This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a sustainable and luxuriously designed African lodge for Wilderness Safaris' Premier Camp, Mombo. The spacious tent-like lodges afford sweeping views over a floodplain teeming with wildlife, so curating an authentic design scheme that combined traditional elements with modern elegance was essential to truly embrace the essence of Mombo. Deconstructed furniture in classic styles, antique brass finishing, vintage leathers, copper lighting combined with marble and oak floors were all used. A tonal colour palette throughout reiterates the longevity of the interior design. A mix of mismatched – yet complementary – wooden furniture all works together to feature a collection of pieces sourced over the years, resulting in a personalised feel. Space was also a key factor in creating the new design, with each tented suite now comprising an expansive entrance, a sitting room with a bar unit, a separate bedroom and bathroom with a dressing area, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub that creates a sense of indulgence.
Company: Artichoke
Project: Mombo
Project Location: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
What was the client's brief?
Wilderness Safaris wanted the lodge to have longevity and to rebuild a camp in such a way to maintain the Mombo traditions and history stretching back nearly 30 years, yet rebuilding to the highest and most innovative standards. The client's brief was to create an environment within the camp where nothing of the stylish, traditional appeal is lost as this Lodge became the flagship of the Premier Facilities of this camp. It was important to continue to offer repeat guests a level of uniqueness to which they had become accustom, but at the same time introduce features that brings the Lodge up to date.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The history of this prestigious Lodge was a great source of inspiration where an existing blueprint called for the revival of the prestigious structure. This enabled me to make my mark on this iconic camp whilst remaining sympathetic to the essence and nature of the surrounding areas.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The location of the camp caused difficulties particularly relating to the logistics of transporting solid marble bathroom vanities on rudimentary roads through Africa, so this become a significant hurdle we had to overcome. Delivering furnishing items is always a challenge in the Delta. In the re-appointment of Mombo, there were many natural geographic obstacles which arose! The curved structure of this Lodge was also a project element which presented some interesting challenges.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
Simply just to have had the opportunity to complete a historian rebuild of not only one of the oldest lodges in Botswana, but also one of the most iconic facilities constructed in the African Wilderness. Working on the client's flagship property was a privilege.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
It is well known that participation in the prestigious SBID Award programme is a privilege as one’s team is considered to be amongst the finest on the planet.
Questions answered by Caline Williams-Wynn owner of Artichoke
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a bold and striking pavilion designed to mark the launch of a make-up collection by II Makiage, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID International Design Awards 2018
As momentum in the design industry builds, March is set to kick off with some of the most prestigious and globally-anticipated design trade shows and events for 2019; attended by all walks of industry professionals from Architects, specifiers and designers to buyers, property developers and retailers - we look toward Shanghai, Singapore and London to set the standard of design for the year ahead.
5th - 7th March
Futurebuild 2019 - London, United Kingdom
Futurebuild 2019 brings together opinion-shapers, decision-makers and product innovators under a common purpose to explore the latest technologies and approaches, and debate the biggest issues facing the built environment. Whether you’re an architect, designer, consultant, energy or sustainable manager, Futurebuild 2019 will provide you with insight, innovation and inspiration in a packed three day programme including an exhibition of future-focused brands, a conference, seminars, workshops, showcases and much more!
Win a 3 month internship with Get me 2 the Top UK 2019, now open for entries!
Three interior design students have the opportunity to win an internship at leading London design studios as SBID launches its latest student design contest. Design studios include 1.61 London, Crawford Partnerships and one more to come. Dr Vanessa Brady OBE comments: "The knowledge and insights that students receive during a three-month internship are immeasurable in terms of career and employment opportunities".
Find out more
6th - 9th March
Design Shanghai 2019 - Shanghai, China
Showcasing the best design brands and galleries from across the globe, Design Shanghai provides a unique and exciting platform to network and establish long-term business relations with Asia’s top architects, interior designers, property developers, retailers and private buyers. Design Shanghai will be returning to the stunning Shanghai Exhibition Centre from 6-9 March 2019, celebrating its 6th anniversary with exciting new content. Set across five remarkable design halls, Design Shanghai 2019 is set to be the biggest and best yet.
