Introducing The French Technique of Verre Églomisé

Verre églomisé artworks have also been referred to as “moving paintings,” thanks to a shimmering finish that gives the impression they’ve somehow come to life. But what is Verre églomisé, exactly? Here, we dive into the world of this incredibly intricate, centuries-old technique, from its origins to how it’s created – and, most importantly, how you can make use of it in your own space today.

So, first things first. What is Verre églomisé?

Verre églomisé artworks possess a unique characteristic distinct from traditional paintings; they appear to shift and transform when viewed from different angles. This captivating effect is achieved through the ancient technique of meticulously applying metal leaf, patterns, and colours by hand to the back surface of the glass. As a result, the artwork’s appearance changes depending on the observer’s perspective. You’ll occasionally find the term Verre églomisé listed under “foxed glass” or “distressed mirror glass” as well, though this is not strictly correct.

A brief look at the history of Verre églomisé

The technique of Verre églomisé has ancient origins, tracing back to the late antiquity period. Throughout history, it experienced rediscovery in various places, including 16th-century Italy, followed by Holland and Spain in subsequent centuries, and later in France, England, and the United States. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the technique received its current name, attributed to Jean-Baptise Glomy. An art-dealer and decorator, he is celebrated for reviving this time-honoured technique and bringing it into the modern era.

The Verre églomisé technique

Similar to other gilding methods, Verre églomisé relies on the use of micron-thin gold, silver or other metal leaf to adorn a particular surface.

In contrast to oil, acrylic, or water-based gilding methods, Verre églomisé is a unique technique that focuses exclusively on glass. It involves the application of metal leaf to the rear side of the glass, rather than applying it to the face.

Combining gilding with painted designs, Verre églomisé requires artists to work in a reverse order to create designs or images, making it one of the most challenging techniques to master.

With our own Verre églomisé creations, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of styles using a diverse range of materials, including both precious and non-precious metal leaf. Our artworks are further enhanced by employing specialised painting techniques, resulting in truly unique and unparalleled outcomes.

During the creation of our Verre églomisé artworks, we employ the same gelatine adhesive used in the water-based technique. The adhesive is dissolved in water and then carefully “floated” over the glass surface, allowing for swift application of the gold while the surface remains moist. This process demands that our artists work with both great speed and skill to accomplish these precise and intricate works.

How can Verre églomisé elevate an interior space?

In today’s world, Verre églomisé offers a vast array of possibilities, ranging from intricate floral patterns to modern geometric designs, subtle decorative accents to large-scale surfaces. The versatility knows almost no bounds. These artworks not only possess the power to brighten up a room through their reflective properties but also create an illusion of more space, much like traditional mirrors. The added touch of shimmering metal leaf makes these pieces truly unique and are an exceptional addition to any space.

How to incorporate Verre églomisé in different interior design styles and spaces

Incorporating Verre églomisé into your interior design opens up a world of possibilities across different styles and spaces. Whether you embrace traditional elegance, contemporary flair, or a fusion of both, Verre églomisé can enhance the overall ambience.

At our studio, the possibilities of Verre églomisé artworks are limitless. From exquisite bespoke wall art to furniture embellishments like cabinet doors, tabletops, and even shower screens, we cater to diverse requests, including the creation of traditional mirrors. Our artistic aesthetic seamlessly blends classic and contemporary elements, achieved through a masterful fusion of figurative, organic, and abstract patterns. The result is a rich array of designs that caters to a wide range of tastes and interior styles, ensuring each piece is a true reflection of timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

From yachts to private homes, we often use Verre églomisé to add interest to interior spaces, from incredibly detailed designs, like our Jungle Scenescape design, to modern ideas, like the graphic novel-inspired swimming pool (pictured above) that we created for a private London residence.

Looking for something more understated? We have an array of minimalist options that focus on showcasing a beautiful interplay of colours and textures. From classic gold to sparkling turquoise, these designs are sure to captivate with their elegant simplicity.

Add value to a space with Verre églomisé

Verre églomisé, with its centuries-long history as a decorative technique, continues to find its place in modern interiors.

At our studio, we offer a plethora of ways to incorporate this timeless art form into your space. Whether you desire an intricately detailed artwork to accentuate your interior or a captivating large-scale mural custom-made for your wall, we are here to bring your vision to life.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today, and let us know about your project. We’ll work closely with you to create a concept that aligns perfectly with your vision.

