Cocooning lifestyle

The Italian furniture company ANTIDIVA  have a reputation for innovative furniture concepts.  The 'Micama' Chair is one their latest designs responding to the emerging trend for a more 'relaxing and cocooning' living style.    Whilst the sculptural 'Cut' sofa has a deliberately futuristic exaggerated form in contrast to the trend towards minimal square contemporary designs that have dominated during the Noughties. www.antidiva.it

The Art of kitchen storage - Bulthaup

Bulthaup is well known for leading innovations in kitchen design with quality and excellence in ergonomics and functionality.  Their approach to their expanding storage and accessory range show a craftsmanlike quality in the beauty of the finishes and the execution of the precision detailing.  Undoubtedly a joy to use... www.bulthaup.com

Tress Lamp by Foscarini

A Foscarini lamp will always make a strong design statement in any interior - The tress lamp range designed by Marc Sadler is no exception.  The tubular lamps create a soft diffused light through the woven bands.  A beautiful sculptural design. 

GROHE Rainshower ICON® Rainbow Collection

GROHE will launch a limited edition of the Rainshower ICON® in 6 new colours this month. The handheld shower head has also been awarded with the “red dot: best of the best” for 2009.  GROHE continue to develop their product range with a balance between aesthetics, function and performance.  
www.grohe.com

Retro is back

Does it ever go away? Vintage style always finds a way to reinvent itself. Current trend for 'Rockstar' chic is definitely OTT and full of character - very shabby but not so chic.  (see Beatles collection by Andrew Martin) 

Translucent Wood

Luminoso have recently launched a new translucent wood product  – combining the warmth of wood and light.  Whether using a natural or artificial light source, the result is stunning – the stronger the light, the more vivid the effect.  Available in a range of wood varieties, colours and  shapes, with partial or full translucency.  Luminoso are also the recipients of  a 2009 Red Dot Award, recognized for innovative and inspiring product design.  www.luminoso.at

Turquoise - colour of the year 2010

Pantone Unveils Colour of the Year for 2010:
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise
According to Pantone - "Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky."  


With the current trend for powerful bright and strong colours to accent white (as seen with the popularity of black and reds - particularly in reflective /gloss finishes) Turquoise naturally follows the same principle.  Each season needs a fresh approach whether in fashion, product or interior design. 

Fine texture - Domus tiles

Recent additions to the Domus tiles range demonstrate the continuing trend for surface texture.  The glass mosaics use their diminutive size to create a striking effect. Whilst the fine detail on the large format porcelain tiles uses a play on shadow to enhance the pattern. 
www.domustiles.com 

Iconic panels by B&N

These beautiful wall panels of formed laminate over a carved wood core create a stunning  effect - adding texture and depth to an otherwise flat wall surface.  (Manufacturered in the US  not available in the UK as yet ) www.bnind.com 

Top ten kitchen gadgets - Times online

This time of year always brings out articles about the 'essential' kitchen gadget.  I am a big fan of the Joseph Joseph range - innovative/ clever designs, well executed and affordable.  I particularly like their folding chopping boards. 
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article69411405.ece
www.josephjoseph.com

Bio- Alcohol Fires

Encompasso have recently added a beautiful range of Bio-alcohol fires suitable for interior and exterior use - no flues required. http://encompassco.com

Axor Urquiola

This stunning new range of bathroom fittings designed by Urquiola for AXOR represents a growing trend for the bathroom to be treated in the same way as other living spaces in your home - " a mirror of our personality" as Patricia Urquiola describes it.   Good to see a female designer at last in the Hansgrohe / Axor portfolio. !   www.axor-design.com

Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions

Patricia Urquiola - Ravel range

Urquiola likes to use trellis cutouts - play on silhouettes.  This design uses a more controlled 'cellular' form than some of her designs - designed for B&B Italia.

Patricia Urquiola - Bisazza

Patricia Urquiola has a distinctive design style which is having a growing influence on contemporary interior trends.  Love this mosaic... 


Treillage Mosaics for Bisazza