9th - 12th March
IFFS Singapore 2019 - Singapore
At Asia’s premier furniture sourcing platform and design-led exhibition, the IFFS International Furniture Fair, which will take place in the exhibition centre of Singapore, furniture of all kinds and for all rooms including office and garden furniture, lamps and decorative accessories are presented by well-known exhibitors. To enhance its industry-leading position as the region’s top furniture trade exhibition, IFFS remains committed to curate a multi-sensorial show experience that introduces technology, celebrates design and facilitates connections.
10th - 15th March
London Design Week 2019 - London, United Kingdom
For one week in March, London becomes the design capital of the world as interior designers, architects, taste makers and magpies from across the globe flock to the capital for London Design Week 2019. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or a style-seeker with a passion for ingenuity, you’ll love exploring the various booths and stands housed under the famous glass dome of the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. London Design Week prides itself on showcasing collection launches from the best in stylish innovation, with products ranging from fabric and furniture, to carpet and kitchens.
12th March
The Psychology of Colour at LDW with Sophie Robinson and Martha Roberts - London, United Kingdom
Taking place during London Design Week at the Victoria + Albert Baths showroom, interior designer and co-host of The Great Indoors podcast, Sophie Robinson, alongside journalist, author and colourphile Martha Roberts of The Colour File will host a richly inspiring discussion on the use of colour in the home. Learn about the power of Colour Psychology and how it can transform the way a room feels, as well as looks.
Register now
25th - 29th March
Latin America and the Caribbean UK Roadshow - Multiple locations
The Latin America and the Caribbean UK Roadshow (LATAC Roadshow) is the ideal event for experienced UK exporters to gain an insight into business opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Department for International Trade (DIT) will bring together senior experts from Latin America and the Caribbean to update UK companies on the latest opportunities in these promising markets. The Latin America and Caribbean region is home to over 650 million people where growing economies are demanding ever-higher quality products and services. British companies have seen their business expand in the region in recent years, with the expectation that this growth to continue.
Register now or find out more
February has been packed with product news across the industry, specifically focusing on innovations in the realm of KBB (Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms). From the latest innovations launching in intelligent water management and SmartControl technology; new ranges of paints, units and exquisite marble materials for uplifting kitchen interiors; to new colourways of quirky dinosaur-themed wallpaper to ignite the imagination within children's bedroom designs. Browse what's new this month to give your KBB designs a competitive and design-led edge.
Mark Taylor Design launch MeThD
Mark Taylor Design has launched a new kitchen collection, MeThD, consisting of three beautiful custom kitchen ranges, all of which are available with a number of bespoke adaptations and in standard or special paint colours. MeThD combines the quality, beauty and aftercare of bespoke with the affordability, speed of production and ease of installation that befits a custom range. With MeThD, we are also leading the trend for movable island units.
Heritage Bathrooms test the trend by making a monochrome statement with the new Granley Suite
Monochrome styling is a timeless and versatile trend, and as 2019 hails the return of geometrics and bold matte black accents, Charlie Williams, interior designer at Heritage Bathrooms, uses the Granley Suite range to test the trend for creating a standout monochrome bathroom; from using statement tiles and matte black features, to adding subtle, warmer coloured accents to ensure a softer feel without comprising the sleek monochrome styling. The Granley Suite from Heritage Bathrooms is designed to provide the perfect backdrop for a bold monochrome bathroom.
Click to shop
PaperBoy launches new colours to match your dinosaur to your decor
Dinosaurs. But not as you know them. ‘D’ya-think-e-saurus’ was PaperBoy’s first wallpaper, lovingly sketched by as a gift to Jurassic-minded twins. For 9 years it’s been their best-selling design: what dinosaur nut doesn’t want to imagine the exhilaration of flying through the air with the pterodactyls or beating the T-Rex in a running race?
