Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Headboard 8 October, 2009
Posted by katykimbell in Editors' blog.Tags: bedroom, Cancer Research, Furniture Village, headboard
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Make a style statement in your bedroom and head down to Furniture Village to snap up a Swarovski studded, fuchsia pink headboard.
Image credit: Furniture Village
The Crystal headboard was created to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness with10% of every sale going to the charity. Now you can be glamorous and charitable!
But hurry, this diva-licous headboard will only be available this October. Furniture Village hopes that this limited-edition product will ‘provide cheer on the greyest of October mornings.’
Monday’s news – Cheeky baths in the bedroom, Vivienne Westwood Wallpaper and a divine new chair from Vitra 28 September, 2009
Posted by katykimbell in Daily news.Tags: bathroom, bedroom, fashion, French design, Morocco, philippe starck, vegetal chair, vivienne westwood
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Good morning all, and welcome to the joys of Monday. I hope you’re feeling refreshed after the gorgeous autumnal weekend, and are now ready to tackle the week head-on. Over the last couple of days, London has been moving and shaking to the latest beats in the design world. For more scoop on the ups, downs, ins and outs of London Design week, keep checking our blog.
In the meantime, you can get an immediate fix, with our daily update of the latest news and gossip from the design world.
Image credit: The Times
Who says you need to have a separate room when it comes to soaking in a scented tub of bubbles? Mark Macauley, a documentary-maker from London, chose not to follow the general protocol when it comes to room distribution and opted for a deluxe bed/bathroom. Macauley took inspiration from designer hotels that have been playing with this unusual concept, and splashed out on a handmade £5,200 copper-clad bath that takes centre stage in the master bedroom. Does the concept really work outside a hotel? Read on and find out.
The Times – High tech glass will transform the way we live
The Telegraph – All aboard the Marrakesh Express
The curious blend of Arabic culture and modern style has led Marrakesh to become the bohemian playground of the rich and famous. But getting your hands on a divine Moroccan property may not be off the limits. Thanks to a sudden fall in prices, there are rich pickings to be had for the savvy investor.
Image credit: The Telegraph
There aren’t many fashion lovers out there who won’t admit to having a penchant for the gothic flair of Vivienne Westwood. And now, the grande dame of anarchic fashion, has designed a wallpaper collection for Cole & Son. Its 12 patterns are based on prints and weaves from the Westwood fashion collections. The two figures in the image above don the Dogtooth and Cut-Out-Lace motifs. Now it’s not just the corset, platforms and bag that we’re after…it’s the wallpaper too!
The Telegraph- Elle MacPherson finally sells her house!
The Daily Mail – Teal Appeal, the latest colour for Autumn
NYTimes – The French contemporary design scene is alive and well
AA Gill may have ripped Philippe Stark to pieces in The Sunday Times yesterday, but I’m quite the fan of the sexy Gallic designer. In recognition of all things French, The New York Times is celebrating contemporary French design and has picked out three top show-rooms to keep an eye out for.
Image credit: Vitra
It’s always fun to keep a look out for new products, and I simply love Vitra’s new Vegetal chair. The chair was inspired by shapes from the world of vegetation. The plant-like structure and the choice of six beautiful colours make this chair a contender for a future design classic.
Design Week -British legend Paul Smith is awarded medal at London Design week
Design Week -Tom Dixon says British design needs more focus
Design Week – Pearlfisher brands new energy drink
That’s all for now folk’s, but see you tomorrow for the next instalment.
Friday’s news: Grafitti porcelain, stylish salvaging and a real life house of cards 18 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: banksy, bathroom, bedroom, chairs, furniture, London Design Festival, tableware, tate modern, V&A
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Hands up who’s glad it’s Friday? Me too. And as an end of week treat I decided to settle down with a latte and a lemon muffin and lose myself in some lovely design and interior news for an hour. Bliss. Here are the latest snippets you really should hear about…
The Telegraph: Take a pew at the V&A
Image credit: The Telegraph
It’s all go at the V&A for London Design Festival. There’s fairy tale exhibition ‘All the better to see you with, my dear’, as well as ‘In Praise of Shadows’ – an exhibition by a dozen European designers exploring the potential of low-energy lighting. My top pick though is this impressive installation by Wallpaper* magazine, which echoes the chair arch built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s visit to High Wycombe in 1877. The installation was designed by Martino Gamper (of 100 chairs in 100 days fame) with chairs provided by Ercol. Totally beautiful and a great modern contrast to the museum’s 19th century architecture.
