Design | Articles & Guides

Visiting Ibiza This Summer? This Iconic Hotel Is Looking Chicer Than Ever

Felicity Carter — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:44:22 +0000

For all of those heading to Ibiza this summer, the Experimental Group has reopened its storied five-star hotel, Montesol Experimental following an extensive renovation. Frequented by everyone from the boheme to the celebrity set from the 1950’s onwards, it was a hotspot for the likes of Pink Floyd and Orson Welles. And now, thanks to its recent renovation across the 30 bedrooms and three suites, guests can lounge in lounge in luxury taking in the Ibizan sun once again.

A Renovated Hotel Icon: Montesol Experimental Ibiza

As expected, the design takes inspiration from the bohemian spirit of the White Isle and was overseen by the acclaimed group collaborator and designer Dorothee Meilichzon. Inside the Neo-Colonial building, which dates to as 1933, is a palette of cool and tranquil colours that are set against playful patterns and fringing.

‘After renovating the restaurant Sabbaba and rooftop in 2021, we have renovated the rooms of this mythical hotel of Ibiza, the first opened on the island. The neo-colonial building from 1933 is made of columns, pediments and arches, painted in pale yellow and white. The colour palette we have developed for the interior design uses the pale yellow of the outside, but according to the Ayurvedic principles, we tried cooling, calming colours inside the hotel to counterbalance heat outside. Solar colours in common areas, lunar colours in rooms, favouring the colours of white, blue, grey, light green and pastel hues,’ says Dorothee Meilichzon

There’s a nod to the cosmos too, with moon carvings, brass suns, celestial greys, light greens and pastel hues. These have been studded with design features and further textures, such as masks that have been crafted by Anna Alexandra in Mallorca, oh-so-cool Playdough Stools by Diego Faibre, and shell textures within the walls – carefully made by hand-pressing shells into the lime to shape, one by one, to reflect the hotel’s proximity to the sea.

Playful elements continue, cue the bedroom wardrobe, where doors close as if they were jigsaw puzzle pieces, and they’re finished with a high shine lacquer. The bathroom vanities made from Lava in France feature large mirrors in walnut and lacquer above, and these are against the another design highlight in the form of the tiles; using traditional Zelliges to cover the niches of the mini bar in shades of orange, brown and off white for that relaxed sun soaked vibe.

BOOK IT: Room rates start at £245, B&B. montesolexperimental.com

Images courtesy of Experimental Group / Karel Balas.

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20 Gender Neutral Fashion Brands To Know & Love In 2023

CTH Editors — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:10:52 +0000

With fashion being one of the most creative forms of self-expression, it is somewhat surprising that so many brands categorise their clothes into two genders. As the voices of those who do not identify as strictly male or female are slowly being heard, more brands are designing gender neutral collections to suit all.

With that in mind, we bring you our favourite gender neutral fashion brands, so that if you find yourself wanting more than the average female/male fashion offering, you’ve got it…

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Gender Neutral Brands To Know & Love

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1. Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey is a fashion powerhouse for today’s global LGBTQ+ community, creating designs that have helped shape the queer clubbing scene. The designer, whose garments have been worn by the likes of Harry Styles, Tilda Swinton and BTS, set up his label Charles Jeffrey Loverboy in 2015 following his graduation from London’s Central St Martins. Expect fun and colourful designs that will make you stand out from the crowd (subtlety is overrated here), with styles inspired by the 70s punk and 80s glamrock movements.

charlesjeffreyloverboy.com

2. YUK FUN

Gender neutral, but make it sustainable. That’s the goal for UK fashion brand YUK FUN, which was founded in 2014 by design duo Lucy Cheung and Patrick Gildersleeves. Created for those with a love of all things fun and colourful, the brand makes its garments in small batches and regularly collaborates with artists on new designs. Dungarees are made to order by small, Brighton-based brand The Emperor’s Old Clothes, who hand screen print designs onto the fabric. Each pair has been created from either 100 percent organic cotton or deadstock fabric, and printed with eco-friendly water based inks created by YUK FUN.

yukfun.shop

3. Harris Reed

Known as the designer who made a dress for Harry Styles in less than a week for the cover of Vogue, Harris Reed is the celebrities choice for gender-fluid fashion. You’ll start seeing his iconic ultra-wide brimmed hats (worn by Emma Corrin at The Brit Awards), and pussy-bow blouses (worn by Adele in her music video, Oh My God) everywhere.

harrisreed.com

4. Daniel w. Fletcher

In an interview with Vogue, British designer Daniel w. Fletcher highlighted: ‘My beliefs are still the same — a shirt is a shirt and a pair of trousers is a pair of trousers — to be worn by anyone.’ Having showcased many of his collections at London Fashion Week, the designer is keen to blur the boundaries between traditional men’s and women’s clothing. Think strong, streamlined silhouettes, tailored shirts and trousers, and retro patterns.

danielwfletcher.com

5. Nicopanda

Nicopanda is a New York based streetwear brand specialising in colourful tulle dresses, graphic hoodies, and boiler suits with vibrant prints. The brand reflects the personal style of its founder Nicola Formichetti, who is somewhat of a style icon in the big apple. Anyone can wear these clothes, and anyone should.

nicopanda.com

6. Telfar

Telfar, a unisex clothing line created in New York in 2005, is ‘not for you — it’s for everyone’. Sold internationally, you’ll find an eclectic array of clothes and accessories online, including the White Castle 2020 collection, pendants, high-quality leather belts and multicolour versions of the iconic Telfar shopper, affectionately known in some circles as the ‘Bushwick Birkin’ due to its ubiquity and broad appeal.

shop.telfar.net

7. Riley Studio

An antidote both to fast fashion and restrictive gender norms in clothing, minimalist concept brand Riley Studio makes fully sustainable, timeless separates to suit just about everyone. The Mediterranean-inspired Collection 04, crafted entirely from textile waste and organic cotton, adds warm-weather basics like crisp striped shirts and shorts to the line. You can shop the collection as well as the brand’s wider selection of tees and stylish outerwear online or at Selfridges.

riley.studio

8. Eckhaus Latta

Gender neutrality was at the forefront of this label’s SS19 show, with bold prints such as red and white stripes and a glorious cowhide design that would work on any and all genders. Found in prestige shopping locations across the globe such as Dover Street Market in New York, Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Opening Ceremony in Tokyo, Matches in London, as well as Net-A-Porter and Ssense online, Ekhaus Latta designer Mike Eckhaus explains ‘we relate to gender identity a little less aggressively. It’s less binary and I think that’s something we have always felt attuned to.’

eckhauslatta.com

9. Toogood

Toogood, a beautifully artistic fashion brand created by sisters Erica and Faye, offers sustainable, gender-neutral garments which are inspired by utilitarian workwear. Each collection has a backstory, for example, Collection 003 which highlights the importance of embracing one’s individuality and leaving behind conformity and convention. We have our eyes on their laundered linen trousers, ideal for spring/summer. Buy directly from their website – which doubles as a sort of online art exhibition in itself – or find them in London’s Selfridges amongst department stores worldwide.

t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com

10. Sloane Studios

Comfort is the central philosophy at the heart of emerging label Sloane Studios. Founder Oliver Lidford, who decided to start the brand while sitting on a bench in Sloane Square, believes it’s time for fashion to move past the dated binary division of ‘men’s’ and ‘women’s’ clothes – his clothes therefore avoid categorisation by gender. Pieces are made from 100 per cent organic cotton, with a small-bath production that caters according to demand, thereby working to reduce the widespread waste in the fashion industry.

sloanestudios.com

11. One DNA

For gender-neutral basics ideal for creating a minimalist and stylish capsule wardrobe, look no further than One DNA. The New York-based brand creates ready-to-wear apparel which suits a multitude of body shapes and sizes. Getting unisex clothing right is notoriously difficult, but this label has hit the nail on the head with their gender barrier-breaking garments, designed without sacrificing style.

onedna.earth

12. Rad Hourani

Artist, photographer, film-maker and designer Rad Hourani celebrates neutrality in the form of genderless fashion and in 2007, started the first gender-neutral unisex collection in fashion history. The website welcomes you with undeniably cool pieces including monochrome shirts and jersey turtlenecks, alongside art prints. Invest in the unisex sunglasses in time for summer and treat yourself to the cotton caps for bad hair days.

radhourani.com

13. Rich Mnisi

Inspired by fashion, music, art and nature, Rich Mnisi is a South African-based brand showcasing a genderless, contemporary look; just one Mnisi piece would infuse anyone’s wardrobe with enough style to make a statement on any street. The designer founded his brand back in 2015, with the goal to ‘unearth Africa’s hidden treasures while also being youthful, contemporary and modern’. It’s safe to say he’s done just that.

richmnisi.com

14. Bethnals

London-based design studio Bethnals are the experts at creating denim that is completely undefined by gender, instead creating desings ‘inspired by fit, detail and the diverse cultural hub that is London’. The brand champions both style and comfort, offering a contemporary spin on classic denim items that is fuss-free and timeless.

bethnals.com

15. Wilde Vertigga

Specialising in sharp asymmetrical cuts and bold colours, Wilde Vertigga is a brand, well, for the wild. Their range online suits the needs of smart-clothes lovers, with structured coats and shirts, plus cropped trousers and t-shirts for those who prefer casual wear.

instagram.com/wildevertigga/

16. DB Berdan

Using the pandemic as an opportunity to change up its image, DB Berdan opted to create more gender neutral lines and ‘morph its image into a functional, more compact style of living’. Collections are seasonless, and are marked by four key pillars: functional, transeasonal, sterile and ethical. Clothing is made with comfort in mind, to better suit those now working between office and home. The brand, which has quickly become a hit, inlcudes Rudimental, Little Mix and Stefflon Don amongst its clientele.

