Place Iena: A Parisian Art Collector's Apartment by Atelier MKD

Nestled in the heart of Paris's 16th arrondissement, on Place Iena, Atelier MKD has recently completed a spacious 300m2 apartment for a contemporary art collector. A true aesthete, the owner's vision was to create a refined space with clean, straight lines that would provide ample room for the display of their art collection.

In an effort to accentuate the art collection, Atelier MKD founder Marika Dru opted for an architectural design characterised by its understated, refined style, featuring materials in contrasting grey tones. This monochromatic approach harmoniously complements the apartment's Parisian decor.

Favouring contrasting materials such as marble and wood, Marika Dru enriches simple materials through graphic and modern ornament. A desire for stylistic coherence means that she is sometimes guided by a single striking object when considering the layout of an interior. With Place Iena, Michel Boyer's stainless steel X stool led her to use a selection of striking pieces in metal.

The project at its core focuses on modularity, emphasising flexibility in spatial arrangement, volumes and lighting, transforming the apartment into a gallery-like space tailored to the art collector's unique needs.

Photography by Thomas De Bruyne

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Studio Stool: A Collaboration Between CHEVRON and Nineties Studio

Through a mindful collaboration, Swedish flooring specialist CHEVRON and Nineties Studio have jointly brought to life the Studio Stool. Designed by Nineties Studio and crafted from European forestry wood collected by CHEVRON, this robust stool showcases distinctive features through its visible details and unique structural elements.

The construction of the white ash follows the same method used by CHEVRON - a family business run by father and sons - to craft their wooden floors. This involves a distinctive three-layer lamellar structure that ensures stability without compromising the authentic feel of solid wood. White ash embodies the enduring cornerstone of Nordic design — clean and calm, yet sturdy and very much alive.

The Studio Stool draws inspiration from enduring woodwork, designed to stand the test of time and embrace the beauty of imperfections. Every Studio Stool has its own unique marks, hues and nuances thanks to wood that would otherwise go to waste. Crafted from exceptionally durable white ash, this piece of furniture becomes a steadfast companion for generations.

Stemming from a desire to blur the line between flooring as a construction material and its role as a distinctive piece of furniture, an integral part of every home, Douglas Bergh, owner and creative director of CHEVRON explains further .’ We had a clear idea that the piece of furniture should showcase the heavy, solid feeling of our three layer flooring while also using waste material. Nineties Studio turned our vision into reality by designing a stool, with a wide range of applications like a side table, bed table or just a piece of art. The ease of use was something very important.’

Photography by Osman Tahir Studio

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New Lighting Designs from Denmark

Interior lamps are one of my design obsessions due to their ability to provide both function and artistry in an interior space. Today I'm sharing two new collections from Denmark that infuse beauty, sculpture and elegance into the home. 

Fritz Hansen Introduces the MS Series by Mette Schelde

The Danish architect and designer Mette Schelde is behind the latest series of lamps from Fritz Hansen. Crafted in steel and comprising a floor, desk and table lamp, the MS Series is infused with Shelde's signature functionality and style.

“The MS Series is function packaged in a minimalist design language that harmoniously balances stringency with soft curves. Functionally and visually, the series builds upon Fritz Hansen’s extraordinary design tradition while at the same time reflects the now.” says Mette Schelde.

A Modern and minimal reinvention of classic lamp designs, the series centres around the circle, with each lamp featuring a dimmable function via the integrated on-off dial. Adaptable in height and direction, the floor and desk iterations direct the light where needed, while the table lamp is designed with the same rotational curvilinear shade for angled light, albeit set on a static arm. All three designs feature replaceable LED light technology, ensuring the purposeful pieces last for generations.

“The starting point was the need for a desk lamp in my studio. I wanted a lamp head which, in all its simplicity, would emit optimal, glare-free task light on my desk while being minimal in size. The design is simple and functional and juxtaposes the stringency of the arm with the softness of the shade. That represents harmony to me, which is part of the series’ DNA.” Schelde adds.