This March they're introducing three soft new hues to fit into even more design schemes. ‘Confetti’ – if only pink will do, this version will make the room blush; ‘Warm grey’ glows with subtle colour while still being a neutral option; and ‘China blue’ for a cooler tone, without the dullness. As in all their papers, the inks are non-toxic, sustainable, made in England and lovingly hand-crafted in Accrington.
GROHE is set to shape the future of water with record number of innovations at ISH 2019
GROHE will showcase a record number of innovations at ISH 2019, the world's leading trade fair for the responsible use of water and energy in buildings. For the first time, GROHE will position itself as a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions, kitchen systems and intelligent water management. The brand will reinforce its philosophy; Water. Intelligence. Enjoyment by bringing the element of water to the forefront of its new innovations.
The GROHE Blue water system provides filtered and chilled water that is either sparkling, semi-sparkling or still, while GROHE Red delivers kettle hot water directly from the tap. The SmartControl technology, which has already been successfully launched in the bathroom, will also make its way into the kitchen...
New for 2019: Introducing Empira White by Caesarstone
For a thousand years marble has been appreciated and desired as one of nature’s most luxurious stones, immediately adding grandeur and glamour wherever it is used. As a material, it is timeless. Today marble is as desirable as ever, albeit with a somewhat more relaxed, softer and more organic appeal; a chance to bring nature into urban interiors, a connection to the earth around us and a natural contrast to other man-made materials. Of all marbles, Calacatta is perhaps the best known and Empira White is Caesarstone’s newest interpretation of this most famous material.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the elegance, sophistication and simplicity of a family residence. The house is filled with colours and collectables from all over the world and paintings from the owner’s personal collection. Through the process of decorating, the designer created a truly individual style. Complex but unique solutions create a truly luxurious interior, while classical and modern features combine effortlessly and even the smallest details are brought to perfection. The interior style is largely contemporary and classic, but has an element of flexibility and fluidity. For example, the furniture and materials used are complemented by uplifting textiles from Hermès. These days it’s not enough to live in a beautiful space, a home needs to be imbued with meaning, and the completion of this residence is a vivid confirmation that perfect interior design must be based on thinking laterally and openly.
Company: Bolshakova Interiors
Project: Sunny Valley Residence
Project Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Individual style is emphasised in decorating the house - the result of client's active participation. On this project we worked a lot with the client in the studio, at the facility and very actively shared information as the priority was to capture the clients personal style and incorporate their treasured belongings throughout the interior design scheme.
Today, it’s not enough just to live in beautiful walls! It is important to fill it with your own meaning, and this house is a bright confirmation. An elegant and refined house for a family with a child, where every detail matters. In the afternoon, the ceremonial living room is flooded with sunlight, the lounge area near the large window is allocated for family meetings. Here every photo, picture or piece of art from the clients personal collection has found its ideal place within the house.
We had to change the configuration of the house and forge a functional zoning of the premises. Thanks to this solution, our team was able to maximise the use of space throughout the property and make it comfortable.
A very interesting task was the installation and mounting of a chandelier weighing 250 kilogram - calculations were made and unique mounts were developed. When this chandelier was finally and successfully hung and lit, it really was a memorable highlight for our team!
For us, participation in the competition is a great opportunity to show Ukrainian design to the world. Our goal is to project and implement the best interiors of private and commercial facilities for customers from Ukraine and other countries.
Questions answered by Natalya Bolshakova, Olga Drachuk and Peter Gerez of Bolshakova Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a modern town apartment which showcases the inspiring use of colour, pattern and style, click here to see more.
Bolshakova Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a stylish town apartment which showcases how Bhavin Taylor Design turned a white box into a comfortable home that is packed with colour, pattern and style. Each space has its own design theme but still flows from room to room, turning a characterless apartment to one that is bursting with personality. With the client open to the design direction and asked for a ‘lived in’, full of life feel, the designer aimed to inject life into the space. In the open plan living space, the client wanted to keep an existing rug, which inspired the designer to select a bold patterned wallpaper that instantly changed the appearance of the space.
