My Design World

British designer Jasper Conran has more than his share of flair. The son of designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran, he last year was appointed chairman of The Conran Shop, the design emporium started by his father in 1973. His aim … to make the stores relevant again and he is already on the move. This is in addition to his existing empire which includes fashion … couture and department store, luggage, spectacles and homewares. Oh yes, and he has created costumes for the Royal Ballet and English National Opera.

Just another string to his bow … his fabric collection for Designers Guild … new interpretations on classic suiting. Flannels and pinstripes in an elegant and restrained colour palette.

Jasper’s background in fashion clearly influencing this collection in terms of both fabric choice, design and detailing.

I love the way these fabrics mix and match so easily … very difficult to go wrong here. These suiting shades of charcoal and navy can be punctuated with a delicious olive spot or paisley silk (cushions at top) … which remind me of a beautiful mens cravat.

It is all about that background in fashion !!!

My Design World

Latest Stylish Hotel Design in Madrid 18192

Deirdre Brennan July 23, 2015 6:39 amJune 26, 2019

The Principal Madrid,

the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors … the result being pure luxury.

A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.

So inviting … so unlike a hotel !!

Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.

Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.

Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.

So simple yet so right !!

Designer: Pillar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona based studio Luzio.

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My Design World

Rustic kitchens with style 3193

Deirdre Brennan July 12, 2015 6:25 amJune 26, 2019

I am not sure if it is the marble/stone itself or the soft colour palette of the finishes in these kitchens but they do seem to all have a similar look and feel. It is very much the look and feel that I love.

It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!

The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!

Super rustic .. and super slick. What a fabulous combination. The soft wash of light on the stone above is beautiful. I must say I do love a stylish table lamp in the kitchen. It softens what is often a harshly lit utility area and turns it instead into somewhere that is inviting to spend time in. This works particularly well in an open plan kitchen/family room situation.

Perfect for washing those pots and pans … sheer genius.

images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit. These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.

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My Design World

A taste of summer style 2519

Deirdre Brennan November 11, 2014 6:49 amJune 25, 2019

Spring/Summer 2015 by Chanel … soft colour, soft fabrics.

Summer details … vibrant colour … just a splash.

Summer styling … crisp white, pastels and a hint of gold.

Spring/Summer Chanel 2015 … the glamour of white linen and gold accessories.

Summer wardrobe … elegance and organisation on a small scale.

My Design World

When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic 1892

Deirdre Brennan September 2, 2014 7:01 amJune 25, 2019

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There continues the trend for the earthy and rustic, natural materials, texture and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. On closer inspection it is really contemporary with an industrial edge.

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There is a strong emphasis on collections and the owners possessions playing an integral part in the softening of the hard edges. Ones books, paintings and photographs, the decoration and character, without which would be minimalist.

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A timeless monochrome palette with the addition and warmth of subtle shades of taupe, faded washed out grey, blue and green linens, leather, worn wood and stone.

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There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail … the sense that we have been there before.

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My Design World

Hotel guest rooms … the latest in layout 4975

Deirdre Brennan August 25, 2014 12:42 pmJune 19, 2019

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Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room. Let’s face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere. There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works. The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc

The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.

In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.

The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.

Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.

images: bill & coo hotel, mykonos

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My Design World

Salone del mobile 2014 … the very best of 2357

Deirdre Brennan May 8, 2014 5:32 amJune 20, 2019

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Detail Hermes Silk Fabric

As you can imagine, everyone is talking Milan and the Salone del Mobile Furniture Fair at this time of year. My inbox is flooded with many versions of the pieces and the designers that have supposedly stolen the show. These are the pieces that stood out for me.

Hermes Club Bar

The glamour of this drinks cabinet defies belief.

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Alexander McQueen Rug by the Rug Co

Wonderfully over the top … as one would expect.

Hermes Lighting

Never before have Hermes ventured into lighting but here it is, a small and perfect collection.

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Philippe Starck Folding Chair

I simply love this chair for it’s extremely slick take on a very casual piece of furniture … not to mention the unimaginable quality of the tan leather.

Brunello Cucinelli

So interesting, the number of fashion houses doing furniture and homewares.

Images: Wallpaper

My Design World

10 iconic objects of desire … my edit 4297

Deirdre Brennan May 3, 2014 5:40 amJune 20, 2019

Here is my edit of UK H&G’s 50 Iconic Objects of Desire …. most of which you will know so well. Each is aesthetically beautiful, classic in design and functional.

the diptyque candle

the bialetti moka

the tolix stool

the smeg fridge

the aalto vase

the louis ghost chair

the le creuset

the billy bookcase

the anglepoise 1227

the liberty print ….

and of course the list goes on and on and includes many personal favourites like the barbour jacket, chanel rouge noir nail varnish and the burberry trench. Items one just can’t live without !!

My Design World

Weylandts … their autumn lookbook for your interior 2792

Deirdre Brennan April 28, 2014 5:47 amJune 25, 2019

Weylandts, Melbourne … the new go-to store for fabulous homewares from Sth Africa.

Innovative, contemporary design, manufacturing and sourcing.

My pick for an autumn makeover …

the extremely elegant brass pendant lights … and the sparkling glass horlicks jar pendants, so retro …

these smart black and white side tables … perfect with your winter white bedding

and an aviator copper coffee table to warm up your living area and reflect that open fire this autumn … so nice to have an excuse to shop for a new look.