Celebrity Life

His fascination with architecture as a youngster inspired Mark Weaver to study interior design, resulting in the opportunity to work in both fields. Half a century on, Mark Weaver & Associates has left an indelible mark on homes across the globe, creating a symphony of design. Mark, tell us a bit about yourself. I am […]

The post Interior Designer, Mark Weaver, Creating A Symphony of Design appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

François Catroux – The loss of an Interior Design Legend⇒ Born in 1936, he is the grandson of General Catroux, was one of the most iconic french interior designers and his masterpieces are well-known worldwide. First a journalist, François Catroux met in New York the architect Philip Johnson and in Paris the decorator Charles Savigny, who would then influence him to assortments of contemporary furniture and antiques.

Continue reading François Catroux – The loss of an Interior Design legend at Luxxu Blog.

The Hotel Lobby – 5 design ideas to make a great one

The hotel lobby was already seen as an underrated place where its only function was to make people wait and nothing more, making it more like a passageway in the all hotel. Today that image is different, with the years passing hotel owners started to realize that this division was the key one to the visitor’s perspective and the one that would cause the biggest impact.

Continue reading The Hotel Lobby – 5 design ideas to make a great one at Luxxu Blog.

Christmas Trends – A Holiday to remember⇒ Winter has come and with it, one of the most anticipated holidays. Christmas is the time to put it all on display, from the warm hues of gold to the elegant accents of black and grey, and never losing the sight of textures with soft wools and leathers. It is the best time of the year to have the best interior design to welcome the whole family and share the warmth of a good fireplace while we wait for the present to be opened.

Continue reading Christmas Trends – A Holiday to remember at Luxxu Blog.

Knowing how much our dogs improve our lives can be difficult to measure. They provide us joy and companionship every day, and many of us classify them as part of the family. As their owners, to repay their unconditional love and affection, many of us feel like we should improve our dog’s quality of life and offer them a luxury…

The post 5 Ways You Can Give Your Dog a Luxury Lifestyle appeared first on The Luxe Insider.

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.

Behind the Scenes – An art gallery of lighting⇒ In pandemic times, all companies suddenly found themselves in a complicated situation with no prediction of when it will improve. With this in mind, Luxxu went to work on its own innovative project in order to be able to transmit its essence and ideology even in these less attractive times. We gathered some of the best-curated items and combined them to bring the ultimate feeling of a luxurious Showroom directly to your home.

Continue reading Behind the Scenes – An art gallery of lighting at Luxxu Blog.

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

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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.

Research has shown that office workers tend to be more efficient with plants by their desk.

But which ones should we choose? Let's start with three of the best potted plants to have: Jasmine has anxiety-lowering properties, aloe vera obstructs electromagnetic waves while the Snake Plant purifies the air.

Jasmine

[caption id="attachment_211705" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Image: Avin CP/ Unsplash)[/caption]

This tropical plant covered with white flowers is not only aesthetically charming, it also allegedly lowers anxiety and stress. If you haven't finished setting up your home office yet, you may want to invest in this exotic tree.

Scientific research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry showed that the jasmine fragrance could affect nerve cells and stimulate rest. Frequently used in aromatherapy, jasmine essential oil is recommended for promoting sleep and relaxation. Other potted plants that may help lower your stress levels include lavender, basil, mint, and Areca palm trees for larger offices.

Aloe Vera

[caption id="attachment_211707" align="alignnone" width="768"] Aloe vera. (Image: Dario/ Unsplash)[/caption]

Adopting an aloe vera plant could help counter the harmful effects of electromagnetic waves from computers, televisions and smartphones. Note that this tropical species loves light and sunshine, so make sure your office space is suitable. Moreover, aloe is a depolluting plant, reportedly absorbing 90% of formaldehyde in the air. Some people choose to grow aloe in their bedroom to help prevent insomnia.

Snake Plant

[caption id="attachment_211706" align="alignnone" width="683"] Snake plant. (Image: iStock/ Crystal Bolin Photography)[/caption]

The Snake Plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue or sansevieria, is an easy-to-look after house plant from Africa. It is liked for its air-purifying qualities, filtering chemicals, helping to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from your house and office. Generally speaking, perennial plants are good choices for removing air pollutants and thus helping reduce headaches. Sansevieria does well in both bright and low-light areas.

The post 3 Potted Plants That Will Boost Productivity in Your Home Office appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Imagine having a luxury villa to call home.

Award-winning development company Selo Group announced its latest project: Precrafted designer villas that are sustainable and cost-effective yet spare no luxury. Where? Anywhere in Indonesia you please.

For the realists, a dream home in an exotic location sounds almost too good to be true, especially when the idea is literally built from scratch. “Managing the process of building a property can be daunting with the number of factors to consider, from hiring builders and contractors to dealing with delays,” says Andrew Corkery, CEO of Selo Group.

The prefabricated aspect of Selo Group’s villas takes the stress off your big plans. “We take care of all the essentials and offer a seamless path to owning a luxury villa in Indonesia, an incredible destination.”

[caption id="attachment_211641" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Selo Group's precrafted designer villa, which is essentially a prefabricated property, is sustainable and cost-effective without stinging on luxury.[/caption]

Head of Design Nino Osljanac leads the design team with more than 15 years of experience in architecture, interior design and master planning. Osljanac proves himself as the man for the job with a specialisation in designing luxury hotels, resorts and bespoke villas. His portfolio, is a masterpiece of award-winning hospitality properties across Asia.

Each villa is an invitation for panoramic views with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open layout with a private pool and deck, kitchenette and expansive living spaces. Designs have themes in mind, from Southern California-like charm to surf cabins. And, you can choose to have built a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa.

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Sustainability is highly prioritised from the get go of Selo Group’s precrafted villas. The villas are built off-site inside a custom facility eliminates exposure to the elements and minimised construction waste. With materials manufactured in advance, the villas take a shorter time to build than other traditional villas. This is also how the project is able to save costs, where extended labour services and unforeseen charges are avoided. Any excess materials are then recycled in-house.

It could take a couple of weeks onwards to have the prefabricated villa fully set up in its home address.

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Keen? The next step is to head to Selo Group’s website where the buying process begins with choosing your preferred villa type, manufacturing upgrades and add-ons, and then an assembly option. Once complete, you can add the villa to shopping cart and submit the order — like how you would for your usual online shopping. A Selo Group team member will then reach out to you (because you know, it’s a pretty massive purchase) and get your dream home on its way to becoming a reality.

Selo Group’s precrafted villas are available from $650 USD per square metre. More information here.

This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia

The post Here’s How You Can Own a Sustainable, Prefabricated Surf Villa in Bali appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Consoles vs Side Tables – What makes an accent table a must⇒ As the famous phrase “importance is in the details”, all interior designers look for that finishing touch for any project they are developing. In a luxurious space such as a living room, small areas are open, waiting to be filled with creativity. That’s where accent tables come in, be it a side table with an extravagant design but that conveys usefulness, or be it a console with the sole purpose of bringing glamor to the interior.

Continue reading Consoles vs Side Tables – What makes an Accent Table a must at Luxxu Blog.