Andy Martin

Andy Martin has created a range of works from furniture and product through to restaurants and bars, to residential properties both in the United Kingdom and internationally. He is known for his use of light and dark space, natural light and playfulness with materials.Here are several pictures I picked out from restaurants and residential projects. His studio is based in London and I will be working with him on an upcoming project.

Personalised Christmas gifts

Here are some ideas of bespoke gifts for your loved ones for the festive season approaching...

1.Square breadboard or cheeseboard, 4 x 25cm square, £115 (including personalised engraving), and round breadboard or cheeseboard, 5 x 38cm diameter, £175 (including personalised engraving); both by the Oak and Rope Company, from www.notonthehighstreet.com 

2.Lavender filled linen hearts with bespoke embroidery, by Follie, 17cm long, £30 each, from www.notonthehighstreet.com

3.Felt cushion, “Silhouette”, with bespoke illustration and text, £120 at Monogrammed Linen Shop. http://www.monogrammedlinenshop.com/ 

4.Small leather jewellery roll (red), 20 x 9cm, £145 (plus gold stamped lettering at 5.95 a letter), at Smythson. http://www.smythson.com

Beautifully decorated cakes and muffins

Cooking and in particular baking has always been something I tried to avoid as a small child but slowly slowly I understood that their is beauty and creativity hidden in every recipe. Dawn Paidoussi's simple yet  beautifully unique creations should inspire all of us to spend more time in our kitchens....

DAWN'S CUPCAKES RECIPE

1 cup flour sifted
1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup oil
4 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
vanilla extract
2 tbspns plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk

Mix all dry ingredients and add all liquids.
Beat well !
Spoon into cupcake papers ~
half way and bake at 180 for 20 minutes.


ICING
1 cup icing sugar
1 tbspn butter
a little warm milk
Beat together till fluffy and spreadable.


ENJOY

Moroso

Since 1952 MOROSO has been designing its sofas, armchairs and accessories with well-known designers such as Ron Arad, Carlo Colombo, Enrico Franzolini, Marc Newson, Toshiyuki Kita and Patricia Urquiola.

I visited Moroso’s London showroom the other day and met Steen Olsen, Country Director of Moroso Ltd. In a very friendly atmosphere, Steen introduced me to the world of Moroso and all its wonderful furniture items.

I have made a selection of several pieces that I think are uniquely made and designed. Patricia Urquiola’s Bohemian collection gives a contemporary touch to the classic capitoné and the Bouquet armchair designed by Tokujin Yoshioka leaves you with a scent of freshness and a romantic atmosphere.The armchair I am sitting in is from the Diesel-Moroso collection where large cushions upholstered in leather define its shape and support the unique comfort. Too comfy for words to describe....

    

Poliform Christmas cooking event-Wednesday,December 8

Italian Style pre-Christmas event with innovative chef Riccardo de Pra at Poliform's flagship showroom in King's Road, SW3 London, on December 8,10:30am-12:30pm.Book your place in advance to enjoy italian delicacies and explore five floors of poliform's living,dining and bedroom furniture whilst having a sip of Prosecco. The Varenna Kitchen showroom is linked on two levels to the Poliform space and it will be there among the beautifully crafted modern kitchens, where the event will take place.

Tom Dixon shop now open in London

I have always been a fan of Tom Dixon and I have specifically admired his lighting collection. I was happy to hear that Tom Dixon has launched his first shop in Portobello Dock, Ladbroke Grove. Housed in a converted Victorian Wharf Building, the shop exclusively sells the full collection of lighting and furniture as well as work from a selection of other international designers. I think this store will become my next best thing to home....xxx

Shabby Chic trend

The beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living: these are the cornerstones of the Shabby Chic® brand. Interior Designer Rachel Ashwell , one of my personal favourites, stands out with the uniqeness of her shabby interiors . Like the cozy familiarity of a well-worn pair of faded jeans, the dilapidated elegance of an Italian villa, the worn grandeur of faded velvets and mismatched floral china handed down from your grandmother’s attic, the brand is a revived appreciation for what is used, well-loved, and worn, it is a respect for natural evolution and a regard for what is easy and sensible.You can visit her flagship stores in

• New York 117 Mercer Street, NY 10012
• California 1013 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
• London 202 Kensington Park Road, London, UK W11 1NR