An 1880s Victorian Eatery Gets a Second Life After a Modern Renovation

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a renovation project of a Victorian Eatery by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Blue Sky Hospitality.

MAGENTA restaurant, bar, and private dining, have been created from the conversion of a 19^th century bank building, located on the corner of Euston and Belgrove road, just across St Pancras and Kings Cross train stations.

What if… in 1880, British engineers and scientists from the St Pancras Coal, Steel and Gas industries had decided to create their own eatery? Enlisting help from the large community of Italian immigrants based around Kings Cross, they would have built a venue celebrating ‘La Dolce Vita’ with an authentic, local British identity. A place for libations and celebrations of everyday life, until it closed, swept away by the turmoil of time.

What if… 141 years later, the premises were renovated and updated with a modernist sensibility and reopened… transformed into a giant art installation? A bar and restaurant within an indoor pergola of Victorian industrial architecture, dressed in a palette of coal, steel and oak, upholstered with magenta wool and anthracite leather. An evocative space where thousands of butterflies, flutter overhead, in shimmering hues of pink and silver, to a cinematic soundtrack punctuated by atmospheric bird songs. The result might look, taste, and feel like what “MAGENTA” is today.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to convert an existing bank within a 19^th century building into a restaurant and bar with a design that will optimise the internal volume and reduce impact of constraints, draw inspiration from its location, provide a joyful environment for staff and customers, offer a unique, memorable social space and enhances the neighbourhood of Kings Cross- St Pancras.

What inspired the design of the project?

The main inspiration for the design was a story about Kings Cross in 1880 - blending facts and fiction.

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

The most challenging part of the brief was optimising the internal layouts to make it efficient to operate and provide a pleasant customer experience…while respecting the period architecture of the façade.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most exciting part of the project was the creation of a ceiling art installation using 5,000 metal butterflies.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It is always an exciting experience to enter awards, however given the calibre of work and entries into these global awards, it makes it even more special.

Questions answered by Henry Chebaane, Creative Director, Blue Sky Hospitality.

This week's instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features an open plan residential space design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Nicola Burt Interior Design.

The company was tasked with transforming a tired separate kitchen, living and dining room into a warm, slightly opulent open plan space, that reflected the 1930s built of the house.

They achieved this by removing the structural wall separating the kitchen from the living area, and installing a new emerald green kitchen and island to integrate the spaces together whilst still retaining the separate zones. The warm, opulent feel was enhanced by the orange, green and blue velvet tones of the upholstered furniture together with the wood parquet floor.

Wherever possible Nicola Burt Interior Design team reused existing furniture and accessories, to minimise waste and the impact on the environment.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief from the client was to transform a tired and awkward separate kitchen, living and dining room into an open plan kitchen/dining/living space.

The client wanted a room where she could entertain as well as cook and relax. She also wanted to be able to look out onto her garden, so our team installed a wall of glazed Crittall Bifold doors, which retained that 1930s feel.

What inspired the design of the project?

The client wanted to be bold and use colour - she has some artworks by Louis Turpin in the space which are incredibly vibrant and colourful, so I drew inspiration from those for the scheme. The artwork inspired the choice of emerald green for the kitchen cabinetry.

We then paired the green kitchen with an orange velvet scalloped sofa and armchair, and a blue-green swivel chair and bar stool to enhance the vibrancy and opulent feel. I was keen to re-use existing furniture where possible - we retained the client's colourful Christian Lacroix rug which worked perfectly with the scheme, and the client's existing dining chairs. Our team also upholstered her piano stool in a beautiful vibrant offcut of woven Ghanaian fabric.

The Crittall Bifold doors to the garden, touches of gold in the handles and tap, scalloped furniture, Tristan and Isolde table lamps, all referenced the warm Art Deco feel the client wanted in her 1930s home.

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

A major challenge was working with COVID restrictions, something that I had never encountered in my 16 years working as an interior designer. We began planning the project in March 2020, but then almost immediately the first complete lockdown came into force. I had to pivot really quickly to ensure we could keep working, so I advised the client that we could continue to plan the new space remotely until we were allowed to meet face-to-face on site. This would mean we would be ready to go as soon as restrictions were lifted.

