This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features London’s first dedicated Avocado bar. Hospitality design specialists DesignLSM share their latest interior project with a restaurant design which evokes a relaxed, bohemian ambience with a beautifully crafted design for the new casual dining concept – Avobar. Following the success of Avobar’s themed pop-up site, a new permanent restaurant has launched which presents the first all-avocado dining concept to arrive in London, creating a ‘must-visit’ destination for health-focused millennials. The 740 sqft restaurant accommodates 70 covers across two floors combining an open and social dining environment with an in-house retail space offering avocado-based skincare and lifestyle products to customers.
Company: DesignLSM
Project: Avobar
Project Location: London, UK
What was the client’s brief?
Our brief was to create a relaxed and inspired interior for the launch of London’s first all-avocado dining concept – Avobar. We worked closely with the client to curate an eclectic environment that provides ‘insta-worthy’ appeal, whilst capturing the ethos behind the Avobar brand. Located in the busy shopping hub of Covent Garden’s Henrietta Street, the 740sqft restaurant provides the perfect social setting for London’s avo-lovers offering a beautifully crafted menu and design dedicated to the popular super fruit.
What inspired the design of the project?
Our restaurant design narrative draws inspiration from the laid-back modern aesthetic of California, featuring a relaxed and neutral interior palette – including distressed white timber, abundant hanging foliage combined with a range of printed and woven textiles. Guests can order via the central service counter which is entirely clad in avocado hued handmade tiles and framed by a rustic, draped gantry formed from peeled timber branches. We designed pockets of communal and intimate seating throughout the space, highlighted by soft brass and oversized rattan pendant lighting to induce a warm and social ambience into the space.
Particular design highlights include a striking living plant wall, pastel-coloured tiles and stunning botanical backdrops which have been designed to induce natural warmth as well as communicate the distinctive persona of the brand.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The toughest challenge was overcoming the initial planning constraints of the site, which impacted the timings of the design programme. However we managed to work productively and efficiently to ensure that everything was delivered and completed to a high standard for the client.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
A real highlight of the project was seeing the finished avocado toned feature tile wall, which took a great attention to detail to ensure that each tile was perfectly positioned and blended into one another. The striking wall is a prominent feature in the space for this restaurant design to create a true visual feast for Avobar’s customers.
Questions answered by Chloe Mager, Senior Designer at DesignLSM
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the ultimate, employee-centric and ergonomic office space, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
DesignLSM | SBID International Design Awards 2018
On SBID’s journey to discover more about the personal experiences and careers of interior and design professionals throughout the industry, we interviewed the CEO at Panaz Holdings, Tony Attard. Tony shares his approach to that all-important work-life integration, the latest on his design agenda, as well as his thoughts on the predominant issues faced by the industry as a whole.
Can you describe your current job?
I am CEO of Panaz Holdings, Chairman of Alusid, Chairman of Marketing Lancashire, Director of BCFA and currently High Sheriff of Lancashire. My jobs are primarily strategic although I get involved with many of my company initiatives to ensure they are delivered OTIF (On Time In Full).
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
I was always interested in the integration of Art, Design, Marketing and Business. I therefore applied to study Fashion Design at St Martins, and Design Management at the University of Manchester (formally UMIST). I eventually opted for Manchester as it was a little more technical (BSc) and I was offered a University scholarship by Courtaulds which ensured a fast track career in Industry. Design is to me about the delivery of a brief, and should be manged like any other management decision. Of course there is inspiration, but that should not be at the expense of delivering on time. The more stress, the more creative the solution!
Describe an average day in your job role..
My life is not about balance, it’s about life work integration. I wake at 6.30 am and either go straight to my computer to check emails and prepare for the day, or go to the gym. Either way I then shower and have a cup of tea. I have given up on Breakfast as the healthier option and do not eat until lunch time. I get to my first meeting either at 8.30 or 9.00 am, dependent upon who else needs to get there. As I have no children at home any more, child care is not an issue for me as it may be is for others. I am usually in meetings most of the day, however as I am now High Sheriff, I could have a number of other priorities. I represent the Queen for the Judiciary, therefore I could accompany a High Court judge on the bench for a trial, I could also be out with the police force or fire brigade, or even an ambulance. Meeting people in the voluntary sector has a been a great part of being High Sheriff; the work that they do in the community is invaluable to so many vulnerable people and must be encouraged and rewarded. If I am in London I usually eat out with friends or customers and then get to bed about 12ish. If I am at home in Lancashire, I have dinner with my wife Patricia, usually on our laps and watching an episode of a program we are following (Killing Eve is our latest one!). Then, I retire to my study to write an article (like this one) or catch up on the news, prepare a report or read a board meeting agenda. I usually go to bed at 11.30 pm and read for a bit before turning off the light as my eyes start to drop.. Kindles are great because I do not need the big light on!
