Celebrity Life

When it comes to restyling and furnishing the most lived in room of the house there are a lot of factors that you will need to consider in order to get the job done right, especially if you are looking to create an elegant space in which to entertain and relax. From fancy fabrics to […]

With summer fast approaching and travelling abroad still in the balance, UK homeowners are taking to social media platforms to find inspiration on how to bring the memories of being on holiday into their home. ‘Hotel interiors for inspiration’ has seen a recent surge of 22 per cent on Google followed closely by ‘how do […]

Renovating a regency property is a big undertaking, but the results can be exquisite, ending with a light, spacious and impactful home. Once any structural work is completed, there is lots of fun to be had with the décor, giving you the opportunity to have fun and be brave in your choices, from exquisite vintage […]

From prestigious townhouses in London and luxury chalets in Italy to a large city-centre apartment in Singapore, and a hotel and clubhouse in China, Katharine Pooley has done it all.

Once a banking executive, the London-based interior designer is today an award-winning decorator of choice to the global elite, having grown her business across the world since founding it in 2004. The award-winning designer, who also once lived in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, shares her vision, beliefs and creative process.

[caption id="attachment_211782" align="aligncenter" width="671"] Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

The current pandemic has made the world stay home and put more focus on our living spaces. Has Covid-19 influenced interior trends of late?

Absolutely. Covid-19 has reinforced the importance of home as a place of sanctuary and comfort. I also see a greater interest in the environmental impact of design and making responsible design choices that have a positive effect on the surrounding environment.

What are some of the strongest trends to emerge this year that will continue well into the future?

Generally, the strongest trends are for more spacious and more luxurious interiors that are highly personal, multifaceted and include standout features like swimming pools, bars, gyms and large terraces that many used to enjoy in the very best hotels and private members’ clubs. Colour trends are for soothing, light and tonal interiors with the introduction of small quantities of richer accent tones like aubergine, burnt orange and deep inky blues.

Speaking about trends, I’m always curious about the lifespan of an interior design trend.

I don’t like to follow trends; our clients expect to set trends, not follow them. They are not interested in having what everyone else already has. They want what nobody even knows they want yet. I do often look to other industries for inspiration though, such as the fashion industry.

[caption id="attachment_211783" align="aligncenter" width="683"] The stairs in a Mayfair townhouse completely redesigned by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How often should we actually refurbish our home so that it doesn’t look dated?

I believe if designed well, an interior should not need updating. However, many of our clients would look at a partial refresh every decade as the family evolves and sensibilities change. Also it is only natural that clients may want small changes and additions over the year so we continue to work with them to ensure the interior evolves in line with their lifestyle. I am very proud of our aftercare service!

What should we look out for in ensuring we don’t jump atop a trend wagon blindly to find that a fad has passed in a flash?

I find it helpful to look at the fashion world. Some styles are so timelessly elegant, original and cleanly realised, they never date. Think classic Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Celine etc. Aim to create the same ambience in your interior, one that is effortlessly glamorous, chic and understated, but also unmistakably luxurious. Don’t be driven by what is fashionable but more by what is beautiful. These classic pieces will continue to be elegant even as trends rise and fall around them.

What are the key must-dos and the major no’s in decorating for our tropical climate?

There are obvious finishes to be avoided and embraced in tropical countries. I know from my many years living in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong that harder finishes will prove more durable and sanitary in humid conditions. I love to use resins, high-gloss lacquers, poured metals and polished marble together with textured timber and stone to create layered, rich interiors that are durable as well as luxurious. The most important thing when using hard finishes is to balance them with soft textured fabrics so that the space remains inviting and atmospheric.

[caption id="attachment_211784" align="aligncenter" width="744"] A Moroccan-styled room in the tropics.[/caption]

What would you like to see Asia do more of?

I think that some of the architectural design in Asia (and elsewhere, we are equally at fault in Europe) can be so contemporary and cutting-edge that it has lost its soul and does not speak to the surrounding landscape nor the humanity of those who will live within it. I would love to see more natural texture and warmth in these designs, and a little more richness and layering perhaps.

What is your creative process like when designing a home?

