Revisiting the January Blues
The January Blues…the infamous period after the rush of the holiday season that bestows upon us moments of nostalgia and temporary sadness.
Rooted from the usual suspects of spending quality time with loved ones or their absence, our sluggish bodies recovering from the aftermath of sinfully rich holiday meals and spirits, while the prospect of new years resolutions loom over us.
And of course the sigh of getting back to work after holiday rest.
No wonder we feel blue! While the good news is that it is not a lasting condition, we do acknowledge the weight that the January Blues can carry on our emotions.
But why Blue?
The concept of identifying our moods around the colour blue is quite interesting.
Donned one of the most favourite colours in the world normally because of the sea and sky, blue psychologically offers a feeling of serenity and calmness.
It can foster feelings of tradition and conservative esteem, and curiously can boost our productivity as well as bringing down our heart rate.
Blue’s non-threatening nature gives us a sense of stability.
And yet, while blue can subconsciously prompt us with feelings of appreciation and beauty, its paradoxical emotions of sadness and aloofness are just as deliberate.
Femme Assise by Pablo Picasso 1902-1903.
The gloomy and monochromatic blues that pervaded Pablo Picasso’s works during his blue period from 1901-1903, carried melancholic themes of despair and loneliness.
And just like the cliche of the starving artist, Picasso became poor because no one wanted to buy his depressing works of societal anguish for their homes.
Curiously, according to historians, the colour blue is not mentioned at all in the Greek texts. Scientists have even formulated the theory that perhaps blue wasn’t even colour seen by early humans. In the ancient greek poem the Odyssey, Homer actually references the sea as “wine dark”.
The iconic blue doors of Morocco.
Culturally, colours are not universal in the feelings they invoke or how they are perceived.
For the Moroccan culture, the colour blue serves a more functional purpose for reducing the heat and mosquitos as in the case of the blue village of Chefchaouen which eventually led to its becoming an iconic destination for their inspiring ethnic tones of blue.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
As we revisit the concept of the January Blues, we find the inspiration to redefine its compelling artistic notions that embrace us not only with its beauty, but moreover with the earnest emotions of composure and peace of mind.
Blue marble used in the kitchen at Heath Drive project by Callender Howorth
In the depth of its hues, lies the quietude and tranquility we desire.
The Blow Away Vase by Moooi. A classic Royal Blue Delft porcelain vase. “The beauty of the vase lays in the fact that it is bent and not defeated.”
The January Blues are then a catalyst that serves us as a reminder of our ability to shift our focus to a different perspective imbued with affirmative sincerity in all its forms.
The narrative given by Moooi for the beauty of the Blow Away Vase best illustrates this lesson especially during these times of, “being bent, not defeated”.
Here are some of favourite Blue decor selections from our suppliers:
Bishop Lamp Azure with Brass Collar from Porta Romana
A Contre Jour by Dedar Milano
Versailles Cube Urn from Jonathan Adler
Algebra from Lolli e Memmoli
Couture Round Wall Mirror designed by Lorenza Bozzoli for Artemest
A Time To Design Our Wellbeing
If there is any lesson that 2020 has taught us it is the absolute necessity to refocus our attention to our own wellbeing and to the wellbeing of others.
Ever changing social landscapes continue to unfold around us as we refuge in the comfort of our homes, socially distanced from one another and learning to adapt during these uncertain times. At the forefront is our emotional engagement to ourselves and each other underlying the value of human connection while globally we all patiently wait to get back to our sense of normalcy.
Yet what we are witnessing is the unfolding of a subtle and organic paradigm shift to an era of conscious wholeness. A time where each of us is coming to recognise our collective impact, and thus creating a new model of sustainable living, personal habits and creative skills to assume our personal responsibility in moving forward towards a new future.
Photo courtesy Broughton Hall.
A new path to a renewed connection.
More in demand than ever, people are seeking respite and healing by investing in long stay nature inspired retreats to enjoy a life of imbued wellness equipped with working spaces so that work can continue from a space of inspired tranquility and reflection.
One of Callender Howorth’s newest projects, Broughton Hall, is just this kind of place.
A historic wellbeing sanctuary in the English countryside of Yorkshire dating back to 1597 that has been under the custodianship of the Tempest family 33 generations for the last 900 years.