As soon as we were permitted, our team appointed an architect in to survey and draw up plans, a structural engineer to survey and do drawings for the steels, contractors to price for the work, and Building Control to inspect. After the client signed off the kitchen design we could then place the order for the furniture, with fingers crossed there would be no delays due to COVID disrupting supply chains.

The building work was booked to start in September 2020 and when it began the contractor discovered that the original frame of the property had been constructed from poured concrete, which was incredibly solid and heavy to remove. This delayed the work slightly, but we completed the project at the end of October.

It was stressful but we were incredibly lucky to get the major building work done and completed in between the various lockdown restrictions.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The first highlight was seeing the client’s joy when the scheme came together and how thrilled she was with her new space.

The second was being nominated as a finalist in the SBID Awards. There was such a great reaction to this project in the press and social media so I thought I would enter it into the awards. I never thought for a minute it would be nominated and I am so thrilled. It just confirms to me that you should be brave and trust your instincts with your design ideas!

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I entered the SBID Awards as they are so prestigious in the industry, and the judges are of the highest calibre. To be nominated as a finalist has been such a boost to my confidence, reputation and business, and to (hopefully!) win would be even more amazing, not only for me but as an inspiration to all the interior design students I teach.

Questions answered by Nicola Burt, Interior Designer, Nicola Burt Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features refurbishment of resort's suites and guestrooms by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, LW Design.

Le Royal Meridien Club Tower is one of the most premium resorts in the United Arab Emirates. As an incredible height of luxury, it has solidified itself as one of the major attractions in the beautiful city of Dubai. LW design received an offer to work on many of the guestrooms and suites at Le Royal Meridien Club Tower, and our team took the offer in stride.

Despite being constructed and decorated beautifully, Le Royal Meridien Club Tower was looking for a much lighter and softer touch to their rooms. Specifically, something that would better resonate with the luxurious beachside feeling of the view outside the rooms, and LW Design team of designers knew exactly what to change in those rooms, so they felt all the more inviting.

What was the client's brief? 

The client brief stated that Le Royal Meridien Club Tower was looking to refurbish the suites and the guestrooms in a way that would keep the overall feel and look of the main tower intact. The brief also mentioned that the rooms should have a beach-like vibe to them, further emphasizing it as the premium holiday destination. The tower stood tall among the many skyscrapers of the city, which means that every visitor would have a great view of the city and the beach. Therefore, much of our team’s efforts would go into subtly solidifying that summer holiday feel.

What inspired the design of the project?

The LW design team that was overlooking this particular refurbishing project understood that there were limitations as far as creativity was concerned. They had to bring the right beachside touches to the rooms while keeping the overall aesthetic of the Club Tower. Despite being a challenging task, it was a test of design potential, and LW Design definitely emerged victoriously.

The Club Tower project was unique because of its circumstances and different requirements - the brief emphasized that the rooms have to appear much lighter and more welcoming, with a feminine yet modern touch.

The narrowed down criteria of soft, light, feminine, and modern, saved the designers a lot of time and helped them jump straight to the crux of the project. The team decided that they would use lighter timber around the room that would help reflect more natural light towards the centre. This accentuates some details while highlighting others, such as the natural rattan, which was among the materials to give a luxurious yet sustainable aesthetic. The room also features subtle blush pink accents throughout to create a feeling of feminine comfort.

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

As with any project that LW Design takes over, there came a few obstacles when refurbishing the many guestrooms and suites of Le Royal Meridian Club Tower. One physical challenge was the incredible lack of space in the bathroom.

Since the bathrooms were much smaller, it was considerably harder to give it that lavish look and feel. However, with the help of a sliding door between the shower area and the bathroom, the team was able to make the bathrooms feel more spacious and luxurious without having to compromise much.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

What makes this project special is simply the clever use of standard finishes. These gave the rooms a much-deserved lavish feel while still keeping the design style in line with the main hotel and guest rooms. Moreover, the team contrasted white oak timber against the black metal, which complimented the blush pink and turquoise colours.