I start by taking a detailed brief from the client, analysing all floor plans and, where possible, visiting the site. This will then lead to the conceptual design stage where through sketches, conceptual imagery, modelling, layout development and loose finish and fabric schemes, a design starts to take shape. Once the client is happy with the conceptual direction, the detailed design work commences.

This takes the form of three packages. Firstly, a very detailed architectural drawing package including all elevations, sections, plans, bathrooms, kitchens and joinery. Secondly, a specification package covering all door ironmongery, joinery detailing, lighting, floor and wall finishes, AV equipment and systems, and bathroom and kitchen fixtures and equipment. Thirdly, an FFE (furniture, fixtures, equipment) package which breaks down in a clear and comprehensive way every furniture piece, window treatment, fabric and accessory. These three packages are presented to the client along with CGI renderings and rendered elevations that show every piece in the interior in each room for client sign-off alongside associated costs.

I try to keep the process very simple and straightforward. Total transparency is key as well as really listening and responding to the client at every step. The client often requests revisions and changes at each stage and we then work to accommodate all their feedback and achieve total sign-off to move forward with their blessing and trust to the procurement stage, building works and finally, installation and handover.

[caption id="attachment_211785" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The elegant living room of The Clarence at St James’ House, designed by Katharine Pooley.[/caption]

How much of a project is you, and how much of it is your client?

I would say it is 50/50 – it is a partnership and a meeting of minds. All of my clients become very important to me as they are entrusting me with something very personal to them, along with intimate knowledge of their life and how they like to live. My vision is always inspired by my client and anchored in who they are as people. The fun part of my job is to draw this out of them in the early stages and then leave them alone for all the hard work of creating it, and then surprise them with it at completion. Many clients have become close personal friends so I must be doing something right!

What would be the basic guidelines for good design for a high-rise city apartment?

Flow is key, the spaces must lead into and open into each other. Natural light must be utilised and finishes should use the same narrative throughout. In a small space, every piece must have aesthetic value and flexibility, and the lighting must be exquisite.

What’s a completed recent project that you are most proud of, and why?

The property I completed last month in Mayfair, London for an international client has to be seen to be believed. It is a townhouse set across seven floors, including a spa, pool, gym, home cinema, seven bedrooms and multiple entertaining areas and terraces. It’s fresh, chic, luxurious and full of awe-inspiring art, chandeliers and joinery. It was for a young client and we turned around the interior in five months and during the Covid-19 shutdown. I am very proud of that in particular, as we worked tirelessly to ensure the client and his wife were thrilled with the final outcome!

This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore

(All images: Katharine Pooley/London)

The post Interior Designer Katharine Pooley on Post-Covid Decor Trends and Curating Dream Homes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

For its 2020 indoor collection, Flexform again blends timeless style with approachable comfort.

Over the past half a century, luxury Italian furniture brand Flexform has built itself an enviable reputation for products that combine aesthetic appeal with comfort and durability.

Entirely made in Italy, they reflect the company’s commitment to timeless elegance and a certain consistency of design – as the pieces in the new 2020 indoor collection amply demonstrate.

The Asolo Sofa

[caption id="attachment_211451" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Asolo Sofa. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

Case in point: The new Asolo Sofa, which effortlessly matches style with comfort. It’s available in any of the fabrics and leathers in the Flexform collection, and is designed with no sharp corners and large, fluffy cushions for maximum relaxation, atop a stylish silver grey painted metal base.

The Tessa Armchair

[caption id="attachment_211808" align="aligncenter" width="835"] The Tessa Armchair. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

The Tessa Armchair is an object lesson in combining materials for maximum effect. Its frame comes in solid ash or turned Canaletto walnut, while the seat and backrest are made from woven paper rush cord, an ancient Italian rural tradition. It joins a family of pieces that also includes an armchair, ottoman, bench and marble top coffee table.

Pico Dining Table

[caption id="attachment_211458" align="aligncenter" width="874"] Pico Dining Table. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

For a table that exudes a dynamic lightness, look no further than the Pico Dining Table, which joins the eponymous coffee table. Again devoid of sharp edges and corners, it features tapered aluminium legs and is available in a wide variety of materials, including various types of marble, wood veneered with Canaletto walnut or ash.

