based upon...

The group of artists and designers based in London known as based upon were established by the Abell twin brothers in 2004. Their studio specialises in unique finishes that are so beautiful and yet so discreet you've probably seen them without even realising. Take the David Collins designed Artesian Bar in London's Langham Hotel - those seriously delicious tabletops (below) and the beautiful bar front are both by based upon.

The based upon studio has developed a unique liquid metal and resin finish that has been hand-applied to a variety of surfaces, large scale artworks and installations, and bespoke and limited edition furniture, and are often commissioned by leading designers for some of the worlds finest homes, boats and commercial spaces.

I have been coveting their furniture for some time now....check out their "Plum Blossom" cabinet....isn't it amazing?



Creating bespoke items for a project obviously comes at a cost, so the folks at based upon have launched the Plane collection - a range of customisable tables that allows clients interested in creating their own unique piece to do so without the time and cost usually involved in commissioning a completely new form. The tables use an adaptable leg design allowing several different shapes, and with a range of surfaces to chose from, voilà! - you have yourself a semi-bespoke piece of furniture!

Working models at 1:10 scale showing tables from the new Plane Collection

One possibility from the selection of shapes and finishes available.

A stamp of authenticity.

One of the beautiful surface finishes available for the Plane Collection.

I would seriously love to work with these guys on a project at some time soon, and will be putting one of these tables on my Xmas wish list. In the meantime, I'll just have to be content with lusting after the images on their website.

All photos courtesy of based upon.

100% Design & Decorex

There's nothing quite like coming back from a holiday to a pile of work the size of Kilimanjaro...its about as fun as a slap in the face. There should be laws to enforce a slow ease back into a 5 day work week after a holiday! I had intended on doing this post sooner, but better late than never I guess...

London was, and is fantastic. Our 7 days away were refreshing and inspiring in many ways. For me particularly it was being in an international city with a great creative vibe and attending several world class events. My first ever visit to 100% Design and Decorex were certainly not disappointing. I'm sure I don't need to give a blow by blow account of the two days I spent with my jaw dragging along the ground, but I will give you my highlights and favorites.

100% Design to me was a typical European fair - all about quality, not quantity. I was completely inspired by all the new up-coming designers and the vast range of products on show. The one stand that has stuck in my mind might've been the smallest, but I'm totally in love with the surfaces created by Giles Miller. Each and every one of his surfaces on show was totally creative and unique - but I can't get past his cardboard butterflies (below).

Decorex was also completely inspiring. I'm totally digging the collections and new products that were shown by Fromental, Sommerville Scott, Collection Pierre, CTO Lighting, and especially the new coloured vellum tables by Julian Chichester (below).

After a morning of wandering around in what seemed like a haze - which I can only liken to a drug overdose - I spent too little time browsing at Potterton Books and then had the pleasure of hearing John Minshaw speak about his work. After an inspiring and thoroughly entertaining introduction to his career we were treated to images of his never before published home in the English countryside. Pure bliss. It's going to take a lot to top a day like that!

Mark Cunningham

OK, I'll take a quick break from the London lowdown to give thanks to Elle Decor for bringing a few much deserved glossy pages of Mark Cunningham's work to us. I won't post all the images in case you haven't seen the spread yet. To die for. All I can say is, I can't wait to see more from this talented designer, and what Russell does with the US Architectural Digest...

Jaime Hayon per sé

One of the most exciting events for me during my recent trip to London was being able to attend the launch party of the new range of furniture from Sé by Jaime Hayon.

I can safely say that each of the pieces in this collection is set to be a future design classic. The 'Arper' lounge chair (seen below in the showroom window) is the signature piece of the collection and its easy to see why. The Arper was inspired by the form of the traditional wing-back club chair and interpreted in a way that has Hayon's signature all over it.

My favorite piece might be the tambor table (second last image) - the super sexy shape and the combination of carrara marble and lacquered metal is so simple yet so chic. Its hard to choose though, each and every one of the designs are charming, and show a delightful selection of materials not normally seen in such a contemporary range - velvet and leather upholstery and lacquered metals in a range of subtle metallic colours teamed with classic marbles. Oh, and the colours, did I mention the colours? Divine.

