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New to The Idealist and fan of all things Film Noir and Mad Men, Nigel presents a stylish look at the midcentury style, teeming iconic furniture with the instantly recognisable midcentury palette and updating the look with some great high street finds.

The mid-twentieth century was undoubtedly an exciting and an invigorating time. The jet age made the world’s most exotic destinations accessible to the masses, redefining mile-high glamour. Similarly, feverishly competitive space programmes shattered the myth of outer space as the great unknown. The era also broke the mould. Echoing through the radio airwaves, the sound of rock n’ roll inspired youths to hail the two finger salute to the conservatism of former generations. The period bristled with a youthful energy, a boyish self-confidence, and the colour scheme of the mid-century captured the era’s excitement and forward-looking attitude.

The Mid-century style manifesto

The mid-century design ethos broke from the archaic and stuffy frills of the traditions that preceded it. Clinical black and grey tones outline the imaginative and playful shapes that emerged from this era.

The steely precision of these structural colours are often complemented by mellower notes of pastel blues, candy-floss pinks, pistachio, off-whites and creams, where these too, are offset by accents of louder turquoise, mustard yellow and rusty orange-brown notes. The midcentury designers used a lot of wood in furnishing, flooring and on walls, so all the colours you use must sit well with wood and metal.

Geometric prints reminiscent of the era tastefully marry the above tones and go a long way in getting the mid-century look. Exuding a design philosophy of clean lines and no-frills, these aspects make mid-century design elements particularly well-suited to a variety of home designs from minimalist art-deco to modern industrial.

Incorporating mid-century elements in your home

Coming from an era where the rulebooks of ‘ole were thrown out the window, the mid-century colour palette is similarly playful and adaptable to a variety of interior design styles. Nonetheless, a large, open-planned room with exposed wood flooring and off-white walls would provide the perfect blank canvas to foil vibrant mid-century tones. These elements are bold, elegant, and certainly capable of doing much of the talking for your room.

That said, to pull this look off well, consistency is the word. Sticking to a few core colours and prints keeps the room light and uncongested and is a brilliant way of tying the space together. It is also a perfect opportunity for you to stamp your individual identity.

The shape of things to come

Imaginative shapes are a cornerstone of the mid-century design method. Bold re-imaginations of classic pieces of furniture are an excellent way of incorporating this style into your home.

A prime example of this is the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and matching Ottoman.

Designed in 1956 by the legendary Charles and Ray Eames, this truly timeless design serves as a mid-century update of the classic British lounge chair. Finished in black Italian leather and Palisander, a Nicaraguan species of rosewood, these luxurious elements are reconfigured into an adventurous, space-age design, married to an aluminium frame which, like the leather, is also finished in a jet black. Set against a plain wall, the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair oozes a notably mid-century brand of sophistication. £6,138 – with ottoman.

The Coppola Coffee Table Set from Swoon makes for a potent colour pairing with the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair, playing on the blacks and browns of its design. Consisting of a larger table, the top of which is finished in tan leather, and two smaller tables with tops clad in dark bronze, the rustic browns and no-frills black frame heavily draw from the mid-century colour palette. Furthermore, the three tables can be arranged to get the most out of your living space. £ 399.

Also from Swoon, the Hex Shelving Unit epitomizes a notably mid-century play with form. Its hexagonal design is made all the more striking by its silhouette-like, jet-black finish. It’s sure to make a statement. £279

Pastel touches

Pastel tones in fabrics are a staple of the mid-century colour palette and a great way of adding an air of lightness to your home whilst still maintaining the style. The Mimi Sofa, also from Swoon, is the ultimate mid-century statement. Hand-upholstered in Powder Blue, its colour and streamlined shapes will be sure to inject a notably fifties, Cadillac glamour to your home. £699.

Sacred geometries

Geometric prints stand in testament to the era’s infatuation with modernity and forward-looking nature. It’s also another excellent way of getting the mid-century look for your home.

We particularly love the Harlequin Wallpaper from John Lewis. Boasting a bluey-teal base accented by a fine, gold, angular print, the wallpaper would make for a fantastic feature wall. Its colours also pair wonderfully with the Mimi Sofa, neatly bringing the room together. £93 per section.

A rug is another golden opportunity to display mid-century prints and own the era’s colour palette. The Sierra Rug from Swoon plays on off-whites and navy / off-white and mustard tones. Woven into a lattice pattern, it makes for a great accent point whilst also being able to discreetly blend in. Both designs that Swoon offer would beautifully match a mid-century colour scheme. £199.

Design pieces for the home run

The antiqued chrome finish on the Hampton Lamp from John Lewis makes for a classy touch to your home. It’s slightly dulled patina makes its chrome finish less brash and in-your-face, rather, gracefully evocative of a bygone metropolitan or Hollywood glamour. £195

Similarly, the Leff Amsterdam Brick Clock, designed by Erwin Termaat and available to buy from John Lewis, is another piece we’re all slightly in love with. Its flip-mechanism display is reminiscent of the notice boards of fifties airports. Housed in a thick copper case, it’s both a modern and gorgeously elegant addition to your home. £269.

The mid-century colour palette is youthful yet sophisticated, and with a little time and thought, can infuse these aspects into your living space. When done right, the look does not age. It exudes a cool that is immune to trends and can provide this timeless elegance for your home.