dbberdan.com

17. Jacqueline Loekito

Jacqueline Loekito established her eponymous label in 2018. The daughter of a British mother and an Indonesian father, the designer aspires to infuse her collections with her ‘special cocktail mix of a background’. All of her garments are genderless, and are tied together by the colour pink, which Jacqueline wants to popularise as a colour for all. Designs are fun and bold, boasting vivid colours, sharp tailoring and a combination of sharp and fluid shapes, making an ideal landscape for self-exploration.

jacqueline-loekito.com

18. Official Rebrand

Specialising in gender-free streetwear and artistic exploration, Official Rebrand was founded by Fashion Week circuit designer and non-binary artist MI Leggett. A former food justice advocate with a background in sustainable agriculture, Leggett utilises unwanted materials and pre-worn items to create one-of-a-kind and customisable garments that provide freedom of expression.

officialrebrand.shop

19. IJJI

Focusing in natural fibres, beautiful colours and interesting silhouettes, genderless clothing label IJJI creates considered clothing that enables all variations of expression. Committed to growing slowly an responsibly, the brand uses natural fibres like wool, silk, cupro, and organic cotton to create its designs (which are produced near its local studio in California).

ijji.co

20. TomboyX

TomboyX founders Fran and Naomi recognised that one of the most gendered items of clothing out there is underwear, which oftentimes doesn’t always line up with the way we see ourselves. The B Corp brand therefore creates gender-inclusive undergarments designed to fit all shapes and sizes – all while avoiding harmful chemicals, using a water recycling programme and closely monitoring its supply chain.

tomboyx.com

Main Image: Harris Reed

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Show Racism the Red Card Competition

Anoop Bhuller — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:54:21 +0000

Four pupils from Loughborough High School have won the Show Racism the Red Card Competition in the clothing design category.

John Barnes presented the award to the girls

The competition had around 25,000 entries from across the UK.

Year 8 pupils, Ella, Zini, Deeya and Anika were invited to the awards ceremony at Anfield football stadium.

Former footballer and anti-racism campaigner, John Barnes, presented the award.

The t-shirt design created by the pupils

Their design was created to show how despite differences, everyone is equal.

The girls said: ‘We hope that when seeing this t-shirt, people will understand the message and be encouraged to stand up to racism and help make a difference.’

PSHCE teacher, Victoria Standring, commented: ‘We were covering the topic of racism in my class and learning about how to be upstanders, rather than bystanders, and this competition caught my eye.’

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Step Inside Anantara Plaza, The Newest Five-Star Hotel in Nice

Martha Davies — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:28:03 +0000

Move over, Monte Carlo – Nice is once again the place to go if you’re looking for French luxury. In the latest episode of our House Guest podcast, Carole Annett sits down with Stephane Vilar, general manager of the Anantara Plaza, a five-star hotel that is opening its doors this summer after an incredible renovation.

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Step Inside Anantara Plaza, The Newest Five-Star Hotel in Nice

From Matisse to Coco Chanel, Nice has boasted some notable residents, though it may not spring to mind as a glamorous French destination. Leading its revival are the grand hotels along the Promenade des Anglais – and the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera is most definitely the Anantara Plaza, which is preparing to welcome guests this summer after a four-year period of refurbishment.

Dating back to 1848, the Anantara Plaza is a belle époque landmark that was brought back to life by the Anantara brand. Three interior design firms worked on the space: the award-winning studio David Collins, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis, and TBC Interiorismo Studio. Chatting to Carole Annett, general manager Stéphane Vilar notes that there is a different atmosphere here compared to traditional luxury hotels: the colour palette, he says, was developed to ensure guests feel peaceful and close to nature, featuring grassy green tones alongside shades of taupe that echo the sandy beaches outside.

The Anantara Plaza attracts a new kind of high-end traveller. Pulling away from gaudy glamour, Vilar emphasises the importance of authenticity. Guests are drawn to something natural, he says, and there is certainly an organic, understated kind of elegance here, from the intricate cornicing on the staggering ceilings to the dainty lamps and carefully-designed alcoves.

Sitting within a UNESCO World Heritage Zone, the Anantara Plaza is undeniably historic, and yet it is also thrillingly new; classical charm blends with contemporary design to create spaces that are utterly inviting. The best spot in the building, says Vilar, is the ‘SEEN’ restaurant and rooftop bar, offering picture-perfect views of the gardens, ports and beaches below. Enveloped by the glittering sea, guests can’t help but feel serene.

In the new episode of our House Guest podcast, Vilar delves into the reality of running a hotel, touching on everything from the new afternoon tea menu to the building’s extensive renovation. If the French Rivieria’s on your mind, you won’t want to miss this.

This episode of House Guest is sponsored by naturalmat. naturalmat.co.uk

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London’s Best Art Shows & Fairs To Visit In 2023

Ellie Smith — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:57:04 +0000

Whether you’re curious about ceramics or an art history extraordinaire, London hosts shows and fairs for all types of art enthusiast. There are the big hitters like Frieze alongside exciting smaller shows. Here are the events to add to your diary.

The Ultimate 2023 London Art Fair Calendar

March: Collect, The Other Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair (Battersea Spring)
May: London Craft Week, The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Affordable Art Fair (Hampstead), Eye of the Collector
June: Fitzrovia Arts Festival
September: London Design Festival, LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair
October: Decorex, Frieze London and Frieze Masters, PAD London, StART Fair, Affordable Art Fair (Battersea Autumn), Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair

The Best Art Fairs In London 2023

Collect

3–5 March 2023

The leading art fair for contemporary craft and design, Collect will return to Somerset House in March, followed by a virtual showcase on artsy.net until 12 March. Expect almost 40 specialist galleries showcasing the exception art of over 400 artists from across the globe, and hear from leading experts in contemporary craft, art and design across a three day programme. Discover more at craftscouncil.org.uk and book via Somerset House. somersethouse.org.uk

Gisella Stapleton

The Other Art Fair

9–12 March 2023

Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair will return to The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane this March, showcasing the work of over 150 emerging talents. With a 61 percent female line-up, the festival is well-time, commencing just after International Women’s Day 2023 (8 March). In addition, Sistxrhood, Glastonbury Festival’s women-only and non-binary club night will be hosting an installation of photographs of revellers, bringing some iconic musical party spirit to east London. Expect also themed collage workshops and feminine tattoo art from artist Ally Ink, as well as a new platform for refugee women artists to show thought-provoking work by Ukrainian, Syrian, Iranian and Afghan artists. Meanwhile, artist Rod Kitson is calling for subjects to sit for him as part of his Where We Are Now body of work, which will be exhibited in June with portraits available for £300. theotherartfair.com

Ewan Taylor, ‘Women Of The World Take Over (GOLD)’, £525, screenprint, North London Printmakers

Affordable Art Fair – Battersea Spring

9–12 March 2023

On an autumn day in October 1999, 10,000 art lovers descended upon Battersea Park to browse thousands of paintings, sculptures and prints in a friendly environment. It was the first ever Affordable Art Fair – which has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon, hosting events in 10 cities around the world including London, New York, Hong Kong and Amsterdam. In London, there are three events throughout the year to add to your calendar – Battersea Spring, Hampstead and Battersea Autumn – with thousands of original artworks on offer including pieces available to buy from just £50 (hence the name). affordableartfair.com

London Craft Week

8–14 May 2023

Year after year, London Craft Week shines a light on some of the most exciting makers through a programme of workshops, experiences, pop-ups and exhibitions. The festival returned to capital this May with a programme featuring over 300 events, with work from more than 400 independent makers. Creative Freedom was the 2022 theme, with highlights including a group exhibition on contemporary jewellery using ancient techniques at Sotheby’s, and a Maker’s Market at The Royal Exchange. This year’s festival also featured the first-ever Country Pavilions, presenting work by makers from countries including Malaysia and Norway. It will return next May, with the line-up yet to be announced. londoncraftweek.com

Russian Socialist Realist oil on canvas (unsigned) c1930/40

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

9–14 May 2023

Each year, the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair sees a whole host of dealers gathering to showcase one-off antiques and works of art from a range of different periods. Visitors will find dealers in jewellery and vintage watches, colourful glass, textiles, collectible folk art and much more. For this year’s spring edition, gardens were the focus, with a selection of seating, statuary and planters to explore – from garden benches to rustic wooden pieces and even antique garden gates. decorativefair.com

Affordable Art Fair (Hampstead)

11–14 May 2023

From Battersea to Hampstead, the Affordable Art Fair takes to the Heath every May, with hundreds of galleries and thousands of contemporary artworks (with prices from £50–7,500), alongside bars, cafes and expert advice available from the new Art Consultancy service to boot. affordableartfair.com

Eye of the Collector 2021. Image Courtesy of Eye of the Collector.

