Trend debate: can Valentine’s ever be stylish? 6 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: boutique hotel, cards, chocolates, february 14, fluffy, hearts, Japan, lingerie, poetry, roses, satin, style, sweden, Valentines
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It’s here again.
The countdown to February the 14th has begun.
Singletons and couples alike – with the exception of smug marrieds and lustful newbies – are waiting for the day in a state of dread. How to celebrate? Join the doe eyed hoardes in cheesy restaurants nibbling on heart-shaped cheesecake? Or hide at home with takeaway for two and will the night to end? We debate whether it’s really worth celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Image credit: The Berkeley Hotel
Hooray!
Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year when it’s ok to be cheesy, romantic and naff. It’s the one date in the stiff-upper-lip English calendar when you can make a fuss of the one you love.
What is life without the odd fluffy heart and candlelit supper? When else can you justify helium balloons and twelve red roses?
We shy away from celebrating each other for fear it might look bad, or smug, or cheap. But on this one day, lovers have free rein to waft around grinning euphorically from ear to ear, their loved-up feet barely hitting the ground. Demure clothing is shunned in favour of revealing satin nightwear, while cheesy cards remind us how lucky we are with thoughtful poetry.
Buy into it, buy hearts, roses, chocolates, shagpile rugs and sexy lingerie with abandon.
Because they’re worth it.
Image credit: mydeco
Please, no!
There is nothing more depressing about modern culture than the big commercial push that is February 14th. The whole thing reeks of smug, tasteless over-indulgence.
Subtlety is the key to elegance and good taste – not acrylic heart cushions, cheap chocolates and polyester nipple tassles. Buying into Valentine nonsense is illogical, even laughable – you are putty in the hands of the thousands of desperate retailers out to get you.
There is something oh-so-repugnant about our need to shout our passion for one another across the rooftops, parading down the street with a bunch of flowers as big as our hearts.
Who says hearts are a measure of our love? In Sweden, the heart is the symbol for the loo. In Japan, it denotes a bank. No that romantic, after all.
A night away at a boutique hotel, or a quiet homemade supper à deux, without the hearts and the fluff and the gushing, is the only stylish way to go.
Trend watch: will you be joining the safari? 9 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: african, cotton, high street, joseph, leather, nguni, ottoman, patrick mavros, plains, safari, silk, trend
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Image credit: mydeco
Recently, the safari trend has been making something of a comeback.
A more understated extension of the animal print obsession, ivory tones, sumptuous linens and tan leather are cropping up all over the high street.
No one does understated chic better than uber-cool fashion house Joesph, who have decked out their Fulham Road store with stuffed safari animals. Walking by this weekend, I was immediately transported to a world of dusty wilderness and childish excitement.
The safari trend evokes old-school glamour, elegance and luxury, in neutral tones and sumptuous natural fabrics. Think linen, silk, cotton and leather – this is no place for acrylics or synthetics.
If you’re not heading for the plains anytime soon, invest in apiece by design boutique member and king of African chic, Patrick Mavros – it will never date. We particularly love his Nguni Ottomans:
Image credit: mydeco
Not quite within your budget? Get inspired by ThriftyThea’s moodboard:
Image credit: mydeco
We’d love to know what you think of the safari resurgence so post a comment below.
Would you put willies on your sitting room wall? 9 February, 2010
Posted by celiastuartmenteth in Celia's blog.Tags: Abigail Lane, Andy Warhol, controversial wallpaper, Damian Hirst, Robert Gober, wallpaper, wallpaper exhibition, Whitworth Art Gallery
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Image credit: Robert Gober, Male and Female Genital wallpaper, 1989
Last weekend saw the opening of a new wallpaper exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester: ‘Walls are Talking: Wallpaper, Art and Culture’ (ends 3rd May).
However, this is no ordinary wallpaper and if you think you are in for cheery florals and regal flocks, think again. Instead are a series of hard-hitting, controversial wallpapers made by over 30 artists, including Andy Warhol, Damian Hirst.
‘Kitsch ideas of home decoration’, say the Whitworth, ‘are turned upside down as artists subvert the stereotypes of wallpaper to hit home messages about warfare, racism, cultural conflicts and gender’.
From a distance, Robert Gober’s submission looks likes a series of white drawings against a black background. It is only on closer inspection that you realise these drawings are, in fact, hundreds of penises, vaginas and bums.
Image credit: Abigail Lane, Bloody Wallpaper, 1995
Abigail Lane’s work is altogether more sinister. At first glance it appears to be a kind of Pollock-esque array of red paint splashes on a white ground. As you approach, your heart sinks as you realise you have walked into a murder scene. Red paint splashes transform themselves into gory blood splatters and handprints.
‘It works well as a pattern repeat’, says Christine Woods, the curator. ‘My hunch is that if were made commercially available, it would find a substantial niche market. Which personally, I find quite terrifying’.
