Kew Gardens

Winter Trail 2014

A beautiful evening spent at Kew's Winter Trail tonight.

A glistening mile long trail guided by snowflakes, will lead the way to a magical night time christmas experience.

Botanically inspired light installations from glittering trees, shimmering tunnel of lights to reflective glasshouse, makes a stunning visual 'show' not to be missed this year.

Enjoy the gorgeous images.

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Happy Christmas everyone!

Kx

www.thedoortodesign.co.uk

Something From The Archive

Second Floor - Sam Taylor-Johnson

A little trip to my photo archives today reminded me of this great exhibition that I was able to take some time over in September 2014 at the Sattchi Gallery.

An intimate insight to Mademoiselle Coco Chanel's private quarters through a series of 34 intriguing images by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

A mysterious story lie in wait to be discovered through the image of the copper door.

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image via Amazon

A great gift idea for that someone special this Christmas.

Kx

Festive Windows

December is upon us and christmas shopping season well underway.

Wandering the streets of London during the christmas season is a wonderful experience.

Every year the big department stores go all out with creativity. Showcasing the most fantastic products, often specially commissioned by the store, in a theme chosen at least a year in advance with major planning and hard work.

Inspirations are collected from fashion, theatre, arts and currents affairs.

Music, layout, displays and scents play a big role in enticing customers into these magical stores and, of course, to part with our hard earned cash.

Selfridges London has chosen to celebrate storytelling as their theme this year, with each window embracing a fairytale or a classic children's story. Truly stunning!

Image via Selfridges

Image via Selfridges

Image via Selfridges

Enchanted Forest has taken over the windows of Harvey Nichols with mannequins styled into magical woodland creatures surrounded by metallic trunks and reflecting lights.

Image via Harvey Nichols

Image via Harvey Nichols

Liberty has sailed back to their roots, featuring a journey across the globe through the store windows, showcasing a mix of gorgeous gifts for all ages.

Image via Liberty

Image via Liberty

Harrods has transformed into The Land Of Make Believe. Silver birch trees create a stunning backdrop to glittering gowns by international designers draped over mannequins, bringing this mystical scene to life.

Image via Harrods

Not forgetting all the sparkling light displays around town from Bond Street to Regent Street. A fantastic feast to the eye.

Image via Thistle

Enjoy the countdown to christmas!

Kx

Amsterdam

A few weeks ago I escaped London to visit one of my favourite cities in Europe - Amsterdam with my 'hipster' son Olly.

This city has such energy and coolness to it. From the arts and architecture to hip happenings and trendy folk, it delivers something new every time.

We spent a few glorious days strolling around this gorgeous city's cobbled streets, visiting galleries and museums. Taking  a ride along the canals, stopping for coffee's and hot choc's at the flower market not forgetting to snap some pics, people watching and soaking up the atmosphere of this amazing place.

Hope you enjoy these images!

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Kx

www.thedoortodesign.co.uk

Library

During London Design Festival, I popped in to check out a new members club, Library, in London's Covent Garden.

A cool hub targeted for the arty London crowd from designers to the literary.

Eclectic interiors of this five story townhouse was created by 19 Greek Street and it's mixture of colour, exposed brickwork, use of materials and space planning creates a certain urban loft vibe with a traditional British library twist.

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Kx

Design Delights

LDF2014

London Design Festival 2014 was yet again a world wind of new and exciting shows, installations and product launches.

Here are a few images of designs that caught my eyes.

Image by Katja

Ice Chandelier by Daniel Libeskind for Lasvit greeted visitors at the entrance to 100% Design.

Image by Katja

Stunning tunnel entrance was created by Studio Design UK and included materials from one of my new favourite discoveries, Eley Kishimoto, amongst many others.

Image by Katja

Slowly rotating inflatable sculptures designed by El Ultimo Grito marked the perimeter of the auditorium at 100% Design.

Image by Katja

Beautifully crafted textiles and wall coverings by Anne Kyyro-Quinn.

Decorex International 2014,  was held at the glorious settings of Syon Park. As a celebration of the official year of the Georgians, eight design royalty were invited to design an installation for the grand entrance. These sets were inspired by 'A Rake's Progress', a series of paintings by William Hogarth, on show at the Sir John Soane's Museum.

Image by Katja

My favourite set design was The Marriage by Kit Kemp with de Gournay. Great display of delicate hand painted wall coverings mixed with odd curiosities.

Image by Katja

I was delighted to be invited to visit the Homes & Gardens VIP lounge at the show, designed by Victoria Meale.
A truly stunning, relaxing and calm oasis filled with the scent of lavender.

Image by Katja

My true favourite stand and exhibitor for Decorex this year was Eley Kishimoto.
London based print studio that has gained global recognition from fashion to interiors to architectural and design collaborations. A colourful and bold wallpaper collection was launch for the London Design Festival 2014. Also the well earned award winner for Best New Exhibitor. Congratulations!

Image by Katja

Little Greene paint company's stand was fun filled set of rooms, each decorated in a fabulous colour from their current range. 

This also earned Little Greene the Best Stand Award. Well done!

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Stone specialists Lapicida included a 'in the making' session to their gallery space. An eye-opening experience to watch the sculptures coming to life.

Image by Katja

True to their roots, Once Milano's relaxed stand was filled with collections of crushed linens in seasonal colours for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

This year's famous central Champagne bar was designed by the highly acclaimed trio, Le Trois Garcons.

I got to sample a glass of the bubbles with my lovely best friend Susanna from  Finland, who managed to take time out from her busy schedule, to come and lend her support for us at the show.

Many thanks lovely! Kiitos!

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Image by Katja

Last but not least, it was a great pleasure to work alongside Nicky Heard from Nicky Heard Ltd. Nicky's passion for colour, pattern and texture shines through on her collections of luxury home accessories. The vibrant hand woven Ikat throws and cushions took many visitors breath away and her hand knitted items were greatly appreciated by customers.

Designing and styling Nicky's stand was one of the most rewarding and fun projects that I have been involved in for awhile and thank you for all your comments and kind words on the design of the stand.

I would also like to congratulate Nicky on her debut at Decorex International 2014. Great show and great team work!

Kx

www.thedoortodesign.co.uk