Eye of the Collector

17–20 May 2023

A relatively new addition to the London art show canon is Eye of the Collector, which returned to the capital for its second year running last May. Taking place in historic London mansion Two Temple Place, it brings collectors on a journey of artistic discovery, with works spanning the history of art and design from antiquity to today. Offering a new type of fair model, artworks here are presented as if they were in a collector’s home, with the venue’s striking Gothic surroundings making the experience all the more magical. eyeofthecollector.com

Fitzrovia Arts Festival

11–17 June 2023

The rich and artistic past of Fitzrovia is celebrated in the Fitzrovia Arts Festival, which returned for its sixth edition last summer. Internationally-acclaimed artists, performers and writers who live in the area (and famous residents from the past) were celebrated with a programme of concerts, exhibitions, poetry readings, talks, walks and performances across multiple venues in the area. Keep an eye on the website for updates for the 2023 edition. fitzroviaartsfestival.com

Yinka Ilori by Andrew Meredith

London Design Festival

16–24 September 2023

The London Design Festival will return to the capital this September for its 20th edition, complete with an eclectic mix of events, exhibitions and installations. Highlights will include a landmark outdoor exhibit from Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis, located in St Giles Square, plus a project at Greenwich Peninsula from Stanton Williams and Webb Yates in collaboration with experimentadesign, inspired by the Neolithic stone structures that ‘create a space separate from the outside world’. Once again, the festival will also join forces with the V&A on a series of displays, including Plasticity: a large-scale sculpture created by Italian architect Niccolo Casas using marine plastic waste intercepted by non-profit Parley for the Oceans. londondesignfestival.com

LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair

27 September–1 October 2023

The Berkeley Square Fair will return this autumn, one of two annual design events in Berkeley Square (the other being PAD; see below). Expect over 100 exhibitors presenting works from across art, antiques, design and decorative arts, with prices ranging from £500 to £500,000, ideal for first-time and established collectors alike. lapadalondon.com

Decorex

8–11 October 2023

Returning to Olympia London for its 45th edition later this year, Decorex is Europe’s leading interior design show. Events will offer designers and suppliers the chance to connect with both new and familiar brands, plus learn about future trends in the industry. In 2022’s edition, the Design Talks programme returned, with an exciting line-up of names from the design world – from Alidad to Edward Bulmer and Karen Howes, who will be discussing everything from lifestyle rituals to bringing colour into your home. Elsewhere, you can network in The Decorex Bar, an Italian-inspired space designed by Carden Cunietti, plus explore Upstairs at Decorex, where features include a tablescaping area and live demonstrations from craftspeople. decorex.com

Courtesy of PAD London

PAD London

10–15 October 2023

The prestigious PAD art fair was founded in 1997 in Paris by Patrick Perrin, with the first London edition running ten years later in Hanover Square. Now set in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square, PAD showcases a mix of modern art, photography, glass and ceramics, fine art and jewellery, featuring galleries from countries across Europe, North America and Asia. The fair is designed to inspire collectors, art consultants, museum experts and interior designers – but if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s also just a lovely place to browse. Following two years of online-only events, it returned in person in October 2022, with a special focus on innovative sustainable design techniques. PAD is an annual chance to see works from both big names and emerging artists, with highlights last year including a booth dedicated to French designer Christophe Côme, new works from Chinese innovative material designer Jie Wu, and a new furniture line from Parisian architect Charles Zana. padesignart.com

Gagosian, Frieze Masters 2017

Frieze London and Frieze Masters

11–15 October 2023

One of the world’s most renowned art fairs, the Frieze empire began with the launch of an art and culture magazine back in 1991. In 2003, the brand ran its first show in London’s Regent’s Park, with sister editions going on to launch in New York and Los Angeles. Three connected fairs will return to Regent’s Park this autumn: Frieze Sculpture, Frieze London and Frieze Masters. Frieze London focuses on contemporary art – from both emerging and well-established artists – while Frieze Masters spans thousands of years of art history, from the ancient era to the late 20th century. Almost 300 galleries from all over the world are taking part, alongside a programme of talks and special projects covering the big issues in the art world of today. frieze.com

Ben Mosley, The Queen 70, 2021

StART Fair

12–16 October 2023

Since it was founded in 2014, StART Fair has been spotlighting the work of lesser-known artistic communities. It’s held at the Saatchi Gallery each year, and sees all three floors of the venue filled with a mix of curated projects, gallery presentations and independent artistic exhibitors. Highlights for 2022 included an immersive experience titled ‘In 1977 I want to go to Heaven’ – a punk cultural tribute courtesy of Illuminati Neon, AKA Mark Sloper. There was also be a section dedicated to Korean artists, plus work by the winner of StART’s 2021 Global Eye Award, Steve Smith – Dla’kwagila. A partnership with Martin Miller’s Gin, meanwhile, saw the launch of an emerging artists’ prize at last year’s fair, with entrants invited to submit an artwork that responds to the theme of transformation. startartfair.com

Affordable Art Fair (Battersea Autumn)

19–22 October 2023

And finally, back once more in its original location and autumnal setting, the Affordable Art Fair will return to Battersea in October, starring a plethora of UK and international galleries jam packed with inspiring contemporary art. affordableartfair.com

Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair

26–29 October 2023

Europe’s largest art fair dedicated entirely to collectable print works, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair will return this autumn at London’s historic Royal Arsenal. Emerging ‘ones to watch’ sit next to international names in a unique model of 50 percent specialist galleries and 50 percent curated hang selected by a panel of industry experts. The ‘Patrons of Print’ program offers unique opportunities to go behind the scenes with exhibiting galleries, artists, and museum partners, with not-to-be-missed ‘first look’ access, opening parties and events. woolwichprintfair.com

Main image: Frieze Art Fair in Regents Park, London. Photo by Linda Nylind for Frieze.

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The UK’s 50 Best Interior Designers 2022/23

Guest Writer — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:22:00 +0000

Every corner of the UK is bursting with interior design talent, with unique styles and approaches to creating beautiful and functional living spaces. Whether you have your sights set on a more beautiful home, or your workspace needs a redesign, why not opt for the top-tier UK interior designers known for creating standout spaces? From clean, understated and minimalist to bold colours and look-at-me maximalism, you’ll find your perfect match in our run-down of the 50 best interior designers in the UK right now. Read on to discover which names are lighting up the British design world in 2022/23, as decided by our panel of pioneers from the worlds of eco design and sustainability, fashion, tech and architecture. The 50 Finest Interior Designers 2022/23 were chosen by Edeline Lee, Harriet Wetton, Jay Blades MBE and Richard Parr. With words by Emma Love.

This is from our July/August interiors book 2022/23. Submissions for the Best Interior Designers UK will reopen shortly for our 2023/24 list.

Best Interior Designers UK 2022/23

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Ward & Co

Mother and daughter duo Sarah and Rosie Ward are passionate about creating perfectly balanced, unique spaces that stand the test of time. ‘We tend to focus on neutral palettes and textures with clean lines and layer these with confident, bold colours; a combination which has great longevity,’ says Sarah. Location and context are also hugely important. For instance, for a recent home in Antigua, ‘we incorporated warm tones synonymous with the sand and sea, adopting a calming neutral base palette, layered with pops of eye-catching artwork,’ she continues. Similarly, for a more rural setting in Suffolk, the beautiful sprawling wisteria on the exterior of the property set the tone for the colour palette within. wardandco.com

VSP Interiors

‘Essentially my objective is to make my clients’ dreams a reality – even if they don’t quite know what they are or how to achieve them,’ says Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors, an expert in country houses. She often adds an element of surprise, for instance, a modern painting in an otherwise traditional interior or an unlikely combination of pieces from different periods and places. ‘I recently used a tapestry as wallpaper to cover a vast cavernous entrance hall to wonderful effect; I also put a lot of wallpapers and antique rugs in bathrooms and kitchens which some people find quite unexpected but I feel that these rooms in particular need attention to create a feeling of warmth.’ Her portfolio ranges from an old dairy house on a Dorset estate to a Georgian manor in Oxfordshire and a house influenced by Spanish style in Montecito. vspinteriors.com

Ventura

Founded by Arlene McIntyre and named after the coastal Californian city that inspires her, this interior design studio is known for its classic contemporary style. ‘We believe that homes should be more than just comfortable and beautiful; they should be interesting too,’ she says, speaking for her 50-strong team who provide a complete turnkey fit out for all clients. ‘Sitting down and immersing myself in what the space will be used for is instrumental in getting it right.’ That goes for one of her all-time favourite assignments: a 240sq/m penthouse apartment in Ireland with a wraparound balcony and sensational views of the Irish Sea. ‘Those sea views were the starting point for the scheme, for the layout of the rooms and the idea to thread through a Hamptons vibe with a warm, neutral palette that felt tonal and timeless.’ ventura.ie

Turner Pocock

Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock take a holistic stance to their interiors, always aiming for a strong sense of continuity and calm throughout – no matter the scheme, colour or pattern in question. ‘There is no doubt that flowers and plants are more prevalent in the interiors world than they have been for a while, and these are certainly creeping into our designs,’ says Emma. ‘However, we will always have a natural love for geometrics, as well as a stripe.’ The pair are passionate about joinery (‘it can make or break a project,’ she says) and are working on (among other things) a listed house in Oxfordshire ‘where history is presented to us at every turn. We peeled back painted wallpaper to find original block printed William Morris prints underneath and are trying to reuse old troughs in the boot room as a dog bath.’ turnerpocock.co.uk

Thorp

‘We are always quick to convey to new clients that what we do is so much broader than people might realise,’ says Philippa Thorp of her 360-degree vision which encompasses architecture, interiors and landscape design. ‘It is the entirety of a house within its setting and gardens that ultimately creates a real home. The arrival and the garden set the tone of what’s to come. Levels, trees, planting and scent all play their vital part to modern family life where external rooms provide different places to visit throughout the day. It is the views out from the house that complete it.’ She also emphasises the importance of light and different finishes: ‘balancing textures in a room is essential and so often overlooked.’ Projects now in their final stages of installation include a mountain house in America’s exclusive Yellowstone Club and a large villa on Lake Como. thorp.co.uk

Studio Vero

Inseparable friends since they were 13, it was perhaps inevitable that one day Venetia Rudebeck and Romanos Brihi – both avid art collectors – would end up working together. ‘Clients see us as a little more daring than some of our peers and respond positively to our passion and enthusiasm,’ says Romanos, of the studio, which the pair set up in 2014. ‘While we both bring slightly different design elements to the table, our schemes are very coherent: the final result is always colourful, layered and full of surprises. The emphasis on art defines many of our designs, often juxtaposed with interesting antiques or one-off pieces of vintage furniture,’ continues Venetia. Projects are brilliantly varied and include a recently completed duplex apartment in Belgravia with Portuguese tiles and teal lacquered cabinets in the kitchen, soaring hallway murals and an enormous light fixture sourced from a Viennese train station. studio-vero.com