Overall, the Le Royal Meridian Club Tower was an exciting venture for the LW Design portfolio. The unique look of the rooms and the precise requirements of the project made it one of their finest works to date.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It is always an exciting experience to enter awards, however given the calibre of work and entries into these global awards, it makes it even more special.

Questions answered by Jacqueline Craft, Senior Interior Designer, LW Design.

Project of the Week

Oktra worked closely with adidas to develop their new London headquarters in Clerkenwell’s iconic Herbal House. The new space equips the adidas teams with the environment they need to perform and the visual identity they need to thrive. The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The original architecture of the landmark building is constantly visible, rooting the commercial powerhouse in the rich creative history of their new home. Designed to unite and inspire their creatives - this headquarters is a physical manifestation of what it means to be a London creative for one of the most recognisable brands in the world.

What was the client's brief? 

The concept of ‘one adidas’, a unified team with a strong sense of personal and brand identity, was the driving force of the design for their new London headquarters. London is a key city for adidas in terms of their growth, so it was imperative that the office make an impact and create a strong sense of identity for the London team.

What inspired the design of the project?

The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The design activates this newfound identity by establishing sightlines into and out of the centre of the space, creating three distinct channels of movement and connecting the hub’s creative heart with its supporting architecture and legacy. The fully agile floorplate gives employees the flexible space they need to maximise their potential, allowing them to redefine what’s possible in terms of productivity, efficiency and collaboration.

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

Working with a brand as iconic as adidas naturally comes with a lot of pressure as the client already has a very strong brand identity that needs to be honoured in their new space. We wanted to make sure that we got to know their brand inside and out, as well as understanding the unique working requirements of their teams, in order to develop a design that supports and represents their identity. We held a series of workshops with the adidas design influencers which allowed us to study their brand identity in a comprehensive way. Then we used the insight from these sessions to directly influence the design development of the project.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the space take shape and the impact it made on the client team was a highlight for us. The adidas story is embedded in the new space, with their hallmark products standing as physical reminders of their journey. World Cup footballs line meeting room walls, iconic running shoes adorn lounge areas and versatile storage spaces are built-in for day-to-day use or product display. We recognised the opportunity to weave stories of adidas’ sustainable products throughout their workspace, starting with their Parley range which is made from repurposed ocean plastic. The Mater Ocean Chair and Mater Nova Chair in the adidas HQ are made of 100% recycled fishing nets and recycled pieces of veneer – even the teapoint is made of recycled yoghurt pots.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious design awards in the industry. We hold ourselves to standards of excellence with every project we do and we aim to enter the SBID Awards each year. As soon as we saw the brief for the adidas project we knew it was going to lead to an incredible creative partnership, and the client team’s open-minded approach to the design development of their new space ensured we were able to push the boundaries of their existing corporate environments, ultimately delivering a space that’s unique to the brand’s presence in London. We entered the project because of the outstanding final result, but also because its conception and completion are a perfect representation of what we do. The new space is built to support the unification of the adidas teams, bringing them together in a creative environment that sets them up to perform.

Questions answered by Jemma Harrison, Design Director, Oktra.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavish apartment design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Cheng Chung Design. The skyscraper One Sanlitun is already a valuable addition to Beijing's skyline, and the luxurious apartments furnished by CCD are a feast for the eyes.

Cheng Chung Design (CCD) used inspiration from international brands of the highest level, such as Armani, Aston Martin, Chanel, Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, for a series of luxury apartments in this skyscraper. CCD is known for introducing Western artistic forms into Oriental concepts. The apartment we see here takes characteristic elements from the Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi bringing the classic style of Rome to Beijing.

For the apartment One Sanlitun - Fendi, CCD was inspired by the philosophy where a balance is sought between the classical and the modern, the sophisticated and the playful. It integrates Italian history and humanity with Fendi's brand story as the design inspiration, and presents Fendi’s art, fashion and lifestyle in an elegant way.