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Art is at the heart of Rachel McLane Ltd’s interior designs for the new high quality Eden Valley farm barns conversion of the Flakebridge Estate.

The major interior design project has an array of traditionally constructed stone and slate barns, cattle byers and dairy into a stone hospitality centre and holiday cottages which are now open at Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.

The main old barn has been transformed into the hospitality centre for the new facility with a drawing-room, bar and breakfast room, shooting/gun room and a large commercial kitchen. An adjacent barn houses a billiards room and wine cellar. Seven stone cottages have also been converted from the former farm buildings and come with their own bespoke kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.

Rachel McLane Ltd worked from the architect’s planning drawings at an early stage to incorporate their vision into the internal detailing including all the internal finishes, electrical and lighting positions and spatial arrangements. Rachel McLane Ltd sourced all fixtures and fittings, including bespoke joinery, lighting and furniture.

As part of the project Pickering-based Rachel McLane Ltd’s award-winning design team have created a unique and original look for the development after commissioning an abstract acrylic/multi-media painting by fine artist and founder of Red Dog Glass Design, Sally Coulden.

“I’m a big admirer of Sally and her art and have wanted to work with her for some time now,” said Rachel, whose business has won and been finalist in numerous awards including the Northern Design Awards Best Hotel Interior Design 2020 for their work on the Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough.

“The farming history, stone and timber structure of the barn and the cottages with the addition of Sally’s artwork gave us the perfect opportunity to create a unique and beautiful design which compliments the surrounding landscape of the farm.

She visited the estate as part of the preparation and to fuel her inspiration for the original painting. Having found a great view which she felt captured the essence of the landscape she spent several days sketching, taking photographs and getting to know the environment before heading back to her studio to start work on the painting.” – Rachel McLane

The end result is a 2m x 1.5m abstract painting on canvas, which now hangs in the main barn and reflects the rural, family nature of the estate, with found objects from the surrounding fields, including foliage and pheasant feathers.

“It was a leap of faith on Rachel’s part as we hadn’t worked together before but it has been such a brilliant partnership throughout the process. In addition to the original painting, Red Dog Glass Design has created a contemporary art glass panel which sits behind the aga in the main breakfast room, the design for which has taken specific features from the original painting.” – Sally Coulden

Rachel McLane Ltd was part of a project team led by LHL Group, architects, quantity and building surveyors, and GEM Construction, both of York.

LHL Group’s managing director Richard Hampshire said, “We were able to incorporate Rachel into the full design team at an early stage, so this has made the integration of architectural and interior design so much easier and has avoided any design clashes at the outset, and ensured that we were all working to budgetary constraints.

Working in old buildings is always challenging but every project meeting has been well spirited and any problems were countered with solutions in the quest to meet the brief and it is clear to me that we had a team all working to one goal. The unique Rachel McLane Ltd flare shines through.”

Giles Bilton, of Morgan Bilton, who acted as land and estate agent on the property for the owner Flakebridge Estate said, “This was a lovely courtyard of old farm buildings which were once part of a tenanted farm within the Flakebrigde Estate. We were able to purchase the land and old farm buildings in the knowledge that the tenant farmer was soon to retire.

The seven cottages of this first phase sleep 24 people, with five two-bedroomed and two one-bedroomed cottages, but the eventual plan is to sleep at least 34 including a new as-yet-to-be built five-bedroom home. Low Barn is available to book as individual cottages, or the entire complex.”

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Lalique, the iconic French crystal house opens its first art gallery in the world in historic and prestigious Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London.

The Lalique Art Gallery will feature Lalique Art collections including those with Damien Hirst, Zaha Hadid, Terry Rodgers, Han Meilin and Nic Fiddian-Green.

The James Turrell x Lalique collaboration – two limited edition perfume bottles, Range Rider and Purple Sage and limited-edition panels, named Crystal Light – will be exhibited for the first time in the UK from May 17th, together with an exclusive new limited-edition piece by the artist which will be unveiled that day.

From September 2023, the gallery will showcase a new collection in collaboration with the Magritte Foundation in which the work of René Magritte is captured in six crystal sculptures in this, the year that marks the 125th anniversary of the artist’s birth.

Situated in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, it will be the fourth retail space for the house in London joining its other boutiques in Burlington Arcade, Conduit Street and Harrods.