The Telegraph: Norway shines at London Design Festival
The Times: The Tate Modern is getting bigger – hurrah!
And on the subject of all things cultural, I spied some very exciting news today. Tate Galleries have announced that the Tate Modern is getting a £215million extension. Let the Sunday morning museum mooching commence!
The Times: Credit crunch designers become modern artisans
The Times: Check out London’s top design hotels
Moco Loco: Invite Banksy to tea with graffiti tableware
Image credit: Moco Loco
I am totally intrigued by this All City Tableware. An update on the family porcelain by Cabracega, Rita Gonzalez and Ricardo Vasconcelos, this traditional Portuguese porcelain dinner set has been given a contemporary twist with the urban language of graffiti motifs. It’s very brave, and the combination of such divergent styles almost doesn’t work. But somehow, it does. I’ve just added another piece to my fantasy homeware list: a Bansky-emblazoned teapot.
The Guardian: Beautiful orchard exhibition by Edwina Bridgeman
Trendir: Luxurious leather walls
Dornob: Upcycled furniture is the most stylish way to salvage
Image credit: Dornob
Designer and craftsman Rupert Blanchard only uses recycled and salvaged materials in his furniture, and with beautiful results. Combining elements from different eras, his designs manage to look simultaneously vintage, retro and totally timeless. Each section of the designs jostles to tell its story through chipped paint or scuffed varnish, but the clean lines and elegant compositions provide a sense of unity.
Dornob: Get pulled in by magnetic curtains
Modern Architecture and Design news: Chic social housing in the city of light
The Daily Mail: Welsh holiday resort on the crest of a new wave
The Daily Mail: You’ll never lose your room key in this hotel!
Image credit: The Daily Mail
And here’s something to send you off to the weekend with a smile. Holiday Inn’s Key Card Hotel, which opened yesterday in New York, includes a guest bedroom, bathroom and lobby made out of key cards. Each room is fully equipped with life-sized furniture, made out of, yes, you guessed it…
The 400 sq ft, two-ton construction in Manhattan will be in business until September 21 and was built by world record-holding ‘card-stacker’ Bryan Berg. Not the most stylish place to sojourn, but certainly an interesting feat of quirky design. If you’re heading to New York to spy on Carrie and co as they film their sequel, head down and check it out.
Have a great weekend…
1930s style glamour 11 September, 2009
Posted by vickyharrison in Editors' blog.Tags: 1930s, bathroom, bedroom, glamour, image gallery, living room, romantic
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If you are a fan of 1930’s style then you’ll love these new images from BHS. The soft gold, cream and silver colour palette is romantic without being too over-the-top and the mirrored furniture and sparkling chandeliers keep the scheme feeling light and fresh.
I love the idea of hanging a chandelier over a roll-top bath for real glamour. See our room gallery for more bathroom inspiration.
For more inspiration see all romantic room schemes in our image gallery.
Spending the night in Ben de Lisi’s apartment 10 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Editors' blog.Tags: bathroom, bedroom, ben de lisi, Ben de Lisi apartment, Ben de Lisi homeware collection, ceramics, Cushions, debenhams, garden, Grosvenor estates, hanging chair, Mayfair apartment, Park Lane apartment, retro
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Last night I was invited to snoop around the plush, Mayfair apartment that Ben de Lisi has re-modelled for Grosvenor estates.
Located just off Park Lane, the three-bedroom, 1,900 sq ft apartment has Ben de Lisi designed bathrooms and his own paintings and ceramics, as well other high-end pieces selected by the man himself. The swanky, champagne-filled launch party was last night, and I was more than happy to be amongst the throng.
Clutching my glass of welcome bubbly I head straight into a smart open plan kitchen. And am a little disappointed. The kitchen is immaculately finished and overlooks a cute private terrace, but the Ben de Lisi touch isn’t immediately apparent.
Sure, there are Tom Dixon pendant lights cutting an elegant silhouette over the table, and some striking ceramics in the acid brights that have characterised de Lisi’s Autumn/Winter collection. But for all the hype, I’d hoped for something more distinctive.
Heading to the living room, my hopes are realised. Glass tulip-shaped lights intertwine seductively on the walls, a Ben de Lisi designed, sleek, glass fireplace flickers quietly and a huge, retro, red leather pouffe invites me to lounge. Best of all is the back wall, which boasts a red and cream tree embroidered onto a chocolate brown backdrop. This is much more like it.
Down the open staircase, past the impressive stone feature wall (also de Lisi’s own design) are three bedrooms with gorgeous en-suite bathrooms – the largest a marvel in grey marble.
