And the June issue of @livingetcofficial is out already which means summer is definitely here! Introducing The 50, our edit of the very best shopping, this time for your outdoor space, plus inspiration for perfect kitchen diners for breakfast and beyond, quick paint updates you can do in less than a weekend by the ingenious @lukearthurwells , @lizziegreen.co explains how to cleverly and simply upgrade your decor, @shalinimisraltd on the power of knowing when to leave a little space in between your design choices and a show-stopping house by @atelier_savoirfaire that has to be seen to be believed. In stores now.
I went to see Tracey Emin’s A Second Life at Tate Modern, but here’s what I didn’t realise: she personally chose Farrow and Ball’s Stiffkey Blue as the backdrop for the entire show. Not just any blue - the blue. The one that’s got all the headlines when it launched in 2014 and has been a perennial designer favourite ever since.
Seeing it in that context, holding space for her work, gave it a whole new light.
Even more special? Being shown around privately with Joa Studholme (the person who created the colour itself) and by Harry Weller, Tracey’s creative director, who brought the whole vision together. The stories, the decisions, the intent behind every detail - it completely shifted how I saw it all. Stiffkey Blue read so much blacker here than I’m used to it being, and reminded me how clever Farrow and Ball is with its pigments that change so subtly depending on how the paint is used.
Have you seen the show yet? If not, when are you going?!
So much love already for the boldness of the red on this month’s cover of @livingetcofficial but it’s just as good inside! @kellywearstler on how to ensure your home has good vibes, the small changes that designers rely on to make a big difference, the last joint project by @scottmadduxstudio and @jolegleud as Maddux Creative (who truly went out with a bang) and the first completed project by star of the future @lucygoldbart plus outdoor overhauls to make now and Lucy of @barlowandbarlow loves leopard print even more than ever. Phew! The bold and the beautiful, in stores now.
On a stage, on a chair, in a bed….LDW26 passed in a blur of how wonderful it was to see so many friends again. Thanks to everyone who came to all my panels, I didn’t take enough pics of all the speakers who generously gave their time and wisdom so freely. And thanks to @designcentrech , @clairegerman01@rebeccagleesonpatel@jonathanrhysabbott@beckymetcalfeloves for making it all happen. All the team at @livingetcofficial had a blast!
PS the last slide was Irene @gunterandco ’s idea
The April issue of @livingetcofficial has just hit the stands and being the first of the Spring season it’s bursting with new ideas! Our edit of the best new fabrics (thanks to @clairegerman01 for the scene-setting here), @sophieashby on the surprisingly doable way she finds new colour palette inspiration, @charu_gandhi of @elicyon on easy wins to make a rental property feel like your own, an amazing bijou apartment designed by @brianwoulfe , @christian_bense with the decor truth bombs you need to read (one Livingetc staffer said “I really wish I known that last year when I was doing my living room”) plus hallway, pantry and small space-enhancing advice. What an issue!
A week ago today, taking to the stage in the @bertfrankltd showroom with @lizziegreen.co@stephaniebarbamendoza and @claregaskininteriors who shared so much about how they put their projects together. Fascinating insights and loved getting to host another Illuminating Talk - thanks to all who came!
It wasn’t easy taking in a rescue 3 and a half years ago but I’m so glad we did - happy 4th birthday Ted! Helping him become the best good boy ever has been my proudest achievement, truly. And as lots of people asked on Stories, I found the recipe for this sugar free carrot and banana cake with mashed potato icing on the Battersea Dogs Home website. It was very easy!
It’s the Third Annual Trends Issue of @livingetcofficial , out today! I know everyone feels like they’re anti trend, but the ideas here are really all just mood-setters, helping create the feeling that we all want right now, one of total exuberance. It was really fun to put this together, and I sense that’s what we’re all seeking right now - be it from our colours of the year to our materials of the moment (you’ll have to buy the issue to find out what they are). There is also gorgeously generous and enriching decorating advice from @katie_harbison , @studiopeake and @miminat_designs plus incredible homes from @gunterandco and @kimlapininteriors among others. It’s bumper! In stores now.
Just finished writing my report for @livingetcofficial on the most exciting things I saw at @maisonetobjet - didn’t get to include the personal highlight of having @roisinlafferty as my Friday night wing woman. Shot here in front of @larsenfabrics which coordinated with our outfits, don’t you think?
