We’re delving into the art world today in our inspiring designers blog with visual artist David Shrigley!
Shrigley’s work is always striking for three reasons: it’s funny, honest, and subversive. We find Shrigley inspiring for his ability to produce work that is simple yet always makes a clear statement.
Shrigley’s work is currently on display in the Scottish National Gallery as part of the ‘GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland’ (on display until 25th January 2015).
We’re staying further afield again this week with the Limes Hotel, Brisbane.
First opened in 2008, this hotel actually forms part of a group of hospitality and entertainment establishments made up of bars and restaurants.
Though the interiors, designed by Derlot, deliver exceptional contemporary style, what we really admire is building’s façade (pictured below) which presents a large-scale graphic pattern that also doubles as a feature for the windows of the guest rooms. This statement architecture lets you know upon first glance that the building is a design hotel.
Inside, patterns are more subtle with contrasting surfaces and a mixture of different materials. It seems the design subverts expectations by reversing the usual order of things: bolder prints as a pattern for the exterior, and a more architectural approach to the interior.
Today we’re feeling inspired by fashion designer Issey Miyake!
Miyake’s concept focuses on innovation – both in terms of design and the production of garments. To this end, Miyake seeks to defy convention and challenge traditional expectations, continuously striving to create clothes that express diversity and uniqueness.
What we find most inspiring is Miyake’s fashion-forward, futuristic style; it makes us think of fashion origami with the use of structured, almost architectural forms.
This week’s inspiration takes us to South Asia and the beautiful La Villa Hotel in Pondicherry, India.
Architects Tina Trigala and Yves Esprit wanted the hotel to welcome it’s guests into a space that provides non-ostentatious luxury. Their use of the building’s original colonial architecture and plenty of natural materials has ensured they achieved their target of understated opulence; the space is simple yet undeniably elegant.
Having come from Indonesian roots where our designer, Eliza, was familiarised with colonial architecture and interiors, she has a particular fondness for this style of décor. The design of this space, however, seems to strike an agreeable balance between the colonial and the contemporary; mixing more modern shapes with natural finishes and contrasting surface textures gives the hotel a restful, sanctuary-like atmosphere.
This week in our inspiring designers series we’re looking at the iconic Vivienne Westwood.
With roots in punk fashion, Westwood’s designs always carry that subversive edge which makes them feel so unique. However, her work also possesses a certain sophistication, a stylish elegance that escalates her designs to the level of luxury.
Though Westwood’s use of prints and patterns is perhaps more sparing than some of the other names we’ve showcased here, her use of colour is always pleasing and playful. Her collaboration with Melissa, too, demonstrates her ability to produce designs that are at once trendy and inventive but also eclectic and full of character.
What we find most inspiring is the theatricality of her work; her designs are full of whimsy yet possess a certain edge that is the hallmark of Westwood style. Think Alice in Wonderland, but with more eyeliner.
This week we’re finding inspiration closer to home at the G&V Hotel, Edinburgh.
Formerly the Missoni Hotel, the re-branded G&V provides a refreshing change from other hotels situated along the Royal Mile which tend to adopt the traditional Scottish style. Instead, the G&V is decorated by block colours, plenty of stripes, and zigzag patterns which are used as feature or statement touches and so avoid overwhelming the eyes.
The bar space (pictured below) is particularly special – carefully chosen lighting combines with bright, bold colours on the walls and furnishings to create a space that is playful yet easy to relax in.
The more adventurous use of design in this hotel makes it stand out amongst Edinburgh’s hospitality scene, adding an extra dimension to the most popular destination in the Scottish capital.
This week we’re looking at fashion designer Barbara Hulanicki, though you might know her better as the founder of high-end clothing and homeware brand Biba.
Hulanicki launched Biba in the 1960s, before it became a popular high-street brand in the 70s. The brand was relaunched in 2010 in House of Fraser stores, where it continues to be successful for its iconic patterns and prints.
What we find most inspiring about Hulanicki’s work is its subtle theatricality and use of beautiful Art Deco style. The designs are bold, statement prices yet remain sophisticated and elegant. The use of plush colours ensures a sense of luxury, making the Biba homeware collection feel really special.
This week’s hotels inspiration can be found further afield in the Luna2 Hotel, Bali.
This tastefully eclectic hotel is the work of interior designer and founder of Luna2, Melanie Hall, who has skilfully married contemporary chic with zany patterns and Pop Art. The result is actually two spaces: the Studiotel and the Private Hotel, which cater to those who thirst for adventure with a twist of opulence.
Each space combines bold colours with statement prints to create a fun yet fresh style which is stimulating and keeps the eye alert. The contrast in design between the interior and outdoor space is very complementary – the poolside area sees the same themes toned down ever so slightly to let that sense of relaxation to settle in; though the ‘Shoot the Moon’ feature (pictured below) at the Studiotel pool ensures that the sense of joviality is maintained. The furnishings are equally interesting, making good use of slick shapes and rich colours which maintain the feel of contemporary luxury with polished metal framing.
Overall, the Luna2 makes us think of a playground for adults – in the best way possible. It’s funky yet chic, edgy yet playful; think Space Odyssey meets Roy Lichtenstein.
This week we’re keeping it bright and bold with Basso & Brooke!
Revered for their digital prints, fashion and textile designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke have collaborated with many major corporations where they have produced cutting-edge work that never fails to express a strong sense of personality. If you like making a statement then Basso & Brooke are for you.
We really adore the diversity of their prints, which are often busy with a geometric, artsy style. The designs are inspiring for their bold, surreal style that sometimes borders on ‘trippy’. We’re also impressed by their ability to match their prints to such a range of products: clothing, accessories, homewares, even skateboards!
This week’s inspiration comes from Le Royal Monceau, Paris; a beautiful hotel with a true passion for the arts.
Part of the Raffles Hotels and Resorts group, Le Royal Monceau boasts divine opulence at every turn. Much of the interior inspiration comes from 1940s and 50s period style, the influence of which can certainly be seen in the classic glamour of both the Prestige and Signature Suites. Another design treasure is the Presidential Suite 241 which is the epitome of classic Parisian style: sophisticated, understated, just plain beautiful.
The conservative glamour found throughout the hotel is brought into contrast by the Art District, the hotel’s own in-house art gallery (pictured). The work which features in the gallery showcases the contemporary artistic culture of Paris, adding an extra dimension to this otherwise understated decorous space.
