Concept For Living

Daisy chains heat the way

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Italian radiator manufacturer Hellos introduces Daisy, the new way of design for household heating.

This unique radiator has been made in diecast aluminium adding a trendy and modish look to any household room. Daisy is completely customizable in colour and overall aesthetics allowing individuality to shine through. In addition Daisy has the option of an ambient LED lighting kit that can be applied to each section of this quirky radiator.

Catering for many different tastes, Daisy is available in a palette of colours including green, purple, pink, orange and white, but also comes in matt, polished or rough aluminium.

Prices from: €525.00 per section. For further information visit www.hellos.it or email info@hellos.it

Touch from Oikos

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Italian kitchen manufacturer Oikos introduces the handleless Touch model to its established and elaborate kitchen portfolio.

With a wide choice in veneers, lacquered glasses, high gloss or textured matt lacquer colours, Touch speaks volumes by expressing the current trend for contemporary style and architectural design. Oikos has created a kitchen that gives a sense of spaciousness and elegance. The Touch kitchen can designed for maximum functionality to suit open plan, limited space or a more traditional layout.

Touch offers multiple storage solutions through its combination of wide base units, integrated wall mounted cabinets and shelving systems. These practical and functional solutions encourage user tidiness making the most effective use of every kitchen area.

The introduction of lacquered plinths and grooves provides smart coordinating aesthetics which further complement the sleek contemporary design.

Customers can now also benefit from the latest ambient and task lighting technology which can be integrated into shelves, cabinets or plinths.

Touch is now available with a 600mm base unit starting from RRP £254 +vat. For more information please visit www.oikoscucine.it or www.simply-italian.co.uk T: 0207 095 8985 or email sam@simply-italian.co.uk.

New cutlery designs from Villeroy & Boch

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Villeroy & Boch have released some of their fantastic new cutlery designs. We simply can’t wait to get tucked in with these.

Delice
The new Delice cutlery from Villeroy & Boch is a contemporary design crafted from matt stainless steel. The proportionately balanced shape with softened angular lines makes the ideal complement to modern dining.

Priced from £4.95 or priced at £1,699.00 for a 124 piece set.

Ella Oriental
With a nod to the exotic, the new Ella Oriental cutlery from Villeroy & Boch is timelessly elegant with its slender design. The cutlery is crafted from satin stainless steel and features a delicate intertwining ribbon motif for subtle detailing.

Priced from £6.95 or priced at £2,050.00 for a 124 piece set

To find Villeroy & Boch stockists, Tel: 020 8875 6060 or visit them at: www.villeroy-boch.com

Designers favourite design classics

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Over the decades we have seen many products vying to be that little bit different and re-shape the design community. From the industrial revolution through the 1900s to the present day, design has become increasingly lucrative to our world economy. Today, there are more designers than ever before and with this comes more product choice.

This month we asked: what separates substandard products from the true classics? Here are the products that our selection of designers hailed as their favourite design classics of all time.

Kevin Drayton – “I nominate the OMK Tractor Stool. Kinsman, the stool’s designer company, is to my mind one of heroes of British furniture design. company does millions of pounds providing seating in airports around world, but started with chairs back in the 1960s. The tractor is elegant, witty, versatile and affordable. I’ve lived with mine for over thirty years and it is as fresh today as ever.”

OMKstak chair, £99, Habitat

Nick Jackson – “My favourite design classic is the AJ Louis Poulsen table light by Arne Jacobsen. Arne Jacobsen has been a great inspiration to my own designs. My favourite, and considered his most iconic piece is undoubtably the Arne Jacobsen Table lamp. Designed in 1957 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark with a distinct asymmetrical shape and tiltable head. The base of the table lamp was originally intended to accommodate an ashtray but now contributes solely to the design.”

