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This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features Bamboo Pavilion, a tearoom located in Honey Lake, Shenzhen, situated in a secrete setting hidden in a verdant bamboo grove in the bustling city. Based on the concept of a poetical life which contemporary literati and scholars dream of, the Bamboo Pavilion presents a natural art form by adopting new Chinese garden techniques, to help visitors relax and put them in touch with a deeper sense of harmony and serenity with the natural world and their spiritual selves. The designer understands that in order to achieve the value of culture in life, the project should be a place to relax from body and mind with all redundancies being cast away.

Company: Tsingda Environmental Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co

Project: Shenzhen Nord Club

Project Location: Shenzhen, China

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

What was the client’s brief? 

Shenzhen Nord Club is a tearoom located in Honey Lake, Shenzhen, which situates in a secrete setting hidden in a quiet and verdant bamboo grove. Representing natural art and beauty, its’ surroundings help to create a refreshing little sanctuary amidst the busy, bustling city. Based on the concept of a poetical life which contemporary literati and scholars dream of, the Bamboo Pavilion’s brief was to present a natural art form by adopting new Chinese garden techniques, taking people back to the distant poetic realms where they can relax their bodies and souls.

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

What inspired the design of the Project?

The project and the project’s name – Bamboo Pavilion, is inspired by the great ancient Chinese thinker Zhu Xi’s ‘New Bamboo’: “In front of the window, there are bamboos that I planted, while now they have sprouted. Being freed from the troubles of secularities, I just sit quietly and enjoy the secluded forest.” Reading between the lines, we can find the kind of aloofness and loftiness which were typical to many ancient scholars.

Opposite to the tearoom is the restaurant which is squarely shaped in a balanced manner. The beauty and elegance of bamboos is presented in front of the dining table by way of creativity and the utilization of wood materials, exquisite details and lightweight design, which is unexpected but natural and harmonious.

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

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

The highest form of culture is art. Artists create a line, within which everything can express itself with no restraint. According to Zhong Yao, a famous calligrapher in ancient China, “beauty comes from mind”. Beauty comes from “mind”  reflects the rhythms implied in the images of everything. The designer understands that in order to achieve the value of culture in life, this should be a place to relax from body and mind with all redundancies being cast away. Balancing these notions of Chinese traditional literacy, culture and art whilst maintaining the designers vision and meeting the project brief to create a space to bring these sentiments together was the biggest challenge.

The tearoom is laid out in the traditional way of enclosing. Modern-style dark-hued sofa and finely ornamented tea table render balance and comfortability in proportion and sentiment. A Chinese ink and wash painting with poetic and lively imagery introduces artistic quality into the space. Through the hollowed-out back ground wall, bamboos appear in sight, dancing in the wind airily. All of these help to present the gracefulness and aesthetic charm of new Chinese landscape styles so that both the environment and the soul achieve an inspiring and peaceful state and are fulfilled to artistic endeavor.

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

With borrowed view (a landscape technique usually used in traditional Chinese garden) introduced, uniquely shaped scenery is checkered with sunlight and shadow, by which the designer creates the artistic conception of “layered doors stand still in deep court, grass grows green in front of the steps”. Seeing the design vision come to fruition to embrace the poetic nature and serenity of the property’s unique landscape was the most rewarding aspect of bringing this project to life.

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

As an impartial international interior design award, SBID has a worldwide effect on interior design industry including China. We firmly believe in SBID and the profession and hope to make our design known to more people in and outside of China.

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

Questions answered by Bin Long, Chief Creative Director of Tsingda Environmental Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co.

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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the contemporary workspace with a fun, fresh and flexible co-working concept in Paris, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Tsingda Environmental Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord ClubInterior design scheme by Tsingda Environment Art (Shenzhen) Design Consultants Co. for Shenzhen Nord Club

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the first global co-working concept for new office brand, Deskopolitan, which has launched at 48 rue Chateau d’Eau, Paris. The space offers a diverse and progressive work environment to appeal to start-ups and small businesses – a revolutionary concept for the French market. MoreySmith were entrusted to establish the global design strategy for Deskopolitan’s new brand concept. The strategy enables the brand to evolve in different locations throughout Europe, and offers a range of workspaces to cater for its members. These include a range of assigned workspaces and flexible work settings to support drop in sessions, as well as artist studios, health & beauty suites, and spaces for open group collaboration and networking events. This contemporary approach to workspace design brings a fresh new look to the European market.

