COMPTON VERNEY: HOME & GARDEN SHOW
On Saturday 29th June, Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park will be hosting its very first Home & Garden Show - and I will be there as a guest speaker giving a talk on Curating The Home! The talk will be at 1pm and will discuss the process of creating a home that represents its inhabitants through thoughtful design. I’ll be talking about sustainability, art sourcing, trends and design philosophy and psychology…
On Saturday 29th June, Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park will be hosting its very first Home & Garden Show - and I will be there as a guest speaker giving a talk on Curating The Home!
The talk will be at 1pm and will discuss the process of creating a home that represents its inhabitants through thoughtful design. I’ll be talking about sustainability, art sourcing, trends and design philosophy and psychology.
Curating a home is about using design as a form of self-expression, in a conscious and considered way. It’s about the journey and discovery of each item or element – the chair found in the skip, the piece of art collected on holiday, the side table passed down through the family. It’s about using what you have and up-cycling while also discovering new artists and designers to support.
I’m so excited to be delivering this talk at such a historic venue at an event full of local artisans from across the region offering everything from handmade furnishings and bespoke upholstery. And I’m even more excited to say that I have one Family Day Ticket (2 adults, up to 4 children) up for grabs! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is head to our instagram and follow the instructions. If you don’t have an instagram account, you can simply email us to enter.
Competition closes at midnight on the 25th and winner will be announced on Wednesday 26th!
It should be a fantastic local day out and the weather is looking great, so hopefully I will see some of you there! Come and say hello!
PUSHING THE LIMIT
After stumbling across a TED talk, ‘The Art Of The Imperfect’ by artist Phil Hansen (watch here), we at Saal Design started thinking about the limitations that many people face when trying to decorate and design their homes...
After stumbling across a TED talk, ‘The Art Of The Imperfect’ by artist Phil Hansen (watch here), we at Saal Design started thinking about the limitations that many people face when trying to decorate and design their homes. Money, space and lack of functionality can seem to limit style and creativity and push you to the point of giving up. We’ve all been there…hair scruffed up, hands on hips and looking at the seemingly impossible space that you’re simply trying to make ‘work’. Hansen looks at these limitations and sees them as an opportunity to be innovative and we’ve decided to adopt this philosophy (or at least try to, hair will still get scruffy I’m sure).
So, with this inspiration, we thought we would share with you some clever, cost effective design solutions that will hopefully spark your imaginations and encourage you to look at the space and objects around you in a new light. Afterall, ‘Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds’.
SIMPLE & SWEET
These days it can often be hard to decorate a space with original items and ideas without having to pay a premium. We all want our homes to be unique to us however this can sometimes be hard when everyone shops at the same home-ware store. My advice would be to actively add that personal twist by making items yourself (and this doesn’t have to be ‘craftsy’ or look like something your niece made you at school which is often the risk with DIY decor). There are plenty of sophisticated ideas out there with great tutorials so there really is no excuse not to join in if you want to make your home one of a kind without the hefty price tag.
This is a fun way to create an original and inventive cork board with a photo frame and lots of wine corks. Best get drinking!
SPACE SAVING
Lack of space doesn’t have to mean lack of design or functionality. It just means that we have to work harder and get clever with our creativity. I’m constantly amazed with space saving design solutions, from the simple to the spectacular. Here are some designs and ideas that have inspired me:
THE LIMITLESS ITEM
During our research for this post we carried on coming across one item time and time again. It’s cheap, easy to find, functional and can adapt to most styles and designs. What is this incredible item? The wooden pallet. We were amazed at how this industrial throw away item could transform itself to create cost effective and innovative spaces and furniture. Take a look at some of our favourite finds whilst we run down to the tip to salvage some for ourselves!
This idea to use wooden pallets to create a cinema room at home is no doubt our favourite. With a bit of paint and some beautiful cushions they can look really sophisticated and create a unique and relatively inexpensive space. Plus, you’re recycling so you can feel good about that too!
INSPIRATION: LIGHT
It can be very easy to underestimate the power of lighting in a design scheme, whether that be from a stunning statement fitting or some subtle downlights. Lighting is closely connected to our emotional and psychological reactions, therefore, if a scheme is wrong many of us will feel it straight away- which will, in turn, impact how the rest of a design is received. I find lighting so inspiring to work with as it is so diverse...