SBID Awards Category: Residential House Under £1 Million Sponsored by Sans Souci

Practise: Cheng Chung Design

Project: One Sanlitun - Fendi

Location: Beijing, China

What was the client's brief? 

Beijing Topwin investment group was founded in 1996. The company adheres to the concept of quality to rejuvenate areas such as real estate, hotel, golf court, energy investment and management, among other diverse sectors. Topwin Group is the owner who pursues aesthetics and hopes to lead in the high-quality domestic real estate, using art and design works.

What inspired the design of the project?

It is the unique charm of the Fendi brand. Fendi stems from the history, art and aesthetics of Rome. CCD combines Fendi's brand concept with the interior design of luxury apartments in the bustling business district of Beijing to create a brand-new experience, where guests can interact with Fendi's furniture and accessories more intuitively and deeply, along with the artistic appeal brought by artworks.

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

The most difficult part of the design is the integration of the huge cultural differences. Fendi is based in Rome, the eternal city of Italy, while Beijing is famous in the oriental cultures and history. Therefore, it is hard to balance the collision between the two cities. The design needs to maintain harmony between classic and modern, elegant and stable, without losing the focus on space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The focal point of the design is the combination of practicality of space and the classic Fendi's brand style. Returning to the examination of this exquisite living space, we focus on the juxtaposition of decorative materials, Fendi's ultimate luxurious aesthetic, and the display effect.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the design industry. Winning the SBID International Design Award symbolizes high achievement and honour. We think that the unique design and ambience of the space, which reflects functional and aesthetic consideration, thoughtful material selection, technology, light and shadow make One Sanlitun – Fendi a brilliant piece of interior design, that is worthy of this award.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, ET Design & Build.

Situated next to the Macau Jockey Club and nearby International Hotel Resorts, this residence has an outstanding view. The owners, a 50-year-old married couple, requested a classy clubhouse style home to accommodate their friends and family. Thus, the luxury of leisure space, the superiority of materials and the quality of finish were important elements of this project.

SBID Awards Category: Residential Apartment Over £1M Finalists Sponsored by Vectorworks

Practise: ET Design & Build

Project: Oscar Crescent

Location: Macau, Macau S.A.R.

What was the client's brief? 

The client requested to restructure the floor plan to maximize the leisure space area (include the living/dining area) along with the balcony and full-length windows to take full advantage of the natural light and the day & night scenery.

What inspired the design of the project?

As part of the owner’s hobby, we incorporated a custom-made pool table and a birdcage to house the owner’s pet parrot as part of the design. As for the owner’s private area, they needed a master bedroom fully equipped with a walk-in closet, make-up table, dressing area and bathroom to endorse a comfortable leisure lifestyle. Also, a multi-purpose room to serve a study or guest room, as needed. The entire house needed to be equipped with a smart house system and electronic curtain system for the owner's convenience.

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

To achieve the design goal, besides matching the colour palate with suitable materials to portrait a luxurious look and feel, the designer put in much effort to source a great number of decorations, including the paintings, different art pieces, floral arrangements, etc to enhance the overall design effect. All furniture and lighting requirements were thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by the client to integrate with the design.

The construction team did a great job in executing a quality finishing of the project. The selection of materials was also the key to a perfect finished project. There are more than 3 types of marbles used in this apartment; the material that represents luxury and glamour and pairing marble with Golden/black mirror/brush steel made the pieces cutting edge and classic at the same time. The choice of wallcoverings and the soft shade of grey stone materials boards were also unique.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Aside from the luxurious clubhouse concept, the use of the birdcage element is the highlight of this design. The idea was inspired by the owner’s request for a birdcage to house his pet parrot. The designer extended this thought to not only transform the cage into a golden art piece but also placing 6 golden birdcage lightings, with different sizes and heights above the owner’s custom-made pool table as a functional and decorative item. The combination of these items with the sunset painting background has become the selected corner of the overall design and focal attention point upon entering the apartment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This Award for design standards attracts entries from across the world, making it truly an honour and a sign of industry recognition that is second to none for the deserving winners.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique restaurant design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design. Becoming a magnet for residents seeking a refreshing and dynamic experience, BOHO Social is something that has been hugely awaited across the country. Qatari’s have been ready for an exciting F&B hotspot to hit the scene, with BOHO becoming that integral pedestal in achieving the united vision of this dynamic culture.