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect for any creative is to see one’s work in the marketplace. I love creating collections with my Head of Design, Sarah Lloyd and her team, but unless anyone buys it, we have not been successful in interpreting what our customers require. It’s always very gratifying to see our fabrics in an interior either great or small, and to see that our vision can become reality.
Is there anything new you are working on?
There are so many different things. We are constantly working on new collections at Panaz, releasing 10 – 12 per year. But the new Alusid Silicastone brief is particularly interesting. Alusid is a very new company that is making a new material called Silicastone that was developed for solid surface and tiles out of a sustainability project at the University of central Lancashire. It uses two waste streams from broken pre-consumer ceramics (baths, toilets, shower trays, tiles) and post-consumer glass that would usually go into landfill. We crush it and then make great solid surfaces for table tops, work surfaces, and wall tiles. The effects we can achieve have been quite amazing. There are a number of furniture companies now using the product as a standard working surface for tables and we have installed it in a number of Architectural projects. The tiles can be used inside or outside – are frost resistant and have high colour fastness to light. We have just been granted a Design Guild mark for it!
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
Keeping creatives working on time!! No seriously, I juggle a lot of balls and try not to drop them. It makes for an interesting life!
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I got great technical training from the University so I was able to contribute quickly to Industry. I would have liked to have known more about how to start a business, however maybe naivety in that area helps you become fearless. You cannot be frightened about what you don’t know!!
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
Don’t say no to an opportunity because it may never come around again.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
I am very fortunate to have had a great creative life, I have great customers who work on some amazing projects with us, including Palaces, Cruise ships, Restaurants, Night clubs, Hotels, healthcare facilities, Hospitals and work spaces. Each project is different with many interesting solutions so to pick one out is very difficult.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
I think that Interior design is very undervalued. There is the MD’s wife syndrome where somebody that does up a home thinks that they can create a commercial interior. Dreadful mistakes can occur when this happens. The Industry must ensure that professional integrity is maintained and standards upheld. I also think that people should value intellectual copyright.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
Anybody that works that extra hour or goes that extra mile to ensure a customer is happy and satisfied.
If you were inspired by Tony’s story and want to learn more about interior design, click here.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the ultimate office design created by the workplace design and build specialists, Interaction for financial comparison company money.co.uk, transforming their unique and characterful office in The Castle, Cirencester, UK. A space where you can sneak through a secret door in a bookcase, put your feet up in a ski chalet, traipse through an ice cave, battle against suits of armour and experience a cinema in a galaxy far far away…
The work on the 10,000 sq ft project began in March 2016. There were 38 rooms to design in The Castle and for 6 of these, Interaction collaborated with designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who provided initial concept sketches and a choice of finishes. An important part of creating the ultimate office meant focusing on the functionality of the workplace, designing a space that would allow the team to work effectively. Interaction explored the needs of the individuals and created a multitude of flexible work settings to enable people to work the way they want. This included creating spaces such as the ice cave, ski lodge, and ‘hightech’ room which can all be used to have informal meetings, socialise, or simply relax. This project is a perfect example of how by placing employee wellbeing at the centre of the brief and design you can use your workplace as a tool to incite a positive culture and enhance productivity, creativity and collaboration. The Castle is finally fit for the kings and queens of the tech world.
Company: Interaction
Project: money.co.uk – The Castle
Project Location:Cirencester, United Kingdom
Ranked as the UK’s 2nd fastest growing business in 2015 by The Sunday Times, financial comparison website money.co.uk needed their workplace to support this recent exponential growth. The Grade II listed Victorian ‘castle’ that money.co.uk occupied, having had no major alterations in years, did not illustrate their current standing and vision for the future.
The team therefore needed a workplace that reflected their success, but also one that continued to attract and retain talent in their competitive industry. Representing their success through their workplace was important, but at the heart of the decision for the refurbishment was rewarding staff with the best place to work.
Money.co.uk’s people, in combination with Grade II listed building itself, lay at the heart of the project’s design. Not only did we want to create an environment where the team could flourish, fulfil their potential and feel happy, but we wanted to juxtapose the traditional architecture of The Castle with a contemporary finish. The unique building provides a characterful and quirky setting for an office, and the interior needed to reflect the eccentricity of the exterior.
We had to be conscious and considerate to nurture the listed building. We were excited to work with (and accentuate) several original features of the building. This included the windows, archways and some original doors – all of which have become real statement features that hark back to the rich history of The Castle.
The building continuously revealed new and hidden secrets that kept us on our feet and provided us with unique design challenges. The damp was severe – by the time we were finished we had practically re-built The Castle.
Other than successfully bringing past and present together by breathing new life into the space, the moment we held up the “snag free” board was incredible for everyone involved. As a company, we always aim to deliver our fit-out works with absolutely no snags (or defects). To achieve this on such a complex refurbishment project was a great feeling!
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
We knew that the SBID is highly regarded internationally and that the awards promote design excellence. We entered because we thought The Castle raised the bar in terms of office design – it has been featured in numerous news articles worldwide and has become known as one of the “world’s coolest offices”.