AJ Louis Poulsen Table light, £386.75, Icone

Nik A Ramli - “I am nominating the one and only modern luxury – the Barcelona Chair. A design that was originally created for the German Pavilion at Barcelona and also as seating for King Alfonso XIII and his queen. Designed by famous Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich it was released in 1929 and based on an ancient classical folding stool. It is now produced with high quality stainless steel and hand buffed to a mirror finish. The deep-buttoned leather upholstered cushion removable and available with a choice of colours such black, white, brown even red to name a few. The design is classic, beautifully crafted with a touch of elegance and wow factor. It is not only a favourite item for the home but also a popular feature in corporate lobbies.”

Original Barcelona chair, from £3,190 + VAT, Chattels

James Harrison – “If I had a bit of spare cash I would be investing in a Hans Wegner chair! He has produced so many beautiful chairs that will still look great in a contemporary environment. His designs are always honest and well made and that is why they will stand the test of time. Carl Hansen are still producing a number of his products such as the elbow chair and his easy chair which are two of my favourites! You can also often find original examples of his work in second hand furniture shops, definitely worth the investment if you stumble across one!”

Hans Wegner Wing Chair, £2,479, The Lollipop Shoppe

Michelle Todd – “I would like to nominate the Arco retro floor lamp, designed in 1962 by Achille Castiglioni, one of the most important industrial designers of the 20th century. As contemporary now as it was then, blending high style and functionality. This timeless floor lamp makes a sweeping statement with its arched steel frame and steel ball shade this lamp has mass appeal and sits with either classical or ultra modern styling.”

Flos ‘Arco’ floor light, £1,738.34, Nest

Aamir Ahmed – “I’m a big admirer of the Modernists who believed that good design should be available to everyone. I particularly admire Eileen Gray and I love her tube-light which doesn’t try to hide how industrial it is: it’s a chrome stand, a tube light, a switch, a footplate… and that’s it. It’s confident and proud of what it is. Gray designed it in 1920 – but look at how incredilbly modern it is. It’s beautiful and timeless. It proves how far ahead of their time the modernists were.”

Eileen Gray Tubelight, £371, www.designer-lights.com

The future is bright

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Cheadle Glass, specialist designers and makers of fine quality bespoke glass, can help you create a contemporary space that reflects your own personality and style.

Why follow the crowd and go for standard when you can achieve a unique look, with their stunning glass panels which can be made to order in any colour or size. Graphic images can also be incorporated into the glass panels for a truly bespoke design feature – you just select the image. These fabulous high gloss panels have a myriad of uses including sensational splashbacks, wall and door coverings, worktops, shower enclosures and decorative and architectural features.

For more information visit: www.cheadleglass.co.uk, drop into the Cheadle Glass showroom on Borron Street, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 2JD or call 0161 480 6644.

Rubber on steel

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

The new accessories range from Vipp, consisting of towel hooks, towel bar, shower shelf and toilet roll holder, is perfectly designed to match your Vipp pedal bin.

Prices from £75. Visit: www.vipp.com to find your nearest stockist.

Inspired by the Orient

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Manchester based Little Greene’s latest addition to their wallpaper collection is ‘Oriental Papers’ – a range of seven exotic designs in over 32 colour ways – that draws inspiration from the delicate, botanical and geometric motifs found on Japanese kimonos. Pictured is ‘China Rose’ in bronze, priced at £45.50 per roll.

Visit: www.thelittlegreene.com to see the full ‘Oriental Papers’ collection or call 0845 880 5855 to find your closet retailer.

Mini moderns

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Whether you’re four or 84, the range of products from Mini Moderns is bound to bring a smile to your lips. With wallpaper, cushions, tableware, bags and more – this fashionable and fun assortment of interiors accessories is the perfect way to introduce your kids to modern design. Moo wallpaper pictured in pear green is £38 per roll.

To see the full range for yourself pop into Eggcup and Blanket Interiors at 61 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate (01423 501150) or order online at: www.minimoderns.com

New illusion collection

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Classically styled with clean, sharp contemporary lines, the ‘New Illusion’ range of shower enclosures from Matki is available in a selection of design options including recess and curved.

