Deconstruct to Reconstruct

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Image courtesy of Ingrid Abramovitch

“I am realizing more and more how much our lives are wrapped in plastic. Buy local, carry a tote bag, and cook at home. There is nothing better than chilling at home with a great lamp and chair, or having friends over for a home cooked dinner.”

—Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor USA

Ingrid Abramovitch can take a flawed piece of furniture and give it a vivid, beaming future. She believes the design world is on the upswing for good.

“I am seeing a huge thirst for bold color,” says Abramovitch. “I’m a bit grey-ed out—everything has been grey for the last decade.”

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Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey

Translucent, incandescent, pastel. Whatever you call it, and whether you’re into it, you can’t deny this trend. The aesthetic for this spring is that of a shimmery-shiney world screaming of colour. Juicy oranges, powdery blues, coral pinks and splashes of blue—the design world is taking a turn towards a fresh new coat of paint. 

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Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey

“Personally, I always gravitate to jewel tones and blues. Pink also aren’t going anywhere, but millennial pink is evolving into something that feels more natural and yet complex,” says Abramovitch. 

With colours of old oozing its way back into the interior world, 2019 sees a new generational craving. Yummy yellows, posh purples, pretty in pink—you name it, you can probably coordinate it into your look this spring. 

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Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey

“What’s exciting is design has just exploded,” says Abramovitch. “It’s becoming an integral part of our culture. I love seeing the energy around design in hotels, restaurants, architecture, and in shows like Maison & Objet. So many people are attracted to it and are doing wonderful work. Most of all, I enjoy that people are increasingly house proud. There is nothing better than chilling at home with a great lamp and chair, or having friends over for a home cooked dinner.”

Abramovitch is also an author, setting a reinvention revival afire within her book, Restoring A House In The City. This guide exemplifies town houses that are developed into charming and nostalgic pieces. An introduction from her book states: 

“What’s the difference between modillions and medallions? Where can you find chandelier parts and vintage bathtubs? How do you repair old floorboards, or bring light into dark interiors? Restoring a House in the City has all the answers. At the heart of the book are twenty-one real-life renovations in ten cities.”

With old-meets-new flair, Abramovitch steps back into tradition while keeping up with the modern paces of the future, combining a mix of both worlds. Pick up a copy of Abramovitch’s book here. 

The editor believes students can make a mark sustainably by making one simple move at a time. 

“I am realizing more and more how much our lives are wrapped in plastic,” says Abramovitch. “It’s getting worse with our ship-to-the-door culture. Buy local, carry a tote bag, and cook at home.”

As student, you no doubt are looking for cheaper alternatives. But remaining chic and trendy is the concern. Abramovitch believes that you can remain in style by going against the grain and blazing your own trail of creativity.  

“Stay away from trends and go for quality that lasts,” says Abramovitch. “Vintage and antique furniture is often of better quality than new—and can work in contemporary interiors. Re-imagine it with a coat of paint or even a new purpose. Just as recycled clothing is gaining popularity in fashion, interior design should make use of the material culture that already exists.” 

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Grand Designs Week 2019, photo courtesy of Sissey

A fun DIY which Abramovitch suggests is using an ottoman—a chic device that comes with no back and usually in square or semicircular ends—to convert it into a sleepover bed with built-in storage, saving space. Try re-creating this upcycled Tie ottoman DIY by the Sustainable Home Hub here. 

Abramovitch speaks about the most challenging, yet exciting element about being an editor to ELLE Decor USA.

“There are so many great stories to tell, and not enough time,” says Abramovitch. “Keeping up with the pace of information, creating a quality print magazine, while also feeding the beast of social media and minute-to-minute digital, is the biggest challenge.”

Follow Ingrid on Twitter, and don’t forget to pick up the latest issue of ELLE Decor to salvage your own interior inspiration here. 

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Living Bold: Blogger Beatriz Adrianna Talks Colour Comeback

Pastels are prancing down the runways and we’re all wondering what’s going on. Perhaps we all just need to add a little more colour to our lives. Bold and beautiful, the world of colour is taking centre stage again in fashion and interiors. 