As well as wanting to give the project team the recognition for all of the hard work that went into the 9-month project, we were also keen to prove that workplaces can be tools for change. Rather than hindering a business, they can inspire people, promote collaboration, and increase overall productivity and output – just as The Castle has done for money.co.uk.
Questions answered by Egle Kairele, Creative Lead at Interaction
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a spectacular residence set across two buildings and garden apartment in London, click here to see more.
Interaction | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The key to success in the contemporary design industry is to always stay one step ahead. Check out the latest products, collection launches, technology innovations, new releases from this September!
Yves Delorme is the French brand of luxury home linens with international scope. The brand federates poetry, audaciousness, excellence & savoir-faire. Since its creation in 1845 by the Fremaux family, it has been a symbol of continued innovation in technique and quality. Now with over 450 stores worldwide, they have an unrivalled reputation for producing the finest bed and bath linens. With classics, seasonals and limited editions, the Yves Delorme’s creative research studio ensures there is a collection to complement every interior style. With time dedicated to the conception and perfection of designs, attention to details and precision of gestures, they are now offering a bespoke programme for Designers; as well as monogramming and personalisation services. The creativity and freedom to design is endless with the new Yves Delorme Couture collection.
Click to shop
One of the UK’s leading contract furniture providers to the care and hotel sectors has launched a new range of products to meet the growing demand for high-end luxury in restaurants, bars, hotels and care homes around the UK. Featuring sofas & chairs, dining furniture, storage & sideboards and bespoke furniture solutions, The Collection has been crafted to offer the very best in design, detail and durability. From the sumptuous comfort of the Valeria three-seater to the striking modernity of the Prism sideboard, this is furniture that elevates its surroundings. James Parr, Head of Marketing at YTM comments:
“The Collection feels particularly special because each piece has the power to transform rooms and interior spaces. As specialists in our field we understand how people interact with furniture and how a well-considered piece can impact on wellbeing. In this collection we have pieces that can bring joy and comfort to people by making their surroundings more inviting.”
Every item of furniture in the new range has been designed to meet YTM’s lean manufacturing and environmentally conscious credentials. YTM carries membership with the British Contract Furniture Association (BCFA) and panel membership at the Society of British and International Design (SBID). The business also holds the ISO 14001 accreditation for Environmental Management Standards and the ISO 9001 accreditation for Quality Management Standards.
Roundhouse was founded over 20 years ago by architects with a passion for beautiful, functional design. Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning, design-driven, luxury kitchen company made up of independent British designers, architects and craftsmen. Roundhouse creates bespoke kitchens and furniture with a discreet aesthetic, using a huge range of innovative materials, textures and colour. Because Roundhouse brings design vision and architectural perspective to bear on every detail, there’s a much greater scope to what can be achieved. Their team work on a wide range of residential projects, from small but perfectly formed London apartments to grand designs in large spaces.
Roundhouse bespoke projects are eclectic, elegant and architectural, built to suit the most exacting requirements and to serve the maximum potential of each space. Every design is not merely made to measure; it is totally flexible. The company offer an almost limitless choice of materials, colours, fittings and styles, carefully built to any size and virtually any finish, colour or veneer by skilled cabinet makers in the Roundhouse state-of-the-art factory in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Viveroo’s stunning range of wall and furniture mounts for the iPad enhance and complement this icon of design. The distinctive sculptured range is hand-crafted from premium materials and has been created to blend perfectly with the iPad’s form. Each mount in the range offers different features designed to provide improved visibility and functionality of the iPad in both domestic and commercial environments.
Intended as an iconic element within the office, this armchair designed by ITEM Designworks aims to be the differentiating factor in work spaces. Thanks to its dynamic and open conception, it enables conversation, reading and the use of electronic devices without falling into a relaxed state which impedes your concentration. To maintain the active attitude, we have removed its arms and set at 180 degrees which favours privacy for the user due to its high degree of sound proofing. Badminton invites you to sit, change space and position, leave the independent work desks. “It is a kind of throne that impresses you with its size and shape. The aim is to feel well and comfortable, but always with an active attitude”, explains Javier Cuñado, director of ITEM Designworks. A piece that responds to the changing needs of work spaces, more friendly, illuminated, ventilated and one that promotes communication and work together.
With two types of different bases (in saltire and the other peana with a 70 cm diameter) which enable a 360 degree turn and two different height models (armchair and seat), Badminton was a new challenge for Actiu. In its manufacture it employed new injection techniques and materials never before used in its factories. In short, it is a safe product which will not leave anybody indifferent and where the creation, inspiration and design feel with you.
Luxury furniture retailer and interior designer Juliettes Interiors has just launched its new, long-awaited Trade Account aimed at professionals in the interior design, architecture and luxury property arenas worldwide. Trade customers will have access to generous discounts with no minimum order value. A comprehensive customisation service allows clients to specify unique items and products. Alternatively, the Juliette’s design team can create a single item of luxury furniture or a complete bespoke collection – an invaluable resource for anyone wanting something very special for their clients. Old, discontinued or antique pieces can be re-created or matching pieces designed. With their wealth of knowledge and sourcing ability, the Juliettes team also pride themselves on finding the items their customers can’t.
