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.
Sanderson: celebrating 150 years of English chintz 12 January, 2010
Posted by katiehodgkiss in Uncategorized.Tags: anniversary, art, chintz, exhibition, fabric, fashion, print, Sanderson, sculpture, shoes, textile, wallpaper
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A big anniversary demands recognition, and what better way could there be to celebrate than to collaborate? British wallpaper company Sanderson are commemorating 150 years with a sculpture by contemporary artist Nina Saunders and a collection of Sanderson shoes designed by Tracey Neuls. This fusion of art, fashion and decorating will appear in Neuls’ Marylebone shop in February - just in time for London Fashion Week.
Image credit: Sanderson
Both the shoes and the sculpture will employ reissued vintage Sanderson textiles from the company’s extensive archive. Nina’s art installation – set to follow the same ‘morphed’ theme as previous works using Sanderson fabric – will fit in nicely with the eclectic displays in Neuls’ store. ‘A collaboration that combines three completely different disciplines and generates contradictions like classic/ avant-garde, or heritage/ timeless is exactly what 29 Marylebone Lane is about’, says Neuls.
Image credit: Sanderson
If you prefer seeing chintz on your walls to wearing it on your feet, fear not – the Sanderson design team have also put together a special collection of 16 prints and wallpapers, featuring designs dating from the late nineteenth century to the 1970s.
Image credit: Sanderson
Finally, for those of you who love to learn, there will be a Sanderson exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum running from March until June. The best designs from Sanderson’s archive will be showcased alongside new collections, with prints to satisfy a plethora of tastes: from fifties festival designs and Pop patterns to contemporary decor.
Friday’s news: Breathing furniture, poignant photography and the property market hits a new low 6 November, 2009
Posted by katiehodgkiss in Daily news.Tags: architecture, beathable, Berlin, chair, ergonomic furnitue, exhibition, footballers, friday, mansion, photography, property market, underground property, wall
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Friday’s child is loving and giving, and so are the team here at mydeco! There were some great design stories to choose from today, but we’ve handpicked our favourites to keep you going until you flee the office at five. Enjoy!
mydeco’s pick of the top three news stories:
1. Design Milk: Breathing Chair Made Out of Foam
Image credit: Design Milk
Who says that comfort automatically means a sacrifice in style? Well this chair doesn’t exactly do much to disprove the theory. Created bu Taiwanese designer Yu-Ying Wu, who wanted a seat that would help ease the problems she has with her knees, the square block turns into an armchair when you sit on it. Do the ergonomic benefits override the fact that it looks like a giant block of swiss cheese? You decide.
2. Cool Hunting: Kelly Gorham: The Stones Have Memories
Image credit: Cool Hunting
Berlin still bears much of the architectural scarring that resulted from WWII, and Kelly Gorham captures this perfectly in her latest photographic exhibition, The Stones Have Memories. Monday will mark the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, but many structural symbols of the society it created still exist. The resonant emotion in such architecture is allowed to speak for itself in Gorham’s photos – they really are worth a look.
3, Daily Mail: Unveiled: The luxurious £2m underground mansion designed to keep away prying eyes
Image Credit: Daily Mail
Although this underground nirvana is still only in the planning stages, several footballers are already believed to be engaging in estate warfare to get their hands on the property. Personally, I hope Wayne Rooney gets it. No offence Coleen, but I don’t want to see any tabloid pictures of Wayne in his undies.
The best of the rest:
Daily Mail: Can you dig it? If you want more space, it’s time to go underground
The Telegraph: Trevor Eve and Sharon Maughan’s Belgravia restoration
The Telegraph: Is the property market recovering?
The Telegraph: Design notebook by David Nicholls
Design Week: Wallpaper designs by Damien Hirst
Dexigner: 2010 Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition
Interior Design: New product: Hammered Bowls
That’s your lot for today everyone, so it’s goodbye until Monday from the daily news blog, I hope you don’t miss us too much!
