In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge Co-Founder & Director of Accouter Group of Companies, Stella Gittins discusses the power of design, Accouter’s journey towards becoming a B-corp and talks about the increasing consumer focus on the ethical and sustainable sides of business.
Design has the power to influence the future, whether that be through innovation, sustainability impacts or the drive for change. Design has the ability to re-imagine what we think we know, and for me, the power of good design is the unity of beauty and functionality. It is courageous in its input and modest in its output, and good design is never out of fashion.
As a future-focused collective, we realised how much difference we could be making on eco and social levels. The first lockdown taught us that even taking small steps to make a change will eventually lead to a more significant impact on healing the planet. Becoming more eco and socially conscious for many in the team was an essential drive for change. So instead of sustaining and maintaining our performance, we prioritised plans to regenerate and commence a never-ending journey towards ‘sustainability’.
According to Forbes in 2021, “Generation Z (’97-’12) along with Millennials (’81-’96) are more likely to make purchase decisions based on values and principle.” Therefore, commercially we must also be future-proofing ourselves as an industry as the more sustainably conscious generations start to hold the purse strings. Obtaining our B Corp accreditation through initiatives with our teams, customers, supply chain, the wider community and by being transparent and accountable will undoubtedly build that critical trust factor within our business and clients for the future.
We have lived through, and are still living through, a significant period of re-adjustment that brings a new meaning to and re-orientating our life perspectives. Affiliation with nature and well-being has become a fundamental concept in our way of life. So much so, we have already noticed this drive for change in how we can design a space that incorporates elements for a positive mental and well-being outcome.
Likewise, sustainability is a key focus for industry development. I recently read that 22 million pieces of furniture are thrown away every year in the UK. The shocking stats made us think, “we can do better.” Customers increasingly want a product sourced from ‘responsible’ suppliers and are interested in full traceability on the supply chain offering ‘responsible’ products. Much like our clients, we are investing in the future. Our dedicated ‘Eco-Warrior’ team are directing their efforts on measures that deliver the biggest impacts, with an emphasis on minimising any destructive environmental impact.
Increasingly, we are actively educating our supply chain on the B Corp Movement. Although we have just started this journey, we are actively on a mission to collect data from our supply chain and environmental credentials of the products we are procuring, intending to deliver on our ambition to source 100% from responsible suppliers.
Launching this year, we will use the Environmental Icons to badge products within our BoxNine7 Curated Furniture Packages service and Bazaar’s e-commerce range. The Environmental icons cover everything from ethical design, FSC Timber and fillings to recyclable packaging. Not only does this influence our design process, but it provides our clients with clarity surrounding terminology and confidence in what they are buying. Our new badging process will assist in educating us all, and over time we are looking to achieve 100% traceability across the AGC collective.
My advice would be not to hold back in your entry and share as much as you can about your project. We have been on such a journey the last couple of years, and we need to celebrate the successes we’ve all had during this time!
Questions answered by Stella Gittins, Co-Founder & Group Director, Accouter.
Stella Gittins is the Co-Founder of AGC, London’s fastest-growing portfolio of international award-winning Interior Design companies. Creating the benchmark in luxury living, the Accouter Group of Companies which is home to Accouter Design, A. LONDON and BoxNine7, delivers world-class interior architectural and furnishing services to the global property market and private clients. With 15 years of experience mentoring and directing diverse teams within the field, Stella has spent 7 years building AGC which has been voted one of the best places to work in property on multiple occasions. Taking a lead creative role for the Group, Stella is responsible for all aspects of brand and design and has published four bespoke publications that discuss every corner of luxury life.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a spacious feng shui-inspired house design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, 7K Design.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Under £1M Design
Practice: 7K Design
Project: Circle of Life
Location: Ontario, Canada
The client wanted to change the lifestyle of their home because it had not been changed in over 20 years. Their home was not built with the intention of maximizing space functionality and flow. The client desired a change and wanted to revitalize their spaces not just to make them more practical and flow better, but also to ensure that each space was created with feng shui in mind to bring the family good fortune.
As the circle was an important cultural symbol, feng shui was an important component that we wanted to incorporate into the design. It represents yin and yang harmony, as well as the balance of nature.
