Claudio Silvestrin, architect to Kanye West and Calvin Klein, unveils his newest project in Hampstead, north London November 23, 2016 This brand new, ultra-contemporary mansion looks like it belongs in the sunny peaks of the Hollywood Hills. In fact, it’s nestled away in a quiet, exclusive corner of Hampstead, but its starry aesthetic is the creation of an award-winning architect who’s used to bringing the lavish home-stylings of the rich and famous to life. Claudio [...]
Hidden in plain sight: A visually confounding art piece questions our relationship with social media November 23, 2016 Before the invention of radar technology, warships would disguise their true shape and heading using patterns and colour. Zig-zagging lines, high contrast and sharp angles would confuse gunners, who struggled to accurately determine the distance and speed of their targets. “Dazzle camouflage” drew inspiration from the natural world – zebra herds use this kind of [...]
Getting ready to decorate this year? Well it’s time to get serious about your bauble game November 23, 2016 If you enjoy idly browsing the shelves of high street stores, you have American entrepreneur Frank Woolworth to thank. The 19th century dime-store magnate pioneered the practice of self-service shopping, whereby customers can handle goods without the assistance of a clerk. Woolworth also enforced the idea of fixed pricing, rather than haggling, as the common [...]
From Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Renzo Piano: how top architects have helped to reinvent the chair November 23, 2016 Architects have been adding chairs and other items of furniture to their design repertoire since the beginning of the 19th century. The relationships and similarities are often surprising, and raise some interesting questions. What is it that distinguishes a chair designed by an architect, rather than a furniture designer? Why would an architect want to [...]
My House: Preston Fitzgerald, an art and antiques collector who’s turned his home into a pop-up exhibition space for young artists November 23, 2016 I’ve been living in London with my partner for 21 years now, having moved here from New York City. I had come from a sales background, but left that behind when I went back to school to get my postgraduate degree in art history. When I began working at Sotheby’s in furniture and contemporary design, [...]
Six ways to make sure your home sells this winter November 22, 2016 The nights might be drawing in and the mercury may be falling – but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put your house on the market. In fact, the concept that putting your house up for sale in winter is a bad idea is a popular misconception. By following some of our winter-specific tips, you can [...]
Volvo S90 review: A nice car for nice people November 21, 2016 When Grey Advertising was given the unenviable task of changing the public perception of motorcyclists in America, the firm came up with the memorable 1960s ad campaign: “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” Five decades on, these nice people would feel right at home in a Volvo S90. The S90 and its sibling, [...]
Strutt & Parker Research names six real estate trends making their way to the UK from across the pond November 21, 2016 The Coffice If don’t fancy signing an office lease but dread the local coffee house guilt, then perhaps a coffice visit is in your future? Using an app on your phone, reserve dedicated workspace at the local coffee shop that has designated office space built-in. It is cheaper than a co-working space contract, but a [...]
New Builds: On the market this week from a Roman site in the City to a £400m piazza in Islington November 21, 2016 Landmark Place, City of London From £810,000 A rare chance to live in the City of London has arisen with the opening of a new show apartment. The three bedroom duplex was unveiled by Barratt London on the 23rd floor of its Aldgate Place development last week. The new homes will be on Water Lane, [...]
Focus On Stoke Newington: Why leafy north London enclave Stoke Newington went from zero to hero on the housing market November 21, 2016 Stoke Newington, a leafy north London borough untroubled by a connection to the London Underground network, has become a byword for the kind of middle-class urban elite that drives UKIP voters round the bend. Once dismissed as a undesirable destination, the gentrification of Hackney has seen Stokey’s fortunes turn full-circle, and while it doesn’t yet [...]