11 Best Japandi Style Lights

&Tradition's elegant interpretation of Japandi style lights. The Formakami lamp collection, designed by Jaime Hayon.

It would be easy to take the ubiquitous paper lampshade for granted. They’re everywhere - a part of modern culture. Inspired by centuries old Chinese and Japanese ‘Chochin’ lanterns and now mass produced cheaply by brands like IKEA, they’ve been a mainstay of modern interiors for years. But it was the work of sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi that catapulted this unassuming classic into mid-century homes.

In 1951, Noguchi was invited by the mayor of Gifu, home to the Ozeki lantern factory, to breathe new life into this ancient craft. The result was the distinctive (but often imitated) ‘Akari’ collection. Combining electricity with the traditional bamboo frame and washi paper skin, he transformed the lantern. Their soft glowing ambiance feels instantly homely and there’s something ethereal about the way the light plays with the thinness of the paper. They are functional works of art.

Ethereal hand-pleated paper lamps designed by Le Klint, the 75th Anniversary model 375.

Where Japan Meets Scandinavia

Our innate need to create a home that feels safe, warm and harmonious has seen the rise of a kind of soft minimalism. We seek comfort in neutral interiors in soft beige and earthy clay tones. We want our furniture not only to reflect our personality but to bring about a tactile connection with natural materials; rattan, wood, paper, linen and so on.

Trend forecasters have coined the slightly cringy phrase ‘Japanordic’ or ‘Japandi’ to describe the fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian design, but essentially, these two cultures find common ground through simple, considered design and quality materials. Nordic brands are translating the look of traditional Japanese papercraft techniques into contemporary design statements where new iterations include opaline glass.

Copenhagen design studio New Works imitates the ridges of a paper lantern with opaline glass for a soft, diffused glow.

A modern-rustic Scandinavian dining room with a Japanese twist - the Bidar paper pendant from House Doctor.

A classic paper pendant in a Scandi style white dining room demonstrates how Japandi style lighting creates a simple yet calming effect at home.

A contemporary approach to Asian paper lanterns - the Formakami collection by &Tradition.

Create Cosy Ambience with Japandi Style Lights.

If you’d like to incorporate this look into your own home, my edit of Japandi Style Lights picks out options across a range of budgets. From sculptural over-the-dining-table conversation starters to the more subtle bedside lamps.

1. Hashira floor lamp, Audo Copenhagen | 2. Gatto table lamp, FLOS | 3. HAY rice paper lampshade | 4. Formakami JH3 Lamp, &Tradition | 5. New Works lantern globe lamp| 6. Fritz Hansen Lullaby | 7. Risbyn paper lamp, IKEA | 8. 375 table lamp, Le Klint | 9. Bidar paper lampshade, House Doctor | 10. Akari A10 floor lamp, Vitra | 11. Bamboo pendant light, H&M Home.

[AD] Calm Aesthetics with Carl Hansen & Søn's Table Bench

Carl Hansen & Søn have loaned the BM0488 Table Bench as part of this paid partnership.

There is not a single piece of furniture Børge Mogensen has designed that I do not love. He just had this knack for creating the most enduring pieces with warm simplicity. He loved to work with refined natural materials; oak, rattan, leather, wool and the like. Stripped of unnecessary frills, his innovative post-war approach to design introduced a new functional and minimalist style.

Originally designed in 1958, Mogensen's Table Bench has been reissued by Carl Hansen & Søn and was nominated as 'Best Comeback' for a Bo Bedre Nordic Living Award in 2020.

A soulful piece with a double weave rattan seat, it lends itself beautifully to a multitude of uses. Based on his approach to versatile, 'building furniture' that adapts to your living conditions, Mogensen designed the bench to sit alongside his Day Bed. It creates a warm welcome in a hallway, a place to fold blankets at the end of the bed. A coffee table, perhaps?

And its calm aesthetic is most definitely needed at this time. It fits like it was made for the bay window of our living room and I've spent quiet moments enjoying it as a window seat.

The sturdy frame is crafted from oiled oak heartwood and demonstrates Mogensen's skills in cabinetry. See its gently rounded edges? A double weave rattan surface provides a warm and sturdy seat, or a space to display a beautiful new acquisition. Let me introduce the intriguing work of British ceramist, Sophie Bland. Having recently moved back to the UK from sunny San Francisco, her tactile pieces are made by a method of joining slabs of clay. She adds a contrasting roughness to the smooth white, carving out flecks on each piece and glazing them in a matt black.

Standing sentry behind the bench is new minimalist design from Carl Hansen & Søn. The M0320 lamp, designed by Mads Odgård came about when he couldn't find a suitable lamp for his summer house in Sweden. Its simplistic tubular design represents a sense of safety for Odgård:

"When you see a lamp it gives you a feeling of comfort, wherever you are. If you're in a Swedish forest or a hotel room, even if it is turned off you know you can switch it on when it gets dark."

Mads Odgård on the M0320 lamp.

Discover more from the Carl Hansen and Søn collection with Hans J Wegner's Shell Lounge chair.

Photography & styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley

String Shelving Outdoors Brings Nordic Style to the Garden

String shelving modular outdoor furniture styled against a wood clad Scandinavian house with pots and plants.

String Furniture has dropped some next level garden shelving for devotees of Scandinavian design. And when I thought I couldn't love them more, it turns out that actually, I could.

Now we’re spending more time at home, the way we experience our gardens has never been more important. Outdoor living is very much here to stay as String's seamless indoor-outdoor modular system shows in these beautifully styled images. Don't they just leave you itching to get out into the garden?!

A silver Hay Palissade garden bench sits underneath a String shelving unit against a wood clad house in a modern Scandinavian garden.

The classic String shelving gets a weather-ready garden make-over.

The Birth of a Design Classic 

This iconic modular system began life in 1949 when a book publishing company launched a design contest requesting an affordable, easy to ship and assemble bookshelf. 

Swedish architects Nisse and Kajsa Strinning stepped up to the plate, winning with their innovative ‘String’ system. It quickly found its way into many Scandinavian homes as a favourite, known for its easy to use appeal and modernist aesthetic. 

Since the brand’s relaunch in 2004, it has established itself as the forerunner in modular furniture, presenting infinite possibilities with new colourways and add-on accessories to enhance the way we use them. You may have spotted the black String® Pocket in my kitchen which I’ve used to zone a coffee corner. 

Contemporary Outdoor Living

The new galvanized steel String® shelving system is completely weather-proof in alu-zinc. With a clean and contemporary Nordic aesthetic, String® Outdoor promises to weather beautifully over time, adding a unique patina and interest to the steel.

