Mixed media drawings by Briony Cloke

Friday 30 August 2013


Illustrator Briony Cloke’s mixed media graphics incorporate detailed pencil drawings with digital techniques.

Get Clean: tech cleaning products by AM



Danish company AM has launched a range of cleaning tools designed to keep smartphones, tablets and music players clean, tidy and smudge-free.

Tableware and lighting by Máire Condron

Thursday 29 August 2013



Graduate designer Máire Condron has designed a range of containers and pendant lighting made from lathe-turned wood and cork.

Landscaped at Sarah Myerscough Gallery

Refinery by Jenny Pockley


London gallery Sarah Myerscough is currently showing an exhibition of contemporary art that focuses on landscapes. Running until 7 September, Landscaped includes works by artists Jenny Pockley, Andrew Mackenzie and Sachiyo Nishimura.

Art Aquarium 2013, Tokyo: goldfish art



The goldfish is one of the most prominent symbols of summer in Japan. Tokyo's pop-up Art Aquarium shows 5,000 of them, displayed within 17 installations.

B.loved: wedding inspiration

Wednesday 28 August 2013


Written by stylist Louise Beukes, B.Loved is a beautiful imagery-led blog dedicated to presenting inspiring wedding details.

Bridport Antiques: vintage inspiration


At Bridport Antiques quarter in Dorset, pottery and furniture from as early as the 1700s and ranging through to the mid 20th century are revisited and inspire shape, surface pattern and colour.

Elsa Beskow tableware at Skandium

Tuesday 27 August 2013



Design House Stockholm has teamed up with Elsa Beskow's estate and publishing house Bonniers to produce a range of tableware using prints adapted from Beskow's beloved children's books.

Flexible working: Pro by Konstantin Grcic



With design based on research that shows that allowing children to frequently change posture in their classroom chair promotes better learning, Konstantin Grcic's Pro chair for German school furniture manufacturers Flötotto features an S-shaped seat that promotes healthy development, both physically and intellectually.

Piero Fornasetti: 100 years of practical madness

Friday 23 August 2013



To celebrate the centenary of Piero Fornasetti’s birth, Milan's Triennale Design Museum will this autumn present the first major exhibition of the artist’s work, curated by his son Barnaba Fornasetti.

Tokio knitted carpet by Pauline Gorelov




Belgian textile designer Pauline Gorelov has designed a knitted carpet that can be produced on industrial knitting machines in just one hour.

FlowerTrap by Utopia and Utility

Thursday 22 August 2013


FlowerTrap by Utopia and Utility is a lens-like vessel that heightens the beauty of the blooms placed inside it. Each vase is unique and combines blown glass with a birch bark-weaved base.

SML Restaurant, Hong Kong



At Italian concept restaurant SML in Hong Kong, customers can order every dish on the menu, as well as the wine, in three portion sizes: small, medium and large.

Homebuildlife subscribers can read fashion photographer Ricky Lo's inside guide to more of the city's hotspots here.

Decorative concrete tiles by Ivanka

Based in Budapest, studio and concrete factory Ivanka will be launching a new modular concrete tile range at Tent this September during the London Design Festival. The Flaster collection is a series of colourful, decorated concrete tiles that are suitable for floors and walls, indoors and outdoors,and domestic and public use. 

Live from NY NOW 2013

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Colourful ceramics by Jonathan Adler at NY NOW 2013


NY NOW, the show formerly know as New York International Gift Show, opened this week at the Javits Center in New York City. 3000 exhibitors displayed their wares in a newly laid out show that eliminated off-site venues and concentrated the show under one roof. The show's re-organisation reflects the way retailers are shopping and sourcing, while reinforcing the depth and breadth of the exhibitors.

Kangaroo cushion with integrated pockets

Kangaroo cushion by Alain Berteau for Objekten

Belgian design brand Objekten is known for its smart and functional, simple, yet versatile products. Its new Kangaroo cushion by designer Alain Berteau is a clever solution for those tired of searching everywhere for their remote control or magazine: one side of the cushion is equipped with sleeve pockets in Kvadrat woolen fabrics.

Homebuildlife subscribers can read our report on integrated pockets here.

Spanish design sees red: In ROJO exhibition



A range of international Spanish design companies and producers have come together for an exhibition at the Vinçon Gallery in Barcelona, called In ROJO.

The designs shown were all produced in red for the occasion, and were chosen as some of the most representative pieces of contemporary design, all initially conceived and produced in Spain.

Glow in the dark Cornetto
by Bompas & Parr


Food experience designers Bompas & Parr created a glow-in-the-dark Cornetto for a screening of The World's End - the final film in Edgar Wright's 'Cornetto Trilogy' - last month.

Cinemagoers were handed what appeared to be a normal Mint Cornetto on their way into the viewing, only to discover an "alien-like fluorescent ice cream" when they unwrapped it.

