Christmas decorations

The 1^st December is fast approaching and I am yet again procrastinating over whether or not to go with tradition and put a Christmas tree up in my living room.  Previous words of advice say that just because I am living the life of Bridget Jones over the Christmas period I should make time to add some family tradition to my surroundings.  I have thought about it carefully and decided that the only decorations that will be going up in my flat are the tasteful ones that can be put up in minutes and taken down speedily in the new year whilst hungover.  I have sourced some lovely decorations from Graham and Green below and I am looking forward to a pine free Christmas and New Year!

Colour psychology

As a designer I have an understanding of how colour affects behaviour and mood, so it was fascinating to observe the relaxed atmosphere in a spa in central London on Friday. The colours selected throughout the spa are known for their relaxing properties.

The colour green is associated with nature and relaxation. Green has been introduced by plants in the lounge areas and the seating area was white and green.

Blue wallpaper and paint was used on the walls which is associated with tranquility, trust and sensitivity.

Purple blankets were added to the sleep retreat area which is a colour believed to have a calming affect on our emotions.

Designersblock

The Bargehouse is a raw space next to the Oxo tower which presents a changing programme of art, design and photography exhibitions. What I particularly like about this venue is that it is unfinished inside which makes it less pretentious than the usual exhibition space, and far more interesting. Designers block is currently taking place in and around the Bargehouse, the exhibition includes the latest work from over 100 designers, I was particularly impressed by these handmade tiles by Peter Ibruegger: www.peteribruegger.com

Architects Build Small Spaces

I need more space......I keep saying to myself as I try and squeeze yet another newly purchased item of 'essential' clothing into my wardrobe.  Whilst the ceiling height storage solutions certainly make the best use of space, this all seems relative when I have to stand on a chair or even step ladder to reach a book from my bookshelf or a cereal packet from my kitchen cupboard.  So off I went to visit the Architects Build Small spaces exhibition at the V&A


Nineteen architects were invited to submit proposals for structures that examine notions of refuge and retreat.  Seven were selected for construction at full-scale and can be viewed at the Museum.  My favourite structure was by Studio Mumbai Architects.  The project examines the unauthorised architecture of Mumbai.  Precisely modelled on dwellings crammed into a narrow urban corridor behind the Studio Mumbai offices, it presents an architectural 'cast' of a sliver of space that is home to a family of eight.  Viewing the structure both inside and out really put my own spacial problems into context.