Of the three bedrooms, the master (above) is most definitely where de Lisi’s styling comes into its own. A second embroidered statement wall is the centrepiece of a boudoir that is all soft lights, squishy cushions and soothing hues. A hanging wicker egg chair dangles invitingly in one corner and french doors lead onto a private terrace with floor to sky mirrors. Bliss.
The two smaller bedrooms are less striking, although there are some funky cushions and plenty of interesting ceramics. But with the piles of stuff I hoard, I’m not sure that the storage space would quite cut it!
My tour over, I head to the huge shared garden at the rear of the apartment to share my verdict with the other guests as the evening draws in.
And what is my verdict? The apartment is perfect for those who are short of time and fat of wallet. Every room balances high-end with homely, and those where de Lisi’s influence is clear are gorgeous. But I can’t help thinking: with de Lisi’s new homeware collection now in Debenhams, who needs the man himself to recreate the look?
Colour confidence 21 August, 2009
Posted by hollybarder in Editors' blog.Tags: bathroom, bedroom, colour confidence, Curtain Up, Furniture 123, home office, living room, M%S, Wallpaper Direct
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If, like me, you want to inject some colour into your home, have a look at this pretty coral bedroom. The gorgeous colours and mix of classic and modern patterns and textures would make even beige devotees want to throw caution to the wind.
Image Credit: Curtain Up (left) and Wallpaper Direct (right)
It is one of many images on the mydeco image gallery where we have hundreds of home and interior room pics to inspire you.
Another favourite of mine is this pinky red living room (above right) with I-never-would-have-put-it-together-but-it-really-works turquoise bloom curtains. I love the mix of patterns, from the subtle print on the walls to the more statement curtains and cushions.
If you’re not quite ready to splash the colour full throttle, why not experiment in a smaller room? Perhaps somewhere you don’t spend as much time. This deep purple study (below left) is fabulous, or for a more tranquil shade, check out this soft blue bathroom (below right).
Image Credit: Furniture 123 (left) and M&S (right)
Lots of new images have been uploaded recently, and to say I’ve been inspired seems a bit of an understatement. Despite the fact I have yet to get a place of my own, I have now planned every room in the house.
Tempted by Yves Saint Laurent’s Tangier estate 18 August, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Editors' blog.Tags: bedroom, bedspread, celebrity, country, dining room, English country, lanterns, living room, marks and spencer, moroccan, Tangier, terrace, Yves Saint Laurent
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There aren’t many houses that I would leave my beloved flat for, but Yves Saint Laurent’s might just be the one.
Image credit: The Real Estalker
Following the death of the fashion legend last June, the Moroccan villa he shared with business partner Pierre Bergé is up for sale. And my word is it a beauty.
Nestled by the Kasbah and just 5 minutes from the town centre, the 9,700 square foot Villa Mabrouka boasts some pretty spectacular surroundings. If I did decide to up sticks to Tangier, I’d enjoy stunning views over the Straight of Gibralter. Not to mention 2 acres of gorgeous gardens created by Madison Cox, the landscape designer responsible for the New York Botanical Garden.
And that’s just the outside.
Wander through the Moorish style entry and you’ll find an inspired mish mash of classic Moroccan meets English country. The eclectic interior is the work of renowned interior designer Jacques Grange, a favourite of Princess Caroline of Monaco.
Get the look with Moroccan Lanterns from Crocus and a Country Rose Bedspread from Utopia Soft Furnishings.
In my potential new pad, white washed walls, tiled floors, vaulting ceilings and a mind bogglingly extensive terrace are just some of the traditional Moroccan perks I could enjoy. Other tempting features include a living room with 180-degree views of the sea, a dining room with bamboo walls and two master bedrooms with verandas. Oh, and a heated swimming pool carved out of the rock. Not too shabby.
In fact, I think I’m sold on the idea.
There’s just one snag in my plan to take over Villa Mabrouka: it’s listed as ‘price upon request’. Well, there’s no harm in a spot of speculative ‘requesting’ now is there?
David Hasselhoff stars in ‘Beige-watch’ 6 August, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Editors' blog.Tags: bed, bed linen, bedroom, celebrity, chesterfield leather sofa, David Hasselhoff, kitchen, kitsch, sofa
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Cult icon David Hasslehoff aka ‘The Hoff’ has done it all: donned the famous, red swimming trunks for his spell in Baywatch, battled the baddies in Knight Rider, had a video of his drunken antics go viral – he’s even had a musical made about his life. So when we heard that he was selling his estate in Encino, we couldn’t wait to have a look at how this larger than life character has decked out his home.