Blogger Beatriz Adrianna is bringing the sunny-side of California with her care-free style blog Live Love Wear it. The creator, with a tone that of dusty-rose and warm peaches, has a fantastic sense of colour. Her Instagram feed bursts with inspirational shades, doused in an iridescent glow. 

“My blog was created for a daily dose of inspiration, highlighting my slogan: Live it, Love it, Wear it,” says Adrianna. “This ignited the inner spark about lifestyle and things I love—beauty, decor, relationship, family, and of course fashion. I consider my style to be relatable, yet still achieving my best life.”

Glistening in sunny SoCal style, the Los Angeles based blogger likes to keep it cool for the summer, keeping up with au naturel tones. She also has an inviting plethora of indoor plants.

“For interior design, I love colours like greens, browns and whites. And I one hundred percent believe plants can make us happier,” says Adrianna.

Adrianna also has an office space that is simple and pleasing to the eye, surrounding her environment with bold whites and greens.

“It’s super important for me to have a clean, chic, and pretty place, with lots of light coming through to get creative and into my girl-boss groove,” says Adrianna. “My themes are white and gold tones, with some pops of greenery.”

Simplicity is best because the blogger believes shutting down a lot of extra “noise” from your surroundings is key to creating a calm, stress-free atmosphere. 

“Less is more when it comes to my work space,” says Adrianna, “because I think we already have lots coming from our laptops.” Check out her blog: www.livelovewearit.com and watch her living room reveal here. And don’t forget to visit her inspiring Instagram page. 

According to The Guardian, the Pantone colour of 2019 is Living Coral and described as “buoyant, vibrant and effervescent, the marine tone is predicted to dominate the design industry over the next 12 months.” And so far, we’ve seen everyone from Taylor Swift to Gigi Hadid in the coral theme.  Think Taylor’s Time 100 pastel gown, or REEBOKxGIGI Hadid’s first athleisure collection for Reebok.

But quite the contrary, internationally renowned author on interiors and trends  Michelle Ogundehin speaks about the fact of real live coral reefs, at this very moment,  being devastated by the dangers of global warming. In an article by Dezeen she states that: “Pantone’s choice of Living Coral as its 2019 colour of the year…it speaks only of conformity, ubiquity and non-choice. Instead then, I’d like to suggest an accent colour. A shade that adds a touch of heat to anything it touches: the piquant and tangy mustard.”

Are you a trend setter? Or a trend follower? Maybe the issue is we shouldn’t be looking to the latest trends, but more frequently creating our own. The choice is yours. But whatever you choose, let it be kindness that affects others and our colourful and beautiful environment for good. 

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Beyond Retro: Eyes Open for Gems

Image courtesy of Sissey

“The planet belongs to you in the long term. We believe it’s important for youth to lead in this conversation—in businesses, governmental changes of attitude, mass consumption, and manufacturing. Breathe life and endless creativity, and form something new and loved.”

—Matty Johnson, Beyond Retro Rep

Beyond Retro is a haven for the most unique, vintage inspired designs you can find.  Going beyond the meaning of just being vintage, the label hopes to reclaim, reduce, and reuse 10 billion items.

“Students can help the cause by finding their own creative and forward thinking ways to save unwanted garments from a life in landfill,” says Matty Johnson, Beyond Retro customer care representative.

“Our major aim is to reduce the enormous amount of wasted clothing each year, by giving it a new home and refashioning it where possible,” says Johnson. 

The label even sews leftover pocket change into their clothing, creating some awesome “brand bling” by stamping pennies with their Anchor logo. 

The label is made entirely from secondhand fabrics and are trimmed, chopped, tapered, and cropped into motion—back onto the rack, and into your closets. Their ultimate motive is to seek to reclaim materials, creating original designs that align with today’s declining global resources. 

“Fashion and furniture are similar, in being simultaneously the product of incredible design and regular over-consumption,” says Johnson.

The brand is also constantly discovering new innovative avenues for long-lasting impact in the fashion landscape. Johnson suggests buying items of strong quality and long-lasting design to help minimise the impact on the environment. 