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The beautiful city of Boston is well known for its New England style food history and accent. Just a short hop from New Yorkon the eastern coast of the United States and famed for its place in New England history for Harvard MIT and the Kennedys Kerouac and countless other famous names its a great place to get a taste of America. There are many great areas of Boston to enjoy from the upscale stores downtown Newbury Street and Back Bay to the Italian neighbourhood in the North End Charles Street on Beacon Hill and across the river into Cambridge and Harvard Square. Unlike many American cities Boston is eminently walkable although the T transit system is cheap and convenient too. On our trip we stayed across the river near Kendall Square where thanks to MIT theres a bunch of hotels and AirBnB choices. While in town we recommend visiting the Museum of Fine Arts Harvard Square the JFK Museum and if you have time taking a whale-watching trip off the coast. Todays tour is focused on great places to visit shops for unique finds and fun spots to eat and stay. Bostons best Galleries amp; Museums Boston MFA facade with the Appeal to the Great Spirit monument Museum of Fine Arts: The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a massive comprehensive art collection over 450000 pieces in fact. Exhibits here range from traditional paintings to more abstract images and even films. Its also a great place for newer fans of art to get a glimpse at some of the various styles and media. 465 Huntington Ave Boston MA 02115 (617) 267-9300 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Down the road from the MFA and the legacy ofIsabella Stewart Gardnerart collector philanthropist and art patron the museum emulates a 15th-century Venetian palace drawing particular inspiration and houses an art collection of world importance includingTitian Rembrandt Michelangelo Raphael Botticelli Manet Degas Whistler and Matisse. Its also home to exhibitions of contemporary art and many concerts and lectures. Visitors dressed in Boston Red Sox gear get discounted entrance and visitors called Isabella get in for nothing. Go Red Sox! The new wing by Renzo Piano cost a whopping $120 million. 25 Evans Way Boston MA 02115 Institute of Contemporary Art: The Institute of Contemporary Art was founded in 1936 to honour and preserve contemporary art. It features unique exhibitions which change regularly so be sure to check out what they have while youre in town. This is more of your edgy contemporary art but the view of the harbour and the building itself are worth the trip alone. 25 Harbor Shore Drive Boston MA 02210 (617) 478-3100 Old State House: The Old State House is often considered to be where the American revolution started. Its the oldest surviving building in Boston and one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. Visitors can learn about the history of Boston and explore the actual site of the Boston Massacre of 1770. 206 Washington St Boston MA 02109 (617) 720-1713 Style Shopping Boston South End is well known for its well-heeled neighbourhoods so if youre looking for home accessories antiques or unique finds start your search there. Across the river in Cambridge is the Cambridge Antiques Market (East Cambridge near Lechmere in what is otherwise not the prettiest of areas) which is a fab spot for vintage interior pieces. Art and Unique Objects There are some great places to shop for interesting things to take home from markets to art and gift stores comic book stores and bookshops. We love: South End Open Market @ SoWa Every Sunday from May through October locals and tourists alike flock to the South End for this open market. Tents range from crafts design and vintage to food trucks and farmers market. Shake The Tree carries handmade jewellery home goods stationery small brand apothecary craft cocktail supplies barware global cookbooks and baby gifts. Inspired by travels to Paris the souks in Morocco and the vibrant colours of flower markets in India owner Marian Klausner has filled the brightly lit space with everything she loves. The storeis located in Bostons historic North End Italian waterfront neighborhood close to the Freedom Trail. 67 Salem Street North End Boston 617.742.0484 shakethetree@rcn.com The stores at the Museum of Fine Art Institute of Contemporary Art and the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum (listed above). These are all great spots for tasteful stuff you can fit in your suitcase. Furniture and accessories Five floors of contemporary style Located in the historic Sherman Building Room amp; Boardoffers a wide selection of contemporary furniture from living room and dining room furniture to outdoor sets. And with five floors to shop theres a good chance youll find something unique that you absolutely love here. We tend not to feature chain stores in our listings but especially for visitors to Boston this place is worth a stop. 375 Newbury St Boston MA 02115 (617) 351-0020 European Styling Lekker Home: Even when youre in Boston you still see plenty of European influence. Lekker Home uses that inspiration for its selection of European furniture their mainstay being Dutch furniture. But a great selection of furniture isnt all youll find here theres also plenty of great lighting and other accessories. 1313 Washington St Boston MA 02118 (617) 542-6464 South American Styling Diseo Bos: If youre looking for something a little out of the ordinary check out Diseo Boss selection of South American furniture accessories and lighting. Frank Campanale the owner found inspiration for his store after a month-long holiday in Brazil Argentina Peru and Chile which still inspires the fur and hide rugs and colourful patterned textiles found in Diseo Bos today. 460 Harrison Ave Boston MA 02118 (617) 423-2008 High end Italian styling IL Dcor: A range of stunningly beautiful modern furniture greets visitors of IL Dcor all of it carefully selected from contemporary designers with a unique stylish take on interiors. And the best part is IL Dcor has almost everything so you can find the perfect nightstand for your bedroom or give your living room an overhaul. 10 St James Ave Boston MA 02116 (617) 580-3443 Vintage modern Abodeon: Adobeons slogan is A celebration of modern design through the decades and its a fitting one. Here youll find a range of mid-20th century vintage modern furniture and current modern furniture including unique lighting solutions and chic accessories. 1731 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA 02138 (617) 497-0137 Award-winning designers Twelve Chairs: Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded Twelve Chairs in 2010 as a result of their combined passion for interiors. After gaining attention on both a local and national level they moved their store to the historic south end of Boston where they design and sell their unique creations today. 581 Tremont St Boston MA 02118 (617) 982-6136 Staying Over The Inn at St Botolph: The Inn at St Botolph is situated in a historic brownstone building in Boston. Its a contemporary hotel with a twist their aim is to make you feel like youre living in your own fully furnished luxury apartment in the city. 99 St Botolph St Boston MA 02116 (617) 236-8099 The Godfrey Hotel Boston: The Godfrey is a chic hotel with luxury features located near downtown Boston which makes it a great choice for visitors who wish to walk from destination to destination. And if you need something to perk you up in the morning (or at night) theres a lobby bar and coffee shop in the hotel. 505 Washington St Boston MA 02111 (617) 804-2000 Hotel Commonwealth: If you want a great mix of luxury boutique Hotel Commonwealth is the perfect choice for you. Its located in Bostons Back Bay near Fenway Park and has easy access to the subway. It houses a New England-style restaurant and an oyster and cocktail bar so you can get great food without going out. 500 Commonwealth Avenue Boston MA 02215 (617) 933-5000 Food Oishii: If you love sushi and other authentic Japanese food Oishii is as good as it gets in Boston. From classics like spicy tempura tuna to more ambitious dishes featuring caviar or wagyu beef Oishii has something to satisfy everybody. And if youre not a sushi fan dont fret there are plenty of other entree options. 1166 Washington St 110 Boston MA 02118 (617) 482-8868 Harvest: Located in Harvard Square Harvest is a staple of fine dining in Boston and a proponent of farm-to-table ingredients. They cook up all of the Boston staples from pork loin and lamb to lobster and oysters. If youre visiting in the summer try getting a seat in the beautiful garden terrace. 44 Brattle St Cambridge MA 02138 (617) 868-2255 Rosebud American Kitchen: Its always nice to try new foods and fine dining is great but sometimes you just cant beat a classic diner. Theres no overly complicated ultra-fancy menu here just comfort food favourites like Korean BBQ sliders mac n cheese fried chicken and fish and chips. If you want delicious no-nonsense food check out Rosebud. 381 Summer St Somerville MA 02144 (617) 629-9500 Must-See Attractions Harvard Yard Harvard: It doesnt get much more revered than this. Harvard was built in 1636 and is one of the most prestigious universitiesin the world. The Harvard Information Center is dedicated to greeting visitors who come to see the school and they can provide you with both historical information and tours. (617) 495-1573 Smith Campus Center 30 Dunster Street Cambridge MA 02138 Freedom Trail: If you love history youll love the Freedom Trail. Its a 2.5-mile path throughout Boston that takes visitors by 16 significant historical locations giving them a taste of the United States past. If youre particularly interested in a few historical sites you can always skip some of the others to make more time. The Freedom Trail Foundation 44 School Street Suite 250 Boston MA 02108 (617) 357-8300 Boston Common: The Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States dating all the way back to 1634. With sprawling green fields and plenty of activity ts a great place to relax have a picnic and people watch. 139 Tremont St Boston MA 02111 Travel A flight from London to Boston will cost between 350 and 750 depending on the airline you choose and type of flight you take. You can also fly into Providence RI or New York and get a train up the coast. 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Over the centuries, Italy has often been associated with arts and style, and interior design that can be ornate and luxuriously detailed. But following the Second World War, modernist Italian interior design aesthetics also became globally recognised, largely due to a spate of famous Italian movies in the 50s and 60s. Cinematic classics such as Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Michelangelo Antonioni’s La Notte helped make Italian décor, and living, synonymous with elegance and sophistication.

