Living Etc

I’m just back from a few days in Puglia, having stayed at Tenuta Negroamaro. It was designed by Olga Ashby, who cleverly has made the whole hotel in a way that means you can waft around it barefoot, always comfortable and always charmed. The decor is soft and soothing, and she tells me on page 30 how we can easily recreate this mood back home. It made me think – why wouldn’t we want to feel as close as possible to how we do on holiday in our everyday lives? The spirit of a kaftan and a bowl of peaches and a spot to quietly laze in whenever we get the opportunity is so enticing. There’s a lot of inspiration for all of this in our houses, particularly the project by…

More and more, designers are looking for playful ways to add colour to interiors, subverting decorative pieces in their bid to do so. So it follows that tinted mirrors, with all their jewellery-box appeal, are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. The work of Rotterdam-based Studio Sabine Marcelis includes an array of irregularly shaped mirrors in ombre shades. ‘Materials that have transparency, reflective qualities and colour are eye-catching and have an element of magic to them,’ says Sabine. ‘We’re seeing a lot of designers playing into these qualities and effects. Having worked with coloured mirrors for over a decade, they still haven’t lost their allure for me.’…

POP THE CORK We’ve seen cork gain traction in interiors over the past few years, but the Oolite Matt wallcoverings by Zinc Textile take the trend to a whole new level. In a variety of striking shades, these cork wallpapers uphold a contemporary and fresh aesthetic. From beautiful burnt red to olive green and even electric teal, these are designs that turn heads for all the right reasons. £462 for a 7.3m roll, Zinc Textile DAILY FIBRE Handwoven from the fibre of the buri palm tree, Schumacher’s Braided Buri wallcovering brings an organic quality to a room – and when paired with neutral tones and soft linens, creates a sanctuary you can escape to. Close your eyes and it’s like you’re relaxing under a palm tree. Understated, the beauty of this material speaks…

When we last spoke to designer and multi-disciplinary artist Yinka Ilori, he told us that making people smile was key to his work as a way to help forge connections through our environment. Such an optimistic approach to design is a way, too, of providing uplifting and joyful moments in a day. So we were, well, overjoyed to see the designer’s debut tile collection for Domus – a collaboration that draws on his British-Nigerian heritage, combining his signature vibrant use of colour with the dynamic, geometric shapes seen across traditional African patterns and architecture. The porcelain and ceramic tiles – Screen and Glaze, respectively – are made to be experimented with: their versatility offers countless possibilities for a playful scheme. ‘I’m excited to see how people adapt my work in…

CHECKMATE The chequerboard pattern of the Damier collection by L’Objet is referenced in the name – and the pieces on offer, from vases to platters, are the perfect move towards a chic home. Hand-painted in Portugal by artisans, they’re heirlooms in the making. We’d pair this vase with red flowers for a winning moment. From £405, L’Objet TOP TABLE Featuring a high-gloss lacquered tulipwood and curvy steel base with a Carrara marble top, the elegant Terra coffee table trio by Le Berre Vevaud can be styled as a group but creates just as much impact individually. Handmade in France, each table oozes sophistication and is timeless. This is the black-and-white aesthetic at its most luxurious. Price on request, Le Berre Vevaud RETRO REVIVAL Originally designed in 1968 by Danish designer Verner Panton, the Flowerpot lamp…

As a custodian of iconic Danish design, Carl Hansen & Søn strikes a fine balance between preserving classic pieces, like Hans J. Wegner’s Wishbone chair, and creating the heirlooms of the future. We spoke to CEO Knud Erik Hansen about the company’s history – and what excites him about design today. What is it about Danish design that captures people’s imaginations? It all comes down to our functional design, traditional craftsmanship and choice of natural materials. It’s a no-nonsense approach combined with a human touch, making the products feel good both mentally and physically. How does it feel to be part of something that represents Danish design history – and how do you retain this sense of heritage? I am proud to be building on the legacy of my father, grandfather and all the…