Joyce Chair and Armchair

[gallery ids="211457,211456"]

The Joyce Chair and Armchair are classic pieces with a twist. The latter lies mainly in the metal structure that supports the metal and moulded polyurethane shell, and adorns the back of the chairs. The metal base comes in burnished or powder-coat white, while the removable upholstery is available in a full range of fabrics and leathers.

Gregory Bed

[caption id="attachment_211455" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Gregory Bed. (Image: Flexform)[/caption]

The collection also provides somewhere to sleep in style, in the form of the Gregory Bed, which echoes the design of the renowned sofa of the same name. It comes in tobacco, dark brown or black cowhide stripes, above a metal frame and cast aluminum feet, while the padded headboard provides maximum comfort, with upholstery available in tone-on-tone or contrasting colour grosgrain piping.

First Steps Stool

[gallery ids="211454,211453"]

Form meets function, finally, in the First Steps Stool. The versatile bar stool features a statement backrest in a painted white or burnished finish, alongside a seat hand woven from either paper cord or paper rush cord – yet another highlight in a collection that offers something for everyone.

flexform.it

The post Flexform Unveils its Latest Furniture Collection of Timeless Classics appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Our bed sheets have been getting more action than ever during this pandemic.

With many of us still working from our abode, our beds have transformed into makeshift home offices, as well as easily provided opportunities for the occasional lunch break power nap. And if you spent the lockdown periods in quarantine with a partner, you probably got even more mileage out of your sheets.

Which means it’s time to consider investing a little more in our sleeping cocoons. If your existing bedding is too dull and run-of-the-mill for you, consider these luxurious bed sheets that are the epitome of style and substance.

La Coupe Des Dieux bed linen set and matching comforter by Versace

[caption id="attachment_211556" align="aligncenter" width="729"] The Versace La Coupe Des Dieux set is among our top picks of the most luxurious bed sheets. (Image: Versace)[/caption]

Bedtime in these opulent Versace La Coupe Des Dieux sheets will have you feeling like royalty. The bed sheet, pillow cases and blankets are decked out in black, gold and white with the brand's distinctive, flamboyant baroque motifs, and easily inject a dash of glamour to any living space. A matching comforter, which is sold separately, is also available. The whole set is made of 100 percent cotton.

Get the bed linen here and the comforter here

Arrow Double Bed Set by Off-White

[gallery ids="211553,211552"]

Virgil Abloh-designed bedding? Talk about a must-have for hypebeasts. Unveiled early this month as part of its latest homeware collection, streetwear darling Off-White's bed sets come in options of beige-orange linen and grey flannel. Each comes with a fitted bed sheet embroidered with the Off-White lettering logo, a duvet cover tagged with the "Home" label, and two pillow cases adorned with the brand's iconic arrow motif.

off---white.com

Ultimate Sheet Set by Frette

[gallery ids="211561,211562"]

Plain white sheets don't need to be boring. Frette's Ultimate Sheet Set is an ultra lavish rendition made from Giza 45, the highest grade Egyptian cotton, and features a simple stitch for that sleek, minimalist look. It comes with a top sheet, fitted bottom sheet, and two pillowcases. The sheet set is available in two shades: White and Milk, a lighter ivory hue.

international.frette.com

Heveya bamboo lyocell sheets by Okooko

[caption id="attachment_210928" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Heveya bamboo lyocell sheets. (Image: Okooko)[/caption]

For an eco-friendly option, consider Okooko's Heveya sheets, which are crafted in 100 percent organic bamboo lyocell. The sheets are particularly soft and breathable, with a smooth and feathery texture that resembles silk. Their bamboo fibre material is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic — perfect for those with sensitive skin and nose — and even wicks away moisture, so you can be assured of a comfortable night's sleep. It's also equipped with temperature-regulating qualities that will keep you cool during the summer, and warm and cosy in cold weather.

These sheets are pretty low-maintenance too — simply put them through a cold gentle cycle machine wash, and they'll revert back to their original soft texture after drying.

europeanbedding.hk

(Main image: Okooko; Featured image: Frette)

The post These Luxurious Bed Sheets Will Enhance Your Beauty Sleep appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Socialite and fashionista Denise Lo invites us into her home to discover how she makes her trinkets and objects the stars of the show.

