One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Open Plan Living is helping clients turn their design dreams into reality. This is made possible through our Bespoke Furniture Services. Often we are asked if a product can be tweaked to incorporate a particular wood, finish or fabric. Most of the times the size needs to be modified so that it fits perfectly within a client’s intricate design scheme....
It’s wonderful to be back after an inspiring trip to Maison Et Objet in Paris. This proved to be a fantastic show ground for the abundance of exciting new design talent emerging from our homeland of Portugal. The trademark mix of traditional craftsmanship mixed with luxurious materials and modern edge for which Portuguese design is famous, has clearly captured the hearts of International architects and specifiers looking for head-turning furniture, lighting and accessories. We were wowed by the increasing number of young Portuguese brands exhibiting in Paris and delighted to hear that demand for their designs has rocketed over the past few years. Exhibiting brands that we work closely with at Kassavello, reported a huge increase in the number of enquiries for their products from interior designers in the UK. Olga Torres, creative Director/Owner at Duistt said the show was a huge success. "We had hundreds of visitors coming to our stand and a...
Britain might have opted to exit the EU this summer but there was still a fabulous global feel to the London Design Festival this year. From Decorex to Design Junction via the various creative quarters and design districts we had the opportunity to check out the latest and hottest interior design and home décor trends! Here are our highlights of this fantastic week: A new home for Design Junction One of the most exciting developments was the relocation of Design Junction, moving to the thriving Granary Square in King’s Cross. The area outside Central Saint Martins was filled with installations, the main focus of this year’s event being a two-floor lighting/furniture pavilion in Lewis Cubitt Square. The whimsical, clam pendants from Decode were one of the most stunning lighting installations we saw all week, as well as the ornate light fittings from 7 Gods Lighting which also reflect the brass and black trend that we have seen...
There’s something about pink that no other colour has. Delicate, elegant and very feminine, pink is a colour that does not go unnoticed – and like it or not, there is always a part of us that can’t resist it. In home decor we love that charming pink feeling, especially when combined with sophisticated details and colours such as gold or materials like velvet. For a touch of sophistication pink velvet is a must, no matter the time of year. That soft plush velvet touch is always a winner when it comes to combining comfort and elegance, and pink is always a great choice to brighten up any space. Mr. Jones Sofa :: Classical influence with sleek design and details Mr. Jones Sofa fits perfectly in classic and modern home decor. With a base made of limed oak, pixelated shape metal feet and padding with a webbed seat, this piece will bring the ultimate...
At last it's Spring time again! This time of year isn't just about blossoming flowers, it's a great opportunity to reinvent your home to welcome in a whole new season. Although grey is a charming colour, we think it is more suited to the colder winter months. So let's brighten up your home with some of our beautiful interior design ideas. Sit back and enjoy! Colourful furniture is essential Spring and colour always go hand in hand which is why furniture should be lighter and more colourful at this time of year. In fact this is one of the key interior design trends for this season. The beautiful Alperce Armchair is a must if you are looking for a colourful yet sophisticated piece that fits perfectly with that Spring feeling! White is perfect to create brighter spaces White goes perfectly with anything, no matter the time of year. In more sober rooms with darker colours, a touch...
In home decor there are good matches and then there are perfect matches. A design piece can become something completely different by simply combining it with the right piece or set. Everything depends on your own style and taste but our suggestion is this: remember that some materials go together better than others. The same applies to the colours, which should match the mood in each part of your house. Today we have 4 different moods for you, which do you like best? Perfect match, perfect rest Natural oak is a great way of creating a warm, cozy environment at home. We love the touch of wood in home decor, especially in the bedroom where comfort and warmth are so important. Our suggestion is: go simple but sophisticated with the furniture, just like our beautiful Bracara Bed and Bracara Bench. With an unrivalled simplicity, both pieces are a work of fine, almost...
Recently a candidate for World Heritage status, Portuguese tiles have become increasingly popular in home decor. Full of history and style, these tiles are used to create original and vintage looks, adding that statement touch to any room. What’s more, they have even inspired some designers to come up with new and innovative products. Here are some ideas on how to use Portuguese tiles in your interior design project and get inspired! Portuguese tiles to inspire upholstery Portuguese tiles not only inspire those who wish to decorate their walls, but also those who want to spice their interior upholstery. Renowned interior designer Lazaro Rosa Violan has proven exactly that with his project Chez Coco in Barcelona. The beauty of blue and white Portuguese tiles was brought by the designer to his chairs' fabric, creating a very interesting environment that matches with the tiled floor and hand painted floral wall art. A great inspiration for a sophisticated home...
Fine dining is not just about great food but also about enjoying an exquisite experience. That’s why when it comes to choosing the best restaurant, your palate is just one of several things to consider. A unique atmosphere and impeccable service are also important, and of course the restaurant's design is a crucial element of its success. The UK is filled with some great choices for dedicated foodies who want to take their dining experience to the next level. Some restaurant projects are designed and built from the scratch, whilst others take of a building's location and history. As we love a good design and architecture makeover, today we share with you the most stunning restaurant conversion projects in the UK. From churches to factories, everything is possible when true creativity is applied to reaching the next level in restaurant design. Blixen, London A former bank built into the walls of London's Old Spitalfields Market, Blixen...
Rose Quartz and Serenity – two names that you may have already heard of since the end of 2015. This is because Pantone chose not just one, but two colours of the year for 2016, giving us many new colour combinations to suit each home's style. Although many people associate these two colours with a child's nursery we believe that if mixed correctly, they can provide great results for any room. This is why we are bringing you 5 home decor ideas making use of these two great colours. Mix it with black and white When working with an unusual colour, one of the best home decor ideas is to mix it with black and white. These two neutral colours will help you frame the new one, adding a very graphic touch to your home. Firstly decide whether you prefer Rose Quartz or Serenity, then add it to the wall behind your favourite furniture piece –...
New year, new interior design possibilities! If you love the world of decor and interiors as much as we do, you are probably already planning some exciting changes at home - a new colour here, a different room layout, a new sofa to make the room feel more comfortable. As every home needs some challenges every once in a while, find out which interior design trends will rule this year and get creative at home. Portuguese tiles inspiration We already shared on the blog just how much we love Portuguese tiles and we believe that these beautiful items will be an even greater source of inspiration this coming year. No matter if you use them in upholstery, as a way to remodel your kitchen, on your bedwear or simply as a decorative detail, Portuguese tiles will be one of the greatest interior design trends for 2016. So don't miss this opportunity to...
