The Door To Design

Monday, 13 October 2014

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

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

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

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!

www.thedoortodesign.co.uk

Monday, 22 September 2014

Design Reunion

Habitat

Hosted by David Nicholls, editor of The Telegraph magazine.
Panel discussion with designers Tord Boontje, Claire Norcross, Sarah Campbell, Aaron Probyn, Simon Pengelly and Habitat's creative director Polly Dickens, exploring the theme 'inspirations'.

To celebrate 50 years of design, Habitat have invited six designers back to create and design a collection that has longevity and sits comfortably in the range. All designers involved in this new collection have worked in various fields of design for many years and have all been involved in designing products for Habitat in the past.

An easy flowing conversation concentrated on the different sources of inspiration from nature for Claire, to a certain 'moment' that leads to a natural process of an idea for Simon.
In turn, Polly sees herself as the provider of inspiration for her creative team, always on the look out for interesting and amusing things and snapping endless images.

The designers find that today's world of ever evolving technology is a stimulant and a great source for research and use images as reminders, but find the best way to be inspired, happens when you get out in the world and experience. Many find the process of manufacturing, technique and the learning process exciting and most rewarding.

Designers most inspiring places included The Wallace Collection, for Tord to V&A's ceramics department for Aaron. It was also intriguing to see designers favourite chosen objects that each brought to the discussion. For Tord it was his beloved dog Poppy, Claire brought a tray of scientific bottles that she likes to collect with old and unusual decanter tops. Sarah's item was a string of stones collected by her with her father many years ago, Aaron's inspiration was a classic Anglepoise desk lamp and Simon brought with him a wooden bird that keeps him smiling.

New collection by the Design Reunion creatives

Smithfield

Image by Katja

Inspiration and name behind Smithfield lounge chair, designed by Aaron Probyn, leads from an area in London with historic value. The idea was to design a piece that would work in modern lifestyle but sit well in a historic setting.

Bouguet

Image by Katja

Bouguet pendant designed by Tord Boontje, experiments with 20 different elements from flowers to leaves. It's appearance feels romantic and unexpected but brings new depth by the use and introduction of industrial materials.

Fifty Leaves

Image by Katja

Fifty Leaves by Sarah Campbell celebrates the 50 years and the leaves of a calendar. Sarah's description of the colourful rug involves her sense of 'flights of fancy' and 'down to earthness'. It brings to life the organic yet decorative aspects of creativity.

Wing

Image by Habitat

Simon's creation was born from his desire to express functionality with this walnut dining table. The side leaf, when folded away create a nice visual interest. It appears sophisticated without being too loud nor brash. This piece sits elegantly with other timbers and finishes.

Crystalline

Image by Katja

Claire often finds her inspiration from nature. The idea behind Crystalline chandelier pendant is taken from the structure of natural crystals. Claire was excited to work with new materials in her 3D piece, using different patterns and surfaces and the use of refraction of light and reflection.

Tessellate

Image by Katja

Tessellate, gold LED wall decoration by Aaron Probyn is a statement piece with it's 3D geometric pattern. The design reflects and enhances the light emitted and it can be used as multiples to add a level of creative expression.

Waku

Image by Habitat

The Waku bed by Shin Azum highlights the sculpture quality within the functionality of it's design. It's slightly angled headboard creates clean lines, adds interest, comfort and sits well in modern decor.

New collection currently available at Habitat.

http://www.thedoortodesign.co.uk/

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Horst

Strike A Pose

As well as a lover of all design and art, I am also an avid follower of fashion and an admirer of beautiful, elegant people.

I am obsessed with style, both past and present and I am a serious collector of glossy magazines and coffee table books from interiors, photography to all things fashion.

Image from Google Images

I am very excited by The V&A opening it's doors to a major retrospective of the works of the iconic photographer of style, Horst P. Horst. An exhibition not to be missed.

The exhibition celebrates not only Horst's exquisite works but also tells a story of Horst, the artist himself, whose career spanned much of the 20th century.

Image from Google Images

Making his way to Paris in the 1930's, the German born Horst was originally to train as an architect with Le Corbusier. Instead his career took a turn to fashion under a watchful eye of his mentor George Heyningen-Huene and the powerful publisher Conde Montrose Nast. By the mid 1930's his images frequently embraced the pages of French,British and American Vogue.