It can be very easy to underestimate the power of lighting in a design scheme, whether that be from a stunning statement fitting or some subtle downlights. Lighting is closely connected to our emotional and psychological reactions, therefore, if a scheme is wrong many of us will feel it straight away- which will, in turn, impact how the rest of a design is received. I find lighting so inspiring to work with as it is so diverse. It can be the spectacle of a room, enhance a design or even give a room an alternative atmosphere at the flick of a switch.
BESPOKE LIGHTING
At Saal Design we have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to design bespoke light fittings for our customers. The fittings have really added an extra special touch to each design and enriched the branding of our commercial projects.
HIGH IMPACT
Stunning light fittings are very much pieces of functional art. They can be mesmerising and intriguing and will add a unique touch to any design. It is very easy to find over indulgent statement pieces that drip in opulence however, I often think that simple elegance is far more dramatic and effective.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial designs are currently very popular within interiors and especially within lighting design. I like this style as it combines strong design with the raw necessity of light. As I said in my previous post, Old Meets New, I love combining older styles with contemporary ones and I find it very satisfying using industrial fittings as a part of this. There is something very fun about using a product that was originally created for its functionality within an environment of high design.
CONTEMPORARY
Good contemporary lighting design can be timeless. I think contemporary lighting offers a wide range of applications from a bedside or desk light to a pendant fitting and can really add that finishing touch to a space.
HIDDEN LIGHTING
Sometimes the best kind of lighting is when you don’t even notice its source at all. Hidden lighting is a really fun way to subtly decorate and light a room simultaneously.
LIGHT OF THE FUTURE
Lighting design is evolving rapidly and huge steps are constantly being made towards energy efficiency and greater lighting control. I am constantly inspired by the aesthetic and technical developments and always look forward to discovering new pieces of lighting art.
INSPIRATION: WOOD
Wood is definitely one of my favourite materials to work with and something that constantly inspires me. I think that the authentic purity of wood is something that is hard to find in other materials. There is a certain comfort in creating with a material that has been used and been consistently useful for centuries...
Wood is definitely one of my favourite materials to work with and something that constantly inspires me. I think that the authentic purity of wood is something that is hard to find in other materials. There is a certain comfort in creating with a material that has been used and been consistently useful for centuries.
BESPOKE FURNITURE
At Saal Design we have been lucky enough to be able to create some beautiful bespoke furniture and woodwork for our customers. The wood used and crafted has enriched every design, whether it be by giving it a strong foundation, a magical solution or simply that indescribable wow factor.
IN THE BEDROOM
I recently saw these wooden headboards whilst I was searching for some fresh ideas and instantly wanted a willing customer to design one for. In relation to my previous ‘Old Meets New’ post a lot of these are rejuvenated pieces of woodwork which add a beautiful unique quality to each of the rooms.
A GOOD TABLE
I love a good table and I find it hard to beat a well-crafted wooden one. It is something that can make a bold and practical statement.
FLOOR
Of course one of the best features in a house can be the one that everyone walks over. A wooden floor can give so much to a space. I recently had a new wooden floor in my living room and upon completion the whole house felt like it had been transformed. At the moment, I am really liking the wider panels and innovative finishes.
TRUST IN WOOD
Unlike in fashion, when a new trend comes along every 6 months it is not so easy in interiors to simply ‘get a new wardrobe’. The aim is to find those staple items that one will love for years and years. Wood is one of those staples. It is adaptable and reliable and a material that I’m sure will continue to a inspire me as a designer for many years to come.
EASTER
I love Easter. For me, it has all the comfort of a family Christmas without all the stress…what could be better? Recently, I’ve been embracing the holiday more and more and I think it’s a really good excuse to have a bit of fun at home. Here are some of the things I do to get in the mood and really make Easter weekend an occasion...
I love Easter. For me, it has all the comfort of a family Christmas without all the stress…what could be better? Recently, I’ve been embracing the holiday more and more and I think it’s a really good excuse to have a bit of fun at home. Here are some of the things I do to get in the mood and really make Easter weekend an occasion:
EGGS
My favourite easter decoration has to be the classic egg- from the beautiful speckled ceramic to the bright and bold. I love to incorporate them into a spring flower arrangement or have them nested in bowls around the house. This decoration is all about subtlety, be careful not to over egg it. (I had to use that pun somewhere!)
COOKING
One thing that can give your home that extra special touch is something that no designer can draw up or include on paper- the smell of good old home baking. We love to get creative with our baking at home during Easter so I thought I’d share some of our favourite bakes that make Easter Afternoon Tea even more delicious.