The history of Interior Design – free! 26 October, 2009
Posted by kiadesigns in mydeco guest blogger.Tags: design, Eco, exhibition, furniture, interior design, news
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The Geffrye museum is a hidden gem in London’s East End: if you have a passion for Interior Design it is simply a must … The museum takes you on a journey stopping off at various points throughout the past 400 years of Interior Design – one visit to the Geffrye museum will allow you to stand back and watch how Interior Design has grown and evolved from the 1600s parlour to the modern open plan living spaces of the 20th Century!
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
What’s on right now?
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
Eco Home (Tuesday 13 October 2009 – Sunday 7 February 2010) is a fantastic exhibition that highlights some of the most wonderful eco-friendly designs currently available. Such items range from new floorings to fabric made from milk fibres (with ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ as its mantra) – it truly is a must see for anyone looking to revamp their home whilst simultaneously aiding the environment. On the theme of environment I decided to take the bus to the museum – although it wasn’t the hardest decision seeing as I do not drive…
Image credit: The Geffrye Museum
So, what did I get out of my visit? I left with the sense that everything in life is in transit – what was ‘in’ in 1960 was considered hideous in 1990 and is considered retro and daring today. Therefore, my visit consolidated my pre-existing idea that design must be daring – if you see it and you like it, go for it and, if you keep it for long enough, it will eventually draw a compliment!
Also worth mentioning for the mothers and fathers amongst you, the Geffrye is extremely child friendly with a wonderful cafe and a specially designed children’s area ideal for any budding interior designers! The shop has very cute selection of ceramics, books, postcards and even a ‘learn to weave’ kit for the kids – definitely something to keep them busy over the half term!
Address: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA
Tel No: 020 7739 9893 Web: www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mons 12noon – 5pm
Travel: Buses: 149, 242, 243, 67 or 394
Tube: Liverpool St, then bus 149 or 242/Old St (exit 2), then bus 243
Designer’s Market 13 October, 2009
Posted by Nicola Wilkes in mydeco guest blogger.Tags: community, design, designers, exhibition, new designers, news, style, Trends
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Image credit: Wonder Culture Events, 2009
Having blogged over the last few weeks about the launch of the 5th Cardiff Design Festival taking place in the Welsh capital this October, I thought it only right and fair that I follow suit this week with the low down on one such event that drew the crowds in this weekend…
…Saturday and Sunday saw the turn of Wonder Culture’s ‘Designer’s Market’ on this month’s ‘Design Trail’ (think Mini Milan) – a vibrant, farmer’s market style shopping showcase (but for interiors and gifts obviously!) with various Welsh brands selling everything from vintage clothing to Welsh themed crockery – staged in the newly refurbished and oh so fashionable, Chapter Art Centre in the heart of Cardiff city centre.
Image credit: Wonder Culture Events, 2009
Apart from the fact that Wales at Home had their very first ’stand’ at the event, we had plenty of time for some serious retail therapy of the most relaxing kind…ambling from stall to stall with a cup of coffee in hand, browsing and chatting to our favourite Welsh designers.
And my hot picks?
1. Welsh themed crockery courtesy of Keith Brymer Jones from Bodlon – if you ever need a stylish and personal gift to say ‘thanks’ to a generous host (I love the Brecon Gin hamper), or simply want to say ‘thinking of you’ to a special friend (who wouldn’t be touched by a pack of heart shaped Welsh cakes and stylish mug?) – then this is always my first port of call (see website for prices);
Image credit: Wonder Culture Events, 2009
2. Hand-printed tea towels from Peris & Corr add a quirky touch to any kitchen, £9;
Image credit: Wonder Culture Events, 2009
3. Limited edition cushions from Nomad & Nest, £45, and handy leather shoppers;
4. Vintage style, fabric covered from By Kirsty (a visit to her city centre studio where she is known for holding rather popular ‘micro beer festivals’ also adds to her appeal’;
Image credit: By Kirsty, 2009
5. Tactile alternatives to the ever growing trend for wall decals in the form of felted butterflies and flowers from Rachel Horrocks;
6. Mode provided plenty of ideas for essential Christmas presents with their Big Hand coat hook, £22, and Fridge Monkey,£4, (yes, I know it’s early but who could resist?);
7. And a ‘oh so pretty’ illustrated tea cup tea towel for £5 from Eak Design naturally found it’s way home with me!
Image credit: Eak Design, 2009
A full house for Shelter’s House of Cards exhibition 29 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Uncategorized.Tags: exhibition, House of cards, Shelter
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Last week, Ellie and I were invited to The Haunch of Venison Gallery for the exclusive launch party of Shelter’s House of Cards exhibition. Read all about the exhibition in Annie’s blog: Playing a designer deck of cards.
