PORCH LIGHTING
Choosing the right fixtures is crucial for creating an inviting atmosphere. After all, first impressions really do count! For a porch, I would consider using wall lanterns or pendant lights for a classic look, while flush-mount ceiling lights offer a more contemporary touch.
The best lighting for a covered porch tends to offer soft, warm illumination that complements the space without overpowering it. LED lights are a good option as they are energy-efficient and provide a cosy glow, ideal for covered areas.
The best style of porch lighting depends on the overall design aesthetic of your home. For a modern look, sleek metal fixtures can add sophistication, while traditional homes may benefit from vintage-inspired lanterns.
To find out the number of lights needed for your porch, you should consider the size of the space and the level of lighting you desire. As a general rule, spacing fixtures that are around six to eight feet apart is a good starting point to ensure even lighting.
To create a cosy, inviting feel, I recommend installing ambient lighting with string lights or lanterns. You can also highlight architectural features with uplights or sconces. But, make sure you consider the colour temperature of the bulbs to create the ambiance you are looking for.
Porch lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but can also make it safer and more secure. By choosing the right fixtures and placement, you can transform your porch into a welcoming place for both your family and guests.
The Bobbin Trend
If you're looking to add bobbins to your interior design, I recommend using them as accents rather than centrepieces. Try to incorporate them in unexpected ways. For example, you might want to repurpose vintage bobbins as drawer pulls, curtain tiebacks, or even as table legs. You could also display collections of bobbins on shelves or in glass jars as decorative vignettes that celebrate the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials, sizes and finishes that create an interesting contrast within your decor. Mixing bobbins with modern elements will balance out your living space, highlighting the uniqueness of each piece while while injecting a renewed sense of depth and character into your interiors. I suggest embrace the bobbin trend as an ode to the simple handcrafted design projects of the past.
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY IN THE HOME
Colour psychology in the home
Exploring the reasons behind the popularity of colors such as copper, black, green, blush pink, and orange.
**Questions:**
1. Why is black paint a prevalent choice in 2024, and what emotional effects does it elicit?
Black paint has become a popular choice in 2024 due to its ability to evoke sophistication, elegance, and a sense of mystery within interior spaces. These emotional touches convey a sense of dramatic ambiance while bringing a contemporary sensibility to the room. When implemented strategically, black can also serve as a versatile backdrop to illuminate of other colors and elements within the space.
2. Why has copper seen a recent surge in popularity?
The recent surge in popularity of copper can be attributed to its warm and inviting properties, which make it an excellent choice for adding a dose of luxury or refinement to your interiors. Copper tones exude a sense of warmth, glamour, and timelessness, fitting well with both modern and traditional design schemes. Its ability to reflect light can also make a space feel brighter and more welcoming.
3. What colors and shades do you recommend for various rooms, including the bedroom, office, living room, and bathroom?
Bedrooms are suited to soft blues and greens, which tend to offer a calming effect. Meanwhile, warm neutrals promote an air of cosiness, which is perfect for a bedroom setting. On the other hand, a home office would benefit from energising colours like shades of yellow or green, which are proven to boost creativity and focus. At the same time, living rooms typically favour shades of brown or terracotta, while bathrooms are carried by cool blues or greens, which contribute to a spa-like atmosphere.
4. Which colors are beneficial for enhancing productivity, happiness, calmness, and intimacy?
You can increase productivity by incorporating blue tones into your interior design, to elicit a baseline of calm and focus. If it's happiness you're after, experiment with cheerful yellows or energetic oranges. Craft a calm atmosphere with neutrals like soft greys or muted pastels. Deep shades of red and warm blush pinks are conducive to intimate romantic contexts. Ultimately, each color choice has the potential to significantly impact the mood and functionality of a space, so it's essential to select them carefully based on your desired outcome.
THINGS THAT ARE A WASTE OF MONEY AND THINGS THAT ARE NOT
Things That Are a Waste of Money According to Designers, and Things That Aren't
1. "What furniture/decor items are considered a waste of money, and why?"
2. "What furniture/decor pieces are worth the investment?"
3. "Do you have specific product examples of items worth investing in?"
Items like trendy, high-priced furniture that lack quality craftsmanship and longevity tend to be a waste of money. Instead, opt for excellent quality items. Durable craftsmanship generally results in an item having a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Timeless styles remain relevant, so you should avoid styles that run the risk of becoming outdated. It's crucial to invest in pieces that stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability.
Investing in timeless, high-quality foundational pieces like a well-made sofa or a handcrafted dining table is always worth it. These pieces serve as the backbone of a room's design and can heighten its aesthetic for years to come.
For those looking to make sound investments, consider classic items such as a well-crafted leather sofa, a solid wood dining table, or iconic designer pieces that hold their value over time. These items not only improve a space’s visual appeal, but also offer long-term functionality and style.
Investing in statement lighting fixtures, original artworks, or custom-made furniture can add a unique touch to a space and elevate its design. These pieces not only reflect individual style but also appreciate in value over time, making them worthy investments in the long run.