Seven Spoons: A personal history of food

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Leek Soup
Seven Spoons is the work of Tara O'Brady, a self-confessed foodie who started the blog back in 2005 as a way of keeping a file of her recipes. In the time since then, Tara has gained a husband and two sons and now describes the blog as "A story of sorts, a collection of thoughts and family and food."

Artistic teas: National Gallery x The East India Company



The National Gallery has collaborated with The East India Tea Company on a collection of teas inspired by masterpieces by artists including Van Gogh and Monet. Created by tea master Lalith Lenadora, the six bespoke blends of tea, flowers and fruits are designed to evoke the essence of each painting.

Fish tank cabinet by Dobromila Kruszynska



Graduate designer Dobromila Kruszynska has made a luxurious fish tank inspired by a 16th century Queen Anne display cabinet. Made of ash and glass, the cabinet is illuminated by waterproof coloured LEDs that can be changed with a remote control.

Ibiza markets

Monday 19 August 2013



Ibiza has a rich history of bohemia, with markets full of vibrant textiles and trinkets from India. Visit the market at Las Dalias and flea market at Sant Jordi for inspiration, from embroidered batiks to handpainted ceramics and flower garlands.

Re-lighting Gino Sarfatti Edition No. 1
by Flos


These five elegant lighting pieces by Gino Sarfatti were all designed between 1951 and 1971, and have been brought back to life as part of a collection called Edition No. 1 by Italian brand Flos.

Hot sauces by Todds

Friday 16 August 2013



British food brand Todds (maker of the Edible insect sweet range) has launched a range of sauces with unusual flavour combinations. The line comprises two barbecue sauces, Cola-Leather and Tobacco Moonshine, a squid ink hot sauce called Ink-Cayenne, two smoky ketchups called Marshmallow Smoke and Chewing Gum Tobacco, and a spicy Rootbeer Pickle hot relish.

Mr Hyde National Burger Day



Mr Hyde has announced the UK's first National Burger Day. To celebrate the occasion, a line-up of 100 burger restaurants will offer 20% discounts on Tuesday 27th August.

A special street party at Dalston Yard, east London, will see street food organisers Tweat Up host five hours of all things burger, including food from Meat Liquor, Byron, Honest and Dirty Burger, picklebacks (a shot of Jameson whisky followed by a shot of pickle juice) and specialities such as ice cream burgers by Sorbitium Ices and burger macaroons by The Crumbery. A burger Blimp, pickle-eating contest, and live screenprinting of burger artwork are also on the menu.

Best of baskets: City Lit Creative Basketry exhibition

Thursday 15 August 2013

Jo McCallum


Students from the two-year creative basketry course at London's City Lit displayed their final projects in a special exhibition last month. Key themes included vivid degrade colour, lidded forms and rustic, back-to-nature details such as uneven edges, pine cone details and feather trims.

Mood-enhancing lighting:
goLITE BLU by Philips



Recognising that the colour and temperature of light can have a significant effect on people's moods, designers are exploring practical and conceptual solutions to go beyond illuminating and actually improve people's lives. A prime example is the goLITE BLU from Philips, which emits a blue light that replicates the colour of a sunny sky.

Homebuildlife subscribers can see our full report on mood-enhancing lighting here.

BlissLiving Home: Fall 2013 collection

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Aspen pillows


Inspired by founder Mei Xu's travels to Aspen, the Fall collection by US homewares brand BlissLiving Home aims to recreate the warmth of a ski lodge in winter.

Awfully Nice by Calum Middleton

Chocolate & Acai Berry Flavour and Manuka Honey & Ginger Flavour

This ice cream packaging concept by Calum Middleton is inspired by homemade jam jars and exotic foods from the East.

Summertime by Valerio Berruti for Gufram


Gufram has refreshed its Multiples Collection with the new Summertime sofa, designed by Italian artist Valerio Berruti. The Summertime multiple is produced in 250 numbered pieces for each of its two colour combinations: optical white/copper green/tobacco and optical white/burnt sienna/brick red.

Baby RoyalTea by Donkey

Tuesday 13 August 2013



German gift brand Donkey has brought out a greeting card containing tea bags that celebrate the birth of Prince George.

Graft by Qiyun Deng



Designed by product designer Qiyun DengGraft is a series of disposable tableware inspired by the organic forms and textures of fruit and vegetables.

Golden Exhibition at Harrods

Pasha Gilded Centrepiece by Waterford (£5,000)
Harrods, one of London's most traditional and well known department stores, has put together an exhibition to celebrate the launch of six new rooms within its Luxury Home section. Homewares from brands such as Hermès, Puiforcat, Baccarat, Christofle, Aston Martin Silver, Bernardaud and Meissen are now available at the store, some of them exclusively in the UK.