Juliettes Interiors can work seamlessly as part of your team if required. Architects and developers can take advantage of a full or partial interior design service. Drop shipping and installation are available to all Trade clients, as well as project management from initial drawings through to final snagging. Trade customers are also able to use the beautiful Juliettes Interiors Chelsea showroom for client consultations.
To unlock your Juliettes Interiors Trade Account, click here
The month of design is coming to an end and we’re sure you’re now brimming with new, fresh inspirations for the coming year. But the industry is not done yet as October has plenty more in store from trade shows and seminars to networking events, Design Awards and much more. We’re back with our overview of the must-attend design events and exciting industry news for the month ahead!
Want a taste of the VIP treatment with complimentary breakfast before the big day ahead? Or do you just want to skip all those long, laborious queues and bag yourself front row seats? Find out more about this exclusive offer for VIP passes to the Surface & Materials Show below.
2nd October
Vectorworks Annual Design Day – London, UK
Taking place at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London from 9:30am – 5:00pm, this event is designed to showcase how Vectorworks software helps to streamline workflow. Discover how Vectorworks can offer design practices a real alternative for 2D/3D/BIM workflows, with key personnel from Vectorworks on hand to demonstrate the latest tools. In addition, there will be breakout sessions aimed at individual industries such as Interiors, Architecture and Landscape, which ensures that content is totally relevant and rewarding for all attendees.
Click here to register for the event!
3rd October
Places and Spaces for Project Based and Enquiry Learning – Newcastle, UK
There are many challenges for schools and teachers in implementing pedagogical change and curriculum innovation through enquiry, pbl and community curriculum initiatives. This event taking place from 4.30 – 6.30pm at the Herschel Learning Lab, Newcastle University, will consider the implications for the physical learning environment, from possibilities for school design through to classroom arrangement and organisation. We will investigate how educators can use their space to facilitate and support these approaches to learning. Drawing on the expertise of teachers, school leaders, architects, designers and researchers the following questions will be addressed:
Click here to reserve your place
2nd – 3rd October
Design Central – Cheshire, UK
The Largest Interiors trade event in the North of England is back for it’s third year on the 2nd – 3rd October. The event, which started with just 20 companies, has been growing year on year and now houses over 60 companies with over 110 brands. With exhibitors such as Zoffany, Romo, Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Arte Walls, Cole & Sons, Heathfield Lighting, Jacaranda Carpets and many more, this two day trade only event is held in beautiful surroundings at Colshaw Hall, Nr Knutsford. Visit this inspirational event to view new collection launches, the latest developments in interior design, a new food court to treat yourself to scrumptious “street” food, and the fantastic Havwoods Flooring bus.
Click here to register to attend
9th – 11th October
Surface and Materials – Birmingham, UK
Part of the Award-winning UK Construction Week, The Surface & Materials Show creates a unique platform for innovations within the surfaces and materials sector; attracting Architects, Designers, Contractors, Developers and many more. Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 9th – 11th October 2018, Surface & Materials unites over 100 exhibitors with an audience of over 35,000 industry professionals as part of UK Construction Week.
SBID Members can obtain exclusive VIP passes for the show which includes complimentary breakfast, fast track entrance to the show, reserved front rows for 100+ hours of seminars, as well as complimentary refreshments in the VIP lounges!
To claim your free VIP pass, email [email protected] with the title ‘Surface & Materials VIP’
16th – 18th October
Independent Hotel Show – London, UK
The Independent Hotel Show is the premium business event for luxury and boutique hotels. Inspiring and informative, it is the UK’s only forum bringing together the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector. A must-attend event for independent hoteliers and industry professionals, the show presents a diverse collection of the UK’s most innovative suppliers together with expert insight from their Talks Programme.
24th October
SBID 20:20 Meet the Buyer Networking Event – London, UK
The SBID 20:20 will bring together world class Interior Designers, Architects and Specifiers with the most creative, advanced and design-led products in the industry. The one day annual networking event provides a dynamic and lucrative business environment carefully tailored to create, encourage and facilitate synergies that build key relationships with face to face meetings. It provides a chance for suppliers and manufacturers to meet the industry’s most celebrated experts and international designers who have travelled from around the world for the announcement of the SBID International Design Awards winners.
If you’re interested in attending, email [email protected]
26th October
SBID International Design Awards 2018 – London, UK
The SBID International Design Awards has been firmly established as one of the most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the interior design industry. The awards serve to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence from a broad range of categories. The ceremony held at The Dorchester hotel in London will host a glamorous luncheon for esteemed guests who join to hear the announcement of the winners for the SBID Awards 2018. Winning an SBID International Design Award is a distinguished achievement as each category undergoes an exclusive and rigorous two-tier judging process by panels of leading industry experts for both technical content and aesthetic creativity.