Whilst the venue isn’t driven by alcohol, people frequent for genuinely good food and amazing ambience – a true testament to the collaborative mindset of hospitality and design mavericks. The venue, therefore, fits perfectly within its locale, satisfying the desires of Qatar’s people.

SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design Sponsored by Garrett Leather

Practise: Bishop Design By Paul Bishop

Project: BOHO Social

Location: Doha, Qatar

What was the client's brief? 

When one of the biggest names in the hospitality industry reached out to us with a unique F&B destination in the bustling heart of Qatar in mind, there was no way we could turn the opportunity down. FLIP International have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the industry as they boast a multitude of successful hospitality concepts in their portfolio. This most recent venture was to reside on Katara Beach – the latest “it” destination in Qatar.

Desiring a complete contrast to existing offerings in Qatar and the Middle East, we were given the brief to create a dynamic social destination. This hub was to be eclectic, yet modern and would echo hues of the Bohemian era. When stripped back this ideology of bohemian lifestyle represents a free spirit; a traveller and a creative. Alas, Boho Social was born. These characteristics have been beautifully embraced throughout the entire interior styling, building a venue that concretizes itself as a new era to Doha and Qatar in its entirety.

What inspired the design of the project?

The approach became focused on how we could truly animate the space through design whilst respecting the brief. Colour became a key aspect of the interior styling as it perfectly encapsulated bohemian sentiments whilst simultaneously providing character, depth and soul to the space. Fluid poured terrazzo gives a striking effect as the ground pours into the centre of the space. Pattern-happy accessories, traditional ottoman chairs and fabric colour waves all converge to create this unique overlay of infectious energy and palpable excitement. Eclectic modernism encapsulates this interior realm which is mirrored across the exterior as the terrace elevates an intoxicating mélange of furniture, whilst vibrant rugs gracefully transport guests through the external experience.

It’s evident that each design aspect optimizes the overriding sentiments of the Bohemian lifestyle whilst respecting the demographic of which it sits. In particular, the sculptural oryx heads featured in the VIP rooms are an iconic symbol of Qatar. Touches such as this remain fun, quirky but always respectful of the narrative and surrounding culture. Hand-painted tiles curated by a renowned Middle Eastern artisan adorn surfaces within, contributing to this boho-chic personality. Each tile was bespoke, customized and hand-painted on site. This attention to detail and showcase of creative mastery sit perfectly with the overriding story and character of BOHO Social.

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

We were faced with architectural challenges when inheriting the space, specifically in terms of the double-height area as a mezzanine level had to be considered to fulfil aspirations of a functional F&B environment. Internally speaking, the space was uninspired and as such called for intelligent solutions to create a successful venue.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When we speak of Qatar as a destination it isn’t necessarily a part of the world that is on everyone’s radar when it comes to hospitality and entertainment just yet, so to have the opportunity to reinvent that perception has been a refreshingly exciting responsibility and we feel it is just the beginning of a very exciting chapter for the country.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As creatives, we rely heavily on recognition from esteemed committees to sustain our credibility, and there’s no other platform that offers it quite like SBID. They are, quite simply, an undisputed achievement within the design world and we take immense pride in having the opportunity to put forward our best work year upon year.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury hotel-suite design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Portview. In September 2019 the fit-out specialist completed a new luxury suite, Lincoln House, for Rosewood London. The three-bedroom suite was designed by Tony Chi and offers an expansive 251 square meters of light-filled living space, including one of London’s largest master bedrooms.

Lincoln House is positioned between the hotel’s Garden House suite and the famous Manor House – London’s only suite with its own postcode. The ultra-luxurious Lincoln House is named in honour of the hotel’s close proximity to Lincoln’s Inn Field and the illustrious Inns of Court.

SBID Awards Category: Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design Sponsored by Schneider Electric

Practise: Portview

Project: Rosewood Lincoln

Location: London, United Kingdom

What was the client's brief? 