There are precise feng shui principles for each house, and we must incorporate those criteria into our design while still maximizing space, flow, and staying within budget.
Feng shui goes beyond comfort and aesthetic. We had to have a very good understanding of what elements to bring into the space without causing the project’s integrity to be disrupted.
The team’s highlight of the project is designing the custom spiral stair bookcase. The bookcase incorporates important elements of feng shui: the garden that signifies the growth of life, and the book case signifying growth through knowledge.
We are hoping that SBID will aid in raising awareness of the importance of incorporating cultural identity into designs.
Questions answered by Fianne Zi-Yan Yu, Principal Designer & PM, 7k Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a spacious hotel lobby design by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, click here to read it.
The project is developed in an old house in the neighborhood of Palermo. A complete reorganisation of the space was carried out, generating two accesses to two spaces of different uses that complement each other according to the hours of operation of the restaurant.
Considering the history of the old houses of Buenos Aires, the courtyards have always been a space of congregation. So the first great design strategy was to create an access courtyard immediately after the façade as a symbol and blow of effect. This allowed to have a new façade of its own language, and as a consequence to preserve the old style of the main façade. From the point of view of operation, the patio is fundamental for the take away model and also explores outdoor post-covid use.
The proposed language was the result of a deep analysis of the elements that define the gastronomic proposal, a proposal that boasts of a type of American pastry. Hence the reference to the old way of “cooling the cake by the window” and its corollary proposal to use multiple windows on the façade of the entrance courtyard.
Another determining element has been the abstract representation of cakes built by cardboard cylinders, as a system of “skins” that cover certain areas such as the entrance arches and the bar back, a place that attracts all eyes in the purchase process.
These “cakes or cakes” also include two traditional symbols of pastry, the strainer and the whisks, both elements we condense into a single piece as a symbol.
The language of interior architecture is a vernacular composition of the typical demolished industrial style. From this word “demolished” started the idea of using elements that simulate an “under construction” area, that is, scaffolding woods, construction irons, metal fabrics. All neutral materials that make up a universe of constructive sieves and background a demolished house where dry vegetation takes possession of an old house that seems to be in a state of abandonment.
Lighting has become a distinctive element built with wooden structure supports and surrounded by dry vegetation, as a poetic act of how vegetation can take an abandoned wooden scaffolding structure.
On the first floor, crossing the symbolic wooden windows and a large vegetation that climbs through them, we find a private room where the high cocktail bar takes presence. We emulate through the symbolic Lagerstroemia tree in the center of the courtyard and the use of wood around the courtyard the idea of the house in the tree. Hence its name Moshu treehouse.
About Hitzig Militello Arquitectos
Hitzig Militello architects carries out commercial projects, fundamentally interior design, locally and regionally in Latin America, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and the USA. With a special focus on the hospitality industry (gastronomic and hotel) as well as the development of spaces for tech startup workspaces. They came to position themselves as true creators of brand identities, obtaining international recognition for their concepts and executed work.
If you’d like to feature your project here, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
Wellness design creates spaces that combine form and function for positive mental and physical health. Newmor wallcoverings contribute to creating commercial environments which promote wellbeing through colour, pattern, and texture. Their wallcoverings are also low VOC and contribute to better indoor air quality, as well as enhancing the acoustics of the interior space.
Here are three projects that place wellbeing at their heart:
Platinum Mountain Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel and wellness centre in the magical alpine ski village of Szklarska Poręba in Poland. The interiors reflect the hotel’s wellness ethos – comfort, style, and connection to the world outside are beautifully reflected in the organic materials, biophilic design, and cosy accents.
The Folly bar and restaurant is a botanically inspired city haven located in the heart of London. The large-scale skeletal leaf pattern in neutral tones sits alongside a vast collection of plants. Raw wood furniture, stone flooring, sheepskin rugs, and garden-themed ephemera enhance this whimsical uplifting interior.
My Lounge is a laidback oasis located in London Gatwick Airport. The clever use of design scale, colours effects and tactile surfaces create a welcoming space, contrasting with the sterile airport environment. Separate formal and informal dining and seating options ensure visitors of all ages feel at home.