SCOTTISH-INSPIRED INTERIORS
Scottish-Inspired Interiors
Incorporating different tartans is a great way to add Scottish design trends and personality to your home. Tartan patterns are thought to date back to the early medieval ages in Scotland and the plaid wool fabric signified different regional Scottish clans and families. For a bold Scottish flair, choose full tartan upholstered furniture like a fabric sofa, lounge chair or ottoman in a tartan pattern. Red Stewart or Black Watch tartans work well for rich upholstery with a colour that pops. Lightweight Scottish cashmere or wool tartan throws make cosy accents draped over sofas, armchairs and beds or for small hits of tartan pattern, arrange decorative pillows in different Scottish tartan plaids on sofas or beds. Mix up the sizes and shapes of the pillows with lumbar pillows, scatter cushions or simple squares to display the different tartan patterns. A bold tartan rug under a console or dining table also makes a fun focal point or a vibrant Scottish tartan wallpaper mural or wallpaper borders can work as focal accent walls in rooms.
For the classic, brooding Scottish castle look, choose substantial, ornate furniture made from rich dark woods like mahogany, walnut or oak. For a more rustic highland aesthetic, you could add more rugged furnishings made from untreated oak or pine woods. Leather upholstery also fits well for either castles or highlands inspiration, especially deep reddish-browns and leather-tufted patterns. Iron and antler chandeliers and sconces have a definite Scottish castle vibe so I would recommend using ones with ornate metal flourishes or stag motifs. For the highlands style, go for simpler shapes like wrought iron candelabras or natural branch lights. For that full-on Scottish castle vibe, display items like swords, shields, bagpipes, hunting horns and taxidermy stag heads or add intricate Celtic-designed items like candlesticks, bookends and frames. For Highland inspiration, use more raw, organic accessories from iron, wood, bone, stone and leather materials.
Using classic woollen tweed fabrics is another way to channel Scottish interior style. For a traditional gentleman's study look, choose hearty Scottish tweed upholstery on a leather armchair or lounge sofa. Checks, herringbones and flecked tweed patterns look smart and you could add texture with lumber pillows covered in wool tweed fabrics placed on living room seating. I would recommend using muted tones like tan or grey mixed with bolder red and green plaids. Grand statement ottomans or storage pouffes upholstered in thick panels of Scottish tweed make fun casual seating to place around your living room. Tweed also works well as a material for rugs so layer natural jute or wool with grey or brown tweed checks under seating areas to define spaces with Scottish flair.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT KITCHEN SINK
Choosing the right kitchen sink.
Choosing a kitchen sink, and how you can work out which option is best for you.
Before deciding on a kitchen sink, you first need to determine the appropriate material for your specific kitchen, considering both the aesthetic and functional value of your various options. How frequently do you use the sink? How often are you likely to clean it? These questions are absolutely pivotal. If the sink is going to get a lot of use, you'll want a more durable material like stainless steel, which is naturally resilient and requires minimal maintenance work. Meanwhile, porcelain sinks are more susceptible to scuffs and stains, but can be detached from the base relatively easily, which can make plumbing jobs easier.
You'll also need to opt for a sink that is the right size. Generally speaking, the larger models tend to be more expensive than the smaller ones. It's vital that you take measurements around the sink area so you can come to a confident conclusion regarding the dimensions of your ideal kitchen sink. You don't want your sink to look out of proportion compared to the rest of the room. An excessively large sink can result in a small kitchen appearing even smaller. Furthermore, you need to take into account any adjustments you might need to make to the surrounding cabinets and counters, and weigh up the cost:benefit ratio of potentially overhauling your kitchen layout.
HOW TO SERVE DRINKS STYLISHLY IN YOUR GARDEN
How to Serve Drinks Stylishly in Your Garden
To serve drinks stylishly in a small backyard, consider using a bar cart or portable serving station that can be easily moved around and doesn't take up too much space. I also recommend opting for space-saving drinkware, such as stemless wine glasses or stackable tumblers.
You can try decorating the drink area with a small tablecloth, fresh flowers, or a decorative tray to add a touch of style and elegance, too. And, when it comes to the actual drinks, I find that creating a signature drink or cocktail that matches the theme of your gathering always goes down a treat! Display it with garnishes and colourful straws, and you’re onto a winner.
Best Way to Get Heat in Your Garden
You’ll want your backyard/garden area to be comfortable for all your guests. This includes keeping it heated so everyone stays warm. A portable patio heater is great for a small area as it takes up minimal space and can be easily moved around as needed.
You should consider using a fire pit or chiminea, too, which not only provides warmth, but also adds a cosy ambiance to the space. If it’s not too chilly, I suggest utilising outdoor blankets or throws for guests to wrap themselves in if they start to feel a nip in the air.
If your budget allows, and you regularly have guests, you can consider installing an outdoor heating system, such as radiant heaters or infrared heaters, that can be mounted on walls or ceilings to save space.
Tips For Integrating Seating Into a Small Garden
As well as being comfortably warm, you’ll want your guests to sit comfortably. Opt for multifunctional furniture, such as benches with built-in storage, or ottomans that can double as seating and storage.
Try using space-saving seating options, too, like folding chairs or stools that can be easily stored away when not in use. I like to incorporate built-in seating by adding benches along the edges of the backyard or utilising retaining walls as seating areas. This is convenient and also looks smart.
Consider using smaller-scale furniture or modular pieces that can be rearranged to fit the available space. This is ideal for smaller patio areas where you haven’t got room for large tables and countless numbers of chairs.
Alternative to a Full Outdoor Kitchen For a Small Backyard Area
Some ideas I suggest include setting up a mobile grill or barbecue station that can be easily moved around and stored when not in use. You can even create a designated cooking area using a portable kitchen island or a foldable table with shelves for storage.