Image from Google Images

His work was heavily influenced by classical art, architecture and the Bauhaus movement. His extraordinary flair for composition and lighting is easily seen in his famous images and it was not unusual for it to take several days creating and setting up lighting for his shoots. His sketches are an example on the vast amount of planning and preparation that Horst put into his images. Throughout his career he remained focused on timeless elegance rather than passing trends.

Mainbocher Corset, 1939.

His most celebrated photograph of it's era.

Image from Google Images

Horst's portrait photography was also fairly wide-spread from artists, politicians to royalty, later expanding to the glamour of Hollywood and it's shining screen stars. The escapism provided by theatre and film gained in popularity with the second world war and this brought on another dimension to Horst's work and focus.

Marilyn Monroe

Image from Google Images

Horst also photographed and documented his travels and a personal project to capture images of patterns from nature has also been published.

In the 1950's Horst produced a set of nudes, unlike his previous works, that celebrate the ideal human body and resemble classical sculptures with a huge emphasis on light and shadow.

Image from Google Images

Exhibition currently showing till 4th January at the grand settings of the V&A, London.

'Fashion is an expression of the times. Elegance is something else again'

Horst, 1984.

Enjoy!

http://www.thedoortodesign.co.uk/

katja@thedoortodesign.co.uk

Monday, 8 September 2014

LDF

London Design Festival

13 -24 September 2014

London is buzzing with design inspiration and creativity as London Design Festival rolls into town.

London Design Festival celebrates all the essentials of modern day living from textiles, furniture, colour, pattern, art to product design.

The festival presents a vast mixture of events, exhibitions, debates, product launches , installations and pop-ups, not forgetting all the parties.

Here I have gathered some info on my "not to miss" happenings in town.

The V&A is the hub of all activity for the duration, hosting a few different exhibitions, talks and workshops and is home for a few astonishing installations.

Multi-disciplinary designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have been working in conjunction with BMW to create an installation of kinectic sculpture of mirrors on the ceiling of the Raphael Gallery.

The installation promises the viewer to appreciate the space and create a different perspective when viewing the art and architecture of the room.

Precision & Poetry In Motion

Image from V&A

Whilst exploring the stunning V&A and it's galleries, do drop by the John Madejski garden to check out the engaging feature, Crest, designed by the internationally credited Zaha Hadid Architects.

Crest- by Zaha Hadid Architects

Image from V&A

A Place Called Home

Trafalgar square has been transformed by four designers - Jasper Morrison, Patternity, Raw Edges and Studioilse, to design their vision of a room in a Place Called Home. The shell of each home will be similar in construction but individuality will most likely suprise, intrique and amuse all passing visitors. A great interactive way to showcase the sense of private space and belonging in a busy everyday world.

Trafalgar Square

Image by LDF

Design Destinations

100% Design, 17th-20th September, opens it's doors at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, 17th-20th September.

It is the largest design trade fair of it's kind in the UK, covering interiors both commercial and residential, not forgetting the ever increasing emerging talents. 100% Design also hosts a world-class talks programme with many famous names.

Image from 100% Design

An empty London sorting office will be transformed this month to a must-visit event DESIGNJUNCTION, 18th-21st September.

This event has a more trendy, street market vibe to it rather than a more composed traditional design trade show. This show is celebrating it's fourth year and showcases product launches, installations, pop-ups, bespoke eateries and a flash factory. It is also the space for a high end lighting show LIGHTJUNCTION.

Make sure you bring your wallet as cool stuff is also available for purchase. You never know what you might pick up.

If feeling fit, super cool bike brand, Tokyobikes, will also be hosting guided tours around the West End Design Quarter. Bookings vital.

designjunction 2013

Image by Katja

Trendy Tent & Super Brands London, 18th-21st September, can be found in the Old Truman Brewery in East London.

It has a strong showcase for national and overseas talent and it's inspiring exhibitors will lead the way in trend spotting and new design directions for now and time to come.

Tent & Super Brands London 2013

Image from Tent

Decorex International, 21st-24th September, is moving to a new, bigger and better location this year, Syon Park.