About Newmor
Newmor specialise in commercial quality wide-width fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings, which are manufactured in their own facility in Wales. Their products can be found all over the world in hotels, bars and restaurants, healthcare, education, cruise, and leisure installations. Newmor work in collaboration with a vast array of artists and designers to promote British design to an international audience. This includes painter and fashion designer, Iona Crawford; interior design duo 2LG; weaver Ptolemy Mann; artists Stephen Walter and Lois O’Hara; and design duo The Patternistas.
If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more.
With rising costs, is a “five-star” luxury space what residents want and need?
One of Just Imagine Interiors‘ favourite parts of designing a care home is the ability to design an exciting new cinema room for residents. As you will see not only is this a vibrant and fun space to be but its benefits are endless when it comes to bringing people together. This is where our design and creativity really flows, in order to achieve a fun space for residents to relax and enjoy the movie.
Why are cinema rooms so important in care homes, specifically dementia care homes? Who doesn’t love a feel-good movie? Being able to switch off from the outside world with a good movie, in a comfortable chair or preferably a recliner, cosy blanket and a bag of popcorn can revert a bad day into a good day. For residents living with dementia – something as simple as watching a comedy movie or a nostalgic film of the past can help ease stress and anxiety by being so immersed in the film it can be a form of escapism.
We start with the design and choice of funky furniture. We like to be more daring with our colour choices, using vibrancy to add to the fun! The installation of interesting lighting design wholly contributes to an authentic mood in the room. We like the design to be bold and nostalgic or simply a mixture of both! We try to create the full cinema experience in terms of design, look and feel including the smell of popcorn! When designing a home we obey our ethos of creating home from home interiors; the opposite of our design ethos applies in a cinema, as residents can enjoy the experience of stepping out and taking a visit to the Cinema.
Movies provide a great conversation starter, anticipation before the film begins, film enjoyment whilst it is been watched and an after the film review. What’s better than going to see a movie? It’s probably going to see a movie with a friend or loved one! Being able to share the experience of watching movies is a definite relationship booster. When visitors arrive, residents can enjoy taking the family ‘out’ to the cinema, a Birthday celebration or revel in a private film viewing for an everyday treat.
Movies can act like time capsules to a lost era, and the feeling of nostalgia is a powerful tool. Residents can watch old movies from their childhood to unlock memories that have long been buried over the decades. As nostalgia is a way of remembering, talking about and sharing the important events and memories of one’s life, watching nostalgic movies can help provide comfort and meaning to a person’s experiences, as can the cinema itself. This is why décor is so important to every experience that we create. As part of designing for care homes, it is important to accommodate for those living with dementia. We consider landmarks, as research shows that people living with dementia use landmarks as their way of navigation – signage with good contrast text and background, well-lit entrances and utilising natural light. Care and attention are given not only to the fabric and wallcoverings but often it is the accessories and finishing touches that complete the room. There is an emphasis on Artwork this could be old film reels, black and white movie star photos, signage and west end show prints. Well placed accessories such as a popcorn maker, drinks trolley or clapper boards make each room as realistic as possible. Each of these details generates a memory and completes the cinema experience.
Residents should always have a say in the movies being shown in their cinema. Popular films relate to those shown during a residents 30s and 40s, so age is a consideration of film choice. Staff need to know what is “meaningful” to each individual resident as they will have a wide range of viewing preferences depending on what they have done and what they like. Many residents love to sing along when they watch movies, so a good musical is always a winner! Providing residents with varied activities and social opportunities can improve their quality of life. Cinema rooms are installed with smart TVs in most instances so that residents can also access other entertainment online if they prefer. These options can be offered as an alternative or as well as watching movies. Galleries and museums offer virtual tours, which will appeal to the art lover. Whilst Google Earth lets you ‘travel’ all over the world. Simple online games can stimulate the mind, generate memories or help engage with grandchildren on a whole new level!
The cinemas we love to create are bespoke and tailored to the client needs. One of the main challenges when designing is the size of the room allocated. We can be limited to our choice if it’s a small area, but this just adds to the challenge. The seating layout is of a similar style to that of a commercial cinema, whilst where space allows, giving ample wheel chair access. Seats are arranged for maximum viewing. Comfort is key here as a standard film many be 1 1/2 long. Seating must be relaxed and fully support a resident through legs, back, arms and neck. Between each chair sits a table for ease of use and access to popcorn! To save any stressful spills, our specified carpets are impervious and so are the seats. It is difficult to assess the role of the environment in the transfer of infection, therefore our specified impervious finishes allow ease of cleaning and stronger infection control.
