confessions of a design geekconfessions of a design geek | confessions of a design geek

design geekery :: home london

design geek — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:26:39 +0000

For this week’s design geekery column, I decided to share the best of Home London, a really well edited design show at London’s Earl’s Court.

“Design Geekery; Home London

There’s a new design show in town. Showcasing interior accessories, lighting and occasional furniture, Home London launched at Earl’s Court on 15th January and started 2012’s design calendar with a bang.

With show director and co-founder of 100% Design and TENT London, Ian Rudge, at the helm…”

To read the rest of the column, head over to We Heart.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

creative spaces :: raw

design geek — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:29:11 +0000

Share/Bookmark

This creative space is home to design agency Raw and is housed within the Engine House of Salford’s Islington Mill.

The original features, airy spaces and personal touches conspire to make this a really inspirational environment that Raw hope to call home for many years to come.

Graphic art adorns the walls providing reference material as well as decoration.

The compulsory cube shelving provides storage space and divides the room without blocking light.

A reclaimed table and bench sit in front of big double doors which let the outside in – when it’s warm enough to have them open. A connection to nature has been shown to increase creativity. If you can’t have a space at this, at least put a plant on your desk!

A bird’s eye view of the desk space showing the artwork and huge windows surrounding it on all sides.

Personalising your working space has been shown to lead to greater job satisfaction, so including some colourful and inspirational items like these is a great idea too. I love the rich orange and bright red in this little arrangement.

Raw have a huge communal whiteboard to enable them to share ideas, collaborate and document brainstorms.

I love this huge mural which goes right up the stairs leading to a starry, rainbow flanked door! That’s got to make the effort of getting up all those stairs worthwhile!

And finally, a little spot for lunch is a must. If you look carefully in this picture you can see each member of the Raw team has their own mug with their name on it, and I think that tells us all we need to know. A lovely bunch with a really inspirational creative space. Thank you for having me!

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Photography by Andrew Brooks.

Share/Bookmark

heart home magazine :: zoe howarth

design geek — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:22:49 +0000

Share/Bookmark

This week I interviewed the lovely Zoe Howarth for the Heart Home Magazine blog and really enjoyed discovering how she finds her inspiration and just how much work goes into her creations…

“An interview with textiles designer Zoe Howarth

I spotted Zoe Howarth at the London Design Festival, and as she’s a fellow Cornish lass, I was keen to showcase her beautiful work, which somehow becomes even more beautiful when you realise how much work goes into creating it…

Describe a really good day…”

Read the rest of the interview over at Heart Home Magazine.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

buy the book (a collection of eighteen interviews with designers)
http://www.modenus.com/blog/travel/inspiration-from-the-cornish-coastline-fabrics-by-zoe-howarth
http://www.artsthread.com/p/zoehowarth
out and about :: origin

Share/Bookmark

out and about :: maison et objet

design geek — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:20:27 +0000

Share/Bookmark

After many years of wistfully reading about it on other people’s blogs, this year I finally went to Maison & Objet in Paris! A vast design trade show, until the arrival of Home London (more on that tomorrow), it was the first major design event on the global calendar, so it sees a lot of new product launches and new trends.

I am covering the show for Design Milk, so a massive thank you must go to Jaime for sending me to the show and to airbnb for providing my accommodation. Look out for more detailed posts on Design Milk in the coming days – in the meantime, here are my favourite finds…

1. Blackbody lighting using new technology which means the lights aren’t hot to the tough and you can look directly at them – I loved the ‘stars in a night sky’ arrangement of these.

2. The La Secrete desk from Ligne Roset has secret compartments galore and even a swing bar underneath for those twitchy of foot.

3. The Campana Brothers‘ installation having been awarded ‘Designers of the Year’ alongside French designer Hubert le Gall; and Tokujin Yoshioka from Japan.