Go to: www.matki.co.uk to find your local stockist.

Sheer delight

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

If you’re thinking of refreshing the look of one of your rooms, then updating your window dressing can be a great place to start. These sheer panels from The Natural Curtain Company are a clean, contemporary alternative to heavy curtains, allowing you to enhance the natural light on a spring or summer day, whilst softening the harsh glare of the sun.

Prices from £200. Log onto: www.naturalcurtaincompany.co.uk or call 0845 5000 400 for more information.

Bunk Down In Style

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

With land in the UK at a premium and planning restrictions making extending a tricky business, one Lymm-based company is offering a spectacular solution for homeowners seeking more space.

Sub-terranea Garden Basements specialises in bespoke underground living spaces; from swimming pools and gyms to home cinemas and wine cellars, anything is possible when it comes to garden basements.

Offering everything from designing the extension to project managing the build, Sub-terranea caters to individual requirements and can even create more adventurous basements including a golf or Formula 1 simulator, an under-drive garage facility accessed via a conventional garage with car lift or a bowling. It’s also possible to create multiple storeys underground. Damian Girvin, managing director of Sub-terranea explained some of the incredible feats made possible by extending underground: “There are examples of residential basements which go down as far as five storeys accommodating such facilities as an indoor tennis court, high diving board, squash court, climbing wall and even a 20,000 sq ft private car museum! These are quite extreme projects but do demonstrate what is possible with subterranean design.

“That said, there are advantages for having a single-storey design – particularly in terms of bringing in natural light, either from a sunken courtyard area or overhead glazing. However, each site offers different opportunities and we tailor our designs specifically to meet the characteristics of each site and the requirements of our clients.”

Overcoming planning restrictions is one of the main benefits of extending underground. Said Damian: “All too often above-ground extensions are restricted, either through insufficient site area, the need to maintain sufficient garden space, planning restrictions or neighbour objections to the height or mass of a proposal. These restrictions don’t effect a garden basement and so the advantages can be very significant. Sometimes, homeowners want to increase their home to an extent which simply wouldn’t be allowed above ground. A garden basement can bridge the gap between the planning system and neighbour concerns with the needs and wishes of those who want to extend their home.”

If you’d like to know more visit: www.sub-terranea.co.uk, email: info@sub-terranea.co.uk or call 01565 757 877. Sub-terranea’s partner companies include D & T electronics, Technogym, Klafs, Cheshire Wellness and Barnes Walker. Sub-terranea is holding a marketing event at Mere Golf and Country Club on 26th March.

Home Office Chic

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Bespoke home-builder Potton has launched a range of office designs which will make working from home an altogether more stylish affair.

Self-build company Potton has unveiled a brand new range of home office buildings which are not only stylish but also affordable and quick to construct. The ‘Zone’ spaces make ideal playrooms, studios, games rooms or offices. A variety of green technologies available from Potton’s parent company, Kingspan, mean they can also be eco-friendly and cheap to run.

“More and more people want to do less and less commuting,” said designer Pete Tonks of PJT Design. “There’s been a real push towards working from home for a number of reasons – mainly because it makes for a better quality of life but also because of the benefits it has in reducing your carbon footprint.”

Zone by Potton provides a fresh, original look and feel. Pete explained: “We’ve completely broken with the traditional wooden designs associated with home offices and studios and have come up with a very new, contemporary look which is completely user-friendly and can be modified to suit individual tastes and uses.”

The range will be launched at the Self-Build and Renovation Show in Swindon on May 15th to 17th, where visitors will be able to look round a fully functioning Zone. To find out more visit: www.potton.co.uk or call 01767 676400.

Tunisia’s hot economy

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

While other countries are feeling the effects of the global economic turmoil, Tunisia has remained immune and kept its booming property market.