Company: MoreySmith

Project: Deskopolitan

Project Location: Paris, France

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

What was the client’s brief? 

Deskopolitan, a new lifestyle focused serviced-office company based in Paris, selected MoreySmith to establish their global design strategy and concept, demonstrated in its first venture, Château d’Eau. At the heart of the brand is the vision to host a likeminded community of people, sharing both space and values, in a flexible and inspiring environment with a unique range of on-site facilities promoting work/life wellbeing.

The interior design brief included the following key challenges and opportunities:

  • Develop a global design strategy and concept including branding for Deskopolitan’s first and future ventures
  • Redesign 48 Rue du Château d’Eau, an historic former factory building located in the 10th arrondissement
  • Move away from the monotonous working environment inherent in traditional offic s and rethink and reimagine workspace design
  • Appeal to start-ups and small businesses seeking creative and flexible workspace in central Paris

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

What inspired the design of the Project?

Château d’Eau spans 13,500 sq ft over three floors (ground with mezzanine, first and second), with 120 hot desks, 45 open desks, six club offices, and five meetings rooms. MoreySmith worked closely with Deskopolitan to develop the company’s global design strategy and concept, and establish the branding for the building –a graphic inspired by the circular geometry found within Deskopolitan’s flagship venture, Voltaire (located in the 11th arrondissement and due to open in 2018) which translates throughout.

MoreySmith’s redesign has transformed the former factory building into a lifestyle focused co-working environment which challenges the traditional office concept, with innovative and interactive spaces supported by state-of-the-art facilities.

The main entrance at street level opens into a light and airy double height space featuring a vibrant café with access to an external courtyard and informal touchdown positions at mezzanine level. Each floor offers co-working members a range of flexible working environments including open-plan desk areas, private phone booths, touchdown work positions, video conference and AV meeting rooms, collaborative informal meeting and social spaces. The double height space is purposely designed to promote “collision” culture and allow members to interact across the community building networks and connections. Movement and transparency are also key to successful collaboration, so MoreySmith designed the space to maximise natural light and encourage the flow of people around the building.

The upper floors offer open, light and modern workspace, with flexibility to adapt to client requirements. The first floor provides dedicated enclosed spaces for small businesses, and the second floor provides an open plan environment. Quiet rooms and phone booths allow focused working and privacy for calls. The on-site facilities include a café, concierge, heritage style barbershop, nail bar, and bike store with shower and facilities.

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

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

MoreySmith enjoy the challenge of working with heritage buildings for the creative opportunities and sense of transformation that can be achieved. The interior design aesthetic is a contemporary take on the building’s industrial history, mixing materials such as glazed brick tiles, exposed concrete, reclaimed timber, plywood, terrazzo and burnished brass, and complementing this with fresh, bright colours. This is juxtaposed with the addition of plants throughout the space, which provide balance, calm and comfort.

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This interior design scheme of this fresh space challenges traditional perceptions of office culture, successfully blending modern life/work and lifestyle aspirations.

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

Questions answered by Nicola Osborn, Design Director at MoreySmith 

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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the Art Deco inspired restaurant with a quirky, contemporary and traditional design aesthetic in Manchester, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

MoreySmith | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in ParisInterior design scheme by MoreySmith for Deskopolitan offices in Paris

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the original CAD visualisation of an interior design scheme designed by YA Interiors to aid their clients visual understanding of the Art Deco inspired restaurant project which is currently in development. The Sheridan suite is a venue that hosts a diverse range of corporate and private events for up to 1800 people with 2323 square meters of space. Based on the ambience of Harrods food hall, the flexible venue was designed to capture the quirky, contemporary and traditional aesthetics which is a regional favourite for Indian Brides and Grooms located in East Manchester.