4. Feeding my ongoing obsession with all things yellow and flying in the face of Pantone’s prediction that orange is the colour of 2012, these lovely little Baltus tub chairs were definitely one of my top picks from the show.

1. Doreen Westphal Studio was my absolute favourite find of the show. This concrete lace curtain is just one example of the wonderfully delicate and unusual things she’s doing with concrete – definitely worth keeping an eye on.

2. Having said that, Crafting Peace were up there too. They describe themselves as a ‘social design label;’ they co-design products with crafts people in fragile countries such as Afghanistan.

3. I was sent a tip-off via twitter to check out Handmade Interiors and I was very glad I found them – a gorgeous collection of cushions, wallpapers and textiles.

4. Finally, Hay were rocking the neons-with-pastels trend in this lovely selection of blankets.

1. Zenza were a highlight of the ‘ethnic chic’ hall with these very glamourous light shades.

2. I adored iBride‘s new range of trays each of which feature a different member of a feline family tree. Lots of other new products too. (iBride is available from Lifestyle Bazaar in the UK.)

3. In their first appearance at Maison et Objet, Tom Dixon launched Eclectic by Tom Dixon; a range of ‘things that are to play with or give or use everyday, things that are designed and are undesigned, things that are… eclectic’.

4. Rina Menardi was showcasing a beautiful range of almost weightless ceramics – I could have taken them all home!

1. Pinch had some old favourites and some new launches, including this sofa in a fab new fabric for 2012

2. I was utterly seduced by this explosion of colour from Missoni Home.

3. These Pols Potten birds tweeted at me as I got closer to them, making me smile even after six hours on my feet.

4. And I can never resist a bit of mid-century – these cushions are from Grain de Couleur.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

design geekery :: the new english

design geek — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:59:33 +0000

Share/Bookmark

As well as the column for the Heart Home Magazine blog I mentioned on Tuesday, I’ve also been writing a column for online design and lifestyle magazine, we heart, so I though I should start to share those with you too.

This week I wrote about The New English, a witty, if slightly disarming, ceramics company I discovered at designersblock. They were also at Home 2012 this week.

“Design Geekery; The New English

From a series of plates that, when arranged correctly, make up a human skeleton (titled ‘supermodel’), to anatomically correct bone china hearts with gold plated valves; what makes The New English different smacks you right between the eyes. They’ve been described as ‘the Vivienne Westwood…”

Read the rest of the column over at we heart.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

interview :: mary-ellen paul

design geek — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:33 +0000

Share/Bookmark

Mary-Ellen Paul is a fellow klc student and writes design blog, House of Paul Interiors. I spoke to her about her mission to break into the interior design industry and become a full time junior interior designer.

What initially attracted you to interior design?

My dad was always redesigning and redecorating the family home, so I’ve always had the interiors bug. It wasn’t until I graduated from University having studied BA Advertising & Marketing Communications and started working full time that I realised the importance of doing what you love.

What do you love about it now? Anything you hate?!

From those DIY days in the 80s growing up, I’ve always loved the way you could start with a completely empty room, which could be transformed from a blank canvas into something magical. I was definitely attracted to this aspect of interior design. I enjoy creating new and interesting floor layouts, and seeing what the possibilities are. And I enjoy playing with colour, texture, light and space and how these factors influence each other. One thing I find frustrating at times is how difficult it is to get into the industry, but I am completely loving the process of getting there.

Tell me a bit more about your quest to get into the interior design industry.

I was told by a designer that “Interior Design is like the Mafia; very difficult to get into but once you’re in, YOU’RE IN”! It has been a long but creative road and I’m still learning and finding my way. Having wanted to gain knowledge first, I embarked upon a Diploma in Interior Design (almost done) and I write HOP Interiors, my creative blog through which I am fortunate to be able share my thoughts, personal style and design aesthetic with my lovely readers. My aim this year though is to gain my first full time role as an Interior Designer either in London, Asia or the US.

What would make it easier for graduates to find their first job?