Or, utilise countertop appliances like electric griddles, portable induction cooktops, or outdoor pizza ovens for cooking without the need for a full kitchen setup. Additionally, I suggest you make use of a serving cart or small table with a built-in sink for food preparation and cleaning. Be creative!
Tips for Hosting Dinner Parties in a Small Patio/Garden
One of my top tips for hosting a dinner party in a small backyard area is to opt for buffet-style or family-style serving. This can save space on individual place settings. You can also arrange seating in a circular or U-shape layout to maximise conversation and make the space feel more intimate. This is a great way of getting everyone involved in conversations, too.
Use vertical space by hanging string lights, lanterns, or planters from overhead structures like pergolas or awnings. These can make the space feel cosy and more welcoming. I love to set my table with colourful linens, candles, and floral centrepieces as a way to create an inviting, friendly atmosphere.
Like I suggested above, for small spaces, consider using folding tables or extendable tables that can be adjusted to accommodate different party sizes.
Zoning a Small Backyard For Entertaining
I always recommend creating distinct areas for different activities, such as a dining area, a lounge area, and a games area. This way, guests can feel comfortable in their chosen area at different times of the party. Try some outdoor rugs or different flooring materials to visually separate the zones.
You can also use plants, trellises, or privacy screens to define boundaries and create a sense of enclosure. Or, if you have the budget and time, install outdoor structures like pergolas or gazebos to provide designated spaces for specific activities.
Adding Surface Space in a Small Backyard
When you need some extra surface space for drinks and food, you can use folding tables. These are compact and lightweight and can be easily set up and stored away when not in use.
Take advantage of hanging or wall-mounted surfaces, too. Installing wall-mounted shelves or drop-leaf tables are great ways to maximise how much space you have. These can also be folded down when not needed.
I suggest choosing furniture pieces like storage benches or ottomans with hidden compartments to serve dual purposes, and implement tiered plant stands. Place your plant stands or shelves strategically throughout the garden to create additional surface space.
Finally, invest in a portable bar cart or trolley with wheels and multiple shelves for easy mobility and ample storage. Yes, it costs a little extra, but if you have regular dinner parties, carts and trolleys will pay for themselves!
Lighting Tips
When lighting a small garden for a dinner party, string lights always look great! Hang them across the space for a warm and enchanting glow. Drape along fences, wrap around tree branches, or suspend them overhead to look down on everyone like glistening stars.
Lanterns or candles never fail! Place them on tables, ledges, or along walkways to provide soft, flickering light. Opt for flameless candles for safety, or use citronella candles to repel mosquitoes.
Spotlights and/or uplighting can be used to highlight key garden features like trees, plants, or architectural elements for added depth and visual interest.
You can consider installing solar-powered garden lights along pathways or in flower beds for energy-efficient illumination. They require minimal maintenance and improve safety during nighttime gatherings.
Tips For Outdoor Film Nights in Small Garden Areas
If you want to host an outdoor film night in your garden, you should ensure you get a portable projection screen of the required size and is durable for long-lasting use. Make sure you choose a suitable location for the projector for an unobstructed view, too. Or, you can simply set up the TV outside!
Back to comfort! Arrange comfortable seating options with cushions, bean bags, or folding chairs, and provide blankets for added comfort on cooler evenings.
For the most immersive experience, connect the projector to external speakers or a portable sound system. Surround sound would be even better! Just ensure the sound is loud enough without disturbing neighbours.
Provide popcorn, snacks, and drinks, or ask guests to bring their own to save some cash. If you put on a spread, make sure you offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes.
Soft lighting can play an important role, too, by creating a cosy atmosphere. I recommend using string lights or lanterns.
Sound and Scent to Create The Perfect Party Ambience
Sound and scents can play important roles in creating a party ambience. For music, set up speakers strategically around the party area to distribute sound evenly. Create playlists or use streaming services to curate a selection of upbeat and tunes that match the vibe or, if you have a theme, make sure the music is associated with it.
When it comes to scents, I recommend setting up scented candles or incense around the garden. Choose pleasant aromas that complement the outdoor environment, like lavender, jasmine, citrus, or fresh herbs. Place them strategically around the seating area or near the entrance to welcome guests with inviting fragrances.
BACKSPLASH BLENDING TRENDING KITCHEN DESIGN
Backsplash Blending Trending Kitchen Designs
1. Can you explain what backsplash blending is and why it's gaining popularity in kitchens in 2024?
A backsplash is essentially the centrepiece of your kitchen, acting as an extension of the kitchen counter. Backsplash blending is when you seamlessly blend a range of different textures together. This act is growing in prominence, likely because it gives indecisive owners the chance to blend together a couple of their favourite design schemes. The backsplash is typically positioned around the stove, although some people choose to spread their blends out further.
2. What materials (like limestone, marble, terrazzo, etc) are being used for this?
Some of the most popular backsplash materials include marble, porcelain and glass among others.
3. Where is it being used? Behind the stove, in the entire kitchen, does it go up the entire wall, or is it a half wall? Be specific and share if there is more than one way to do it or a project where you did it multiple ways.
Most backsplashes only extend the kitchen counter by a couple of inches although some have stretched as far as the ceiling. Backsplash blending is becoming more and more commonplace with each passing year.
4. What type of homes is this most popular/seen most in? Farmhouse, Scandanavian, high-end luxury homes, or can everyday homes use it too, etc.?
