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30 Oct

Posted at 20:11h in Lifestyle

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...

31 Jan

Posted at 16:12h in Decor & Interiors, Furniture & Lighting, Lifestyle

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...

16 Apr

Posted at 14:43h in Furniture & Lighting, Lifestyle

Yorica, “the first ever completely free from” sweets and dessert store, opened in London, on Wardour Street in Soho in March and only sells food which is free from dairy, nuts, gluten, eggs and wheat. Customers can buy ice cream, frozen yogurt and milkshakes that have been made with rice milk, seaweed, vanilla bean paste and other natural ingredients, including natural sugars and sweeteners. The various flavours are simply delicious, a must visit when you're in Soho!     Open Plan Living is really proud to be part of this project, supplying these beautiful bespoke stools.     We had a lovely chat with the brand Director, Monika Jagielo, to understand how this project started. OPL: Yorica is the first allergen free dessert store in London. Where did this idea come from? MJ: We wanted to create a unique and delicious product, catering not only to the many people with food intolerances and allergies, but also to those who want...

02 Feb

Posted at 11:30h in Decor & Interiors, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

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...

04 Dec

Posted at 16:46h in Lifestyle

If you are planning to spend the Holiday season in the beautiful city of London, we have the perfect places for you. As well as the joyful Christmas Markets all around the city, there are plenty of hotels in London that will start your Christmas experience in a very special way! Find out some of the most outstanding hotels and enjoy this magical season!    The Langham Hotel, Marylebone  Located in the heart of West End, in Regent Street, the Langham Hotel is the ideal place for anyone that loves the best shopping, theaters and restaurants. A holiday season surrounded by all the good things life has to offer is what you can find in one of the most beautiful hotels in London this Christmas. The sumptuous entrance hall has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and a pianist playing all those songs we love to hear at this time of the year. It...

13 Nov

Posted at 16:22h in Lifestyle

Christmas season is such a special time of the year in London! The city is filled with lights, the shop windows get ready with beautiful decorations and Londoners get ready for a warm Winter Festival. And if you are a design lover looking for what’s on in London this Christmas, we have good news for you: as well as the traditional and wonderful Winter Wonderland, there are plenty other great Christmas Fairs you can’t miss in the city – find out the most unique ones and enjoy the Holiday season!   [gallery ids="688,689,690,691,696"] Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair Every year the renowned Country Living Magazine hosts an exclusive Christmas Fair where you can meet makers, designers and artisans and discover the latest trends in Christmas decorations for your home. A true delight for anyone that is seeking for an original experience when wondering what's on in London at Christmas time. From 11st to...