Stephanie Barba Mendoza

‘I take great joy in infusing a home with colour,’ says Mexican designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza who studied interior design in her home country before completing the KLC diploma course in London, and working for Martin Brudnizki. She launched her studio in 2020 and is already making her mark with a maximalist style – think an uplifting riot of patterns, mix of high-low tactile materials and bespoke handcrafted pieces next to vintage finds. ‘From artists who specialise in hand-painted finishes and clay sculptors to papier-mâché makers and glass workers, I find craft immensely inspiring; this type of collaboration adds something wholly unique to our designs.’ For Stephanie, the devil really is in the detail, whether that’s lining a wardrobe in a beautiful fabric, adding a trim to curtains or searching for a special item of furniture from a local gallery.barbamendoza.com

Space Shack

Led by architect- trained Omar Bhatti, this small but ambitious six-year-old East London studio tackles all sorts of projects from quirky makeovers to full-scale refurbishments. He understands the importance of maximising every square inch of space. Meanwhile, a leaning towards a minimalist aesthetic and unassuming materials results in fresh, relatable interiors. ‘Natural materials and tonal schemes with pops of colour are my thing right now,’ he says. ‘The simplicity of textures and neutral colours is often underestimated. I love the richness of travertine, for instance, and more heavy graphic printed fabrics for upholstery.’ He’s currently working on a renovation for clients who want to turn their Victorian terraced house into a contemporary space with Australian and Turkish influences. spaceshack.co.uk

Sims Hilditch

Known for her elegant English style, Emma Sims-Hilditch has perfected the knack of creating layered spaces that feel lived in. ‘Antiques are always included in our designs; they add such gravitas and work well in both contemporary and more traditional homes,’ she says. ‘Heavy lined curtains, pretty floral fabrics and statement art are also key.’ As are natural materials such as linen, which she uses for everything from window treatments to wallpaper. ‘In terms of colour, we are currently enjoying yellow. A sunny yellow like Farrow & Ball’s Babouche is one of our favourites.’ The team has recently installed the first phase of an 18th century family home near Winchester. ‘The design was led by the countryside views. We knocked down an existing extension and worked with an architect to replace it with a more in keeping brickwork design. Sliding doors connect the property to the garden, framing the landscape beyond.’ simshilditch.com

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

The longest established interior decorating firm in the UK, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler has been synonymous with the English country house aesthetic for nearly a century. This pioneering approach – effortlessly mixing old with new, and luxurious with humble – is today interpreted by seven decorators (all supported by an architectural interior designer) who are as experienced working on modern city apartments as they are updating historic buildings. ‘We combine the clients’ needs with respect for the architecture of the building and create spaces that are serene and comfortable but nonetheless exciting,’ explains Chairman Wendy Nicholls of the practice’s portfolio, which ranges from a ranch in America to ski chalets in Europe and beach houses in the Caribbean. ‘Half the fun of being an interior designer is helping extract from people their view of themselves and bringing that to life.’ sibylcolefax.com

Shalini Misra

‘Our work brings aesthetic integrity together with well- executed spatial design,’ says trained architect Shalini Misra. ‘This approach tends to deliver homes that not only look beautiful, but also function properly.’ Using materials in interesting ways, curating collections of art and design, and prioritising wellness are all characteristic of the practice. ‘Enabling wellness is crucial to our work and our aim is to achieve this in any project. Our immediate surroundings are so important to feel our best, so this is front of mind through the whole process,’ she says. ‘We design around natural light and air flow, maximising the relationship between indoors and outdoors wherever possible, and integrating clever technology that aids productivity, health and relaxation.’ She is working on a historic former museum in New York that is being converted into a 20,000 sq/ft home, a traditional Yali house on the Bosporus in Istanbul and a triplex penthouse in Mumbai. shalinimisra.com

Sara Cosgrave Studio

County Mayo-native Sara Cosgrove cut her teeth working at Helen Green Design and Candy & Candy before being appointed Head of Interior Design at Harrods. In 2014, she set out on her own and now works on all scales, from apartment developments to members-only wellness clubs and, recently, a schoolhouse turned residential beach escape. ‘Our style is tailored, tonal and timeless,’ says Sara, who also spent several years as Design Director of The Principal Hotel Company, overseeing the interiors of properties such as the Kimpton Fitzroy in London. For Sara, schemes often hang around a single showpiece: ‘on one project we discovered two aquamarine upholstered vintage shell chairs and the whole interior evolved from there.’ Details that often appear in greater or lesser amounts include ‘old maps and the colour blue. I also love introducing vintage and antique pieces into a crisp, contemporary space.’ saracosgrove.com

Samantha Todhunter Design

Samantha Todhunter aims to create interiors ‘suffused with an easy, modern glamour; laidback chic underpinned with traditional flourishes’ – whether it’s a major reworking of a 16th century farmhouse with a hyper modern extension or an overhaul of a tired family home. For the latter, the team combined handsome furniture with plays on pattern and texture. ‘The house was grounded by a caramel toffee colour with flashes of red,’ says Samantha. ‘We used an interesting map of hard materials throughout, from backlit onyx to waxy parquetry panels, rough jute and silk carpets.’ She believes that layering is a must for adding interest, depth and warmth. ‘I love the sort of juxtaposition that makes you stop and ask yourself why a fabric works. They might be prints that shouldn’t really sit together in any typical sense but in actual fact, they just look right.’ samanthatodhunter.com

Salvesen Graham

Nicole Salvesen and Mary Graham focus on creating classically beautiful and carefully curated schemes that feel comfortable and stylish – often incorporating antiques (either sourced specifically or family heirlooms), as well as colour and pattern, to ‘inject a fresh, sometimes playful sense to an interior’. For a home in Mayfair, for instance, they are reinstating the original architectural details as well as creating some new and exciting ones, such as a curved cantilevered staircase. They are also revamping several country houses – an Arts & Crafts home in Hampshire, an Edwardian rectory in Sussex, and a Queen Anne house in Buckinghamshire – and launching their first wallpaper and fabric collection, based on historic patterns that have been reimagined. ‘They encapsulate the Salvesen Graham Future Heritage aesthetic and have been designed to complement all furniture and accessories in The Collection by Salvesen Graham,’ says Nicole. salvesengraham.com

Rachel Chudley

Having studied both art and interior design, it’s no wonder that Rachel Chudley is known for her artsy, whimsical schemes. ‘I want to bring joy into the everyday with unexpected design that aims to delight,’ she says. ‘Interiors and art should both be an extension of your personality. My clients often spend time at a gallery with me and we visit artists’ studios together.’ She employs both artists and designers at her practice and always uses custom paint shades created by The Rachel Colour Studio in collaboration with renowned colour consultant, Donald Kaufman (green, she says, is making a big appearance on her mood boards). She has just completed her first home in America: a 1980s Manhattan apartment that she transformed with a ‘modern Baroque tableau of texture and colour. The expressive decoration drew on the client’s love of spectacle and collection of kimono-inspired silk robes’. rachelchudley.com

Pringle & Pringle

Architect-trained Sophie Pringle began her career at Turner Pocock before founding her studio seven years ago. Threaded through every scheme is her belief that good design has the power to enhance wellbeing. ‘This philosophy underpins every step of our creative process, providing the foundations on which we create our clients’ dream homes,’ says Sophie, who is working on a new build on the Isle of Arran, a listed house in Petworth and a Queen Anne home in Suffold. ‘We look at each property holistically to ensure that all requirements are met, sometimes changing room uses or tweaking internal layouts, before approaching each space with colour psychology to create the appropriate energy or feel.’ Bespoke joinery appears in nearly all her interiors, she especially loves designing bedrooms for children, and typically layers patterns and colours wherever she can. pringleandpringle.co.uk

Pandora Taylor

‘Rather than throw everything at a space, I usually champion one big wow and then layer everything around it to ensure it doesn’t feel over the top. I want my interiors to be fun but also sophisticated,’ says Pandora Taylor, who started out working in auction houses before retraining at KLC School of Design. A job at Kitesgrove followed; then she set up her studio in 2018. She often designs one-off pieces of furniture for clients, some of which are sold through her website. ‘My headboards in particular have become a signature, with bold and often asymmetric outlines that challenge our ideas on traditional furniture shapes.’ She doesn’t shy away from out-of-the-box hues either: ‘the way we experience colours can literally change the way we feel and have a profound effect on the way we live. They should be enriching and uplifting, whether the aim is to create a moody, or bright and airy atmosphere.’ pandorataylor.co.uk

Olivia Outred Studio

Olivia Outred’s first experience of working in the industry was under interior decorator Philip Hooper at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. ‘Philip instilled in me the importance of graceful spatial planning, balance, and classical furniture arrangements,’ recalls Olivia, who also headed up the interior design side of Lulu Lytle’s Soane before opening her own studio in 2014. ‘My signature style is very much linked to those lessons, but with the addition of the odd contemporary piece of furniture and some offbeat colour choices.’ She often creates bespoke furniture, mirrors and lighting for clients; describes herself as a colour enthusiast; and loves materials such as plaster and gesso that are ‘clean, white and uplifting. We are also using split cane a lot, which is fantastic and very decorative.’ A Georgian property in Edinburgh, a pair of bachelor pads in Notting Hill and a private members’ club in the Cotswolds are all in progress. oliviaoutred.com