Company: Bhavin Taylor Design
Project: Wandsworth Town Apartment
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
The client was quite open when it came to his brief, however his main requirement was that I inject a shed load of personality into his modern new build apartment so that it would have that full of life / lived in feel that he had seen from my previous projects.
When a client gives you such an open brief it allows you to let your imagination run wild, however you do need to have a starting point. Here it was the mustard and charcoal colour scheme of the client's existing rug. Knowing that the apartment benefited from lots of natural light I could really run with this colour scheme and introduce bold patterns and solid blocks of colour to create that lived in feel. It would have been easy to continue this colour scheme throughout the apartment, however I wanted each space to have its own identity so the hallway wallpaper subtly picks up on the mustard tones and introduces the blue tones that follow through to the bedrooms.
As I was going with quite a bold design here I thought that there was going to be a lot of persuading to get the client to agree, however I was pretty lucky as I had gained his trust pretty early on and was allowed to roll with the creative madness that was inside my head, which as we all know is pretty rare! Just wish all projects went like this...
I think the biggest highlight was that this project allowed me to showcase my true design style of "Love Colour. Embrace Pattern" to add the warmth and personality that the client was after in his home.
I am now in my fifth year of running my business and thought that it would be a good time to see whether it would be recognised by an International Design association. In full honesty I did not think that anything would come from it but to my surprise I was selected as a finalist, which made all the highs and lows of the past years worth it.
Questions answered by Bhavin Taylor, Founder of Bhavin Taylor Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the first ever flagship store for British womenswear label The Fold, click here to see more.
Bhavin Taylor Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
There is no denying that building a solid portfolio of credible work experience whilst studying, can give your CV the legs it needs to sing and dance in front of potential employers. Aside from that all-important competitive edge, there are a host of other benefits which you should bear in mind when you consider undertaking an internship.
We spoke with Alexander Christou, property developer and Director of luxury interior design studio 1.61 London. A company that regularly provides internship placements, and is also one of our inspiring design practices who will be offering a 3-month internship to the residential category winner of Get me 2 the Top UK 2019.
He shares valuable insight about his experience with interns at 1.61 London, what he looks for in an intern and how he would advise students to make the most of their internships, leaving employers with a lasting impression.
Starting out his own career by interning across numerous fields, from insurance to property development, Alex is dedicated to following the same philosophy with 1.61 London. In fact, he admits that a large proportion of the staff at 1.61 London originally started out as interns! Being a firm believer that interning is an effective way of ‘trialling’ potential employees, it helps him to gauge how well they work in the office environment, how they interact with the rest of the team and if he can envisage a future for them at 1.61.
Alex summarises some of the key characteristics he looks out for…
Tailoring your CV
Many employers like myself receive a heavy influx of generic CV’s with the same impersonal content, layout structure, list of relevant skills, educational accomplishments – and worse, spelling errors. This means that it’s more important than ever to take a personalised approach. Showing drive and enthusiasm for that specific company when applying for the role can demonstrate to the employer or hiring manager that you are likely to show that same level of initiative in practice. They want to know WHY you want to work for them, and HOW you can add value.
Spending that extra hour to tailor your CV, research the company, or think of an intuitive way to reach them, could go a long way in speaking to the employer on a more personal level. In fact, I have previously hired someone at 1.61 London based on a personal, hand-written letter I had been sent; something as simple as this, to me showed genuine hunger and enthusiasm to work for me and my company.
Standing out from the crowd
It’s not just CV’s that have trouble standing out. It’s even more difficult now, in this day and age, to truly shine whether that be on paper or in person. However, I would urge you to remember that although there may be other students with the same (or better) grades – you can’t fake passion.