While it may have been a hindrance in the past, Tunisia’s ‘closed currency’ (meaning one unable to trade freely on the open market) has enabled the North African country to remain unaffected by the global economic downturn. Its GDP has grown from 5.1 per cent in 2007 to 6.3 per cent in 2008.

“Tunisia has every right to feel smug and has so much going for it in terms of property investment,” said Andy Welland, managing director of property investment company GEM Estates. “Apart from escaping unscathed from global economic meltdown, it’s attracting tourism and foreign investment from across the globe, in particular the Middle East, thus creating a pent-up demand for property.

An affluent home owning population as high as 80 per cent adds yet another exit strategy for investors. Property prices are low, even as low as Morocco was five years ago, yet it boasts an impressive infrastructure of luxurious hotels, six golf courses, modern international airports, chic boutiques and jet-set marinas. And, when the Tunisian dinar finally becomes ‘open’ or convertible at the end of 2009, local banks will be prepared to offer mortgages to foreign buyers. This African nation is certainly one to watch.”

For more information email GEM Estates on: info@gem-estates.com, visit: www.gem-estates.com or call the UK office on 0800 036 0068 or the Spanish office on 00 34 952 799 286.

Brussels for a day

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

A new Eurostar link will bring Brussels within commuting reach of London, making it an ideal option for property investors.

The capital city of Belgium may seem an unlikely candidate for property investment opportunities, but this is set to change as a new Eurostar Terminal at King’s Cross station brings Brussels to within two hours of London.

UK-based company Thornsett Group has offices in Belgium and has already completed a development of apartments in the country’s capital, with another two currently under construction. “Brussels property is a natural choice for investors looking for a good rental opportunity,” said Eoghan Quinn, commercial manager for Thornsett Belgium. “The typical lease period is a minimum of three years, then six years and up to nine years.

“The new Eurostar Terminal at King’s Cross makes Brussels very easily commutable in a day and possible to do a full day’s work. If you are travelling to the UK from Brussels, the time change means effectively that you can be in London in under an hour, leaving at 8am Brussels time and arriving in London at 9am.”

For further information email sales@thornsettgroup.be or call 00322 280 3034.

University Joins MediaCityUK

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

A state-of-the-art higher education centre is to be built at the heart of the MediaCityUK development in Salford Quays.

The University of Salford has signed an agreement for lease with developer Peel Media for a new innovative higher education centre in MediaCityUK. The University is the second anchor tenant at MediaCityUK, along with the BBC. In 2011 when the first phase of development is complete, it will enjoy a prime waterside location next to the BBC, which has already announced it is moving five departments (currently based in London) to the site. The new University hub will comprise 100,000 sq ft of space across four storeys and will be linked to the University’s four faculties on the main campus at Peel Park.

With cutting edge facilities, it will focus on employer-led and postgraduate learning and research collaboration and act as a gateway to the University’s full range of services for its industry and community partners. The University’s centre at MediaCityUK will include a broadcast zone, digital media zone, virtual laboratory, digital performance space and creative spaces for use in academic teaching, project-based learning and user-centred design and innovation.

Andrew Simpson, managing director of Peel Holdings and acting MD of Peel Media, said: “MediaCityUK is shaping an environment for creative talent to network and prosper and fusing industry excellence, such as the BBC, with academic talent from Salford University.”

For further information visit: www.salford.ac.uk or: www.mediacityuk.co.uk

New Foundations

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

When Sarah and Simon Rice discovered their house had been built on rubble, they had no choice but to demolish it and start again. Jennie Musgrove spoke to Sarah to find out how they overcame the unexpected and created their ideal home.

It would be untrue to say that home renovation projects are always straightforward. Most encounter their fair share of hiccups and problems along the way; from planning permission to plumbing, a whole host of potential pitfalls line the home improvement path. But imagine being ready to get the project rolling then receiving a phone call telling you that the house you thought was solid is actually built on rubble and has to be demolished. This is what happened to Sarah and Simon Rice, whose Leeds home presented a great deal more trouble than they had bargained for.