Entering through the brass curved reception area, the calm atmosphere of the cocktail lounge is the focal point with its illuminated columns. The 14 meter bespoke bar features a brass wine gantry and scallop fret work panels accessorised with teal blue velvet stools. Atom chandeliers hang above the lounge area by Portuguese designer Delightful, brass  fret work screens separate the cocktail lounge from the formal dining area. The fine dining room walls are clad in beaten copper panels with space-age pebble lights suspended on the ceiling by Italian designer Artemide.

Company: YA Interiors

Project: Sheridans

Project Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

What was the client’s brief? 

Our interior design brief was to capture the essence of the original Art Deco inspired style of the iconic Harrods food hall whilst creating an elegant, modern and stylish fine dining destination.

YA Interiors interior design CGI scheme for the Sheridan suite

What inspired the design of the Project?

For the interior design, furniture selection and styling we looked at the fashion plates of Couturier Paul Poiret at the turn of the 19th century. The French couturier was the most fashionable dress designer of pre-World War 1 Paris. Poiret was particularly noted for his Neoclassical and Orientalist styles. One of his great achievements was to free the female form from the rigid corseted structure. Inspired by the designers illustrations in the Gazette du Bon Ton (below) we decided to incorporate the opulence of the sketches into the interiors styling. Creating a stylish and feminine design aesthetic with signature touches alluding to Mr Poiret’s orientalist fantasies.

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

Winning the client over with our proposal of Paul Poiret and his orientalist fantasies was the biggest hurdle – eventually a Poiret/orientalist light aesthetic got the client on board.  In addition the budget constraints  for  the project  have been  challenging as we’re having to maintain design integrity and also manage the clients expectations.

YA Interiors interior design CGI scheme for the Sheridan suite

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing endless discussions and design development finally coming to fruition. Sheridans is going to be unique to the area – there really is nothing quite likes it in Manchester.

YA Interiors interior design CGI scheme for the Sheridan suite

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

The SBID award is a fantastic platform for designers to showcase their work to the industry and to other fellow creatives. We felt the design and visualisation for Sheridans is a proud moment for us as a design practice, we feel we have designed and cultivated something very unique here and wanted to tap in to our fashion backgrounds in designing and implementing this beautiful scheme.

– Questions answered by Aseef VAZA, Creative Director at YA Interiors 

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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring aquatically inclined Australian luxury spa inspired by the serene blues and tranquil textures of underwater landscapes, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

YA Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury Australian spa inspired by traditional Roman bath houses where circular vestibules connected the private and public spaces; the feature vestibules punctuate the journey through the spa at key nodes providing feelings of connectivity and flow offering different treatment zones designed to help guests unwind with indulgent La Prairie and Subtle Energies treatments in sumptuous rooms rehydrating the body and soothing the soul in a selection of deeply relaxing Aqua Retreat facilities which include a sauna and steam room, therapeutic rain shower and luxurious vitality pool. The interior design scheme was based on the concept of an imaginary underwater landscapes with subtle, serene hues of blue throughout to evoke feelings of tranquillity, resonating with the calming connotations of a rippling sea surface or gently running water. 

Company: Blainey North Interiors

Project: Crown Spa Perth

Project Location: Perth, Australia

What was the client’s brief? 

To create the Best Spa in Australia.

Interior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey North

What inspired the design of the Project?

The interior design plan was inspired by the interactive planning of traditional Roman bath houses where circular vestibules are connected to private and public spaces, providing a social connection between different functions. The linking of these spaces creates beautiful intimate thresholds carved by the joining of the geometric forms. The concept has been based on the idea of creating the feeling of an imaginary underwater landscape. It is inspired by those refractions of light you see on the surface of the water when you look up from underneath. The interior has been created in concentric shades of blue, like those of the sea and is structured around a central axis.

Interior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey North

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

The complexity of working within a space with little to no natural light meant we had to shift the focus to create visual intrigue and connectivity via highly detailed special moments whilst in tandem creating a very calm yet sophisticated place to relax.

Interior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey North

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The Foyer. It makes people gasp as enter this very sublime and glamourous space creating an entirely unexpected feeling sparked by the level of detail and quality, unseen within any other Australian hotel to date.