In reality, Italian design is all over the style map and that’s one of the reasons it is so revered. Regional variations may bring rustic, sleek or baroque (or some crazy blend of all three) qualities to Italian design heavy living areas. But there is something about the scale and spirit of Italian rooms that make them both enviable and distinctive.

Over the past five decades, attention to innovative form and craftsmanship by design studios and manufacturers such as Castiglioni, Ettore Sottsass’ Memphis Group and Alessi has helped cement this tiny country’s oversize influence on global design trends – which continues to this day.

We’ve been out on a spending spree to get the look of la dolce vita and found some amazing pieces to build a striking interior design in the Italian style. First stop is the Italian collection at Heal’s. They recently hosted a celebration and showcase of 100 Years of all things Italian and have been supporting some very big name Italian designers for all that time.

Here we discovered several show-stopping pieces that could easily anchor an open concept loft space with high ceilings and lots of room to stretch out. If you don’t have the room or the budget for a whole makeover, one or two Italian pieces can really lift the look of your home to the luxury level.

Stylish sectional

Check out this sectional from the Italian designers Porada at Heal’s. Made of solid caneletta wood with bronzed brass feet and feather-filled cushions, each sofa is made to order. So covers could be muted and neutral (cream, light grey) or Tuscan sunny (terra cotta or lemon yellow) depending on which design direction you’re looking to embrace. £9,936

Marble on the side

You can’t claim to be leading the sweet life without a touch of marble in your room. This side table by Moroso at Heal’s nods to the quintessential Italian luxury material without being overbearing. The delicate tubing legs hold a petite slab of black or white carrera marble. Heights can be mixed and matched for maximum nesting. £564

Cedar wood

Another material mastered by Italian artisans over centuries of refinement is wood. Take your decor in a more rustic or contemporary direction with this sculptural scented cedar side table from Riva 1920. Machined from a single block of wood, this striking piece could also serve as a stool. Or just a conversation piece. £1109

Lighting

Italian style is synonymous with great lighting, whether dramatically cinematic, or more naturally referencing Mediterranean sun and shade. Keep it simple with this elegant table-top black metal lamp from Habitat. £65 Or go for the real deal with this classic Arco floor lamp from Italian designer Achille Castiglioni – it’s an iconic mid century modern piece with a curving aluminium frame, domed shade and marble base. £1,604

Accessorise

Accessorise your little piece of Italian style heaven carefully, with sophisticated pieces made from excellent materials and a touch of whimsy. This “Barkhouse” vase from Alessi, those accessible purveyors of cheeky but elegant Italian designer homewares, is a perfect example. £129 Drape your sofa with a cosy mohair throw for just a touch of comfort. We love this version from Feather & Black in a soft and luxurious hazel green. £110 And finally, float a moon mirror over your stylish new Italian decor. Part of the Moroso Italian design collection at Heal’s, this photo-printed round mirror adds just the perfect note of contemporary surrealism to your space. £672

Walnut store

Stow dishes (or books for that matter) in this walnut cabinet from the Riva 1920 collection at Heal’s. Details like dovetail joints, grooved handles and wax finishing are expected touches in a hand-crafted piece from Italy’s woodworking masters. This is a heritage cabinet that can help anchor a large space – and it will last for many years. £8,539

Luxury, craftsmanship, elegant restraint and a subtle sense of humour – now that’s la dolce vita.

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A nice outdoor table with a set of chairs is a good start for your garden or outdoor space, but it’s the accessories that really bring everything together.

If you want the comfort of your living room in your outdoor living space, you need the right accent pieces and garden accessories. From beautiful lighting to cosy outdoor cushions and rugs, here are our top 10 outdoor accessories for this summer.

1. Throw some shade

Enjoying the warmth of the sunshine is nice, but sometimes it can be a bit too much. This black parasol (£75) is exactly what you need to keep the sun at bay, and it perfectly fits the matching ZOLA parasol base (£35). A parasol is particularly important in areas where it may still rain during summer months. While not endorsed for sheltering from downpours, it’ll keep the drizzle out of your mojitos long enough to take cover!

2. Fiat lux

Proper lighting is a must for creating the perfect ambiance in your outdoor living area. This metal outdoor light (£100) has a sleek look and screws into the wall for a minimalist look, saving you precious space in your garden. And it’s bang on trend in a matt black finish.

3. Hanging style

Electric lighting is convenient, but nothing compares to the dancing light of an open flame. This hanging tealight holder (£10) from John Lewis holds standard tealights and has a stunning antique finish that’s perfect with other metal decor. While not designed for outdoor use specifically, we think at £10 it’s worth grabbing a few of them.

4. Lie back and think of Hockney

Bright colours can really liven up your outdoor living space. This multi-coloured floral cushion features bright blue, yellow, green and purple in a colour block pattern that does a wonderful job of breaking up the monotony of your garden. And it’s got illustrious inspiration: the designer tells us that the pattern in the outdoor collection references Hockney’s iPad paintings. This iPad generated technique gives a particular quality of luminous colour and special kind of mark which creates a particular kind of stylised botanical imagery (£40)

5. Match with a Rug

An outdoor rug gives your garden a more indoor feel, creating a more inviting area for you and your guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company. This rug from Habitat (£45) perfectly matches the floral cushion above, providing cohesion while breaking up the sea of grey or green on the ground.

6. Works with or without green fingers

What good is a garden without plants? Give the look of a windowsill a boost with this blue, green and white Orla Kiely 70’s plant pot (£30). It’s perfect for planting herbs, flowers, and even bonsai trees.

7. Run for cover

While curtains aren’t generally considered an outdoor accessory, they can add an elegant touch if used correctly. Create an outdoor workspace or a private reading area by putting up a set of these dark grey curtains from IKEA (£45) under a gazebo.