Book a table for this year’s SBID Awards ceremony to celebrate design excellence amongst the industry’s best interior designers from around the world.
January Furniture Show announces Illuminate 2019
The UK’s premier and largest furniture event with 500+ exhibitors and 20,000+ visitors gives buyers a golden opportunity to select from the best, see the latest trends and meet manufacturers and suppliers face to face. The 2019 January Furniture Show (JFS) which taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 20th – 23rd January announces a new sector dedicated to lighting of every kind; LIGHT will boast prestigious UK lighting companies including Oaks Lighting, Impex Russell, Elstead, Illuminati and Searchlight, who will all exhibit at JFS for the first time. They will be joined by the ever-creative Där Lighting, who has successfully exhibited at the show for the last three years.
Perfectly complementing LIGHT, will be well-known and emerging brands showing an extensive array of furniture, beds and accessories of every kind. Halls 1 and 2 will focus on high-end design led furniture with over 100 brands in the two halls showing sumptuous sofas and chairs, smooth and streamlined living and dining furniture, and dramatic and imposing beds. Pedigree brands including A.L.F, Battistella, Ego Italiano, Gwinner, Tetrad and SITS will introduce their latest designs.
To register your attendance and for more information visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com
In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition, Designed for Business. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our fortunate finalists and lucky winners for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
Following our interview with the Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans Galutera, we spoke with Architect and Courser Leader, Russell Gagg to discover what he has learned from working in architectural practice since the 90’s, before becoming a degree level educator.
I am currently Course Leader and Principal Lecturer of BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at the Arts University Bournemouth.
Having graduated, I entered the Manchester architectural scene in the early ‘90s – an environment that was dynamic and highly competitive. The city was enjoying a re-birth and understood that the re-use of its industrial heritage was the best route to a sustainable future. At the time, a small number of practices shared this understanding and pushed themselves to create ever-more progressive architecture which would meet the demands of urban growth. Working for them was equally demanding but also rewarding, enabling young architects such as me to gain diverse and invaluable experience across a wide range of design. You were expected to learn quickly, be adaptable, resourceful and resilient and to meet deadlines; you were also expected to challenge the norm and take creative risks. It was tough – it still is tough – but it was worth it when you see people enjoying a city that you played a part in rebuilding.
Over a period of some fifteen years I worked in architectural practice in Manchester, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. After a year travelling around Central and South America we settled in New Zealand where I spent a short time in practice and then started teaching architecture at undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the Victoria University of Wellington.
This experience enabled me to apply for the leadership of the Interior Architecture and Design course at the Arts University, where I have been since 2006. It’s a great job in a dynamic institution and I share this with highly creative staff and students. Together we have grown and developed the course to become one of the largest and most progressive in the UK – a course which really challenges the accepted boundaries of what the “interior” can be.
Which people do you admire most in the industry and why?
There are many highly successful individuals and practices. What I most admire is the adaptability, dynamism and skills of the industry itself. Interior design practitioners are experts at understanding the potential of design opportunities and applying their creativity to grasp those opportunities – it really is the most exciting area of design.
How do you feel about being a judge for this new student design competition?
This is one of those opportunities. The SBID Design for Business student competition will have such an impact on the lives and careers of those who enter. For the winners, it could really be a game-changer.
How did you find your judging experience?
It was such a pleasure to see such a high standard of work from across all the categories and to listen to the comments from design experts and industry leaders in those fields. I hope the students enjoyed their projects because the judges certainly enjoyed looking at them.
What advice would you give a young designer starting out in the industry?
Patience. You have to work hard. Enjoy yourself when things go well and reflect critically when they do not. Accept that this all takes time and does not happen instantly. Working in the creative industries is immensely rewarding but that reward only comes to those who stick with it and keep working at it.
If you had won £30,000 just after graduating from University, what would you have done with it?
I would travel – there is no better inspiration.
Click here to find out more about this year’s Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural, life-changing student competition!
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series comprises of a spectacular penthouse set across two buildings and a charming garden apartment. The Eaton Place residence offers an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication; with a fusion of opulent style and functional design, this period property has been thoughtfully re-designed to epitomise luxurious modern living. An iconic address in the heart of Central London, Belgravia is one of London’s most vibrant and prestigious destinations, with grand Georgian architecture surrounded by the green open spaces of both Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens. Working in close partnership with developer and interior designer, Fenton Whelan Design, Nulty Bespoke assisted with the completion and installation of several stunningly custom-made lighting pieces throughout this luxury residential apartment. The overall interior design skilfully mixes contemporary finishes with the building’s classical proportions, giving a homely yet truly inspiring sensation to each space. The sympathetic treatment of the listed building’s key rooms ensures that the historic grandeur of the property is not only retained but enhanced. Céline Gehamy, Product Designer at Nulty Bespoke comments,
‘We immensely enjoyed working on this residential project with its high spec and elegant design. From designing a creative, beautiful and practical solution for a chandelier in the tall, thin stairwell, to overseeing the colour combinations of the glass pendants within the dining room, this was just the kind of project that the Nulty Bespoke team thrives upon. Throughout the design, manufacture and installation every detail was diligently considered – from the positioning of each individual element in the design stage to the threading and fastening of every tiny crystal’.
