The season of giving is almost upon us. If you’re reading this blog you likely are, or love a design aficionado. That makes gift giving extra easy – there are so many spectacular options for design-centric Christmas gifts at all price points. Here’s our roundup of on-trend gift ideas. We’ve divvied them up roughly by personality type – you’ll know best what’s suitable for what type of friend or loved one. Gifts for the minimalist design loverGetting gifts for a minimalist – someone who prefers the simplicity of a few perfect possessions – can be tricky. But assuming you know them well enough to understand what they might need, stick to low key colours, luxurious materials and classic shapes. You can’t really go wrong with shades of black, white and grey. This soft grey merino wool and cashmere throw from Loaf could work anywhere, for example, adding a welcome touch of style and warmth. £140 We love the hand thrown beauty of this Leach pottery series from Seasalt Cornwall. Minimalists tend to love carefully crafted objects and these pieces are little masterpieces of textural stoneware made from locally sourced clay. £20-68 Coffee is a great Christmas gift. Both these jet black coffee makers are streamlined design statements, one for slow brewing, the other for espresso. £60/ £70 Add a pound of really good beans and you’re golden. Danish design firm Georg Jensen has been making iconic metal pieces for more than a century. This stainless steel candlestick holder by Patricia Urquiola is modern and minimal, yet decadent at the same time. If your minimalist is also a collector, the Urkiola Collection includes pitchers, bowls and a tray. £100 For the romantic design loverDesign lovers with a penchant for the romantic are fun to buy for – just think one of a kind design pieces in bling-y materials like gold, copper or crystal. A romantic sensibility will appreciate this hammered brass stool finished in antiqued silver from Lombok, or an extravagant gold metal chandelier for adding a touch of the baroque to the dining room or boudoir. Both are striking pieces that would blend well with or counterpoint any number of decor schemes. £195 / 439 BTW who says romantics can’t have a sense of humour?This Lucy Bryant limited edition print will certainly appeal to those who do. £115 For the reading and design loverBooks are a gift that keep rights on giving. Fans of Scandinavian Interiors will be thrilled with Dorothea Gundtoft’s New Nordic Design. £20 For champions of British design history, consider Elizabeth Wilhide’s comprehensive survey of the William Morris studio. £25 Finally, wordsmiths who also love design will be able to put these 5cm high decorative concrete letters to good use. These tiny treasures make great stocking stuffers. £4.50 For the techhead design loverInterior design isn’t just about furniture and fabrics. These days high tech functionality for the home exhibits some of the most rigorous design values going. We’ve found a few items that combine great design with technical wizardry that can enhance the quality of domestic life. These voice controlled smart speakers are part of the Sonos home audio system. They’re sleek, black and discreet – typical of the cutting edge Sonos brand. £199 Exemplary design that pays just as much attention to function as form is a hallmark of Dyson, the small appliance manufacturer. Their latest model special edition hair dryer or cordless vacuum cleaner make practical gifts that speak convincingly to the design conscious. £330 / 520 That old chestnut ‘it’s the thought that counts’ takes on new meaning at the end of each year. Gifting a design lover requires special care and a bit of thought – but with so many brilliantly conceived products on the market, you’ll have plenty of options this holiday season. You May Also Like
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Once the more public expressions of the holiday season are done, focus naturally turns to the home front. Decorating to welcome friends and family for seasonal festivities is hugely rewarding this time of year. And you could do worse than adopt the Danish concept of hygge as your northstar. Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the term used to acknowledge a feeling or moment as cosy, charming or special. The idea has been impacting home design around the world for several seasons now, largely because it is so achievable. If your furniture style is rustic, mid century modern or Scandinavian already, you have a head start on channelling hygge as a design strategy. Just add a few Nordic touches – soft blue or forest green textiles, organic greenery, lots of white and red, and plenty of candles. If you’re looking to refresh with new furniture, there are plenty of options for simple Scandinavian-inspired pieces out there. Here’s our take on Christmas for a Scandinavian style family room – all minimalist cosy comfort for the holidays. Serving TablesStart with a few basic furniture pieces. This oak coffee table designed by Danish studio Says Who features classic Scandinavian lines and materials. It’s available with a white table top as well £129 A