New season's colour is a bolt from the blue

Originally published in Retford Times - 1st May 2014

Homes & Lifestyle

The big colour story this season is Blue!  Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explores the resurgence of a firm favourite.

This season we are seeing taupe being cast to the sidelines both in design schemes and on the High Street.  Without a doubt the hot colour for Spring Summer 2014 is that old cool customer – blue.

Designers have been looking for a new background colour to join the ranks of the neutrals and blue is coming out a clear winner. Forget the paler shades of blue we have previously encountered, the story for 2014 is the richer pigmented shades now available.  The absolute joy of blue is that despite being a bold, primary colour in its own right, it has an amazing capacity which allows it to blend into the background where it impressively accentuates key tones.

Surveys frequently conclude that blue is most people’s favourite colour, especially the male part of the population, so it is a wonder that it does not constantly dominate the interiors world. 

Importantly, it is seen as an emotionally powerful colour, which registers very clearly with its observers.   Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period” paintings are perfect examples of this: he used only blue and green tones to enhance the feeling of melancholy within his work.  Picasso recognised the power of the hue when eliminating other colours around it and is reported as having turned to this palate as his mood darkened following the death of his friend, Carlos Casagemas.

Blue also enhances feelings of calm and tranquillity, which makes it perfect as the colour of choice for bathrooms and bedrooms where an element of escape from the everyday world is often essential.

New Carlucci Fraction fabrics from JAB Anstoetz

There is an element of decadence to the use of a confident blue.   This is hardly surprising given that many rich shades of blue were first created using incredibly expensive precious minerals.   For instance, during the Renaissance period ground lapis lazuli was used to create ultramarine, whilst cobalt has been used to colour glass since 2000BC.

It is also interesting to note that, these strong associations and emotions have led to the colour being associated with divinity, particularly in the Renaissance period.

The shades we are encountering now are definitely major statements.   These richer tones have to be chosen carefully, but the overall effects can be breath taking:  ultimately, it is a question of having confidence and sticking with it. 

If you are looking to embrace the new blue, then rich paint shades such as Little Greene’s Deep Space Blue 207 or Sanderson’s Indigo Blue will create the perfect intimate environment in which to relax.  At the same time, they are both wonderful at creating the background for impressive entertaining spaces such as formal dining rooms. 

Despite the intensity of these colours you will need to pay careful attention when painting to attain a perfect finish as every defect is likely to be shown.  We always recommend using three coats of dark paint shades to ensure a more consistent end result.

A selection of the terrific blues from Designers Guild

This season, opulent blue is very accessible in most collections.  One company who you can be sure has the perfect range of blues is Designers Guild – a brand that truly embraces bold colour.  Their Surabaya Wallcoverings and Savio Weaves boast a mass of beautiful blues in confident finishes.  In addition, their Savine Range features a striking indigo carpet, which works perfectly with their cobalt wallpaper.

If you consider a full room scheme might be a little overpowering, then use key accent pieces (such as a chair or even just a few tea light holders) to ensure your home feels relaxing, reassuring and above all “of the moment”.

Set of Four Blue Tealight holders from www.annabeljames.co.uk £14.95

Jamie Hempsall is a multi-award winning interior designer.  For more inspiration, visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com.

Beautiful Art of Energy Saving

Today sees the launch of the Plumen 002 (sister bulb to the original ground breaking Plumen 001 which won Brit Insurance Design of the Year 2011 and a D&AD Black Pencil).

The new bulb is a similar leap in the development of the humble light bulb with a new, chunkier design which appears to have been sculpted rather than drawn.  It is a little reminiscent of night lights of the past.   The beautiful shape, and the light it evokes, are extremely restful and actually produce feelings of comfort and...dare I say it...love.  Not a reaction you would normally expect to a household object.

The Designer Bertrand Clerc quotes sculptor Barbara Hepworth as a design inspiration.  He was looking for the right balance between an integrated and disintegrate construction and wanted to ensure that the bulb would present a certain dynamic while remaining gentle.  He has clearly been successful in this and created a form that is both beautiful and elegant from every angle.

