New mood for 2010...

January’s upon us and we’re looking ahead to some new projects for the New Year and investigating some international design shows to see what is influencing the early trends of 2010.

At Maison Objet, (Jan 22-26, Paris), it’s all about blurring boundaries. Whether it’s the effects of the recession, or an ever-growing awareness of our environment, the major themes here were how to reconcile different generations, cultures and environments to achieve harmony in our surroundings.

We’ve taken that on board in our approach to a new project we’ve taken on in Surrey. We’ve going back to basics and internally remodelling this period country house.

By layering different colours and fabrics and mixing bespoke with recycled, we’re aiming for the ultimate in retro chic. Baileys is always an excellent choice for old-fashioned homewares, whose vintage charm lends a warm feel to any interior. We love their range – check it out on their website: www.baileyshomeandgarden.com/

Next up, we’re heading up to London for the Listed Property Show (Feb 20-21, Olympia). This attracts everyone from architectural salvage experts to roof thatching specialists. Everyone who wants to meet and network with owners of period properties will be there and, with our portfolio of work in Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire, it seems like a natural fit for us. Maybe see you there!

Autumn tales...

So, summer finally did arrive and with it a flurry of work!

Two of the main things that have been keeping us occupied since the balmy days of August are pictured below. Firstly, the complete redesign of a house and grade II listed barn conversion on an estate in Gloucestershire. This fabulous house with its amazing views came to us in a dilapidated state and we spent a year on the design and construction of an elegant country interior with a modern twist.

With this residential project wrapped and appearing in an upmarket interior design magazine near you in 2010, we bent our brains to commercial property: The Halcyon a contemporary hotel right in the centre of Bath. The former Georges Hotel on South Parade is to reopen in just a few short weeks’ time, so it’s all hands to the pumps to finish its transformation into ‘21 serviced luxury rooms, all on the swanky side of cool’. Here is our sketch of the bar area, in which we are using dark wood minimalism offset with framed Hermes scarves against a palette of burnt orange, chocolate and creams to create a classic, cosy space. Perfect for that early evening cocktail or three…

Due to launch in February, we’re told the hotel is already fully-booked and will be featured in the Sunday Times soon…

Dreaming of summer...

Summer seems to be taking its time to arrive this year, so in the meantime we're simply imagining the picnics, sunshine and warm evenings. Here are some things we've been daydreaming about...

This perfect summer scene includes a cotton parasol and cushions by Clarissa Hulse at Heals

These wonderful woven seats from Outer Eden add the wow factor to any outdoor space

Languish in this idyllic Cocoon hammock from Henry Hall Designs

New challenges

Our latest project sees the conversion of a large barn in deepest Gloucestershire. The brief brings about familiar challenges; designing around irregular ceiling pitches, planning layouts around supporting beams and of course retaining the authenticity of the original building whilst introducing a contemporary feel. Here are some of our inspiration images....

Garden Design

Inspired by a recent visit to the Chelsea Flower show we have been looking at garden design and wanted to share with you this garden belonging to one of our clients.

Designed by Character Landscapes there are some great designer pieces such as the glass tree featured at the end of the lower level. Designed by Wilkin and Wilkin and known as 'The Raindrop Tree' it catches the light beautifully.

The plant pots are by Sven Bayer and Felicity Ayeliff.

The wooden benches are by Alison Crowther. Below is a close up image of the benches featured in this particular garden.

Getting ready for Ascot

The arrival of Ascot week got us thinking about hats to die for. We love these creations by Philip Treacy. His couture is the expression of his skill and vivid imagination and proves that he brings something uniquely beautiful to the world.

Michael Wisner - New Ceramics

Michael Wisner

Beaux Arts Bath
22 June to 29 August 2009
New Ceramics

Since 1989 Michael has studied extensively with potters of the American Indian Pueblos and Mata Ortiz Mexico. Juan Quezada has been his most influential mentor. Michael's genius and concern for craftsmanship have influenced all aspects of his work. After years of study under Juan's tutelage, Michael decided to use these old techniques to create something new. These textured pieces are the results.

Bath Society of Artists

104th Annual Exhibition from

Saturday 20th June to Saturday 25th July 2009

This should prove to be an interesting exhibition. It showcases work from local artists and entry is open to anyone 18 yrs or over.

Gilles Nouailhac

We have just received the new Gilles Nouailhac brochure and picked a few of our favourite pieces to share with you. Above is the Valliere sofa and below the Bergère Vallière armchair.

New Ceramics

To create these vessels Andrea Walsh uses bone china clay combined with paper. Cast inside is glass, emulating liquid. Andrea will be displaying her work in a solo exhibition at Beaux Arts Bath 18th May to 13th June.