Broughton Hall Estate
The serene nature of this 3000 acre property is idyllic for the restorative healing and the healing force for such transformational experience through its interconnectedness to nature.
As one of their driving core values, they have committed to reforesting the land with the planting of 350,000 trees this year and next year, with the ultimate goal of planting 1 million trees.
With the intention of healing the land as a part of the collective healing process, they are working with earth energy expert Rev. Dr. Calen Rayne to identify the sacred energy points of this land.
While steeped in English history, Broughton Hall Estate seeks a higher purpose through spiritual connection, healing and nature in order to serve the world in what they call an era of a “new humanity”.
Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton Hall.
Their state of the art Avalon wellbeing facility serves as the peaceful hub of personal transformation, self-exploration and creativity.
Radiating the energy of intention from its very foundation, blessed energy crystals were symbolically placed in the building’s foundation when it was being built at the estate.
Image courtesy of Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton Hall.
Classes at Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton Hall.
Avalon’s inspired idyllic setting for a sacred and life-changing inner voyage of mind, body and spirit is intended to serve a new way of conscious minded living through their customised private, corporate and individual retreats, classes and therapies and connection to the peaceful surrounding nature.
Mark Howorth outside one of the estate cottages that will be renovated as part of this exciting project for Callender Howorth.
Callender Howorth Creative Director Mark Howorth explains, “Our aim with this restyling project for their holiday homes is to further elevate the naturally positive and emotional engagement of their spaces. We are really looking forward to consider lighting, organic fabrics and paint and repurposed pieces to transform these homes. It’s all about making the interior reflect the ethos and energy of Broughton Hall….a fantastic design challenge.”
Transformation is the sign of the times.
In addition to transformational wellbeing retreats, adventure zen eco-lodges are havens for those seeking wilder nature while new vacation themed platforms of hybrid cooperative work/play/live like-minded spaces are changing the traditional ways of living and bringing forth new ideas about how we want to spend our time.
Workspaces are using biophilic design to connect people to nature.
Companies are transforming headquarters and buildings into incredible biophilic creative spaces and hubs intended to create a diverse and culturally rich experience intended to keep employees loyal and more productive.
And lastly, even our own homes are changing into multi-use personal habitats with proper home offices, converted basements and attics into entertaining spaces and lounges, and our backyards are becoming extensions of living areas of our home with year round pool houses while gardens are extending inside with biophilic designs.
The pace of all these changes to how we live and work seems quite maddening, but underlying all this change is the driving core value of wellbeing.
A new narrative…
The thought of designing our well-being is indeed alluring and exciting. But the truth is we are actually creating a unique personal narrative that begins the relationship between a person and the space.
Image courtesy of Avalon at Broughton Estates.
The thought that these unique spaces can increase how good we feel, how we relate and connect to others, our productivity and an overall state of feeling well is impressive because of the positive impact we are contributing to in the collective sense.
Can you imagine how the world would be with everyone feeling well and living up to their maximum potential? While we are far from that, we can certainly appreciate the fact that feeling well matters.
This narrative is so powerful, meaningful and compelling, where one naturally calibrates to match the experience and energy of the space simply by being in it. Our physical nature, psychology, sociality, spirituality and ecology weaves the fabric of this narrative that plays a significant role in our human potential.
By infusing wellbeing in every aspect of the design, means we are attending to the inherent needs of raising our human potential required by this new conscious phase of our evolution.
Eye on Art Series: The Gallery Perspective
The Eye on Art Series is a collection of interviews from the lens of four international artists and gallery owners to give us a deeper insight to their perspectives on art and the origins of their inspiration.
From ancient art treasures to contemporary art, the underlying philosophies and interpretations immerses us into a storied dialogue where we can harness the timeless wisdom and sensibility to generate a new context of ideas of the world in which we live in.
Jill George Gallery
How long have you been selling art?
Too long! 43 years. I worked at the V&A in London and then wished to be involved with contemporary art. I joined Thumb Gallery in Soho in 1977 a couple of years after it had been launched becoming Assistant Director in 1978 and Director in 1981.
On purchasing the gallery, I subsequently moved to a large more prestigious premises on Lexington Street still within the heart of Soho. In 1987 I changed the name of the gallery to Jill George Gallery in 1990. On the expiry of the lease in 2012, I vacated the premises and now organise exhibitions in ‘pop up spaces’ with the West End.