8. Bug off

Outdoor living isn’t just about creating a stylish area; it’s also important to make your garden comfortable and functional. Bugs are a big problem outdoors, so you need something to keep them under control. This white faceted citronella candle (£15) looks elegant and keeps bugs away — simply burn it when you’re relaxing outside.

9. Time for a dip

Nothing beats snacking on your favourite foods while relaxing in the sunshine. This bowl from IKEA (£1.50) has a soft, elegant look and comes in two different sizes that are perfect for dips, nuts, and other small snacks.

10. Raise the stakes

Do you have a nice paved walkway in your outdoor space? Walkways aren’t just useful, they do a great job of breaking your garden up visually. Highlight your walkway with these copper Bahia LED lights (£20) from John Lewis; they’re even solar-powered so you don’t have to worry about recharging them.

Outdoor furniture isn’t the only important part of creating your ideal outdoor living space — you also need the right accessories. You can’t go wrong with any of our top 10 ideas for outdoor accessories, and you (and your guests) will be thankful you made the investment.

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Is there anything better than spending a warm, sunny day relaxing outdoors? Something about blue skies and sunshine seems to lift your spirits. The mild spring weather is finally starting to give the first glimpses of summer, which means it’s time to create your perfect outdoor space. Need some inspiration? Check out our top 10 ideas for garden furniture.

1. Garden furniture – bistro living style

Outdoor spaces are great for summer gatherings, so make sure you have plenty of seating and table space for yourself and guests. This bistro table from Habitat (£150) is a stylish piece with plenty of function. A small round table seats everyone close to each other and encourages conversation.

2. Sit back

Finding good outdoor furniture can be tough. Rattan is a great choice because it’s durable without being too hard. Pick up a few black rattan dining chairs from Habitat (£80) for seating around your bistro table.

3. Add a pop of colour

If a plain table isn’t your style — or if you’re looking for less formal outdoor furniture — this House by John Lewis Salsa Table (£99) is the perfect choice. It comes in four bright and very on trend colours, and it’s just the right height for a conversation set. Personally we like the Ceylon blue and the saffron.

4. Outdoor living room looks

Outdoor seating doesn’t have to be in the form of boring old garden chairs. This Three Seater Sofa from John Lewis (£500) has a synthetic wicker frame with white cushions, giving it a natural appearance that will be right at home in your outdoor wonderland.

5. Somewhere to plonk the G&T

For entertaining, you can never have too much tabletop space when you’re outdoors, but too many tables can make a visual mess of your garden. These outdoor tables (£250) nest together neatly and are the perfect size for side tables for drinks and books.

6. Warm the evenings

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean there won’t be cold evenings. This Kettler table and fire pit (£599) will keep you and your guests warm and provide extra table space, making it the perfect centrepiece for summer nights.

7. A bit Abigail’s Party, but useful garden furniture!

You can never have too much storage, and this trolley (£49) provides a mobile storage option that’s great for bringing food and drinks in an out of the kitchen. A trolley is a must-have for outdoor entertaining and dining.

8. Where are the glasses?

If there’s one downside to being outdoors, it’s having to go all the way to the back of the kitchen for glasses, plates, silverware and napkins. If you’ve got the room, place one of these (£195, not shown) in your conservatory or by the back door, so partyware is at hand — plus it’s got plenty of storage space.

9. Dining al fresco

If you have a large family or have guests over often, you may need a bigger dining table with more seats. This beautiful powder-coated aluminium dining set (£850) seats six people comfortably without sacrificing style, and it won’t set you back too much.

10. A place to relax

Your garden is ultimately a place for peace and relaxation, so what good is it without a proper chair to lounge in? This Armchair and Footstool set (£124) gives you a cosy spot to kick your feet up and enjoy a drink and a good book, and you don’t have to shell out hundreds for it.

With summer right around the corner, now is the time to create the perfect garden getaway. Finding the right garden furniture for your needs may seem like a daunting task, but with our top 10 outdoor furniture ideas, you’re sure to find the perfect piece that takes your garden space to the next level.

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Sometimes we just cant resist taking a look around upscale hotel designs so to go with our feature on New York weve stepped across the borough to see the Williamsburg Hotel a new-build eleven-storey development in the heart of Brooklyn New York. A Brooklyn Landmark From London architects Michaelis Boyd The Williamsburg is designed to be an after-dark hotspot and boasts a ballroom 3 bars (one in a replica water tower!) and a rooftop pool. Like the Stockholm hotel we recently featured its packed with unique art pieces and bespoke furniture. Michaelis Boyd started life in Notting Hill and focused on the luxury residential space. Their attention to detail shows throughout: for all this is a large development (150 rooms) its a far cry from your generic business hotel style that most American cities seem to be dominated by. Room at the Williamsburg Hotel If you cant wait to visit the lobby bar and guest rooms are already open but well have to wait until winter for the restaurant (Christmas shopping in New York anyone?) and later this summerfor the rooftop pool and the ballroom although personally wed rather be swimming than swinging. When this old world starts getting me down/ And people are just too much for me to face As fans of all things industrial chic we just love the warm worn brick of the exterior and the lettering of the hotel sign the rich use of glass and steel of the kind thats designed to weather. Its all very considered and in keeping with the Brooklyn neighbourhood. Inside king of all things leather Londoner Bill Amberg (hes based in Paddington) contributes bespoke furniture to sit alongside artwork commissioned from local artists. Downstairs From the hotel entrance theres a dramatic terrace which leads to the cellar level which is at the heart of the hotel. The terrace is designed with rich planting architectural lighting and curved concrete benches trimmed with bohemian cushions for summer night stargazing and cocktails. The cellar bar is built with antique picture frames laid in a chevron pattern and an art installation composed of thousands of coloured threads designed by a local street artist Eric Rieger. Around the bar are armchairs and banquettes and in one corner a feature fireplace for cosy whisky-sour fuelled nights in. Like the hotel we featured in Vienna the hotel reception here includes a store full of quirky artefacts but in a step reminiscent of Timorous Beasties the wallpaper here is of quintessential Brooklyn scenes and is designed by Mike Diamond better known as rapper drummer and founder member of The Beastie Boys (maybe the shop should be called Pauls Boutique?). Upstairs The guest rooms are amazing. They all have floor to ceiling windows with views of the East River Manhattan and of course Brooklyn. Many have private balconies and each is unique some are finished in whitewashed timber and some have dark grey plasterwork. Leather marble and brass complete the upscale finish. Up on the Roof Right now they are working on turning the entire roof into a 40-foot outdoor pool roofgarden and Watertower Bar all of which overlook the Brooklyn skyline. The bar is designed to recall the industrial past of the neighbourhood where wooden water towers were built and will be made of charred timber boards and steel with coloured glass set in in a sort of modern church meets temple to rooftop hedonism style and will have panoramic views towards Manhattan. More information Bookings: The Williamsburg Hotel Location: 96 Wythe Avenue Williamsburg Brooklyn NY USA (corner of Wythe Avenue and North 10th Street Brooklyn) You May Also Like Get the Industrial Chic Look with 10 of the best furniture pieces Idealist City Guide: NEW YORK design shopping and style Industrial Chic Accessories Our Top Ten Finds Introducing a new concept in hotels for tripsters: Jo amp; Joe All photography (c) and courtesy Annie Schlechter The post Upscale boutique living in Williamsburg Brooklyn appeared first on The Idealist. via The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/upscale-boutique-brooklyn/

Today’s tour is of a Loft Studio Space in Dean Street, Soho that’s been thoughtfully resigned by Sarah Thomas Interiors, who we first met in the 3-storey house conversion in Bethnal Green.