Nuura Launches Petalii by Nika Zupanc

Designed for Nuura by Nika Zupanc, Petalii reimagines traditional lighting through the Slovenian designer's modern, subversive lens. The emotive series, comprising a chandelier, floor lamp and pendant light, is the result of Zupanc's ongoing search for an icon.

Taking its name from the botanical word for petal, the series presents the universal form of the flower in a minimal aesthetic, juxtaposing traditional and contemporary materials and shapes to illuminating effect.

Stripped of unnecessary details, white powder-coated metal shades resembling the open heads of flowers emit and reflect soft, ambient light. Polished brass 'stems' on each design add warmth and depth.

"Creating an interior is like writing a novel: different sentences are put together to create a beautiful narrative. The Petalii series is a chapter in the story of the space in which it is placed,'' notes Zupanc on the collection.

The thoughtfully designed lamps work in a range of environments, from hotel lobbies to private dining rooms. Now available to purchase, take a look here. 

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Space Copenhagen Reveals Interiors for The Largo

Space Copenhagen, the Danish design studio, has just completed the interiors for a new hotel in Porto, Portugal. Located on the historic Largo de São Domingos, the 18-room hotel, restaurant and bar occupy five interconnected 15th, 16th and 19th century buildings that Space Copenhagen has carefully stripped back and restored to reveal, and maintain, many of its original features. The Largo is an exciting new hotel concept that playfully subverts the standard notions of luxury hospitality and is the brainchild of Annassurra, a Copenhagen based travel and hospitality group.

The collection of historical buildings was first lovingly restored by architect Frederico Valsassina and is situated in a prime position with views across the Douro River, which runs through the city of Porto. One of the key objectives of the renovation, which has steadily been taking place over the last three years, has been the conservation of hundreds of years of history and the preservation of the crafts and traditions embedded within the architecture of the building.

The Largo’s interiors have been conceived by Space Copenhagen founders Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksento to inspire connection; between guests, hosts, the Portuguese community and the space itself. Soft, slightly nostalgic yet timeless, the interiors are orchestrated by a modern design perspective with an overarching sense of slow design and travel.

“For The Largo, we have applied a refined, historically detailed design language that celebrates modernity combined with a sense of an aesthetic slowness in celebration of the city, its legacy and the local traditions of Porto", explains Peter Bundgaard Rützou. This play, at the intersection of tradition and modernity with attention to detail and authenticity, is executed through thoughtful elements of craft, materiality, texture and art. "The materials used throughout are local, subdued, warm, intimate, tactile, and natural. Where possible we have collaborated with local artisans to create an experience, an environment that is elegant, distinctly discreet, sensuous and comfortable." As a result, you will find stone, wood, brass, and soft fabrics recurring consistently throughout the design.

The suites at The Largo are all generously proportioned with thoughtfully considered layouts that consequently encourage a longer stay at a slower pace. All rooms mimic the intimacy of an apartment living room and private quarters. The beds are the centrepiece of the room and are framed by a Renaissance feature of elaborate headboards reinterpreted in a modern way to pay respect to its origin. Ceilings bear the same level of diluted ornamentation bringing the historic context of the buildings into a new and repurposed setting. Paying homage to local craft and tradition each element has been carefully and exclusively designed for The Largo and executed by Portuguese artisans. The millwork, stone and metalwork throughout were carefully created by local artisans, as well as tiling sourced from local tile manufacturers. The wooden flooring, granite portal, entry passage and plastered walls in subdued colour tones further enhance the slow and warm pace, while the ornate ceilings have been preserved with the historical building's original design.

The bathrooms feature large tile stone flooring and bathtubs carved as a singular piece in local Portuguese stone. Each room includes a lounge and table settings that facilitate the experience of luxury in-room dining. The penthouses and townhouses have their own kitchens, and all suites have extensive pantry storage and wine fridges to welcome a longer stay.