Beyond your bog-standard garden storage, there's an element of creativity to it. I like that it opens up new ways to create a garden space that feels like an extension of your home. There should be a natural flow between those two spaces.

Small garden tools hang from metal hooks on a galvanized steel shelf of the new String® Outdoors collection.

A well organized kitchen corner styled on a String shelf in a Scandinavian garden.

Use the shelves as a kitchen space for entertaining in summer or display weathered terracotta pots of herbs. Additional hooks are perfect for hanging tools, twine and other gardening accessories.

A close-up of the new String shelving outdoor garden wall storage in galvanised steel, styled with pots, baskets and garden twine.

Really, the possibilities are endless. Thank you, String. 

Photography courtesy of String®

When Was The Last Time You Did Something Just For You?

Self care is so important for our mental health. Here are my tips for getting out of your head and into nature.

I took this shot on a walk with Rob and the kids just a few days before Christmas 2018. It's a beautiful scene, but I shot it because I took it as a sign that something was very wrong with what I was seeing. Summer blooms and the remains of a rape field. In winter.

Fast forward to 2020 and you really don't need me to recap what a year that was. A moment when our planet and our physical and mental health was in absolute crisis. An unstoppable pandemic swiftly reminded us that we weren't superhuman. Nature sent us messages in the wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes. It showed us what happened when we slowed down in the dolphins that returned to Venice for the first time in a long time. It was our wake-up call.

While I normally like the first post of the year to be a reflection on the last and a plan for what's ahead, this year is a little different. Our mental health will have taken a bashing - being separate from family and friends for so long. Varying degrees of cabin fever setting in. Perhaps you're not feeling yourself. And that's completely understandable. So I say this.

Be kind to yourself.

I'll let you in on something. In 2019 my mental health was possibly in the worst shape I'd ever experienced. I was burnt out with work. Struggling with my identity as a dual heritage woman and dealing with crippling health anxiety brought on by an ear condition. It reached a point where I was composing letters of goodbye to my kids in my head, worrying that I'd suddenly have to leave them behind if what was wrong with me was terminal. I started to think I ought to write letters for each milestone in their lives, just in case. I felt bereft of the Caribbean heritage I missed out on in my childhood and how much of a fraud I felt, brown-skinned and no connection to any of it. I was out of control.

In the latter half of that year, I spent an hour a week with a brilliant black CBT therapist who helped me retrain my thoughts and help rediscover myself. She helped me see that I could relate to my blackness in my own way, that it was just as valid as anyone else's experience. I was stumped when she asked me

"When was the last time you did something just for you?"

And I couldn't answer. I genuinely couldn't remember the last time I did a single thing for myself. Aside from sitting in the bath with the lights out (I still totally recommend that by the way), I'd lost myself in a cycle of work, parenting and daily routine. The proverbial cup was empty.

Self Care Takes Practice.

So, she sent me away with a task for the week. Find one thing to do every day for me. And at first, it was hard. SO bloody hard. But, like anything else, self-care takes practice. Start small if it feels better to. Make a date with yourself for a coffee break. Sit quietly and read for 30 minutes. Start a new skincare routine with gorgeous products just for you. You deserve it.

Self Care Isn't Selfish.

Never feel guilty for taking time out. The number of times I felt I had to explain myself for doing it. Just don't. You don't need to make excuses for buying yourself that lipstick. For ignoring your socials and email. Going on a solo walk. Because if you don't take the time to feed yourself, you can't expect to have anything to give back.

Keep Moving.

Spend some time outside in nature and move your body. Run if that's your bag. Try a fitness app and try to do a ten minute workout a few times a week. Anything that takes you out of yourself, gets you breathing and boosts your mood. Me? I love a good kitchen disco.

Give Yourself A Break.

By this I mean wear the PJs all day. Eat the chocolate. Drink the wine. Watch every single episode of Mad Men back to back. Let the kids play on the ipad that little bit longer. If it means you can stop giving yourself a hard time, do it.

Allow Yourself To Feel.

Every feeling you have is valid. Never tell yourself you're being over the top or too sensitive. Check in with yourself and ask why you think it is you're feeling this way. What would help you to feel better? Cry if you need to. Shout. Sing. The release of emotion is so very important. Which leads me to my last point...

Don't Forget To Ask For Help.

When life gets on top of us it's very easy to close off. We forget to communicate with the people around us and before we know it, we're arguing and misunderstanding each other. So talk. Ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Or reach out for external advice such as NHS Talking Therapies(which I couldn't recommend enough) or Samaritans who have a 27/7 helpline.

I like to think I'm a bit of a pro when it comes to self care now. But it's a constant work in progress. Our needs and circumstances are constantly changing. So, whatever 2021 has in store, try to go with the flow as best you can. And I'm always here if you need a good rant.

Just a side note - I'm completely fine now. My health worries weren't unfounded and having an ENT consultant verify them did the world of good just to feel heard and understood.

Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley.

Foraged Warm And Natural Nordic Christmas Table

Hey, how are you feeling? Honestly? I'm exhausted. And I know I'm not the only one. What a year! Despite all the waves of uncertainty and change we've been riding, I wanted to keep some things the same here. And with Christmas just around the corner, its time to uphold the yearly tradition that I have with you - sharing festive table styling inspiration.

A Foraged Nordic Christmas Table

I wanted the table to feel comforting, intimate. A space that draws the family together under the glow of candlelight. Our gatherings are going to be smaller this year and with this in mind, I'm suggesting using what you have to hand. The key to this Nordic look is the natural elements of rustic bracken fronds, branches and neutral tableware.

My little table for four includes treasures that I return to all year round; a vintage cake stand and a collection of wooden candle holders I found in a charity shop years ago. Simple, pale tableware in some newer additions from the summer are courtesy of Urbanara.

This is a fuss-free, tonal look without a traditional centrepiece. Instead, a hanging installation of 'old man's beard' has become a softer, textural focal point. It that draws the eye down to the table and allows you, your guests and the food to be the centre of attention.

This was my first attempt at a floral cloud installation and it was so easy to do. Rob and I went to take cuttings from a spot where I knew there'd be an abundance of wild-growing clematis (also known as 'Old Man's Beard') and filled up a big bag. Using a chicken wire frame hung with strong, clear thread, you build the arrangement by threading the stems through the frame. Eventually, you'll create a full shape you're happy with. Where I found there were gaps, I filled them up with cut grasses from my garden.

I filmed the process and put together a quick floral cloud tutorial on IGTV if you want to create your own. Do it - the results are breath-taking!