Once we’d made it past the hordes of cameras poised to pap Henry Holland and best bud Agyness Dean, we headed into the small but perfectly formed exhibition space to have a gander. The place was absolutely packed, but we managed to make our way around every piece and were stunned by the diversity of the designs.
Image credit: Marc Quinn and Damien Hirst
From photographs to Pop Art paintings, mosaics to displays of taxidermy, pillows to dresses – every artist seemed to have chosen a different medium with which to represent their card.
One of my favourites was Marc Quinn’s psychadelic Joker design (above left), which was created with acrylic and pencil on pigment print. I love its brash use of colour and its exhileratingly unnerving subject. Very cool.
Another top pick was Damien Hirst’s Ace of Hearts design (above right). The huge, red, sparkling heart was made from diamond dust and sits sparkling on a silkscreen print background. The dust has been rubbed away in places to reveal the beautiful and intricate printed butterflies. A surprisingly pretty design from art’s most notorious Turner Prize winner.
Image credit: Ella Doran
Our very own Design boutiquer Ella Doran had created a gorgeous Three of Diamonds silk pillow (above), which was attracting plenty of admiring glances and, as we predicted, Henry Holland’s Three of Diamonds was a dress. We searched high and low for it in the exhibtion, only to be told that it was wandering around the gallery on the slinky body of a model! Luckily, we spotted her later as Shelter’s Chief Exec took to the stage to speak about the campaign.
My prize for the quirkiest design has to go to artist and taxidermist Polly Morgan. Her Ten of Hearts design consisted of ten baby quails sticking out of the side of a large pill bottle, each with a tiny heart-emblazoned pill in its beak. Not quite to my taste, but definitely a talking point!
The rest of our evening was spent supping champagne, scribbling down the details of our favourite designs and, of course, trying to spot Henry Holland and Agyness Dean. We had absolutely no luck with the latter, but we certainly had a great time checking out the designs.
Tuesday’s news: Unmissable Anish Kapoor pieces, on-trend shelving and a new home for the London Design Museum 22 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Daily news.Tags: Anish Kapoor, art, bathroom, exhibition, London Design Museum, property, Shelves
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After a late night spent at Heal’s 200th birthday party (more on that later today) what could be better for my sleepy head than a relaxing dip into today’s design and property news. Here’s what I found on today’s hunt…
The Guardian: London Design Museum gets a new home
Image credit: The Guardian
As lovers of the London Design Museum will know, its current home on the Thames enjoys beautiful views and the modernist-style building itself is striking. But it is a little pokey. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear then, that Kensington and Chelsea council’s planning committee has approved plans for the museum to take over the former Commonwealth Institute building on Kensington High Street. The new site is will offer three times more space and the opportunity to get the museum’s permanent collection out of storage and on display. And it’s just down the road from mydeco HQ – lunch time culture hit anyone?
The Guardian: Norman Foster to build on the moon
The Telegraph: Dartmoor property has moor appeal
The Telegraph: Witness sculptural genius this weekend
Image credit: Telegraph.co.uk
This Saturday, the long-awaited Anish Kapoor exhibition opens at the Royal Academy. Kapoor has become one of the most influential and pioneering sculptors of our time and the exhibition consists of a series of his signature works. Highlights include pigment works, stainless steel reflective sculptures and a major sculpture in the Annenberg Courtyard. Not to be missed.