Blended backsplashes aren't limited to any particular type of house, although they are primarily found in homes belonging to younger generations. It's ultimately seen as a modern, forward-thinking trend.
5. Cost and benefits of this trend. Is a blended backsplash better than a separate backsplash? Are separate backsplash and different countertops no longer appealing? Or do both work?
The price of a blended backsplash can vary depending on the materials used. Those who stick mostly to ceramic tiles can get it done relatively cheaply, whereas those who go for the fancier materials will likely end up paying more. A traditional backsplash can still be incredibly effective. Blended backsplashes are simply seen as the more exciting and experimental prospect right now. There is currently no telling how long the trend will last, even if it's currently in full swing.
VIRTUAL VISUALS SUPERCHARGE LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Virtual visuals supercharge luxury interior design & development
High end interior design and the marketing of new homes is an aesthetic feast. The process has long been entrenched in visuals and projecting ideas into the future but the process needs tools. Inspiration can still be drawn from the holy trinity of design magazines – Elle Decoration, Living etc and Wallpaper – and the mood board can’t be surpassed for its ability to bring tactile, tangible experiences to the client but technology has transformed how interior designers present ideas.
One of our core services at Rudolph Diesel Interiors is the creation of computer generated images – commonly known as CGIs. Using a few details, such as room dimensions and the property’s orientation, we can fully populate a space with colour, texture, furniture and light, creating an accurate depiction of how a room could look when transformed.
CGIs also allow us to express remodelling plans without the client taking the risk of knocking down walls or adding a mezzanine floor, only to be unhappy with the result. Different iterations of CGIs are relatively easy to produce, in line with requested changes, leaving our team confident they can execute a project that will delight and fit the brief.
As well as static CGIs, Rudolph Diesel Interiors creates full virtual walkthroughs. We take 2D technical drawings and turn them into fully navigable 3D models brimming with our chosen furniture, colour schemes and accessories. Users can walk from room-to-room, getting a unique feel for the flow of space and cohesiveness of the design.
Our full virtual walkthroughs are incredibly popular with house builders who take a meticulous approach to off plan developments, with developers commissioning show homes, and with architects and project managers in charge of substantial refurbishment projects.
In an exciting development, Rudolph Diesel Interiors has been able to blend its CGI and virtual walkthrough expertise with its property styling service and retail offering. Our virtual boutique is an immersive digital experience that allows the user to walk through a beautifully-styled CGI property.
Every item featured is available to buy from Rudolph Diesel Interiors – visitors can simply click on the shopping trolley icon by the product they are interested in to be taken to the merchandise page of our virtual shop. It’s a simple and effective way to achieve a highly-curated designer interior – ideal for landlords offering a furniture package and developers looking to ‘stage’ a show home.
If you would like to see your ideas interpreted by Rudolph Diesel Interiors, then brought to life using CGIs and virtual walkthroughs, please do get in touch.
WOODEN INTERIOR ACCENTS
Wooden slats: designer faux pas or a wonder for walls?
When we think about decorating walls, we usually gravitate to one of two options: paint or wallpaper. There is, however, a third option that is persistently chronicled in high end interior design tomes and that’s panelling.
Square panelling – the type usually stained dark brown, adorned with decorative mouldings and seen in stately homes - is a timeless classic but it’s very hard to transport this style from its period echelon to a 21st century home. Unless it’s original, the advice is to love square panelling from afar.
There is a wooden alternative that can have an immense impact in the modern home and that’s wooden slats. A quick internet search will show how property styling has embraced the slat over the years – and lessons can be learned.
Thin but wide slats affixed to walls were commonplace in the 1960s and 1970s. If you need a visual guide, Google Don Draper’s office and check out what a mid-century designer interior looked like. The sets from the hit TV show Mad Men replicated the chestnut brown wood panelling that was very ‘of the era’. Nostalgic? Maybe. Dated? Definitely.
The 1980s saw the wide adoption of tongue and groove wood panelling. Walls were fitted with pine planks that were fitted together with no gaps and often left in their natural state. The end result? Rooms that resembled Swedish saunas with a rather orange glow.
Today, interior designers prefer narrow, timber slats. Individual battens or panels with pre-fixed slats can create an amazing wall statement. Today’s preference is for slats to be set with a slight gap in between, which creates a more contemporary look. The choice of wood is also broader, with slats available in larch, walnut and ash. Oak is still around too but in smoked, washed and grey finishes.
Wooden slat considerations:
For a sophisticated drop-shadow effect, paint the wall the wooden slats will sit on in black or dark grey or green
Allow roughly a 1cm gap between each slat
Consider LED illumination, which can sit between, above or below the slats
Colour-match your slats to the rest of the room’s décor by painting them
To avoid overkill, confine slats to just one wall or just the bottom half of a room
Affix the slats vertically, unless your aim is to create the illusion of a lower ceiling
If you need help choosing the right wooden detail for your walls, please contact Rudolph Diesel Interiors for guidance.