Nina Campbell

‘The Covid years have been quite productive really,’ reflects interiors doyenne Nina Campbell, in what sounds like something of an understatement. She has been juggling briefs that include the exclusive women-only Alexandra Club in Melbourne, updating a palatial home for a member of Jordan’s royal family and a house in Maine which features a private pub. ‘We’re currently doing the bedrooms at The Alexandra; it’s all been long distance but with the advantage of having visited immediately before the pandemic. We’ve tried to maximise the space and make each one as cheerful and inviting as possible, with everything you might need.’ Whatever she’s designing, in social areas the seating plan and making sure that guests aren’t marooned is always at the front of her mind. ‘I’m constantly going round rooms making sure the tables are in the right place and the light is coming in where I want it.’ ninacampbell.com

Natalia Miyar

A trained architect and former design director at Helen Green Design, Natalia Miyar set up her studio in 2016 and has since become known for her tactile interiors, where materiality is equally important as colour and pattern. ‘My spaces are likely to show a confident use of colour; I’m not afraid to make strong statements through bold and vibrant pattern choices, but overall, I want my schemes to be elegant and balanced,’ explains Natalia, who cites an apartment in Belgravia, inspired by Manhattan living, where she combined geometric patterns, soft textures and bespoke joinery, as an example. ‘I want people to enjoy using the homes I create which is why I consider all the senses when I’m making my materials selection. In terms of style, I am guided by location, the client’s lifestyle and the architecture. What works for one client may not for another but these guiding principles are present in all my work.’ nataliamiyar.com

Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi

Founded in 1964 by David Mlinaric, MHZ first became known for working on important London and country houses, often in association with The National Trust. Now, it’s an international set-up with a trio of offices (London, Paris, New York) that both collaborate and take on briefs separately, and a portfolio that spans ski chalets, yachts and houses in far-flung destinations such as Mustique and New Delhi. ‘The attention to architectural detail is what drives our design process,’ says Tino Zervudachi, who oversees two of the studios. ‘We try to make spaces look as unforced as possible. We also believe in exceptional art to elevate an interior from good to great. And in making sure the house functions well, which we do by getting the layouts and detailing right.’ The result is refined and harmonious, achieved through a sympathetic use of colour as well as clever combinations of antique and modern furniture. mhzlondon.com

Martin Kemp Design

Martin Kemp has long been on speed dial for the super prime market – which means his extensive output ranges from jets and superyachts to jaw-dropping private residences. ‘Our workload has the usual levels of diversity,’ he says. ‘For instance, we have three houses in Switzerland, several classical mansions in London, a multi-unit development in Monaco, a sub-penthouse in the Bahamas, a yacht in Italy and a vast apartment in New York on the go. We love the variety of styles these projects allow us to embrace, everything from rural calm to urban chic, from charming to sophisticated.’ For Martin, positioning furniture to take maximum advantage of the space is always a major consideration as is ‘how one enters, where does one place keys, which are the strongest views to soak up, how best to locate artwork… combining these aspects with the architectural restrictions one sometimes encounters can be a challenge, albeit a stimulating one.’ martinkempdesign.com

Martin Hulbert Design

Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson are best known for traditional country house hotels with a contemporary twist – such as The Grove in Hertfordshire and The Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, where they have just completed the latest phase of work. ‘It is everything other than what you would expect a hotel interior to be,’ confirms Jay of the refresh. The long-established design duo have also been turning their attention to various residential properties too. Most recently this meant remodelling a seven-bedroom Greek island villa, creating a house for living and entertaining on a grand scale in Regent’s Park, London, and working on a 14-bedroom holiday home on a private estate in Italy. ‘We like our spaces to look and feel deeply comfortable, to have a personality that reflects the owner’s taste as well as our own need for perfection,’ he concludes. martinhulbertdesign.com

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

A party pad in Austin designed to be a surrealist take on Texas; a contemporary country house with traditional details in Lahore; and a bungalow in West Hollywood overlooking Chateau Marmont with a mid-century Italian feel… these are just some of the diverse residences on Martin Brudnizki Design Studio’s roll-call. Of course, he’s best known for putting his distinct stamp on bars, retail spaces and members’ clubs around the world (including Scott’s and Annabel’s in London and several Costes-owned hotspots in Paris) but whether he’s designing a home or for hospitality, context and the client always come first. That and light, which he believes is the most important consideration when designing a room. ‘Both how the natural light fills the space and the ambient light in the evenings. Not only to make the room look good but the people in it; it’s a bit like a stage set.’ mbds.com

Linley

Michael Keech and Graham Green have been in charge of the interior design division at Linley for the last four years, lending an architecture-first slant to the company’s often vast projects (over 50,000 sq/ft). The pair recently completed two country houses: one a new build in the Baroque style, the other a moated, medieval pad with handsome neoclassical additions. Now, they are tackling a historic residential building in the Far East and apartments on the world’s largest private yacht, the Njord Ocean Residences. ‘The biggest consideration is the client and what they would like to get from the space. Are they out to impress or are they after comfort and cosiness? Do they have a large collection of art or a grand piano that need to be housed perfectly? These are the questions we ask.’ davidlinley.com

Linda Boronkay

She is perhaps best known for her role as former Design Director of Soho House, but two years ago Linda Boronkay founded her own studio to create ‘spaces which are deeply personal and have meaning. I love it when you walk into a party and can guess who the host is from the style of the home,’ says Linda, who has just completed a hotel near Sydney and is in the midst of installing a private family club in Madrid which includes a library, bar, yoga studio, spa and basement screening room. ‘We created a series of bespoke lights, furniture and rugs with local craftspeople, and sourced many of the vintage items in markets in Italy and Spain,’ she says of the latter. ‘The colours are vibrant and the textiles tactile; we used marble and tiles and worked closely with our clients who come from fashion and architecture backgrounds.’ lindaboronkay.com

Laura Hammett

Renowned for her understated and authentic interiors, Laura Hammett first and foremost designs around how a client wants a home to feel. ‘Our signature palette is warm and neutral, highlighted with metal touches and rich, sumptuous fabrics; I just love the contrast of plush fabric and warm metal together,’ she says. The Fulham studio, which she runs with her husband Aaron, is splitting its time between working on a penthouse apartment in the Bahamas, two villas in the Middle East and a pair of family homes in Surrey – one of which includes an entertainment floor with a car show garage and a golf simulation room. ‘For us, the most important aspect of designing a room is that it is as useable as it is beautiful. The ultimate luxury is when every single thing has been considered so that living is absolutely seamless.’ laurahammett.com

Katharine Pooley

‘The essence of the Katharine Pooley design ethos is the balance of evocative beauty and an original viewpoint with effortless comfort and luxury,’ explains the interior designer. ‘I am always pushing my 47-strong team to be bold, unique and daring.’ Works in progress include a yacht, a beach villa in Sardinia and a château 700 feet above the Mediterranean overlooking the bay of Cannes. ‘It is of large historical importance and a rare jewel of a project,’ says Katharine of the latter. ‘I am so thrilled to be overseeing its redesign, especially as this is where my favourite actress Grace Kelly filmed To Catch a Thief.’ She has always found the natural world a great source of inspiration and spending time on the French coast has been no exception. ‘Being there is encouraging me to use organic, natural textures like timber and stone, as well as soft woven fabrics such as linen, cashmere and wools. Visiting some exquisite French gardens has also influenced me.’ katharinepooley.com

Janine Stone & Co

Exceptional homes without exception – that’s the simple premise Janine Stone’s eponymous design studio was founded on (her husband Gideon is managing director). ‘The way we compose our designs in a highly curated manner is our signature,’ says Janine, who is working on a new build on Surrey’s Wentworth Estate, a full refurbishment of a listed country house in Cambridgeshire, and an estate in Yorkshire. ‘Our projects are always a tailored response to our clients, their personalities and lifestyles. Someone’s art collection, favourite holiday destinations, fashion tastes or how they like to socialise might all feed into the inspiration.’ The secret to a welcoming space? ‘Good lighting. It’s important because it either creates a monotonous impression or makes you stop and not want to leave. When someone enters a room, it’s the lighting that welcomes them, energises them, comforts them – or at worst depresses them.’ janinestone.com

Howark Design

‘Saskia has a bit of a superpower for picking the right colour for spaces,’ says James Arkoulis, referring to his Howark Design co-founder Saskia Howard. ‘Our signature style is colourful and characterful: we work with clients to create homes that have a warm and welcoming feel. We are also not too precious in our approach – these are homes to be lived in.’ The pair also put an emphasis on local materials and like to collaborate with British artisans to create one-off pieces. ‘One especially memorable commission was a beautiful Nakashima-style coffee table created by joining two hand-picked pieces of chestnut that came from within a few miles of the client’s home; we know it will become an heirloom for the family,’ continues James. Current projects include a coastal pad in West Sussex, a Chelsea pied à terre and an Edwardian country retreat. howark-design.co.uk

Helen Green Design

Founded two decades ago by the late Helen Green, this design studio is renowned for its considered, understated take on interiors. ‘We focus on specialist craftsmanship and championing British design,’ says Creative Lead Alexandra Jurkiewicz, who joined the company three years ago. ‘We are proud to say that most of our sourcing is done in the UK and comes from specialist artisans and suppliers; each project we take on must embody the same pursuit of excellence, meticulous attention to detail and perfection.’ The studio recently worked on a duplex Grade II-listed apartment in Knightsbridge and a modern villa in Vienna. ‘The setting of each could not be further apart in terms of architecture and location. Completed almost at the same time, it was fascinating to see how our core values resulted in creating two completely different yet extraordinary interiors, beautifully telling the story of their surroundings.’ helengreendesign.com