SIMNEL MUFFINS
Ingredients
250g mixed dried fruits
grated zest and juice 1 medium orange
175g softened butter
175g golden caster sugar
3 eggs , beaten
300g self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
5 tbsp milk
175g marzipan
200g icing sugar
2 tbsp orange juice for mixing
mini eggs
Method
- Tip the fruit into a bowl, add the zest and juice and microwave on medium for 2 minutes (or leave to soak for 1 hour). Line 12 deep muffin tins with paper muffin cases.
- Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ 160C/gas 4. Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, spices and milk until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes) – use a wooden spoon or hand held mixer. Stir the fruit in well.
- Half fill the muffin cases with the mixture. Divide the marzipan into 12 equal pieces, roll into balls, then flatten with your thumb to the size of the muffin cases. Put one into each muffin case and spoon the rest of the mixture over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool.
- Beat together the icing sugar and orange juice to make icing thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Drizzle over the muffins and top with a cluster of eggs. Leave to set. Best eaten within a day of making.
AMERICAN SUGAR COOKIES
Ingredients
132g unsalted butter, softened
225g superfine sugar, or granulated sugar, processed in blender or food processor for 30 seconds
½ tsp. Salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tsp. Vanilla extract
½ tsp. Almond extract or emulsion, optional
375g plain flour
Method
Cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes with mixer set at medium speed. Add yolk, beat well. Add whole egg, vanilla and optional almond extract and beat until well-incorporated. Add flour; beat at low speed just until flour is mixed in; do not overmix. Divide dough in halves or thirds and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour and up to 2 days.
Preheat oven to 190°C. Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll dough to 1/4″ thick, sprinkling with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into desired shapes and place on parchment or silicone-lined pans. Bake in preheated oven until cookies appear dry on the surface and are light golden brown on the edges, about 10 minutes (very large cookies may take up to 12 or 13 minutes). Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks and cool completely before decorating.
FLOWERS
Bring in the flowers and catkins and create some colourful arrangements. Have some fun with it!
5 STEPS TO SPRING
Finally, Spring has decided to arrive to give us some sunshine and warmth! With the days getting longer and brighter my garden is starting to come back to life and this highlights everything that needs to be done inside. It is a time to come out of hibernation, freshen up and prepare for the year ahead and I have 5 simple things you can do to make your home Spring perfect...
Finally, Spring has decided to arrive to give us some sunshine and warmth! With the days getting longer and brighter my garden is starting to come back to life and this highlights everything that needs to be done inside. It is a time to come out of hibernation, freshen up and prepare for the year ahead and I have 5 simple things you can do to make your home Spring perfect.
PAINTWORK
As the very welcome sunshine makes its way into my home it tends to reveal some very unwelcome scuffs, scrapes and smudges. Even after a top to bottom spring clean walls will always expose a room that is slightly worn out. I find that a touch up of the paintwork can make all the difference. It’s quick and inexpensive (usually a sample pot is enough to do the trick) and can bring a space back to life. The only hard part is keeping the children and/or pets away long enough for it to dry!
SCENTED CANDLES
I always imagine that a house has been holding its breath all Winter so as soon as the weather is warm enough I love to give the house a good airing. Then I like to switch my scented candles. During the Winter, I find that woody spiced scents give the perfect atmosphere however for Spring the lighter, fresh smelling candles are much more appropriate. I love Manuel Canovas’ world famous luxury candles and Designer’s Guild’s range but as a designer I am always looking for something different and new for my home. I have recently discovered a local company, Narbeth Candles, that produce handmade candles in the Cotswolds. Gail Narbeth, who makes the candles, has worked hard to develop an exclusive range of unique scents. The candles burn really well and aren’t too overpowering which can often be a problem. Their ‘Desert Rose’ candle is available at Saal Design (£15) and is the perfect scent for Spring.
FLOWERS
This one is a simple one…bring your Spring flowers inside! Fresh flowers around the house always lift my spirits and allow me to enjoy my garden even when it’s still a bit too cold to be out there.
COLOURS
Make the most of the light and use it as an opportunity to mix things up and experiment with some colour. Pastels tend to be the ‘go to’ palette for Spring and the result is often very tasteful but sometimes a bit boring. Personally, I usually find bold use of colour more impressive. You don’t have to be too dramatic to give a room some seasonal vibrancy- the odd splash here and there should be enough.
