A Design Erases the Boundaries Between the Residence and the Landscape

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist monochrome residential design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, MOON bureau.

What was the client's brief? 

"THE HILLS" is a home project for a young family of programmers who love to travel around Africa. The main design challenge was to create a barrier-free space with plenty of natural light. The clients wanted the atmosphere of their home to be reminiscent of their travels in Africa. They also wished for a monochrome interior with natural materials in mind and a minimum amount of furniture.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by photographs and stories about the magnificent nature of Namibia, where the endless ocean borders the desert. Our team has recreated this mesmerizing atmosphere within the interior design. The entire interior is made in pastel colors that resemble dunes and do not distract from the beautiful view outside the window. An original palette of natural shades, materials and panoramic glazing has erased the boundaries between the living room and the surrounding landscape. In this endless space, we have located a cozy lounge area, combining it under the dome of an ultra-stylish, modular Pole lamp.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We used kitchen model Artematica. Materials such as decorative plaster, glossy glass facades, brushed metal and natural stone were used. The central part of the working surface is closed by a lifting mechanism. In the center of the kitchen is a multifunctional island. We represent how pleasant it will be to meet the first rays of the sun with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

In the bedroom in we used textured travertine and decorative plaster, and in the dressing room - transparency changing smart-glass panels. Smart glass is a multi-layer product in which the middle layer is made of a liquid crystal film. When the smart glass is impacted by electricity, the glass instantly becomes transparent.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I decided to take part in the competition because I wanted to show the creativity and talent of Ukrainian designers to a wider audience. It was an internal challenge to compare myself with modern European designers, to see how my work stands in the context of the current world design.

Questions answered by Tetiana Sytova, Founder and Chief Designer, MOON bureau.

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

We offer a very personable approach where you will have a single point of contact for all your needs. Our trade team members have an in-depth knowledge of not only Olivia's as a brand but also an understanding of each of our vendor's wider catalogs of products, which as a trade client you have access to. We are able to take over the time-consuming job of sourcing, selecting, and styling either single rooms or full house renovations. If you have ideas that need bringing to life or if you had your eye on a particular product that has gone out of stock, we're on hand to assist. With a huge warehouse space, we have the ability to offer great storage & flexible delivery options; storing all items for a single drop along with white glove delivery available on each job, taking away the stress of organising any element of logistics.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

There has been an increase in key focal pieces like bright art deco occasional chairs & oversized chandeliers along with the continued love of minimal design and maximum function

Questions answered by Sara Barnes, Head of Buying & Product, Olivia's.

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The Vintage collection by GRAFF Designs, a unique range marrying industrial style with rich heritage. Inspired by the Chicago Fire Department’s heroic role in extinguishing the state's Big Fire of 1934, GRAFF Designs pays homage with this tactile and vintage style brassware.

Reminiscent of the iconic fire hose valve silhouette and mirroring the red logo of the Chicago Fire Department, the collection boasts exquisite craftsmanship and detail, from its architectural elements to its modern take on traditional design. Comprising 140 stylish products including bath and basin mixers, showerheads and rails, as well as an accompanying accessories range.

Formed with precision engineering and premium-quality materials, the Vintage Collection is available in 21 luxury finishes including 24K polished gold, vintage brushed brass and the classic limited-edition red.

Available to buy now in the UK with prices starting from £500 for a basin mixer in Chrome, up to £5,500 for a 24K Gold freestanding bath shower mixer.

For more information, expert comment or imagery, please contact the team at [email protected]

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and functional family apartment design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bajer Sokol.

What was the client's brief? 

The Black Apartment is located in the center of Warsaw. It's a 220 m2 space for a married couple with an adult child and a guest room. The owners bought the apartment that at the time of purchase was an open space, without any partition walls inside. After we were provided with guidelines for the division of rooms, we created 7 versions of the functional layout. The apartment is named Black because it was supposed to be dominated by dark colors, but in the process of selecting materials, the interior has been slightly brightened and made warmer. However, dark materials still dominate inside it. The intention was to use materials of very high quality and to equip it with the best modern furniture brands. The budget closed at around £ 2,000 / m2. The project is very detailed, and its implementation shows high manufacturing quality in many details, such as handles, joining materials or stone finishes on furniture.

The implementation took 9 months and we managed to carry it out in accordance with the schedule. Customers expected a high-quality execution and us keeping to the set deadlines. They now enjoy spending time in an apartment already put into use.

What inspired the design of the project?

We had 7 versions of the functional design of the apartment. The clients really wanted to achieve the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, while also keeping huge windows and a view of the surrounding park, planning the rooms in a way that would not sacrifice the space. The final outcome was an apartment that was meticulously designed, where even the laundry room has hidden details proving a comprehensive approach to design.