Goddard Littlefair

From Gleneagles in Scotland to The Mayfair Townhouse in London, Goddard Littlefair – aka Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair – are behind some of the UK’s top hotels. Uniting the duo is a belief in ‘listening to the soul of a property and its location to articulate a narrative with integrity.’ The pair are also conscious of their impact on the planet’s resources and see part of their contribution as ‘raising the conversation of sustainable materiality, be that by sourcing products which perhaps had a previous life or insisting on raw materials that can be replenished,’ says Jo, listing a penthouse at Belvedere Gardens and The Conrad residence at 9 Millbank as a flavour of recent commissions. ‘However, our attitude to sustainability is to expect a high-quality finish from the materials, so sustainable shouldn’t automatically mean rustic.’ goddardlittlefair.com

French-Brooks Interiors

Relaunched by Victoria Wormsley as French-Brooks Interiors in 2017 (she bought out Chester Row Interiors from her property development partners), the studio’s roster spans anything from an old monastery in the south of France to a contemporary new build in the capital. ‘Our underlying values are that the space is well laid out and lit before we think about decorative schemes. The end result needs to be elegant but also comfortable and individual,’ says Victoria. ‘I dislike anything too trend driven which will date quickly, or anything so ostentatious that it’s intimidating.’ Lighting designs are produced in-house so are incorporated from the start, and she loves using textured wall coverings such as grasscloth to add subtle interest and offset artwork. This season, she is favouring bolder colours such as emerald green and citrus yellow on painted furniture and fabrics, and swapping stone for porcelain in bathrooms. french-brooks.com

Francis Sultana

A go-to interior designer for serious art collectors, Francis Sultana’s clients appreciate his ability to merge the practicalities of a residential space with often large-scale visual paintings, sculpture and installation pieces. His atelier produces annual collections of bespoke and limited- edition furniture and textiles (it is in the same building as the David Gill Gallery in St James’s, of which he is artistic director): ‘My furniture, which features bespoke upholstery and patinated bronze, is, I suppose, the foundation of all my interiors, as well as the accessories I design like rugs and lighting. My collaborations with artists are also very much part of what my work is about. I use texture a lot, from woven tweeds in upholstery to woods, and I like to let these elements come to the foreground,’ he says. His biggest news this year is the opening of Hotel La Palma in Capri and he is starting work on the Corinthia Palace hotel in his native Malta. francissultana.com

Elnaz Namaki

Iranian roots, an English upbringing and working for Bruno Moinard in Paris have all contributed to Elnaz Namaki’s way of cohesively combining different styles and eras. ‘Signature touches are the use of warm lighting, bronze accents and clean lines,’ says Elnaz who often teams up with HvB Development to offer a complete design and build service. ‘We also like to mix old and new, with vintage pieces where possible; use natural materials in earth tones; and add colour, textures and patterns in soft furnishings.’ She has recently completed a stucco villa in Kensington with a focus on traditional architectural detailing, a cosy second home in Holland Park and a bachelor pad in Chelsea featuring dark joinery and monochromatic colours. Her current inspiration includes historical designers such as Alberto Pinto and François Catroux, feng shui principles and expressionist art while her furniture collection, Luuna, is based on mid-century modern forms. elnaznamaki.com

Elicyon

Flow of space and scale are both crucial aspects of designing for trained architect Charu Gandhi, who founded Elicyon eight years ago and is known for her opulent tailored interiors (past career defining moments include waving her wand over private apartments in Clarges Mayfair and several spaces at the landmark Chelsea Barracks development). ‘Creating a joyful environment for our clients is at the heart of our endeavours. Ultimately, I always ask, can someone live their authentic life here?’ she says. ‘I particularly love creating a rhythm within each room, giving a hint for what lies further, through a common tonality, approach to form or sequence.’ The geometry and placement of furniture, lighting and contrasts are always key considerations. For instance, in a recent Belgravia penthouse, she juxtaposed dark tones of blackened bronze detailing with a neutral base and accents of raspberry pink, blues and greens. elicyon.com

Artwork Credit: Lee Johnson “Midnight at the Sculptor’s Studio”, available through M.A.H Gallery

Eadie & Crole

Sophie Eadie and Fi Crole joined forces in 2019 (the former previously worked on houses with her property developer husband, the latter has worked at, among others, Veere Grenney and Joanna Wood), bonding over their shared love of timeless interiors. ‘We like to create homes that are comfortable, and classic with a modern twist,’ says Sophie, of the pair’s ongoing commissions which include a Grade II-listed London townhouse, a farmhouse in the south of England and a château in France. ‘Our trademark touches are in the everyday details. For instance, contrast binding that introduces more colour or texture to upholstery and curtains.’ They collaborate with British craftsmen as much as possible to create bespoke pieces and always have in their minds a tip from the late Roger Banks-Pye, a former interior design decorator at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, ‘Each room requires, whether large or small, something black; this helps to ground all other colours in the space.’ eadieandcrole.com

Clare Gaskin Interiors

A Clare Gaskin interior is characterised by creativity, practicality and inspiration taken from nature. ‘Our role is to create a home that tells a story – revealing itself room by room,’ explains the designer, who left a career at Sotheby’s to set up her eponymous studio in 2009. Experimentation is not something she shies away from, whether using fabric made from recycled bottle tops, reupholstering an existing piece of furniture for a new lease of life, or reframing (and possibly restoring) a beloved artwork. ‘We prioritise using UK-based suppliers, which usually includes finding incredibly talented craftsman and artisans to work with,’ she adds, citing a family home in Balham inspired by Parisian style, and townhouse in Marylebone as projects set to be completed by the studio this year. claregaskin.com

Cave Interiors

Led by Creative Director and Founder Georgina Cave and her daughter Anouska, Primrose Hill- based Cave Interiors is a small but busy studio with 10 projects on the go, from an Arts & Crafts house in Hampstead to a new-build on the Scottish coast and a converted barn in the Cotswolds. ‘A typical Cave interior will be rich in its use of colour and pattern, and more often than not feature antique pieces,’ explains Georgina. ‘Reuse is at the forefront of our minds and wherever possible, this is something that we like to incorporate – whether through vintage lighting, furniture or textiles.’ Reclaimed zellige tiles, salvaged timber and unlacquered brass are also recurring themes. ‘We use soft lighting, textural rugs, thoughtfully placed pieces of furniture and art to draw you in, set the tone and create a sense of enveloping warmth.’ caveinteriors.com

Carden Cunietti

Over the last two years, Audrey Carden and Eleanora Cunietti – who teamed up in 1996 and originally ran a homeware shop in Notting Hill together – haven’t let the pandemic slow them down, taking on 40 projects that are now at various stages of completion. These include an Art Deco house in Jersey, an estate in Virginia that was once home to Jackie Kennedy and JFK, and a new build in Antigua. ‘We are always led by our client’s needs, be it a request for a place of calm refuge or somewhere glamorous to entertain, but a welcoming space should make you want to stay longer,’ says Eleanora. ‘Our interiors tend to involve lots of texture, combinations of wood, stone, fabulous fabrics and custom-designed pieces.’ On their design mood boards now are several quite different palettes: neutral tones with texture and deep jewel colours with a hint of Deco. carden-cunietti.com

Campbell-Rey

Duncan Campbell and Charlotte Rey set up their joint studio in 2014, and since then have made their name with rich, tactile spaces: ‘We are a glass half-full practice so we love colour and often juxtapose materials,’ says Duncan, citing a walnut burr with polished steel detail, or a lapis lazuli inlay that plays against a tapestry wall as examples. They often include little details for clients to discover over time too – whether it’s a jib door or a hidden bar cabinet. ‘We work with our network of decorative painters to create trompe l’oeil moments or illusions of perspective to change the perception of volume in a space. Specialist techniques like églomisé glass, mosaic work, marquetry and fabric wallcoverings are also very exciting for us as they give a new expression to traditional crafts,’ continues Charlotte. Keeping them busy is the renovation of a Belle Époque villa near San Remo, the restoration of a Beaux Arts villa in Cap d’Antibes and their ongoing furniture collaboration with design gallery The Invisible Collection. campbell-rey.com

Bernard Interiors

With commissions ranging from a contemporary renovation of a Victorian villa, which incorporates a purpose-built structure for a collection of vintage Porsches, to several Audley Villages developments aimed at redefining what senior living looks like, there’s no doubt that Bernard Interiors has a broad remit. ‘We tend to start with the architectural elements of a space and create layers that consider scale, light, colour, texture and pattern,’ explains Jen Bernard, who founded the Newcastle-based studio in 2008. ‘First impressions count for a lot when you walk into a room and we aim to get a balance of all these elements to create a successful scheme.’ Classic neutral linens and grass cloth wall coverings, leathers, velvets, and muted tones such as olive green and earthy brown are all staples. ‘We also love to use curved shapes and geometric patterns to add interest,’ continues Jen, who is a big believer in the ‘buy well, buy once’ philosophy of design. bernardinteriors.co.uk

Ben Pentreath

Ben Pentreath’s architectural and interior design studio works on every scale, from large new urban developments such as Poundbury – the Duchy of Cornwall’s pioneering urban extension to Dorchester where some of the houses are based on Georgian examples in Weymouth – to individual private residences. Most recently, the latter has included the decoration of a new coastal home on Jersey, a manor house in Oxfordshire and a residence in Vienna. This decorating side of the business is renowned for its playful style influenced by historical interiors of all periods (including the English practitioners of the 1960s and 70s), but infused with a fresh, modern sensibility. Ben is also co-owner of furniture, lighting and homewares shop Pentreath & Hall (which he set up with decorative artist Bridie Hall more than a decade ago), and has a new monograph on the work of the practice in the pipeline. benpentreath.com