Interior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey North

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

As we are traditionally recognised as a leading Luxury Interior Design Firm within Australasia much of our work is highly secretive and exclusive. Working with super high-net worth individuals means confidentiality is crucial therefore press coverage is often limited. That said our involvement with several international hotelier brands has enabled luxury travellers and international press an inside look into the World of Blainey North Interiors, which is always very exciting!

Questions answered by Blainey North, Founder of Blainey North Interiors 

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If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the 21 bedroom Georgian Manor House boasting extraordinary views of the Devonshire countryside, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Blainey North Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey NorthInterior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey NorthInterior design of luxury Australian spa by Blainey North

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the phenomenal 21 bedroom, Grade II listed Georgian Manor House boasting extraordinary views of the Manor’s exquisite gardens with its’ rolling lawns and blooming flowerbeds across the Devonshire countryside. Meraki Design helped Michael Caines MBE bring his dream into fruition and create the physical realisation of his vision of 21st century country house hospitality; the Lympstone Manor. The 21 stylish guestrooms and suites at Lympstone Manor are all individually designed and inspired by the birds that inhabit the local estuary, making each room unique with a true sense of place and belonging with its’ surrounding environment. Meraki plays with finishes, textures and tones; from luxurious velvets, sheer linens and sturdier cottons to Estrema marble, oak wood flooring and aged brass detailing from St James Collection.

Company: Meraki Design

Project: Lympstone Manor 

Project Location: Devon, United Kingdom

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

What was the client’s brief? 

The refurbishment and conversion of a grade II listed country house into a 21 bedroom hotel and fine dining restaurant of Michelin starred quality. The scheme was to include the refurbishment and conversion of all front of house areas; 21 bedrooms, corridors, three fine dining rooms, lounges, bar area. We were required to provide the interior design for all front of house areas working with the Client  and subsequent trade contractors providing them with the design and specification for all building works elements (tiles, paint, floor finishes, ceiling finishes, etc) of the interior design and personally carrying out the procurement on behalf of the Client and managing the installation of all interior designed fixtures, fittings and equipment to ensure the hotel and restaurant and front of house areas are ready for occupation.

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

What inspired the design of the Project?

The interior design was guided by a philosophy of restoring and preserving the integrity of the original Manor house. It respects the history of the building and celebrates it by reinstating architectural elements that were damaged by doing extensive research, using old photographs and moulds to reconstruct and restore the property. The history and the context of the Manor deeply influenced all the interior design decisions. The Estuary and Jurassic coast led the colours of the public areas and have created a serene mood throughout the hotel. The interiors draw the eye out to commemorate the view instead of competing with it. The colour of the tide continuously changes from golden hues, to soft dove blues to champagne. The client had already settled on using the birds of the estuary as room names which again informed the basis of the colour schemes of all the rooms. We referenced classic furniture as a basis for the style of furniture then deconstructed it into simpler more contemporary forms in plain fabrics that converse in a textural play. Then the objet d’art further reinstate the uniqueness of the property with found antiquities that are all hand selected and thoughtfully displayed creating a sense of escapism in luxury that is welcoming and calm.

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

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

Preserving the authenticity of the building and staying within the budget given. We kept a very tight watch on the figures and had everything planned and signed off from the start but with any building of this nature there are always surprises. Our team had allowed for this and small compromises had to be made but overall we managed to deliver on time and on budget.

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Michael Caines (the Client) hand selected 3 designers from the 40 who bid. Our practice was 1 year old at the time and didn’t have such a large project under its belt.  It is was incredible to even be selected then but once we got the full job it was a great accomplishment for us . The second highlights was handing over the project exactly as per our 3D visuals on time and spot on budget.

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

The SBID awards are internationally acclaimed and we felt this was a great place to showcase this unique project that relies heavily on British heritage and design.