Premium Brand Project by Yanmar


Japanese diesel engine manufacturer Yanmar has launched the Premium Brand Project aiming to raise awareness of the brand, which is mostly known for its farming equipment.

Missoni Home and Apothia: Candle Collaboration

Candles by Missoni Home and Apothia
Missoni Home has collaborated with US fragrance brand Apothia to launch a series of scented candles. The rich creamy blend of soy wax is infused with a distinct scent, each one reminiscent of the Italian landscape.

Autumn/winter 2013/14 bed collection by Olivier Desforges

Monday 12 August 2013

Parfaite collection
Olivier Desforges's bed collection for autumn/winter is inspired by Indonesian weave samples, early twentieth century pattern, and Russian Bohemia.

Swirling stools by Metafaux Design

South Korean company Metafaux Design has created its Swirling Stools by using the traditional dying technique of marbling. The pattern and colour combinations are never the same, creating a unique product each time.

Homebuildlife subscribers can see our report on marbling here.

Elisa Strozyk's wooden textiles

Wooden textile: Fading Red. Material: wood (maple, dyed), textile (cotton) Photo by Sebastian Neeb
Elisa Strozyk has revealed her new wooden textile collection for 2013. Blurring the line between textiles and hard materials, new pieces Fading Red Wooden Textile and Limited Red Wooden Rug explore the relationship of colour and pattern with Strozyk’s signature geometric veneer technique.

The pieces are a collaboration with Hugo Boss for its Red Never Follows exhibition, shown at The Saatchi Gallery to mark the brand's 20th anniversary.

Zeal home fragrance collection by Harlequin

Friday 9 August 2013



British interiors brand Harlequin will launch a new range of diffusers and scented candles this autumn.

Fragranced with Zeal, a fruity scent with notes of moss, vanilla and musky amber, both the diffusers and candles are supplied in coloured glass containers that can be reused as tea light holders and vases.

Mocap wall clock by Plankton



Bright white balls make up the numbers on this wall clock, creating an optical illusion as you walk around it. Designed by J.P.Meulendijks Design Studio for Dutch design brand Plankton, the clock is inspired by the motion capture techniques used in the film industry.

Patchworking by Humphreys of Henley


Online luxury lifestyle retailer Humphreys of Henley has updated the classic Chesterfield design with a range of patchwork upholstered sofas and chairs.

Emerald interiors

Thursday 8 August 2013

Described as "a colour of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony," 17-5641 Emerald is Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2013. In our new report, we take a look at how this lively, radiant and lush colour is rejuvenating home interiors. Subscribers can see it here.

Libeco Autumn 2013 collection

Blackfriars check fabric by Libeco
Roads Home and Vintage Farmhouse are Belgian linen brand Libeco's two new autumn collections for 2013. Warm, rich colours with check and plaid patterns influence both bed and table linen.

Tanya Gomez at New Craftsman



Currently on show at the New Craftsman gallery in St Ives, Cornwall, these thrown ceramics by Tanya Gomez are made of hand-thrown porcelain that has been glazed in glossy monochrome.

New brand: Just William

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Laptop Envelope in Rosa by Just William


New accessories brand Just William has launched a collection of hand-made leather laptop, tablet envelopes and document cases. The range reinterprets traditional artisan processes, and updates them with a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

Amazonian Cushions by A Rum Fellow


Online store A Rum Fellow has launched Amazonian, a series of brightly coloured hand-embroidered cushions, inspired by the vibrancy of the rainforest and made in conjunction with a co-operative of indigenous female artisans.

House of Hackney opens London flagship store



British interiors brand House of Hackney has opened a new flagship London store to showcase its signature 'Victoriana with a twist' collections.

Inventario: Everything Is A Project


Inventario (Italian for inventory) is an editorial initiative created and managed by Beppe Finessi, edited by Corraini and promoted and supported by Foscarini. It stems from the idea that every gesture and action, even the simplest, is a project.

Robo Fish at Hamleys

Tuesday 6 August 2013



London toy store Hamleys has announced its top ten toy list for Christmas 2013, with robotic pets emerging as a key trend for gifting this festive season.

Maison Sibulet: Milanese luxury for dogs

Dog bed by Maison Sibulet


Located in the heart of Milan in the charming courtyard of an 18th century palazzo, Maison Sibulet is styled to resemble a classic salon. Although the boutique is in the middle of the city's most famous fashion area, the atmosphere in-store is convivial: a haven where customers can relax with their four-legged friends.

Laura Ashley launches first hotel

Monday 5 August 2013

Bedroom at Laura Ashley The Manor, Elstree
British retailer Laura Ashley has opened its first hotel. Located in Hertfordshire, the 49-room Tudor revival property is furnished throughout with pieces from the brand's current Home collection.