I think if the industry followed the same format as the US in terms of development that would be a great help. Student designers realise that interior design isn’t just fluffing cushions and slapping paint on the walls – a formal internship programme would give passionate interns the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. I do think interns sometimes get a rough ride, but if there was a set programme in place, at least they could get some great experience under their belts. There are loads of amazing interior studios out there. I’ve been extremely lucky in the internships I’ve taken part in thus far and have been blessed to have gained so much from them.

How has writing a blog contributed to your development as an interior designer?

Becoming an interiors blogger has contributed to my development immensely. I’d always attended trade shows and seminars, so blogging about them was a natural progression. I have met some amazingly talented people [like Jonathan Adler pictured with Mary-Ellen below] and have gained more of an insight into the interiors world. I’ve strengthened my relationships with designers and interior companies, which has been amazing. And I continue to get the opportunity to meet creative people who are just as passionate as me about the interiors world.

What advice would you give to other aspiring interior designers?

Interiors 101: Never give up! The road to interior design is long and sometimes hard, but as long as you have the passion and the determination you’ll get there. It sounds very cliched I know, but it’s true. Besides, if it’s going be a long road, you might as well enjoy it! Develop yourself – take every opportunity you can to learn more about design, not just interiors, but also product and furniture design. Learning CAD is a must. Take up an internship and absorb as much as you can while you’re there.

Who is your favourite interior designer?

My favourite interior designer is Kelly Hoppen MBE. I’m so lucky to have met her twice (eeeek!) through blogging. I admire Kelly for her continuous development. She’s like the Madonna of the interiors world. I love the way she has evolved her brand. From clothing to shutters to her interior design school and her latest TV series, she has strengthened her brand by staying true to who she is as a designer. The fact she’s created a design school tells me that she understands the plight of young, new designers.

What have you learnt from her?

I’ve learnt that you have to be true to, and believe in, your design… and yourself for that matter. You also have to have a real passion for design to succeed in the industry.

Desert island design time… which three items could you not live without?

Luckily I’m not too focused on personal products and gadgets, but I must admit the iPhone is my must-have. I can’t put it down. From Pinterest to Instagram to catching up with emails, it’s my staple.

Beyond that, I couldn’t live without my family, my true friends and a sense of humour!

And finally, what’s your favourite colour?!

Oh that’s an easy one! I love cobalt and navy blue. Forget the stereotype these colours might have; they’re classic, timeless and vibrant. I can’t get enough of them.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

heart home magazine :: helen lang

design geek — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:01 +0000

Share/Bookmark

I’ve been writing a column for the Heart Home Magazine blog since last year, and thought it was about time I started to share what I get up to over there with you. The column is a series of interviews, and this week, I interviewed the lovely Helen Lang…

“An interview with illustrator Helen Lang

I’ve known Helen for about a year now, having met her when a friend (who works with her Mum!) sent me one of her cards and suggested I interviewed her for my blog – I also ended up including her work in my book…”

Read the rest of the interview over at the Heart Home Magazine blog.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

here’s one I made earlier :: party bags

design geek — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:14 +0000

Share/Bookmark

I was recently asked to make some party bags for a ‘duck themed’ first birthday party. The birthday boy and his mum are both very special to me, so of course I jumped at the chance. Having been meaning to make some ink stamps ever since I learnt how at the Yellow Owl Workshop launch, I thought I’d try doing that. Plus it gave me the excuse to buy some lovely old fashioned sweetie bags to print on. I started by assembling everything I’d need, Blue Peter style…

I’ve posted before in some detail about how to do this, so I won’t bore you with too many details, just a quick overview of what I did this time…

1. Trace over your design in pencil and then lay it pencil side down onto your ‘speedy carve‘. Rub it with the back of your nail so that the pencil comes off onto your ‘speedy carve’ – ideally a little more clearly than mine did!

