Living Etc November 2022

Welcome to the new look Livingetc. Yes, in time for the new season, we’ve had an autumn overhaul. Images are larger, page layouts are calmer and we hope you’ll find it more inspiring than ever before. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to reporting on trends as they happen, decoding them in a way that makes sense for your life. I’ve been so surprised by how many brand-new ideas there are around lighting, and found our report on page 111 to be quite, well, illuminating. If you’re planing a remodel next year, then I urge you to keep it to hand. I’m still kicking myself about when our electrician came to install light fittings mid-refurb. I was so fed up, I let him do whatever he wanted. Had I only thought…

Further into this issue, British designer Bethan Gray talks about the importance of furniture you want to stay seated in – and we here at Livingetc definitely subscribe to the belief that seating which prolongs a gathering of friends, where dinner turns to coffee, is a big player in a successful scheme. This congenial mood was everywhere at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in June, and particularly at Bonaldo. The Agea chair, designed by Italian studio Marconato & Zappa, sums up the zeitgeist of this winter perfectly. Its back is tilted enough to let you recline slightly, legs stretched out as you pour another glass, and the padded body feels almost pillow-like. Now, who’s for another helping of dessert?…

POWER HOUSE As an inspired bedroom or lounge accessory, the Madeleine stool from Trove asserts its dominance with an eye-catching frame and equally fetching leopard-print cushions. While customisable in a range of fabrics, we think Claremont’s leopard print brings regal finesse. This piece, which has a wonderful wild side, would look great at the foot of a bed, pulled up to a dressing table or in front of a sofa. The feather and down tasselled cushions ensure you will be sitting comfortably. From £990, Trove by Studio Duggan ON THE PROWL They say a leopard can’t change its spots, and with this rug we see no reason why it should. Inspired by the legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper, the Leopard Draper was always going to be full-on fabulous. The range consists of various…

BUBBLE UP Like all the designs here, the Bubble Blue Spike Tulipiere vase by Host was inspired by the original 18th-century Dutch designs. The beauty of this one is its glazed pattern that is thoroughly modern with its bubble-like forms. Totally playful and totally gorgeous, it will be the talking point of any room. £300, Host (hosthome.co.uk) BLOOMIN’ MARVELLOUS These contemporary interpretations of the original Delft Blue designs will add pure joy to your mantelpiece or tabletop. Fashion a glorious vignette by grouping a few together. The more the merrier. KLEI Tulip vases, £50 each, Heinen Delfts Blauw (libertylondon.com) DIGGING IT Ceramicist John Wheeldon has had a fascination with the rich green pictured here since he was a young boy. Back then he was given a glazed sherd by an archaeologist working in York Minster…

It’s always noteworthy when Farrow & Ball releases a new set of colours. Happening once in a blue moon (now, there’s a good name for a paint), each collection inevitably ends up including at least two shades that set the tone for how we want to decorate our homes. So what will be the new Stiffkey Blue, launched in 2014, or Jitney, from 2018? Our money is on Templeton Pink, shown here, a slightly duskier version of Sulking Room Pink – but it could also be the soft blue grey of Kittiwake or the comforting richness of Wine Dark. Take your pick from this perfectly edited palette. From £29 for woodwork.…