If you're in London and you missed the launch, the collection will be in show in the pop-up showroom on Brompton Road until October 5th, so go check it out!

Larusmiani

David Collins has done it again!

The latest project from the drawing boards of David Collins Studio is a stunning new concept boutique for the Italian fashion house Larusmiani in Milan, on the prestigious corner of Via Montenapoleone and Via Verri in the fashion district.

Larusmiani was founded in 1922 and has become world renowned for fine tailoring and luxurious textiles, particularly unusual blends like cotton / linen with vicuna, silk or cashmere. The company's textiles have been used by Collins throughout the interior and complimented with more sumptuous finishes such as marble and leather in a palette of ivory, parchment and shades of the signature Larusmiani blue.

Elements of the design, particularly the furniture, has been clearly influenced by the circa 1950's building that houses the boutique. Ever present are the details that Collins is known for - grosgrain ribbon trims and contrasting saddle stitching to name a few. Of the overall design, David Collins comments, “My inspiration for the space is a reflection of the quality and attention to detail that is the hallmark of Larusmiani”.

The 3-story boutique which will house the company's men's and women's wear collections will also feature a carefully curated collection of time pieces, books and cutting edge technology. Adding to the exclusivity of the environment there is a marble fireplace in the salon, each floor has a private terrace, the dressing rooms were designed as small living rooms (some of which have bathrooms!) and the lifts are lined with velvet. Così elegante!

Now I wish I'd booked a side trip to Milan from London! Speaking of which, bare with me while I get my photos and notes together...stay tuned!

Photo care of David Collins Studio.

Meeting Kelly Hoppen

I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of the Kelly Hoppen Home collection in Hong Kong last week where a group of designers were able to get a sneak preview of the furniture and home wares (which will be sold in Hong Kong by Indigo Living) and meet the lady herself. Often dubbed the "Queen of Taupe", Kelly Hoppen has had a prolific career, and she shows no signs of slowing down with this new collection and the release of another book. The entire collection is hand made in China, and despite what your preconceptions may be about the origins, the quality is surprisingly good - as the designer herself can attest having travelled to Hong Kong via the factory.

The collection is broad and varied, some pieces bare the trademark Hoppen style - mixed textures, Asian influences - and others show new sources of inspiration. The collection was designed, Hoppen explained to us, to work in a variety of interiors and work with a large range of styles. Pieces are versatile and can be used almost anywhere. I think my favorite would have to be the dining chairs (seen above) which to me have a whiff of Prouvé about them.

The collection will be in the Indigo Living stores in Hong Kong from mid-October, and available internationally in the near future.

John McLennon CEO of Indigo Living with Kelly Hoppen MBE at the product launch in Hong Kong last week

I'm off to London in a few days, so this might be my last post until I get back at the end of the month. But stay tuned for exiting news and reports from Decorex, 100% Design and other exiting events.

John Minshaw

Are you tired of the London themed posts yet? Sorry, I have a few more planned before my trip (and lets face it, probably a few after too)...so bear with me folks!

London-based designer John Minshaw's work made appearance on my radar a little while ago - and I'm so glad it did. Minshaw's work is timeless - both modern and classic at the same time. Each room is a study in expertly composed pieces and perfectly balanced colour. Of his work, Minshaw says "My style is to buy good antiques and design bespoke cabinetry, then put them into pared-down interiors". In my opinion, the results are just stunning.

One of the highlights of my upcoming trip to London (other than the wedding I'm attending, of course) will be going to Decorex. John Minshaw is speaking on Tuesday 28th - the day I'm planning to go. I'm looking forward to hearing him talk about "Space and Detailing" - and possibly picking up a copy of his book.

For more beautiful images of the project feature in the last image, check out the latest issue of the German Architectural Digest.