It’s important to show that you have a great passion for the industry or field you wish to work in, and there are lots of ways to do so – if you look for them. Whether creating something unique on social media or blogging platforms to display your passion, building relationships by meeting as many people in the industry as you can, or even hosting your own podcast – figure out how to distinguish yourself from everyone else, and use your passion to drive you forward and showcase this.
Know what you want to get from it and don’t be afraid to ask
Make sure you understand who you’re working with and get to know the working environment. Every workplace is different, so when you have questions to ask you should not be afraid – but you should also pick the right moments.
If you really want to learn or understand things, create a list of questions or certain aspects you want to explore during your internship and try to set a meeting with your superior at an appropriate time to discuss those – if it’s done in a professional and constructive way, there will usually be a positive response.
Showing a positive attitude can go a long way
It’s all about attitude. Being at the beginning of your career, you won’t know a great deal about the industry, so it’s important to show a willingness to learn, get involved and interact with the people around you.
You simply get the most out of an internship when you put the effort into it! Sitting around with nothing to do, or not showing any interest or engagement with your allocated tasks will never reap positive rewards. Interns may not always get the most ‘glamorous’ of jobs, but there are always tasks that need doing in a busy office. So get stuck in; make yourself useful, take the initiative, show enthusiasm to prove your worth and add value within your role – in most cases, it will not go unnoticed because essentially, every employer is looking for someone with a real desire to learn.
Key points to remember
The key is to really understand the process; you must strike a clever balance between being patient with it and also making it clear what you’re there to learn. Showing a good attitude, using your initiative, and going the extra mile with even the simplest of tasks will lead to bigger things. If you do all of the above and know what you want to get out of the internship from the outset, it will more than likely be reciprocated by the staff and your bosses, resulting in a mutually rewarding process for both the intern and the employer.
Entries are now open for Get me 2 the Top 2019. For your chance to win a 3-month internship with 1.61 London this Summer, visit the website to find out how to apply.
Interior designers don’t usually directly specify the technology installation in the home, mainly because it’s moving too fast to learn and advise on the right product. Designers tend to outsource this role to an Audio-Video specialist.
The most dominant piece of furniture in the main room of most homes used to be the television. The room was often designed around this now almost redundant item. The furniture circled facing this big black box demonstrating the dominance television held over our recreation time. Well in case you haven't noticed, it’s changing faster now than you can blink.
TV screens can be beautifully disguised as an old master, a mirror or even made into a fully blown floor to ceiling media wall. The fact is that most young people stream programmes to watch and channels to subscribe too whilst family viewing is quickly making Netflix - a download app or streaming channel by subscription the preferred viewing method. You can continue watching through your iPad on a plane or on the tube etc. These personalised changes have impacted on the focal point of the family home's main reception area.
Just think about bookshelves and how they have become less dominant due to computers, kindles and a host of other mobile electronic devices, all of which remove the need for paper storage and bookshelf space. In fact the Radio, TV, bookshelf and formal dining room, central heating radiators and fireplaces have all but disappeared in recent years in exchange of a technical unobtrusive out of view and personalised choice. This creates more free space in the home.
Possibly one of the other biggest changes of home design considerations is the cost of energy. Saving on energy consumption through clever design alters the way our homes are built and look. Self generating energy-efficient homes in the next decade will increasingly be built so that energy is generated from the environment (sun and wind etc.) locally stored and shared in large banks of street terraces. Whilst the home is unoccupied it will automatically lower or shut down unnecessary levels of power such as a fridge that won’t be opened as well as basics such as heating, lighting and stand-by mode on remote electrical items. Designers are not only concentrating on colour, space design, aesthetics and overall emotive impression when creating a home interiors scheme, they are also incorporating the tech available in the future at a pace faster than we have ever seen before. The purpose is always ‘saving’ time, money, space, energy etc. The antithesis of the impression that most home owners have of a qualified accredited interior designer.
Written by Dr Vanessa Brady OBE.
