Wish4a Blog

French Decor

kai — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:32:16 +0000

When time has a sweet tooth! Micheline Taillardat has given a new designer carte blanche, Serge Mansau. The iconoclastic, a supporter of every day wonder, plays Antoine Carême, often known as the king of chefs, and the chef of kings, with furniture like a stool called greedy. A stack of small and large buttons beech-painted, colored resin and foam seat putting the mouth-watering version of raspberry, chocolate or vanilla. “The bakery, confectionery, domestic space has become one of field operations of all possibilities,” says this designer atypical. We concur.

The Pringle Collection

kai — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:17:37 +0000

Over the past two years it’s seemed as if Pringle of Scotland has been on a never-ending project of transformation, from 196-year-old Scottish heritage brand to relevant and fashion-forward knitwear favorite, beginning with the adoption of Tilda Swinton as face of the line in 2009, not to mention the appointment of former Balenciaga designer Alistair Carr as design director earlier this year. This week the label has launched the Archive Collection, a capsule collection in collaboration with Central Saint Martins MA Fashion students which sees the students revisit the depths of the company’s archives in an attempt to create a modern update on the company’s cashmere knits and prints.
Details, details, details, this way >>
In total 12 pieces were created by five design students under the supervision of course director Prof Louise Wilson as well as knitwear experts from the company. The collection features many of the hallmarks of Pringle’s traditional style, including cashmere twinsets, the company’s signature lion motif and lots of bright patchwork argyles – but, of course, with a far more refreshing and modern slant.
The Archive Collection

Kitchen trends for 2011

kai — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 06:18:48 +0000

With the avid consumerism of the noughties behind us, the trend for kitchens for 2011 is to create a highly individual and bespoke look by mixing and matching styles and straying from the norm, says award winning designers and retailers Kitchens International.

With over 20 years experience in designing and retailing kitchens, Kitchens International is seeing a shift towards a more traditional approach to kitchens. Consumers are tending to look for natural materials and organic shapes to create a kitchen that is more classic and conservative than a few years ago.

Paul O’Brien, Director, Kitchens International says: “The‘natural look’ is the key kitchen trend at the moment with customers favouring natural materials, such as wood or textured lacquered materials which give depth and character to the kitchen. Even in smaller, urban kitchens the natural appearance can be achieved by contrasting textured browns with white and cream and using interesting shapes to create an individual kitchen, such as an island with shelves or differing heights.

“When times are tough customers tend to look for a more traditional timeless look, either by opting for classic furniture or choosing ageless colours such as beige, cream and white, enhanced by an accent colour perhaps in the splashback.”

For those with large open plan kitchens the trend is veering towards a more bespoke look, often created by mixing and matching styles from different ranges. The living kitchen continues to grow and grow in popularity with handless furniture ever more popular and appliances and storage hidden behind sleek doors, wherever possible. Worksurfaces are constantly developing, providing clients with numerous options to choose from, such as engineered stones, recycled glass, and maintenance free granite

Scottish celebrity chef Nick Nairn opened a new, state-of-the-art kitchen showroom for Kitchens International on Great Western Road in Glasgow last week.

For more information Tel: 0141 404 7744 or www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

What’s On

kai — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:24:01 +0000

Would you love an amazing statement room? A new Channel 5 interior design show is looking for luxury home owners who would love a room designed by Kelly Hoppen MBE. If you’d like to take part, or know a suitable candidate, email hoppen@optomen.com or call 020-3227 5846.
La Dolce Vita (10-13 March), Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1, Much fun to be had at this showcase for Italian food & drink, property, fashion and design. For more details see www.ladolcevitaevent.co.uk
London Design Week (13-18 March), Chelsea Harbour, London W10.

Spring’s biggest decorating event takes place in The Design Centre showrooms and at the premises of well-known names on the nearby King’s Road. See the latest collections (from 360 brands!) and take part in forums, design lectures and master classes. 13-15 March are trade days, and the general public is welcome from 16-18 March. For event details call 020-7225 9166 or look at www.dcch.co.uk