Image credit: The Real Estalker
Not so imaginatively it turns out. Sure, there’s a lot on offer for the $4,195,000 price tag – namely five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a screening room, a gym for maintaining that Baywatch six pack, a ‘gourmet kitchen’ (whatever that means) two guest houses, a tennis court, a pool, a spa and a 5 car garage – but if you choose to venture inside, expect beige meets white meets more beige. Hardly inspiring.
The kitchen (above) is pretty darn dull, with light brown tiled floor and honey coloured raised panel cabinetry topped by sand coloured granite counter tops. I’d overhaul it with some dark wood floors and contrasting statement cabinets in bright orange, as seen in the Moben Zebrano kitchen.
Cream walls, taupe carpets and marble effect floors invade the rest of the house with the exception of the “bonus room” (below) which has a built-in bar and a wall of gold, silver and platinum records from The Hoff’s tongue-in-cheek music career. Kitsch-tastic.
Image credit: The Real Estalker
It’s not all bad, though. The living room is light and airy with glossy hardwood floors and a beautiful, deep brown chesterfield sofa. And the master bedroom (above) does include a super-squishy suede sleigh bed not unlike the gorgeous Milano sleigh bed from Sleepland beds. We’d ditch the caramel sheets, though, and team it with Kelly Hoppen’s super-chic Chalk Stripe bed linen instead.
No need to feel too embarassed though, David – you’re not the only celeb opting for safe, muted hues. Alexander McQueen’s East London pad also houses a simple, unembellished interior – a surprising choice for the hooligan of British fashion. Check out Ellie’s blog post on the 31st July to have a good old nosey.
Sienna’s mad for Manhattan 6 August, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: art deco, bed linen, bedroom, boho, boho-chic, cocktail, dining room, eclectic, living room, Manhattan, mirror, Sienna Miller, turkish bath
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With her London townhouse on the market for £995,000 and her career in the US taking off with a role in this summer’s action hit GI Joe, it looks like Sienna Miller could be exiting the big smoke. Her destination? The Big Apple, baby.
Sienna’s estate agents are busily hunting for a luxury Manhattan pad to which she can permanently relocate whilst she stages an attack on Broadway. The boho beauty is looking for a three-bedroom apartment in the trendy Gramercy area, and was recently spotted viewing a luxurious 17-storey tower block. With a budget of £2 million to play with, we doubt she’ll have any trouble finding a new home to deck out in her eclectic style.
Or perhaps a new location will encourage Sienna to experiment with a sleeker look in her new Manhattan pad. My top picks for Sex and the City style would be Manhattan Heirloom bed linen from The Conran Shop – clean, crisp and minimal – teamed with an art deco mirror from Juliettes Interiors to add cocktail hour glam. Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out.
Take a sneak peak around Sienna’s London townhouse and steal her style with our ‘Buy The Look’ Guides, inspired by Sienna’s open plan dining room, sky-lit living room and underground Turkish bath.
Student housing gets a face lift 31 July, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Editors' blog.Tags: bed linen, bedroom, cereal bowls, duvet, Habitat, Hive Student Residences, London, luxury, Monsoon, roof gardens, student accommodation
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It wasn’t so many moons ago that I was standing, excited and expectant, holding the keys to my first student flat. On opening the door, however, my excitement quickly evaporated as I took in the dingy gloom of my new ‘home’. Luckily, things have moved on. If you’re heading off to University this Autumn, you have nothing to fear – student accommodation is all glitz and glam, these days.
Image credit: Hive Student Residences
To keep up with the ever-increasing expectations of today’s discerning students, a new wave of luxury flats are springing up across the country. Leading the way is Johhny Manns of Hive Student Residences, who has teamed up with Target Living’s interior designer Tara Bernerd to develop a set of super-stylish flats in London’s Hoxton and Bethnal Green.
Gone are the breeze block walls, mouldy curtains and bowing ceilings. In their place, the lucky inhabitants of Hive Student Residences can expect under-floor heating, flat screen TVs, landscaped courtyards and trendy, roof top gardens.
Image credit: Hive Student Residences
And if you end up somewhere a little less salubrious, we’ve got more good news: our sale section has everything you’ll need to glam up your digs without breaking the bank. My must-haves are the funky but functional cereal bowls from Habitat (down from £4 to 96p) and Monsoon’s delicately pretty Kimono Bed Linen Collection, down from £50 to £37.50.
If only I’d had mydeco back in the days when I was forced to sleep under my mum’s frumpy quilt and eat my cereal from a mug.