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

Questions answered by Eris Koutsoudakis, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Meraki Design 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week inspired by nature with Bilska de Beaupuy transforming an indoor space with the characteristics of outdoor living, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Meraki Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone ManorInterior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone ManorInterior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone ManorInterior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone ManorInterior design scheme for the bedrooms and suites of Lympstone Manor

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a project about transformation and interaction. London architectural studio, Bilska de Beaupuy, refurbished a bathroom in central London, exploring the theme of indoor-outdoor space. By studying characteristics of nature and translating them into the language of design, the architects aimed to create an in-between zone with an interior design scheme which creates a space that becomes a metaphor for nature.

The plants serve to not only as decoration to engage the Client as she witnesses their growth and evolution, but also act to filter the air through their leaves, roots and soil microflora system. The reflective, smooth texture and versatile patterns of the walls and ceiling seem to change depending on the lighting conditions and time of the day. The central design piece is a 3-dimensional fluid trellis made of gold-plated jewellery chains that function to support the climbing pants.

Company: Bilska de Beaupuy

Project: Indoor Outdoor Bathroom 

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

What was the client’s brief? 

The project is a refurbishment of a 6 square meter en-suite bathroom in central London. The Client wished to have a space where she could feel like she was being ‘outside’ while being inside her bathroom. The interior design brief listed replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower, a design that will allow for low maintenance, with multiple built-in storage and plants easy to grow.

Interior design of outdoor inspired indoor bathroom by Bilska de Beaupuy

What inspired the design of the Project?

We took the Client’s brief literally and decided to explore ‘what is outside?’. In the design research we associated the ‘outside’ with ‘nature’. We continued to explore the theme through asking ‘what does nature look like? How does nature function? What does nature feel like?’. This gave us a range of ideas on which we based the formal concept of the project. We studied characteristics of nature such as different forms of water and how water is materialised in nature, from waterfalls and glaciers to underground water caves. Furthermore, Indoor Outdoor bathroom was actually designed for a video artist who creates short, magical videos portraying close-ups of water.

Interior design of outdoor inspired indoor bathroom by Bilska de Beaupuy

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

The main challenge was to create the bespoke shower wall. To find a supplier willing to manufacture a curved glass wall with such radius was challenging. It required many testing and came out as a stunning focal piece. The manufacturer told us this was the only curved shower glass wall that existed with such a radius and was made from recycled glass. The installation was also a challenge, but we found an incredible team of professionals who made it all happen.

Interior design of outdoor inspired indoor bathroom by Bilska de Beaupuy

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Finding a solution to a metal for the cables that would not be affected by age, temperature, humidity and splashing water. The Client wished to have a feeling of femininity in her bathroom, so stainless steel was not an option, and after much research we found that brass and copper without toxic treatment would not last a week without changing appearance or being damaged. Thanks to a friend of ours who is a fine jewellery specialist in Paris advised us on the predicament, so we were able to source gold platted jewellery chains with a rose gold tint. Overall, the chains work beautifully in the bathroom with the lava grey Tadelakt and lush dark green plants. Gold is the less reactive of all metals. It endures well heat, air and humidity and ages gracefully without the need of adding any coating or treatment.

Interior design of outdoor inspired indoor bathroom by Bilska de Beaupuy

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We heard it was the place to be recognised by the highest standard of designers and professionals in the interior design industry.

Interior design of outdoor inspired indoor bathroom by Bilska de Beaupuy

Questions answered by the design duo, Monika Bilska and Arabella de Beaupuy, co-founders of Bilska de Beaupuy 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the charming Regent Street window display which reveals the ever-enchanting secret garden of Jo Malone London, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Bilska de Beaupuy | SBID International Design Awards 2018

 

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features Thomas-McBrien Architect’s installation for the Jo Malone London shop window on Regent Street. This beautifully executed and well orchestrated display of visual merchandising, attention to detail and craftsmanship is epitomised by the 100,000 handmade, individually creased, shaped and folded paper used to transform the entrance to the boutique into Jo Malone’s very own Secret Garden, inspired by ingredients from their signature scents. The design scheme of this project aims to celebrate the quintessential British garden through elegant details, and incorporate ideas of enchantment and surprise to capture the whimsical and fragrant essence of the Jo Malone brand.

Company: Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with Paper & Wood

Project: Jo Malone London 

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

What was the client’s brief? 