Lincoln House is positioned between the hotel’s Garden House suite and the famous Manor House – London’s only suite with its own postcode. It’s named in honour of the hotel’s close proximity to Lincoln’s Inn Field and the illustrious Inns of Court, which have defined Holborn since medieval times, so our brief was to execute a concept that reflects the environment in High Holborn - presenting an interior that has character and a luxurious, residential feel.

What inspired the design of the project?

The combination of interiors conceived by Tony Chi - the designer behind the original hotel areas – and bespoke furnishings, finely curated decorative elements and intriguing works of art, give the suite an exceptional depth of character that was inspired by High Holborn. Italian furnishings include Meridiani and Minotti sofas, Silvera armchairs, as well as rugs and tables by Il Piccolo. Based on a rich palette of materials including Wenge timber flooring and sumptuous carpets, finishes also include the use of Arabescado marble in the bathrooms and Eglomised glass feature screens to give it an ultra-luxurious, residential feel.

The versatile open-plan entertainment and living room was designed for socialising with friends and family, and comprises a residential living and dining room, with a spacious foyer and adjoining kitchen. The suite is outfitted with the latest technology, including a state of the art 75-inch television, and panoramic windows run the length of the entire wall, bathing the space in natural light. With panoramic windows running the length of the entire wall, the voluminous space is outfitted with the latest technology including Lutron controlled lighting. High gloss lacquered panelling and doors were used throughout to give the suite a timeless yet modern feel.

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

Working on a complex project in a live, five-star environment presents its own unique set of challenges and this one was no different. Our team did a fantastic job of minimising any disruption, through seamless coordination and carefully thought-out project management. I’m pleased to say the results were worth the effort. It’s a fantastic looking suite that perfectly reflects the opulent and illustrious reputation of the famous Rosewood brand.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Working in partnership with Rosewood was a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating exceptional spaces, experiences and solutions for people to enjoy. It was a real team effort, and we take great pride in having completed another standout project for one of the world’s most luxurious hospitality brands.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards set the precedent for design excellence and are hugely influential in curating new trends and industry standards, which we all aspire to. At Portview we pride ourselves in delivering exceptional interiors that are world-class. To be recognised on a global scale by one of the industry’s most respected organisations is a huge achievement and one we’re very proud of. Last year we were not only finalists in the hotel interiors category, but we also won the retail category for a consecutive year with the fit-out of Samsung KX, in London. It was a brilliant experience and one which we hope to achieve again in future.

Project of the Week

This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, XBD Collective. Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, this luxurious 10,600 sq. ft. villa was designed for a young, new to Dubai European family of 4. The overall design brief was to create a family-friendly home in the signature XBD luxury style on a very restricted budget. By keeping a neutral palette but also introducing bursts of colour, XBD Collective fulfilled one of the main requirements to create a sense of serenity and peace with elegant accents.

Using an array of high, mid, and low materials, the design practice opted for high-end marble - but used clever veneer techniques and mixed metals and mirrors to create stunning reflection effects. Artwork from locally commissioned artists was also used and textured wallpapers were sourced from trusted suppliers. XBD succeeded in creating a gorgeous luxury home, perfect for entertaining both family and friends that went above and beyond the client’s expectations

SBID Awards Category: Resi House Under £1M Finalists Sponsored by Sans Souci

Practise: XBD Collective

Project: Jumeirah Golf Estates 

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

What was the client's brief? 

The overall design brief was to create a family-friendly home in the signature XBD luxury style. We fulfilled the main requirement to create ‘a sense of serenity and peace with elegant accents.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration was to create the ultimate balance between ‘tranquillity’ and ‘elegance’ for our clients. With the villa situated on the edge of a luxury golf course, we created an indoor/outdoor feel to flow throughout the space and take advantage of the picturesque landscapes.

