From the earliest documented chairs in ancient Egypt through to iconic designs such as the 17th century Wainscot, the 18th century Fauteuil and early American Chippendales, no other item of furniture has been invested in with more care, design and craftsmanship than the dining chair. Swaying between practicality of form and in latter years, style over substance, the evolution of artisan techniques means that today neither comfort or exquisite design need to be compromised when selecting a chair. Here at Kassavello we thrive on selecting the very best dining chairs for our curated collection of branded furniture....

From hanging up stockings to decorating Christmas trees, pulling crackers, and eating Christmas pudding – there is a multitude of rituals and traditions associated with the festive season and yet few people really understand the meaning and rationale behind these practices. Many dates back thousands of years to primitive times whilst others have been influenced by religion, popular culture, and even commercial advertising. As the team at Kassavello start to hang up their decorations and get into the festive spirit we set out to uncover some of the mystery surrounding these rituals and to understand how the power of color, texture, and design has the ability to sprinkle some Christmas magic in every household. The smell of pine needles and twinkling lights glistening from top to toe is a tradition that goes back to Roman times when fir trees were first decorated at temples in honor of the Roman god, Saturn...

The boardroom as we know it today has been in existence since the early 17th century providing a place for people to gather together, delegate authority, and ensure that the workings of society or business are carried out efficiently and effectively.  Square tables within the boardroom have traditionally reinforced the power dynamics of a leadership team – at the head of the table you carry an unspoken message of leadership and control whilst in a middle seat you are collaborative, approachable, and a team player.  Round tables tend to create an atmosphere of relaxed informality, ideal for promoting discussion and teamwork although interestingly by moving the chair back a little, in either setting, you can claim a psychological advantage with regards to status and authority. [caption id="attachment_2594" align="aligncenter" width="488"] The unique conference table used to sign the treaty of Versailles at the end of World War 1[/caption] In today’s changing climate, business...

2018 saw 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals globally – that’s the number of trips taken abroad for holidays/leisure time. Even more remarkably, it’s a rate that’s steadily growing by an average of 4% per year. If you add on business trips and staycations, where holidaymakers choose to stay in their own country, it’s not surprising that there is a phenomenal momentum within residential design to emulate the sleek finishes and elegant aesthetic design of five-star hotels. Increasingly, interior designers are being asked by clients to directly replicate a particular hotel suite or to source a piece of furniture that they fell in love with in the lobby or hotel bar. At Kassavello we are fortunate enough to source pieces for both commercial and residential projects and often see trends bridging the two before they are filtered down to the high street....

Chelsea is arguably one of the most desirable places to live in London.  So when interior design atelier AtelierNM/Homes One were tasked with furnishing two modern residential projects - two apartments - within the area they were keen to take a bold approach, ensuring that the properties would stand out within the marketplace through the incorporation of exquisite bespoke furniture and distinctive styling. Having collaborated on previous projects with us, the AtelierNM/Homes One team involved Kassavello in the modern residential project at a very early stage to determine the scope and possibilities for a variety of branded items and bespoke furniture.  Not only were the aims of the project high but as with so many similar projects there was a strict timeline to adhere to and a budget to comply with.  Facilitating early conversations ensured that the AtelierNM/Homes One design team could keep on track creatively whilst making practical decisions regarding all...

As the working world moves towards greater flexibility and the lines between personal and professional life become more fluid, having a calm and comfortable space in which to work at home has become ever more important. Traditional office environments can be stark and soulless but developing a private study at home gives greater creative freedom to design a scheme which is aligned to a far more personal aesthetic.   [caption id="attachment_2679" align="alignnone" width="802"] Kuwait Villa Project, See more about it HERE[/caption] Using strong and powerful lines is a renowned technique to create a psychological sense of empowerment and success and, when coupled with a deep colour palette, the effect can be further amplified. A mix of sumptuous textures and exquisite finishes adds to a luxurious ambience which delivers impact and interest, particularly when layered with functional and decorative lighting. Here are some of our favourite Kassavello pieces which are perfectly placed to create...

As Autumn begins and daylight recedes, our minds are often drawn inside towards the heart of the home. Visions of sipping a cocktail in the warmth of an elegant living room or eating a sumptuous feast around an opulent dining table are distractions from the end of summer days. Often September is the time that homeowners begin to think about the pinnacle of indoor entertaining – the festive season, and the ways in which they can make improvements and adjustments to their entertainment spaces over the next 3 months, to create the optimal atmosphere....

The renowned 1933 essay ‘ In Praise of Shadows ’ by the Japanese author and novelist Jun’ichiro Tanizaki, has been described as ‘an exercise in mindfulness’. Discussing the virtues of shadow and subtlety which imbue traditional Japanese aesthetics, Tanizaki argues that the West, through its appetite for progress, is continuously searching for light and clarity which can be harsh and unforgiving, whilst the subdued forms of oriental art represent an underappreciated tranquillity. Furthermore, Tanizaki contemplates the layered tones of various kinds of shadows and their ability to reflect materials with patina and sheen such as gold embroidery and cloudy crystals. The delicacy, softness, and nuances created by such contrast are praised as ‘understated’ and ‘natural’ and central to an appreciation of mindfulness. As the darker Autumn nights creep in, there is a pull towards embracing dark walls, moody blues, and graphite blacks to create drama and ambiance within both residential and commercial spaces. It’s a...

In a recent interview focused on the challenges brought about by Covid-19, Luis De Oliviera, founder of De La Espada reflected the thoughts of many in the interior design industry when he said:   “It’s a moment to show a bit of vulnerability…. there are no superheroes unless you work in the hospitals.  We’re all just mere mortals worrying about money and uncertainty…. we can make statements of intent but there’s no shame in saying I’m worried.”     There have undoubtedly been a myriad of challenges brought about through the global pandemic which have changed both industry and client perspectives.  As the world begins to work through the easing of restrictions and discover what a ‘new normal’ may look like some key themes have emerged on both sides. 1. 360 degree support of the supply chain is vital to the industry’s success Despite the impetus of recent years to ensure fair and transparent working conditions across manufacturing...