpacking enjoyable and convenient.
4. Run Tables – Emeco
In these space-deprived and community-oriented times, people often share the same surfaces for different activities. With this in mind, London studio Industrial Facility created an aluminium and ash table, bench and shelf system for American brand Emeco. The design was based on communal space, and Industrial Facility’s co-founder Sam Hecht described his inspiration, “The way we use tables is changing; we could be having a conversation or a meal and someone could be sat next to us working on their laptop, and we wouldn’t feel it’s weird.” The collection comprises a shelving unit, a table and a bench, which feature plank-like surfaces available in either anodised aluminium or three types of wood.
This year’s Salone del Mobile was one of the most successful yet and there was plenty of inspiration available to interior architects and designers. Contact Callender Howorth to discuss your interior design requirements.
Images courtesy of Salone Milano.
Biggest Kitchen Colour Trends of 2023
In the realm of interior design, few spaces hold as much significance as the kitchen. Beyond its utilitarian function, the kitchen serves as a hub of connection and a focal point within any home. For those who embrace the essence of refined living, the kitchen must exude opulence and modernity, boasting avant-garde design and an impeccable colour palette.
At Callender Howorth, our design philosophy is rooted in the creation of spaces that are not just innovative but also elegantly distinctive. Our expertise extends to crafting kitchens that serve as the architectural heart of a home. Whether you possess a vision of your own or seek the insights of seasoned experts, our team of luxury interior designers possesses the acumen to fulfil your kitchen aspirations. Presented below are a handful of the most current colour trends in kitchen design.
The Beauty of Muted Colours
A prevailing trend in home design that captures attention is the application of muted colours across flooring surfaces. Our Luxury Penthouse project in the charming city of Nice perfectly illustrates this approach. Within the realm of this culinary haven, we made a deliberate choice to embrace rich, dark wooden tones for the floor, a decision that amplifies the room’s innate sophistication. In the kitchen, we opted for rich, dark wooden tones on the floor, a choice that enhances the room’s sophisticated appeal. By incorporating textures like dark oak, granite, and various shades of grey, our designs infuse a natural, authentic touch into the space.
The comforting embrace of these natural elements holds particular significance in today’s complex times. As homes become sanctuaries, offering respite from the outside world, the appeal of materials like wood becomes all the more evident. Wood’s timeless presence in design brings a sense of tranquillity that resonates deeply within us. Its simple elegance envelops spaces in a reassuring calmness.
Embracing Minimalism
The zenith of luxury kitchens resides in the harmonious marriage of functionality and aesthetics. The Mayfair Mews House Project serves as a testament to this ideology, where we meticulously intertwined design and functionality to craft a truly remarkable culinary space. Within its confines, a minimalist canvas unfolded, exuding an air of openness and sophistication. In our pursuit of minimalism, we embraced a palette of soft hues and pristine whites—a design approach that resonates within this culinary haven. Here, the absence of clutter and excessive ornamentation allows the kitchen’s inherent elegance to shine through.
The surge of streamlined kitchens is ushering in a new era of popularity, guided by the “less is more” mantra. This minimalist philosophy crafts a serene haven adorned with clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Achieving this contemporary allure is refreshingly uncomplicated—prioritising practicality is the key. The magic lies in handpicking high-quality materials and elements that champion functionality and bold aesthetics, embodying the very spirit of minimalism.
Black & White Contrast
The timeless allure of juxtaposing black and white unfurls an aura of enduring sophistication within the kitchen. Masterfully harmonising these two tones not only imparts a contemporary edge but also sets the stage for vibrant bursts of colour. As the walls, cabinets, surfaces, and flooring are enveloped in this classic embrace, the finer nuances of the kitchen’s design are accentuated. The Belsize Park Penthouse Project serves as a testament to our adeptness in orchestrating this harmonious interplay.
Image copyright Nicholas Yarsley (Wizzwam ltd).
A Gentle Touch of Colour
Sometimes, a delicate infusion of colour is all that’s needed to invigorate your kitchen space. Introducing muted shades to expansive worktops and islands can imbue the area with personality and character. This artful approach draws attention to focal points of colour, creating a captivating visual dynamic. For an added touch of individuality, consider infusing small hints of colour into fixtures like lighting and decorations. In the elegant design of the Essex Mansion Project‘s kitchen, muted greys coexist in gentle harmony with vibrant accents of green, a juxtaposition that exudes sophistication.
