ISSUE 18 WE LOVE

White on white

 Shopping the look

 Fine Finnish
Left to right: IKEA mirror chest, mydeco.com, Aalto vase.

White furniture is integral to creating a clean, nostalgic seaside or Scandinavian style This mirror chest from IKEA channels the look perfectly, at delicious prices.

UK online interior and home decoration brand mydeco.com allows consumers to ‘shop the look', like this whimsical retro bedroom. The site is a great place to go for inspiration.

Created in 1936 by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, the ‘Aalto' vase is one of the most famous in history and a favourite with design lovers. Place a tea light in this white one and it's a softly glowing lamp.

 

ISSUE 17 WE LOVE

                

Left to right: Artifex armchair, Marimekko shower curtain, Maison Living cabinet.

If you're after an Australian piece giving all the right European style messages, look no further than Artifex Australia.

This cool street scene by Marimekko shows shower curtains have evolved from the dreary plastics of the bad old days.

Maison Living as mastered the art of creating timeless rustic pieces such as this distressed cabinet.

 

ISSUE 16 WE LOVE...

                 

Left to right: Beacon Lighting pendant, multi-stripe rug, Freedom Furniture.

More than warding off the darkness, lighting can form a focal point in any room, such as this rectangular Cartier pendant from Beacon lighting - an illuminating piece.

Colours such as aubergine and terracotta are strong this season and, as in this stunning floor rug, can be worked back with contrasting neutrals such as cream, charcoal and black.

A statement chair such as this deep purple number from Freedom furniture lends a sumptuous edge to more pared back, contemporary pieces.

 

ISSUE 15 WE LOVE...

              

Left to right: Roberto Ventura, tortoiseshell, 'Dandelion' by Porters Paints.

In the era of Ikea and Freedom, it's easy to forget that contemporary designers like Italian Roberto Ventura are still able to pack a punch with the exotic and the elegant.

In keeping with the theme of exoticism, this tortoiseshell look is making a comeback in circles where 1930s era luxury is the desired effect.

Porters Paints is renowned for its highly saturated paint hues, but this Dandelion design also shows the brand's supreme abilities in the wallpaper arena.

 

ISSUE 14 WE LOVE...

              

Left to right: Designers Guild, hot pink chair, Warwick Fabrics.

Since 1970 Designers Guild has been bringing its style to millions - here's to a great mix of texture, colour and sheer design savvy as evidenced in this image from the current catalogue.

Nothing says "look at me" more eloquently than a futuristic hot pink chair. This will put you in the hot seat in your home office or could even work, judiciously placed, as a feature of your living area.

Stripes never go out of style, and can be seen here playing with flock florals in the Walthamstow collection by Warwick Fabrics. Who says nothing in design should be too black and white?

 

ISSUE 13 WE LOVE...

              

Left to right: Brent Comber, Que by Freedom, Shift by Patricia Urquiola

These intriguing cubic structures were created Canadian designer Brent Comber, through a process that involves fastening reclaimed branches in rows with nails and glue, and carving the resulting piles into stunning shapes.

Freedom Furniture has tapped into the custom market with the creation of the Que range, which allows shoppers to design their own pieces. Options include dining and occasional tables, chairs and cabinets in a variety of sizes, finishes and colours.

The Shift system by Patricia Urquiola blends open bookcases and closed units with infinite style, providing a dynamic, sculptural alternative to more conventional home storage pieces.