WHY I LOVE ST. JOHN’S WOOD
WHY I LOVE ST. JOHN’S WOOD
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
St. John’s Wood and The Beatles will forever be entwined and the Fab Four have left an indelible mark on NW8. Perhaps the most famous is the Abbey Road zebra crossing – chosen as the cover location for the band’s album of the same road name. It is reported that photographer Ian Macmillan had just 10 minutes to capture the shot, taking six frames before the traffic resumed. In 2010, the crossing – together with Abbey Road Studios – was declared a Grade II listed site for its cultural significance. You can visit the crossing to recreate the famous album cover and while there, you may spot music royalty heading into the Abbey Road Studios, which has been used by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Adele. If it’s sport, and not 60s music, that floats your boat, St. John’s Wood is also home to Lord’s Cricket Ground – one of the finest sporting venues in the country.
Love to shop
No visit to St. John’s Wood is complete without a stop at Panzers Delicatessen. It has been providing the local community with fresh bread, meats, cheeses and store-cupboard staples, including London’s finest selection of kosher ingredients, for more than 75 years. Resistance is futile, so my next stop will be Leonidas – a fine chocolatier on St. John’s Wood High Street. A small box of Bretagnes – dark chocolates with caramel cream and sea salt from Guérande – will no doubt find their way home with me. If I’m putting the finishing touches to a high end interior design, I’ll pop into Lords at Home, where I can buy the latest Le Creuset stoneware and Riedel wine glasses.
Love to eat
If you like brasserie-style dining accompanied by a side of luxurious interiors, book a table at St. John’s Wood’s branch of The Ivy. Bold colours, Art Deco mirrors and vibrant paintings of birds certainly catch the eye. Taking French dining up a notch is Soutine, where the classics take pride of place. Choose from steak tartare or coq au Riesling, followed by tarte au citron or a crème brûlée. The interior design is also magnifique. Led by Jeremy King and Shayne Brady of BradyWilliams, there’s lashing of Parisian-inspired art, custom tiling and a marble-topped bar.If your visit to St. John’s Wood is outside of lunch or dinner, head to AT Feast. There’s a food or drink offering whatever time of day, from breakfast, brunch and supper-time sharing boards to juices, cocktails and take-out coffees. Don’t grab and go, however, as the venue has an amazing biophilic design, decorated in the most gorgeous shades of green with a generous display of house plants.
WHY I LOVE ISLINGTON
WHY I LOVE ISLINGTON
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Islington has long been the focus for cutting-edge design and the heartbeat is the Business Design Centre. Regular events and exhibitions see the world’s leading textile, art, graphic and homeware designers trend-set for the years ahead. A permanent design feature that is unmistakably Islington is Everyman’s Screen on the Green – a retro cinema with an iconic illuminated façade. Catch a film while enjoying cocktails, pizzas and sharing plates. Not to be missed is Islington Square – a collection of shops, dining experiences and social opportunities at the more independent end of the leisure spectrum. Highlights include a meta gaming arena, the Omnom wellness hub, theatre spaces and a subterranean six-screen cinema.
Love to shop
Any self-respecting interior designer will put aside at least an hour to visit the Abigail Ahern shop on Islington’s Essex Road. The in-store range spans faux botanicals, furniture, paint, wall art, soft furnishings, accessories and lighting. Aria’s One Six Eight showroom on Upper Street is another must visit. As well as products for every room and the most coveted brands - including Saba, Ligne Roset, Jonathan Adler and Ercol - Aria has a beautifully-curated selection of clothes, watches and gifts. If your shopping habits lean more towards the larder, then stop by The Passage Pantry. Here the shelves groan with spices, sauces, oils and even biodynamic wines.
Love to eat
Ottolenghi in Islington never disappoints on the food - and aesthetic – front. The luxury interior of the venue has even been documented by Design Week. Expect to be seated at long communal tables with modern, sculpted plastic chairs. Fresh pasta is one of the ultimate comfort foods and if I need a bowl of Genovese ragu or brown shrimp and ricotta ravioli, I head to Noci near Angel Tube station. As well as silken pasta, there’s Sicilian street food-inspired snacks and cocktails on tap. Staying in Europe but infused with completely different flavours is Kipferl – an Austrian restaurant and patisserie. It’s a cliché but go there and feast on wiener schnitzel and sachertorte, washed down with a glass of Grüner Veltliner.
WHY I LOVE BLACKHEATH
WHY I LOVE BLACKHEATH
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
The Ranger’s House is a real spectacle, located where Blackheath Common joins Greenwich Park. This gorgeous Georgian villa is home to The Wernher Collection – a world-class display of more than 700 pieces of art, including Dutch Old Masters and French tapestries. Another historic building is Blackheath Halls – a grade II listed cultural hub that plays host to orchestras, ensembles, artists and comedians. Visitors shouldn’t overlook the heath itself. This open expanse offers ideal conditions for kite flying and there’s even an annual Kite Day, when Blackheath’s sky is filled with colourful sails. At other times of the year, you’ll find circuses, fairgrounds and music festivals set up on the 250 acres of heathland.
Love to shop
Blackheath Village is a cluster of shops that create a real retail buzz. As a luxury interior designer, I’ll always stop by the village’s branch of Fired Earth. Of particular interest will be the freestanding baths and the highly-decorative tiles. As Blackheath is brimming with period properties, it’s no surprise that Farrow & Ball has a branch in the village. If you are interior decorating in London, this is where to collect your tins of Railings and Slipper Satin. Behind the unmistakable yellow façade on Montpelier Vale is Blackheath Creatives Pop Up. No two shopping experiences are the same, with a heady mix of original art, jewellery, vintage clothes, prints, toys and gifts.