more contemporary reading might involve this round profile ash version (with a handy removable tray top). £195 SeatingThis shapely saffron yellow two-seater sofa is a more European twist on the northern aesthetic (which would typically call for pale cream upholstery). The yellow adds a pop of colour that won’t jar with the rest of a pale Scandi palette – but if you’re a stickler it is available in cream as well. £450 Lighting The DecorAn all-white lighting fixture is not going to fight for attention, and this one’s marble base and adjustable matte metal shade will fit well with any Scandi theme. Use it for reading or task lighting or, augmented with candles and other glowing low light fixtures, for ambient illumination. £235 So, candles. They are an integral element of Scandinavian design, especially at holiday time when they are loaded onto Christmas trees, greenery wreaths and candlabra of all sizes. Real candles on the tree can be if-y, but go for the same effect with these sweet house fairy lights. £21 Add Christmas TouchesWe also love this black iron reindeer holder for pillar candles in red or white. £20 And this glass holder for tealights. Cuddle UpFor ultimate hygge cosiness, stock your family room with throw blankets and cushions in soft colours and cushy fabrics. A monochromatic scheme featuring black, white, grey is a no-brainer, but subtle graphic patterns, as in this lambswool beauty from Loaf, or this iconic red and white reindeer blanket, will fit the bill also. £155/£55 Add a wool blend footstool for shopping-weary legs, a clutch of super soft textured cushions and a lambskin or two for the ultimate Scandinavian chalet fantasy. £102/£23/£50 Final TouchesFinally, seasonal decorations – we’ve saved the best for last. Scandinavian decorations tend to be hand-made from natural, even humble, materials – birch and balsa woods, salt dough, straw – and often feature woodland references. It’s the antithesis of the bling and sparkle that is so abundant everywhere you look at this time of year. Check out these wool-wrapped baubles for a pinch of colour from Habitat. £10-16 Or pile your tree, mantlepiece and tabletops with these charming baubles from John Lewis’ Into the Woods collection –birds, mushrooms, moss – mixed in with homemade ornaments and the living greenery of pine or spruce boughs, holly or cedar. £4-10 Your Christmas can and should be a hygge Christmas – it’s a reminder of the good things in life, like friends, warmth, light, nature and comfort, that we all deserve year-round. You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post Get The Look: How to decorate your home for Christmas like a Scandinavian appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/decorate-home-for-christmas-like-scandinavian/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/168282688198 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/168282705269 Many of us love the occasional cocktail or glass of fine wine. Others are really into craft beer or fine whiskey. Whatever your favourite tipple, consider indulging it in a safe place – your home. The idea of a home bar may feel a bit retro, but it actually makes a ton of sense during the holiday season (and even more so in the darkish days of slush and austerity that will surely follow). Dedicate a corner of your living area to a home bar and your friends will thank you. You don’t need a ton of space, just a few smart pieces and some thoughtful accessories. Oh, and the booze, of course. Here are a few of our favourite finds for the perfect cocktail hour setting chez vous: Establishing a Home barWhile not strictly necessary, having an actual bar is a great way to define your drinking space. We found two wonderful versions at Maisons du monde. This recycled pine stand alone bar can match rustic, industrial or traditional decors. The top is galvanized metal and there are lots of compartments and shelves in the back for storing bottles and paraphernalia. £839 We also love this showstopper that references the colourfully painted trucks you see on roads everywhere in India. £839 Pull up a StoolPull up a couple of bar stools – this mid century modern brass and mango wood style from Swoon Editions is simple, stylish and comfortable – and you’re ready to rock. £129 If your place is small and setting up a dedicated bar seems like a questionable use of valuable real estate, you can still design a home bar for wheeling up to existing seating arrangements as needed. Tuck it away when not in use. Bar TrolleysThis sleek gold-toned Carrello bar trolley is reminiscent of the Art Deco drinks carts featured in almost every Hollywood movie from the 30s and 40s. We love the on-trend gold (paired with metal accessories), but it’s available in less bling-y black as well. £179 The mid century silhouette of the Xanthe black and white marble bar trolley screams martinis, but is sturdy enough to serve the single malt or craft beer crowd just as well. It’s elegance is also versatile – we can see it fitting into just about any existing decor. £349 Bar NecessitiesAlthough not strictly needed for concocting more mundane drinks (just