Living Etc March 2020

Years ago, I interviewed the interior designer Abigail Ahern in front of a large audience. ‘Just paint every wall black,’ she cried, to gasps from the crowd. ‘Or sludgy dark green. The more pond water-like, the better.’ It sounded pretty revolutionary – after all, this was the era when 95% of rooms were swathed in grey and more daring colour only appeared in downstairs loos. And, for many, this felt like a step too far. Back then, Abigail said that the joy of sludgy shades was that brightly jewel-toned accessories shone out when placed in front of them, and I sense this idea has now gone mainstream. For doesn’t it seem like today, in 2020, any hue can be a neutral? There is a feeling that even the strongest of pigments…

1 WEST AFRICAN FLAVOURS There’s no shortage of world-class eateries in London’s Fitzrovia, yet Akoko (opening this spring) sets itself apart via influences from Senegal, Liberia and Nigeria. Expect Jollof Rice with Steamed Mussels, Nigerian Export Guinness Bread and Bofrot (Ghanaian donuts). Across town, check out Nigerian tapas restaurant Chuku’s. 2 DO THE DOUBLE If it’s nice, use it twice. Such was our takeaway from Glossier’s London pop-up boutique, where a room featured one wacky wallpaper used in two colourways (with matchy-matchy carpet to boot). Same same, but different. 3 GEORGIA Fancy wondering the labyrinthine streets of Tbilisi, marvelling at its art nouveau district and pastel houses? Us too, and so we’re naming this relatively under-the-radar destination one-to-watch for 2020. Pack your hiking boots for Georgia’s breathtaking mountains and check in to the design-forward Stamba…

THE BIG BIRTHDAY centenary style Lo and behold, Ercol is turning 100. Yet we’re hardly surprised: with a knack for crafting elegant pieces worthy of ‘design classic’ status, the brand holds a special place in many a heart and home. Celebrations will be marked by launches, such as the Aldbury chair (pictured), and a new model of its Windsor sideboard. JUST LAUNCHED into the wild You’ve got to hand it to The Conran Shop for its ability to discover cool, overseas talent. This weighty candle from Belgian brand ONNO is influenced by the warm colours of Tanzania and its ‘spicy fragrance of sun-baked earth’. How’s that for some winter sun? Cape Ivory scented candle, £269 (conranshop.co.uk) ONE FOR THE KIDS inside story From MinaLima, the graphic design team behind the Harry Potter films, comes two new gorgeous editions…

The digital age has transformed the lives of interior designers, creating impactful new ways to imagine and communicate their vision for living. Livingetc acting executive editor Kate Burnett will be in conversation with three leading interior designers – Emma Pocock, Elnaz Namaki and Sheena Murphy – and asking them to share what this revolution means for them and their clients, and what the future holds. As we start a new decade, do we need to get ready for yet more innovation in how our homes are designed and seen? The arrival of social media and design apps have meant big changes in interiors: everything from small details to entire homes are now in the digital realm, ready to be liked and shared. Digital is democratising the design process, allowing everyone…

an established fashion print designer, Nancy Parker runs an 18-strong design team in London supplying to clothing brands that span high end – think Etro and Donna Karan – to high street, such as Zara and J Crew. Two years ago, she moved into the world of interiors after teaming up with interior designer Juliet O’Carroll to launch award-winning Parker and Jules, a collection of exuberant fabrics for the home inspired by British heritage and modern fashion. Nancy lives in Stroud with daughters, Unity, nine, Georgia, five, and Cecily, three, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback Malo. Sum up your business in five words… Heritage, pattern, print, fashion, colours. Was there a light-bulb moment that led to you launching Parker and Jules? Chatting with Jules about the difficulties of trying to find patterns that…