“We were looking at stones for the patio when I got a call from the architect, who said we had a problem,” said Sarah. “He told me the building inspector had said we needed to knock the house down, to which my reply was, ‘Can we knock a semi down? What about the other side – won’t that fall down?’”

The Rice’s original plan had been to live with their four children in the house next-door, which they also own, while they gutted and renovated their family home.

The rest of this feature can be found in Concept For Living issue 125

Vikas Shah – Designer maker profile

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Director of Charlotte Thomas, Vikas Shah, took time out from his busy schedule to talk to us about his inspirations and future projects.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I started my first business, a design and technology consultancy at the young age of 14. The firm grew and developed, and we worked on some very exciting projects with customers all around the world. At our peak, we had almost 22 on the team and ran our own magazines online, amongst other things. I also worked as a photographer
mainly focussing on fine art travel and fashion work.

As the .com bubble came to its end it was time for a change, so I sold off as much as I could and regained composure. I then joined the family business, which at the time was a fabrics trading company with only one employee. Since then, over the past seven years we have grown significantly. We now have a team of 20 and have activities in markets as diverse as retail, contract textiles and so much more. I have continued photography and writing and also have an economics journal.

Can you describe your work and the processes that you use?

We use a range of processes to achieve our bespoke bed linen and home textiles designs. The main focus is research based, we constantly assess what the market is doing – this can vary from fashion weeks to trade shows. This gives us a gauge of what the world is doing, which we then combine with our own inspirations and designs to create our ranges.

What inspires you?

I have always said that inspiration comes from all around you. I am a strong believer in the phrase that, “if you spend too much time looking at the ground, you never see the sky”. Inspiration is a very fluid and intangible process – the key is to be active in the process of experiencing the world around you. Inspiration can come from where you least expect it.

Who are your design heroes?

Jacques Garcia, Philippe Starck, Robert Cavalli and Tom Ford are just a few designers who I rate very highly from the world of interiors and outside. I also consider many of saville row’s fi nest tailors as design heroes along with a number of fashion and journalistic photographers.

To find out more contact Vikas Shah at: Swiscot Textiles Ltd. Tel. 0161 236 1025 web: www.swiscot.com

Zero House

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

The ancient city of York boasts little in the way of 21st century architecture. But a super contemporary new home is paving the way for modernisation, as Jennie Musgrove discovered.

Imagining the streets of York, one does not tend to conjure up images of sleek modernist buildings and clean parallel lines. Row upon row of traditional homes constructed in the Victorian and Georgian styles encourage the Roman city’s reputation as an ‘olde worlde’ treasure; a municipal hub preserved in time as a reminder of Britain’s architectural heritage.

A few minute’s walk from the city centre, however, there stands a property which is breaking the mould, pushing boundaries and waving a triumphant flag for contemporary, forward-thinking architecture.

It took chartered surveyor Michael Hammill and his wife Erica the best part of two years to obtain planning permission for Zero House, which was eventually completed in September of last year. The end result is a unique homage to modernist design and minimalist living, inspired by influential British architect John Pawson and the Hempel Hotel in London.

This feature can be found in Concept For Living issue 125

Egg Cups – Ten of the Best

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Get Dunking! Pay close attention to these eye catching egg cups…

1 Egg cup, £8.96 for four, Lakeland. 2 ‘Duck Feet’ egg cup, £2.50, Heals. 3 ‘Lladro’ gold egg cup, £59, Lladro. 4 ‘Panton’ egg cup, £22.95 for four, Menu. 5 ‘Stacking’ egg cup, £7.50, HT Homeware. 6 ‘Ceramic Hen’ egg cup, £5.85, Joanna Wood. 7 Nigella Lawson’s egg cup, £21.25 for two, Absolut Form. 8 ‘Marmite’ egg cup, £14.99 for four, Wonky Bunny. 9 ‘Soldier’ egg cup, £9.95, Hidden Art E Shop. 10 ‘Polka dot’ chicken egg cup, £11.95, James Brindley.

