Living Etc

Admittedly I’m writing this in the dog days of August, but the first notes of crispness are crackling in the morning air, hinting at an autumn that, by the time you read this, will be well underway. And with it always comes a chance to reset, to put into practice any new intentions made over the summer, and to start, push through and finish any projects well before Christmas puts everything big on hold. This season will be embodied by smartness – a little flick like the upturn of a trench coat collar that gives some extra finesse. This smartness is in the more formal approach to dining that we saw in Milan earlier this year (full report on the trends from Italy on page 22) and it’s in the tailoring…

ALL HAIL THE STUDIO CHAIR If you haven’t already bought into the design sensation that is the Studio chair, get ready – the newest iteration of the collection by Buchanan Studio is out and it’s extremely persuasive. It sees the iconic striped and shapely chair joined by a series of new finishes, including Cowhide, Zebra and Teddy, as well as the debut of the Studio footstool – so you can double the comfort levels of this cosy set-up. Sharp yet informal, sophisticated yet playful, this is the series that delivers on balance – and a whole lot of fun.…

add flavour Let’s raise a toast to the Breakfast collection by Henry Holland Studio, reminding us of the nostalgic charm of a classic British fry-up. The Tomato salt and pepper shakes are inspired by the tomato sauce bottles found in roadside cafes, bringing a playfulness to a casual tablescape. Pair with a checked tablecloth and other items from the range to embrace the theme. £65 each, Henry Holland Studio FORMAND FUNCTION This Bistrot cutlery set by Sabre brings utilitarian chic to the table. The sleek but bold acrylic handles are available in multiple colourways, while the exposed rivets add a neat industrial touch. The set comprises a knife, fork, teaspoon and dessert spoon; a 24-piece cutlery set is also available, alongside matching serving utensils. It’s a great way to bring the cafe aesthetic…

CHAIR WEAVING Fair Isle strawback chairs use a very distinct frame construction and unique technique of straw knotting. Helping to preserve the skill, Shetland maker Eve Eunson is launching the Cubi chair in collaboration with Bard – a contemporary take made with an ash frame and Shetland aets straw. Made to order, Eve Eunson at Bard ENCAUSTIC TILES Encaustic tile-making is practised by five makers in Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s factory. The company is seeking to encourage a new generation of makers through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Aston University. The addition of cutting-edge technology is also helping to give the craft new relevance in modern design. From £10.25, Craven Dunnill Jackfield passementerie Heritage Trimmings, founded in 1991 to make gold, silver and silk passementerie for the restoration of the King’s apartments at Hampton Court Palace,…

A new wave of creatives is doing innovative and contemporary things with this wood-laying craft. One such example is the Pit-A-Pat table by Kit Kemp, created using a new magnetic technique developed by Schotten & Hansen, known for regenerable wooden flooring and surfaces. With a magnetic insert made up of interchangeable wooden veneer pieces, the idea is for the table – available in two designs– to be a functioning art piece that will evolve over time. Price on request, Kit Kemp Shop at Firmdale Hotels…

THE YEAR OF THE DINING CHAIR True, every year brings plenty of new dining chairs. But 2024 felt different, the focus having shifted from formal seating for formal rooms to relaxed seating for relaxed spaces. It marked an overall theme you’ll see a lot of in this report, of a way of facilitating comfort and good times to be had, moving home design away from the luxe glamour usually seen on the international stage towards a softer, more casual way of life. Sitting on the Dione chair designed by David Dolcini for Porada, I felt compelled to stroke the smooth wood arms, encased and enveloped in its inviting form. ‘It feels sensual, doesn’t it?’ David asked me. And he was right, it did, silkily so. I could easily imagine long evenings…