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

The best thing about this project was the cooperation with the client! From the start they knew what they wanted to have in the apartment, and it was exactly the design we love. Therefore, we had no problems with the project and cooperation with the client.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The kitchen is the essence of the details in this apartment. All pieces of furniture, handles, shelves and lighting are the result of the collaboration of many contractors and our studio. Nothing here is ready made or coming from a catalog. Shelves are of 4mm veneered aluminum and the whole island, together with the fronts is made of solid stone plates, not sinter. Each handle has been designed in such a way to fit a drawer, dishwasher, refrigerator, or an ordinary cupboard. There are no visible cables or random sockets here. Wardrobes and doors are always the elements of a bigger structure of furniture. The wardrobes are embedded within large built-in panels, doors are always hidden in walls and marked only by door handles. The only doors that have a decorative function are glass Rimadesio built-in doors leading to the night area, or master bathrooms.

In 3 bathrooms of the apartment, you can see the same principle - nothing is accidental! The same stone was used on the floor, walls, or fronts of cabinets. Large format plates with planned divisions. Glass built-in furniture with hidden hinges or mounting profiles. Every visible element is supposed to decorate, be a part of the composition and not random. Equipment by Antonio Lupi, Gessi, Flos or Viega with the gunmetal or satin type finishes harmonize with ceramics and metal elements.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID society is the biggest and best ID organisation in Europe, therefore, to receive an award from you is the biggest achievement for our company and a confirmation that it is of the best quality and approved by you.

Questions answered by Hanna Bajer, Main Architect, and Pawel Sokol, Architect, Bajer Sokol.

Photo credits: Tom Kurek

Nora Chou is a luxury interior designer working on projects internationally in both the residential and hospitality industry. Focusing on creating layered moments through design, her mission is to create a sense of warmth, life and texture into her designs. Having grown her roots in Hong Kong and proceeding to live in equally vibrant cities including London and New York, she offers a certain cultural and lifestyle sensibility to the way she approaches creating interiors for her clients.

Sky and Earth is a rug collection inspired by colours, life and energy we find in the great outdoors. The handpicked palettes by Nora Chou (“Sunrise”, “Dusk” and “Terra”) encourage colours to be brought into our interior spaces.

Bring in your outdoors.

What was the process of designing Sky & Earth?

When I was first approached by Jeff, the managing director of Silk Avenue, to design a rug for their designer profile range, there were many ideas that came to mind. I find rugs often help ground a space by connecting the interior palette of your chosen furnishings or to make a new statement through colour and texture. From an aesthetic perspective it's quite similar to how paintings interact with spaces. However, rugs add an additional softness into interiors.

Sky & Earth came to fruition during the Covid lockdown period. Inspired by the Great Outdoors, it is a rug collection that is all about bringing the colours and textures from nature into our interior spaces. From the get-go, I knew that I wanted to create a collection to include a broad range of designs that would fit within different settings whether it be a traditional country house, or a contemporary set up in a high-rise apartment. During the creative process, I found it important to create a collection that is a family of designs and a continuation of the narrative, allowing me to develop and experiment with the creative direction.

The 6 designs from Sky & Earth are captured moments that can be layered into interiors through the hand-picked palettes I have personally selected ("Sunrise", "Dusk" and Terra"). The designs can also be completely customized to a palette of your choosing. 

Is there anything else we should know about the rugs? 

Silk Avenue manufactures the hand-tufted rugs in Nepal and handles all shipping internationally.

The designs from Sky & Earth are constructed of various compositions. For example, "Spring Buds" has a composition of 100% hand-tufted wool, which is great for hospitality settings and households with children. Generally speaking, wool is low maintenance, bounces back into its original state after being walked on and is typically less flammable than other fibers. The matte finish of wool also allows the colours of the rug to appear richer and deeper.

There are also other designs from the collection with a combination composition of wool and bamboo silk. - "Petals", "Hydrangea", "Flow Ombre" "Flow Solid" and "Dots Play". In these designs certain areas of the rugs are accentuated with bamboo silk and raised pile heights. The slight sheen against the matte background mimics the way light is often reflected through nature and is a play on both texture and surface.

Do the rugs come in different sizes?

All of the designs can be customized to any size to suit your interiors. However, we do have standard sizes with the latest pricing that can be found at: www.norachou.com/collection

How can someone place an order?

Send an email to [email protected] and [email protected] specifying the design, size and palette of your choosing. Silk Avenue will guide you through the process from there!

Photo Credit: Felix Speller

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MOD+ by GRAFF Designs, a rich and diversified modular collection that offers endless customisation possibilities. Allowing a high degree of creative freedom with luxury custom finishes, materials and configurations, MOD+ unlocks up to 65 000 possible combinations - a collection like no other.