What is your definition of great art?
Something that makes you tingle all over and speaks to you and you can remember every detail.
Any main inspirations for your latest exhibition of Gareth Edwards?
2020 Gareth in Studio with Overgrown Garden at Porthmeor Studios.
The artist, Gareth Edwards is inspired by the sea and landscape of St Ives, Cornwall, music, especially the German lieder and electronic music. For this exhibition he listened constantly to Meredith Monk.
G Edwards The Rising and Falling, oil, 100 x 110 cm, 2020
Poetry (the title of the recent exhibition is taken from a Ted Hughes poem). Artistically Edwards admires the work of Turner, Claude Lorrain and Poussin. From the contemporary artists, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, and Peter Doig.
G Edwards, Sunrise, Cap d’Antibes, oil, 55 x 57 cm, 2019
Where can we find your artwork?
Gareth Edwards at recent Fallen from Heaven exhibition 2020
Gareth Edwards’ exhibition “Fallen from Heaven” ended on October 3rd.
His work is available on our website: www.jillgeorgegallery.co.uk
There is an online Art Fair for the annual Art Toronto, 28 October-8 November.
The Gallery will be showing an online exhibition in December.
If you live in or near London or Cornwall, I can come and show you the work.
Eye on Art Series : The Painter’s Perspective
The Eye on Art Series is a collection of interviews from the lens of four international artists and gallery owners to give us a deeper insight to their perspectives on art and the origins of their inspiration.
From ancient art treasures to contemporary art, the underlying philosophies and interpretations immerses us into a storied dialogue where we can harness the timeless wisdom and sensibility to generate a new context of ideas of the world in which we live in.
RUPERT RECORD – PAINTER
Rupert Record, Alumni of the London’s Royal Academy in Fine Art
Self portrait, acrylic on canvas 2018
How long have you been painting and selling your art?
I’ve been painting since I was a child but started to take it more seriously when I went to Art college at 20. Drawing as investigation, it was a priority at Chelsea College of Art. I was exploring my inner identity as I drew a coastline, a tree, grass or a stream.
Spirits within the city, acrylic on canvas, 2016
The drawings went through many different processes and experiments. Firstly, with landscape and moving on to interiors and inside/outside spaces.
Cityscape, acrylic on canvas 2017
I became more interested in feelings involved with contemplation and started to practice meditation which guided me to change both the drawings and the paintings.
What is your definition of great art?
Freedom, individuality and spontaneity.
The starting points for the start of my Spartacus series of paintings include Aram Khachaturian’s ballet ‘Spartacus’ and the 1980 Stanley Kubrik epic of the same name. However, I was originally drawn to the film by the memory of watching it when I was twelve years old.
Spartacus Interior with danser, acrylic on canvas 2018
Spartacus Interior Guard, acrylic on canvas, 2020
I attempted to recreate a world bending the greed, hate and violence into auras of luminous colour, reminiscent of stained glass, to reflect the deeper emotion and uniqueness within each figure as shown in my ‘Caesar’ portrait.
The layers within each historical character transform and the individual’s internal pain to investigate “the triumph of the spirit over oppression” and visually shown within colours and textures.
Installation in the City Penthouse project by Callender Howorth.
What experience or meaning do you want to convey in your art?
In the Spartacus series, I investigated both aura photography and sensing aura colours within our own magnetic field. Barbara Brennon and Leadbeater.
Change series, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 2020
Led originally through my meditation practice and reading on Kandinsky ‘The Spiritual in Art’, I participated in new age sensing auras workshops to be able to compare aura photography and the colours from sensing auras. I examined both the aura studies of Barbara Brennon and the aura illustrations by Charles Leadbetter.
Escape series, acrylic on paper, 2020
It opened doors towards the transformation of shapes and a new way of seeing and viewing colour. The completed paintings suggest how someones energy manifests into colours, patterns, and shapes which I have reworked into the features of the face.
Any main inspirations?
I have been very interested in Susan Hiller within her aura portraits series. She uses both her childhood imagination alongside research into the coloured emanations around people captured with a high tech bio feedback imaging camera that takes a photo of your dynamic magnetic field.
Where can we find your artwork?
Eye on Art Series: The Sculptor’s Perspective
The Eye on Art Series is a collection of interviews from the lens of four international artists and gallery owners to give us a deeper insight to their perspectives on art and the origins of their inspiration.