A Sweet Table

Close-up image of glossy, deep wine red mulled poached pears ontop of a brown sugar pavlova for the Christmas table.

Baking is my go-to for comfort at this time of year. It's my way to unwind and spend time alone with my thoughts. I found a gorgeous Waitrose recipe for a brown sugar pavlova with hazelnut praline and poached pears. And my god it's incredible. Such an indulgent dessert, perfect for a Christmas celebration. From the spiced mulled pears and chewy meringue to the all-important sweet toasted nuts. This is the one.

I also tried my hand at a vanilla marshmallow recipe that I found via Benk and Bodega. Perfect for little snacks or to top hot chocolates and my daughter loved making these together. Check out their 'Advent' stories highlight for the recipe, written by Emma Cantlay at Mainly Breakfast.

Candles are the one thing I always buy new every year as we get through so many. These soy wax twisted candles are from Interlude Candles on Etsy. And I've created a brilliant sculptural candle edit if you're looking to up your candle game this winter.

So there we have it - my Nordic Christmas table for 2020. If this look doesn't float your boat, check out my gold and pine table garland and a moody, minimal festive style.

All that's left for me to do is to thank you for sticking with me throughout this crazy year. Wishing you a safe, warm and slow Christmas and I'll see you in 2021.

Tiff x.

Photography and styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley

[AD] A Nordic Winter Garden Inspires Georg Jensen Christmas Collectibles 2020

This is a paid partnership with pieces from the Georg Jensen Christmas collectibles loaned for the purpose of the post.

Christmas will undoubtedly feel a little different for all of us this year. But if there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's the annual release of the Georg Jensen Christmas Collectibles. Since 1984, the Danish silverware brand has designed exclusive Christmas ornaments to find a special place in every Scandinavian home. From baubles and candles to table trees, pieces have been given as gifts, a sweet little memory to bring out year after year to celebrate the festive season.

And once again, Georg Jensen has enlisted the vision of designer Sanne Lund Traberg who created last year's collectibles with a strong Art Deco aesthetic. This year, the collection has a softer, Art Nouveau feel with a nod to Georg Jensen's beginnings in the early 1900s. A Nordic winter garden has taken root, inspired by German artist Karl Blossfeldt's floral photography and Lunde Traberg's own garden.

Ice Flower mobile - a perfect piece to display in your window at Christmas.

You know I prefer a more seasonal, minimal approach to festive styling but I love the warmth of the 18kt gold plated pieces. It's all about small details here. They bring a subtle sparkle to my simple Christmas decorations and I've pared the baubles with soft beige velvet ribbon for a more tonal look. My favourites are the delicate ice flower candle holders which dance in the candlelight and add a touch of magic to the table.

I find a great deal of comfort in baking during the colder months and this year and I've tried my hand at something a little different. Do you know about Klejner? These are a traditional Danish sweet treat, somewhere between a doughnut and pastry, made with the all-important cardamom for spice. You make the dough, twist it into shapes and then fry it until golden. Utterly delicious.

Aside from the tree, which we get much later, the living room mantlepiece is the only other space in the house I like to decorate. A clever Christmas Display frame makes it easy to style up your favourite baubles. I've placed mine on the mantlepiece with Ice Dianthus candle holders and eucalyptus cut straight from the garden. Simple yet beautifully festive, don't you think?

The Ice Flower Georg Jensen Christmas collectibles are a limited edition for this year only, starting from £15.00.

Photography and styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley

Telling Stories in Clay - Malene Knudsen Ceramics

Firstly, I need to thank my friend Hannah Trickett for the introduction to Malene Knudsen's ceramics. I can always trust her recommendations and she spoke so highly of her work having taken one of her clay workshops in Copenhagen. Lovers of handmade ceramics - take note!

Her work just beyond breathtaking. I hope I find one under the tree this year. Hint-hint, Rob.

There's something other-worldly about Knudsen's sixteen-piece collection of vases, intended for minimal floral arrangements. And yet, they're based on familiar organic shapes influenced by the natural world. The glimpse of a seed head, the curve of a spine, the bud of a flower.

With a formal background in architecture from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, she Malene began her journey into clay in 2018 and established her studio this year. Growing up near a forest she spent her time collecting and studying flowers, pieces of wood, shells and stones. You can see how these memories have gone on to influence her work.

Each individual 'Swan', 'Shell' and 'Flower' vase is made using a coiling technique before they're shaped into unique forms. The super-raw texture is the result of a mix of coarse firesand, crushed brick and five types of stoneware clay. Unglazed to emphasise the beautiful imperfections, the stoneware naturally fires into warm and neutral tones of cream sand, beige, brown and black.

"I am focused on combining art, design and functionality. It is important for me to design and create objects with a function. I like to combine contrasts between the soft organic shape and the hard material, so my works appear both masculine and feminine with their porous and robust forms. By using only raw stoneware clay, firesand and recycled bricks the objects retain the strong connection to the earth."

Malene Knudsen

Striking and sculptural - the tall Flower Vase, designed by Copenhagen based ceramic artist Malene Knudsen, from raw textured stoneware clay.

You can purchase the Malene Knudsen ceramics collection through her online shop. Prices start from €425.00.

Discover more minimal handmade ceramics from Bergen-based ceramist Laurie Poast.

Images courtesy of Malene Knudsen ceramics.

[AD] Comfort and Warmth - Carl Hansen and Søn Shell Lounge Chair

This is a paid partnership with Carl Hansen and Son. The CH07 Shell Lounge chair was loaned for the purpose of this post.

Only a small handful of people own an original Shell Lounge Chair. Reactions to the cutting edge shape of the chair were polarising, designed by "The Master of the Chair" Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1963. And owing to the fact that the innovative methods used to produce the chair were still new and complex, very few were made. 

I've only had the absolute joy of experiencing this iconic piece at home because it was reissued it 1998 where it has found itself in constant production ever since. Once ahead of its time, Wegner's shell lounge chair has since garnered a legion of fans who love it for its avant-garde, architectural shape. Myself included.

Made from a groundbreaking technique of layers of form-pressed wood veneer, the curved wing-like seat feels like being cradled into the backrest. Unusual for a lounge chair, a Thor leather-upholstered seat appears to float on top of a three-legged base. The front two laminated oak legs are one piece with a third leg at the back acting as an angled bracket for just enough lean to lounge.

Love of wood is something that all mankind has in common. Regardless of where people come from, they cannot stop themselves from stroking a piece of wood, hold it, smell it, and experience the material."

Hans J. Wegner

And true to his word, it is impossible not to want to run your hands over its soft, minimalist shape. Wegner's background in architecture and knack for creating organic forms has brought about a design that has the ability to make you feel safe and comforted while seated.