Comprising 55 bathroom products for the washbasin, bathtub and shower areas, in which each element can be completely customised GRAFF has created its MOD+ Collection Configurator to fully exhibit the collection’s potential. An online tool to help design and specify, personalisation options include handle detailing, finishes, materials, spout size and mounting type.

MOD+ offers 20 unique finishes, including Gunmetal, Matt White or Vintage Brushed Brass, or for that extra special touch, a unique 24 K gold finish. Handles materials include variations of Tuscan marble including Storm Black, Forest Green and Smoky White.

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Alexander Purcell, a notable British architectural designer, is pleased to introduce the Henley Collection—a sleek and nautically informed array of furniture. Inspired by the racing boats that enable one to enjoy the river, sea, or lake, the Henley Collection is perfect for contemporary homes looking for a sophisticated yet welcoming aesthetic. With its aquatically inspired designs and luxurious materials, the Henley is ideal for any modern home looking to add some flair.

The Henley collection debuted in London with the opening of the new Pavoni flagship showroom at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour on September 5. The showroom carries the entire collection, with all of the upholstered pieces customized with Pavoni’s fine Italian vegetable tanned luxury leathers.

The inspiration for the Henley is both quite personal as well as a result of Purcell’s fascination with classic boat design. In fact, the seed for the collection goes way back: In 1998 he and his teammates entered the famous Henley Regatta. His college having not won since 1962, this year proved to be different. Established in 1839, the world-renowned rowing event is held annually on the River Thames in the town of Henley-on-Thames and attracts participants from all over the world. Purcell and his eight ended up winning the extremely competitive Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. Celebrating that feat a few years ago as the team marked the 20th anniversary of their win, Purcell was driven to bring the aqua-dynamic forms and language of racing boats into his furniture collection and so was born the Henley.

The iconic Riva yacht also makes its mark on the collection. Purcell has always loved the luxury wooden runabout built by Italian yacht builder Riva. The shape, speed, beauty, and craftsmanship of their namesake boat, produced from 1962-1996, earned it praise as the Ferrari of the boat world. The vintage yachts are now coveted by boat lovers worldwide.

With the new Henley collection, the formal nods toward the shape of oars and rowing boat hulls, as well as the elegant silhouettes of the Riva boat are obvious. It all started with the chair arm and its upholstery detail—the rest of the array was built off that one detail with the goal of creating pieces that can be enjoyed both functionally and visually. The collection launches with four designs:

• The Henley Dining Chair - the jumping off point for the whole collection, the chair features a gently rounded back composed of an upholstered upper half and cut-out lower half, all framed in walnut or oak, that wraps around the sides to meet the upholstered arm front. Particular attention has been paid to the back of these dining chairs as ultimately that the direction in which you actually view them when around a table. Tapered wooden legs and elegant chamfer details add to the stylish look and help create a dashing silhouette when viewed from any angle. The dining chair has a sleek appearance and is a unique piece that will add personality to any space.
• The Henley Dining Table - the exquisitely crafted warm walnut top gently tapers at the edge, a slope modelled on boat hulls, particularly that of the wooden back of a Riva yacht. The dramatically bisected base utilizes its negative space to create the dynamic illusion that the table is gliding through the water. The two feet are made of an aluminium which can be lacquered or brushed. The table is available in a round or rectangular shape and an array of Atelier Purcell oak and walnut finishes.
• The Henley Lounge Chair - an elegant chair that would be equally at home welcoming guests in a living room or sitting fireside in a den or bedroom. Informed by the nautical detailing of the Henley dining chair but with a lower profile and featuring a roomier seat with a gently sloped back that wraps the sitter in a graceful embrace. A back pillow is included and an ottoman will be added to the collection soon.
• Henley Bar & Counter Stools - slender armless stools with the same maritime inspirations as the Henley dining and lounge chairs. These stylish and effortlessly modern stools are available in bar height (36 inches) or counter height (40 inches) and are made from 100% solid hardwood. This contemporary stool is perfect for any setting: at home, in your office, bars or restaurant.

The Henley Collection is available now at fine to-the-trade showrooms in the U.S. including B. Peterson in Palm Beach, De Sousa Hughes in San Francisco, Dennis Miller in New York, MOD in Denver, Thomas Lavin in Los Angeles and Laguna, and Paul+ in Atlanta. For more information on the Henley and Alexander Purcell, please visit atelierpurcell.com

Cover image: Henley Dining Chairs & Henley Rectangular Dining Table

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Continuing to expand on its contemporary design offering, sofa.com is delighted to introduce its AW22 collection to a trade audience.

Comprising of four new designs across upholstered seating catering for a range of design specifications across commercial and residential projects. The collection includes the new hero range, Tiffany, a vintage-inspired armchair, Shelby, and two new stylish dining chairs, Lola and Piper all available in 75+ fabric options as well as COM to create bespoke options to allow designers breadth of choice.