LA style in London

I fell head over heels in love with with this London home by L.A. Designers Carole Katleman and Daniel Cuevas when I first saw it published in Belle magazine this time last year. Needless to say I was happily surprised to see it published again in Interiors, this time with photos of spaces not previously published. The bones of the house are grand and beautiful, but to me its the colour palette, the mix of furniture and the artwork that make this place truly breathtaking. Enjoy!

The stunning Drawing Room (maybe too much white for me, but I love the crispness of it) features custom furniture by the designers, the painting above the fireplace is by Ugo Rondinone, to the right is a piece by Christopher Wool.

A view of the Dining Room leading into theDrawing Room. The painting on the right hand side is also by Ugo Rondinone, the table is French Deco paired with neoclassical chairs.

The chaise at one end of the Drawing Room is by the designers, the painting is by Richard Prince.

A view of the opposite end of the Drawing Room. I love how fresh and crisp this room feels. The carpets are by Patterson, Flynn & Martin and the painting is by Bernard Frize.

Looking into the Library from the Entry. The chesterfield sofa is by Linley, the photographs above are by Marcelo Krasilcic. The chairs flanking the doorway are by Gio Ponti.

Looking into the Office from the Library (I am particularly in love with this room). The regency chair on the left is from JF Chen and the stool is 60's French. The painting over the fireplace in the office is by Maurizio Cattelan.

The Master Bedroom's Office has a Jacques Adnet desk and chair.

A view of the Master Bedroom looking towards the lady of the house's Dressing room. Seating on either side of the cabinet is custom by the designers.



And last, but definitely not least, this stunning room...which I can't find any specific information on. The walls appear to be leather-lined, which is paired beautifully with a gloss paint finish and metal fireplace. The colours are breathtaking and compliment the art perfectly.


Photographed by Richard Powers for Interiors magazine Aug/Sept 2010, and Belle Australia Aug/Sept 2009.

cool ceramics

I'm totally loving the work of London-based ceramicist Solomia Zoumaras. Her designs are inspired by 20th Century design and architecture and are not only mathematically precise - they fit together like lego blocks! I love the funky shapes and rich colour glazes on the insides...I might just have to track me down one of these when I'm in London...

Revisiting old favorites...

My impending trip to London has me revisiting some old favorites from my files...this one is a family home decorated by Paolo Moschino.

Pale neutral walls teamed with dark wood floors, great art and a mix of furniture is always a winner in my eyes. The dining room is a great mix of old and new, and the touches of pink are subtle but chic. To be honest though, any room with a Francis Bacon hanging is going to be good as far as I'm concerned. I love the colour palette in the living room, as well as the 4 Vipers series by Philip Taaffe. I fell in love with his work after seeing a piece from the same series hanging in another incredibly chic London home by Jacques Grange. That's not all these two home owners have in common...they're also both friends of Valentino - as if they'd be anything other than chic!

Images photographed by Simon Upton from the April 2009 edition of Elle Decor.

Spanish style

I love it when you see something done in a way that makes you rethink your original opinion. I don't (or should I say - didn't) like stone floors....but these? Beautiful. Who would've thought to put a border in the same stone but a textured finish? I have to be honest, I'm not sure I would have. And I love the narrow black border. Not to mention the bookshelves...

This image was originally posted by I Suwannee, and then by Habitually Chic, and I'm so glad the mystery was solved and we now know who is behind this room. The seriously talented Spaniard, Isabel López-Quesada, was already a fave, but this has cemented it. Go check out Nuevo Estilo for the rest of the images of this beautiful apartment.

an eye on Hong Kong

Monocle - one of my favorite magazines - finally opened their permanent store and Asian news bureau last week in the cool Star Street district of Wan Chai. Stocking back issues of the magazines as well as a curated range of product collaborations including books, posters and CDs, its just another excuse to spend some time in one of my favorite neighbourhoods. If you're in Hong Kong and want to check it out the address is Shop 1 Bo Fung Mansion, 1 - 4 St. Francis Yard, Wanchai. The shop is open from 11am to 7pm daily.

And while you're at it, check out my friends store directly across the road - "Blouse-ripped". A range of stylish creations for women by a local designer - its at 15 St Francis Yard. Shop til you drop!