Award-winning Interior Designer, CEO & Founder of the Society of British and International Design
(Image by Icon Connect: www.iconconnect.com)
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the flagship store for retail brand, The Fold. British womenswear label The Fold asked Kinnersley Kent Design to create its first ever flagship store. Based on the idea of a private members’ club, the stylish, hardworking concept turns the traditional idea of the store on its head. Like The Fold’s clothes, the flagship is designed to take the customer from 9am to 9pm. By day, it acts as a showroom, store and VIP consultation space. By night, it transforms into an events venue, hosting The Fold’s regular networking events for its diverse customer base of professional women.
Company: Kinnersley Kent Design
Project: The Fold
Kinnersley Kent Design were approached by Founder and CEO of The Fold, Polly McMaster, to design a first flagship retail store who could translate the company’s aesthetic and brand ethos into a physical space. Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building the design needed to be respectful and relevant to the building’s historic features, enhancing rather than competing with them. Initially sold online only the flagship marked a key milestone for the brand and it was important to introduce a new customer to the brand whilst catering to the existing Fold Woman.
We believe that retail is no longer about creating something static. It is about designing flexible spaces that change throughout the day, and that grow and evolve with a brand. The concept we designed for The Fold was based on the idea of a members’ club, turning the idea of a traditional ‘store’ on its head. From the outset, the flagship needed to be dual functional – serving as a relaxed shopping space by day and transforming into an events space in the evening where the brand can hold networking or press events. In essence, the flagship store we designed does what the clothes do – takes the customer from 9am to 9pm.
We also chose materials that reflect the brand’s attention to detail and its tailored, quality fabrics. The interiors palette is graphic and quite masculine, with a monochromatic base that reflects The Fold’s work wear roots, juxtaposed with an eclectic and slightly unexpected tactile mix of materials. The herringbone pattern flooring is reminiscent of heritage fabrics, while brass highlights add a glamorous touch that’s suggestive of clothing details such as brass zips and fastenings.
It is never a straightforward process when designing in listed buildings due to the restrictions imposed, however at the same time we were also very conscious of allowing the beautiful historic features shine through in our scheme. This, paired with the fact that we wanted the space to be multi-functional and serve as a meeting and event space as well as a retail store, led us to design a concept with modular fittings and fixtures. By day, the central bar, equipped with oversized iPads and power sockets, provides clients with a comfortable space to catch up on emails, or simply grab a water or coffee. Come evening, the bar can be transformed to hold drinks and canapés during The Fold’s networking events.
From the outset, our strategy was to create an ownable three-dimensional design language and philosophy – one that can be articulated differently to suit the architecture of individual buildings, locations, and market nuances as the brand evolves and grows.
The Fold flagship was a fantastic project for us to work on as it was a true collaboration between our team and the client. The highlight, however, has been the wonderful feedback we’ve received from Polly and her customers as they have gone on to enjoy the space. Multiple networking events have been hosted since the launch (on International Women’s Day 8th March 2018) and, proving that the flagship is more than just a showroom, sales doubled in the first two full months of trading.
The SBID Awards are understood to celebrate some of the best international work in our industry and it is an honour for us at Kinnersley Kent Design to be recognised amongst the industry leaders who inspire us.
Questions answered by Jill Higgins, Partner of Kinnersley Kent Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the refurbishment of a historic hotel to enhance the unique character of the building, click here to see more.
Kinnersley Kent Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the refurbishment of a historic hotel, located in Bristol, boasting 71 bedrooms and six suites. Offering spectacular views of the famous Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge, the project aimed to enhance the unique character shaped by the architecture, history and location of the building as well as providing comfort, relaxation and a sense of luxury for guests to experience. Classic period features are retained yet interpreted in a contemporary manner to offer a unique twist on timeless interiors with an intriguing story inspired by the location’s history alongside the Hotel du Vin brand, with touches of irreverent British humour.