pour already), bar accessories are lots of fun for budding and experienced mixologists. Take a look at this gold-toned cocktail shaker. £25 Or this sleek Deco number. It’s part of the classic Georg Jensen Manhattan collection of bar accessories and would make a great Christmas gift for cocktail nerds also. £30 – 270 Add great glassware, like a set of proper whiskey glasses from Habitat, and you’re set to be an impressive host. £25 Adding a Personal TouchDecorating your home bar area is a great way to exercise both a sense of humour and a desire to wrap friends in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We’ve found some great ideas for pesonalising and warming up your own personal cocktail bar. Start with some strategic ambient lighting such as this glass table lamp – pink casts the most flattering glow. £20 Or check out fixtures that perform double duty. This word wall decoration leaves no doubt about what’s going on in this location and it casts a soft light also. Or consider this backlit clock for help calling ‘time’. £48/£389 Round out your decor with some clever and gently humorous bar-themed artworks. Photographic portraits of famous drinkers perhaps? Check this stunning David Steen portrait of actor Oliver Reed. £1380 We also love this limited edition Cold Beer print by contemporary artist Eddy Bennett. £435 Ending ToneDesigned with warmth and personality your finished home bar may seem like a dream come true. Enjoy responsibly and organize the space, no matter how tiny, as you would your very own pub or wine bar. In other words, keep things practical with hard-working accessories such as this slimline bar bin. £110 Cheers! You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post How to create a home bar (even if you live in a small space) appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/create-home-bar-even-live-small-space/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/168253259163 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/168253471699 Each year, we have to face the sad reality that the warm, sunny days are over and the cold, winter days are on the way. As unfortunate as that is, though, winter doesn’t have to be all bad. Winter is a great time to sprawl out with a blanket, some candles, and a good television show, or even bake some cookies. If you really want to get the most out of winter, you need to make sure you have a great spot for lounging around, and that means finding a nice comfy sofa. When looking for a comfortable sofa, you should look for a sofa that’s the right height and depth for you. It should support you properly and sitting should feel comfortable. You can also look for soft cushion materials and the right back height, and you have the choice of a straight-back sofa or a pitched sofa. Sofas don’t have to be fancy to be comfortable. In fact, many of the more low-key sofas are actually the most comfortable. This Slowcouch Sofa from Loaf is a great example; it’s got a soft, puffy fill and a good angle. Loaf describes this sofa as something you sit in, rather than on. It’s available in a love seat, a small size, or a large size. If you need something that can accommodate the whole family, this wool 4-seater from Habitat fits the bill. It’s got a nice square design that’s perfect if you enjoy a low back height and wide armrests. Plus, it comes in a variety of fabrics and sizes for ultimate customisation. Some people like to have a bit of extra space when relaxing on the sofa. We love this John Lewis Molly 2-seater sofa because it’s got a spacious design that comfortably seats two people. This is the perfect sofa for two to people to curl up on and watch a nice movie. Leather-look sofas are always a popular choice for their looks and comfort. If you love the look of leather, try this Arizona 3-seater microsuede sofa from Maisons du Monde. It comes in a two-seater or three-seater and features an oversized club style that looks and feels great. Sofas are great, but what about when you want to sprawl out? One great way to add a larger seating space to your living room is to get a sofa with a chaise. This Dexter chaise end sofa from Multiyork comes in tons of fabrics, so you can customise it to look exactly as you want. It comes in both right-hand facing and left-hand facing to ensure it fits any living room. If you have a large living room, a corner sofa can provide plenty of seating while leaving the centre of the room open. This Forde grey fabric corner couch from Habitat provides plenty of seating and a small chaise. Its overstuffed cushions and slightly reclined back make it a nice choice if you’re looking for something cosy in the winter time. Just like beds, some people prefer sofas soft while others prefer them firm. For anyone who lands on the soft side of the sofa debate, Loaf’s Cloud sofa is an excellent choice. It’s overstuffed, features nice, wide armrests, and comes in 5 sizes and 157 fabrics. Materials affect how comfortable a sofa is, too. Looking closely at the materials used in a sofa can help you more easily find what you’re looking for. If you’re not a big fan of leather and don’t