The CH07 Shell Lounge Chair comes in a variety of finishes and treatments. I've chosen white oiled oak with Thor leather upholstery in 307.

Photography and styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley

[AD] Slow Moments with the Terra Planter Collection

[This is a paid partnership with Georg Jensen. Pieces from the Terra planter collection were loaned for the purpose].

When Georg Jensen announced the launch of the Terra planter collection, I was intrigued to see how the brand, known predominantly for their silverware heritage would interpret gardening accessories.

One of the best habits I developed about seven years ago was learning to care for houseplants. I find it really grounding taking a few slow moments every day to check on their well-being. I dust off their leaves, remove dead growth, water and repot as I potter around the house. Because it's important to get out of your own head sometimes, isn't it?

For modern home gardeners, the look of the pots is just as important. It's not easy to find elegant planters with a Scandinavian aesthetic. And may I just say, I absolutely love the new stainless steel reversible pots. These tick all the boxes for me!

The Terra planter collection is a collaboration between the Norwegian architecture and design house Snøhetta. This nine-piece series of indoor and outdoor pots come in Georg Jensen's signature mirror-polished steel and a new material, terracotta.

Inspired by organic forms, the steel planters can be used at either end. Their fluid, tapered shapes allow for greater space for roots at the base and stability in the stems towards the narrow end. I love how the super-reflective steel bounces light off the surface and emphasises the shape of the plant.

A sleek and functional watering can accompanies the collection, inspired by the flow of water. Its strong silhouette looks totally at home as part of a sculptural display when it's not being used.

Do you recognise the rubber tree? This magnificent plant has been a part of our home for seven years now and is possibly my greatest botanical achievement thus far! He's even been published in a few interiors books. The bay window is the only part of the house he's truly happy to be owing to the consistent light he needs to thrive.

The stainless steel watering globe gives a sculptural appeal to the pot and dispenses enough water over a 2-3 day period.

I hope you love this collection as much as I do. Have you found comfort in amongst your houseplants lately?

Styling and photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley.

Sustainable Furoshiki Fabric Gift Wrap

This post features Furoshiki fabric gift wrap pr samples from Projekt Henri. Shop has since closed.

Furoshiki is the ancient Japanese art of cloth wrapping, used to present gifts and carry food in place of paper or other modern-day plastics. To this day, there are shops dedicated entirely to these fabrics and it's considered rude to present a gift that hasn't been beautifully presented. Which stands to reason, doesn't it?

A classic Furoshiki '4 Tie' made by tying opposite corners together.

Christmas is always a chilled, low-key affair in our house. And while we are always mindful to use recyclable wrapping paper, I'm exploring paper-free gift wrapping solutions with reusable fabrics to avoid creating more landfill. There's something about the simple, delicate folds of soft cotton lovingly finished with a flourish of dried grasses or cuttings from the garden that takes gift-giving to a whole new level. The best part is, this wrap can be reused, over and over again. No waste. And if there's anything we can take away from the lessons of this crazy year, it's that slowing down and taking time to think about the way in which we share our planet is extremely important.

Because I'm super helpful, I've created a Furoshiki tutorial on my IGTV. I'm showing you 3 ways to use eco-friendly fabric to create 'The Envelope', 'The Twist' (great for cylindrical gifts) and the classic '4 Tie'. With a bit of practice, you'll be knocking everyone's Christmas socks off in the stylish wrapping stakes.

'The Twist', created by gathering the four corners on top and twisting each one round before tucking it in.

You can use any soft fabric though cotton and silk work best in something with a high opacity so as not to give it away. If you do choose to use sheer fabric, double up with another thicker fabric underneath.

I've used reusable Furoshiki fabric wrap in organic cotton in three colours and sizes from Projekt Henri.

Happy Wrapping!

Styling and photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley.

10 Best Sculptural Candles

Sculptural Candles by US brand The Floral Society.

Whether you choose to light them or leave them on display (and the jury's out for me) there's no denying the visual appeal of sculptural candles.

Yes, the humble candle has under-gone quite the transformation. Perhaps as a result of our spending more time at home, this essential part of setting the mood is pulling out all the stops.

What started as an array of coloured tapers which could be carefully matched to any shade of tablecloth or dish has now worked turned its focus to shape. Candles are now art, working their way into our homes as the perfect double-duty styling prop for coffee tables, shelves and of course, the dining table. You can't but help wax lyrical about them. Yes, I really did say that.

A collection of warm spice and grey coloured arching sculptural candles from the Bend and Fungi collection at Broste Copenhagen.

From twisted wax tapers, mould poured shapes and lathe sculpted architectural forms, our tables and mantlepieces have never seen so much fanfare. And whilst some are definitely a luxury statement, they're an undeniably gorgeous piece to treat yourself to.

Here's my edit of ten of the best sculptural candles to get you started...

1. White coconut scented soy wax 'Knot' candle, designed by Korean design studio Honey Flamingo. £42.00, Alkemi Store. *

2. Organic soy wax and beeswax blend Andrej Urem candle. £39.00, COS.

3. Lex Pott Twist candle. £24.00, Kin Home.

4. Broste Copenhagen two wick 'Bend' candle in grey. £30.00, Wild Swans at Trouva.

5. Green/black Totem candle designed by Grain. From £14.50, A New Tribe.

6. Soft white Tallow candle by Ontwerpduo. £18.00, Inside Store.

7. Ivory Templo candle sculpture by Barcelona based brand Octaevo. £28.00, La Gent.

8. Set of two Maison Balzac Volute candles in Sable. £15.00, La Gent.

9. Goober candle by Areaware. £27.00, Selfridges.

10. Molecule sculptural candle by Andrej Urem. £45.00, Monologue London.

Which leaves the question - which one's for you?

[AD] New Bernadotte Collection Pieces - Nordic Entertaining by Georg Jensen

[AD - Bernadotte collection in paid partnership with Georg Jensen.] 

New additions have been added to Georg Jensen’s iconic Bernadotte collection for Autumn 2020 and I couldn’t love them more. 

Elements of dark, smoked oak lend a warm and sophisticated appeal to these contemporary iterations inspired by the work of Swedish designer Sigvard Bernadotte (b 1907 -  d 2002). 

His original and first collection for Georg Jensen was groundbreaking in its aesthetic. Championing early Scandinavian Functionalism, the Bernadotte collection echoes bold and graphic Art Deco lines and feminine curves. Using grids as a motif across the silverware, this would be his first collaboration, launched in mid-1930s.