Timeless Cabinet Colours for Lasting Elegance
When deliberating over the hues for enduring kitchen components—such as cabinets, countertops, and wall paint—opting for neutral shades is a decision that echoes through time. The allure of natural colour palettes stems from their intrinsic versatility and timelessness. These shades transcend the fleeting fads of fashion, ensuring your choices remain eternally relevant. This also presents a prudent choice if you ever decide to place your residence on the market, as neutral tones resonate universally, appealing to potential buyers with diverse tastes.
If the prospect of injecting a splash of colour entices you, yet you shy away from the permanence of vibrant accent walls or audacious pink cabinetry, consider the potential of neutral walls, cupboards, and work surfaces. This blank canvas beckons for experimentation with vibrant accessories and art pieces, serving as a backdrop that evolves with the ever-changing winds of fashion and your personal inclinations. Alternatively, you may find the subtle allure of an unembellished neutral palette, left as it is, to be a tranquil and elegant statement in itself.
The Kitchen Trends Shaping 2023
As we tread into the landscape of 2023, a plethora of kitchen trends emerges, each carrying its unique charm. Among these, wood flooring stands out as a trend to wholeheartedly embrace. Picture wood-effect porcelain tiles, meticulously arranged in a herringbone pattern—these hold immense appeal, particularly for open-plan kitchen extensions that bask in an abundance of natural light.
The infusion of these tiles brings forth a tangible sense of warmth and texture, creating an intimate connection with the space. The beauty lies in their resilience to the sun’s embrace, ensuring they retain their lustre even as they gracefully weather the elements. In addition, their ease of maintenance further solidifies their standing as an exquisite choice for a kitchen that is both inviting and practical—a balance sought after by discerning homeowners in the contemporary era.
Elevate Your Kitchen with Our Expertise
For a kitchen that embodies style, modernity, and creativity, turn to our team of luxury interior designers. With their artistic prowess, they can orchestrate a transformation that resonates with your vision, crafting a culinary haven that’s both functional and aesthetically inspiring. Through a blend of innovative design and impeccable execution, we elevate the kitchen to a realm of exquisite elegance, where every element is meticulously curated to speak the language of understated luxury. Let us accompany you on the journey toward crafting a space that is the embodiment of refined living.
Supplier of the Month: SLS Builders
At Callender Howorth we take great pride in working with the best partners available for each project we take on. Knowing how to put together the right team to bring a property to life is a skill in itself and something that takes all the experience and expert knowledge of our staff. Specialist high-end refurbishment firm, SLS Builders Limited, has proved to be a valuable asset to our luxury interior designers in recent projects.
The Truly Unique Regents Park Project
At Callender Howorth, we are always looking for ways to challenge ourselves and deliver luxury designs that are truly unique. We were excited to undertake the Regents Park Project: the complete renovation of three mews houses into one chic residence. The ultra-contemporary house is located on a scenic cobbled Mews, which is near Regents Park. The modern house now offers unique features that exemplify Callender Howorth’s creative diversity and ability to deliver the unexpected.
Custom fittings, which give each room a personalized feel, adorn the house in the latest gadgetry and create a stylised identity. The Custom Gull wing windows, for example, open automatically and allow a lot of natural light to permeate every corner of the home, giving it a feel of relaxation during the day. At night, the windows reveal a magical view of the surrounding area, filling the home with a myriad of lights, as well as revealing the starry sky. It also duplicates an image of the property to evoke a spacious feel. Such fittings were chosen with precision to allow them to blend seamlessly with the existing structure of the home.
The Regents Park Project features state of the art technology to accentuate the unique personality that we have created. Custom lighting is controlled from a central point and can be switched easily to create mood in a given room.
A lengthy swimming pool – a unique commodity, which is unusual in a London property and really sets this project apart – runs the length of the property, and can be dived into from the master bedroom on the first floor. It is visible from the entrance to the property and creates a focal point throughout the living space. The master bedroom also looks out over the entire property.
The open-plan layout magnificently maximises the space in this property. We used lots of glass and white surfaces to give a minimalist feel, while optimising airiness.
Specialist London interior designers, Callender Howorth excels in providing dynamic, creative designs that deliver versatile solutions. To sample the amazing Regents Park Project, contact our team to arrange a visit to the location and experience luxury at its best.
Supplier of the Month: MAUGER
MAUGER is a contemporary gallery and art consultancy based in London UK, operated by two directors: Richard and Dan Mauger. The brothers have over 20 years of experience in the art world, advising collectors and developing strong connections with art networks, other commercial galleries and specialist dealers.
During this time, they have been in a position to foster relationships with a wide variety of international artists, from painters to photographers, street artists to video artists.