want any velvet or suede materials, look for a good cotton sofa, like this Butterfly ¾-seater sofa from Maisons Du Monde. Each cushion is generously filled and three throw pillows add to that comfort. You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post Get The Look: Comfy sofas for cosy winter lounging appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-comfy-sofas-cosy-winter-lounging/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/168072243948 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/168072352819 Named after Einstein’s famous theory of relativity, this new 21-storey hotel is aptly situated near the Northwestern University’s research labs and medical school and Chicago’s main tech hub. It’s this fusion of science, innovation and art that has driven the design concept through collaborators David Rockwell and his team with Koo & Associates. The Rockwell Group are used to merging architecture, theatre, craftsmanship and technology to create unique narratives for their work and this project is another trademark example of their style. Rockwell Group Partner and Studio Leader on this project, Greg Keffer says,
An eclectic entranceGuests are met with the spirit of discovery when entering the hotel lobby with a two-volume centre-piece, an assemblage of bookcases piled on top of each other like an unexplored attic or a modern day cabinet of curiosities. Book-cased lined walls extend further into the lobby and reception area creating a series of curios nooks and crannies as places of exploration and relaxation grouped with eclectic furniture, overdyed rugs and quirky objects. Works of artA curated collection of art from local and international artists lines the walls within the public spaces adding personality and interest to the lobby and restaurant. The backdrop for the reception area is a folding fabric screen depicting a dream-like state of cloud formations, a custom design by Rockwell Group in a bright polished rose gold and glass. Within the lift there are two-way mirrors and a digital art installation of ink dropping from above displayed on concealed video screens. The Archive lounge and event spaceThe second floor, accessed by an interior staircase in a bookcase, leads to the Archive lounge and event space. The lounge is a comfortable play space with plush seating and modern furnishings in further rich hues of rose gold and shades of brown and green. A custom oversized vintage steamer trunk opens to reveal a breakfast space in the morning and a cocktail bar at night. To the side, a glass-walled multi-purpose room overlooks the restaurant’s communal kitchen below. This flexible space can be used a dining room with the lounge reconfigured as a VIP or pre-function space for meetings and events. The Albert restaurantThe double-height 120 seat restaurant is designed to create a lively casual neighbourhood atmosphere made up of cosy grouped seating whilst behind ribbed glass panels, chef’s tables inside a large expo kitchen offer a theatrical dining experience. In the mornings, hotel guests have breakfast here, entering the space via a secret bookcase entrance. The bar area explores the synthesis of science and art with a custom chandelier comprised of glass cylinders filled with infused liquors suspended over a copper and enamel-clad bar with art work in various stages of completion lines the back wall. Guest roomsCopper details are continued in the guest room as frames for large artworks above the bed and bathrooms having copper tubing towel rails, vanity unit and a shower head with exposed pipes. A brass phonograph-style speaker, rotating wooden desk drawers and adjustable lamps are also supported by a copper pole adhering to the vintage, quirky, playful design emanating throughout Hotel EMC2. ADDRESS: 228 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA You May Also Like
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Few places capture one’s imagination in quite the way that Mexico City does. Today one of the financial and cultural powerhouses of Latin America, the very thought of the city’s sun baked plazas, the kaleidoscopic pastels of its markets and the proud murals of the country’s many chaptered history mentally sets in motion an explosion of colour -total sensorial immersion. So it’s fair to imagine the gargantuan challenge that faced the London-based architectural practice, Michaelis Boyd, who were tasked with capturing the colour and carnivalesque vibrancy of Mexico City when composing the interiors of El Pastór, a London-based Mexican restaurant that pays homage to both Mexico City and the famous al pastor taco- brought to the country in the 19th century by Lebanese immigrants but now synonymous with Mexican culture. El Pastór is a joint venture between the Hart Brothers, of Barrafina fame, and Crispin Somerville, a founding partner in El Comillo, a seminal underground jazz bar located in the famous Juárez district of Mexico City. So that El Pastór depicted Mexico City with the faithful strokes, Michael Boyd, the Harts and Somerville travelled to the city, intent on authentically bottling the colour, sounds