Journal
The most important thing for me about design is its capacity to make people’s lives better. This can be something really little, like well-designed hangers that your clothes don’t fall off. And that’s important – it’s all the little things...
Journal
I’m a big fan of design walks, and often spend a leisurely afternoon following one of the walks in Max Fraser’s London Design Guide. I find, that once you’ve decided you’re on a ‘design walk’ and seeking inspiration, you find it in all...
London
The Royal Festival Hall has always been one of my favourite spaces in London. When I first moved to London and hardly knew a soul, I would often wander along the Southbank and find myself there. But it was only much later, when I learnt more...
Journal
iBride launched the Visconti Family Tree at Maison & Objet on 20th January. Ostensibly a collection of tea trays, when viewed collectively they form a feline family tree. Each tray features a sphynx cat in posed for a portrait in his or her...
Interiors
From a series of plates that, when arranged correctly, make up a human skeleton (titled ‘supermodel’), to anatomically correct bone china hearts with gold plated valves; what makes The New English different smacks you right between the eyes....
Journal
One of my favourite London landmarks has to be Battersea Power Station. I have been lucky enough to get a look up-close and inside this incredible monument and to attend a lecture from the 20th Century Society about its history, so I thought I’d...
Journal
Woop. What better word to start the New Year with. A sheer expression of joy. And what more appropriate name for a design studio who came together over a shared love of collective nouns – that’s off the scale on my geekometer!...
Journal
The Westcountry is an inspirational place. Whether it’s the light, the air, or the water, there is definitely something in the South West corner of our fair isle that fires the creative spirit. And Young & Norgate, a small group of designers...
Journal
There are a special breed of people who fascinate and inspire me in equal measure. People who are never satisfied with ‘good enough.’ People whose first move on finding success, is to help others find the same. People to whom a lack of resource...
London
The Farmiloe Building was my last port of call during this year’s London Design Festival. I was there to see Designersblock; my third design show of the day, fifth show of the weekend, on the last day of an exhausting, exhilarating nine-day...
Journal
Sometimes you see something so absolutely the opposite of your usual style that it stops you in your tracks and makes you smile. And perhaps even makes you question what you thought you liked. I am a minimalist and a modernist, I like calm; I...
New York
Who looks at a decrepit freight railway line, dating from the 1930s, disused since the 1980s, and sees a park in the sky? In 1999, with only one precedent worldwide (the Promenade Plantée in Paris) Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded the...
Dispatches
With works spanning the design of buildings, landscapes, installations, exhibitions and objects, the projects of Asif Khan MBE explore sites of complex narratives, community empowerment and questions of identity. Collaborating with Canada Water and...
City Notes
Inspired by the golden age of nightlife, Calgary's Sweet Loretta Bar nods to the throbbing energy of 1970s discos and vintage sound studios, the late-night venue situated in the city's design and arts district and offering an inclusive space for...
City Notes
Located within Newson’s Yard — a recently conceived design hub on the Pimlico Road in London’s Belgravia — Wildflowers is a new neighbourhood restaurant, wine bar and deli with a focus on seasonal, high-quality ingredients cooked over...
City Notes
Chef Santiago Lastra's latest venture sees London-based A-nrd Studio create a metaphorical home-away-from-home, where the locally inspired fare and affable atmosphere of family-owned Mexican restaurants unite with a contemporary twist informed by...
Dispatches
You said yes, and now it's time to celebrate. But how best to honour this extra-special occasion? With an awesome party of course. Your friends and family will just want to pass on their love and best wishes, so the details are up to you – and...
Dispatches
Whenever you are looking to book a holiday, you’ll end up considering lots of different destinations across the globe before settling on one. The ideal holiday spot will cater to every traveller in your group, whilst being affordable too....
Dispatches
In recent years, the demand for car trailers in the USA has seen a significant increase, driven by both personal and business needs. Whether you need to transport a vehicle for a cross-country move, bring your car to a race, or simply need a trailer...
Dispatches
Picture a master chess player. You won't be catching them moving pieces randomly, hoping for the best outcome. They will have a plan and usually think five steps ahead. Some people think success is about big ideas, and others say the devil is in the...