The Plumen002 uses 75% less energy than a conventional bulb and should also require replacing far less often, making them the most cost efficient over their lifetime.

Plumen is launching on Kickstarter, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform. The company’s stated mission is to “Help bring creative projects to life.”

Launching any new product is very expensive and because Plumen enjoys such a passionate, global community, they wanted to invite supporters to join Plumen in helping to launch their first new bulb design in three years. 

It is anticipated that the bulb will retail for £20.

For more details visit plumen.com

Jamie Hempsall is a multi-award winning interior designer and a member of BIID & SBID.  For examples of his work visit www.jamiehempsall.com

Your magic carpet awaits

Homes and Interiors

Rugs really can solve a multitude of interior sins, interior designer Jamie Hempsall explains

It is no wonder that the Arabian Nights had tales of magic carpets, when you think what a rug can do in your home they really are an incredible interior incantation to have available to you. Whether your budget stretches to a Silk Persian rug or a more modest Ikea solution the result from including a rug in your scheme can be amazing – not to mention possibly solving some challenging interior problems.

So here are a few of the ways that I use rugs to help in the home:

• Adding instant warmth into a scheme – natural floor coverings such as wood or stone can be incredibly effective, long lasting and easy to maintain. However, they sometimes make a room look a little cold and clinical. The addition of a textured or patterned rug in a bright colour that contrasts with the main shades of your scheme will help overcome this, adding instant appeal and a shot of visual heat – not to mention physical warmth underneath your foot. 

• Making noise disappear – Walking on wood flooring can be quite noisy, a particular problem with upstairs rooms or some apartments. You can help overcome this by introducing a good size runner or area rug so that your footsteps are cushioned.

• Alter the size of a room – Well obviously not literally, but certainly optically. The perceived size of a room is directly affected by the colours used within in it. You will find that if you introduce a light coloured rug you can make small enclosed spaces feel larger, whilst the addition of a darker colour notes will help to make large, impersonal rooms feel much cosier.

• Make gaps disappear – If you have a large room and want to keep it fairly open plan and uncluttered you can often be faced with wide expanses to cross. Introduce a rug to close the gap without losing any space or adding furniture. It will also help to link areas together and cheat the visual perspective.

• Help to define a furniture group or delineate a room – This is also a particularly good trick to use in larger rooms where you can create an “island” of furniture based around a rug. Ensure that it has an interesting texture or picks up on key tones within the furniture fabric. The size of rug you choose is important for this to work effectively. There are two basic options either opt for a large rug that will easily accommodate the entire furniture group upon it or a rug small enough so that all the furniture (with the possible exception of a central table) can be arranged around the edge without need to impose on the rug.

This trick can also help delineate a large multi-purpose room, such as a lounge-diner, into specific areas and allow you to introduce differing colour schemes within an area without dividing walls.

• Enhance or change a colour scheme – Including a rug which heavily features the accent colour in your scheme will help enhance the feel of this throughout the scheme. Alternatively, you can use a rug which picks up on some of the sub-notes contained within patterns on your wall-covering or curtains to help subtly raise it to the fore. 
However, if you are a dedicated follower of fashion and are likely to alter your colour scheme regularly, then use a neutral tone for the base flooring (be it carpet, tiles or wood) and then introduce your colour with a series of medium priced rugs. When you want to change your scheme, simply change the rugs.

• Get rid of an unwanted patterned carpet – This can frequently be a problem for people who are moving home and inheriting the heavily patterned fitted carpet left by the previous occupants. If you are faced with this issue and cannot face the expense of a new carpet, then inject a calming influence by adding a large plain rug. To ensure that this works to best advantage, rather than looking like you have just popped a rug down willy-nilly, match the rug to one of the key colours in the base carpet.

• Make stains, spots and burns disappear – This may not be the most amazing use, but it can be a vital one. Stick to the guidelines of matching your rug to key colours in the base carpet to ensure that this looks an integral part of your scheme, rather than a first-aid fiddle. 

• Draw attention to a room feature – You can help emphasise the impact of a given feature in your room by effectively framing it with a carpet. Draw the beholders gaze to a fireplace by ensuring a eye-catching hearth rug is placed in front and emphasise the impact of any tiles in the fire surround, by ensuring your rug is matched to the main colour they contain.