Cushions available to buy at Saal Design
PREPARE FOR SUMMER
For me, Spring is the ‘organised’ season. As the focus starts to shift towards outside and the garden it’s good to start thinking about what you will need for the Summer. Furniture usually has a lead time of roughly 6 weeks so if you need some for your garden then Spring is the time to order. There are some lovely new outdoor products and fabrics this year and I'm excited to start having some fun with them.
OLD MEETS NEW
As a designer, I like to work from the skeleton of a building and incorporate the client’s lifestyle and preferred aesthetic. I feel that recently we have started to lose our architectural identities. Formulaic buildings are popping up all over the world stripping their surroundings of cultural roots. This is not to say that there aren’t any fantastic architects or fresh projects out there (large commercial architecture has produced a variety of groundbreaking structures) but I believe it is very important that the small or old isn’t forgotten among the big or new...
As a child I grew up surrounded by both innovative and traditional design. My father, Jim Roberts, was an architect famous for pushing architectural boundaries. He worked primarily within the commercial sector however his passion projects where in the restoration market. I would sit in our home of beautiful antique furniture and muse at my father's drawings. I specifically remember his futuristic plans for a cylindrical high-rise building, the Rotunda in Birmingham- which once completed I discovered to be a perfect launch pad for paper aeroplanes. This background has heavily influenced my career and especially my passion for combining traditional and contemporary design. It is a style that is difficult to master as each element has to balance perfectly, however when achieved can be incredibly rewarding.
The Rotunda, Birmingham, originally designed by Jim Roberts and later restored by Glenn Howells Architects.
As a designer, I like to work from the skeleton of a building and incorporate the client’s lifestyle and preferred aesthetic. I feel that recently we have started to lose our architectural identities. Formulaic buildings are popping up all over the world stripping their surroundings of cultural roots. This is not to say that there aren’t any fantastic architects or fresh projects out there (large commercial architecture has produced a variety of groundbreaking structures) but I believe it is very important that the small or old isn’t forgotten among the big or new. Architecturally, I think now more that ever it is important to adapt our run-down buildings to the 21st Century rather than replace them. Unfortunately, creating these spaces can, admittedly, come at a higher cost than building anew but hopefully people are starting to see the long-term benefits and necessity to invest.
This fun extension adds a modern twist to the beauty of this old convent. Convent of Sant Francesc in Santpedor, Spain.
Modern minimalism with its order and pristine finish can be stunning however I feel there is always something that I'm drawn to in a building that has been around for a while. I find that buildings that have had a previous life, or even many previous lives, carry a magic and character that is near impossible to simply create or ‘design’. The beauty of traditional/contemporary design is being able to pick and choose, we can eliminate all the bad bits and play with the good. We can have our cake and eat it.
I love the exposed 300 year old farmhouse masonry with the smooth resin floor and calming interiors. Personally, I’d have added some colour but this sanctuary is a great example of a successful marriage of old and new. Casa He, Italy
There are a lot of benefits for the interior and exterior by introducing simple luxuries such as light. In many old buildings the windows are pokey and there is little natural light to see the structure’s internal beauty but that can now be improved by building with glass and incorporating portals of sunlight to reveal it all. We can have fun and extend from existing structures as well as open them up inside to create beautiful modern spaces (otherwise known as playgrounds for the interior designer).
A whole wall of glass has been added to this barn conversion which, with a mixture of clever lighting design, dramatically showcases the salvaged structure and contemporary interiors. Stow On The Wold
As an interior designer I believe my passion for this combination of old and new is fuelled by its allowance for a customer to make their mark on the design. It is very fulfilling to create a space that is aesthetically beautiful, practical and personal to an individual. Antique furniture doesn’t have to make way for a modern house and vice versa. I find it fun to play with mixing textures, colours and shapes. It is an exciting process and can be very liberating in comparison to ultra-modern and strict traditional. I guess you could compare it to the feeling of breaking the rules and getting away with it.
Converted warehouse Sitting Room featuring Tom Dixon furniture and a mixture of antique and contemporary light fixtures. Shoreditch House, London
An example of a modern structure with antique interiors. Casa Fez, Porto Portugal
I think that in a time where design and technology is advancing so fast it is very comforting to have spaces that allow you to appreciate the past as well as the present and future.
OTHER POSTS
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. Recent studies have shown that people are starting to spend more time in their bedrooms than in their living rooms. It is a room that can have a big impact on our physical and mental well-being and it is important that this is taken into account during the design process...