When the clients for this project first took over the loft, it was a completely empty space. Sarah set about making it practical for the two creatives who had commissioned her and to transform the space into a more personal, creative studio with a homely feel that would suit their needs and tastes and also provide a space for clients to visit and a communal meeting space.

IDEALIST: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and your design approach:

Sarah: Based in a North London studio, in one of London’s rare ‘undeveloped’ factory buildings, Sarah Thomas Interiors (Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahthomasinteriors) offers a flexible, affordable and very personal approach to interior design and styling. I work with clients across the breadth of London, but have also gone as far as Rome to work on a boutique project!

My work focuses on a collaborative, creative process, always with a lot of consideration to my client’s vision but also trying to push that little bit further; to really bring to life something unique and distinct that won’t date and will remain relevant for a long period.

Whether its timeless high quality pieces, vintage one-offs, or modern contemporary designs, sourcing key pieces or complete renovation and refurbishment, my service aims to guide my clients to make the best possible choices for them and to keep within their budget. I work on both residential and commercial projects and have a reliable team of builders, decorators, joiners and handyman.

IDEALIST: Many of our readers might think that working with a professional designer is out of their reach or just the province of the super rich. What would you say to them?

Sarah: Well, I also offer a ‘House Doctor’ service (email: housedoctor@sarahthomasinteriors.com). This is about working with what my clients already have rather than a whole new scheme. It can be about rethinking layouts, restyling and reorganising. A fresh eye on a room, often brings about new ideas. I also help with decluttering spaces. Most of us live in small spaces, so its important not to hold on to things we no longer need.

A Soho Loft

IDEALIST: Today we’re looking at a Loft Studio Space in Soho. What was the space like when you started?

Sarah: It was completely empty. It had been used by an animation company who worked downstairs and kept this room as their ‘server room’ so it hadn’t had any love or attention for a while. There was a bit of ripping out to do an some reconfiguring of plug sockets etc and some painting of the walls. I liked the backdrop of the ‘used’ looking floor and the angled walls and low ceilings – it felt like we could make a cosy, homely studio up there.

IDEALIST: What was the brief?

Sarah: This space was going to be occupied by two creatives, running separate businesses but thankfully with some common creative ground when it came to aesthetics. The idea was to transform this space into a creative studio with a welcoming feel that would enable them to invite clients for meetings and also provide dedicated work space. They were both very visual people, so colour was important.

Redesigning the Loft

IDEALIST: Where did you start with the work?

Sarah: The first thing we needed to decide on were the desks as this would set the tone of the whole space.

One of the designers had a friend from the Royal College of Art who was making reversible formica desks with powder coated legs, so I was able to decide on a colour palette. We also decided to make the meeting table out of the same materials, using a yellow/grey/purple colour palette – the desks being a contrasting reversible colour, which meant there was an option to change the look of the room. With their budget being limited we decided to leave the floor as it was and spend the money on furniture and vintage pieces which were all chosen by me too.

IDEALIST: How did you undertake the work?

Sarah: We used one of my builders to rip out all the existing cupboards that had housed the previous ‘server’ room and used an electrician to move some sockets to the desk and meeting room table area. A decorator was called in to give the room a fresh lick of white paint.

IDEALIST: What was the look you were going for?

Sarah: We decided on a colourful, eclectic studio feel that could also be expanded on in the future if business grew. For example, with the desks we started off with one long desk but there was space in the room to expand on the desk areas if they were needed. We made a library area in the end corner of the space, using a vintage bench and some Ladderax vintage shelving, so my clients could have a bit of ‘quiet research time’ away from the phones.

IDEALIST: Who are your design heroes?

Sarah: Growing up in the 70’s, my father was an architect and my mother had a very creative eye, so our homes were always considered. The Conran House book was a constant resource for ideas when I was a child and is still something I look at today, so I would probably have to say Terrence Conran. I also love Ilse Crawford’s works, especially for Soho House, and Faye Toogood does some amazing work too. I am also very influenced by colours in art and love David Hockney and Andy Warhol.

IDEALIST: How did you source the furniture for the Soho loft?

Sarah: As this was quite a limited budget project, I had to be creative with my finds and went to vintage furniture shops — I have some regular dealers I use — plus flea markets and auctions. The Ercol day bed I got needed some attention so we had it reupholstered by a company I use regularly in Shoreditch and this really made it come to life. As my clients were sharing the office, they wanted to split up the budget and each buy pieces that they would personally want to keep in the future, so that also had to be considered.

IDEALIST: How did the client react to the work?

Sarah: My clients were very happy with their space and, even though some of their aesthetic tastes were different, it all really worked well together.

IDEALIST: What are your ambitions for the rest of 2017?

Sarah: To get lots more interesting, challenging projects! I would love to work on another whole house project working from scratch… it’s so amazing seeing spaces come together when they have been completely blank to start with. Shops and restaurants would also be a good new challenge for me.

IDEALIST: Is there anything you’d do differently if you could start over with this project?

Sarah: No – in fact i’ve never been unhappy with a project. Some are more challenging and difficult than others and sometimes you come up against problems you didn’t expect but you just have to stay calm and work out the best solution.

I’ve learnt that it’s really important to identify a budget with my client in the beginning, so there are no misunderstandings or illusions: a job’s not a job without a budget! I also feel it’s really important to get to know my client as much as I can, so I can understand their vision and tastes…This can be done through sharing images very effectively. Often I will look at their references or Pinterest boards and then assess these myself and how I see the project working. Then I put a new starting point reference or mood board together, to take their ideas and expectations a little further.