Lalique Art was founded in 2011 with the launch of La Victoire de Samothrace in collaboration with the Yves Klein Archives. Since then, it has worked with some of the world’s finest artists and architects, including Anish Kapoor, Arik Levy and Mario Botta.

In the creation process of the art pieces, Lalique and its artist collaborators work hand in hand. The artists work closely with the artisans at Lalique’s sole factory in Alsace and with the Paris creative team headed by Lalique artistic and creative director, Marc Larminaux.  Founded in 1888, Lalique has a history of artistic tradition and collaboration and celebrated 100 years of its factory in Alsace last year.

Frederick Fischer, UK managing director said, “We are delighted Lalique has chosen London to launch its first Art Gallery – the only space dedicated solely to Lalique Art and the first in the world of its kind. It is a space we can focus on Lalique Art in all its forms, creating custom curations that will be complementary to our boutiques that specialize in Lalique decorative items, furniture, jewellery and perfumes.”

Burlington Arcade’s Head Beadle Mark Lord commented: “We are honored to have been the home of Lalique’s UK boutique for six years, and we are excited to welcome Lalique’s first Art Gallery in the world to our historic retail destination. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the Maison’s history.”

In addition to three London boutiques, Lalique has two other UK boutiques – at Bicester Village and in the heart of The Glenturret Whisky Distillery in Scotland, which is also home to The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star just seven months after opening in July 2021.

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The gallery has also hosted various artists from around the region and the world, showcasing their work, artistry, and the inspiration behind their ideas. These events have been instrumental in bringing together clients and artists to interact in understanding the creative process and vision behind many pieces.

Unlike anything in the region, Gallery Collectional has become the standard for collectible design and a reference point among regional and international buyers—a destination for people who value one-of-a-kind collectible pieces.

Picture Credit: COLLECTIONAL

Location: Eden House

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The furniture

The new Palau collection radiates warmth and charm. The pieces have storage capabilities and beautifully integrate form and function. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans using ash veneer, powder coated matt black legs and handles, along with self-closing drawers to provide a subtle touch of timelessness.

The Palau Collection consist of a Sideboard, Chest of Drawers and Bedside Table.

The art

Thanks to Liang & Eimil’s vast collection and most recent additions, their five brand new modern wall art pieces are ideal for updating your interior decor.

The most recent additions to their unique wall art collection are modern and appropriate for any setting, including any area or ambience. You’re bound to find a new favourite for your project! Whether you’re looking for something classic and timeless, or something modern with a pop of colour, Liang & Eimil has art to suit every style.

Discover their full Wall Art Collection.

To gain access to Liang & Eimil’s extensive collection of design pieces, become one of their exclusive trade account partner by contacting [email protected]

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In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Show Flats & Developments category, David Collins Studio, Iain Watson reflects on the experience of working with a multitude of makers and artists, and discusses designing colourful yet refined spaces.

David Collins Studio was chosen to design and deliver the latest 3-bedroom show apartment at The Bryanston, Hyde Park for London-based developers Almacantar.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

Our Show Apartment at The Bryanston was designed to showcase a thoughtfully curated selection of artists, designers, makers and craftspeople who exemplify British luxury. The design was developed in collaboration with Nick Vinson of Wallpaper* Magazine. In addition to the artists whose work is featured within the apartment, the space also showcases a selection of iconic David Collins Studio furniture from our 38 years of hospitality projects, reimagined for a residential setting.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

Collaborating with Nick Vinson from Wallpaper* meant that The Studio was able to mine both its own, and Nick’s, ‘little black book’, as well as bringing a third party’s point of view when editing the selection of Studio furniture pieces that would feature in the apartment. Working with the multitude of makers and manufacturers to realise the furniture in new and custom decorative finishes brought another dimension to the design and process.

Working with Nick was very inspiring as he brought his editor’s eye and an editorial process to the process. The final apartment showcases pieces from a lot of different provenances which brings a sense of authenticity to the space.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

Winning an SBID award was incredibly important to David Collins Studio. It is amazing for our work to be honoured in this way and speaks volumes about the hard work of the design teams and The Studio. Given that we re-worked furniture pieces from a variety of projects, the award feels extra-special! Awards of this nature are so important to our BD process and customer journey.

