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…