Here at our Design Studio we are constantly on the lookout for new designers and ideas. From our travels to nature and architecture, we look for inspiration wherever we can. Join us as we share what’s currently on our radar for our upcoming schemes and projects.

Fabric

We have been admiring Flag, a fabric by Fermoie. This fabric has two tones and together, they bring  movement and depth. We can’t wait to scheme with this in its multiple colourways. Find our recent ‘Meet the Maker’ blog post with Fermoie here.

Although the days are turning darker and shorter, we are still searching for ideas and inspection for residential projects in warmer places! The Liberty Garden’s Outdoor Collection enhances the bright colours that remind us of summer days and we love Cabana Stripe Dixster in the Aqua colourway. Originally created as a printed fabric design in 1976, Cabana Stripe is versatile and practical, with a highly tactile texture and complementary colours reminiscent of classic deckchair prints. Developed from the archive, this new design translates a bold mixed vertical stripe into textured weave effects. It will bring a rich texture to any scheme.

We recently spoke with designer Beki Bright for a ‘Meet the Maker‘ blog post. Beki was awarded ‘Best Surface Pattern Newcomer’ in this year’s Homes & Gardens Awards for her collection ‘The Plough’. This collection is an abstract take on her Grandad’s thatched Suffolk farmhouse. Set in rolling fields amongst a beautiful and timeless landscape, complete with fields of wheat, furrowed fields, farm horses, a smoking chimney and sunshine. This fabric transcends seasons, depicting Beki’s collective memories of this rural landscape. We adore it!

Furniture 

This Mushroom Wall Light by Porta Romana can be a great way for creating a magical room. Made from plaster, we love its organic and sculptural shapes. Whilst rustic in design, it has a high-end finish which gives this piece a sophisticated and modern appeal.

Our love for sculptural furniture continues at our commercial office project, Richmond Buildings. Here we have incorporated this spectacular centre table by Gareth Devonald Smith. We love his beautifully tailored and dynamic sculptures and furniture. Explore this unique workspace further here.

Paint

Paint is always an easy and effective way to create quick transformations or to simply create a statement. We are over the moon with Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint™ Collection. Through her wide variety of colours, you can find the perfect match for any type of room. Chalk Paint™ is a versatile furniture paint developed by Annie Sloan in 1990. With no need for sanding or priming, you can simply pop open the tin, roll up your sleeves, dip in your brush and apply paint to furniture.

As you already know, we’re not afraid of colour and the Capri Pink Chalk Paint™ is calling us!

Fairs & Exhibitions

Fairs and exhibitions are a great means for discovering new works and getting inspired. For the first time, we will be bringing Ham Yard Restaurant to Frieze Masters. From 12th to 16th October visitors can enjoy all-day brasserie style dining from a menu crafted by our Executive Head Chef Joe Fox. The interior is being designed by our very own Design Studio with banquette seating upholstered in Chubby Check and table cloths in our Tea Leaf fabric, both for Christopher Farr Cloth. We can’t wait to share the restaurant’s design with you.

Also on our radar is Decorex which will see the design community come together at London’s Olympia on 9th October. It’s a great place to meet emerging and established interior design brands and discover their unique products for your upcoming projects.

Artists

Vanessa Jackson is a well-known artist, known for the use of geometric and three-dimensional designs with bright and bold colours. Her large scale artworks create statements and will easily become the focal point in any space. We recently treated ourselves to this spectacular piece from her. We are looking forward to finding a home for this at one of our hotels.

Artist Clementina van der Walt from South Africa uses ceramics as her main media source. Through her art she makes an intention to ‘seek the sacred in the ordinary’. These cheerful and simple colour block plates make a fun and joyful collection. We think the magic of her art could also be elevated through framing. For some tried and tested ideas to help you get funky with your frames, click here.

As you can see, we’ve landed upon some new and exciting inspiration sources recently. We can’t wait to share our new schemes with you soon. Keep in touch with us and sign-up to our newsletters to be the first to know about the upcoming projects and events here at our Design Studio and Firmdale Hotels.