From ancient art treasures to contemporary art, the underlying philosophies and interpretations immerses us into a storied dialogue where we can harness the timeless wisdom and sensibility to generate a new context of ideas of the world in which we live in.
MARINA HUBNER – SCULPTOR
Sculptor Marina Hubner and her installation of Pin Up at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes.
How long have you been creating and selling your art?
I left my homeland in Georgia in the Caucasus in 1990 to settle in Europe. I lived in Frankfurt, Paris and ultimately the French Riviera.
I was a bohemian artist and was known in my country for poetry. I had a career in the media arts in television, theatre and animation before finding my new expression in the plastic arts, but I play boundlessly with all my talents and impulses from my prior life.
Installation of sculptures in Monaco with His Serene Highness Prince Albert where he signed the sculptures.
I have created art in oil, crayon, ink, then paper maché and clay sculptures, but I really found my paradise in my resin and bronze wonders. A true refection of my passion for music, these sculptures are of women singing, dancing and playing instruments.
What is your definition of great art?
Art for me is a definition of my soul. It’s the real me: my Self.
Danseuse H85cm
The definition of great art? I believe, the more suffering you experience in your life, the greater will be the joy in your life and the more you have to tell to the universe through your art.
What expressions or meaning do you want to convey in your art?
My sculptures depict buxom women with bright colours. They are full of joy, humour and kindness. They are gentle yet provocative, communicative yet private. I blend contemporary and classic showing real bodies celebrating the themes of music and dance.
Violinists in bronze. H45cm
The lack of instruments contradict the symphony of emotions that are played out by these figures, making them universal and timeless. The themes include violinists, pin-ups, dancers, bass players, and clarinet musicians.
Installation of Pin Ups in Saint Tropez. H160cm.
I am a perfectionist and I design each sculpture myself. I work with the best craftsmen in France and Italy to execute the piece.
I use bronze to exercise my classical training so that I can share my knowledge of the human form. The polyester resin on the other hand, allows me to celebrate my love for colours and my joyfulness.
What are your inspirations?
I am inspired by music.
I wanted to give life to my feminine beauties, forms that are touched by musical grace and my creativity.
Installation of Violinists in the Clos de Roses vineyard. H186cm
My sculptures are born from all the cultures which have influenced my own life: Russian, Ukranian, Polish and Georgian.
Installation at the renown Negresco Hotel in Nice where owner Mme Augier chose each piece herself. Marina Hubner is the last artist in Augier’s art collection at the Negresco.
Where can we find your artwork or pieces?
Sculptures can be ordered in various sizes, and are available in smooth bronze or fiberglass covered in enamel. They are perfect for both exterior and interior exposures.
The sculptures are on display at the following galleries:
Galerie Les Lombards à Mougins (France), Galerie Spolnik à Paris (France), Gallery Mauersberger in Vienna (Austria), Gallery Nina Torres à Miami (USA), QGallery in Baky (Azerbaijan), Galerie Jean FONTAN à Honfleur et à Pont Aven (France).
Email: marinasculpteur@gmail.com
Tel: + 33 (0)6 17 21 10 99
Eye on Art Series: The Collector’s Perspective
Art has been at the center of Callender Howorth from the very beginning.
As a former art gallery owner himself, Mark Howorth’s passion for art has expressed itself through his interior designs and continues to be the epitome of inspiration for Callender Howorth.
The Eye on Art Series is a collection of interviews from the lens of four international artists and gallery owners to give us a deeper insight to their perspectives on art and the origins of their inspiration.
From ancient art treasures to contemporary art, the underlying philosophies and interpretations immerses us into a storied dialogue where we can harness the timeless wisdom and sensibility to generate a new context of ideas of the world in which we live in.
GALERIE GOLCONDA – ART COLLECTOR BERYL CAVALLINI
Beryl Cavallini, Ancient Art Collector and President of Galerie Golconda.
How long have you been collecting and selling art?
I am more considered as a Collector compared to a dealer. I dedicate a lot of time to find the right object rather than selling. What I am looking after is to create and organise a beautiful collection of rare and very decorative pieces that can be exhibited in the art gallery but also in my houses.