“If we can find new homes for vintage clothing, the same is true for furniture. The same clothing aspects of re-using and re-making can be applied to any piece of furniture in need of repair,” says Johnson. 

The label also includes some pretty stylish upcycled wholesale bags, which you can view on their online store here. Their bags, created from quality vintage materials like corduroy and denim, are upcycled and re-worked into an amazing range of totes, backpacks and paperboy bags. The shop also brims with ideas for fabric décor. Just take a look around and you’re sure to find inspiration by classic and cutting-edge designs. Just grab a patterned shirt and it can easily be converted and upcycled into a pillow case cover, for example. The possibilities are truly endless. 

So how can students find some of their own treasures? Johnson recommends using Gumtree as an incredible source of free information for grabbing unwanted finds. He also suggests using a brilliant free paint depot called Wise Up to Waste, which allows you to pick up free paint for your own renovations or whatever you wish. Students can find the free paint initiative available for collection at selected household waste recycling centres. Colours and volumes of paint are dependent on the materials donated. Find an RRC participating in the scheme here:

  • Summers Lane, Barnet
  • Regis Road, Camden
  • Western Road, Haringey

It’s all in the eyes of the beholder, so now that you’ve got the goods, why not grab a pail yourself ? Making someone elses’ junk your jewel isn’t all that hard, proving that you can be chic and sustainable. Keep your eyes open because you never know what kinds of endless gems you’ll find right at your fingertips. 

As Johnson says, “The planet belongs to you in the long term. We believe it’s important for youth to lead in this conversation—in businesses, governmental changes of attitude, mass consumption, and manufacturing. Breathe life and endless creativity, and form something new and loved.”

Don’t forget to visit Beyond Retro’s amazing Instagram page here and support them by shopping their amazing selection online or in person to begin your own upcycled journey. 

*Please note: Matty’s family name has been changed to protect privacy.

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A Way with Words: Tying Art with Nature

Image courtesy of Chava Carr

“Don’t fear. Take the leap, and have faith. We tend to have moments of hesitation in this industry. So when we begin to create and go out to accomplish a vision, we hold back for so many reason. I’m learning not to hold back, not to fear, but to make the wave!”

—Chava Carr, Model & Artist

These artists are making waves in the arts through their powerful way with art and words.

Meet the beautiful Chava Carr. She’s got plenty of artful advice and even a bit of career tips. Model, actress and creative artist, Carr is a bold example of healthy living. Bringing the outdoors in is a great concept of living a well-balanced life, and Carr is living proof of it.

“I love nature, I actually just went on a camping trip on an island…it was amazing. Nature, and experiencing God’s creation are very important to me…I love to just take in the beauty of God’s canvas. There’s no greater artist,” says Carr.

Carr, who has been dancing since she was 5 years old, is trained in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and modern dance.

“I love the art of dance from all genres…I want to learn and experience more, especially aerial ballet. There is so much beauty in dance and different styles. I particularly love modern dance and how your movement flows and is genuinely your own style in a way of creativity,” says Carr.

This sustainable sweetheart likes to also bring nature into her beauty routine.

“My technique for keeping moisturised is drinking plenty of water, especially warm water in the morning,” says Carr. “And use Burt’s Bees lip balm. I also use all natural organic cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil, too. Try Pacifica Devocean Natural lipstick. It’s cruelty free and vegan. I love their products…Fire Bird or XOX shades.”

Carr says that her passion of modeling began at a very young age.

“All my life I would have people ask me…do you model? Or, you should be one. And I would smile, say thank you…soon I began having a passion for the arts and started modeling and also acting,” says Carr. “I don’t actually have a favourite model, because there are so many icons to choose from. I think they all have certain characteristics that bring individuality to the fashion industry, paving the way for me, and so many others.”

Carr says that one of the biggest challenges she has had to overcome, is learning to simply be more kinder and to encourage herself.

“My biggest challenge that I have had to overcome is myself. I had to see that yes…I can do this. And to be confident even in an industry, where there are so many beautiful faces, I had to encourage myself that, yes, I have what it takes. Then, auditioning and going forward became easier,” says Carr.