Trendir: Sleek and sustainable bathroom fittings
Hooked on Houses: The narrowest house in NYC
Think you’re short of space? Check out this teeny tiny townhouse in Greenwich Village. It was built in 1873 in what was once just an alley and has a living space that’s just 8 1/2 feet wide and 42 feet long. Somehow, I think its owner might be in need of advice from our storage experts!
Homes and Property: Soho’s sexy new homes
Moco Loco: Get back to nature with the Ivy chair
Moco Loco: We love these new shelves
Image credit: Moco Loco
This awesome wire shelves by Viable London will be showcased at 100% Design London this week. Made from powder-coated, bright yellow, steel brackets and simple wooden shelves, they’re the perfect example of the ‘raw materials and glossy brights’ trend that Jenna, our resident style guru, has spotted emerging.
Right, I’m off to chat to jazz singer Mica Paris about her home style – look out for the interview in our style magazine and have a happy Tuesday!
Must-see design dates for your diary 9 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Uncategorized.Tags: Design diary, exhibition, furniture show, London Craft Fair, London Design Festival, Open House London 2009, tent london, The Tournament
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There aren’t many design exhibitions, furniture shows or collection launches that we don’t manage to wangle a ticket to – honestly, the things we do in the name of trend spotting and sneak peek sharing.
But what you might not know is that we also spend most of our free time checking out all things design. That’s right, even off the clock we eat, sleep and dream interiors.
Image credit: Origin: The London Craft Fair
As part of this borderline unhealthy obsession, I’ve been donning my design detective cap to find the hottest events of the coming months. Just call me Style-Sherlock.
You can check out the full must-see list in our Design Diary, but here are the three queues I’d be happy to fight my way to the front of (I’ve spent the Summer perfecting my barging).
First up is London Design Festival, an action–packed week of over 200 exhibitions, trade shows, installations, talks, seminars, private views and parties. The festival runs from 19-27 September and has so much to offer that I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite. But I will say that my barging expertise will most definitely come in handy when I head down to The Tournament – a giant interactive chess set inspired by iconic London buildings.
Based in Trafalgar square, The Tournament is the centre piece of this year’s London Design Festival. The ceramic pieces have been handcrafted by Spanish designer, Jaime Hayón, and are moved across the glass mosaic chess board by The Tournament Team. I’ll be watching with bated breath as contestants from the British Chess Federation and members of the public battle it out to become The Tournament champion.
My number two spot is held by Open House London – the snooping Londoner’s choice.
On the 19th and 20th of September 700 buildings of every conceivable type, shape and size will open their doors to the curious public, totally free of charge.
With so much to see, I’ve got a tight schedule planned and have had my trusty Converse high tops newly re-soled for some serious pavement pounding. I’m most excited about exploring Trellick Tower, Tennis Court Lane and Hampstead Garden Suburb’s artisan quarter. Nosey parkers unite!
My third place rosette goes to Origin: The London Craft Fair, which kicks off on the 6th October at London’s Somerset House.
Set in the gorgeous Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court in a specially designed pavilion, Origin showcases contemporary craft from 300 established and emerging makers. Glass, ceramics (above), jewellery, furniture, basketry and textiles. You name it, it will all be nestled under that pavillion roof.
You could buy or commission a one-off piece, chat with the designers or learn about contemporary basketry in Crafting Space, an interactive area in the heart of the fair. For anybody with a love of crafts (I’m a dab hand with a glue gun, you know) this is sure to beat off the Autumn gloom.
Right, I’m off to the launch party of Ben de Lisi’s new range of furnished apartments. I know, I know – it’s a tough life. But I’ll be sure to report back!
Ella Doran’s London Design Festival plans 4 September, 2009
Posted by lucindamydeco in Uncategorized.Tags: Alexander McQueen, auction, damien hirst, david bailey, designer, Ella Doran, exhibition, fashion designer, Henry Holland, House of cards, London Design Festival, pillows, placemats, Rankin, Shelter, There's no place like home, vivienne westwood
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A couple of days ago I caught up with surface designer extraordinaire Ella Doran, to find out what she’s up to during the London Design Festival.
Quite a lot it turns out. And what’s more, it’s all for a good cause.