Lovers of simple Scandinavian design have been coveting these timeless pieces for generations, now produced in favour of a mirror polish stainless steel.

"The new additions include a stainless steel pitcher, which mirrors the collection's existing thermal jug, as well as an elegant paper-towel holder.

Three of the new products combine stainless steel with a dark, smoked oak, creating a strong and sophisticated contrast. These dynamic new pieces include a lacquered oak serving tray with steel handles; a serving bowl set with three small steel vessels presented on a wooden tray; and salad servers with intricately grooved, wooden handles that reinforce Georg Jensen's unparalleled commitment to quality craftsmanship."

Georg Jensen

The addition of a lacquered oak tray makes laid back entertaining at home easy and elegant. Grooved edging continues in the handles and the contrast of light and dark epitomises the Scandinavian home interior. I love how grown-up and refined it feels to use, elevating impromptu everyday moments. 

Sweet little bowls nestled on a scaled-down version of the tray can be used for guest to help themselves to small snacks. Not that we’ve had many opportunities for guests from far-flung fields of late. But having a supply of my favourite flavour of Lakrids (Christmas Butter Cookie) pecans and coconut truffles at arm’s reach is always a comfort. 

Discover the collection at all Georg Jensen stores and online. 

Photography and styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley 

Sustainable Decorating | A Guide To Eco-Paint

[Advertisement] *Includes gifted and loaned product for the purpose of this post.

Graphenstone GrafClean in Vintage* | Zumirez boucle wool fabric in 'Moonbeam', Zinc Textiles* | Kuru ceramic bowl, Iittala* | Aino oak mirror, Skagerak* | Ridged tea-cup, Rose & Grey*

In recent years the paint industry has been making huge strides to clean up its act in the effort to produce more environmentally friendly paints. We now have so many options to help create a more sustainable home so why shouldn’t the paint we use reflect that choice?

As we move deeper into our renovation journey, I’m more mindful of the products I choose to use as part of our projects. If you're reading this then chances are you are too. Using accredited eco-paint means working towards a cleaner environment while improving the conditions inside our homes.

Of course, with so many options on the market selling us various benefits all under the umbrella of 'eco', 'organic' and 'non-toxic', it’s hard to know who to listen to. The information out there isn't always clear as to whether you're buying into a genuine product or just green-washing. No paint is 100% environmentally friendly but this simple and transparent guide to eco-paint will help clear up those questions when it comes to choosing the right paint for your home. 

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYNTHETIC AND ECO-FRIENDLY PAINT?

Your average tin of paint from the DIY store will contain synthetic, plastic and petrochemicals and VOCs used to maintain its strength of colour, durability and general consistency.

Eco-friendly paint is comprised of naturally occurring materials, based on lime or a variety of clay and/or marble with natural pigments and oils. As a mineral-based product, their micro-porous qualities allows moisture to escape so your walls can breathe, doubling down on mould and damp. Ideal for an older property. 

LET'S TALK ABOUT VOCS

Those synthetic chemicals I mentioned above include VOCs or ‘Volatile Organic Compounds’. These carbon-based substances emit vapours or gases that evaporate at low temperatures. You’ll often find them in other everyday products such as air fresheners and cleaning products and used in paint they're there to improve the consistency and drying process. 

Current UK legislation states the maximum VOC content in a tin of interior emulsion is 30g per litre.

The effects of these can aggravate allergies or leave you feeling dizzy or nauseous amongst other reactions (and I think we’ve all felt that way at some point with a paintbrush in hand). Synthetic paints contain ingredients derived from plastics and can include formaldehyde and other petrol-chemicals which are known carcinogens. These evaporate into the air as the paint dries but can also exist on your walls for years afterwards, continuing to release into your home. Not a comforting thought.

Graphenstone GrafClean in Premium in 'Olive', small ball painted in 'Kombu'* | Hoxton 'Olive' gloss porcelain tile, Mandarin Stone | Linen blend Azuri fabric in 'Endive' fabric, Romo Textiles*

IS THERE ANY SUCH THING AS A ZERO VOC PAINT?

No. It’s impossible to be completely free of VOC emissions - did you know that burning fuels such as wood and coal releases these too? That said, paint can be classed as ‘zero VOCs’ when the level of which is negligible or up to 5 grams per litre. 

WHAT ARE ECO-PAINTS MADE FROM?

There's no standard recipe as each brand varies but common ingredients include oils such as orange, linseed and castor as well as resins, silicate, lime and chalk. Natural pigments which create the colour are derived from plants, though in some cases these may come from insect or animal bi-products so if it's a vegan paint you're looking for its worth checking the list of ingredients first.

Graphenstone GrafClean Premium in 'Oxford' blue with an arch of 'Blue Steel'* | Ball vase, Cooee Design* | Bergen 'Smoky Blue' linen-look fabric, Villa Nova*

DO ECO-PAINTS SMELL?

Having used two different eco-paint brands, I can't deny that they don't come with a certain fragrance - they do. On the whole, however, it dissipates fairly quickly and thankfully doesn't contain harmful chemicals that you'd normally breathe in with standard synthetic paint.

ARE ECO-PAINTS AS DURABLE AS STANDARD PAINT?

Yes, they really are - washable and durable with options for woodwork and exteriors too. It's no longer a compromise to use ecological paints and you don't have to settle for a limited colour palette either. It's a no brainer, right?

BUT it's worth noting if you love the textured effect from traditional lime paints, these don't include additives to aid durability meaning if you're after wipeable walls, it's not the right one for you. These paints mark easily and will need recoating to cover them.

AREN'T ECO-PAINTS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS?

There's not a huge difference in price between an eco-paint and other premium brands but they are definitely more expensive than a basic range of synthetic paint. What you pay for is the quality of and higher concentration of natural pigments. The better the quality, the more depth and ability they have to absorb light - this creates nuances of tone depending on the light coming into the room.

So is it worth the investment? Having used a range of paints across the board over the years I would say hands down, yes. Health and environmental benefits aside, you will ultimately save time choosing a better quality paint for coverage, consistency and durability.

An Exploration of Graphenstone Paint - A Lockdown Project

In anticipation of painting our hallway, I've been getting to grips with Graphenstone Paint's range of GrafClean Premium colours. Having heard such great things about them, I wanted to explore their range and try to settle on a colour. You won't find it here though - the result of these images comes from a lockdown challenge I set myself to create four contemporary tonally styled scenes using a selection of colours I think are currently popular or are set to enjoy a moment in our homes over the coming years. From top to bottom you'll find 'Vintage', a subtle beige with lilac tones, 'Old Lilac', a slightly aged pink, 'Olive' and 'Kombu' greens which connect us with nature and a deep 'Oxford' blue, contrasting with a lighter shade of 'Blue Steel'.

