And G is for Georgian10/6/2014 We’ve certainly had our fill of the Georgians as the whole nation marks the 300th anniversary of George I’s accession. ‘WILLIAM KENT Designing Georgian Britain’ at the V&A until 13 July is an exhibition that explores this polymath, who having lived the high-life in Italy returned to recreate the dream in Britain. Handy for him that his career also co-incided with the rise of country-house building. I guess what is relevant to our homes is how he turned from painter to architect of interior design tackling an interior space as a whole – fascinated with everything from door frames and fireplaces to flamboyant furnishings. Love or loathe his exuberance he was seen as an arbiter of taste and in modern terminology a brand builder when Britain was ready for a fresh start. Decorex, which is at Syon Park, is going mad for the new Georgiana, just announcing it as this year’s theme, honing in on craftsmanship, celebrity and brand. Sitting Room in ‘English Decoration’ by Ben Pentreath The Katzsic sofa designed by Max Rollitt is based on a sofa Max bought in a Manor House in Lancashire which dates from 1790. Georgian style is considered one of quality and taste. We are building Georgian-style homes again and wresting rooms back from the grips of open-plan living. Neo-classicalism is just incredibly elegant and pleasing to the eye. Perhaps all this marks a move away from minimalism towards a desire for detail in decoration and for interiors that are refined and composed, yet comfortable and joyful. The above image is Ben Pentreath’s house in Dorset, a 19th century former Parsonage, where as he says the ‘rooms are calm, quiet spaces and I have designed accordingly, using plain, light furniture that responds to the simplicity of the building. The Parsonage is a changing place, as I use the house as a test-bed for my own ideas and thoughts, but an underlying Englishness and sense of comfort prevail.’ pentreath-hall.com maxrollitt.com
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Move Over Mardi Gras...28/5/2014 1919 was the first time street parties were organised by residents en masse. These were sit down formal affairs and were part of the Peace Treaty celebrations. Thus began the unique British tradition of the street party held on all major national days of celebration and now whenever we feel fit, or can get a long-tern weather forecast. The Chelsea Design Quarter is bringing back its King’s Road street party, last held around six years ago when one of the best antique showrooms in town (that will remain nameless) served the best cocktails in town. The focus is now on beautiful furnishings, but fun it must be and it welcomes the great and the good of the design world. Orchid are even staging the dance of the Chinese Dragon – for one night only! The Chelsea Design Quarter’s Summer Street Party on Wednesday 4th June, from 6-9pm is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of the summer season in London. Enjoy a relaxed summer evening having fun strolling with the stilt walkers, dancing to the Dixieland Jazz Band and just browsing the showrooms in this design hot spot. This interiors Mecca is home to more than 45 showrooms where classic and traditional sit cheek by jowl with contemporary and modern. Partygoers can chat to well-know names behind the showrooms such as Christopher Sharp of The Rug Company, Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting, Rupert Cavendish, Charles Edwards and Julia Boston to name but a few. Check out what’s showing at The Trowbridge Gallery and Thompson’s Contemporary, and visit the newly opened Drummonds and Waterworks and the newly expanded Lapicida. After 9pm the music and party move to The Jam Tree! chelseadesignquarter.co.uk Bloom27/5/2014 Everything’s coming up Roses and as the FT remarked recently ‘there’s a veritable seed catalogue’s worth of floral prints from designers this season.’ This is fashion speak, but let’s talk interiors. The English grow beautiful roses and Bennison print beautiful rose fabric. Launched in 1985, Bennison Fabrics reproduce original 18th and 19th century English and French textiles that were discovered by the late, renowned antique dealer and legendary decorator, Geoffrey Bennison. Roses was first used by Geoffrey in 1979 and he adapted this design from an English document dating from 1840. Bennison Fabrics continue to print the deliciously faded original colourway but more recently has introduced the not-so-traditional lipstick pink. Whatever the colourway the knack is to be brave with your bunches and not let the ‘c’ word enter your decoration bible – that’s co-ordination to you and me. Last week’s Chelsea Flower Show was brave and very beautiful, introducing new plants, naming a hosta after Andy Murray and a unveiling the Gucci garden. In our homes, wardrobes and gardens flowers are blossoming and the rose will always be this country’s favourite. Now where did that Zebra come from? bennisonfabrics.com Categories
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