Image credit: Ella Doran
As part of their House of Cards campaign (which aims to raise awareness about the UK housing crisis) Shelter have organised a super-cool exhibition of work by artists, designers and architects – and Ella is one of the big names.
‘[Homelessness] is such a poignant cause, and so now’, Ella told me. ‘And it’s all the more humbling because it is happening during London Design Festival, the week when we celebrate design, houses and the interior. I think it should act as a rain check [for the industry]. It’s great that we are able to produce beautiful designs, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of others.’ Well said.
And this isn’t any ordinary exhibition, either. Oh no. The folks at Shelter have done something a little different. To fit with their theme, they’ve invited contributors to create works of art based on different cards from the pack. Ella’s 3 of Diamonds pillow (above) is based on the ‘concept of having shelter and somewhere to rest your head’.
Other famous creatives getting involved include Damien Hirst, Alexander McQueen, Rankin, Vivienne Westwood, David Bailey, Sophie Conran and Sir Terence Conran and Henry Holland.
Quite an impressive line-up, wouldn’t you say? And guess who has the inside track on whose creating what?
A little birdie told me yesterday that Henry Holland has designed the Four of Diamonds as a dress, Sophie Conran has represented the Four of Spades using hand pressed paper with pressed leaves, and Sir Terence Conran has created the Ten of Spades as a self-portrait.
The full deck will be on display from the 24-28 September at the Haunch of Venison Gallery. Get down there and check it out.
Image credit: Martin Parr and Magnum (left) and Peter-McDonald (right)
But that’s not all that Ella is getting up to with Shelter. She has also invited numerous designers, artists and illustrators to design placemats for her aptly named ‘There’s no place like home‘ exhibition and auction. The exhibition will be held at her shop in Chesire street from 19 September – 3 October and launches with a tea party!
When I spoke to Ella, she was getting rather exctied about the imminent event: ‘It’s definitely going to have the wow factor. We’ve got so many artists contributing designs we’ve gutted our small shop to fit them all in! We want the way we exhibit the work to be as impressive as the pieces themselves’. She also revealed that her favourite designs from the collection are by Martin Parr and Peter McDonald (above).
Ella’s own photographic placemats are just as beautiful. My favourite are the Sunlight Through Leaves set – firmly on my wish list.
A silent auction will be held throughout the exhibition to sell the placemats, and all proceeds will go to Shelter. Why not head down and place a bid? Purchases that contribute to charity are fully justifiable in my eyes!
Three cheers for Shelter, Ella and art with heart.
Exclusive: Tent London tickets with mydeco 3 September, 2009
Posted by eleanorjoslin in Ellie's blog.Tags: 2 for 1, competition, design, exhibition, London Design Festival, show, tent london, tickets
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2oo9 Design Class Competition winner and Tent London exhibitor, Omri Barzeev (inset) and his design, Zaza.
When you want to be at the fore of great design, mydeco is here to offer a helping hand – or a ticket or two. Being design-geeks, you’ll know that the excitement of the London Design Festival is upon us and that Tent London is renowned for being the most design-diverse and comprehensive exhibition there. And as well as all the emerging and established design talent from across the globe, Tent London will include ten winners from the 2009 Design Class Competition held earlier this year.
Join the winners with exclusive 2 for 1 Tent London tickets on offer from mydeco. This amazing offer is valid for adults, students and children so why not make a day of it with the whole family?
You’ll need to book online at www.tentlondon.co.uk before midnight on the 18 September 2009 and quote the reference code ‘MYDECO09’ when they ask.
And below is all the info you’ll need for a day of exciting design at Tent London:
Tent London will take place from 24‐27 September 2009, at the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL.
Opening times:
Thursday 24 September: 10.00 – 20.00hrs
Friday 25 September: 10.00 – 20.00hrs
Saturday 26 September: 10.00 – 20.00hrs
Sunday 27 September: 11.00 – 17.00hrs
Ticket prices:
Public & students: Admission fee – £7.50 in advance / £10.00 on the door.
Children: Under 16 – £5.00; Under 5 – FREE
See you there!