Beata Heuman

‘I want to create environments that bring out the best in people. That make them feel relaxed, happy, comfortable and inspired,’ says Swedish- born Beata Heuman who opened her studio in 2013 after a nine-year spell working for Nicky Haslam. ‘Spaces should look beautiful but it’s equally important that they are a true reflection of human nature, which to me is a great mix of different and sometimes contradictory influences.’ She is known for her offbeat palettes (of-the-moment choices include buttery yellow, rustic linens, mohair and pine), playful detailing and often adding a surprise otherworldly element. ‘Not knowing quite what to expect makes you more observant to your surroundings. It encourages you to think about the room you are in, so you are more present in the moment,’ she confirms. A Josef Frank villa in the south of Sweden, a boutique hotel in Paris and a Scottish estate are all on the go. beataheuman.com

Atelier NM

‘The Atelier NM approach is very much human- centred and intuitive,’ says founder Najwa Mroue, whose personal design journey is influenced by her childhood growing up in Lebanon and the Czech Republic. ‘We start by asking a client what story they want to tell and how they want to feel. Our designs are adventurous and full of soul. Also, scale is imperative: there has to be a hierarchy within a space. Too many “wows” in one room create needless drama.’ Often, she will use a single prominent hue or statement material (antique brass is a current favourite), which is then grounded with quieter, thoughtful details – whether a set of bespoke shelves to display an owner’s vintage treasures or somewhere for an existing collection of art to shine. ‘London is our inspiration right now but everything influences me; it’s a curse of being a designer, but also a blessing,’ she concludes. atelier-nm.com

Albion Nord

Set up in 2017 by four directors – Ottalie Stride, Camilla Clarke, Anthony Kooperman and Ben Johnson – who all met while working at Candy & Candy, Albion Nord’s aim is to ‘create authentic and timeless spaces that are built on history and context.’ Natural materials such as linens, pippy oaks, plasters and sisals play a significant role in their interiors (‘Kentia palms or figs are great for large spaces,’ says Camilla); another go-to is the use of antiques to add depth and character. ‘Some of our greatest desgin infleunces range from the Georgian period through to the architect John Nash and the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic found in the work of Axel Vervoordt. Both of which value balance, simplicity and honety in materiality,’ she continues. Recently completed residences include Benham Park, a Grade II-listed stately home in Berkshire and two Chelsea Barracks townhouses. albion-nord.com

Adeko & Co

For Nigerian-born, London-based Tolù Adèkó, design runs in the family. ‘I come from four generations who worked in the Lagos textiles industry,’ he says, citing the late Sir Terence Conran as a mentor during his teens. His African heritage is inspiring two in-progress restaurants in Tangier. ‘I love to collaborate with local artisans so I’m having chairs upholstered with traditional aso oke woven textiles.’ Although his practice was established in 2014, it was put on hold while he did stints at other interior design firms (including David Collins Studio). His experience ranges from hotels and cruise ships to an island resort in the Bahamas. Now he is taking on commissions under his own name again and has recently completed a duplex apartment in north London. ‘The client wanted something that was fun and quirky, that he could fill with his own collection of Japanese and Chinese art. I used detailing such as brass inlays and hand-blown glass lights. I am passionate about longevity in design and creating spaces that last the test of time.’ adeko.co

Abbie De Bunsen

‘I am slightly obsessed with all colour but at the moment I am working with a lot of green, which gives such a fresh, interesting feel when mixed tonally,’ says Abbie de Bunsen, who launched her eponymous Balham-based design studio over a decade ago. Her aim is always to ‘create memorable spaces that are a joy to be in,’ with small, surprise details that encourage lingering. Favourite past projects include a house for a family who were relocating from Paris to London and bringing with them an impressive art collection, and the new Belgravia atelier for fashion designer Anna Mason. ‘Working with another creative from a different discipline was a delight, and made the process very organic and energetic,’ she recalls. ‘Translating Anna’s brand and style of fashion into an interior language was fascinating. We sourced antiques, and designed furniture and bespoke rugs around a monogram created from ribbons.’ abbiedebunsen.com

1508 London

‘If we analyse the common threads in all our work, they would be quality of materials, attention to detail and immersing ourselves in the local vernacular and culture,’ explains Hamish Brown, partner at 1508 London which, over the last 12 years, has expanded into an 80-strong global team. ‘We take a holistic approach and strive for balance: elegance and comfort, function and meaning, nature and technology.’ Current commercial jobs include The Raffles Residences at The OWO and the Cipriani Residences in Miami; private commissions range from villas in France to penthouses in Athens. ‘Our job is to create spaces that respond to a client’s lifestyle. For instance, at a recent property in London, the entrance lobby was key so we used materials such as stone and marble, and soft lighting, to bring a sense of arrival.’ 1508london.com

2LG Studio

Founded by a pair of former actors-turned-interior-designers, Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, 2LG Studio (or Two Lovely Gays, as they are known to their friends), describe their trademark style as joyful minimalism. ‘We believe that the two extremes – minimalism and colour and pattern – are not mutually exclusive,’ confirms Russell. The duo began by creating and screen-printing their own fabrics, which they sold at Greenwich Market, before officially setting up their practice in 2014 after Jordan was runner-up in BBC Two’s Great Interior Design Challenge (they are currently filming the second series of Changing Rooms). Their aim is to tell stories within a space and help clients express themselves through design. Favourite material? ‘We’ve been using Smile Plastics for years. It’s a small company that recycles waste and sea plastics. We put it in one of our most celebrated bathrooms and people often think its terrazzo.’2lgstudio.com

Featured image: Shalini Misra

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Selfridges x Vinterior: The Vintage Homeware Pop-Up Arriving This April

Martha Davies — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:56:26 +0000

If you’re itching for some interiors inspiration, you’re in luck: you can swing by Selfridges this April for a pop-up in partnership with Vinterior, the UK’s largest online marketplace for pre-owned furniture.

Selfridges x Vinterior: The Vintage Homeware Pop-Up Arriving This April

On the hunt for some new bits and pieces for your home? Then you won’t want to miss Vinterior’s brand new collaboration with Selfridges, where some of the very best pre-loved furniture and home décor will be on display. The pop-up will run exclusively in the Selfridges Oxford Street store from 17 April until 17 July 2023, and a wider selection of products will be made available online for national delivery.

You’ll find a glorious array of pieces by beloved brands, from mid-century modern staples to trending designs like the Instagram-famous mushroom lamp. Each item has been individually chosen from some of Vinterior’s top sellers, presenting you with premium pickings all in one place. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that it’s timeless and utterly unique.

Whether you’re a flea market regular or you’re just dipping your toe into the world of vintage furniture, this is the perfect opportunity to explore a stunning and carefully-curated collection of items. Buying pre-loved pieces is not only a thrilling experience but the most sustainable choice when it comes to acquiring anything new. The Vinterior pop-up will serve as the newest component of the Reselfridges strategy, an integral part of the Selfridges Product Earth sustainability project which aims to guide consumers towards circular shopping models.

Vinterior began in 2016 as a much-needed method of facilitating pre-owned furniture shopping. It is now the market leader in the UK, connecting customers with more than 2,000 sellers from over 30 countries.

If you can’t pass up on a chance to shop some one-of-a-kind pieces, this pop-up is the place for you. Prices start from £25 for home accessories and £150 for art, lighting and furniture.

VISIT

You can find Selfridges x Vinterior pop-up at Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford Street, London, from 17th April. Opening times are 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 to 9pm (Saturday) and 11.30 am to 6 pm (Sunday). To browse the collection online, go to selfridges.com

Images courtesy of Vinterior

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Bright Bulbs: The Best Decorative Lightbulbs

Tessa Dunthorne — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:50:08 +0000

Soho Lighting are no stranger to producing timeless looks via a light fixture. But what about bulbs – does the bulb you choose really matter? And can it be a statement design piece in itself? Their co-founder, Lee Lovett, advises us and we shine a light on our favourite decorative lightbulbs.

Shades get an awful lot of fanfare – and big statement light fittings often capture our imagination, becoming the focus of much intricate design work. But without throwing shade to shades (and making mean statements about statement light fittings), the ultimate hero in a room’s lighting is the simple lightbulb. After all, it’s the powerhouse behind your room’s illumination. And when left bare, we think that it can make a very interesting design choice.

To shed some light on this topic (and to spark our imaginations), we ask Lee Lovett, co-founder of Soho Lighting, to tell us what’s current in lightbulbs.

A Spotlight On… Lightbulbs: What Should You Look For In A Decorative Lightbulb?

Do bulbs really matter?

‘The humble bulb is so often overlooked!’ says Lee, ‘But it delivers huge impact when it comes to interiors – both in a practical and aesthetic sense.’

So what should we consider when picking a bulb for rooms in our home?

‘First it’s important to decide on the ambience and “look” you are setting out to achieve, and then you need to consider the practical use of the space you are lighting.’

‘Aesthetically, if your bulbs are on show, you’ll need to consider the period of your room and how the light fitting plays into this. For example, a traditional lantern might look elegant housing simple LED candle bulbs. However, a more contemporary fitting offers the opportunity to make a statement with beautifully twisted LED filament bulbs, in a variety of shapes. Beautiful statement bulbs can look sensational hung freely without a shade!’

And does the colour of the bulb matter?

‘The ambience of the room can hugely be influenced with colour temperatures. Measured in degrees Kelvin (K), the higher the Kelvin level the cooler and bluer the light. And then there are Orangey period tones at under 200k, plus my personal favourite, warm white at 2,700-300k. Finally, you’ve got uber-ice cool temperature at 4,500+.’

What about the rooms the bulbs sit in?