Holding 18 certifications and being a popular choice among architects and designers, Graphenstone Biosphere paints absorb CO2 directly from the environment thanks to their high concentration of lime. This air purifying paint removes 40% of CO2 within the first 30 days, continuing over 2 to 3 years. Their products are formulated with a lime base with added Graphene for durability, claiming to be 200x stronger than steel. Three 15litre pots absorb 15kg of CO2. If that doesn't grab your attention, I'll eat my hat.

The colours have great depth and excellent coverage- I painted their range of GrafClean colours straight on to plasterboard using a mix of brush and roller, though you'll get a more even finish with the latter. This product is matt, breathable and washable and rated the No.1 World's Most Certified Green Brand. Can't wait to use it for the rest of the house!

I'd love to hear your thoughts - have I persuaded you to take the eco-paint plunge?

These images were created using colours from the eco-paint brand Graphenstone, who provided the paint for the purpose of this post. 

Styling and photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley

Stay in Minimal Modest Luxury at Maison Jackie Antwerp

Antwerp is without a doubt in my top five most loved European cities. It has such a unique, fresh energy to it. From the diverse community that has chosen to live here, the fact that it's under a huge phase of development at the moment to (most importantly) that it's a real hidden gem for design.

I was reading Milk Magazine recently and was stopped in my tracks by this stunning apartment and event space, located, unsurprisingly, in Antwerp. It has all the hallmarks of honest, Belgian aesthetics. Maison Jackie is the result of a beautiful collaboration between real estate agent and interior designer Ellen Wauters and a visionary group of craftspeople.

I can only have full admiration for Ellen who, following motherhood, divorce and a burn-out felt she needed more creative connection in her life. She began hosting gatherings for like-minded female entrepreneurs which in time led her back to real estate, this time embracing her love of collaboration and design. Thus - Jackie Bohéme was founded and Ellen has since gone on to realise several beautifully appointed apartments and homes in her organic, natural style.

Maison Jackie is a soulful house, combining an event venue, shoot location and concept store with a quiet getaway for two in the rooms above. The history of the building, a former monastery and home to the last sisters of Niel is allowed to shine through, flooded with natural light and original features. Now a soothing apartment, it exudes modest luxury in the materials she has chosen, from the herringbone parquet flooring to the soft linen curtains and bespoke bamboo kitchen designed by Olso based eco kitchen designers Ask og Eng.

As soon as you step into Maison Jackie, you step into the slow living movement. We created an enclave of aesthetics and calmness where craftsmanship, interior design and spirituality engage in an enriching dialogue. A place where everything is possible and where your own creativity can thrive. 

Ellen Wauters

As a minimal space, every detail has been intentionally chosen by Ellen, extending to a personally designed capsule collection, allowing you to take home a piece of Maison Jackie style. I absolutely love her linen kimono collection, created in collaboration with textile designer Nathalie Van der Massen.

I genuinely can't wait for travel to open up again so I can treat ourselves to a short stay here. It looks truly wonderful. Want to see more from Antwerp? Take a look at my visit to St Vincents concept store and Valerie Traan art space.

Prices start from 165 EUR per night for 2 with a 2 night minimum stay.

Images courtesy of Jackie Bohème, with thanks.

Memories of Summer with Broste Copenhagen SS20

I sat looking at these shots from the new Broste Copenhagen look book with signs of early summer streaming in from the garden and had to share it. We're just on the verge of it here, as I sit at my desk, barefoot in a t-shirt dress with a warm breeze floating through the back door.

Described by Broste as an ode to memories of summer, you can almost smell the sun-warmed pavements from a window of this beautiful 1800s apartment in Copenhagen where it was shot. The former watchmakers has been lovingly restored, taking great care to honour the building's original fabric, whilst stylist Marie Graunbøl carries the collection off fusing modernity and tradition.

But enough of the location with its gorgeously rustic, plaster walls. Let's get onto the collection, which is aptly centred around our basic need to connect with calm and comfort at home.

Chunky curved furniture continues to make its mark. This irresistibly sculptural Fibre table is actually from Broste's outdoor collection but I think it has a far greater impact indoors. That's a statement table, however you look at it.

One of my go-to brands when I'm working on a kitchen project, Broste always hits the mark for organically finished tableware. From unique pale salt glazes, to dark and moody, matt and minimal, their mix and match collections bring a sense of occasion to the every day.

I particularly love the Vig oven and microwave-ready stoneware for easy stove-to-table serving in style. Which is what you'd expect from laid-back Scandinavian entertaining. Alongside the staple Esrum Night collection, it creates a look all about effortless, rustic minimalism.

I've noticed a lot of deep reds coming through across the board lately. The Ole steel chair with retro appeal in 'ginger' is a prime example of how Nordic interiors are connecting with warmer shades. There's also a collection of soft furnishings along the line of this colourway.

The timeless Oeko-Tex certified Wind sofa and chair are designed to weather the years, easily updated with on-trend accessories. I love the clean, upright lines and the option to change the feet for stained wood or metal finishes depending on your own aesthetic.

...even when our lives are far from perfect, our homes should

help us overcome the chaos and embrace us lovingly.

And it looks like rattan is going nowhere, paired with brass for the Ruben floor lamp and sized up with over-stitched edging for a pendant light.

I think you'll agree, it's a warm and nurturing collection to feed to soul. Is it making you itch for those effortlessly simple summer days now?

UK stockists of Broste Copenhagen include Amara, John Lewis and Heal's.

Photography © Line Thit Klein | Styling by Marie Graunbøl, courtesy of Broste Copenhagen.

A Characterful Gothenburg Apartment in Warm Neutral Tones

We’re back in Sweden today and I think I’m satisfying the 'itchy lockdown feet' by travelling vicariously. This Gothenburg apartment with warm beige and rust accents is possibly the closest example I’ve seen yet as to where we want to go with our living room. Makes me want to get started now!

Soft light from tall windows highlights the original ceiling mouldings beautifully. Most importantly, it demonstrates how well period features can sit alongside contemporary art and design when done so in a considered way. A careful blend of tonal furniture. The balance is just right here, don’t you think?

Built in the 1800s and lovingly renovated in 2004, it features herringbone parquet floor treated with Osmo matt wax and high ceilings. Deep windowsills typical to most buildings of this period are just the right size for a potted plant or collection of ceramics. Makes me wish ours weren’t so non-existent, I'd love to have a sill or two to style here. 