and scents of a local taqueira – a Mexican street food café. Found at No.7A Stoney Street, El Pastór’s brilliant façade, with the name resplendently illuminated in amber-tinged neon, cuts the uniform greys of that have come to characterise our fair city streets. The location also adds to the drama and theatrics of it all. Found under the railway arches that encircle Borough Market, El Pastór shuttered front suddenly refashions itself as a portal from London’s monochromic walkways to the orchestral din of Mexico City’s lanes. We take a look at El Pastór, diligently paying attention to the various elements through which Michaelis Boyd were able to channel the colour and personality of Mexico City, brought right to London’s heart. Urban MexicoMichaelis Boyd’s goal with the interior El Pastór was to capture Mexico City’s urbanity in all its candid glory. In order to do this, much of the restaurant’s interior spaces were actually composed according to the vernacular of Mexico City’s avenues; corrugated metal sheets, shutters, and antiqued expose brick dress the walls, whilst a polished concrete floor ornaments the floor, complete with manhole covers – a perfect imitation of the city streets. Michaelis Boyd further develops this narrative through adorning the walls with hand-painted vintage advertisements and other street paraphernalia- a distinct lack of English heightens the idea that defiantly Mexican cultural mode is in operation. Shelving units, antiqued and road worn, allows for intelligent storage flexibility, whilst still retaining the raw and edgy urbanity the Michaelis and Boyd were going for. Gaze upward, and celestially floating above the dining tables are busy networks of light bulbs, which, in star-like fashion, kiss the space with a soft, warm glow reminiscent of the city’s night-time fiesta culture. However, Michaelis and Boyd did not stop at mere, albeit astoundingly beautiful, visual imitation of Mexico City’s streets with El Pastór. When at the restaurant, diners are immersed in an authentic cultural dialogue, caught in the middle of the action in Mexico City’s streets. Michaelis Boyd achieve this through the inclusion of a real tortilla factory on a mezzanine floor, bringing with it the sights, smells and sounds of Mexico. Similarly, inspired by the city’s food markets, Michaelis Boyd created a mezcleria, finished in a breath taking emerald green marble conglomerate. Immediately behind the bar, the back wall is dressed with both fruit and glass bottles, just as they would be in Mexico. Take a seatMichaelis Boyd’s keen eye for detail is also observed with El Pastór’s table arrangements. The restaurants tables sport unique Pyrolave tabletops- lava rock that has been heated and at very high temperatures to yield a vitreous finish. Glazed in a beautifully mottled, sea form green, the tops serve as brilliant accent point whilst still retaining a gritty tactile quality that keeps with the restaurant’s urban feel and ambience. Aside from central, fixed seating areas, satellite tables flaunt woven Afro Chairs by India Mahdavi; each featuring a latticework of brightly coloured threads, wrapped around an elegantly simple metal frame. In Media ResWith bold tones, flavours, scents and sounds, it is difficult not to imagine oneself as right in the heart of Mexico City when at El Pastór. The uncompromising atmospheric warmth and cultural verisimilitude achieved through Michaelis Boyd’s masterful command of the interiors conjure up soft warmth of sublime, summer evenings spent in the company of friends and lovers. By translating elements straight from Mexico City to the restaurant’s Stone Street location, the sounds the ring in one’s ear, the sights that envelop one’s eyes and scents that fragrance the room are that of Mexico City’s, even though they are encountered in the heart of London. You May Also Like
All images courtesy of Alexander James The post El Pastór – Bringing an Authentic Mexican Aesthetic to Borough Market appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/el-pastor-mexican-borough/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167935008153 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167935098484 The entrance through the tree-lined, beautifully manicured 18 hole golf course hints to what lies ahead at Tewkesbury Park. This impressive 18th century property, with some later additions, sits proudly above the town of Tewkesbury, famous for its battle in 1471. Over the last couple of years, under new ownership, the hotel has undergone a major renovation and refurbishment, resulting in a warm, welcoming and stylish space to relax and unwind. A family feelBeing independent and family-owned, the hotel has a homely feel achieved through a warm and luxurious style and a high level of attention to the finishing touches. In the bedrooms, for example, guests can enjoy the turn down service of having a late-afternoon hot water bottle in their bed creating a tailor made yet relaxed experience. The briefThe overall brief was to design a timeless yet luxurious and welcoming hotel. Locally-based architectural and interior design company, ADS