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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2012

On March 28th, 2012 by .

What a fantastic week we have had in New York for BlogTourNYC, the people, gorgeous interior products and to top it off, the weather was beautiful!  I am going to start my blogging marathon with a round up of my favourite products from the Architectural Digest Home design Show.  Having never visited a trade show in America, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived, and I wasn’t dissapointed.  There was a real mix of styles and trends for me to explore, from modern streamline kitchens right through to Traditional and Country style accessories.

A favourite of mine from the show was BDDW, who combine raw elements, including woood and leather to create handcrafted and contemporoary pieces including; beds, tables, seating, lamps & storage.  Each piece is lovingly hand rubbed iwth natural oils and lacquer.

Kenneth Cobonpue (below)

More to follow…..

 

BlogTourNYC

On March 24th, 2012 by .

BlogTourNYC has been such an incredible week, so many laughs, great design and great company. Here are a few highlights. Images: Johnathan Adler, the group & NYC.  More to follow over the coming weeks…

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20120324-102526.jpgOur tour of the Johnathan Adler studios was a particular highlight of mine.  We were able to see the whole design process of Jonathan’s products from an initial idea right through to the samples.  Johnathan even threw some pottery for us!

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Sponsors for #BlogTour NYC

On March 20th, 2012 by .

#BlogTour NYC has just commenced and below are the remaining sponsors for the trip.  I would like to say a personal thank you to you all, and it goes without saying that a very big thank you goes to Modenus.  Here’s to a fantastic week of blogging, networking and great design.

Let me introduce to you Big Ass Fan (image below) a company that has transformed the style of ceiling fans into something quite beautiful.  They thrive on the knowledge that they can circulate an ocean of air in sound sensitive commercial spaces and large homes.  Take a look for yourselves at Fig Ass Fan


Modern-Aire ventilating specializes in building custom made hoods for the kitchen (image below).  As well as providing excellent ventilation, they also offer limitless opportunities for materials, finishes and customization to elevate ventilation to a focal point in the kitchen. Modern-Aire are proud to say that each piece is skillfully crafted by their in-house design team for a personal and professional finish.  Check out their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @designerhoods


Scholtès is an Italian company that provides professional appliances for the home chef.  Currently known in Europe, they are expanding their distribution network across Canada and the U.S offering; built-in electric ovens, gas cooktops and electric cooktops, ventilation, dishwashers, refrigeration drawers, wine cabinets, beverage centers and coffee machines. One thing to take note of is that the Scholtès North American product line has been specifically developed for the needs and requirements of the market. Product specifications acknowledge that consumers should not have to modify their own spaces and installations to accommodate European sizing.
@scholtesamerica, www.scholtes.comBelow is Victoria + Alberts latest collection called The Edge, which has been influenced by British cubic design, taking a classic shape and producing a modern range with an urban feel. The bath has been designed to take up little floor space, instead they have increased the depth, measuring a generous 24” deep, the bath most definitely has room for two. The contemporary design is mirrored in the twin sinks, a must have if space permits.  Made from 100% ENGLISHCAST®, a naturally white material rich in volcanic limestone, The Edge collection is certainly a design triumph.  For more information visit their website


A final thank you to Vitra (image below), another #BlogTourNYC sponsor and a company dedicated to developing healthy, intelligent, inspiring and durable
solutions for the office, the home and for public spaces.  Founded in 1950, Vitra’s products and concepts are developed in Switzerland by applying a diligent design process
that brings together the company’s engineering excellence with the creative genius of leading international designers.

Introducing #BlogTour sponsor: Rotsen Furniture

On March 20th, 2012 by .

Rotsen Furniture, another of our sponsors for #BlogTourNYC, is best known for making one-off high end pieces for luxury hotels and aspirational residential dwellings, but the thing that makes their furniture even more beautiful, is their origin.  Rotsen melds wood from decaying bridges, old barns and demolished structures, harvested from fallen, well preserved trees, or from sustainable plantaAons, allowing the wood to be regenerated into something simply stunning. Above is their Ibocai Wood Side table with a brushed stainless steel base; usually you would associate textured and grainy wood with a rustic piece of furniture but due to the simple shape, clean lines and brushed stainless steel base, Rotsen Furniture have created a contemporary piece with style and charm. Another favourite of mine is this Single Tamburil SlabDesk and as it says, it has been made with one single slab of wood.  Again, I love the combination of reclaimed wood teamed with a contrasting metal base; a great way to add warmth and depth to a contemporary piece.  As with all of their furniture, you have Customization options with wood Sizes, Woods, Base Finishes, Legs Design and Material.  Furniture can also be customized to the clients particular specifications.

Foe more information you can visit their website or find them tweeting @rotsenfurniture

 

Introducing fitted kitchen company: Poggenpohl, another #BlogTourNYC sponsor

On March 19th, 2012 by .