The apartment has lots of different design elements, colour stories and, it seems, styles. What was the inspiration behind that and how did you accomplish creating a cohesive design featuring different elements?

Almacantar’s brief to us was to be bold. Part of the reason for our selection for this project was our bold yet refined use of colour. From the outset, we wanted the apartment to comprise a series of strong colour stories. This was essential to provide a point of difference not only between the rooms themselves, but from a lot of the other show apartments on the market. The colours all had to work within the context of the setting and inherited base build, as well as a whole, so that the journey from one room to another felt considered, connected and balanced.

How did you find the process of working with different artists for commissioned artworks? Was each piece created for a specific room based on its design, or did you collaborate throughout the entire design process?

All the makers we worked with were incredibly professional and went the extra mile for us. Everyone had to work to a fixed program and some makers had more experience working to a commercial brief than others, but the project team was able to use its combined experience to manage the delivery process and allow the artists the creative headspace that they needed. David Collins Studio collaborates with makers and artists on all of its projects and so the process felt very natural to us. 

The apartment’s design was created holistically, in that we wanted to feature as many of the makers from our shortlist as possible. We worked very hard to ensure that each room showcased makers and key stories that could be used within the client’s marketing. For example, the Lucy Smith pink jesmonite hallway relief featuring an iris motif that connects the apartment with Hyde Park and the dining table made from a plane tree felled in London by Sebastian Cox. The Simon Hasan study furniture inspired by Charlotte Perriand furniture seen through Simon’s own understanding of the decorative arts and industrial design, and the commissioned Bethan Laura Wood timber bedframe that was based upon an original piece designed with Phillipe Malouin that Nick had seen exhibited in Dresden in 2016, re-scaled for The Bryanston.

How do you transform nature and the surrounding environment into an interior design?

Creating a definitive sense of place was key to our design concept –  a connection with neighbouring Hyde Park and the immediate areas of Marble Arch, Marylebone and Mayfair. Lucy Smith and Sebastian Cox worked very literally in this way, meanwhile Geraldine Larkin created an abstract topographic map of Hyde Park, realised in three colourways of Loro Piana cashmere. Many of the accessories and art pieces were selected for their connection to the park, such as Shannon Clegg’s press floral vases. There are more subliminal design elements within the apartment that have been chosen to bring a connection to the locale, including a series of custom arch mirrors by Alguacil & Perkoff which echo Marble Arch itself, and commissions from local stores such as Perfumer H in Marylebone. We also carefully selected a series of books and auction catalogues that resonated with the location, as well as the design references within the apartment. Finally, we managed to source an original Henry Moore lithograph for the apartment, which connects to his park sculpture, The Arch, and cements the concept behind the space!

Questions answered by Iain Watson, CEO and Founder, David Collins Studio.

Lalique has unveiled a new collaboration with American artist James Turrell who is famed for working with light and space to create artworks that engage viewers with the limits and wonder of human perception.

It is the first time the celebrated light artist has worked on small scale pieces. This unique coming together of two ‘artists of light’ is the result of over four years of close collaboration. It comes at a time when Lalique celebrates its Alsatian factory’s 100-year Anniversary. The collaboration, which consists of 42 crystal light panels and two perfume bottles, each in a limited edition of 100, was presented at Paris+ par Art Basel on 20-23 October 2022. It is the first time Lalique Art was an official partner of the world-renowned art fair.

The bottles

James Turrell began the collaboration by designing the two perfume bottles. Fascinated by Egypt and the stupa shapes found in Asia, Turrell used their architectural structure, monuments of high spiritual value in which light plays an essential role, as inspiration.

Combining artistic and olfactory sensibilities, the two flacons Range Rider and Purple Sage are inspired by Zane Grey’s ‘Riders of the Purple Sage’ and the artist’s desire to recreate the beauty of the American West. The striking result: prisms that diffuse and diffract the light. Entirely handmade, the design presented a major challenge for the Lalique artisans – obtaining crystal of a uniform thickness, to ensure the correct density of colour and homogeneity.

Working closely with Lalique’s perfumers, the collaboration also sees the first scent ever co-created by an artist for Lalique. A first scent, Range Rider, captures the natural fragrances of the artist’s land, Arizona, including sage-scratched leather chaps, pepper, amber, and citrus. It is an olfactory architecture that speaks of sun-drenched Western ranching.