I personally buy all the pieces I sell, I make no consignment, this obliges me to look only after outstanding quality. I have been collecting since I was 18, so it is more than 40 years that I accumulate beautiful artworks, however the gallery in St Paul was opened two decades ago. My story is a long run story of great passion that reflects many years at university, thousands of books on my shelves, houses full of treasures like museums.
Medieval Indian and Thai beauties taking to Chinese Neolithic vases.
We offer clients the opportunity to pick up inside a fantastic and eclectic selection of more than 2000 pieces, all absolutely ancient and certified coming from the the best provenances.
What is your definition of great art?
I do not really consider the idea of “great art” compared to other categories. Art must be a moment of emotion, which can vary. You can find poetry in a piece, or you can be attracted by its rarity, or its story and provenance. Then you also have the aesthetic part; materials, colours, patina.
A Sowei Helmet Mask from Sierra Leone from the collection of Joseph Mueller in Geneva.
There are so many elements that can make an artwork Great.
I would say for whatever reason, a piece needs to send you some vibration. And if this vibration is out of time and universal, then you can be sure you are in front of a masterpiece. Probably we could say the bases for great are worldwide universality and intense vibration.
What expressions or meaning do you want your art to convey in your art gallery?
There is an important word in the field of archaeology and it is authenticity.
Very tall Chinese Tang guardian of a tomb from the Metropolitan Museum of New York.
I only speak of and show objects of absolute authenticity. This means very few repairs, and thorough tests and controls. The objects should be well representative of their period.
I avoid late productions that are often of a less genuine inspiration however, I do like frontier pieces belonging to different inspirations. Another point is to show pieces that are worth the investment. We specialise in high quality art, pieces that are not fashionable and so universal that they can cross the waves of fashion.
Head bought during its Grand Tour in Italy in 1746 by Earl John Spencer and formerly belonging to the family of Lady Diana at Althorp. Giaconda Gallery
Our clients are all top level VIP’s, they are successful people who know the value of money. They buy at Galerie Golconda because they can rely on my taste and experience. The taste is the result of a long experience and to have good taste you must be able to reach great coherency. Many objects are fine, it is when we mix them that they can become desperately frightening. To make a good collection is also an art inside art.
Any main inspirations?
I like pieces that are clean, that can speak to you directly and immediately say what they are.
Remojadas Mexican terra cotta head from Musee Jacques Chirac.
Artwork, very skilful using high or new techniques and with a great look, is also more interesting. I like to see the work of tine on them, patinas, small accidents of their life. I enjoy eclectic houses like the Italians and French ones with a contemporary background which is classic and not too strong. A house is also a mood, and I do not like when architecture is so prominent that you cannot think of something else.
I love beautiful fabrics, colourful paintings that send a good mood to your mind. Houses should be airy and luminous to help keep you healthy. And masterpieces are there to help your mind work better. We definitely need inspirational houses to become more creative people.
Where can we find your artwork or pieces?
The Grand Salon at Galerie Golconda showing a selection of Apulian red and blackware vases fromthe 4th century BC. Formerly collection of French painter Bernard Buffet. The furniture comes from the French Royal Chateau of Versailles and Fontainebleu.
We mainly present the pieces in our gallery in St Paul de Vence, a medieval listed house in the heart of this marvelous village on the Cote d’Azur. By appointment only.
For online sales a full dossier is provided with HD photos and certificates.
Galerie Golconda – Saint Paul de Vence, FRANCE
www.galeriegolconda.com , email: presidente@galeriegolconda.com Tel: +33 (0)6 30 39 46 61
Next up in the Eye on Art Series is The Sculptor’s Perspective.
Personality in Luxury
The one element that threads together the design of your home is your personality.
Personality is our essential character, a collection of characteristics that reveal our story.
When you enter a room, the projection of this interpretation is immediately felt. Simply put…personality is the energetic pizzaz of the room.
But in luxury, how is personality expressed? Before we can speak about this relationships, we nee to examine what luxury really means.
Callender Howorth designed a custom glass globe chandelier for their recent residential transformation project of a neo-Georgian country home in Buckinghamshire.
If you were to ask Franca Sozzani, the director of Vogue and iconic expert in luxury in fashion, she defines it in her recent blog post as, “Luxury is research, the chance to experience new routes, to find new and not predictable or already seen solutions. Experimentations are luxury.”
Perhaps it is the aspect of freedom that plays on our sensibilities of luxury.