The TV screen size is vitally important! Too large or too small can cause a lack of visual clarity. Seating is always placed in proportion to the screen size. We can specify a number of screen options depending on the space. For example, in a more compact space a projector screen can work better. This screen is superior to a plain white wall, as the screen has a coating with reflective properties that help make the projection come out clear and will display every last detail of the projection.
Lighting or lack of lighting are carefully considered in each space. Firstly black out lining is standard on all cinema curtains as showings are mostly during the daylight hours. We need an element of darkness to create the nostalgic ambience, however, safety always comes first. With this in mind, the rooms have options of ambient lighting, task lighting and feature lighting all of which can be adjusted to suite the mood. In some instances the cinema room is used as a training room due to its ability to screen content and comfortably occupy a number of staff. This is where adaptable lighting becomes significant as natural light in addition to ambient light must be optimal.
Finally care is given to the sound quality in each cinema. Again, there are a number of options depending on the size of the room, number of occupants and occupant ability. Depending upon the venue, noise may significantly impact our experience, whether positively or negatively. Understanding the rooms’ acoustics and finding the right balance of sound absorption material, without compromising on our aesthetic is very important. A comfortable acoustic environment can improve well-being and motivation. Sounds are reflected off walls and surfaces in the room; sound coming directly from speakers is flat and even. The size of the room, wallcovering, curtain thickness and length, and items in the room will affect how the sound waves travel and overall quality of projection. Here we can assess location of speakers, add sound bars or, if it’s too much, sound proofing panelling can be installed to the walls. As it is well recognised that noise may be distressing for a person living with dementia it is important that exits are clear, visible and non-hazardous e.g. non slip/ trip.
So why have a luxury cinema in a care home? Having a social space where residents are able to relax, switch off from the outside world and unlock memories that have long been buried is extremely important to improving their quality of life and mental health.
About Just Imagine Interiors
With many years’ experience and a passion for functional and beautiful design, Jo Goddard is a highly motivated Director with a hands on approach to every project. Her team is at the core of each and every project they undertake. Every member brings something special to the table from in-depth knowledge of fabrics & textures, to a comprehensive understanding of designing for comfort and functionality.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a spacious hotel lobby design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.
SBID Awards Category: Hotel Public Space Design
Practice: Bishop Design by Paul Bishop
Project: The Sky Lobby, SLS Dubai Hotel
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SLS Hotels are renowned for breaking stereotypical molds, in sophisticated fashion, and The Sky Lobby at our Dubai destination is no exception. The brief itself was to create a world of true luxury, something that would leave guests overwhelmed with awe.
Our creative concept became inspired by the story of Midas, infused with the SLS spirit and excessive glamour of Dubai. This narrative translates through the design and artwork, which perfectly capture these sentiments in a subtle tongue-in-cheek way, enforcing unforgettable connections with guests.
Our toughest hurdle started when we inherited the project late on and the construction had already started off the back of the previous design. It was a race against time to redesign the whole project without compromising the construction programme. There was minimal guidance from operations in terms of brand or standard hotel requirements forcing us to create one.
Even with the restrictions of the build being carried out during covid, it is known that we have now set a new benchmark for all SLS hotels going forward. An undeniable highlight for us and testament to the standard of work that was carried out.
SBID Awards celebrate the best in design and it is events like this where validation surfaces in recognition that what we are doing is right and that our designs are of global standards.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner & Founder, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a residential design by Ana Engelhorn Interior Design, click here to read it.
When it comes to challenging the limits of what materials can do, Ledbury Studio is building something of a reputation. The latest design, the Camden Kitchen, is a textbook example of this, combining beautiful materials and artisanal techniques to stunning effect. Ledbury Studio founder Charlie Smallbone talks through how the Camden Kitchen was realised.