The lounge, where guests are greeted at ground level, has a secluded feel. Located towards the back of the building, there is an opportunity to interact and engage, dwell or listen to an intimate performance or talk. Guests can also enjoy the outside courtyard, which is impressively suspended between the building and rock, at five stories deep.

Adjoining The Largo are sister projects Cozinha das Flores and Flôr, a restaurant and a bar, both also under the direction of Nuno Mendes. The restaurant, Cozinha das Flores, celebrates the food, culture, wines, techniques and ingredients of Porto and the surrounding region. The adjacent twelve-seat bar, Flôr, has fast become a cornerstone of the local neighbourhood.

Speaking further on the design, Peter Bundgaard Rützou says "Our wish has been to create a soft and charming oasis in the heart of Porto – a place and destination where you can feel at home, sense the honest and genuine atmosphere of the historic buildings and neighbourhood…A place of discovery, and a place to recharge for new adventures in the beautiful city and surrounding nature.” A beautiful fusion between old and new, The Largo invites visitors to embark on a journey of both inner and outer exploration, weaving together the tapestry of Porto's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Photography by Joachim Wichmann

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Dulux Colour Forecast 2024: Positivity and Warmth Radiate Through Colour

Last week I attended the Dulux Colour Forecast 2024 Launch to see the highly anticipated reveal for the year ahead. This year's three palettes, Solstice, Journey and Muse, reflect an inner desire for positivity and spaces that nurture within our homes. With the inclusion of mid-toned hues to create a central theme, the palettes transition to an overall warmer feel with a focus on tactility and a shift towards more sophisticated nostalgic references.

Background walls and ceiling: Dulux Ponsonby, Front walls and ceiling: Dulux Paekākāriki

At the launch, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the annual Dulux Colour Forecast in New Zealand, I quickly identified my favourite palette, Solstice. A warm and reflective palette of rich browns, clay and warm neutrals with a sun loving yellow as an accent, Soltice is designed to evoke a comforting, familiar and inviting feeling.

Wall and ceiling: Dulux Bayleys Beach

Walls and ceiling: Dulux Ponsonby

Walls and ceiling: Dulux Ponsonby

"This is a warm and welcoming palette of nurturing hues to make you feel safe and at home,” explains Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper. "Sunsoaked neutrals are influenced by a soft orange glow and paired with softer shades of pastel blues and citrus yellow. This trend embodies a harmonious blend of cosy and calm styling elements, with captivating material highlights like natural stone, ceramic and highly textured fabrics."

Front walls: Dulux Potters Park, Back wall: Dulux Paekākāriki

Walls and ceiling: Dulux Handmade Linen Half

Front wall: Dulux Ponsonby, Back walls and ceiling: Dulux Paekākāriki

According to Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist Bree Leech, Solstice starts with inspiration from the pared back Scandinavian design style but adds a Mediterranean and desert influence. “From the Australian outback to the African savannah, the palette brings together warm colours with cooler accents and tactile details, such as braiding and primitive sculptural forms.”

Walls: Dulux TikiTiki, Ceiling: Dulux Howick Half

Walls and ceiling: Howick Half, Inside windows: Dulux Blue Pools

Walls and ceiling: Howick Half, Inside windows: Dulux Blue Pools

Walls and ceiling: Dulux Potters Park, Alcove: Dulux Blue Pools

I love that Solstice serves as a reminder that as the days grow longer, better days are ahead. As demonstrated here walls predominantly feature clay brown shades with red undertones, including Dulux Ponsonby and Potters Park and golden neutrals such as Dulux Baylys Beach and Handmade Linen Half. Creating a sense of comfort, these sun-soaked shades are adorned with accents in lighter blues, including Dulux Blue Pools and Ocean Surf, and zesty yellows like Dulux Mayfield. Evoking a restorative warmth, Solstice can create joyful, cosy spaces to provide comfort and form the perfect backdrop for gatherings and entertaining spaces.

To learn more about Dulux’s Colour Forecast 2024 visit www.dulux.co.nz

Image credits: Dulux Colour Forecaster and Stylist: Bree Leech, Photographer: Lisa Cohen

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