Love to eat
Zero Degrees has been a Blackheath institution for decades. Its onsite microbrewery provides the taps with a dazzling selection of unique beers (Czech Pilsners and American Pale ales are on the list), while there’s ample table space for a full menu to be served seven days a week. The aromas wafting out of Boulangerie Jade always prove tempting, and I often find myself inside ordering French toast, avocado tartine or eggs benedict. My carb intake is not helped by the fact there are three branches of the French-inspired bakery in Blackheath – at 48 Vanbrugh Park, 44 Tranquil Vale and 28a Blackheath Village. Some of the best commercial design luxury can be seen at Copper & Ink. This restaurant has a huge biophilic ceiling installation, stunning artwork and open kitchen – all designed to keep you occupied while you await your mouth-watering meal.
NARROW HALLWAYS
How to tackle a narrow hallway
The definition of a hallway is a passage that links one space or room to another. Traditionally, hallways were not designed as places to linger or dwell and are usually narrow as a result, often lacking in natural light.
With a little imagination and creativity, narrow hallways can actually contribute to a designer interior. If your hallway is dark as well as narrow, the simplest antidote is to use a light paint colour across all surfaces, including the woodwork and the ceiling. Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth or Paint & Paper Library’s Fuji are perfect shades, as they reflect any light and appear to push the walls outwards, rather than draw them closer.
You could try giving the illusion of more hallway width by using a dado rail to separate the walls into two sections. Painting a darker colour at the bottom and a lighter colour above works especially well if you can incorporate the wall at the end of a hallway.
While interior designers love to add interest with pattern, a narrow hallway is one place we would advise against it. Busy wallpaper can make a narrow hallway feel more enclosed than it actually is, so opt for something plain.
Don’t forget what you put on the floor also matters. A heavily-patterned carpet can make a hallway feel gloomy, while a runner will only serve to elongate thin, narrow proportions.
While tempting to avoid furniture in a narrow hallway, a few key items will stop the space feeling like a hotel corridor. Opt for shallow console tables and low benches that don’t feel too blocky or bulky. Look for slimline proportions, elegant spindle legs and open framework designs.
When property styling, mirrors are always a useful design tool. When faced with a narrow hallway, I recommend a large mirror is hung close to the largest source of natural light – be that a front door or a first floor window. The light amplification and reflection will help open up the space.
Finally, and perhaps most simply, the illusion of a wider hallway can be created by keeping room doors open so glimpses of bigger spaces are seen. Failing that, solid internal doors can be replaced with fully- or partially-glazed versions so there is an impression of depth even when the doors are shut.
WHY I LOVE LITTLE VENICE
WHY I LOVE LITTLE VENICE
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Looking for Instagram-able content? Look no further than Little Venice. It’s a pretty enclave of Maida Vale, perched on the banks of the Regent’s Canal. Alight at Warwick Avenue Tube station and you’ll soon find yourself flanked by houseboats – immaculately painted, groaning with flower pots and housing some of the most creative yet luxurious interiors in London. Follow the tow path to Camden, taking in the tranquil nature of the area and the imposing Regency properties beyond. Keep a look out for Browning’s Island – a small wildlife-filled islet named after the famous poet who lived nearby – and for the Puppet Barge, which seasonally mores up in Little Venice with its programme of puppetry, cabaret and comedy.
Love to shop
No matter how long my meeting in Little Venice, I always make time for a trip to Clifton Nurseries. One of the highlights is the amazing glasshouse, which brims with lush plants and eye-catching pots. The café is open seven days a week for lunch, brunch, cakes and coffees, served alongside a healthy dose of biophilic design. You can easily cater for a sumptuous supper or a full-on dinner party in Little Venice. The Winery is loved by locals for its expertly curated selection of tipples, while the great and the good stock up at Clifton Greens – lauded by chef Yotam Ottolenghi as his favourite greengrocers of all time in London. Your last two stops should be the Provenance Butcher & Deli and Formosa Flowers & Chocolatier.
Love to eat
Don’t be fooled by Café Laville's inconspicuous roadside exterior. Step inside this traditional Italian restaurant and a light-filled venue opens up, sitting directly above the Regent’s Canal for unbeatable riverside views. The black-framed floor-to-ceiling glazing and glass lanterns form a high end interior design but the best spot? That’s outside on the balcony. Just as amazing is the Waterside Café, known for its amazing breakfasts. Board the barge to place your order, then find a table on the outside terrace or within the boat itself! Away from the canal, try Maguro for fresh sushi, The Summerhouse for seafood and Venice London for sweet treats and a Miami-vibe luxury interior design.
ADDING VALUE TO YOUR HOME
How to add value to your home?
Everyone wants their home to be as valuable as possible but that can be hard to achieve when property prices start cooling. Homeowners looking to improve their home’s value – perhaps ahead of a sale – don’t have to rely on the market. Instead, they can make improvements that will increase the property’s appeal and boost the chances of attractive offers.
Energy efficiency can fire up your home’s value
How much carbon a property produces and how low the fuel bills are has become a priority among movers. As a result, homes with the best EPC ratings are worth more than their less efficient counterparts. It’s a phenomenon recently crowned by Rightmove as the ‘green premium’. The portal found a home whose EPC had improved from a D to a C could see an increase in value of +3%, while a home whose EPC had risen from F to C could increase in value by as much as +15%. A separate study by BOXT found solar panels alone could lift a property’s value by up to +13%.