We interviewed Celine Gehamy and Ollie Yates, Product Creation at Nulty Bespoke about their collaboration with Desariot Ademaj, the Creative Director at Fenton Whelan Design to produce bespoke lighting solutions for a project of this luxurious magnitude!
Company: Fenton Whelan Design & Nulty Bespoke
Project: Eaton Place
The client requested a selection of unique and individual luminaires designed for a luxury residential apartment in London. There were a number of spaces that we had to create bespoke pieces for ranging from the living room, dining room, entertainment space, stairwell and bedroom. The project was very high end and the design of the pendants had to reflect this, whilst supporting the individual style of each room.
Each space required its own identity, and this is reflected in the design of the luminaires. Such as the finishes, the shape, light source and colour temperature.
A light sculpture in the main entertaining space of the apartment, incorporates 22 mouth-blown dish-like glass shades made in London. Each shade is a combination of different hues of purple and white. The sculpture consists of two separate polished champagne-gold-coloured metal frames, which seamlessly blend together as one. Each section has two ceiling plates incorporating the same metal. The LED light source is housed in an oval-shaped detail accommodating the natural, variations of glass thickness. The underside of the glass resembles an oyster shell with a pearl nestled within.
Three large tailor-made Art Deco inspired luminaires add a stylish touch to the top floor entertaining space. The refined light fittings, each measuring 1.6m x 0.25m have been handcrafted with sandblasted reeded glass, a material reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Each luminaire exudes a diffused light, and a warm temperature of 2400k providing a soft radiant effect within the ceiling cove. The trio of elegant handmade luminaires brings a sense of perspective to the room and demonstrates that simplicity can most definitely be striking. The quality of the luminaires complements the rich materials used in the interior design, adding a classic touch to the gentleman’s club-feel of the room.
A statement cluster of 19 hand-blown glass shades made in England hang above the dining table, complementing the sense of drama in this opulent space. Dimmable filament bulbs, produce a warm colour and the shades have a variety of finishes (diamonds, ribbed, smooth) and colours (amber, grey, purple and light brown).
A handcrafted seven-metre chandelier is suspended from a precision engineered, polished nickel structure positioned directly below the elliptical skylight within the stairwell. The frame is purposely simple and open in a design to make sure the flow of natural light is not restricted. The impressive lighting installation resembles a waterfall and comprises over 100 handmade Italian glass twists and 1500 faceted crystal spheres. The glass twists have a rippled texture, an opaque centre and a pointed tip for added definition, and they complement the crystal droplets beautifully. Cascading through the centre is a spiral of 22 frosted glass lanterns housing LED lamps, which provide a soft, warm glow of light to the space, while highlighting the sculpture’s intricate glass work and sparkling crystals.
A glamorous chandelier hangs from the centre of the bedroom ceiling. Two bronze-plated rings form the base of the chandelier and over 100 triangular Italian glass prisms hang from the rings and refract the LED light within, producing a warm colour temperature. Dark brown fabric envelopes the cables leading to the bronze-plated ceiling plate. The entire piece has a drop of 400mm from the ceiling
Adapting to the construction constraints on site proved tricky at times but we managed to work closely with the client to provide quick and efficient solutions to deliver the project on time and to a high standard.
A highlight of the project for us lies within the attention to detail of each piece. Each luminaire was a labour of love from the initial design sketches to the final installation on site. To see our creations come to life and fit within each room perfectly brings a great sense of satisfaction as designers.
Questions answered by Celine Gehamy and Ollie Yates, Product Creation at Nulty Bespoke
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring an extravagant mansion in the gated ‘Karma’ compound overlooking the luxurious quarter in Cairo, click here to see more.
Nulty Bespoke | SBID International Design Awards 2018
In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our 15 fortunate finalists for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
We interviewed our judge; leading global hospitality Designer and Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans J. Galutera to get insight on his experience within the industry. He shares his valuable advice for students and young designers alike who are about to embark on their journey into the diverse field of design.