• Give your flooring ever-lasting life - Use rugs to help protect the flooring underneath in high traffic areas. This will preserve the surface of your main floor and ensure you do not have to replace everything because of a small patch of wear.

To keep your rug in top condition I would always recommend using a rug pad underneath. They are terrific for reducing slippage (and for that read reducing wear and tear on your rug which means they also add to the longevity). The thin pads can also enhance the sound absorption qualities of any rug and will make them feel softer when used on a hard surface. Always opt for the best pad you can afford to maximise the enchanting effect of your rug.

Jamie Hempsall, BIID is an award winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.


This article originally appeared in the Yorkshire Post Saturday Magazine on 11th June 2011

Light entertainment

Interiors & Homes

ROOMS lacking natural light need not be cheerless. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explains how to turn them into a valued retreat.

Historically, houses in the UK have been designed to provide the maximum amount of rooms, rather than maximum space. Consequently, many properties include rooms that suffer from poor natural light.

If you are facing this challenge, the first thing to accept is that you are never going to be able to create a light, bright room and any attempt to do so will look washed out and a little false.

A dark room without sympathetic design will feel cold and unloved. However, by embracing the design challenge, you should be able to create a warm and welcoming room which you will probably use most in the evening or during periods when the weather is poorer.

To start with, you need to consider your colour palette carefully. Although my advice may initially appear counter-intuitive, you should concentrate on using warm and rich colours, rather than pale or light tones. Strong pigment is important as the colours need to work for themselves, without benefiting from being lifted by light.

Deep red, turquoise, orange, sage green and brown are all shades that work brilliantly in such spaces and are wonderful at creating an illusion of comfort and cosiness. Nature knows a thing or two – choose earth tones and you cannot go far wrong.

Think about your five senses and how they will work in this room. In darker rooms, your sight has to work a little harder, so help it along by making a feature of your lighting. Avoid harsh overhead light, as this will just make the room feel bleak; instead add various heights of light that you can use to alter the feel of the room.

Team wall lights that can be dimmed with a selection of table lamps; these will allow you to create pools of visual interest throughout your room. Choose lamp designs that are interesting and not just functional to give the eye something to alight upon. These visual treats help the eye work a little more efficiently in a dark environment.

We know that once one sense stops working the others take over. You can help another sense compensate for the lower impact of sight by focus on the provision of rich textured fabrics for your furnishings which will heighten the effect on touch. Tactile textures will also help to develop a sense of interest and security – adding to the reassuring feel of the design. For sofas and chairs, we would tend to opt for weaves or textured velvets which have a definite pleasing sensory appeal.

If you wish to opt for leather furniture then ideally make sure that it is aged or weathered so that the surface you are sitting upon still feels soft. To help counter the cool touch of leather and allow occupants to really relax dress sofas and chairs with plump cushions in soft fabrics (some of the new upholstery wools being offered by Prestigious, Zoffany and Ralph Lauren are perfect for this).

Although you are embracing the dark nature of your room, you want to avoid taking any action that makes the situation worse. When it comes to window treatments, ensure that they will draw back away from the window as much as possible. If you have enough wall space use a pole length that allows the curtains to draw back so that they are clear of the window – if you use full-length curtains (which we would always recommend) it will give the sensory illusion that the window extends further behind them.

Keep curtains unfussy – use eyelet or pinch pleat headings which provide clear lines that frame the external view. Ideally use a pole or ornamental track to avoid losing light from the top of your window behind a pelmet. of curtains means you do not need much free wall space) and then add a blackout blind for evening privacy.

Give your windows a further helping hand by enhancing the impact of any natural light with the use of mirrors throughout the room. These can be incorporated in your scheme in a variety of ways. Obviously, you can use mirrors with decorative frames in lieu of pictures, the effect of these can be further enhanced by using furniture with mirrored surfaces (potentially in cupboard doors or lamp tables). To ensure the effect is subtle, rather than glitzy choose verre eglomisé (a gilded glass that has a distressed finish), rather than plain mirror.