Company: Dexter Moren Associates
Project: The Avon Gorge Hotel
Project Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Dexter Moren Associates were selected for the refurbishment and interior design of the Avon Gorge hotel, including the 72 bedrooms and 6 suites. The historic hotel, set above the site of a listed pump room and spa, first opened in 1898. Located in Bristol, it has spectacular views of the famous Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge. The client, Hotel du Vin, requested a design that would enhance the unique character shaped by the architecture, history and location of the building that would also subtly incorporate the essence of the Hotel du Vin brand while giving the hotel an identity of its own. Bedrooms and suites should have a residential feel: comfortable, relaxing and luxurious. Classic existing features should be retained yet interpreted in a contemporary manner and provide a timeless interior and intriguing story.
The initial concept was inspired by the building itself and the surrounding areas: the intention being to bridge the old and the new, the brand story and the locale. Dexter Moren Associates took the central concept of wine inspired by the Hotel du Vin brand and looked at the factors involved in making it: nature, represented by flora and fauna such as local birds, and time. Inspiration came from the views of the Gorge, the history of the Clifton suspension bridge and modern Bristol city.
An understanding of the hotel’s clientele was of utmost importance to the design. Hotel guests include business travellers, meeting attendees and those on weekend getaways. The hotel is also popular as a wedding venue so it was also important that the guestrooms and suites were designed with this in mind.
Nine different schemes were designed for the guestrooms: six standard and three suites. Dark-coloured walls act as a backdrop for feature wall coverings and bright splashes of colour in headboards and upholstery. All metal work is in slick satin brass or matt black. The bathrooms have bright white metro tiles lifted by a flash of turquoise green. Many rooms feature a luxury roll top bath either in the room or ensuite; the Laurent Perrier suite has two baths within the bedroom, ideal as a bridal or honeymoon suite. Workable desks in all rooms lend themselves well to the business traveller while tourists will be charmed by the retention and highlighting of the original architecture. Lighting is used as a practical tool to enhance the guest experience - as the lighting changes so too do the focal points of each space. The inside of each wardrobe is painted a feature colour to add an element of surprise for guests. The pièce de résistance is the artwork adorning the walls. Beautiful classical paintings at first glance, upon closer inspection they reveal irreverent modern elements: a man dressed for a formal occasion holds an iPod; a well-dressed lady wears a heavy gold chain adorned with a dollar sign instead of more typical diamond or pearls. These give the rooms a finishing touch of quirky British humour to appeal to locals and tourists alike.
In terms of designing it was a challenge to bridge the old with the new. The intent was to maintain existing features wherever possible in order to celebrate the building's history, and this created challenges along the way as they were discovered during opening up. The concept of time was translated by way of laying contemporary design over a classic backdrop.
Memorable moments include discovering original stained glass in the reception, grand stair and basement areas which we managed to restore and incorporate into our design. Another highlight was the successful opening of the White Lion Bar which has been received really well by the local residents.
SBID Awards are prestigious, world renowned, and enable global recognition among our peers and the design industry as a whole. Recognition for the team on the project for their talent, passion and hard work.
Questions answered by Neil Andrew, interior designer and Partner of Dexter Moren Associates
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a modern-day luxury home that combines both old-school opulence and contemporary cosiness, click here to see more.
Dexter Moren Associates | SBID International Design Awards 2018
January is coming to a close, so it's time to shake off those January Blues and look for new inspiration and fresh motivation for the month ahead with our round-up of design industry news and the upcoming events that should be on your radar as we enter into February.
5th - 7th February
Surface Design Show - London, United Kingdom
For architects and designers the Surface Design Show has become an essential date in the calendar. Billed as the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces, the Surface Design Show is an opportunity to meet suppliers and experience innovative and exciting materials. For this years exhibition, Porcelain Tiles Ltd will be showcasing their TAILOR-MADE Collection and demonstrating the versatility of porcelain as an exciting and practical surface material!
Discover more
5th - 9th February
Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair - Stockholm, Sweden
The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is brimming with the latest innovations within interior design and lighting for both homes and public spaces. New products, new materials, new knowledge, new trends and new environmental and technological solutions are displayed in a both informative and inspirational manner.
Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair has also initiated 25h Design, a new design festival open to the public. Starting on Friday 8 February at 4:00 pm, Stockholm’s design scene will offer events and workshops for the public. Mingle and be inspired together with other design enthusiasts. On Saturday 9 February, the fair will open its doors to the public, offering everyone the opportunity to come see the newest products before they arrive in stores.
Get me 2 the Top UK competition for first and second year design students will launch with new categories!
The Society for British & International Design will be opening their annual ‘Get Me 2 The Top’ internship competition – offering students the chance to work in one of three leading London Interior Design studios for 3 months this summer! Get Me 2 The Top, now in its third year, was developed to find innovative and talented first and second year University students. The competition has been created to offer students the opportunity to develop key relationships and give them the tools and advice they need to kick-start their careers whilst studying.
The categories have now been split into specialised sectors of the Interior Design Industry and students will be asked to complete a 'project task', selecting the project brief from either Residential Design, Public Space Design or Product Design. Each task has been set by this year’s judges; Hospitality Designer, Hans Galutera;; Healthcare Interior Designer, Diana Celella; and SBID Founder and Interior Designer, Dr Vanessa Brady, OBE.
21st February
Mailbox by Design - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mailbox by Design is a series of design and architecture events that brings together leading industry professionals based in the West Midlands. Register to attend on 21st February to hear Interior Designer and Project Manager, Suzanne Barnes from SBDP Ltd discuss relationships between Client, Architect, and Contractor to realise a residential project. Using a particular case study, she will identify the pitfalls and show how good collaboration can achieve a project to finish on time and on budget. The event will take place at Home at the Mailbox, Birmingham’s premiere destination for interiors and homes.
The UK Government opens up Tier 1 Visa for Architects
Architects now have the alternative option of applying for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa which had previously only been open to migrants working in digital technology, science, engineering, humanities and the arts. Fashion designers were recently added to the list and now architects can begin applying from 10 January 2019. RIBA chief executive, Allan Vallance said the move will allow the architecture industry to attract the international talent it needs and hopes that “architects across the world will seriously consider looking at applying to work in the UK on this route.”
SBID are pleased to offer SBID Members fast-track services when applying with the Immigration Advice Service if they are eligible for the Exceptional Talent / Promise visa category!
Read more about the visa or find out how to apply
20th - 22nd February
International Exhibition of Leather and Accessories - Milan, Italy
LINEAPELLE is the most important international exhibition dedicated to leather, accessories, components, synthetics and models for footwear, leather goods, garments and furniture. Launched in 1981, it has become the most qualified international exhibition of its kind. The event takes place twice a year, in February for the summer and September for the winter collections, at the Milan exhibition centre with the upcoming exhibition on Wednesday 20th February.
27th February
SBID Breakfast Meeting with Perrin & Rowe - London, United Kingdom
SBID Business Breakfast Meetings aim to bring together relevant industry professionals to facilitate business networking and partnerships. The upcoming Breakfast Meeting will be hosted by Perrin & Rowe; specialist manufacturers of the finest Kitchen and Bathroom Collections, designed with cutting-edge precision engineering, on the Wednesday 27th February.
Find out more or email [email protected] to register your interest in attending.
The 8th edition of Roca's jumpthegap International Design Contest is now open for registrations
Jumpthegap is a biennial competition launched in 2004 by bathroom brand Roca in collaboration with the Barcelona Design Centre. The aim of the contest is for architects, designers and students to showcase their talent and submit new, innovative and sustainable concepts for the bathroom space of the future. Entrants are encouraged to use their vision and create conceptually futuristic and innovative bathroom solutions, whether it’s a new product, new space or even new uses and functions for the bathroom. This international design competition is open to students under 30 and professionals of architecture and design under 40. The three awards include €10,000 each for the professional and student categories and €6,000 for the special We Are Water Foundation prize.
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