The luxury of creating something that is not tethered to any boundary or restriction in its creation be it simple or complex. The freedom of a complete expression that is special and unique. The freedom of personality.
Callender Howorth blended a touch of Indian influence in their Heath Drive Hampstead project in honour of their clients heritage.
Just because something is symbolically “rich” does not necessarily mean its luxury. And vice versa.
Sozzani poignantly asserts “Because today luxury involves exclusiveness, nearly uniqueness, and not because it is addressed to few people, because it’s special instead.”
And we completely agree with this perspective.. Luxury is special.
The intention, sensitivity, commitment and dedication to creating something so unique and special is luxury.
So when we think about personality in relation to luxury, we can deduce that personality is the inherent dimension of its uniqueness. It is the essence from which the creation is based on. And the luxury resides in how perfectly that essence is revealed.
From Georgia O’kkeefe’s Ghost Ranch in New Mexico
If you think of a luxury adobe home in New Mexico, Georgia Okeefe naturally comes to mind. The space is focused on the uplifting serenity of the spaces reflecting the natural beauty and spiritual energy of wellness embedded in this red rock region.
A luxury based on the essence of how the native Americans lived with organic earthen walls and flat roofs with vigas (round roof beams) for more than 1,000 years. The personality of an ancient and revered culture for its natural simplicity.
As we spend more time at home these days, its important to take a glance at our own homes to see what our personal space is conveying about ourselves.
Does it reflect our own uniqueness? Our passions? Our essence? Our heritage?
Because honouring our personality is the one luxury we can all afford.
Outdoor Havens at Home
Summer is here with a call to enjoy the delights of our gardens and terraces.
The decadent laze of lounging, immersed in your favourite book as you read in the cool shade, and the freeing pleasure of al fresco dining nestled in your own private oasis.
A restful haven at home.
We like to think of these areas as private sanctuaries as we fit out these exterior living lounges and dining areas worthy of a five star hotel experience.
The idea of an ambiance in nature at home where you can fully relax and unwind without having to go anywhere is attractively easy.
We up-level pool houses in handsome style, pleasurably furnished and equipped with open air living rooms, large dining areas, with features like outdoor fireplace lounges, outdoor showers, and sophisticated outdoor grill kitchens.
Soft and breezy we design these areas to maximise the flow of fresh air while still keeping the spaces open to take in the surrounding greenery and garden views.
Hybrid outdoor features like indoor plant beds and skylights thread together the exterior and interior living environments with the essence of nature.
Whether it is subdued refined lines for contemporary chic ambiances, or the exotic notions of Moroccan patterns that emit the tranquility of a riad, we design areas to awaken the senses of wanderlust right at home.
We place careful attention on tile textures and finishes we select that are made for outdoor use, and choose patterns to elicit depth and the mood of each outdoor area.
Outdoor living is all about comfort.
We like to select pieces such as laid back oversized armchairs, large sunken sofas with lots of cushions that are custom made with the newest weatherproof fabrics that are water resistant and fade proof. The one consistent element throughout is of course the greenery.
We like to incorporate natural materials and elements to evoke that liberating sense of escape.
Callender Howorth villa project in Paros, Greece
Breezy shades of light stream in through the pergola that keeps the temperatures cool and comfortable. This exterior lounge area designed by Callender Howorth in a luxury villa in Paros reflects the quintessential outdoor lifestyle renown to the beautiful islands of Greece.
If you are looking to create your own outdoor haven at home, Callender Howorth can design sublime exteriors that encompass all the joys of a splendid summer at home.
Email us at info@callenderhowoth.com
Bold and Beautiful Statements
A signature. A statement. A mood. A celebration.
Confidently expressed in its visual appeal, bold interior design is one aspect of design that is genuinely intriguing because of its inherent willingness to push beyond creative boundaries challenging the norm of the status quo.
For some designers, bold interior design is a gamble without a tried and true guarantee. It is a risky play, but when done right, the payoff can be hugely satisfying. A creative work that is ultimately unique with an agency of profound expression.
As the American poet Robert Frost succinctly stated, “Freedom lies in being bold.”
So the question is how bold do you want to go?
Bold and the Beautiful
In Callender Howorth’s Country House renovation project for a listed manor in Kent, deep indigo and parakeet green were combined offset with a bright white doorway trim warmed by the wooden herringbone floor.