You might notice the subtle organic shapes that repeat throughout the space. From the round opaline glass pendant lights and circle motifs in the wall art to the Flos Gatto lamp sitting on top of a shelving unit. A small round dining table connects with two small, round coffee tables opposite and gives a sense of flow to the room.

Painted throughout in soft grey, an open-plan kitchen-diner living space connects to a double bedroom that can be closed off with a set of panelled double doors. Inside, an original tiled wood burner connects the building to its past, once a pharmacy and post office. Imagine cosying up in the winter with a good book here...

A slubby linen sofa awaits with plump velvet cushions that match the same shade as the curvy lounge chair. I love how it ties together with the warm flooring. Total perfection. When can I move in? 

Love this home? You might like this Gothenburg apartment with a green kitchen. Or if you're inspired by the warm neutral tones, check out this post. 

Photography Jonas Berg | Styling GreyDeco |Images courtesy of Stadshem.

Nordic Garden Style For Balconies and Indoors

How to bring Nordic garden style into your home when outdoor space isn't an option, with modern, sculptural pots and planters.

No garden space? No problem! Bring Nordic garden style into your home instead...

If lockdown is currently driving you stir-crazy, you'll know how much escaping outside is a total lifesaver. Just a few minutes of warm sun on your face and a gulp of fresh air makes all the difference to your mood.

Over the past month or so, our garden has stepped up to play an integral part of our day to day lives. Whereas before it was somewhere to do a spot of weeding and hang out the washing, now it's where I come to sit and be with the birds in the morning. It's a makeshift playing green for cobbled together P.E sessions for the kids. We watch the minibeasts hiding under rocks and leaves and share socially distanced conversations with neighbours over the fence.

Understandably, not everyone has access to a back garden but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a sense of the outdoors. Even from indoors. If your options are limited - perhaps you have a bijou (or sizeable) balcony or a corner of your home, let me paint you a picture and show you what you could have with a little imagination.

How To Create A Nordic Balcony Garden

The key to a Nordic-style balcony is to keep it simple, clean and contemporary. Stick to a muted colour palette - think black, grey, muddy greens, beige, and terracotta. Soften a boxy space with outdoor rugs, large cushions and planting.

Before you order any plants, check your balcony's climate. Is it mostly shady? Windy? Or does it get a huge amount of sun during the day? Pick your planting according to the conditions you have. Introduce a potted olive or fruit tree to add height if you can, with plants such as grasses, Fatsia Japonica and white blooms lending an architectural, contemporary feel.

Maximise all the available space and tailor it towards how you plan to use it. Don't just think conventionally with floor space but utilise the edges of the railings and the walls behind if you can. Hang and wall mount planters and grow vertically. Choose space-saving, multi-functional pieces that offer space for entertaining as well as potted plants. A favourite is the Fermob balcony table. Attaching to balcony railings, it's an ideal table for two with a sweet little planter on top. Consider the evenings too, when you'll likely need some soft lighting and a couple of warm blankets to see you through.

A Nordic garden style shopping page featuring the best contemporary Scandinavian furniture for small balcony spaces.

The black metal Mira chair designed for Skagerak, brings contemporary, Nordic style into our garden with modern shape and interesting shadow play.

How To Bring Nordic Garden Style Indoors

There's no greater way to calm your mind than tending to your plants at home. A little spritz here, a feed and prune there. Suddenly it's been half an hour and you're already feeling much lighter. Grow yourself an indoor garden space to escape to whenever you need a breather.

Don't ask me the science behind it, but somehow, tall, large scale plants such as the parlour palm or rubber tree give the illusion of more space and height. Their lush appearance is instantly calming and in the right pot will create a real statement. You could also try an olive tree for a more rustic Scandinavian look.

Windowsills are brilliant for smaller potted plants, propagating cuttings and herbs. Plant them up in individual, sculptural pots for a modern Scandinavian look and experiment with clear glass to show off their root systems.

Mini table-top terrarium gardens will give you a biophilic fix and clever self-growing herb gardens take the worry out of gardening for those with less time. Tools can be stylish too - I'm a sucker for a well-designed watering can with my favourite being the black iron can from Toast.

For the less green-fingered, ever-popular dried grasses and seedheads are easy to find online and look striking in a large black pot or vase. I love the way they add texture and interest into a room. And of course, a selection of soothing botanical art prints.

A Nordic garden style shopping page featuring botanical books and prints as well as modern, sculptural planters, vases and mini gardens.

For more Nordic garden style inspiration, check out Outdoor Furniture for a Modern Scandi Garden and my 'Out In The Garden' Pinterest board.

Images styled by Tiffany Grant-Riley.

Minimal Spring Style with Georg Jensen's Bloom Botanica Collection

[Advertisement - this Bloom Botanica feature is a paid partnership in collaboration with Georg Jensen].

I took these shots of Georg Jensen's Bloom Botanica collection before this seismic shift in our lives occurred. The idea that I could drive out to my favourite florist, The Floral Madam in Faversham, and come home with a wrap of delicate spring blooms now seems a total luxury.

I think about how fortunate we are to have the internet in these times, to stay connected, support each other and feel inspired and hopeful. And though it may be difficult to pick up a simple bunch of flowers now, it is just as important to have something beautiful to look while we're safe at home.

This spring, Georg Jensen launched Bloom Botanica in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its award-winning Bloom collection (it earned itself a place at MOMA). The new iteration designed by Helle Damkjær is an extension of vases and candle holders to complement the original tableware.

Known for her sculptural, organic approach to contemporary shapes, the collection is influenced by the optimism of spring. Fluid edges of polished stainless steel represent unfurling petals, mimicking a flower in bud opening for the first time.

I could only choose my absolute favourite white spring flowers to accompany such a poetic piece. Aren't they beautiful? Elegant stems of white Anemone and Scabiosa sit with tall candle-like Ornithogalum. I added textural tufts of Calamagrostis from my own garden, with quaking grass and Scabiosa Stellata.

And the results are quiet and calming in my living room. This is the kind of collection that doesn't need to be styled with flowers to earn its keep as stand-alone sculptural art. That a hard and industrial material as stainless steel can be made to appear soft and tactile can only be a result of the way Damkjæer moulds her designs first with clay.

The Bloom Botanica Collection

Vases come in small, medium and large priced at £60, £100 and £160 respectively.

Set of two candleholders, £120.

Set two of tealight candleholders, £60.

If you love this post, you might like to explore more from the Georg Jensen collection in my home.

Photography and styling by Tiffany Grant-Riley.

How To Research The History of Your House From Home

Uncovering the history of our home - just some of the documents I uncovered at the archives.