Our client has a strong sense of style, so was already full of ideas when she came to see us. I really like that because the design process should always be a collaborative one, and is personal to each client. In this case, the room was being extended into the garden beyond, and we were tasked with designing a relaxed and informal space for cooking and entertaining.
I had decided to use English and European oak throughout the kitchen, and we took particular care to select oak all from the same batch. The result is that the grain matches perfectly and can be seen to run across the width of all the drawers, it’s a really satisfying detail. And for the full-height cupboards, we introduced a design motif that completely belies the practical nature of the fridge, freezer and larder concealed behind.
The show-stopping island top is a work of art by Lara Bohinc of Bohinc Studio. It’s a selection of Italian marbles, inlaid into an aged-brass edge trim, in a selection of shades that elegantly complement the muted colours throughout the rest of the kitchen. For the long runs of worktop, we specified Ambra quartz, for natural-looking veining in a hard-wearing manmade material.
We’ve employed our signature use of metal with patinated zinc panels on the cupboard to the left and on the extractor hood, where it’s trimmed with aged brass. There is an antiqued glass panel surrounding the extractor, which reflects light from the garden around the kitchen. And possibly my favourite detailing is the delicate fluted oak on the ends of the island, which is echoed in the fluted Ambra quartz splashback.
As this was to be a room for entertaining, our client particularly requested a screen she could pull across to divide the dining area from the kitchen when required. I was inspired by a ‘70s design the client found in an antiques shop, to create this screen of brushed and polished stainless steel in a striking geometric pattern. It’s a great finishing touch to this beautifully eclectic kitchen.
Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.
About Ledbury Studio
Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.
The latest trend palette from the new collection at Arteriors is all about creating contemporary yet sublimely serene interiors. The key to this elegant décor scheme is incorporating an unpredictable combination of cool toned hues such as pale blues, marbled pastels and lighter jewel tones, and combine with striking modern silhouettes. A smattering of organic materials and shapes throughout will tie the décor together and provide a grounding effect.
To bring this luxurious look into residential or hospitality projects, integrate raw stone marble accents, jewel colours, sumptuous velvets and other luxurious materials to fashion the perfect foundation. Opt for accent details in glamorous golden finishes and brass – these are the perfect finishing touches for a scheme that is luxurious while still remaining warm and inviting.
Lighting should be extravagant: consider frosted glass detailing combined with ornate, intricate elements in both chandelier designs and sconces, and pair together to create an ambient glow through the home.
Intricate use of glass across lighting and accessories is inspired by the fluidity and the sleek reflections across a shimmering body of water. A balance between soothing and striking is created by using lithe hand-blown glass – organic in form and never-quite-perfect meaning each product is unique in its individual detailing.
Arteriors has embraced the perfection of imperfection and is striving to create an assortment of product that inspires the calm and collected throughout the Modern Serenity collection.
“The craftsmanship and cadence emanating from our studio is an extension of both the intelligence and the care of the artist’s hand” – Arteriors Design Team.
Discover items from the Modern Serenity collection as well as other new designs in the London showroom in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, and online at www.arteriorshome.com.
About Arteriors
For over 30 years, Arteriors delivers impeccable style and artisanal quality craftsmanship within the lighting, furniture, wall décor and home accessory categories to discerning customers worldwide. This three-decade journey in pursuit of extraordinary product – from the understated to the unexpected – had been and remain at the core of what Arteriors do each day. Arteriors’ business has matured and expanded into a timeless lifestyle brand that has become premier resource for interior designers and retailers worldwide.
Today, Arteriors continues to reinterpret materials, forming objects of perfect proportions and scale, resulting in bold interiors that bring ease to everyday luxury.
Garrett Leather has collaborated with Mark Berryman Design to create the exclusive collection – New Forest. Located in the New Forest studio on the south coast of England, Mark Berryman Design specializes in high-end interiors for superyachts of distinction and shares a passion for ingenuity and authenticity in handcrafted luxury.
Mutual curiosity for innovation in colors, patterns and textures steered the design of this collection—which has particularly attractive visual and tactile appeal. Unlike anything currently on the open market, these sensory attributes are a direct homage to the natural elements of the New Forest. In a world of ever-increasing stress, the New Forest collection offers a haven of harmony, featuring organic materials that bring the serenity of the outdoors into interiors.