2. Using a v-gauge (a cutting tool with a blade shaped like a ‘v’), trace the outline of your design.

3. Using a u-guage (a cutting tool with a blade shaped like a ‘u’), remove any areas you don’t want to print, returning to the v-guage for the detail.

4. Print onto a piece of paper and compare with your design, to see which areas need further carving. Continue until you are happy with the print.

I already had a duck (alright, it’s a bird!) ink stamp, so I started by printing a little row of those along the bottom of each one of these gorgeous bags.

Then I printed ‘happy birthday’ onto each one using the stamp I’d made. But I wanted my party bags to be a little more personal than that, so using the same method, I made a separate stamp saying ’1st’…

…and one with the birthday boy’s name on it.

The reason I did it this way, was so that I could use the ‘happy birthday’ stamp again for other things – and who knows I may find a use for the other two as well. As one collective stamp, it would have been a bit of a one trick pony!

And while I was making things, I thought I might as well make a birthday card and envelope to match.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

creative spaces :: dovetail

design geek — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:12:57 +0000

Share/Bookmark

I was recently very lucky to be invited to the home of Dovetail to explore their wonderful creative space in the middle of the woods in Hampshire; the perfect environment for ‘workers in wood’.

Awaiting a new straw-bale constructed studio which will feature a soundproof glass wall between the workshop and the office, the office is currently housed in a shipping container overlooking a trout pond, sadly not currently stocked.

And juxtaposed with these inspiring natural surroundings is the high-tech equipment used in the workshop to precision engineer the kitchens that Dovetail produces.

In a wonderful combination of old and new, not to mention glorious efficiency, the machinery includes an element that extracts sawdust from the workshop, where it is bagged and stored for the old wood burning stoves that heat the entire premises – and of course dry the wellies! (It’s also given as horse bedding to their next door neighbours!)

It was absolutely fascinating to see every stage of the process from trees to finished kitchens and easy to see where designer John Kirby gets his inspiration from. (Dovetail don’t actually fell their own trees – this one came down in a storm.)

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark

out and about :: the high line

design geek — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:25:30 +0000

Share/Bookmark

One of the things I love about New York is that every trip can be completely different (she says, having been twice!). This is partly due to the spectacular diversity of the city, and partly because new things are aways popping up… like the High Line – new since my last visit, and an absolute highlight of this one.

Until 1999, the High Line was a decrepit freight railway line, dating from the 1930s and disused since the 1980s. Thanks to Joshua David, Robert Hammond and the Friends of the High Line, it’s now a ‘park in the sky’ offering a unique perspective on New York City. Usually viewed from street level looking up, or from the top of the Empire State Building looking down – the High Line allows you to look right through the city, from a completely new vantage point. A diversity of viewing platforms provide a combination of snatched vistas between buildings and the chance to sit and watch the yellow taxis below like a bird on a wire.

It’s a brilliant idea, but it’s also brilliantly executed, so all credit to the design team; landscape architects James Corner Field Operations and architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro as well as the community of High Line supporters they worked with to make it happen.

Instead of sticking to a successful formula and repeating it along the track, the High Line constantly reinvents itself as you walk its length. Every section is different. From paving slabs that rise from the ground and turn into benches to sun loungers on castors that slide along the rails, from tables and chairs that turn picnic-ers with tablecloths into diners in an imaginary restaurant to a lawn surrounded by ice cream stands; there is a treat around every corner.

And that’s not to mention the art. It is completely embedded into the fabric of the High Line, so it feels very much part of the experience. Spencer Finch’s ‘The River That Flows Both Ways’ is great example. It’s a study of the Hudson River with a pane of glass representing every colour that Finch photographed – he took a picture every minute for 700 minutes – all housed in a brick structure that looks as if it’s always been there. Perhaps it has.

The High Line is a breath of fresh air running through the chaos of the city, a respite, a chance to take a breath, to renew your spirit and then head back down in amongst it and do it all again. I can’t wait to come back and see section three.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

Share/Bookmark