Having worked on multiple public spaces on the largest cruise-liners and some of the most technological ships of the world, I am now focusing work on hotels – primarily restaurants, bars and lounges which are currently in construction in my hometown Melbourne, Australia. I am also working on a number of luxury residential properties in New York City and Asbury Park New Jersey.W
My background is in interior architectural design. I graduated from Melbourne College of Decoration in Australia and then further studied in the Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Interior Design Magna Cum Laude in FIT SUNY in New York City in the United States. I then apprenticed for prestigious high-end architectural design firms such as Daniel Romualdez Architects, CITE Design and Birch Coffey Design Associates. Shortly after in New York City Feb 2002, I established my own multidisciplinary firm with an Italian business partner to form BG Studio International Inc. which encompassed all aspects of design – from commercial and residential interiors to furniture, products, exhibitions, and graphics. In 2004, the studio began specializing in maritime hospitality design onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas. This is the first ever lengthening project of a ship cut in half and rejoined to create revenue generating spaces for the second biggest owners of cruiseliners of the world. Since then, signature restaurants have been created for celebrity chefs on Celebrity Cruises Specialty Restaurants and largest ships of the world at the moment – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas just to name a few. My most memorable and ultimate best design was the Penthouse Suite with the prize-winning Celebrity Cruises Reflection of the Seas for the Society of British International Design awarded at the House of Lords in London, UK.
It really depends but in terms of inspiration I am always drawn to iconic legendary designers. I am an avid admirer of French designers such as Jean Michel Frank who is often known as a minimalist, but his layering of rich textures and luxurious materials give a sense of maximalism that makes his work so interesting and complex; Andre Arbus furniture designer, sculptor and architect; Jean Prouve whose furniture is a wonderful blend of architecture and engineering; and America’s William Haines for his courageous story as an actor turned interior designer, and one of the progenitors of interior design’s Hollywood Regency period. There are so many!
I think this design competition is quite unique as it combines all facets of creatives from fashion, product and interior design, but most importantly – the big cash prize which will really make a difference in a student’s life. It would be interesting to see the student’s career follow up and the amazing things that could potentially be life changing for the economy and perhaps the world with their design cleverness and solutions.
The judging experience was very well organised as it is always a challenge to carefully vet and decide on multiple criteria, especially with the various design categories. Also I think having the judges reconvene and continue to debate the comparative merits of each design project is a wonderful way to reaffirm the final prize winner.
Travel, Educate, Absorb Culture! Be humble and watch out for your ego. It is the number one obstacle that stops you as pride will always get in the way and then you head for a great big stumble. After over 20 years of doing this, I am still learning that. And finally, as the old cliche says – “do what you love and you will never work another day in your life…”
If I had won that top prize, the first thing I would do is pay off my student loans and if there is any left then I’d book a holiday to my favourite vacation spot!
Click here to find out more about this year’s Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural student design competition!
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an extravagant mansion situated at the top of a cliff and surrounded by an incredible landscape in the gated upscale ‘Karma’ compound overlooking the ‘Sixth of October’ luxurious quarter in Cairo, Egypt. Nihal Zaki had always been acclaimed for her talent in mixing period classic styles and making them blend lavishly, so when commissioned by a mature couple with this mansion to fulfil their retirement dreams, the design unsurprisingly embraced the client’s love of travel, antiques and art collecting; merging traditional period style features combined with Chinese and Tibetan influences for an elegant and eclectic interior scheme.
Company: Nihal Zaki Interiors
Project: KARMA Mansion ‘Chinese Bathroom’
Project Location: Cairo, Egypt
The ‘Chinese bathroom’ located in the KARMA Mansion comprised of a powder room and guest bathroom in the ground floor. The client didn’t give us a brief design-wise. They only specified that they wanted to achieve a classically inspired design style.
My client travelled a lot and was a big antiques collector! One day they sent to our office an ancient Tibet wooden piece with a magnificent dragon carved into it, and the moment I laid eyes on it I knew that this would be my pièce de résistance for the guest bathroom and hence the ‘Chinese bathroom’ came to life.. We suggested ‘Chinese’ as a concept because we wanted to create a diversity of styles and our client was fond of Chinese art as well as Tibetan heritage.
The concept revolved around warm yet vivid red and earthly colours while introducing indirect LED lights with subtle reflections and shades. Glass orange mosaics were used to enrich the overall experience and black granite sinks were carved and mounted in both the powder area and bathroom. This bathroom is mystical, boasting magnificent Eastern essences.
The walls! The shape of those two joint spaces (powder room and bathroom / toilet area) were diagonal and irregularly shaped! The powder room was more of a triangle whilst the toilet area was a narrow corridor.. We overcame that by panelling and framing coloured rattan inspired wallpaper with wooden Asian-style frames in keeping with the traditional, Chinese inspired design vision.
The clients were a mature couple who chose this heavenly spot as their retirement place and they were passionate about travelling and collecting all sorts of antiques and vintage items from all over the world. It was our job to design and build interiors that would complement their precious acquisitions which was a rewarding challenge! The Tibet prayer chair was another problem piece acquired by my client that was later added to the bathroom space, greeting the guests as they entered!
Because of its incredible reputation and the versatility of entries and designs, submitted from all over the world. The SBID Awards feels like the champions league!
Questions answered by Nihal Zaki, CEO of Nihal Zaki Interiors.
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a country home which married together a traditional façade with a contemporary and sumptuous interior, click here to see more.
Nihal Zaki Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Property is built to last, but how it is used is constantly evolving. As properties now see many incarnations, adapting their usage from old banks, railway stations and working mills into homes, wedding venues and boutique hotels – the interior design approach we take has had to evolve.
