Journal
Welcome to our Journal, where the design team shares the inspirations and trends that fuel the studio's creativity. In Current Obsessions, explore the latest design trends and materials capturing attention, while Design Heroes celebrates the iconic figures who shape the world of interiors
Jean Dunand
Jean Dunand’s legacy in interior design endures through his pioneering approach to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, an influence that continues to resonate in contemporary design. His mastery of materials and innovative techniques, particularly in metalwork and lacquer, transformed not only the Art Deco movement but also established principles that remain foundational in today’s…
PublishedOctober 17, 2024Edited by
rattan – bringing the outdoors in for coastal interiors
Bringing “the outdoors in” is a technique repeated by designers and architects from the early designers of coastal interiors. Placing rattan furnishings in interiors is an excellent technique to bring the warmth and coastal ease into the home and one favoured by Michael Taylor, becoming a pivotal feature of his “California Look”.Installing furniture reserved largely…
PublishedOctober 17, 2024Edited by
A WHITE BACKDROP
This "all-white" approach essentially creates the brightest possible space imaginable.This approach comes with clear benefits. Using a single colour eliminates concerns about colour clashes or pattern coordination within the design. With white, there's virtually no risk of selecting a colour that might darken or shrink the room unintentionally. However, as with most design choices, there's…
PublishedAugust 8, 2024Edited by
Lets reflect on the use of MIRROR
Mirror has remained a coveted decorative tool since its inception. In addition to the practical use in daily life of reflecting our own image, mirror amplifies both natural and electric evening light. Placed strategically and symmetrically to balance asymmetrical doorways and windows, mirror enhances the interior’s architectural symmetry. Opposite windows or at the end of…
PublishedJuly 26, 2024Edited by
Straw marquetry
Straw marquetry, an ancient craft dating back to ancient Egypt gained popularity during the Art Deco era and continues to enchant contemporary interior designers with its timeless elegance and unique aesthetic. This technique intricately arranges thin strips of straw to create patterns and designs on surfaces, such as furniture, walls, or decorative objects, blending rich…
PublishedMay 21, 2024Edited by
Vellum
Vellum, a translucent and versatile material crafted from animal skin, offers unique aesthetic benefits in interior design, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern elegance. With its origins tracing back to ancient times, vellum gained prominence during the Art Deco era for its luxurious texture and ability to diffuse light, evoking an ambiance of sophistication and…
PublishedJanuary 29, 2024Edited by
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
The French furniture and interior designer Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann [1879 – 1933] is known for his aesthetic refinement, sumptuous materials and impeccable craftsmanship. His masterful work merged luxury with functionality in complete harmony, which in turn created a formal elegance enabling him to be a leading contributor to the Art Deco movement.He is mostly celebrated for…
PublishedApril 13, 2023Edited by
Frances Elkins
Imagine – in 1926 – a room where a camelback sofa and some chairs were covered in peach-colouredcorduroy. That is a fair example of Frances Elkins’s fearless use of bold colour.This quote is taken from Albert Hadley’s forward of Stephen M Salny’s book on Frances Elkins.Today this purity of colour and simplicity of palette would…
PublishedJanuary 10, 2023Edited by
Philip Johnson
“All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the person in the space” Philip Johnson is known for his theatricality in architecture. He drew from the architectural greats of the past though the was most inspired by what he called “The International Style”. In his role…
PublishedFebruary 2, 2022Edited by