The project is part of the Royal Institute of British Architect’s (RIBA) annual Regent Street Windows competition. Our window is one of seven entries on display. Our client, Jo Malone London, selected us, Thomas-McBrien Architects in collaboration with Paper & Wood, as the designers for their competition entry. We were given an open brief, but it was important to us and our client that the design reflected the ethos of the brand.

Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display

What inspired the design of the Project?

Our installation celebrates the quintessential British garden, a constant source of inspiration for Jo Malone London. In addition to this, we used the ideas of enchantment and surprise to create the Jo Malone London Secret Garden. The garden offers a serene environment and respite from the city, aiming to capture the immersive experience offered at the Jo Malone London, Regent Street boutique.

Each of the 100,000 paper elements of the garden has been creased, shaped and folded by hand. The handmade aspect of the paper garden reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of each one of Jo Malone’s refined fragrances.

Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display

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

Our toughest hurdle was time. We had 8-weeks to design, make and install the window display in the Jo Malone London Regent Street boutique.

Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our highlight of the project was the level of commitment and trust our client showed us throughout the entire process. The Jo Malone London team were fully invested in our design from the outset. A special mention must also be given to our team of makers and volunteers who helped us. Our contractor, fabricators, suppliers and craftsmen were all integral in making the project a success.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

It is a highly respected celebration of design excellence and an honour to be even considered for an SBID Award!

Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display

Questions answered by Barry McBrien (Founder & Director), Daniel Gullan (Project Assistant Architect) at Thomas-McBrien Architects, and Zack Mclaughlin, Artist & Founder of Paper & Wood.

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with the timelessly stylish redesign of the iconic ‘Living Room’ bar brand in Manchester, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Thomas-McBrien Architects | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display Jo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window displayJo Malone London interior design for visual merchandising of shop window display

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the redesign of the Stonegate Pub Company’s iconic ‘Living Room’ bar brand based in the vibrant city of Manchester. Fusion by Design crafted and delivered an elegant interior design scheme which provides a timelessly stylish atmosphere to uphold the brand’s desire to create a 1920’s art deco environment for their customers to dine, drink and dance, whilst also capturing the longevity of the brand since it’s establishment almost 20 years ago. The addition of a mezzanine balcony provides new vistas from the once restricted first floor and links the ground floor and first floor bars to create a seamless fluidity to the floor plan and encourage the spirited atmosphere to circulate around the venue. The main ground floor bar is upholstered with a nude fluted leather front which intermittently interrupted by antique brass details which echo the back-bar drink displays and other brass features found throughout the scheme to create a further sense of synergy, whilst maintaining a subtle distinction between the different interior zones.

Company: Fusion by Design

Project: The Living Room

Project Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What was the client’s brief? 

Our brief was to create a well-crafted elegant space that acknowledges the long-standing heritage of The Living Room brand whilst also re-establishing the venue within the ever-expanding glamour of Manchester’s developing hospitality circuit. The client emphasised the need for the interior design scheme to provide quality detailing and finishes, a luxurious palette of materials and a fresh and stylish atmosphere that would provide long lasting sense of style.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What inspired the design of the Project?

Glamorously elegant interiors were our inspiration. The Living Room is an established brand where guests expect quality, so we wanted to expand on this and make the spaces enjoyable, fresh and sexy, yet still in touch with the heritage of the brand. Detailing and using quality materials to their maximum effect helped us to create a decorative but simplistic scheme. Marble and leather feature heavily alongside brass and velvet in a fresh and invigorating selection of colours.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

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

Working to a tight programme and with a short project lead in was the toughest hurdle. It challenged our specification network and ensured that we worked closely with our UK based suppliers. As a result, all tiling, wall finishes, furniture, sanitary ware etc were all sourced from UK stock.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our highlight was working in collaboration with Haig Club Whiskey to create a distinct interior on the 2nd floor. The interior was sponsored by them with David Beckham, who is an ambassador for the brand, attending the opening.