Country House project by Callender Howorth
The play of contrasting colours offset with subtle accents give balance to the bold tones of the rooms.
The alluring contrast sparks your curiosity and naturally leads you towards the next room.. another milieu of colour to contemplate.
A gentle grasp of English tradition without being too weighted yet rightfully bold in character.
Bold Contempo
Bold in contemporary design is a different play all together.
Whether its bold monochrome, statement furniture pieces, art or rugs, the focal point is boldly clear.
For our Boltons renovation project, a pair of black velvet high back armchairs were selected to give this eclectic sitting area an elegant feel offset by the natural organic colours of the living room.
The ambiance of the sitting area becomes predominant with an air of regality without the distraction of other pieces. A proper place to have a lovely conversation.
The perfect the place to sit and unwind after another busy day in London.
Bold Lighting
Regents Park House project by Callender Howorth
A powerful approach to bold design is to incorporate bold lighting.
Powerful lighting design is an ultimate way of creating a bold wow factor.
Callender Howorth chose a bold lighting design for this spectacular renovation project in Primrose Hill…Regents Park House.
It was a brilliant way to fill the room with customised colour while the neutral and light tones of the interior brought it all together.
This James Bond type of unexpected home in Primrose certainly achieved the wow factor we were after!
Bold Moves
Then there’s really really bold. No holding back now!
This kind of spectacular bold assumes a unique embodied experience. The interior design experience of this nature is one where the visual phenomenon is so strong you become enraptured by the visual grandeur.
You have a visceral feeling that you are a part of it just by being in the space.
When thinking about your next renovation or interior design project, a key question to ask is What personal statement do you want your interior to reflect?
Normally, it is a version of ourselves in the lifestyle and context we desire, but for some, its an opportunity to realise a bolder expression of their personality.
Do you dare to be bold?
Working with Light
Light influences how we feel in a space and the way we perceive our visual environment.
The aesthetic nature of light is what affects our moods and behaviours. As one of the pillars of the design plan, successful lighting schemes effortlessly enhance the perception of the space and the concept of the room. It is at the core of all of our interior design projects at Callender Howorth.
Nuanced juxtapositions of light and shadow direct our focal point in the room to naturally guide our eyes on the illuminated areas. The combination of texture and depth is what subtly conveys its interest and atmosphere.
To illustrate the delicate nuance in the art of lighting design, we look to one of our most epic projects, Regents Park House.
LARGE OPEN LIVING SPACES
An unusual project spanning 3 Mews houses near Regents Park with a retractable roof and a swimming pool that floats above the living room where you can also dive into it from your master bedroom. The integrated smart technology for this home was that of a James Bond movie.
With a large living area, the space is naturally light and bright, but it was essential to get the lighting right for such a big open space. We worked with our lighting designer to create a warm atmosphere in the space while also taking in the incredible architecture of the space especially with all the glass element throughout this home.
Callender Howorth Project Regents Park House
Callender Howorth’s lighting designer Mike Kazer explains the lighting challenge for this stunning project.
“At the Regents Park project we were faced with quite a common problem, open plan living. How do you create atmosphere and intimacy within such a large, open space?
We did this through using a lighting control system, to set scenes and levels for each given zone in the multi-use space as well as using lighting features that linked the space without drawing too much attention.
We set scenes which focused the light around the specific area the client would be using at that moment. If they were relaxing, the main warmth for the lighting would be focused around the living area, however there would still be some soft accent within the kitchen and study. Meaning we are not left with dark corners and allowing us to highlight the beautiful architectural features Callender Howorth designed into the scheme.
SIMPLICITY IN TREND
While lighting comes in all forms and functions, the integration of it into the design is always done in alignment with the client’s experience and the other aspects of the interior design plan such as the furniture, artwork, textiles, floors and walls, and colours and patterns.
Callender Howorth Project Regents Park House
Attuned to the lighting industry over the years, Callender Howorth lighting designer Mike Kazer has seen many trends come and go, but as technology advances so do the options for design.
“Lighting styles are ever changing, this is the same for all elements of the build. Technology is ever evolving and the smart home is now pretty much available at a consumer level. However, one style we are seeing come through all of this evolution in technology is ‘simplicity’.