A second scent, Purple Sage, named after this delicate, queen of plants that blooms in Arizona, offers a different interpretation of Turrell’s relationship with the American West, undulating between delicacy and strength. The bottle, with its soft curves, is a tribute to the eternal feminine form. The perfume has a delicately fruity, musky scent, revealing notes of purple sage, mandarin, grapefruit, and rhubarb.

The panels

The 42 light panels, named Crystal Light, are inspired by an image of James Turrell’s Aten Reign installation, exhibited at the Guggenheim in 2013. Originally planned in colours, the panel was finally produced in clear crystal. The rippling colours were then produced using a screen placed behind the work. The design offers a hypnotic visual effect between the third and second dimension – similar to a trompe l’oeil, with intriguing depth.

The artists

The collaboration was first born from a meeting between the artist and Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, “I immediately thought there should be a collaboration between Lalique and James Turrell – the light artist. It makes perfect sense when you recall that René Lalique was known as the ‘sculptor of light’.”

“This is a profound artistic adventure whose result expresses a rare elegance and modernity. A seemingly impossible challenge. I am both proud and very happy that this great name is joining the prestigious circle of Lalique’s contributing artists.”

James Turrell added, “The nature of my work is the shaping of light. Light is the material; perception is the medium. I knew of René Lalique, but I didn’t know the extent of his creativity. At the Lalique factory, when I watched the master artisans, I was fascinated by their technical virtuosity. They are truly artists.”

“This is the first time I have designed perfumes and made crystal pieces. The olfactory sense elicits memory more so than any other sense and it was with Lalique and the perfumers, that I was able to do this. Creating a perfume is a bit like creating a world you have known.

“Like René Lalique, I seek light and will continue to seek it.”

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What are the origins of your brand?

DKT Artworks was established in 1979 by three graduate friends – Niki Davies, Steve Keeling and Sean Trowbridge – and today is an established 40-strong team company with a studio and workshop in London, specialising in high-end bespoke decorative finishes and site-specific artworks.

How do you work with interior designers?

DKT Artworks offers a completely bespoke service, supporting designers at any stage of the design process. Our team is very experienced in carrying out projects in London, UK and overseas, offering a wide range of specialist decoration skills, including:

• bas-reliefs and sculptures,
• paint finishes, murals, stucco and polished plaster,
• gilding, verre églomisé and antiqued mirrors,
• hand-crafted mosaics, illuminated artworks and decorated furniture

What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?

We are integral part of the design industry. Whether it is a simple or very complex project, our decorative artists are instrumental in creating those finishes that make interiors special and help fulfil clients’ needs.

How do your services/offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?

DKT brings over 40 years of experience in delivering projects at the highest level across sectors, including high-end Residential, Hospitality, Corporate Offices and Superyachts. Working with a wide range of materials, our specialist decoration skills can be applied on all styles, from traditional to modern and contemporary. Furthermore, we can best advise on options in relation to the specific requirements of the space, including fire regulations, weight restrictions and maintenance. Having a multi skilled team, DKT is well equipped to fulfil all designers’ needs, in relation to all types of decorative finishes, saving them time, effort and money, instead of finding various suppliers. Through an assigned Project Manager, DKT would coordinate all the aspects of the project, working with the designer on all requirements and keeping them up to date with the status of the project development.

Questions answered by Guglielmo Carrozzo, Head of Marketing at DKT Artworks, DKT Artworks.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a industrial artists’ house design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Clara Lleal Interiorista.

House located in the historic centre of Badalona, a city near Barcelona. One of the challenges when it came to the layout of the project was to strategically place the sculptures created by the owner of the house himself, the artist and sculptor Juanma Noguera. In short, an Art Gallery house.

In terms of general aesthetics, the idea was to give the whole space an industrial atmosphere, maintaining and recovering the building’s original materials. The solid brick walls were uncovered, the vaulted iron-beamed ceilings were respected, and areas with the original hydraulic pavement were maintained. The materials used subsequently also follow this industrial premise, concrete, black iron sheet, herringbone floor of recovered wood, and teak wood furniture to break the cold of the greys.

Gaining maximum natural light was also one of the objectives of this project. Several skylights were opened in ceilings, and an inner courtyard was located at the back of the house.

What was the client’s brief? 