Decorex holds the trophy for longest-standing interiors and design show during the London Design Festival. It is the venue to discover contemporary, traditional and bespoke interiors of outstanding quality and craftmanship. It is the place to go for inspiration on high-end luxury design from exhibitors both homegrown and international.

I will be working this year alongside Nicky Heard of Nicky Heard bespoke furnishings. An outstanding collection of unique throws, cushions and wallhangings bursting with colour, luxury and elegance. Be sure to visit stand G60, it would be lovely to see you all.

Image from Nicky Heard

Last but not least, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour presents Focus/14, 21st-24th September. A well established hub for all interior needs and home for a vast selection of international brands. Focus promises a mix of inspirational talks, workshops and product launches.

Image by dccd

Design Districts

With the sheer number of events and venues to visit, it can seem a little daunting at first to plan your days. To help you, you might consider dividing London to sections by their location and think of them as their own design districts. Each district has it's own appeal, their own style, vibe, late night openings and functions throughout the duration of the festival. Districts to check out are Brompton Design District, Chelsea Design Quarter, Clerkenwell Design Quarter, Islington Design District, Queen's Park Design District and and Shoreditch Design Triangle.

Shop windows and displays will also provide endless inspiration and "food for thought" but beware of the many temptations...

Display at the Conran Shop

Image by Katja

Display at the Conran Shop

Image by Katja

I hope you have a great festival, my diary sure is bursting at the seams!

More info on LDW, visit http://www.londondesignfestival.com/

http://www.thedoortodesign.co.uk/

http://www.nickyheard.co.uk/

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Nordic Living

Hosted by Habitat in collaboration with designjunction

Last night I managed to pop down to Habitat's Platform Gallery on King's Road to hear a panel discussion on Nordic Living. Hosted and lead by Studio and The Schemer editor Kate Burnet joined by well established Swedish born interior designer Staffan Tollgard, Norwegian furniture and lighting designer Magnus Pettersen and Danish Signe Sorensen of Chase & Sorensen.

Habitat had done a fantastic job in transforming their Platform gallery into a woodland-inspired Scandinavian midsummer cafe, showcasing the latest and greatest products from leading Scandinavian designers.

Image by Katja
Woodland inspired space at the Platform gallery, Habitat.

Panels discussion bounced from defining Scandinavian style, influences behind such a precise way of design, materials and textures to Scandinavian lifestyle and even to wether Scandinavian design is being regarded as boring.

Image by Katja

As all of the panelists agreed, Scandinavian people are relatively reserved. We don't feel the need or are we totally comfortable to stand out from the crowd, especially in a 'flashy' way. This characteristic among with climate and natural resources has shaped the way of the unique Scandinavian style and design.

It has always, to this day, followed a mentality of 'democrative' or in other words 'honest' design. Practicality, functionality, clean and simple design is celebrated as people in scandinavia take great pride and care of their homes and environment. Social life often happens at home, so people take great care in space planning and the correct use of space available for their lifestyle needs.

Image by Katja

Neutral background in interiors is usually preferred with addition of pop's of colour and pattern for impact. A fabulous piece of design need a neutral background for it to shine rather than blend in the background. It should be celebrated for it's unique craftmanship, shape and purpose.

Image by Katja

All of these highly professional panelists have been and continue to follow their scandinavian values with exciting enthusiasm of the expanding world, culture and trends with a few little twist of their own.

Image by Katja

Less is often more than enough!

Thanks to all panelists and Habitat for a great summer evening!

Midsummer Cafe at Habitat Platform gallery, Kings Road, still open till 29th June, worth checking out!

www.thedoortodesign.co.uk

Thursday, 19 June 2014

Midsummer Dreams

As we head into midsummer weekend celebrated all over Scandinavia, I thought I would share some traditional and festive images of summer houses loved by so many scandinavians.

Midsummer's eve celebrations in scandinavia date back to ancient times as a festival of the summer solstice and has become one of the biggest festivals in the calendar.

Many scandinavians leave the cities to retreat to summer cottages by the sea and many lakes. Celebration rituals include bonfires, cookouts, sauna and spending time together with family and friends.