Unveiling the new balcony was a successful highlight. With spaces that were previously very segregated the scheme required that we connect these spaces both from a visual aspect and from the perspective of the customer and their journey through the space. The connection is achieved through the introduction of a mezzanine balcony accessed by a feature central staircase, allowing vistas from the first floor to the ground and linking the spaces. The nature of the separate second Diageo bars allowed us to introduce very different identities to these spaces creating snugs and unique dens with brighter more distinct atmospheres.

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

This project was a successful and exciting development. It made an impact on the Manchester hospitality scene and we were proud of the outcome. Having entered the interior design awards in previous years, we felt this project would make a great contender!

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

Questions answered by Paula Jepmond-Senior, Design Director at Fusion by Design. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week where the concept of surrealism was used to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Fusion by Design  | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Fusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurantFusion by Design's interior design scheme for Manchester based restaurant

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series employs the concept of surrealism to enhance the dynamic architectural form of a property inspired by Rem Koolhaas. The Mansion’s interior design concept portrays the bold and daring characteristics of the architecture, building and spatial quality of the project. Main areas such as the Living and Dining space are designed to draw the eye, whereby interior details flow in line with the building’s form. Every element is designed 3-dimensionally with differences in height, thickness and overlays, particularly in the ceiling design between the Living and Kitchen area; the Island is used to give the impression of surrealism by skewing its’ form to reflect the ceiling’s angular direction. The interior scheme intends to expand on the impression of depth evoked by the strong and dynamic design features whilst maintaining practicality and utilising the available space. Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity tells us more.

Company: Nu Infinity

Project: The Mansion

Project Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief was set to optimise the available space and make sure the interior, furnishings and accessories of the design scheme fit comfortably and seamlessly into the property to complement other more structural design elements such as the angular walls, abstract shapes, unusual layout, and distorted spaces. The interiors needed to be captivating in order to wow guests and owners alike.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What inspired the design of the Project?

The exterior of the house took inspiration from the provocative works of the contemporary Dutch Architect, Rem Koolhaas. With this in mind, we wanted to pay homage to the Architect’s signature style by creating an interior design concept that would reflect the bold tenor of his work and embrace the abstract forms that were created by the unsymmetrical and angular characteristics of the build.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

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

Due to the architectural structure and form of the house, it was extremely difficult to “fill” the interior spaces as the rooms were cut into by angled walls and sharp corners, essentially creating dead, unusable space. Hence one of the main challenges throughout this project was creating pleasant viewpoints and furnishing the property to navigate unconventional layouts to achieve a comfortable volume of space, whilst maintaining the identity of the interior design ideas.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We were able to play on the idea of dynamism as designed at the Foyer, Living Area and Dining Area. We highlighted angular walls by using different finishes and colours to enhance this idea. Moreover, the ceiling design could direct the eye to the appropriate focal pieces of the space and create a sense of harmony and purpose between the furnishings and structural design features, increasing the impact of the property’s dynamic spatial quality.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We previously joined SBID in 2016 and attended their famous Award Ceremony. It was an amazing feeling with a properly organised itinerary, helpful personnel, brilliant event space and most importantly, the quality of the competitions and participants were out of this world. In our opinion, SBID International Design Awards is one of the top Architecture / Interior Design competitions in the world.

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

Questions answered by Nick Fong, Co-Founder & Director at Nu Infinity. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a glamorous Swiss resort perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Nu Infinity | SBID International Design Awards 2018

The residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in MalaysiaThe residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in MalaysiaThe residential interior design concept by Nu Infinity for The Mansion in Malaysia

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a glamorous 5* Swiss resort with captivatingly panoramic views, uniquely positioned in Canton Nidwalden. Perched amidst a breathtaking backdrop of mountainous landscapes in the heart of Switzerland, the resort is strategically and seamlessly nestled beside the summit of mountain Bürgenstock. Taking full advantage of the profoundly awakening scenes bestowed by this scenic peninsula, the complex sits 874 m above sea level, surrounded almost in its entirety by the vast, deep-blue expanse of Lake Lucerne and winding Alpine foothills.

MKV Design took on this extraordinary project with the aim of creating a luxurious hotel resort which sits harmoniously with the serene natural landscapes that subsequently envelop this lavish retreat, where each uniquely tailored space brings about a synergy between the resort’s guests and the encompassing natural environment. Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design, tells us more. 