Perched above Kennedy Road, the balcony of Lo’s Christian Dior-inspired home overlooks the heart of Hong Kong. A self-proclaimed hoarder, Lo has made her residence a museum of personal likes, souvenirs and artworks amassed from her extensive travels. Her previous home, a little further uphill on Bowen Road, was an exercise in minimalism – “completely concrete and graphite, with dark-grey and light-brown tones” – but after a tenant moved out of Lo’s Kennedy Road space, she took the plunge and moved in. The move coincided with her new role at Dior at the time, which seemed reason enough to make the change.

[caption id="attachment_211027" align="alignnone" width="1055"] Socialite and fashionista Denise Lo invites us into her colourful, eclectic home.[/caption]

Her stint at the brand appears to have influenced her home decor quite heavily, with light grey coloured walls and white panelled trims reminiscent of the signature colour of the maison’s stores. Paired with these are light, warm wooden floors that are the opposite of the concrete aesthetic she describes at the old home. When it comes to the layout, practicality is Lo’s priority: the kitchen at Kennedy Road used to be three times the size, but since Lo doesn’t cook, she slashed the area to make room for a study and guest bathroom – she has guests over often. Lo also installed extensive storage space behind three of her panelled walls to store her treasures.

The living room features a large, pale grey plush sofa, a light grey rectangular ottoman and two white chairs from Restoration Hardware surrounding a large wooden coffee table. When designing her home, Lo considered the overall feel before deciding how to decorate it, wanting a very comfortable, light and airy setting. Most shelving, aside from the two ceiling-length bronze shelves flanking her television, are painted white to keep the atmosphere light.

Travel is a large source of inspiration. “I’m a shopaholic,”Lo admits. “I love to travel and buy different things but somehow whatever I buy looks good in my house. Sometimes it’s ethnic, sometimes it’s a Dior-esque sort of thing, or sometimes it’s just cute.

“I’m definitely eclectic and buy so many things, but they all mean something and bring me joy – that’s why I can never get rid of things.” Not surprisingly, she’s looking for a bigger place to make room for her ever-expanding collection.

Lo adores elaborate table settings. Occupying almost half of her home, her long rectangular dining table seats up to 12, with plush light-grey chairs to match the rest of her house. For our shoot, she sought the help of good friend Monica Cheung to style her home.

As a result, her dining table was bursting with an assortment of flowers in a variety of vases, all from French brands such as Astier de Villatte.

[caption id="attachment_211028" align="alignnone" width="927"] Denise Lo has a penchant for flowers and vibrant trinkets.[/caption]

“Elaborate table settings make me so happy,” she says. “Even looking at all the pictures again after entertaining, as well as putting it together, makes the entire living experience more pleasurable. I just love tableware. I have four complete settings, but the problem is where to store them all.” Most of Lo’s tableware including the coloured crystal glasses are from Dior. She’s also a fan of kitsch designs and quirky decor, such as the Señor and Señorita vases displayed on the dining table.

Lo’s design mantra revolves around how she feels: “Everything in your house must be something you like. You could be buying the most expensive furniture, but if you don’t feel like you’re at home, then it’s a problem,” she says. “I like my home to be comfortable, to have things that I love, so that when I look at them it brings me so much happiness. All the things here, I don’t get tired of them – even pieces I’ve had for more than 20 years. That’s why it’s very hard to practise the Marie Kondo method. How can you throw everything away? That’s not me.”

One of her favourite pieces is a decorative foldable screen by Coquecigrues that’s hand painted with bamboo leaves and figurines, which she bought at La Boutique Living on Shelley Street. Art is also a large decorative element in Lo’s home, which she mainly credits to Sotheby’s Asia chairwoman, Patti Wong, who introduced her to art collecting.

“My favourite artist is Yoshitomo Nara,” she says. “I love anything Japanese. Takashi Murakami and Ayako Rokkaku are also among my favourites. I like girly, colourful things.” Lo also has two colourful and cartoonish paintings by American pop artist Mr Likey, which add bursts of colour to her living room.