Lighting control is still in the background, to allow us as designers to create scenes and set levels but on the front end, the interaction the client has with this lighting, is not a complicated keypad or touch screen, but a beautifully crafted light switch. This simple feel and soft touch then runs through the lighting scheme from start to finish.”
ESSENCE OF A SPACE
As with all of our interior design projects, the personality of the client and their lifestyle is the baseline of the design brief.
Functionality, atmosphere, wellbeing and mood come together multidimensionally through interior architecture, furniture, decorative pieces, finishings and of course the lighting.
London Lightworks
For Mike Kazer, its about the use of the space and the desired experience of the client within that space.
“As a lighting designer we have many considerations to make when designing a scheme, whether it be the spaces’ geometry, specific furniture layouts, client requirements or maybe even the buildings constraints. However there is always one element we have to consider no matter what the restraints. What will the space be used for and what reaction or mood are we looking to provoke in this area.
For example, if we are designing a living room, we wish to create a space that can have a multi purpose. It may be used for reading, relaxing or entertaining to name just a few outcomes. Our lighting placement, layering and levels need to be designed to offer a bright light for reading, a soft warm light for relaxing and an exciting, impactful scene for entertaining. If our design does not achieve this then it has failed.
As a lighting designer, the most important aspect for consideration before designing any scheme whether it be for a single room or an entire estate, is the space’s use and the reaction we wish the client to have or experience when interacting within that space.”
Callender Howorth Project Regents Park House
What we appreciated about Regents House Park project was that such an ambitious project revealed a vision of design that is effortless and intimate yet stunning…an unexpected ultra-contemporary oasis in Primrose Hill.
As in all our design and renovation projects, maximising natural light and lighting design are integrated into all of our design plans and 3D renderings so that our clients can get an accurate sense of the feeling in every room.
HARMONY & BALANCE
For one of the UK’s top lighting product designer George Singer, the beauty lies in the harmony and balance.
We worked with George on our Swiss Chalet project where he designed this iconic chandelier for the dining area.
Callender Howorth Project Swiss Chalet, Lighting by George Singer
“The beauty. All my life I have been fascinated by beauty and the notion of taste. I don’t use ‘decoration’ in my pieces. Fore me, the materials and form must be in perfect harmony. I don’t force the material into an uncomfortable curve or shape because I almost consider this as patronising the material. The aesthetic of a piece is only beautiful if the form and the materials are in perfect balance and harmony.”
Singers approach to design stems from the the relationship between himself and the client.
George Singer
“The first thing that’s vita for me is to become close with the client, be it an interior designer, architect, developer or a private client. Establish a professional friendship so we can both talk freely and openly in a way we both express our needs and creativity.
After this initial informal relationship is established can we then discuss the requirements of the design and try to get an idea of the budget early on so we’re both singing from the same hymn sheet. I will then carry out some sketches and mood boards and offer the client a presentation based on a brief. Then, in an ideal world, they buy into me and my ideas and I will go away for a month and create a design that far exceeds their expectations. I try and do this as quickly as possible because these days, speed is key.”
A tall order indeed to create a design that exceeds expectations. So the question that first comes to mind is what makes a piece exceptional?
For George it was his grand installation of Zephyr for the Fairmont Hotel in Scotland.
Installation of Zephyr by George Singer, Fairmont Hotel St.Andrews, Scotland
“The best piece I have created is Zephyr-a 60 meter long, hand made lighting installation for the Fairmont Hotel in St. Andrew’s, Scotland. The design was carried out using some smart computer code writing by some artists based in Berlin. They created an App for us to position twenty-thousand steel disks in unique positions. The result was a dynamic, exciting, unique and beautiful piece. I am extremely proud of it and delighted I was able to incorporate a cutting edge technology to make it truly organic.
But the most remarkable project I’m working on is a personal project called the Golden Sun Project. Check it out on Instagram. It’s going to take me years to complete but it will be unique, extremely powerful, and above all, exceptionally beautiful and meaningful. It’s a piece for climate change awareness-a cause very close to my heart. I want this project to last forever and inspire millions of people for many years to come.”
BRIGHT IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME
Here are several of Callender Howorth’s favourite lighting pieces to brighten and inspire your next renovation project.
Callender Howorth works with some of the best lighting suppliers in the world and lighting design is a part of every design plan we create. Do not hesitate to contact us for you next interior design project.
Contact us at info@callenderhoworth.com.
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