If you are feeling a little braver, opt for a mirror wall which will both reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space. A patchwork pattern made up of square and oblong pieces of mirror provides a more interesting architectural feature and is something that you can easily design with the help of your local glass merchant. To make this even more impactful, opt for an aged effect glass.

Think of your light challenged room as your “snug” and you are already on the way to taking the positive from a potential negative. Every home needs an area where family members can curl up in a ball and feel safe – this room will definitely be just the place.

* Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design and The Society of British Interior Design.  He also won Best Interior Design - North East in the UK Property Awards 2010 in conjunction with Bloomberg Television.


 Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.


This article as first published in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday 28th May 2011

Marmite - Full of Yeast & Promise

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - 1st June 2011

Interiors & Homes

LOVE it or hate it, Marmite products are the latest must-have products in the home. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall reports.

When it comes to that great British institution, Marmite, I am definitely in the “Love It” camp.

However, as many of you will no doubt be aware, it seems that the Danish government have definitely fallen into the “Loathe It” category following their recent ban on the sticky brown product.

Whether you enjoy eating it or not, the trend in all things retro has seen a plethora of Marmite-inspired interior products come on to the market in the last couple of years.

So why not show support for a great British brand and “fly the flag” by introducing a bit of yeast extract-inspired cheer into your home.

A lot of people have likened Andy Warhol to Marmite, but it is unclear if he was ever actually a fan. However, pop-art-style jars grace a wide variety of products, including coasters, mugs and egg cups, which should ensure that breakfast is a true homage to the product, with a matching set of three teatowels allowing you to complete the look while drying up. Prices from around £6.99 at Totally Funky (www.totallyfunky.com) - see main picture.

The same design also features on a selection of retro Marmite cake tins which come in sets of three in three vibrant colours – blue, teal and pink.

The set costs £21.99 and is available from Funky Olive (www.funkyolive.co.uk – 0118 988 7330).

For those of you with a penchant for the outdoors, there is also a wonderful enamel-coated tin plate and mug featuring a similar rendition of the Marmite jar. Lightweight and durable, this stylish pair have got to be perfect for picnics, festivals, camping and other outdoor pursuits at £6.99 each available from The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net – 02392 469400).

Pop art is all very well, but for those of you who like your representations more traditional, look no further than the Marmite Sandwich Box, to keep your lunch cool, yet contemporary. The yellow lid and black base look reminiscent of a traditional jar, albeit square and flat. (£4.95; www.prezzybox.com – 0844 2495 007).

For a perfect imitation, you could do worse than save your pennies in the oversize replica that is the Marmite Money Jar – ideal to have on the side in the kitchen for capturing your loose change (£14.99; www.gettingpersonal.co.uk – 0845 217 6382).

However, if you simply have to have the original thing, true lovers of the product (or their ardent admirers) may want to indulge their passion with a hall-marked sterling silver Marmite lid to smarten up a 250g jar.

For that extra special touch, it can be engraved with either a name or initials – now that really has to be brand devotion (£58.50 plain, £69.95 engraved; www.thepresentfinder.co.uk – 01935 815 195).

BLACK MARK IN DENMARK

The strongly flavoured dark brown spread made from brewer’s yeast has joined Rice Crispies, Shreddies, Horlicks and Ovaltine as prohibited in Denmark under legislation forbidding the sale of food products with added vitamins as threat to public health.

* Jamie Hempsall, BIID, is an award-winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.

Marvellous Melamine

Interiors and Homes


Indestructible melamine is back with a vengeance. Interior designer Jamie Hempsall charts its rise from the ashes.

We have reached the season where much time is spent deciding whether to dine inside or out – and having to hastily change your mind at the last minute. It is always a dilemma choosing what to eat off, as your best china and glass always seems a little more susceptible to breakage when used in the garden.


This summer sees a possible solution to all those problems with the resurgence in a great historical product, Melamine.


So here comes the science part!


Melamine is a formaldehyde base compound originally invented in the 1830s by a German Scientist called Liebig. It is used to make floor tiles, counter tops, cooking spoons and even fabrics; as well as dinnerware. If moulded when warm, Melamine sets into a fixed form with a smooth, durable surface that resists most food stains, is virtually unbreakable and dishwasher safe.