Design, worked on the bedrooms, new Costwolds Suite and Berkeley Bar and Jane Clayton & Company designed the lobby, bar, lounge and orangery. Colour and patternGolden honey hues with a contrasting bold blue fills the lobby space with a warm, stylish atmosphere changing to richer mustard and teal tones in the lounge area. The use of geometric pattern links the areas, as seen in the chevron pattern on the panel behind reception, the tiling at the bar and on the carpet in the lounge area, adding a classic yet contemporary touch. Fresh interior spacesInterspersed between the lounge area and the light-filled orangery are bespoke shelving walls with carefully curated objects, books and plants, creating areas of interest with a relaxed feel. These line the walls alongside small cosy seating areas encouraging guests to explore the environment whilst relaxing in the plush sofas and chairs. The use of plants on the shelves and in the orangery link the sweeping views of the golf course and beyond to the fresh and airy space inside. The function suiteThe Cotswolds suite is a large function room and exclusive-use bar accommodating both wedding and business functions, flexible enough to be used for a whole range of events. Through the use of moveable walls, the area can be divided into three smaller spaces, with a feature stone clad wall at one end and a multi-screen video wall at the other. The full height glazing on both aspects fills the interior with light and at night the flood-lit surrounding landscape provides drama. Electronic blinds were installed to these windows to provide privacy when required and shade in summer. A patio area wraps around the exterior of the function room and bar with seating, patio heaters to keep the chill off and a pizza oven area for al fresco dining. Linking the past and presentThe main building hosts nine historic suites complete with Hypnos beds, double-ended baths, bathroom TVs and views over the Malvern Hills with a further 84 bedrooms in the adjoining wing, all furnished in calming and sophisticated colours. The suites are named after key characters from the Battle of Tewkesbury with reference to the area’s history also reflected in subtle elements of the new Berkeley Bar. Here the carpet design and Tudor inspired motif of the back bar tiling are a nod to the town’s medieval past. There’s a strong link to present day Tewkesbury too as the hotel is keen to support local producers and makers as much as possible. With artwork by local artists, locally sourced produce and drinks on the menu, it’s this mix of the past with the present that is clearly a winning combination. ADDRESS: Tewkesbury Park Hotel, Lincoln Green Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 7DN You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of Mark Bolton The post Tewkesbury Park Hotel – timeless design with a welcoming and luxurious feel appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/tewkesbury-park-hotel-timeless-design-welcoming-luxurious-feel/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167900669258 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167900826964 As the days grow shorter and gloom descends, gathering for a meal at the end of the day, whether with family or friends, becomes a source of comfort and warmth. Make sure your dining area is ready to provide the cosy for hearty winter suppers to linger over. Tables & ChairsIf you have the space, start with a really great table, sturdy and substantial enough to accommodate family service (where plates of food are left on the table for everyone to take as much as they like). This refectory style table in oak seats up to 12 with an extension and works well with mid century modern, Scandanavian and contemporary interiors. £995 Pair it with a matching bench on one side and champagne-coloured upholstered chairs on the other for a more intimate and relaxed take on dinner seating. £350 / £315
For a rustic bistro look, start with this oak and whitewash farm table. £1235 Your guests, especially the younger ones, will enjoy settling into a cushy settee for supper. It’s more laid back than individual dining chairs and can add considerable charm as well. We love this Tetrad Harris tweed settee with button details. £1599 For a bolder statement, use this saffron two-seater on one side, and a few comfy velvet dining chairs in contrasting colours on the other. £450 / £95
TablewareSet your winter supper table with dishes that are casual, sturdy and colourful. This faience Citron earthenware series from Maisons du monde will add a sunny hit to the dinner service. £50 For something a bit more earthy and dramatic, consider this dark graphite stoneware series from Portugal – off set with gold, copper or bronze flatware and accessories for maximum gleam. £95 Accessories in organic materials can also add to the textural and atmospheric warmth of your table. We’re thinking punctuating items such as this solid teak hand hewn bowl, for example, or several of these hand glazed serving platters. £95 / £30