The four lines of the New Forest Collection, Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven, are inspired by the idyllic glades and ancient woodlands of the New Forest Nature Reserve. The spirit of this ancient habitat is personified by the introspective artistry and personal handcraft of each article. All made with European, premium quality hides, the depth and nuance of color ensures beautifully versatile and enduring products. Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven are all sold in full hides averaging 54-57 square feet. They pass IMO flammability requirements for private yachts and may be treated to pass FAR requirements for aviation use.
This roughout semi-aniline leather reflects the organic and evolving adaptability of our ever-changing world. Hawkhill is made in Italy and finished with natural resins. The hides are milled and artfully sanded to obtain the visceral textures found in our natural environment. Hawkhill is reversed natural grain leather with a soft, tactile finish and well-worn appearance. It is recommended for moderate to low traffic areas.
Earthy and layered, Bolderwood harkens the sanctuary of an ancient coniferous canopy and the rich resolute of the centuries-old, undisturbed woodland floor. Bolderwood is embossed with a beautiful organic pattern that is accentuated by hand-finishing artistry, giving depth to the final appearance. As a LeatherShield product, Bolderwood has excellent durability and is recommended for all upholstery applications.
Exbury exhibits a spectacular collision of color and texture. Decadent details are exemplified with its large grain pattern. Exbury is a durable, semi-aniline leather and recommended for all upholstery applications. Its hand-tipped and antique finish ensure a beautiful and lasting appearance.
Relaxed and restful, Keyhaven channels the unique colors and shapes of eroded rocks where fossils have embedded. Its granular, small grain pattern and handcrafted finish give Keyhaven its distinctive touch. Keyhaven is an embossed, semi-aniline leather with excellent durability and is recommended for all upholstery applications.
The New Forest Collection reflects nature’s palette. Its serene colors have a calming influence and capture the visual serenity of the organic world. When it comes to incorporating Hawkhill, Bolderwood, Exbury and Keyhaven into your designs, imagination is the only limitation. The New Forest Collection can be used in any way you desire to create timeless appeal for any space or application.
Bring the outdoors into your interior and harmonize with all that is nature.
All 18 GREENGUARD® Certified colors are now in-stock and available for immediate shipment. Please contact your local sales representative to learn more about this exquisite collection and to request samples or visit the website.
About Garrett Leather
For more than 30 years, interior designers, upholsterers, and manufacturers have used Garrett Leather products for private and corporate aircraft; corporate, hospitality, and residential interiors; luxury motor coaches, high-end cars, and private yachts. They are a privately-owned company dedicated to building relationships and earning their customers’ loyalty by providing the highest quality leather and a superior customer experience.
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.
When I lived in Monte Carlo I frequently had meetings in a hotel part of a contemporary chain that had decided to revamp its old dated style. The new theme was very modern and would have appeared angular and static if they had not brought in real art made by real artists. The art rotated every 12 months. They employed a curator to seek the most exciting and diverse local artists. It was always something new to look at for regular customers and added more culture and diversity to the community. The artist’s private views quickly became something to look forward to. The openings provided a source of new contacts ranging from artists, clients, and interior designers. It offered a buzz in the reception area, and the international hotel guests benefited from seeing new and different art. It’s also inspiring for the staff that work day in and day out at the hotel, creating a conversation.
Art can attract and complement a design. It can also detract from and destroy a project. For example, a sleek, contemporary hotel built next to a beach may be the perfect opportunity to use paintings of seascapes. Without much thought except to save time, a designer will contact a gallery or art agents for ‘seascape’ images, but often, they end up with acyclic on canvas or, worse still, prints in frames that don’t fit properly or are too heavy or light for the image. Apart from the sea connection, the artwork is dull and lacks energy and ownership. People sit in amongst art; it’s usually the first thing a guest will see in the hotel reception, and this engagement is so critical. Art helps to start a conversation, often breaking the ice with strangers. The first impression is lasting, and it sets the tone and dialogue. Good idea to get the art right.
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.
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.
About Kay Hare
Kay Hare creates oil paintings on linen with 10c natural gemstone diamonds and 10k gold leaf paintings. The bright artworks are commission-based and bring life and character into the interiors.
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