Get The Soho Loft Look

Items shown in the photos include:

Tokyo the capital and largest city in Japan is a wonderful mixture of ancient and modern trendy and traditional serene and frenetic. You could spend a year in the city and not see all that this fascinating metropolis has to offer. For style lovers the city offers a unique array of design showcases furniture stores and funky home accessory emporiums. Style Shopping Tokyo Beautiful wooden pieces Wood You Like It. This store specialises in sleek wooden tables chairs desks bookcases and consoles carved from oak maple walnut cherry and Japanese Ash. You can even order custom-carved pieces to fit in those difficult to furnish spaces. The three-story showroom is a visual delight. Building Fundamental Furniture. For unique minimalist Japanese-style furniture you cant beat this store. The sleek angular tables bookcases chairs and sleeping platforms are functional without intruding on the look of your rooms. We particularly like the cube-like bookcases. Home accessories crafts and furnishing Classico. Located near the National Museum of Nature and Science in the northern part of the city Classico is the place to go for unusual clothing and home accessories including pottery driftwood sculpture and even artistically-bound books. Make sure to check out the colourful textiles. Tokyo Design Centre. Save working all over the city by visiting the Tokyo Design Centre. Here 15 design and furniture companies showcase their products with wares that range from carved furniture to colourful ceramics to bold textile prints. Theres even an on-site restaurant so you wont have to leave when you get hungry. We think the wrought iron accessories by Yoshiyo Kobo are beautiful and love the tiling at Creative Laboratory. Japanese Traditional Crafts. This Aoyama Square showroom is filled with smaller home decor items (that are much easier to get back home to England.) Youll find lacquerware pottery calligraphy tools (for your desk top?) and baskets. We are particularly intrigued by the bamboo and rice paper lighting fixtures. Staying Over Tokyos original boutique hotelClaskais located in the citys design district perfect for home design shopping. Plus each of the hotels 20 guest rooms have been designed and outfitted by a separate local designer. What better way to get a feel for Tokyo style? The projectstarted as a renovation project of an old hotel and the design team now offer home renovation servicesand create order made furniture and do interior design for shops restaurants and offices. Galleries and Museums Tokyo is a museum lovers paradise. The city offers dozens of galleries. Among the best are the Tokyo National Museum the Mori Art Museum the Nezu Museum of Asian Art and Idemitsu Museum known for its ceramics collection. Food Its difficult to get a bad meal in Tokyo. Japanese cuisine is based on the freshest of ingredients and most restaurants put plastic replicas of their menu items in the windows so you know what youll be served even if you dont speak the language. Dont be put off by that it doesnt mean the food is tacky! Make sure to try yakitori (grilled skewers of chicken) sushi (its not like what youve had at home) ramen (its cheap and delicious) and taiyaki (bean paste wrapped in dough.) The elegant traditional tea ceremony offers a peek into Japanese culture and makes a nice break from non-stop sightseeing and shopping. Must-See Things in Town Dont leave Tokyo without visiting one or more of the ancient temples such as the Senso-Ji Temple or the Meiji Shrine. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a lovely example of the Japanese manicured style of landscaping and it erupts with white and pink flowers during the spring cherry blossom season. Tokyo Tower lights up the sky and offers dramatic panoramic views and can help you get your bearings in this sprawling city. How to Visit from London British Airways Japan Airlines and ANA all offer non-stop service between London and Tokyo. The flight takes approximately 11.5 hours and the lowest roundtrip airfare on non-stop flights is around 775. You can save around 250 by changing planes en route. The least expensive way to travel from Narita Airport to the centre of Tokyo is via one of the two rail lines that call at the airport. The trip takes between 60 and 90 minutes and costs around 25 each way. You May Also Like Fresh colour scheme: Spring flowers From a one to a two-bed in this small-space duplex Idealist City Guide: NEW YORK design shopping and style Feature photo (c) and courtesy sepavo / 123RF Stock Photo. All other photos courtesy of respective locations. The post Idealist City Guide: TOKYO Shopping and Style appeared first on The Idealist. via The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/idealist-city-guide-tokyo-shopping-and-style/

Take a trip to Vancouver with professional designer and fan of all things vintage, Ena Kenny, in this insider guide to British Columbia’s world-class city. We’ve got designer stores, great eats and historic sites — and oh, those views!

Getting to know Vancouver

On the west coast of Canada is beautiful Vancouver, a city that boasts mountain views, waterfront and beaches, idyllic Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium, eclectic Granville Island and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and of course, great shopping, food and drink. This guide will touch upon some destinations in Yaletown and on Commercial Drive, a couple of interesting neighbourhoods beyond the downtown core. Yaletown is on the south side of Vancouver, the historic site of the western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, built in the late 1800s. More recently, a mix of retail, dining and office spaces have sprung up in this area. Commercial Drive, or just “The Drive” as locals call it, is a neighbourly area east of downtown. It’s easily accessible by taxi or SkyTrain, the light rail system introduced for Expo 86. You’ll find plenty of casual dining, cafés, green spaces, and interesting little shops. In the springtime, the city is abloom with cherry blossoms.

Shopping Vancouver

designhouse/Marimekko

This stylish shop carries many favourite designer brands including Blu Dot, Kartell, Alessi, Iittala, Pablo, Huppe, Normann, and Chilewich. They also have a custom furniture line, designed and built in Vancouver. All of their wares are available online and ship internationally. For the traveller, there are many small, unique items to bring home. designhouse shares space with Marimekko Vancouver, which is Canada’s only Marimekko Concept Store. You can browse the brand’s small housewares, clothing, textiles and accessories, all in a space beautiful staged with Marimekko products.

851 Homer Street, 1.604.681.2800, www.designhouse.com; On Instagram @designhouseca, 1.604.609.2881, www.marimekkovancouver.com; On Instagram @marimekkocanada

The Cross – Decor and Design

Located in Yaletown, this gorgeous shop has been open for fourteen years, and features dreamy home decor, art, lighting, baby gifts, jewellery, and more. Wander this huge old warehouse space, and come away with the perfect gift or addition to your own home. Locals can make use of interior design services and a gift registry; for out-of-towners, The Cross offers international shipping. We loved the stationery area, with its unique party favours and decorations, as well as the seasonal displays.

1198 Homer Street, 1.604.689.2900, www.thecrossdesign.com, On Instagram @thecrossdesign

Suquet Interiors

The original location, opened by husband and wife architects, Ramon Masana and Georgina Tapia, is found on Granville Street in Vancouver. They began by sourcing fireplaces mantels and other architectural salvage. We visited the newer Yaletown location, where a recent rebranding by their son, also named Ramon, has added an array of modern furnishings and accessories, and local art. Prices definitely lean to the aspirational, but it’s worth a visit for the eye candy.

www.suquetinteriors.com, Yaletown: 101 – 1014 Homer Street, 1.604.687.0316, Granville: 3039 Granville Street, 1.604.739.0345, On Instagram @suquetinteriors

Mintage

This fantastic 3000 square foot shop on “The Drive” is one of the best sources of vintage goods in Vancouver. You’ll find great quality vintage clothing, footwear, housewares, leather goods, jewellery, sports paraphernalia, and collectibles in person, and you can also shop on their Etsy page. Beautiful indigo dyed scarves from Bali and silver jewellery were among the contemporary goods also available.