Cash in when it’s clean and clutter-free
According to research by the House Buyer Bureau, an untidy, messy or dirty house can knock -4% off a home’s value. Additionally, pet damage or odours can reduce a property’s value by -3.9%. Value is added when a potential buyer walks through the door and feels the space is bright, airy, open and fresh smelling. Less is definitely more when you’re property styling, so lose the knick-knacks, light a naturally-fragranced candle and perform a deep clean.
Kerb appeal is king
Having an overgrown garden could knock -14% off a home’s value, according to the House Buyer Bureau, so a mow, weed, prune and tidy is a small price to pay to ensure a property reaches its full value potential. A freshly painted front door is always a winner and what colour you choose could affect your home’s value. A study by Safestyle found properties with red front doors can see their value increase by approximately +36%, while homes with grey front doors can sell for +20% more than the national average. Black (+11%) and blue (+2%) are other smart paint choices.
Planning permission in place is a winner
Although it’s not a tangible home improvement, having planning permission in place for an extension or alteration can boost a home’s value. In fact, property expert Phil Spencer divulged to This Is Money that applying and gaining planning permission – but not undertaking the work - can increase a property’s value by +10% and can help it sell more quickly. Rudolph Diesel Interiors can create interior design CGIs to bring any plans to life and highlight tantalising potential.
Alternative ways to add value
There has been extensive research into the home improvements that add the most value. Here are the most common, together with their potential value boost, according to the Post Office:
Garden landscaping - up to +77% in added value
Home gym - up to +44% in added value
Extension - up to +37% in added value
Walk-in wardrobe - up to +34% in added value
Jacuzzi/hot tub - up to +27% in added value
Well fitted new kitchen – up to +26% in added value
Basement conversion - up to +17% in added value
Conservatory - up to +10% in added value
New driveway - up to +9% in added value
Wet room - up to +7% in added value
HOW TO GET YOUR HOME AND GARDEN READY FOR AUTUMN
How to get your home and garden ready for autumn
Summer always feels like the shortest season of all and around mid-August, thoughts turn to a new academic year starting, and the inevitable mists and mellow fruitfulness that follows. The changing season and shorter daylight hours is also a reminder of jobs to undertake around your home and garden to get ready for autumn.
Gardens: autumn is a time for preparation. The soil will still be warm, therefore it’s the ideal
time to move plants and divide perennials. You can also prune shrubs that have flowered, apply mulch to beds for added cold-weather protection, dig in horticultural grit to improve drainage, and lay an irrigation system as your flora dies back and enters into its dormant period.
Exteriors: prevention is definitely better than cure, so now is the time to prepare for inclement weather. Fence panels can be problematic during storms, so check their condition now, replacing, repairing or simply repainting if they’re looking a little sun bleached. Roofs are another place to concentrate your efforts. Look for missing or broken tiles before the seasons change, and remove any moss that’s built up. Ditto drain pipes and guttering – use the last of the fine weather to clear out and secure.
Energy efficiency: we’re all acutely aware of how much it costs to heat and power our homes, so use this time while it’s still warm to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Add extra loft insulation, investigate solar panels and heat pumps, book a boiler service, draught proof windows and doors, and install a smart energy meter.
If you have older white goods and kitchen appliances, check their energy rating. It may be more efficient in the long run to replace them with more energy and water-efficient models. The most efficient appliances are A+++ rated, with G being the worst. Don’t forget you can improve your home’s thermal efficiency by switching to thick, insulating curtains – a good interior designer will steer you in the direction of some truly opulent examples.
Interiors: as the nights draw in and temperatures cool, we find we’re spending more time back inside. Autumn is a great season to redecorate. Perhaps set aside a wet weekend to repaint one room, install wood panelling or wallpaper a cloakroom. If you have an open fire, it’s also wise to get the chimney swept before you light the first fire of the season.
If you’re hoping for a totally new look for autumn, now is the time to consult with an interior design studio in London and plan a new, luxury interior design. Rudolph Diesel can assist with space planning, CGI artwork, specification, structural changes and aesthetic revamps.
WHY I LOVE TOOTING
WHY I LOVE TOOTING
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Tooting Bec Lido is one of the oldest and largest open-air swimming pools in the UK, dating back to 1906 and enjoying a Grade II listing. This Art Deco facility has been extensively improved since opening as a bathing lake, with a pavilion, café, showers, a sunbathing area and colourful changing cubicles added over the years. The lido is set to reopen in late 2024 after the latest set of improvement works is completed. Tooting Bec Common is another area highlight. The focal point is a beautiful lake – grab a coffee from the on-site café and take a stroll. If you’re feeling active, you can book one of the Common’s tennis courts. Luxurious interiors and bingo are not common bedfellows but it’s quite a different story in Tooting. The current Buzz Bingo is actually the former Granada cinema and music hall. The ornate interior was created by Russian stage set designer, Theodore Komisarjevsky, and earned the building Grade I listed status. The lavish design remains intact but if bingo isn’t your thing, the venue is sometimes included in the Open House Weekend initiative.
Love to shop
Cycle Culture ticks so many boxes but I’ve included this venue in the shopping section. It’s an indoor cycle studio and a coffee shop with a cool Scandi luxury interior design but its holistic approach to living means the owners have also added an in-house plant shop. Drop in and buy your next dragon plant! Tooting has not one but two indoor markets and they have allowed weird, wonderful and less mainstream businesses to thrive. Find specialist record stalls, an art gallery, haberdashery stockists and a myriad of pop-up street food stalls at Broadway Market and Tooting Market.