I would like to introduce you to another of our BlogTourNYC sponsors, PoggenPohl, the German fitted kitchen company who are known worldwide for their gorgeous ranges.  You can see from the images below that all of their kitchens have a cool and contemporary feel about them.  The main attraction for me, aside from the quality of design, is that you have such a wide choice of finishes and  styles to choose from; take a look at a selection of their kitchens below and you will see what I mean…

This design is absolutely stunning, definately my favourite….

For more information visit Poggenpohl’s website, follow their latest news on Twitter @poggenpohlUS or check out their Facebook page

@poggenpohlUS

The fabulous LifestyleBazaar

On March 18th, 2012 by .

The start of the year is always a very promising time for freshening up and welcoming in the new – and that is exactly what the team at LifestyleBazaar HQ have been doing! The new year has been a very busy one, with not only a fab new look to the shop floor but an extension and refurb to the basement. This entire new floor has lead to a larger selection of high quality, affordable and most importantly, interesting and individual designs to the LifestyleBazaar catalogue.

The design duo behind LifestyleBazaar, Chris and Laurent go above and beyond to bring the best selection of products for the home that you won’t find anywhere else! Originally based in Nice, South of France they relocated back to London five years ago, bringing their eclectic mix of design and decorative homewares to Shoreditch. The store holds a mix of styles, well known brands and new designers – all offered at fantastic prices. Some of the brands at LifestyleBazaar include Leitmotiv, Virebent, iBride, The New English and Mode Design to name but a few.

Next time you’re in London I highly recommend a visit to the LifestyleBazaar store to explore the gorgeous products on offer. Or, if you can’t make it to the shop browse the extensive website by clicking here.

Introducing Samuel Heath: #BlogTour NYC sponsor

On March 17th, 2012 by .

I would like to introduce to you another of our fantastic BlogTour sponsors, Samuel Heath.  This English brassware manufacturer was founded in 1820 and is  renowned for creating beautiful bathroom fittings including faucets, showers and accessories, as well as a range of architectural hardware.  As a stylist, I am very familiar with the brand and have included their products in many features over the years.  Their stylish and varied collections have a timeless elegance that compliments both modern and traditional interior schemes.

Samuel Heath’s collections have been specified by interior designers for private residences, high-end hotels, luxury spas and yacht interiors worldwide. The company also offers a comprehensive design service to provide support for interior designers, architects and developers on specification projects, as well as some bespoke services including etching and finishing.


Carefully crafted from the purest solid brass, hand-polished and plated in up to 34 individual processes, all of Samuel Heath’s collections are designed to offer stunning quality and enduring longevity to deliver a lasting investment to any interior project.

“Each Samuel Heath collection includes deck, wall mounted basin and bath fillers and a host of showering options. Choose from the minimalist, clean lines of Xenon to the feminine elegance of Xiara, the classic beauty of Fairfield or the authentic design of Antique. The company’s classic and contemporary designs are also offered in wide selection of beautifully plated finishes from chrome, polished nickel to antique gold and satin nickel.

For the ultimate glamour and opulence, the Fairfield collection can be specified with stunning crystal levers in either clear or black, whilst the Xenon collection is also available in a dramatic, matt black contemporary finish. Newly launched this year, Samuel Heath has also redesigned its dual control concealed thermostatic showers across all collections for refined designed and easier installation.”

For more information on Samuel Heath, visit their website or their showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea, London, England, +44 (0)121 766 4200.  They can also be found tweeting @samuel_heath – a great way to stay up to date with the latest news and collections…

 

New York, Amsterdam & Grand Designs Live

On March 15th, 2012 by .

Spring was most definitely in the air today and what a difference it made to my mood.  Just to feel the sun on my face and see the blossom coming out on the trees, I am definitely meant for warmer climates!

So, it’s just 4 days until I go to New York for Blog Tour NYC!!!  I am so excited (and a little anxious about leaving my little girls) but also rushing around like a mad women trying to get everything tied up before I go, including all of my posts for the wonderfully generous sponsors & thank you again to Modenus x

I feel very fortunate as 2012 has started out to be an incredible year with amazing opportunities.  This month we have filmed two videos for the lovely 3M, with the first set of stills to be published soon, and over the next few weeks we are finalising a shoot for a private jet company, can’t say too much about this but it’s a very interesting concept & very high end.

After New York I start a big advertising job which will take up most of April, and that month also sees me becoming a regular contributor for the lovely team at Zest Media, which I am really excited about!

May, sees us styling a food book for the very talented Sophie Wright, we had a fantastic production meeting last week and all the team were lovely; Sophie had some incredible ideas.  The end of May might see me squeezing in a Look Book if schedule and products permit, and amongst all of that…I will be taking a seminar for the first time at Grand Designs Live Theatre, it would be great to see you there.