So in the world of arts, does she have any advice for models who are just breaking into the industry?

“I would encourage a new model to first accept and be confident that they can do it. Even if after a few times they are rejected, or don’t make the cut…they are still beautiful, and can do it. It takes confidence and strength to model so never take no as the final world. You might be just what someone is looking for, so don’t stop. Just pick yourself up and move forward to the next opportunity,” says Carr.

What advice does she have for students who are afraid to take that big leap after graduation?

“Don’t fear. Take the leap, and have faith. We tend to have moments of hesitation in this industry. So when we begin to create and go out to accomplish a vision, we hold back for so many reasons. I’m learning not to hold back, not to fear, but to make the wave!”

After all, Carr says that for graduates persistence is key. She says to find purpose in what you love, and all other puzzle pieces will start aligning.

“You would be miserable settling down for the easy, normal route,” says Carr. “We must do what is our passion to fulfill our purpose. Even at times when others don’t agree or see it, you have to press forward and do what you love. Otherwise, you will become dull…unfulfilled…and you won’t complete your purpose.”

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Image courtesy of Larissa Nugroho

The lovely Larissa Nugroho is a charming artist and powerful writer who creates the most simple words into valuable and treasured visuals. The founder Hyper Hummingbird is full of life, inspiring others with her peaceful page of enchanted drawings that tell of creative stories through the magic of words.

“Words are powerful,” says Nugroho. “It’s intriguing how letters of black and white can paint so many colors in our imagination. Since I was a little girl, I loved fairy tales…now that I am a theater director in my high school alma mater in Java, Indonesia, I see how stories can touch hearts and transform lives.”

Nugroho is interesed in pursuing a Masters in theatre directing or producing. She has also studied at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

“I’m working at my old high school in Central Java,” says Nugroho. “We’re in the process of putting on a Peter Pan play, and actually, the London National Theater really inspired me by their production of Peter Pan.”

Nugroho, whose theme is to let the outdoors in, creates witty words paired with sweet illustrations. She sums up unique and clever phrases that are an encouragement to anyone.

“A kind word could go a long way to encourage a downcast student to lift their head and stay positive,” says Nugroho. “It’s important to cultivate creativity and imaginations as an adult…these are the things that keep us youthful. Live in wide eye wonder.”

Follow Nugroho on Instagram and visit her blog here.

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Vaneeta Kaur is founder of Purple Roan, a platform that inspires intuition, imagination and perception through the power of words. Her initiative is an original not-for-profit creative platform highlighting how creativity can shed a powerful light in mental well being. 

Kaur, who has a desire to give back to the community, stems her central vision from her passion of writing novels.

“I’ve been writing since my discovery of pencils, says Kaur. “It’s always been my form of communication to release any words that I struggle to speak. One of my favourite authors is Louisa May Alcott. But I think what inspires me to write most is that it gives me the ability to make some sort of positive impact in the world.”

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Kaur believes that being surrounded by sun-lit environments could be a leading force for overall health and happiness.

“Nature is inspiration, and helps with mental wellbeing,” says Kaur. “The concept of completely living in nature is a beautiful idea…the world would be so much more peaceful. Humans can step away from technology that is addling brains and take in more oxygen to bring about better wellbeing—spiritually, mentally and physically.”

Kaur has an idea how students could bring awareness to more sustainability in interior design, by just taking one step at a time.

“This isn’t easy, but I can say this: influence and lead. Take action by bringing about sustainable living in our own lives and others will see the positive impact from it,” says Kaur. “This can be through the little things we do.”

The author enjoys sticking to natural themes when it comes to decorating indoors.

“Everyone is using grey in their houses, and there is an attraction in modern houses,” says Kaur, “but personally I love homey-themed living, with browns and forest colours for interior design.”

Kaur has recently hosted an event to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Mind and Creative Works, to raise awareness of social issues and mental health. Find out more about her amazing platform here.

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Find your way with words by picking up a pen and paper, and getting out in nature for some full-on inspiration.