I think most of the world finds that terrifying.
Whatever you think of the exhibition, it does make you think about the role of wall coverings and how we view it in our homes. I like the idea that for once, wallpaper is not just the backdrop to something, but the main event itself.
If you have seen the exhibition, we would love to hear your views. Love it or hate it, we want to know!
Digital delights at the V&A 8 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: 3-D rooms, computer, decode, digital design sensations, exhibition, gallery, technical, V&A
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Image credit: Ross Philips
Yesterday I headed to the V&A to check out their latest exhibition, Decode: Digital Design Sensations.
I am a big fan of digital displays, and believe modern art should make continuous use of the advances we’ve made in computer programming over the last few years. Technical art doesn’t have to be bland and regular – on the contrary, it can be quite stunning and even surprising, with a little imagination. (Have you seen our 3-D rooms?)
I was blown away by the exhibition, and highly recommend that everyone in London heads down there to see for themselves.
Image credit: Karsten Schmidt
On one installation, I placed my hand on a huge canvas and created giant brush strokes of neon paint. Another involved a huge image of a dead dandelion blowing in the wind, with the viewer picking up what appears to be a normal hairdryer, pressing the button, and effectively blowing the seeds into the distance until they have all dispersed. It was genius, and the most fun I have had in a gallery since I can remember.
Image credit: Sennep Dandelion
My favourite piece was a woven mosaic which records the silhouettes of whoever stands in front of it, rotating its tiles to create a mirror image of dark and light shadows.
The greatest thing about the show is not just the digital displays, which really are stunning, but the liberty given to the audience to take part in the installations. There are a couple where visitors are the subject of ongoing photography, being recorded on screen for a few seconds before being replaced by the next eager spectator.
We really do get our fifteen mintues (or seconds) of fame, and boy is it exciting.
If you can’t make it the the V&A, take a look at my digitally-inspired moodboard – it’s not quite the same but I think it’s a design sensation nevertheless:
Image credit: mydeco
If you have been to the show, we are dying to know what you think, so post a comment below.
Adopt a bot 8 February, 2010
Posted by kiadesigns in mydeco guest blogger.Tags: adobtabot, eco design, fun presents
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These wacky designs are “orphaned” robots that are waiting for a new home, made from old hold house equipment including pencil sharpeners, coffee machines… you name it and it’s probably in one of the bots.
Image credit: Adoptabot at Etsy
My favourite is Dipper who is descriped as “…is not the sharpest tool in the shed but he is a lot of fun hang around. Ask nicely and he might even fire up his jet powered fan blade and take you for a wild ride! “
At only 13 inches tall we probably won’t be taking that ride but he still is gorgeously sweet!
Image credit:Boxheart
Also by artist Brian Marshall are some of these amazing feature lights. Brian on says he picks up pieces for his artwork from “Garage sales, flea markets, metal recyclers, ebay, junk yards, the side of the road, and sometimes they just show up in my classroom (anonymous donations).”
Image credit: Boxheart
Exclusive saucy Scoops…..design boutique’s Friday Favourite 5 February, 2010
Posted by designboutiqueguru in design boutique blog.Tags: Blaue Blume Collection, ceramics, dessert bowl, Gifts for her, ice cream scoops, saucy presents, Tina Tsang, Undergrowth Design, Valentine gifts
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We are really excited to reveal this week’s Friday Favourite!
Image credit: Dessert Bowl by Tina Tsang of Undergrowth Design
Forget limp roses and cheap chocolates, this sexy little dessert bowl is sure to win hands down on the gifts front. It is made by Tina Tsang of Undergrowth Design – a favourite on the design boutique shopping pages.
We love the upside down doll design and the fab legs spoon. Use it to serve luscious ice-cream or even a chocolatey profiterole and you will have your other half begging for more!
Hand-crafted in the UK, as many of our snazzy design boutiquers, Tina’s pieces are highly collectible. They are not just for “the young” (as my Dad would say), but look equally at home nestling amongst the blue and white crockery of your Granny’s dresser.
Not only is it the coolest piece of crockery, but it can only be bought from mydeco during the month of February. Get shopping – we have a feeling these are going to be a saucy sell-out!
Exclusive: Why adventurer Ben Fogle loves interior design 5 February, 2010
Posted by Annie Deakin in Annie's blog.Tags: ben fogle, chinese, exotic, indian, oka
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Image credit: OKA
‘If I wasn’t a TV presenter, I would be an interior designer,’ Ben Fogle told me. Really? The same Fogle who rowed across the Atlantic and pounded on foot across the Antarctic? Apparently so. Fogle is a huge fan of mydeco.com describing it as ‘a wealth of ideas all in one place – it’s a huge collection of designs and great ideas. And you can create rooms virtually in 3D to avoid mistakes!’ Fogle is partnering with OKA to unveil their new Spring collection (including very ‘fresh’ gloss art deco voyage furniture) this week.