Love to eat
The interior designer has done a fantastic job at The Little Taperia on Tooting High Street, replicating the feel of an authentic Spanish tapas bar. Expect to eat delicious small dishes sitting on stools at a long bar. Daddy Bao is another great Tooting spot for light bites and unusual cocktails. The prized seats are set around the bespoke golden bar – don’t be surprised if you’re sitting next to an interior designer who’s eyeing up the pretty lanterns with a Japanese Slipper in hand. At the other end of the spectrum is the beautiful simplicity of Rick’s Dining Room – owned and run by Rick Gibbs, former Head Chef at the Chelsea Arts Club. Head here for modern European cuisine and the best fish dishes in town.
USE BRICK SLIPS FOR A SUBLIME ILLUSION
Use brick slips for a sublime illusion
Some of the most luxurious interior design details have centred around deceiving the eye. You only have to look at the Greeks and Romans for their love of trompe-l'œil, with the artist Zeuxis reportedly painting a bunch of grapes so realistic that birds tried to peck at the fruit.
Interior designers still use optical illusions today, deploying horizontal stripes to give a narrow room the impression of more width and painting high ceilings in dark colours to make the room feel more cosy. Another favourite is to use brick slips to give the appearance of a full-scale original brick wall.
Brick is firmly back in fashion. The 1990s saw us embrace urban loft living – an aesthetic that has become an enduring classic - with the raw brick walls of former warehouses left exposed to create internal focal points. Now homeowners are stripping back their exteriors to reveal the original brickwork that was previously covered by monstrosities such as stone cladding and pebble dashing.
No one mentions, however, the time, hard work and investment needed to restore brickwork back to its original state - it’s not for the faint hearted. Thankfully there is a convenient option for those who crave the warm, tactile and earthy aura of exposed brickwork – and for those whose homes are of a different construction inside and out.
Brick slips are slivers of real brick but thinner, lighter and cheaper than the full-size building material. They are applied to surfaces as if they were tiles, using adhesive but with pointing mortar instead of grout for an authentic finish.
Brick slips are sold in two formats. Those that are sold as individual slips give the best illusion of a real brick wall, and are available in the widest choice of colours and tonal variations. Suppliers even replicate some of London’s best loved brick stock, with Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Camden, Bayswater and Lambeth examples available alongside the classic Victorian and London reclaimed stock.
There’s also the option of slips sets, which feature up to 20 brick slips that are already laid out in a classic brickwork formation and are attached to a single piece of webbing. This is a cheaper and quicker way of covering a surface in brick slips but it can suffer from a lack of unique detail.
The beauty of brick slips is being able to use them on external walls as well as those inside the home. Slips are a great way of cladding a new extension to match an existing, period building or ensuring a garden room of modern construction mirrors the main house.
An alternative to brick slips are faux brick panels. These are lightweight, have excellent insulation and acoustic properties, and are non-permeable. Each panel can cover an area roughly one metre square, and is made of polyurethane and stone for a tactile finish - and even that cold-to-the-touch aspect of real brick.
Our interior design studio in London would be delighted to illustrate how brick slips can be used as part of a wider property refurbishment. Please contact us to explore some ideas.
WHY I LOVE BALHAM
WHY I LOVE BALHAM
Rudolph Diesel is the head of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London and the Home Counties that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
In all the years I have been writing about local areas, I have never recommended readers visit a swimming pool but there’s always a first! Ensconced in the more modern Balham Leisure Centre is a pool that dates back to 1914. The owners have resisted the urge to modernise, and you can admire the vaulted ceiling and decorative metal supports as you perform your backstroke. If that sounds too strenuous, make your way to The Exhibit – a social hub that crams in five bars, four private rooms, a cinema, a karaoke room and a secret garden. What unites each space is a luxurious interior design – a place where Miami vibes and Art Deco meet urban luxe.
Love to shop
Balham has retained a neighbourhood feel, resisting the cloned High Street aesthetic. This has allowed independent and unusual shops to flourish, including Lark. Head inside for a homewares section bursting with cushions, candles and all manner of curiosities. Postmark is another small, family run business. It sells beautiful greeting cards, wrapping paper and stationery so you can mark life’s milestones in style. If it’s food you’re after, Balham Farmers’ Market is a weekly affair, held every Saturday at Henry Cavendish Primary School. Browse the stalls for store cupboard staples and supper ingredients, with produce including raw milk, cheese, game, honey and charcuterie on sale.
Love to eat
Brunch in Balham is big news and Milk café is where the locals head. As a result, you can sometimes wait around 20 minutes for a seat at the weekend but it’s worth it. Choose from wholesome eggs, bread and bakes, as well as excellent coffees, teas and a seasonal fruit kombucha. Balham Bowls Club is one of the quirkiest places to grab lunch. This social club and restaurant’s interior designer plumped for ‘granny chic’, with lashings of floral carpets, flock wallpaper, fringed lampshades and vintage crockery. Megan’s On The Hill is a favourite for late lunches and light dinners. The emphasis is on sharing boards, tapas and mezze, and there are rave reviews about the Ferrero Rocher iced coffee – a great way to end a meal. Don’t forget to look up when you’re at Megan’s as there’s stunning pieces of suspended ceiling art.