Living Etc December 2021

The big Livingetc Christmas issue is always a cause for celebration – and this year I wanted to make it as twinkly, luxe, comforting, wonderful and, well, Christmassy, as I could. In planning meetings with the team I kept using the phrase ‘Christmas as cashmere’, which – while I’m not sure makes total sense – was because I wanted the vibe to feel as sumptuous as a good cashmere sweater, something you can feel wrapped up in – smart, warm, even enriched. That essence has translated into our decorating shoot on page 102 as a palette of deep, natural tones, plenty of foliage used in interesting ways and – as the perfect festive centrepiece – pomegranates dotted around like jewels. I’ve also taken notes from my chat with Beata Heuman…

Spending more time in our cities, we’ve all been rediscovering their charm, leading to urban sophistication being the home design look of the moment. Soho Home has launched the Back To The City collection inspired by the interiors from its ‘houses’ across the world, as Campbell-Rey’s new Invisible Collection celebrates the grandeur of Milan, Vienna and Stockholm. ‘These are cities with a rich culture of design and craftsmanship with beautiful architecture, many museums and galleries and fantastic food,’ says Duncan Campbell, co-founder of Campbell-Rey. ‘The collection is a modern reimagination of the best of 20th-century European design influenced by a deep and layered experience of our travels.’ The result is a proliferation of luxurious textures found in the salons of cities and graceful silhouettes that make us feel like we are in…

A candy crush runway trend in festive colours, this look proves red and white is for life – not just for Christmas…

Last year Kenyan-born, Italian-trained interior architect Shiro Muchiri opened SoShiro, a new experiential art, craft and design gallery based in a five-storey townhouse in Marylebone. Working closely with specialist artists and craftspeople to develop collectable furniture and accessories that have the power to communicate culture, her just-launched unisex home fragrance Desert Colours Viridescent is a rich exploration of her roots – the fragrance evokes the wild spirit, high skies, and incredible natural scenery of Kenya. How does scent change the feel of a home? Scent is something that registers quite graphically in my mind. It is an important reference point. I recall life experiences with scent being a huge part of my stored memories. A magical scent experience I would like to share is that of washing your face or body with…

DECK THE HALLS …with glossy chequered baubles. Colourful east London homeware store WA Green’s Fantasy Christmas collection of tree decorations includes these glorious oversized glass baubles, each hand-painted in a covetable array of bright hues. Bauble set of 4, from £49 (wagreen.co.uk) NATURAL PAIRING Not technically a Christmas item, but we love pieces that can be reworked all year round. Tate & Darby’s new chequered jute runner in pink and red, far left, or pink and green, left, ticks all our boxes with its natural texture and contemporary take on festive, jovial style. Chequered jute runner, from £210 (tateanddarby.com) COLOUR-POP GINGHAM A wonderful alternative to the usual table schemes, Designers Guild’s Saliya collection of table linens in woven gingham and colour-popping fuchsia set a merry scene for informal gatherings. Napkins and runners are finished with…

TOP TABLE Last November saw Net-a-Porter launch a line of home accessories from the best names in fashion. The site has just expanded with a huge tableware category from brands like Anissa Kermiche, Vanderohe Curio, JW Anderson, Laetitia Rouget, The Elder Statesman, Anya Hindmarch and Khaite. We are all for this focus on long-term investments, sure to leave a lasting impression at every dinner party. The collection includes fine ceramics, crystal glasses and more unique pieces from coveted brands like Milanese lifestyle label La DoubleJ, which bring joy to tables with playful motifs, scalloped place mats and bright drinkware. Gold-plated porcelain dessert plates, £220 for a set of six, La DoubleJ at Net-a-Porter (net-a-porter.com) TRUE INDULGENCE Matchesfashion launched its homeware collection in 2018 with playful pieces and has continued to delight with offerings…