Image credit: OKA
Fogle has soft furnishings in his blood; His mother runs a Scandinavian antique business and his aunt runs Portobello Road’s The Cloth Shop selling super beautiful Swedish rag rugs and Navajo blankets.
His Notting Hill house is a shrine to his adventures to remote corners of the world; ‘I love design and eclectic styles from different eras and countries,’ says Fogle. ‘I don’t like conformity in design. I’m quite eclectic and OKA’s design range seems to work well with things you’ve inherited or found on wonderful holidays or travels. I usually pick up something either small or useful for my home that reflects my travels. My favourite place for shopping is Peru and Bolivia. I have a large collection of antique Ponchos which are incredible.’
Fogle often hosts parties in his kitchen; ‘My wife and I live in this light, spacious kitchen and we love sharing dinner with friends and family around the big table.’ What does he advise for hosting at home? ‘Be relaxed and fun with your décor. Prepare as much as possible in advance so that you can enjoy spending time with your guests when they arrive instead of setting the table or cooking.’
Fogle isn’t one for minimalism; ‘If my house was burning down, I would try to salvage my colourful Squint sofa and my elephant painting by Olly and Suzi.’
Fogle’s latest room design is the nursery for his baby son Ludo; ‘It is dominated by the most enormous felt map of the world with hundreds of Velcro animals and country names. Ludo will be able to track my adventures from his cot. I hope he likes maps.’
Check out Ben’s wish list from OKA:
1. Embroidered chicken napkins
2. Refectory Table & Benches
3. Isphahan Plates set of 4
4. Tripod lamp base
5. Pennant Cushion Cover
6. Large Wooden Trunk
Image credit: OKA
Slade and Heal’s celebrate 200 years 3 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: bicentenary, flagship, Heal's, pinhole, slade, tottenham court road, window
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Image credit: Heal’s
This week high street giant Heal’s hits an impressive 200 years old.
As part of the celebrations, eighteen students from UCL’s fine art school Slade will have their work exhibited in the windows of the chain’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road.
But these aren’t just any old window display collaborations: they are interactive, letting shoppers participate in a variety of artistic activities, and will either be sold to customers or given to the V&A after seven days.
Image credit: Heal’s
So, if you want tomorrow’s artists to take your portrait with a vintage pinhole camera, paint a growing forest on the window panes or even – yes, it is actually true – catch your breath for you, you had better get a move on.
Fancy a go on the Hef? 3 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: bryan batt, hugh hefner, love seat, mad men, playboy, retro, the hef
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Image credit: luxist.com
According to luxist.com, an exclusive loveseat has been designed to commemorate 50 debauched years of Playboy clubs.
The chair is named “The Hef” after perma-tanned silver fox Hugh Hefner, Playboy founder and fantasy of many a desperate housewife.
It was apparently based on a 1960s photo taken at the Hef’s famous mansion, and designed by Mad Men actor Bryan Batt. Very retro.
Hefner mused, “The loveseat brings back memories of the early 1960s, a time when Playboy solidified its place in American culture, in part with the introduction of the Playboy Clubs.”
Only 50 love seats have been crafted, so this really is super exclusive.
And while I am I no doubt that it would be oh so thrilling to perch seductively atop a “Hef”, whether you want one in your precious home is another matter altogether.
Seymour Powell and Samsung design luxury airship: totally ridiculous or the future of travel? 3 February, 2010
Posted by CandidaB in Candida's blog.Tags: airship, chitty chitty bang bang, hotel, Korean, London, New York, samsung, seymour powell, superman
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Calling all fans of futuristic travel: if you’ve got time on your hands, and a place to get to, forget nineties planes and naff cruises – it’s time to hop on board the airship.
Image credit: design week
According to design week, renowned design company Seymour Powell have teamed up with technology giants Samsung to create an ultra-modern luxury airship – unsurprisingly, this is a hybrid between a boat and a plane. And no, it’s not Superman or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Seymour Powell design director Nick talbot says, ‘We looked at creating something that would look like a skyscraper when docked, and then magically lift into the sky.’
Apparently, the ambitious structure will be lifted by bags containing 330 000m3 of hydrogen gas. It will weigh about as much as an empty jumbo jet. But if you thought Upper Class was a treat and a half get ready for this: the airship will contain a hotel with a penthouse, four duplex apartments and five smaller ones.
Like what you hear? Get saving. The downside – and I reckon it is quite a big one – is that it will take a tedious 37 hours to get from New York to London. But with a hotel on board maybe you would never even notice…
What do you think? Is this the most exciting development since Virgin Galactic, or just plain ridiculous?