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

We faced the challenge of creating a sophisticated masculine space for the office that blended softly into both family and formal areas. We used soft wooden flooring dressed with a pattern monochrome rug, to keep the room professional yet homely.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Working in partnership with Rosewood was a delight, largely thanks to our shared passion for creating. Exceeding our clients’ expectations was our highlight! Design-wise we love the use of elegant layers and contemporary finishes in the master bedroom which amplifies the opulent sensation in the room.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Taking part in the SBID Awards is always a delight as it provides us with the opportunity to reveal our evolving style and inspire other creators in the industry through entering the SBID Awards. We enjoy taking part in such a well-renowned competition!

Senanu Arkutu is the director of pan-African interiors company Daar Living. Here she shares the best ways to incorporate African elements into existing décor and tells us about the burgeoning interiors scene in her home city of Accra, Ghana.

Hi Senanu, tell us a bit about your interiors business…

Daar Living is a specialist interior design online store and styling service located in Osu, Accra. Our style is vibrant and fun, and also really Pan African because things come to us from all over the continent. I love our colonial furniture, which I refinish, and it sells in the online shop. Due to rising demand – including international enquiries – we recently pivoted from a physical shop to e-commerce.

What are the hallmarks of African interior design?

Because African interior design is yet to be defined by African designers themselves, I believe there is a lot of flexibility. Generally speaking, there is a bared back aesthetic. I like to think of African interior design as product or element-based so that I can essentially create any already known style I want – for example, Afro-minimalist or Afro-eclectic.

What are some simple ways to add African style to your home?

It’s easy to add African elements to any interior space. I believe you could put an African piece into anything, whether you’re incorporating it into modern styling or a more traditional look. The best place to start is accessories. For me, what really injects African character into the room would be textiles and basketry.

In West Africa, we all have a woven fabric, such as Kente and Baoulé, and these can be used for making cushions and throws, or in the upholstery of stools, chairs and sofas.

African interior design also leans heavily on natural elements and textures including raffia, straw and wood. Certain types of wooden elements are easily recognised such as our handwoven baskets and bowls, and these are a nice easy first step if you’re looking to inject African style into an existing space.

What are the trends you expect to see in 2021?

To some extent, we follow US trends, and given the pandemic era we are in, I sense that clean and minimalist style is becoming even more popular. It’s interesting that the colour Brave Ground was chosen as Colour of the Year by Dulux in the UK, and they’ve brought this out along with an earthy palette of shades. People in Ghana have been using the equivalent of Brave Ground for years, so trends-wise we are already there!

If people are following this colour trend in the UK or US they will find it easy to achieve an African aesthetic, especially through adding fabrics and textures. The traditional African colour palette is neutral/ natural and earthy, so the colour palette fits right in with our traditional and original interiors and most of our handmade handcrafted pieces that can be used for decor fit in beautifully.

What process do you follow when you work with clients?

Residential interior design is still relatively new here in Ghana. Unless it’s for a hotel or an office, or for a film or television set, the architect has typically handled the interior design. Hiring your own interior designer is just starting to become more common.

When I work with a new client, I begin by booking a one-hour consultation. What’s most important is that I discover how the clients want to feel when they are in that space. How do they want their visitors to feel in that space? We dig deeper and deeper, then I’ll propose a mood board, and I also give a list of stores to shop in Accra, as we work with people having wide-ranging budgets.

How important is natural and artificial light to your design concepts?

When it comes to lighting, there’s obviously a lot of natural light pouring into the room all day. We need to take full advantage of this light but balance this with the need to reduce heat indoors. Letting natural air come in to create that cross breeze is important too.

Artificial lighting is another thing that is done as part of the build, and homeowners might find that it’s too late to make significant changes to the lighting scheme once the build is complete. Sometimes the designer is called in far too late into the project, so for me, it’s a question of building awareness of how a designer can contribute to the look and feel of the home, and when to bring them into the project.

In my own home, and when I complete interiors projects for clients, I like to create a soft, warm, intimate feel. I always encourage my clients to use the city’s artisans, who refurbish old items into lampshades.

What I help them to create, through thoughtful design and one-off pieces from my shop and from local artisans, is something truly unique that delivers that visually interesting yet homely environment – a style that will make them feel really good about the space they’re living in.