The gallery started in the historic city of Bath, and then, as the number of London based clients increased, a move to London was a logical progression. Over the past 8 years, the gallery has had a strong global presence on the art fair circuit.
Art fairs are for many contemporary galleries an essential part of the gallery’s annual rostra of events – they work on many levels, from exposing artists work to a completely new audience, to the ability to meet up with loyal collectors who follow the gallery keenly, and also to introduce new collectors to the artists on show. The choice of works and the curatorial decisions in the booth all expose the creative direction of the directors minds. Well aware of the importance of the art fair system, the directors attended as many as possible, sometimes showing at 8 or 9 fairs per year and traveled all over the world, from London to Delhi, Miami to Seoul, New York to Barcelona.
Art fairs are for many contemporary galleries an essential part of the gallery’s annual rostra of events – they work on many levels, from exposing artists work to a completely new audience, to the ability to meet up with loyal collectors who follow the gallery keenly, and also to introduce new collectors to the artists on show. The choice of works and the curatorial decisions in the booth all expose the creative direction of the directors minds. Well aware of the importance of the art fair system, the gallery attended 8 – 10 international fairs per year, from London to Delhi, Miami to Seoul, New York to Barcelona.
In addition to art fairs and shows MAUGER collaborates with leading interior designers, curators, companies and brands to create bespoke shows and installations. In the spring of 2014 MAUGER worked with McLaren to turn their LA Beverly Hills showroom into a gallery space, managing the attendance of over six thousand people and orchestrating the VIP special preview evening, A-list attendees included Matthew McConaughey, Jay Leno, Cristopher Nolan, Prince Rudolf Knaise Melikoff and Bill Maher. MAUGER has also curated shows at the British Consular residences, both in Miami, and LA.
To see images from recent MAUGER projects, click here If you would like an informal discussion with a MAUGER curator about a specific project please send an email to consultancy@maugermodern.
Exclusive Product Launches at the Top Drawer Trade Show
Here at Callender Howorth, we know that interior accessories are essential in creating the perfect home, that how the functionality of a product is just as important as its aesthetic appeal. We also understand that a well-designed gift can have an uplifting effect on the recipient. That’s why we love the Top Drawer Trade Show that takes place twice a year at Olympia – London’s most beautiful exhibition venue. Top Drawer’s 2016 Spring Show took place on 17-19th January and showcased beautiful, design-led and innovative products from world-renowned exhibitors. It attracted many London interior architects, who sought inspiration for their projects.
We picked some of our favourite exclusive new products that will be blazing a trail across all corners of the design industry.
Above and Beyond
This concept-driven home accessories range has a strong minimalist graphic identity, highlighted by it’s monochrome designs. Above and Beyond launched a striking ‘Between the Lines’ cushion, made from 100% cotton, which come with a range of different coloured backs.
Polite Company
Polite Company specialises in stationery and already has an excellent collection of lively, colourful standout products. They presented new additions to their ‘Tools for Thinking Collection,’ which pursues a thought-provoking approach to product design. The range is inspired by some of history’s most innovative and creative minds, such as Oscar Wilde and Frida Kahlo. Additionally, the ‘Seeds of Virtue Notecards and Seed Set’ combines cards that display virtuous proverbs, paired with a seed packet, thus allowing you to metaphorically blossom along with the flower.
Elleffe Design
Belle Creation launched the beautiful Italian design range, Elleffe into the UK market. Already popular within European hotel and restaurant chains, their stainless steel kitchenware products combine innovative shapes, sleek lines and decorative finesse with a functional purpose. We like their stainless steel wine coolers and stylish cake stands.
Welovecushions
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched a range of RHS cushions in collaboration with the renowned specialist company, Welovecushions. There are 23 cushions currently in the range but more will be introduced throughout the year. The beautiful designs are inspired by images from the vast art collection of the RHS Lindley Library.
Mini Moderns
Mini Moderns, an interior design brand, also proved to be a big hit at Top Drawer. Their popular Whitby wallpaper print has been turned into a new enamelware collection, continuing their collaboration with Wild & Wolf. The new range features a distinctive wave motif, capturing life on the open seas. The stunning collection will be available in store in May.
Top Drawer is the best place for retailers to discover uniquely designed products, share ideas and gather on-trend business advice. The event is based around five sectors: Gift, Craft, Home, Fashion and Food. It also includes a section called ‘Spotted’, which celebrates new British talent and has helped over 80 businesses make their trade show debut. Callender Howorth endeavours to keep up to speed with current trends in design, yet uses them as influence to produce truly unique interior design projects. The Top Drawer Trade Show is the best place to experience the best and most current trends in the market.
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