California Dreaming

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Terry Huggett’s Mexborough home is a slice of Californian luxury in traditional South Yorkshire. Rebecca Drake went along to find out more.

“For the last 12 years we have gone on holiday to California, so we have drawn a lot of inspiration from that area of the world,” explained Terry.

Terry Huggett lives in his recently finished family home, Hillcrest, with his wife Emma and their four-year-old son Bailey. They love California, so much so they even got married there in Wayfarers Chapel, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

With his family history firmly rooted in the building trade, since childhood Terry has been accustomed to living in a custom built home – but his most recent venture really challenged his ideas on design and brought about a huge change to how he and his family use their living space.

The rest of this feature can be read in Concept For Living issue 125

Going underground

Monday, March 9th, 2009

If you are in need of extra room at home, but want something a little out of the ordinary, then take a look at the services provided by Sub-Terranea Garden Basements. The new Cheshire based company can help you make use of the space underneath your garden! Damian Girvin, managing director of Sub-Terranea explained the vast possibilities of a garden basement:

“The most popular uses include: swimming pool complex, gym, games room or cinema. Other uses include a laundry, home office, guest suite or staff accommodation, wine cellar or any other residential use. A garden basement can also cater for the more exotic: a golf or Formula 1 simulator, an under-drive garage facility accessed via a conventional garage with car lift and even a bowling alley. The options are truly endless.”

If you would like to find out how a garden basement could benefit your property, Sub-Terranea are holding a launch event at Mere Golf and Country Club on 26 March. For more information contact marketing director Claire Smith at info@sub-terranea.co.uk or tel. 01565 757 877

New Kütchenhaus Showroom for York

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

German kitchen retailer and manufacturer Kütchenhaus has opened a new kitchen superstore at the Floss Island Retail Park in York. The philosophy behind the York showroom is the same as the other Kütchenhaus stores, displaying complete room sets and showcasing  aspirational features people like to see in their homes. Offering over 90 different kitchen styles from ultra contemporary to country
shaker, the average Kütchenhaus kitchen retails at £8,000.

Norman Parker, Kütchenhaus director said: ‘As with all our stores, Kütchenhaus York is all about open-space, inspiration and relaxation. As soon as our customers walk through the doors, we want them to enjoy the experience and be amazed by the quality of our products and most
importantly the price.’ Other Kütchenhaus branches can be found in Chester, Manchester and Halifax.

Visit: www.kutchenhaus.co.uk to find out more.

Italian life by MODO Cucine

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

A kitchen and stone specialist renowned for its cutting edge designs, MODO Cucine, has unveiled a stunning new Italian Bontempi kitchen in its Cheshire showroom. Lisa Mather, Director of MODO said: “We were very impressed by the Bontempi ranges at Eurocucina in Milan and have decided to offer our customers the best Italian design as well as the superb German Miele ranges we have in the showroom.” Part of the ‘Materea’ range, the Bontempi display in the showroom combines matt white lacquered fronts with a grey stained oak veneer.

To see the new display for yourself pop along to 201 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Cheshire, SK7 1BA. Tel. 0161 439 5508 or visit: www.modocucine.co.uk for more information.

Who Designs wins…

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Do you harbour a secret ambition to be a furniture designer? If so, now’s your chance! The second annual Design for dwell competition is closing on 31st March 2009. Last year’s exciting contest was won by Kimberly Whitelaw from Edinburgh, when her design the ‘comfortable coffee table’ was chosen for its originality, strong functionality and good looks. Kimberly’s table has been put into production and will be featured in the dwell Spring ‘09 collection.

So, what are you waiting for? This year’s prize is £1,000 and a trip for two to the Milan Furniture Fair, plus the winning entry will go into production! Visit: www.dwell.co.uk to find out how to enter.