‘You absolutely need to consider the practical use of your space. Rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, and studies require clear visibility, and it is here that the Colour Render Index (CRI) of your bulb plays a critical role. CRI is the degree to which artificial light represents natural day light, with 100 CRI level being equivalent to natural daylight. With the average bulb in the UK coming in at a low 82 CRI level, aim to source bulbs with a high 95-97 CRI rating in these spaces. High CRI is also reported to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being.’

Turn It On: 5 Decorative Lightbulbs

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‘These are stunning when hung without shades. They are huge though and so not for use as a normal bulb fitting,’ says Lee.

Petersham E27 6W Giant PS160 Sunset White High CRI LED Bulb, £29.99. soholighting.com

Bay Lighting 2W E27 ES LED Non-Dimmable Star Decorative Globe Bulb, Clear, £20. johnlewis.com

Light and Living Baroque E27 4W Dimmable LED Globe Deco Light Bulb – Smoke, £67. naken.co.uk

Buster + Punch Dimmable Buster Tube Bulb, £82. harrods.com

Pear geometric light bulb, £31.99. dowsingandreynolds.com

soholighting.com

Featured image via Unsplash.

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Top 10 Pieces of Iconic British Design And Homeware

Guest Writer — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 08:00:33 +0000

Priya Khanchandani, head of curatorial at the Design Museum, chooses her stand-out products and most iconic pieces of British design for homeware.

This article is featured in our Great British Brands 2023 book. Check out the digital edition here or grab a physical copy today.

The Top 10 Most Iconic Pieces of British Design and Homeware

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My Beautiful Backside Sofa

Who made it? Doshi Levien

Tell us more? Launched by Moroso and Doshi Levien during Milan Design Week 2008, it’s inspired by a miniature painting of an Indian princess surrounded by cushions.

The Anglepoise Lamp

Who made it? George Carwardine

Tell us more? The demand for this four-spring lamp designed by George Carwardine almost immediately outstripped his supply capabilities. The Model 1208 is the popular form of this lamp that took the world by storm.

E1027 Table

Who made it? Eileen Gray

Tell us more? Eileen Gray loved developing multi-functional furniture. The E1027 table, designed in 1927, was designed to sit ‘over her knees’ while she was seated, and would moonlight as the occasional bedside table.

Ercol’s Love Seat

Who made it? Lucian Ercolani

Tell us more? Creating an intimate and shared experience, the L. Ercolani Loveseat was designed in 1946 by Ercol founder, Lucian R Ercolani. This is a 1950 version of the design.

Antelope Chair

Who made it? Ernest Race

Tell us more? Designed in 1951, this recalls Windsor side chairs with the vertical slats at the back, while remaining playful in its sculptural form and ball feet.

Falcon’s Enamelware

Who made it? Joe Kleiner & Sons

Tell us more? The brand, Falcon, originated in the 1920s as part of Joe Kleiner & Sons. The enamelware has an instantly recognisable design, with its ice-white body and blue rim.

Kangan Arora’s textiles for Ikea

Who made it? Kangan Arora x Ikea

Tell us more? A design for IKEA intended to bring Indian textiles into every home, the fabric was also inspired by the IKEA Museum in Sweden – drawing on a rich legacy of printed textiles across geography.

Trauma Chair

Who made it? Samuel Ross

Tell us more? An art piece and commentary rather than functional homeware. he Trauma Chair sits tall like an African tribal throne. It’s lacquered with a mix containing molasses, and speaks in its design of torture and slavery.

Loop Table

Who made it? Barber Osgerby

Tell us more? The Loop Table was part of the first Barber Osgerby furniture collaboration, evolving from an initial handmade model made of cardboard. The Modernist design now sits in the permanent collections of the V&A and the MMA, New York.

The Meisen Cabinet

Who made it? Bethan Laura Wood

Tell us more? Designed first as an investigation into handles, Bethan developed the Meisen’s colourful forms, inspired by Meisen kimonos.

Featured image: Martin Deusch via Flickr

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The New Jewellery Designers to Start Collecting Now

Mary Sanderson — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:13:20 +0000

Mary Sanderson uncovers the most covetable and exciting new jewellery designers to start collecting now.

The New Jewellery Designers to Start Collecting Now

JAR, Hemmerle, Grima, vintage Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Bulgari and Lalique. These are the big guns of the jewellery world. Highly collectible, they are the grandes dames, fetching soaring prices at auction; they have been around for decades and are unlikely to let you down as an investment piece. If I asked if you would like one of the names above in your jewellery box, you would leap at the chance (money no object of course). But I’m not talking mega-baubles here, rather the new names to know. There’s a whole host of rising jewellery talent on the scene, so if you’re a young investor, then look closely at the names below.

First, take heed from the top. When I ask Kristian Spofforth, Head of Jewellery at Sotheby’s, about starting a collection, he says cautiously, ‘The best advice I give to anyone is go with what appeals to you, especially if your budget isn’t unlimited. Start small, but crucially, start by choosing pieces you will genuinely love and want to wear. This means that, regardless of whether the piece you’ve bought increases in value, you will love and cherish it. As your collection builds you can learn and develop your taste, be more adventurous and chase the rarer pieces. Don’t be afraid of going for colourful jewellery and vary the styles you buy — this will broaden your options when choosing what to wear.’ Jewellery comes in all shapes and guises nowadays, so whether you pick a modern classic, or something bold and outrageous, there’s a piece for everyone.

Take a peek at the renowned artist-jeweller Christopher Thompson-Royds, whose 18-carat gold jewellery is inspired by nature. His pieces feature in prominent galleries across the US and are already on display at the V&A in London. Christopher’s contemporary all-gold tiara was chosen to star alongside 50 other diadems at Sotheby’s exhibition last June. While staying with his mother during lockdown in the English countryside his following began to grow. With exhibitions cancelled he focused on selling a pair of simple ‘Forget-Me-Not-Earrings’ (see p30) that went viral when he put them on Instagram, raising £12,500 for the victims of domestic violence. Renowned for recreating wildflowers into delicate gold pieces, his understated jewels include an 18-carat gold daisy chain necklace and a multifunctional gold poppy sculpture that transforms into an earring or a brooch. Magic!

If gold is your thing Lucie Gledhill is one to watch. Her chunky chain pieces are expertly hand-crafted using recyclable 18-carat gold, although she’ll switch to silver for anything super-size. Try her bespoke Curb Chain ring with graduating links that perfectly frames the finger. Lucie regularly exhibits at Goldsmith’s Fair in London, a well-known showcase for emerging contemporary talent. The 700-year-old Goldsmiths’ Company has been spotting designers for years, famously launching the careers of legends such as Andrew Grima and David Thomas. It was here the young engraver Castro Smith first cut his teeth, landing a prestigious apprenticeship with the company in 2010. After a brief stint in Japan working with master metalworker Kenji Lo he returned to Britain, where his elaborate signet rings were snapped up by über-cool store Dover Street Market. Castro’s secret weapon is an ancient technique called ‘seal engraving’ where bespoke symbols are etched into the ring. His fantastical designs include dragons, fish and sailing-ships and turn the old English signet ring on its head. Today his bespoke pieces fetch around £2,000 and are sought after by an A-list following that includes Elton John and Daniel Day-Lewis. When big name buyers start investing it has a knock-on effect. ‘Contemporary jewellers are the same as artists. If you are bought by one of the main collectors, they know this will add to their value – who their pieces are worn by and who, by investing in them, will impact the market. It’s all about taste and style,’ says Benoît Repellin, Head of Jewellery at Phillips.

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Bea Bongiasca

B-Colour letter M charm in 9ct yellow gold and snake enamel, £715. beabongiasca.com

Castro Smith

Anatomical Heart ring, £3,400. castrosmith.com

Gaelle Khouri

Le Tournant earrings, €17,070. auverture.com

Emefa Cole

Lapis lazuli collar, £750. emefacole.com

Jessie Thomas

Five diamond scallop cluster with pear drops, £2,000. jessiethomasjewellery.com

Another newcomer making waves is the Italian jeweller Bea Bongiasca, whose squiggly enamel-coloured rings and earrings have been causing a stir. Her whimsical, fun-loving creations appeal to a younger audience and have attracted stars such as Dua Lipa, Zoe Kravitz, Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid. Keep your eyes peeled for her funky ‘B-Colour 2’ collection launching this season. Less well-known, but still a star in the making, is designer Jessie Thomas who honed her skills with her father, the master goldsmith David Thomas. The dynamic duo work together from their shop in Pimlico, where Jessie handcrafts all her pieces using age-old techniques, whilst giving them a contemporary twist. Her ethically sourced ‘Cluster’ earrings that bejewel the lobe are on every jewellery editor’s wish-list.

More avant-garde is the Lebanese fine jeweller Gaelle Khouri whose sculptural pieces are bedecked with diamonds and twinkling gemstones. Her La Réfraction earrings, which appear to explode from the ear, were selected for a prestigious online auction at Christie’s in Paris under the title Jewellery Talents of Today. It’s a huge coup for Gaelle, who had to flee Lebanon in 2021 due to her studio being caught in the fertiliser blast. As a philosopher, Gaelle’s pieces have a deeper meaning; the earrings are part of the ‘La Trahison de L’Objet’ collection, which reflects on beauty and how we perceive it, something the jeweller thought about deeply after the explosion.

Last on the list but not to be missed is the Ghanaian-born Emefa Cole, whose striking designs are like wearable works of art, inspired by the earth’s geology and ancient casting techniques. Emefa focuses on using sustainably sourced materials that are fully traceable from mine to metal. Her giant volcano-inspired ring, complete with bulbous black shell and glistening gold leaf crater, is already in the V&A’s permanent gallery (she has just joined the curating team there), while her rings, cuffs and collars inspired by geological features like faults, lava flows and geodes are more accessible. A must-see, Emefa is another glorious example of the innovative new talent bursting on to our jewellery scene today.

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