Audi unveils urban concept

Audi has announced its latest concept car: an electric vehicle designed for urban use, which weighs just 480kg. Featuring elements of a racing car, a city car and a roadster, its lightweight frame was inspired by a sailplane while its interior references an aeroplane cockpit.

HBL Blog of the Week: The Hunter Gatherers

The Hunter Gatherers are Toronto-based bloggers John (the Hunter) and Erica (the Gatherer), a duo who post photographs and images of anything which sparks off their imagination. The result is an ever-changing collage of details, textures, colours, moods and scenes.

HBL loves: the unexpected moodboards and snapshots which emerge as a result of both their approach and the blog's layout. Good for a shot of image inspiration.

Homebuildlife shops Paris

Sugao at Merci, Paris

During our trip to Maison et Objet, Homebuildlife editors visited Parisian concept stores Merci and Gambs for an inspirational shopping trip. Currently on display at Merci is Sugao, an exhibition celebrating Japanese design and packaging. A well-chosen selection of Japanese products ranged from household items such as  delicately packaged dish scrub, to well-crafted furniture like Tatsuo Kuroda's Knot Chair for Normann Copenhagen.

Excelsior Milano: the concept store by Jean Nouvel for Coin

A new store dedicated to design, food and fashion has opened in the centre of Milan. People are already talking about this new landmark of luxury and style in the city: Excelsior Milano is the first architectural mark on the city signed by Jean Nouvel, one of the greatest names of architecture.

HBL Tradeshows: Live from Maison & Objet

WGSN-homebuildlife reports live from the second Maison & Objet this year, highlighting three key trends to emerge so far from Paris's influential interiors events:

Tartan and plaid: This classic pattern is updated by designers with surprising mixtures of colours and placements.

Purple: Tones of purple, from light and airy to rich and bold, are seen across every product category, used together or in combination with blues.

Soft hard: Ceramic surfaces take on the softer appearance of knit, weave and crumpled fabric across tableware and decorative accessories.

Origin preview: work in progress

Ceramicist Sue Ure applying bands of colour to her porcelain and stoneware vases

Craft exhibition Origin have shared with us some behind-the-scenes photos of the exhibitors, hard at work in their studios and workshops getting ready for the show. WGSN-homebuildlife takes a closer look at each artist's practice.

HBL Tradeshows: Live from Autumn Fair

Miss Etoile at Autumn Fair 2011

WGSN-homebuildlife reports live from Autumn Fair in Birmingham, highlighting the emerging trends seen at the show:

Hollywood holiday: A confirmation of WGSN-homebuildlife's 2012 Christmas direction where decorations take on a nostalgic feel with a mood of optimism and vintage sophistication. Bright pastels, faded gold, hand-painted surfaces and paper ornaments are seen across a variety of Christmas collections.

Laboratory: A confirmation of WGSN-homebuildlife's spring/summer 2012 trend Laboratory, where prints and patterns are a creative juxtaposition of colour blocked elements and shapes are futuristic and streamlined.

Purple: The dominant colour at the show is purple, with dusky tones seen across home accessories such as ceramics and glass. Dark pink tones of violet are applied to soft accessories in sumptuous fabrics such as velvets and satins.

Subscribers can view the full live report here.

HBL Analysis: Jewellery for the home

Perle trivet by Adam + Harborth, sold at Theo-Theo

WGSN-homebuildlife explores how techniques, materials and styles traditional to jewellery design are making their way into the interior landscape.

Paul Cocksedge at Beijing Design Week

Paul Cocksedge Studio has been commissioned to create a large-scale installation for Beijing Design Week, which takes place 26 September - 3 October this year.

Liquid by SPACE for Georg Jensen

Danish design agency SPACE have teamed up with Georg Jensen, designing a curvaceous collection of trays and decorative bowls for the Scandinavian luxury brand.

HBL Retail: Bar Brocante, Paris

Bar Brocante, Paris; image via mylittleparis.com

Following our new guide to Paris, designed especially for visitors to this weekend's Maison & Objet, here's another Parisian gem: Bar Brocante is a vintage design shop that transforms into a wine bar. Founded by Eva Pritsky, it's a popular hangout frequented by local artists and bargain hunters alike.

HBL Book of the Week: The London Design Guide 2012-13 edition

Max Fraser's 2012-13 edition of The London Design Guide (Spotlight Press, 2011) is published on 15th September, two days ahead of the official start of the London Design Festival, and once again offers a comprehensive guide to the capital's design destinations - from galleries, restaurants and bookshops to vintage and contemporary design retailers - all organised by neighbourhood for ease of use.