From staying true to a building’s end purpose to embracing and emphasising glorious heritage features to give us interiors inspiration, every detail of the interior design scheme needs to be considered. From the common concept of choosing your colour palette, to the more abstract concept of incorporating balance and harmony into the design mix – gone are the days of basic and simple designs that blend in; we are now embracing a much bolder design era through every room. This is especially true in the bathroom which previously was just a place for functional use but now sees design inspiration from other areas as people look to use it for relaxing, unwinding and getting some elusive ‘me time’.
The idea of changing rooms has never been truer than when we look to the hotel industry. Not only is it the public spaces which get upgraded but the bedrooms and bathrooms are becoming a bigger focus and opportunity for the industry to ban the bland and opt for playful spaces which help them stand out and meet the demands of increasingly trend-aware guests. There’s more to marry up than ever before though.
In the age of the digital detox and the mindfulness movement, Biophilic interior design, connecting with nature, isn’t new but it’s definitely sought after and helps hotels get guests through the door. But it’s no mean feat bringing the outdoors in to calm the mind and cleanse the soul while making sure the minute you get in the room, cutting-edge technology can still keep you connected to the outside world.
Then of course you drill down to the basics, the practical products that make or break a hotel room. Keeping the space clutter free, building clever compositions with furnishings and finessing the focal points, while making sure your guests have a home for everything they may need during a stay. In the bathroom, this can mean a drenching shower, quiet soft close toilet seat and a towel in the perfect place when needed.
To discover how bathroom brands are adapting to the changing demands and priorities of hotel guests, and therefore specifiers in the digital age, we spoke to Sophie Taylor, the National Specification Manager of luxury bathroom brand, Heritage Bathrooms.
“A hotel could easily get caught up in a revolving design overhaul, ushering in new trends as they come and go, and when you work in the hospitality industry the high traffic wear and tear a space will see could probably justify it. But at Heritage, we believe that you could turn our products to any backdrop and their distinctively individual design will continue to shine through year after year.”
“One such way to ensure a bathroom can stand the test of time and be infinitely adaptable is to opt for products which are built with personalisation in mind. Heritage cast iron baths which are primed and ready to paint in any hue or retro fit brassware which can be updated as though it is jewellery on a designer outfit, are products which can evolve in line with changing trends and demands, and therefore a smart and stylish way to future-proof your design.”
“Of course, substance remains equally as important as style especially within the hospitality industry, so striking the perfect balance between fashion and functionality is paramount for specifiers. That’s where multi-purpose products come in.”
“The exposed metallic base of a washstand for example oozes boutique glamour, but options with accessories and amenities to add a little something extra to a hotel guest’s experience are also ideal for ticking the practicality box. Glass shelves to display toiletries and towel rails for convenient hand drying are little touches which go a long way and help to keep a hotel bathroom both clutter free and chic, while ensuring guests leave feeling like they’ve had the luxury treatment.”
“This all ties into the idea of well-being, self-care and ‘me time’ too which is a huge focus within the specification market at the moment – where the role of a bathroom is no longer really just a bathroom at all. Providing a relaxing place to not only bathe but also read a book, pamper or listen to music is key in order to appeal to modern guests who are already increasingly blurring the lines between bathroom spaces and living spaces within their own homes. This expectation means specifiers should take an integrated approach to designing technology, lighting, flooring and décor to ensure the final vision for the interior design is seamless and all elements work together in harmony.”
“Finally, in the age of Instagram where the seeds of interior design inspiration are sewn and shared, bathroom designs which delight and make an impact are providing hoteliers and specifiers with a new and exciting viral marketing opportunity too. Despite this being a relatively new phenomenon, Schofield’s insurance recently found that 40% of 21 – 37 year olds now choose their holiday destinations based on how good they will look on Instagram – so it’s more important than ever that hoteliers and specifiers work together to create unforgettable spaces in order to remain competitive and make the cut in this growing market. At Heritage, we support this by constantly reviewing trends and bringing the latest inspiration to our products. For example we have just launched a daring mock-croc effect bath called Alderley with these Instagram guests in mind, giving hoteliers a playful way to introduce showstopping and tactile textures with ‘feel appeal’ across all elements of a guest bathroom space. It is the ideal way to create a truly unforgettable aesthetic that guests are sure to love to share.”
Creating the new hybrid hotel to make it a timeless destination and an oasis of opulence, calmness and serenity, will take its own design journey, one that is perfect to start at the Independent Hotel Show on 16/17 October at Olympia, London – an event that plays host to a curated collection of innovative products and brands from across the hotel supply chain. Heritage Bathrooms are showcasing some of their stand out designs and sharing inspirational ideas for boutique hotels. Visit them on stand 187.
To find out how the Heritage Bathrooms product portfolio of beautiful brassware, suites, freestanding baths and accessories could help you when changing your rooms, or to find out more about its end to end specification service visit: www.heritagebathrooms.com/specify
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