And for June, the lovely people at Meet The Bloggers have asked me to run a workshop on blogging & Styling in Amsterdam.  This is set to be a great event so just click here if you want more info. Finally, the end of June sees Jemma and myself working on our own book, more details to follow soon…!!

Bye for now x

 

Miele: Sponsor for Blog Tour NYC

On March 12th, 2012 by .

It’s just one week until Modenus BlogTour NYC, so what better time  to introduce you to another of our very generous Sponsors; Miele.  I am a huge fan of their products and so it was great to take a look at their new collection.  There is no denying that Miele is one of the most stylish kitchen brands out there, they have an incredible knack of designing contemporary and sleek appliances that fit seamlessly into a modern day kitchen.

As you all know, one of the main events that we are attending in New York is The Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2012 (March 22 – 25, 2012, at Pier 94 in New York City), this will include the launch of Miele’s Manhattan Table Artist experience, a year-long national campaign celebrating the finest in regional cuisine prepared by the country’s most promising new chefs.


”The Miele Table Artist experience (image above) embodies everything that is good in the culinary world today,” explained Nick Ord, President of Miele, “We are proud to highlight regional chefs that share our ‘Forever Better’ philosophy using sustainable, seasonal ingredients to create delicious menus with Miele appliances. Our goal is to empower even the most novice cooks to achieve their culinary best and open their eyes and taste buds to a wonderful world of possibilities utilizing Miele appliances.”


As the only global appliance manufacturer with a full culinary line, Miele will showcase the latest in kitchen design and culinary cuisine, highlighted by Miele’s MasterChef Ovens, including  the MasterChef Steam Oven (image below). Considered one of today’s fastest growing kitchen trends due to its versatility, guests at the show will enjoy innovative tasting menus and experience Miele’s ‘Better Living’ philosophy firsthand through the wonders of steam cooking.
The steam oven works by allowing steam to surround the food from all sides creating an immediate and intense exchange of heat ensuring food is heated rapidly and is sealed instantly to retain all the vitamins, color and flavor. In addition, cooking times are also reduced so you and your family can eat faster and energy consumption can be kept to a minimum.Even cooking novices can prepare meals like a chef using Miele’sMasterCheftechnology, which allows users to select the type of food, weight and desired result. Then, Miele’sintuitive technology transforms the ingredients into a delicious meal. Available on all Miele ovens, MasterChef® is like having the combined knowledge of all great chefs of the world into one easy-to-use reference tool.


Activate your inner barista and create coffeehouse-style beverages like lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots right in your own kitchen using the Miele Built-In Coffee Systems & counter top Espresso machine.  Intuitive and easy to use, the Built-In Coffee Systems include a variety of features like a dual dispensing spoutand integrated milk tank.

For more information visit Miele, check out their great Facebook page or keep up to date with their news on Twitter @MieleUSA

Painting with grey

On March 12th, 2012 by .

At the beginning of the year I moved into a new home that could only be described as a granny flat. It’s previous occupant was a seventy-something with a fondness for pond green swags, beige everything and rhubarb pink. It’s new occupant however is a twenty-something with a love for interior decoration and modern, if slightly quirky, design. So, as you can imagine I’ve been very busy with various DIY projects as I re-vamp my flat, room by room. The first room I decided to decorate was the living room and I wanted to do so with grey paint.

I decided that I would go with just the one feature wall (pictured below) as not to drown the room – even though it is a very light room thanks to the large bay window and high ceilings. The shade of grey I chose to go with was Bowler Hat Grey from the Dulux Classic’s range, painting the rest of the walls/features in a simple Brilliant White, also by Dulux. Dulux Classic’s are lovely shades and pretty much - in my eyes - on par with Farrow & Ball’s chalky soft paints. When I started painting I was unsure of how I was going to tackle the shelves and the surrounds so I thought I’d take it step by step. I have to admit, I am not a fan of built in shelves and cupboards; I don’t like their shape or their lack of flexibility. The obvious answer was to rip them out but that currently is not an option, so I have to live with them and hopefully try make them disappear.

Before…

When I arrived at the above stage I did not feel comfortable with the outcome, it did not look right. The white frame around the shelves looked prominent and fussy, which definitely was not my plan! When using dark or strong colours it can be a bit daunting making bold decisions, so it’s always helpful to get the opinion of another. Obviously my first point of call was to Pippa! I emailed her a few pictures and asked her opinion on what I should do… paint everything grey, paint just the surround, paint the shelves, paint everything including the cupboards??? Pippa confirmed my feelings and suggested I paint the surround and shelves grey, but paint the cupboard white. And thats exactly what I did (see below) and I think it looks great. The fireplace pops out, the fresh white paint looks sophisticated and most importantly, the shelves appear merged and subtle!! I also think my collection of accessories look great against the grey – especially the coloured items… well I think they do anyway.

After…