Inspired by modern renaissance design - a trend which integrates contemporary shapes with classic detailing to bring together refreshing pieces with a sense of refinement, glamour and a touch of charm from the Art Deco era - each piece incorporates an element of pleated stitching which unites the new look across the collection.

Also including expansions upon two of sofa.com’s bestselling designs, the Larsen armchair and Teddy chaise join AW22. All-time favourites in the sofa range, these pieces offer a more traditional aesthetic to cater for a variety of residential projects.

The new colour palette for the season includes velvets in warming autumnal tones – vibrant oranges, forest greens and salmon pinks - alongside a range of weaves in pared-back neutrals and subtle blues and greens. These palettes will help create differing interior styles from modern luxe to a more organic, minimalist aesthetic.

Speaking on the collection, trade development manager Laura Tarratt comments:

“Seating is at the core of this collection and we wanted to ensure each sofa, dining seat or armchair would stand alone as a beautiful, functional residential piece but also work to create a statement within restaurants, bars, office meeting room or set the scene in a hotel lobby. The continued expansion of our dining collection has proven popular with sales increasing season upon season. We also wanted to ensure we weren’t compromising on comfort or style, and have focussed on ensuring optimal dimensions and fillings to create the ultimate design combination of ergonomically sound and elegant. Boasting over 75 fabrics and the option to upholster all pieces in COM, our in-house team can fulfil any project brief becoming a one-stop shop for our growing interior designer clientele base.”

Handmade-to-order in just 4-6 weeks – now available online and in store.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an immersive and experiential retail design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, II BY IV DESIGN.

In today's contemporary culture, the retail experience has migrated from visual to experiential. Successful products are presented in immersive environments with new possibilities. Following this method, for the Central Park development in Toronto, a Presentation Pavilion was constructed on the site. It is designed as a time capsule—a striking triangular-shaped building that transports the prospective residents to their forthcoming life. Through a curated journey, the prospective residents get to imagine how their experience would be in this nature-inspired, wellness-focused development.

Set to turn into a vibrant cultural hub for the community, this pavilion's permanency confirms the development’s environmentally-conscious vision: refining the contemporary lifestyle. Inside, outfitted in natural materials and cutting-edge green prototypes, an orchestrated retail journey weaves thoughtful moments of theatre, interactive installations, and a series of vignettes. The visitors are invited to touch, play, feel, and visualize their promising life in the anticipated complex. They learn the significance of connecting with nature, find unit layouts, see the amenities, get excited about the perks, and customize their dream home. This cohesive design strategy visually soothes the senses, offering a pleasant experience and representing the ethos of the development.

What was the client's brief? 

Central Park development in Toronto—its first 31-storey residential tower—offers a nature-inspired lifestyle. It is highly sustainable, wellness-focused, and connected to the urban bustle yet nestled in the ravine system. As the interior designers of this soon-to-be-constructed high-rise, we were tasked with designing the interiors of the development’s sales center, which had to stand for the ethos of its future-forward vision. We wanted it to be suggestive of the lifestyle at Central Park—connected to nature, environmentally conscious, timelessly elegant, and outfitted in natural materials. We also aimed to design an unparalleled experience with interactive installations and to-scale vignettes for an immersive retail journey.

What inspired the design of the project?

The main inspiration for the development, and the pavilion, in particular, is our connection to nature and how this connection would affect our wellness in life. Through the design strategy, we intended to create more than just a sales canter, delivering a joyful, immersive atmosphere that the patrons would want to spend time in, stay for a while, and engage with its various features. The permanency of the pavilion also excited our team, designing a place that won’t get demolished but instead become a cultural destination for the Toronto community.

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

Despite the pandemic, due to the team's high levels of planning and coordination, we didn't run into any hurdles throughout the process. The project was delivered on time/budget, with 85% of the suites sold within the first ten days of the opening of the pavilion.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team set out to design a new type of sales center for the Central Park development. We conducted extensive research about the new methods of immersive retail design. For all of us, at II BY IV DESIGN, witnessing the execution of the project during the Covid-19 Pandemic was a highlight. And, it is always gratifying to see the influence of our work as most of the residential suites were sold in such a short time.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards bring together the design community every year, showcasing design excellence across various interior sectors. SBID promotes best practices for the interior design profession while setting the tone for the industry through its award program annually. At our studio, we look forward to learning about other projects worldwide, reading their story, seeing the curated visuals, and voting on those that respond with creativity and technical execution. It's a celebration of design—the kind of design that is shaping the future. We are thrilled and honoured to have four of our projects amongst the finalists. It's a great company of peers to be in every year.

Questions answered by Dan Menchions, Partner, II BY IV DESIGN.