If you're looking for a project to immerse yourself in whilst staying safe at home, you might want to look into how to research the history of your house. It's a great way to feel more connected to it, a part of its story. If you've ever wondered when that extension was added on at the back or who left that newspaper from 1952 in your loft, now's the time to get digging!

Of course, the real draw is in discovering the stories of the people who lived in your house before you. One of the things I loved doing purely for myself last year was falling down a rabbit hole of (entirely legal) historical espionage. As a self-confessed social history nut, it gave me immense satisfaction to peel back 116 years of our home's past.

When we first got the documents to the house, all that was included was the original title deeds, documenting the sale of the land to a local builder from the previous owner who was, at the time, the first Mayor of Chatham, a Mr George Winch. Nothing more. By comparison, my next-door neighbour has the name of every single previous owner from the time theirs was built.

Beyond that, there were so many questions - who were 'A' and 'M', who repeatedly scratched their initials into the brickwork around our front door and bedroom floorboards? Was the back of the house original? Has the layout changed at all? Some of the things I discovered were surprising, some of them deeply sad and perhaps one day I'll share them here.

For now, though, here's how you can start your journey and unlock your house's history online...

Stripping away layers of paint to reveal the original Edwardian staircase and traces of 1930s wallpaper.

Dig Out Your Title Deeds

I was fully expecting copies of beautifully handwritten and typed paperwork going back all the way to 1904 when we bought our home. But no. Frustratingly, it isn't a legal requirement to have historical documentation of all the deeds to your house on file. Generally, what's important is the very first transaction and beyond that, other copies and documents kept by previous owners may be lost.

If you only have the original title deeds, they'll tell you the names of the first and subsequent owner was which will give you what you need to research them further.

Study Any Architectural Features

Whilst you might not be able to pinpoint an exact period of time, are there any architectural clues that can help to date your house? Ours was listed as 1930s by a very unexperienced estate agent, given that the square bay window and original front door and sash windows were clearly early Edwardian. They obviously didn't see me coming.

Find Local Historical Societies

Local history groups are a brilliant way to gather a broader view of your area's social history. As are Facebook groups. They'll be able to tell you all about local industries, the general day to day lives of residents and some members may even have personal memories of your street.

How To Research Previous Residents

Check Census Records

Census records are a brilliant snapshot into the lives of previous residents as they detail every family member in the household, from their full name to age and occupation. My searches revealed a husband and wife with two daughters were the first to live in the house after it was built. The father worked as a carpenter at the Chatham Dockyard, his eldest daughter was a school teacher at aged 16 and his youngest was an apprentice draper.

Current UK records are available up to 1911 and go back every ten years up to 1841.

As census records are only released 100 years from when they were first taken, meaning records for 1921 won't be available until 2022.

Note - there were no census records during WW2.

Electoral Registers

If you come unstuck with the census, it's worth trying electoral registers which began in 1832. These detail anyone of voting age within the property. Over time, you can track the movements of residents who come and go, building a bigger picture of the story of your house.

Births, Marriages and Deaths

Once you have a few names to go on with, you can look at birth, marriage and death records.

Most genealogy sites allow you to search a few years around a date if you're unsure of the exact one and using the person's full name (maybe with a few variations) should uncover documents you can view online. Further investigation will kick up all sorts, like the name of a spouse, subsequent children, occupations and deaths in the family. Eventually, you should have enough to sketch out a rough family tree.

Documents You Can Access After Lockdown.

Some things just can't be found online as you'll need to go in person to view them. When it comes to genealogy, nothing beats the excitement of a trip to the local archives. Your local archives will have a variety of documents and newspapers on microfiche film to view and purchase copies of.

Ordnance survey maps - ask permission from your local council or archives for copies of maps of your street and the surrounding wider area over a period of time. You'll be able to visualise exactly how your area has developed and spot when your property started to appear on maps.

Local newspapers - in some cases, members of your household may have been reported in local papers. If they have any records pertaining to court orders, debts or were prominent in their community, it's worth spending a few hours viewing copies of newspapers which have been copied onto microfiche film.

Original photographs - these are a fantastic window into the past. Your local archives may have images taken from your neighbourhood which will piece together how it looked at the time your house was built up to the present day. These are generally quite rare though, so don't set your hopes too high.

Building plans and submissions - ask your archives centre if they can search for blueprints and building applications attached to your address. In some cases, there may be originals that you can view in person that illustrate how the house was built along with materials used. Additional applications will also help you piece together how the house evolved over the years.

Useful Resources:

HM Land Registry

The National Archives

Ancestry

FindMyPast

Historic England

Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley.

[AD] CH24 Wishbone Chair in 2020 Limited Edition Navy Blue

[Advertisement - this is a paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn]

Without realising, blue has slowly become a key colour in our home - I find it so soothing and meditative to be around. So when I saw that the newest edition of the CH24 Wishbone chair was to have a navy blue update, I couldn't imagine a more perfect colour for one of Scandinavia's best-loved designs.

Originally designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Søn, the CH24 Wishbone chair has been in constant production since 1950. A universal favourite, chances are you'll recognise its iconic shape even if you don't know it by name. As one out of nearly 500 creations over Wegner's lifetime, its distinctly recognisable 'wishbone' shaped back has become a hallmark example of Danish modernist design. I adore it.

On the 106th anniversary of the Wegner's birth, as they do every year, Carl Hansen & Søn have released another birthday edition.

For 2020, my design heroine Ilse Crawford and her London-based practice StudioIlse were given the honour of the collaboration. The result is a high gloss navy blue lacquer frame with its traditional woven paper cord seat, drawing on Wegner's long time fascination with Asian craft and culture.

"The blue refers to the color, which has been so much a part of Chinese culture: from the blue and white china that obsessed the world for so many centuries, to the dark blue of indigo textiles, while the high gloss finish references the traditional Chinese lacquer finish."

Ilse Crawford, StudioIlse

The Wishbone chair stands as a symbol of Wegner's respect for the purity of wood and its simplistic nature. I love the contrast between the seat, woven from 395 feet of paper cord, and its inky blue frame. It's such an expressive piece for furniture which has the ability to change its tone throughout the day depending on where in the house it sits.

And at a time where the minimal world of Nordic design is blending with Japanese cultural identity, it represents our need for comfort, craftsmanship and longevity in our homes.

The navy blue CH24 Wishbone chair is available to purchase from 2nd to 30th of April. It and comes with a small engraved brass plate featuring Hans J. Wegner's signature and date of birth and certification of authenticity.

Photography and styling by Tiffany Grant-Riley.