Bermuda Mash-Up

Home again for Christmas on what was originally known as the Devil's Isles, due to the unknown noises which passing sailors heard at night (wild hogs were the culprits).

Anything but hellish, I've always been inspired by the nature of Bermuda, from days growing up camping on the islands, to time spent at the Biological Station working as a student on marine projects.

So I've just done a few sketch images of some of what inspires me from a walk I did last week.  I'm thinking of developing some of these into textiles for a project I'm working on... watch this space.

Shunt - The Architects

We went to see The Architects: Shunt at the the Biscuit Factory last week.  

A cross between Theseus and the Minatour and a cruise from Hell, it was an enjoyable immersive theatre experience.  Although I'm still not sure what exactly everything was about.  And I'm pretty sure elements of it were gratuitous.

No photography allowed, but I'd say that it would ruin it for you if I did post some.  I loved the bar, which doubled as a stage for the majority of the play.  The whole evening was a complete departure from reality, which is pretty hard to find without the aide of alternative substances (so I've heard).  

Anyhow, I'd recommend it, if you are open to new things, and are pretty up for performance art.    Otherwise, don't bother, you'll be confused, annoyed that you went all the way to Bermondsey to see it, and cold.  Very cold. 

The Architects: Shunt at the Biscuit Factory

Smells like home

I was reading an article in the FT last week, about Scent and Architecture.  How the smell of homes had changed over the years, as the way we live our lives changes.

For example, the smell of an open fire would be typical of a home a hundred years ago, but now not so much.  And do you really feel at "home" when there is new carpet smell?   My Aunt's house had been re-done about 3 years ago, and I'm certain one of the rooms smells the same as it did when I was 5.  I just can't quite put my finger on it...

Missing my homeland of Bermuda, I'm wondering if I can design in some scent into spaces that will make it smell like home.  

I'm working on a concept bar at the minute, based around the elements which make Bermuda unique.  So when I go to the islands for Christmas, I'm going to take note of whatever theses scents are.  Off the top of my head, salt, open fires and .... mildew.  It's so humid there!  And of course, my mum's baked ham. 

Should we be designing with scent, as well as colour?  And for that matter, what about sound?    Watch this space... 

Scent of a Building - FT.com

Fluro Countryside

I've been spending a fair bit of time with my family in Hertfordshire as of late, which has resulted in lots of lovely walks.

On Sunday, the sun was shining, and the sky was clear... you can see what I mean.

Reminded me massively of the Hockney exhibition at the RA.  Gorgeous.

100%

I've not been to the London Design Festival for 2 years due to unforeseen circumstances, so I am pretty pleased to be here for it this year!  

I try to grab details of UK furniture designers and suppliers.  If they are suitable, I specify them where I can.... lower carbon foot print etc etc.

Anyhow, Today saw the launch of Yo! Home.  I went to the press launch, really intriguing concept, and interesting to see Simon Woodroffe, founder of Yo! Sushi and Yo! Hotel in person.  

I'm not entirely convinced, but our cramped society is definitely moving in this direction.  Flexible housing/furniture...

Photos aren't great, it was pretty crowded!  Everyone very excited.

Simon Woodroffe - Yo! Man

Office changes to Bedroom

Hidey breakfast bar

Bed moves up to reveal seating area

I also saw Yves Behar having a chat to Dezeen's Marcus Fairs about his design ethos, etc.  Really inspiring chat.  Very focused on sustainability and designing a better world for everyone, not just us Western lucky ones.  It was set in the "virtual" auditorium, which was basically a space encompassed by fishing wire.  Maybe there were budget constraints this year, but whatever the reason, it worked really well, as we could still watch and listen, even if there wasn't space.

Compared to other years, I thought 100% was really innovative with lots of things I'd not seen before, including a stand by Fixperts and Bright sparks, who FIX things, rather than throw them away.  They even had a 3D printer for making bespoke parts.  Genius.

Off to Design Junction tonight.. TENT tomorrow.. no rest for the wicked?

Work-in-Progress

Finishing off a presentation for a Pop-Up concept today.  Almost done.... 

DARKROOM

I've been meaning to check out this shop for ages, but have only got around to it now.

I was really intrigued, as it seems like the ethos behind the store was something quite close to my heart.  Promoting one-off pieces and hard to find ranges.  Moving away from the mass-consumerism to pieces with emotive content and longevity.

I'm happy to say the store didn't disappoint.  Not only were the products on offer unique and lovely, they were displayed lovingly and the VM were arranged in colour stories, with accessories complementing each other.

Even though there were some pricey bits, you could find really lovely pieces for around a tenner (ceramic pot).

I've got my heart set on a massive African print cushion in turquoise .... when I have some more space at home!

DARKROOM

Lambs Conduit Street

Sun was blazing yesterday, so I took a stroll between meetings around Lambs Conduit Street.

Lots of boutiques, well worth a visit, especially if you are looking for gifts.

My favourites were The French House, which had some gorgeous pendent lamps from Hand and Eye Studio, Peregrine's PopUp shop with massive photo of their old family run factory at Cube, as well as Folk, loved the DIY effect detailing

I really went along to check out Darkroom.. more on that in the next post... 

Big Day Out - Paralympic Stylee

I was lucky enough to have a good friend offer me a spare ticket to the Paralympics on Wednesday.  Especially because I made zero effort to get any tickets!  

As you can well imagine, it was very inspirational watching the paralympians overcoming their conditions and excelling at sport, far better than I could! 

We were extremely lucky with the weather, blue skies all day, not a cloud in sight.  Which made the much debated sculpture by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond look striking against the bright blue sky.

I was pretty excited to go to Zaha's aquatic centre, and grateful for the "wings" that were added on, as that's where I was sat!  Very hard to get a good shot of the building because of them though, so will have to make a trip back to the park when the've been taken down.

South Bank Reality Check

Moseyed along South bank this weekend, and came across this outdoor photography exhibition by Tom Stoddart.  This reportage exhibition highlights the suffering of those less fortunate than us, around the globe.

Next time I moan about not having enough cashish for that gorgeous dress in Anthropologie, I'm going to think about the starving Sudanese child whose maize is being stolen by a healthy Sudanese man.  

Worth a look, if you are that way. We are all very lucky.

TOM STODDART

Maltby Street Market

Sunshine in London has seemed far too rare this year, so I tried to make the most of it this weekend! 

On Saturday, I explored Maltby Street Market with the good people from Lalani & Co, exquisite tea purveyors.  The Market was born from the industrial baking sites of top London Cafe's and Restaurants.  

First stop was Bea's of Bloomsbury, where we destroyed some very tasty pancakes and french toast.   Probably too much, as I was then totally stuffed, and the rest of the markets delicacies were a bit wasted on me.  

I did try some fantastic cheese from Neil's Yard Dairy, excellent organic wine, as well as some amazing smoked salmon, from a vendor on the Rope Walk.

Some how, it all felt a little bit New York, as well as being much more relaxing experience than Borough Market.

A bit of a walk from London Bridge, but totally worth it.  Next time, I'm bringing a bigger appetite and more cash....

Maltby Street Market

Lalani & Co