1714 Commercial Drive, 1.604.646.8243, www.mintagevintage.com; www.etsy.com/shop/mintageclothingco, On Instagram @mintageclothingco

Exposure Home

This family run and locally owned shop on “The Drive” features brick walls and a soaring tin ceiling. Exposure Home is a go to for unique home furniture and decor. On our last visit, there was a cheerful display of succulents, botanicals and terrariums. As always, there were unique throws, pillows, lighting options and small works of art, as well as modern furniture.

1616 Commercial Drive, 1.604.253.5808, www.exposurehome.ca, On Instagram @exposurehome

Eat, drink, coffee

There are so many fantastic options for food and drink in Vancouver, especially for seafood, and always an emphasis on healthy, fresh ingredients – the below are a few places we stopped in to recently. We would go back to Vancouver for Railtown Café’s pistachio donuts alone!

Eat

We fell for the delicious baked goods and coffee: a frittata sandwich with roasted mushrooms, arugula, and Swiss cheese, and the most fabulous pistachio donut you can imagine

Hapa Izakayam – Japanese

One should not visit Vancouver without eating at a good Japanese restaurant. An izakaya is a sort of casual Japanese gastropub, where one might go for a drink after work. At Hapa Izakaya in Coal Harbour, dine in the gorgeous, dimly lit interior, or in good weather, sit on the patio with a spectacular view of Canada Place and Vancouver Harbour. Sample the beef tataki with a cold beer, followed by rice or noodles in hot stone bowls. For a lighter meal, consider “Hapa Hour”, Mondays to Fridays from 3:00 to 5:30, when small plates such as ika (grilled squid), and fish or karaage (chicken) tacos, are served.

909 West Cordova, 1.604.420.4272, www.hapaizakaya.com/locations-coal-harbour, On Instagram @hapaizakaya

WildTale – Coastal Grill

WildTale serves fresh seafood in an upscale but friendly setting in Yaletown. The deep patio is heated and covered, perfect for the occasional Vancouver shower. The seafood Pappardelle was outstanding, as was a nightly special: a trio of Arctic Char, BC Salmon, and Basa fillet, served with a lemony herbed risotto and grilled vegetables. A nice selection of oysters is available, as well as a seafood tower featuring house ceviche, oysters, lobster tail, clams and mussels, shrimp, and tuna carpaccio.

1079 Mainland Street, 1.604.428.9211, www.wildtale.ca, On Instagram @wildtale

Jamjar – Folk Lebanese Food

Visit this lovely little resto on The Drive for excellent Lebanese food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s been such a popular spot that a second location recently opened on Granville in downtown Vancouver. The hummus, freshly made daily, is said to be among the best you’ll get in the city, and is also available, along with other dips and dressings, for sale in “jars to go”. There are plenty of good vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, as well as interesting cocktails, like the “Souk Saida” with rum, Campari, 7 spice and orange syrup, or the “Lady Harissa”, featuring Pisco and rosemary lime syrup.

2280 Commercial Drive, 1.604.252.3957, 1488 W 11th Avenue, 1.604.733.2211, www.jam-jar.ca, On Instagram @jamjaronthedrive

Vancouver Art Gallery Café

In every city, one must stop in to the art galleries, and Vancouver’s should be no exception. Even if you don’t have time to peruse the galleries, on a fine day, the Vancouver Art Gallery Café is a worth a visit and can be accessed without entering the gallery itself. It has a huge outdoor seating area perfect for people-watching, nicely shaded with large umbrellas. Choose from a selection of soups, sandwiches, quiches, fresh salads and tempting desserts – we tried a slice of heavenly peanut butter pie, and an airy lemon strawberry cake. The café is licensed so treat yourself to a glass of champagne or one of the British Columbian wines on offer.

750 Hornby Street, (in the Vancouver Art Gallery), 1.604.688.2236, www.thegallerycafe.ca/cafe

Drink

Tangent Café

This is a venue for “gathering friends around great food and beer”. The menu is an interesting mix of options under the headings “west” – think eggy breakfasts, burgers, wings and salads for lunch and dinner – and “east”, in this case, Malaysian. Try the green beans or eggplant cooked with spicy Sambal sauce, a curry, or Mee Goreng, egg noodles stir fried with tofu and bok choy. Later in the evening, take a spot on the patio, choose from a great selection of craft beer on the patio, and enjoy live jazz.

2095 Commercial Drive, 1.604.558.4641, www.tangentcafe.ca, On Instagram @tangentcafe

Cactus Club Café

A lovely walk to take in Vancouver begins at Canada Place, follows along Coal Harbour, across Denman Street, and ending at English Bay. We came upon the Cactus Club Café there, when it was a bit drizzly, and stayed for a glass of wine and snacks. This is actually one of a chain of restaurants, founded on the West Coast, that now have locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario in Canada. The menu is based on fresh local ingredients of dependably good quality, including Ocean Wise seafood. We loved the interior of warm woods and expanses of glass facing the water. Here you are perched as in a lightbox on English Bay, with sweeping views of the beach and the mountains.

1790 Beach Avenue, 1.604.681.2582, www.cactusclubcafe.com/location/english-bay/, On Instagram @cactusclubcafe

Coffee

Prado Café

The signature robin’s egg blue cups and saucers caught our eye as we passed by the Prado Café on “The Drive”, as did the cross street (East 4th Avenue) lined with cherry blossoms. Prado Café is known for fabulous baked goods, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters coffee, and using local, organic and fresh ingredients. All-day breakfasts including “The Prado”, a poached egg with mint pea avocado smash, arugula, and prosciutto on toast, and waffles with ricotta, honey and pecan. Pick up some home made granola to go!

1938 Commercial Drive, 1.604.255.5537, 100 West Hastings Street, 1.778.379.4315, www.pradocafevancouver.com, On Instagram @pradocafe

Railtown Café

We visited the Railtown Café on Howe Street in downtown Vancouver, one of three in the Vancouver area. We were drawn in by the black, white and red interiors, and charming graphics and signage, but we fell for the delicious baked goods and coffee. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and snack, we sampled a breakfast burrito with black beans, egg, roasted onion and peppers, and jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese, a frittata sandwich with roasted mushrooms, arugula, and Swiss cheese, and the most fabulous pistachio donut you can imagine. A location on Granville Street is coming soon in 2017.