Turn on the HeatIn a dining room, decorative elements that utilize light, reflection and heat will go a long way to establishing a cosy ambiance. A fireplace would be nice – but realistically, few of us have one in our home, never mind dining room. This freestanding Imagin bioethanol fireplace could change all that. Amazingly, it’s portable and requires no complicated ducts or flues. £430 You can get that same soothing effect of dancing flames by carefully choosing light fixtures and decorative elements that amplify and refract light. We love these black and yellow pendant lights hung in a series over the dinner table. They’re contemporary yet cast an old fashioned glow. £95
Add AccessoriesThis wall installation does something similar while providing a talking point and casting a soft pink glow (the most flattering kind for the human face) over your guests. Great in rooms with a pale colour scheme, we see it hanging over a sturdy sideboard, such as this quietly stunning chalky grey piece from Loaf. £93/ £825
Mirrors are also a wonderful way to spread warmth and light over the proceedings. Especially when combined with candlelight. This sunburst mirror would look great in a dining room with its convex glass and antiqued gold rays. £161 Cooking hearty meals to share with family and friends is a great strategy for making it through the dark and slushy days and nights of winter with a warm feeling inside. You don’t need a dedicated dining room for relaxed winter suppers – whatever you’re working with can be dressed up with ambient light sources, cosy materials and and a eye on comfort. You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post Get The Look: Relaxed dining for winter suppers appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-relaxed-dining-winter-suppers/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167832423428 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167834533044 We all love summer, but many of us welcome the blustery autumn and winter days, cherishing the prospect of that cosy home feeling. It seems nearly everything changes with the seasons, including our favourite foods and drinks, the music we listen to, and even the way we style our homes. Each season provides a unique opportunity for a redecoration. Winter is no different. As the possibility for snow arises and the weather shifts from mild fall breezes to chilling winter winds, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the holidays. If you’re looking for tips on how to style your home like a winter wonderland, check out these 10 home winter accessories we’ve found. 10 Home Accessories for the cold WinterWe all love summer, but many of us welcome the blustery autumn and winter days, cherishing the prospect of that cosy home feeling. It seems nearly everything changes with the seasons, including our favourite foods and drinks, the music we listen to, and even the way we style our homes. Each season provides a unique opportunity for a redecoration. Winter is no different. As the possibility for snow arises and the weather shifts from mild fall breezes to chilling winter winds, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the holidays. If you’re looking for tips on how to style your home like a winter wonderland, check out these 10 home winter accessories we’ve found. Getting CosyIf there’s one thing you want during the winter, it’s staying warm. The easiest way to do that on those cold winter days—aside from cranking up the heat—is to get some nice blankets. The Brilliant blanket from Loaf is a great choice because it’s both lightweight and large enough to cover any bed. However, if you need something a bit warmer, the perfect solution is a sinfully soft, but sinless, faux fur throw from Feather & Black. If you prefer your winter blankets with a bit of Christmas flare, John Lewis has some beautiful throw blankets, including this red woodland throw. There’s no better complement to blankets than some beautiful cushions. If you prefer a small square cushion, these faux fur cushions from Feather & Black are great—plus they’ll match their throw. If you prefer something a bit more traditional and homely, try this stunning grey cable knit cashmere mix cushion. Or pair this red knitted reindeer cushion from John Lewis with the red woodland throw from the same brand to create a cohesive combo that serves as a perfect reminder that Christmas is right around the corner. Warming the Winter GlowA cosy winter wouldn’t be so cosy without candles. The smell, the warm feeling… you can never go wrong with candles. This cream vanilla scented candle will fill your home with scents reminiscent of warm baked goods. For those of you who can’t get enough Christmas spirit—not that we blame you—check out some of the scented glass candles available at Maisons du Monde. They even have a candle with a vivid winter scene inside featuring an adorable little mouse. If you prefer your candles with no scent, you still have plenty of options. This white curved candle has a unique look that will provide gentle, warm light in your living room for hours on end. You can even toss some tea lights in a decorative holder, like this copper lotus tea light holder from John Lewis.