The post Modern Wonderland: Denise Lo Invites Us Into Her Colourful Home appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Designer Joseph Altuzarra will be the first to admit that he’s an avid Etsy user. The online marketplace is a hub for independent artists who wish to sell their creations to people seeking one-of-a-kind pieces. And while Altuzarra is stocked in almost every high end department store (e-commerce and in store), he’s now teaming up with Etsy to launch his very first interior line, Altuzarra x Etsy Home Collection.

[dual-images right-image-url="https://d2eohwa6gpdg50.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/27203224/altuzarra-tie-dye-pillow.jpg" left-image-url="https://d2eohwa6gpdg50.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/27201212/altuzarra-etsy-vase.jpg" right-caption="Altuzarra x Etsy Silk Tie Dye Pillow Covers " left-caption="Altuzarra x Etsy Stoneware Vases"]

Triggered by the vintage and ceramics he’s come across on Etsy, Altuzarra takes a stab at home décor with designing and marketing his very own collection. Venturing into the world of homeware, the designer partners up with eight Etsy crafters from around the world to produce objects that celebrate individual style. His partners include a California-based ceramicist who was involved in black, white and earth tone vases (of which Altuzarra personally inspected every single rock to ensure a standardised quality); woven placements from New Jersey; and wicker baskets from Israel.

[dual-images right-image-url="https://d2eohwa6gpdg50.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/27202811/altuzarra-etsy-dog-bed.jpg" left-image-url="https://d2eohwa6gpdg50.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/27202802/altuzarra-etsy-dining-table.jpg" right-caption="Altuzarra x Etsy Dog Bed" left-caption="Altuzarra x Etsy Dinner Table"]

The stylish and functional collection, that includes even dog beds and stationery, have been designed with a sustainable element attached to it. The silk tie dye pillow-covers and notebooks are also popular within the collection, using leftover fabric from the Altuzarra's spring summer fashion show in 2016. With that, also a message to other creatives out there who are just starting up and building their own business. As a designer who worked out of his parents’ home before he made it big on the fashion scene, he can relate to budding artists. By way of his collaboration with Etsy creatives, he hopes that this can help pave the way for fashion and design enthusiasts to encourage their work as well as discover new finds.

Prices range from HK$480 to HK$11,280.

The post Altuzarra and Etsy Join to Release Limited Edition Interior Line appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Modern design aesthetic and proficient use of neutral colors and sometimes more vibrant tones are what best define the work of Cheshire-based design company, Grey Rose Interiors, but take a look for yourself at her astonishing interior design projects!

Established back in 2013 by interior designer Amy Bruce, Grey Rose Interiors is a multidisciplinary interior design company based in Cheshire in northwest England.

Continue reading Modern Design: 9 Minimalist & Refined Projects by Grey Rose Interiors at Luxxu Blog.

Interior design trends are constantly evolving according to seasons and what is the hit thing in the industry, however, these trends will forever be in style due to their timeless allure!

Some interior design trends are truly timeless. They are often used by interior designers and homeowners alike because they keep it fresh and exude an unrivaled sense of classiness. In today’s article, LUXXU Blog will showcase seven interior design trends that allow you to revamp their home interiors without much effort while still giving that natural and elegant touch one seeks for.

Continue reading Interior Design Trends that Will Never Go Out of Style at Luxxu Blog.

Modern Sofas: 10 Statement Upholsteries for a Striking Home Decor ⇒ Discover the most sumptuous creations to upgrade your home interiors, from the living room to the outdoors!

In today’s article, LUXXU Blog will showcase a series of remarkable modern sofas that are the epitome of daring and innovative design, not only due to their curvaceous nature but also their versatility in materials and comfort.

Continue reading Modern Sofas: 10 Statement Upholsteries for a Striking Home Decor at Luxxu Blog.

At this time and age, to merely exist is a crime. Simply existing means that you just wallow in your misery as you let valuable opportunities to work for a more sophisticated and productive way of living pass you by. To live with sophistication and class is a choice that we have to make every […]

The post 3 Simple Rules of Home Sophistication appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.