As Nugroho says: “When I went to a desert in Arizona, I thought all I would find was barren ground and dry land. I was taken aback by the beauty I encountered there… Colorful sunsets, the expanse of blue skies, the saturated colors of the desert flowers… Sometimes you meet beauty in unexpected places. Wherever you are in life right now – seek beauty even in the toughest moments.”

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Bringing the Outdoors In: Discover Design Shows for Spring

 

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Image courtesy of Sissey

“Plants transport you to another world of tranquility…even without having to do yoga, and going beyond meditation, their beauty takes you far beyond all that. They are relaxing, and soften any room in a home.”

—Laura Colleen, sustainable artist & painter

Gain insight into the latest-breaking technology and its connection with nature at the Ideal Home Show, coming to Olympia London March 22nd – 7th April. Known as Britain’s most iconic home event, the show will be celebrating its 11th year. Everything from interior inspiration to expert advice, along with 600 exhibitors and live performances with celebratory talks will be hosted. You won’t want to miss out on viewing The Evolving Home either, created with a modular system that is environmentally friendly due to its low waste. 

Key takeaways for this year seem to be drawing on inspiration from the themes of nature. By bringing the outdoors in, greenery is shifting the design world as we know it, infusing natural elements with the combination of the latest technology. 

“Nature is the foundation of all life. It creates the oxygen we breathe…it’s family friendly,” says Laura Colleen, sustainable artist and painter. “We all know that once you go outside and clear your mind, you can go back inside and work a lot harder. So really it’s the bedrock of everyday life.”

Colleen, who is a home design enthusiast, says that she draws her inspiration on the power of nature.

“It’s just so peaceful and friendly, and helps you in your daily life. Plants transport you to another world of tranquility…even without having to do yoga, and going beyond meditation, their beauty takes you far beyond all that. They are relaxing, and soften any room in a home,” says Colleen. 

So trend is plunging us forward? It seems that window space takes the prize, channeling us towards the realms of a more sustainable future. 

Unwanted walls are now removed, creating a free flow to allow spaciousness to envelop the consumer. From environmental habitats to natural lighting, let nature pierce peacefully into your environment. Vistas at the show will provide examples of this air space to demonstrate the importance of lighting in interiors. Students take note—because sitting closely to a naturally sun-lit environment has proven to work wonders when cramming in those final exams.

The world of upcycling has proven to leave its fresh and influential mark in interior trends this year, directing us towards a more sustainable future. With euphoric outdoor themes and natural looking scenography, upcycling designers like entrepreneur and TV presenter Max McMurdo will be hosted at the show. The designer, who works in his shipping container office, complete with bi-fold doors, solar panels and moss roof—has a range of high-end furniture from wastes that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. From skateboard shelves to vintage trunk coffee tables—you name it, McMurdo’s got you covered. With plenty of whimsical and genius ideas, from Ben the plywood-birch bin to a gas bottle pizza oven—you’re sure to find something fantastic. 

McMurdo, also author of his book Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made from Reclaimed Materials, will help you release your inner design genius by turning scrap ideas into refurbished masterpieces. You can find a copy of the book yourself here.

McMurdo established his company Reestore after becoming uneasy with the consumption-focused ways of the traditional design world. As stated on his website, “eco friendly products do not need to be made from mud and hemp, they can be contemporary, stylish and desirable, as well as taking the environment into consideration.” George Clarke, presenter at Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces has described McMurdo as, “an upcycling alchemist who turns junk into something wonderful.”

Other eco-friendly initiatives like Eco/Sustainable Design are giving more care to sustainability in construction. The care scheme, which includes the incorporation of waste reduction, keeps in mind the impact that buildings have on environmental sites. These schemes aim to meet standards of sustainability in hopes to reduce future carbon footprints.

Visit the Ideal Home Show yourself for more information on news, speakers, venues and other exciting events here.

A couple more dates to jot in your dairy are Grand Designs, coming to London 4th – 12th of May 2019 at London ExCel. And, Clerkenwell Design Week, which is also happening the end of May, will have amazing exhibitions open daily from 10am – 9pm. For more information visit: Grand Designs Live and Clerkenwell Design Week. 

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