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All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post Our 10 Favourite Winter Home Accessories appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/10-favourite-winter-home-accessories/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167800141328 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167800169004 For those confident enough to ignore rules and conventions, mixing and matching furniture pieces from different historical eras can be lots of fun. There is an art to combining looks but it’s a good one to master – because everyone has an heirloom piece or two that they just can’t part with. Fortunately, Grandmother’s Victorian sideboard can co-exist happily with your own mid-century modern sensibility, alongside a few ultra-modern pieces your partner feels strongly about. It’s all a question of layering texture and colour, editing and juxtaposing. Your goal is to ensure that each piece has its perfect place in a coherent whole. Here are a few ideas: In very broad terms, antique implies luxury and a sense of the ornate while modern values are more often associated with minimalism. The simplest way to mix the two is just to put them together in a single working unit. So, for a dining room think of a very modern table with vintage chairs. Or an antique find of a sideboard floating just past an ultra-modern dining set. See how this very contemporary oak and grey dining set from Habitat could hold its own next to a much more complexly textured antique-style mirrored sideboard from Artisanti? £490.00 /£1050 Antique DishesOr imagine the sophistication of antique dishes on a modern table. The contrast couldn’t be greater between this sleek black and copper dining table and a set of multi-hued Wedgewood dishes that recall Edwardian times. £715 / £170 Yet somehow the elements speak to each other. If you have your own ornate (gilt-edged?) heirloom china passed down through generations, all the better. Sitting AreaAnother way to create a framework in which to mix the antique and the modern is to layer colour… or do away with it altogether. The California design studio Shabby Chic created a strategy for blending disparate styles by limiting rooms’ colour palette to tones of white, cream and very light pastels. You can adopt the same method for blending antiques and more modern pieces. So a monochromatic palette in a study or office could combine an antique style bleached wood writing desk, this one from Loaf £775, with a chair that boasts a more modern aesthetic like this metal and linen number, also from Loaf. £320 DecorateAccessorise in either direction. For example, this carved frame mirror reads vintage, while this metal mirror from Maisons du Monde references more space age values. £75 / £287.50 Add a LayerRugs are also great for reinforcing a mix and match theme. You can stick with the monochromatic option but add another layer of texture with something like this cream tin ceiling inspired Morris and Co rug. £480 Or if you simply can’t resist adding a punch of colour, consider a modern bold graphic rug or the muted tones of an antique Persian carpet. This traditional style Pazyrk in 100% wool is a great substitute for the real thing. £625 For the BedroomIn a bedroom you could set a Regency style bench at the foot of a clean lined contemporary bed frame to signal a multi-era design scheme. This French Rococo bench from Swoon Editions comes traditionally upholstered in several muted fabrics. £299 The bed, from John Lewis, is also upholstered in linen but in a very contemporary way. £1050 Antique TwistThere’s another way to slyly time travel through design eras: with a unique work of mashup art. This Sèvres Dicranocephalus Wallichii AP giclée print by Magnus Gjoen takes the Victorian convention of displaying insects, and adds an early 18th century reference to fine porcelain for a very contemporary twist. £435 Whether you are a collector of museum quality antique furniture pieces, or just the recipient of some much loved hand me downs, don’t let anyone tell you they won’t sit well with a modern design aesthetic. Place each element carefully and you can enjoy it all, no matter its lineage. You May Also Like
All photos courtesy of respective brands. The post Get The Look: Antiques + Ultra-Modern appeared first on The Idealist. from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/get-look-antiques-ultra-modern/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/167729758983 via Tumblr https://spencerthorpe.tumblr.com/post/167729794654 |
AuthorAn outdoor enthusiast from Indianapolis, IN. I love spending time with family, friends, and travelling. Love all types of music. Work hard Monday-Friday, spend my off time on hiking trails. ArchivesCategories |