Company: MKV Design

Project: The Bürgenstock Resort

Project Location: Switzerland

What was the client’s brief? 

For over 100 years, Bürgenstock was one of Europe’s most legendary resorts, the glamorous destination for celebrities, a place of immense design vision and a location that offered complete immersion into the natural world. Our task was to restore its iconic status by drawing on this inheritance to create a new legacy for the future. We achieved this by creating several of the resort’s highlights, including the Bürgenstock Hotel, the 108,000-square-foot Alpine Spa, The Palace Hotel and Conferences, The Grand Residence Suites and the Sharq Oriental Restaurant and Shisha Lounge. Our design provides a guest experience that is specific to each part with buildings that nevertheless create a homogeneous destination.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

What inspired the design of the Project?

Our interior design concept celebrates the heritage of this iconic resort dating from the 19th and through the 20th Century from Belle Epoque to ‘Palm Springs’ in the 1950’s, which helped to make the resort synonymous with glamour and sophistication. Nevertheless, the resort is very much designed with today’s high guest expectations in mind and is aimed at a geographically diverse clientele.

We also took inspiration from the resort’s unbeatable location atop the mountains overlooking Lake Lucerne. Meaningful engagement with the natural world is everything. In the Bürgenstock Hotel for example, the interior design is deliberately held in check to allow the natural world to be the star. Materials are natural, textural and local – stone from the mountains for instance – achieving a sense of uninterrupted transition from the world outside to the environment indoors.

The magnificence and sheer power of the natural terrain has informed the design of the spa, which has been dramatically extended by tunnelling through the mountain and adding a cantilevered glass box that is perched on the side of the mountain above the lake, offering visitors panoramic, bird’s eye views.  From the 35°C outdoor infinity hydropool – one of three pools on site – where you can gaze across to Mount Pilatus, to the treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lake, the location takes centre stage with views that soothe the soul.

The Palace Hotel and Conferences has been reinvented as a synthesis of grand fin-de-siècle architecture and state-of-the-art interior design. It opened originally in 1903 and is a magnificent example of classical architecture. While working in line with all the principles of historic preservation, we have essentially created a new hotel. The ground floor public areas have been recreated as faithful interpretation of the original, while the function areas and guestroom levels above are contemporary in style.

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

We were entrusted with the review of the original architectural master-planning for the new Bürgenstock Hotel. When we design hotels, we want them to work from the inside out. This is the only way to ensure that the narrative will be coherent and the experience compelling. After careful consideration, we came up with the solution of a smaller footprint, creating an L-shaped building that is the hotel today, that not only achieved the most amazing views from all the guestrooms and public areas, but also made space for a large outside terrace which enhanced the visual connection with The Palace Hotel next door and created an outdoor route from the Piazza through the wonderful elevated garden walk that connects The Bürgenstock Hotel with the Palace Hotel.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, I would say The Bürgenstock Hotel and the Alpine Spa. All the hotel’s 102 guestrooms project the guest towards the view as soon as they open their door with a perfect flow of spaces from arrival through the lounge area to the bedroom and then on to the full height window with integrated seating. The bathrooms offer a similar flow towards the window where, in the luxury of a sunken double-size tub, guests can soak in wonder. Similarly, every step of the journey, from the entrance procession through the ethereal glowing rock face walls of the tunnel, to the breathtaking panoramas from the pool and zen-like experience of the relaxation areas, celebrates the wonder of nature and the wellbeing of both body and soul. Spas are frequently introverted but we wanted the Alpine Spa to be extraverted – or look outward – because of the magnificently calming and rejuvenating views.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

SBID is one of the most highly respected awards schemes in the interior design industry. We value the calibre of the projects entered and take pride in having our work judged by such an esteemed panel.

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

Questions answered by Maria Vafiadis, Managing Director at MKV Design. 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest design inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with London-based design & build company who transformed a Victorian building at King’s Cross Station into a remarkable, ultra-modern workspace, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

MKV Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort Interior design of Burgenstock luxury resort

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