The main request of the client, who is the sculptor and painter Juanma Noguera, was that his sculptures and paintings would be part of the overall design of the house. In other words, when thinking about the layout and design, we also thought about placing the sculptures in strategic places so that they could be observed and at the same time beautify the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

The construction of the house dates back to the 19th century, coinciding with the industrial period in Catalonia. Therefore, the house has many architectural elements typical of that period, which we wanted to maintain and even restore. The walls were chipped to leave the brickwork exposed, the original cast iron columns were restored, the hydraulic mosaic floor tiles of Mediterranean origin were kept, and the Catalan vaulted ceilings were left exposed. In short, we wanted to recover the industrial essence of the house and give it value.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The spaces were very large and there was a risk that they would not be welcoming, which was of paramount importance to the client. With the combination of materials such as teak wood and dark colours, a cosy atmosphere was definitely achieved.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the main challenges was to gain natural light. It can be said that in an area of 200 square meters there was only one window. Skylights were opened in the roof and in the inner courtyards, as many openings as possible were made so that the house would be bathed in light. We wanted to convey the feeling of well-being and warmth that natural light provides. In addition, from the beginning we wanted to include a lot of natural vegetation that can only live with light.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Because I had seen SBID award-winning projects that really seemed high level to me, so I thought it would be good to participate.

Questions answered by Clara Lleal, Creative Director, Clara Lleal Interiorista.

The idea always comes first. This brings excitement, planning, and construction. So much time is spent thinking about the design, employing the right architects, and sourcing the materials. The last on the list is usually the artwork. This is due to many factors, deadlines and budgets, but often, the client has their own art in mind and is determined to use it. This is tricky to navigate; however, it can often undermine the whole project when the painting or artwork is overlooked.

It’s such a shame that great projects end up with artwork that does not fit in or gets ignored. It is an awareness of art that can create and bring so much value to a project. Art can rescue some designs from the plain and boring to the ‘Wow’. Art can also be introduced to a reasonably mediocre project with limited funding to uplift and create a more lavishing, memorable experience. Many people choose to stay in hotels and are attracted to apartments only for the art.

Working with an artist

One of the ways to guarantee success is if an interior designer works with a local artist who perhaps knows the area and has original oil paintings or watercolours and sketches of the beach at different times of the year. They understand the weather in the area and the unique colours of the sea, sky and sand. This brings a story to the picture and an artist who has a connection with the local community.

It may save time working with a gallery or agent with a stock full of images, but these organisations charge. Artists will never expect service fees. Inviting an artist and their work into the design encourages a conversation, builds new contacts, and there is always a continuation to the story. It costs nothing to reach out to an artist, and although their artwork may be more expensive, or not it brings a richer experience, ensuring longevity and sustaining reputation.

Working with artists brings opportunities and events to a project that perhaps had not been thought about. An opening evening or private view always attracts people and is the perfect excuse to invite the press and other critics who will publicise the opening for free.

The worthy outcome

I was invited to a new apartment opening again in Monaco; although it was a stunning penthouse that I could not afford, I was intrigued, and when I arrived, there were half a dozen agents and staff handing out glasses of champagne. The spacious apartment needed little explaining with beautiful views overlooking the Mediterranean, but it felt empty and devoid of the human touch. It lacked the warm atmosphere of a family home and cosy comforts. I think the agents recognised this and worked with an interior designer bringing in some fantastic oil paintings from a local artist. This not only generated even more interest but was packed every day for a whole week with viewings. The lucky people that bought the apartment were probably thrilled that it was an art gallery for a week. I believe it sold effortlessly and for more than the asking price.

A good design is alive from conception and well into the future; art helps nurture and keep a project fresh and growing. As the artists develop, so does the oeuvre of work. An artist’s work becomes their identity; it carries a story.

I now live in the English countryside and love my local pubs, one of which has been refurbished and completely gutted. It has a rural feel with lots of exposed beams, wooden floors perfect for the dogs and quirky ornaments made from recycled bottles and reclaimed bits and pieces. Art is dotted around on the walls, each describing the artist, where they work and live. This is a fun and organic way to bring new customers; it adds value to the experience and brings a sense of community.

Art rarely gets boring, and it brings different societies together, from elusive capitalists to bearded hippies, political to radical and has no religious boundaries. It’s a free spirit that can bring warmth to lost spaces, lonely rooms and blank walls.

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