968 Howe Street, 1.604.428.8255, 1691 Main Street, 1.604.336.2251, 397 Railway Street, 1.604.428.0800, www.railtowncafe.ca, On Instagram @railtowncafe

Small Victory – Bread and Coffee

The scones with clotted cream and jam are worth the trip to Yaletown. The menu is updated daily with various salad and sandwich options, beautiful breads and croissants. Enjoy an espresso and a slice of salted caramel cheesecake in an interior clad in warm wood and cool marble, with gold accents.

1088 Homer Street, 1.604.899.8892, www.smallvictory.ca, On Instagram @sv_bakery

Stay

Fairmont Pacific Rim

This gorgeous luxury hotel designed by architect James Cheng overlooks Vancouver Harbour, with a view of North Vancouver and the snow-capped mountains beyond. Its amenities include an outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, a fitness centre and the Willow Stream Spa. Outside, look for the futuristic Bocci “16” LED trees, by Omer Arbel.

1038 Canada Place, 1.506.863.6310, www.fairmont.com/pacific-rim-vancouver, On Instagram @fairmontpacific

OPUS Hotel

Named one of the Top 15 Hotels in western Canada last year, in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards, this modern boutique hotel is located in Yaletown. Enjoy beautiful and colourful guest suites in a vibrant neighbourhood minutes from the waterfront.

322 Davie Street, 1.866.642.6787, http://vancouver.opushotel.com, On Instagram @opushotel

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

This stately 90 year old hotel is a city of Vancouver protected heritage property. Situated in a prime location in downtown Vancouver, it was restored by Toronto interior design firm Munge Leung in 2011. Imbibe a 1920s era cocktail while tucked away in the Prohibition Cocktail Bar on the lower level, or indulge in contemporary Canadian cuisine at the Hawksworth Restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor.

801 West Georgia Street

1.604.682.5566, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-georgia-vancouver, 1.604.673.7089, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-georgia-vancouver/dining/prohibition, 1.604.673.7000, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-georgia-vancouver/dining/hawksworth-restaurant, On Instagram @rwhotelgeorgia

Travel

Travel to Vancouver from London non-stop via Air Canada, Lufthansa, or British Airways, with flights starting at about £750. Vancouver City Centre is about a twenty minute taxi or a half hour SkyTrain ride from Vancouver International Airport via the Canada Line.

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Feature image (c) and courtesy Jakobradlgruber/123RF. All other images (c) Ena Kenny or respective locations featured.

The post Insider City Style Guide: Vancouver appeared first on The Idealist.

via The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/insider-vancouver/

Todays modern hero is Kate Tansley BrandDirector of Multiyork. She has the dream job of working with designers fabrics and colours all day and is responsible for an amazing range of looks and styles including collaborations with Monsoon and an ever-growing range of vibrant prints and styles across the Multiyork range. We caught up with Kate on the launch of their new collection to find out her story and how Multiyorks range of sofas and interiors are put together. No two days are the same and no two sofas are the same IDEALIST: Kate you have a background in Textiles and have worked for a number of different high street names. What took you to Multiyork? Kate: Ive been there over four years now and theyve been a lovely company to join. They have a lovely positive culture and offered a chance to grow in a very competitive industry. We want to ensure customers understand how Multiyork are different and how our approach to making furniture brings a strong design but also rich customisability for homemakers. No two days are the same and no two sofas are the same theres so much great choice and colour. IDEALIST: Multiyork is well known for having an amazing choice of fabrics and colours in its range: how do your customers choose what to buy? Kate: We have a wide range of customers and thats reflected in a breadth of choice too. We want to encourage creativity through offering a wide amount of choice. We have 50 ranges and over 3000 fabrics but we dont want the process to be overwhelming. Our in-store staff have real passion and expertise so we can hold peoples hands through the process. Monsoon are a perfect collaboration Customers often want something distinctive and know their own style. They dont want something generic so we want to ensure we can satisfy a range of tastes. Monsoon Home Collection l Dexter Corner Sofa in Chiante Sky Fabric IDEALIST: Youre also working with Monsoon again. Can you tell us more about that? Kate: Its our third year of collaboration with Monsoon. Theyre a perfect collaboration because their designs lend themselves to upholstery. We closely worked with their team to maintain their aesthetic but we knew we needed to rescale the designs from fashion to upholstery. The new collection launching in June is beautiful and has a strong feel of the countryside. The fabric is printed in a wonderful factory in Lancashire and the sofas like all our collection are handmade in Norfolk. Local manufacture is something we are all very passionate about. Monsoon Home Collection l Gosfield Large Sofa in Sherwood Peach Blossom Fabric IDEALIST: Whos your typical customer? Kate: Thats changed a lot. Our traditional customer was probably quite cautious in terms of choice of colours or styles and was looking for something quite traditional and heritage but increasingly the tastes of more mature customers are changing both towards cleaner looks but also towards richer colours and patterns. its fun to follow the custom orders as they pass through the factory In addition to shapes and colours we have so many other elements our customers can tailor such as arm shapes high backs shorter seat options and comfort choices (from soft through to firm). The most important thing is to ensure comfort and style to suit the customer. Its not easy to communicate all these options which is why the expertise of our staff is important in helping advise. Our sofas are handmade to order. This is a considered purchase which we hope will last a lifetime. Dunwich Large Sofa in Mayfield Ruby Fabric IDEALIST: Whats your favourite item in the range? Kate: I love the Gosfield sofa. Like all the range its handmade to order but this one has a fixed back which really shows off the patterns of our bolder fabrics well. Weve seen a real shift towards patterns over 25% of our orders and its fun to follow the custom orders as they pass through the factory. We like to take photos of them to share with the customer. IDEALIST: For our readers who are thinking about redecorating what are the upcoming trends to look out for? Kate: Theres definitely a lot of Moroccan and North African style out there: travel-inspired heavy woven patterns liveable ethnic warm oranges rich coffee colours velvet and wool. And were seeing a move away from greys towards an earthy palette thats liveable and easy to style and one which works well on our designs actually. Were seeing rich jewel-like tones too: a strong depth of colour deep emeralds indigos and blues. Theres still a trend for soft neutrals too as long as they are warm and textured for example an autumn colour palette which soft light fresh with herringbone and weaves and rich fabrics such as you might accent with footstools and armchairs. At Multiyork were lucky to have a sofa and a colour for every look. Many of our sofas can carry replacement covers too so you can change out a look to restyle your sofa. IDEALIST: What would you say to our readers thinking about buying a new sofa? Kate: Id say get something you love rather than something thats trendy and take the opportunity to customise it and try it for comfort to be sure its the right fit for you and your family. The post Modern Hero: Kate Tansley Brand Director at Multiyork appeared first on The Idealist. via The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/hero-kate-tansley-multiyork/