It was first used for dinnerware when the US Navy commissioned a range from the Watertown Manufacturing Company during the Second World War, as they needed something more practical than china on rough seas. This range was designed by Jon Hedu and first sold to the public under the name of “Watertown Ware” in 1945.


The economic development of the US in the 1950s meant a domestic scramble for all things “space age” with the introduction of new time-saving domestic appliances. Melamine was quickly adopted as the epitome of modernity as households rejected traditional crockery, particularly under the innovative design eye of Russel Wright who developed cutting edge melamine dining sets for the Northern Chemical Company. The popularity quickly spread over the Atlantic.


Unfortunately, melamine developed a reputation for being prone to scratches and stains and fell out of favour with the public who began returning to ceramic, china and glass-made dishes. By the 1970s, Melamine was largely consigned to use in camping equipment and children’s dining sets.


However, in the last few years it has found new favour with designers and is no longer solely the preserve of Peppa Pig or Scooby Doo. This is hardly surprising in an era when mid-century design is seeing a renaissance throughout all areas of the home.


Sales of vintage melamine products have risen dramatically on eBay and modern designers all now seem to be clamouring to use this practical product.


So the interior/exterior dilemma need worry you no further as the modern designs are extremely attractive with a slight edginess resulting in products that would not look out of place in any dining room.


Emma Bridgewater, the bastion of the modern English kitchen dresser, has developed a number of ranges which are smothered in delicious pattern – perfect for a picnic or just a pick me up.


She even has a melamine version of her iconic “Black Toast” range with suitably appropriate descriptive calligraphy (from £4; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk – 0844 243 9266).

Just to show how firmly this trend is entrenched in the UK, Cath Kidston has three different ranges (“Dotty”, “Flower” and “Daisy Pop”) which feature strong patterns and brilliant colours (from £3; www.kathkidston.co.uk – 08450 262 440).


Other designers have also joined the party by designing ranges for the High St with the likes of Jonathan Adler’s Neptune Salad plate for Heals and Ella Doran’s Indiantale range for Habitat.


Quirkiness (and not a little kitsch) seems to abound in a lot of the designs, with many museums and galleries introducing patterned plates. If you fancy nibbling off Napoleon then the new w2products National Gallery range features some of the funniest and most famous faces in the museum’s collection. There are four dinner plates, four side plates and a large platter (from £5; www.w2products.com – 0207 922 1444).

There are psychedelic patterns and 60s kitsch sprinkled throughout the designs. French Bull lead the way with their Pink Paisley and Ring Ranges (various stockists from £6); whilst the “Retro Inspired Marmite Tray” from We Love British will delight Anglophiles and Warhol fans alike (£11.95; www.welovebritish.co.uk – 01442 831991).

Indeed so strong is the current market that the Danish design firm Rice, who have a reputation for fairtrade homewares which combine strong design and good social ethics, have just opened a new “shop of funkiness” at 16a Neal’s Yard, London WC2 where you will be able to sample the delights of their entire range which starts at around £2.50 for a melamine beaker.

The High Street also has a terrific amount of melamine this summer. Some of the best examples include M&S’s Flower and Reef Ranges (from £2.50; www.marksandspencer.com) and John Lewis’s Summer Dot and Woodland Leaf designs (from £3; www.johnlewis.com).

Jamie Hempsall, BIID is the winner of Best Interior Design - North East in the UK Property Awards 2011. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.


MINDING THE MELAMINE


ALTHOUGH it is unbreakable, Melamine should not be used in the microwave and never in the oven. It does tend to absorb heat, which can cause it soften, blister or potentially crack – so careful with extremely hot food. However, it is dishwasher safe. For scratches or stubborn stains use one of the especially designed cleaning products on the market, rather than a scouring powder or cream


This article was featured in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday 21st May 2011

Moroccan Flavour to Outdoor Eating

INTERIORS

WITH the prospect of balmy evenings returning, interior designer Jamie Hempsall considers an alternative for al fresco dining.

We Brits have embraced the idea of dining outdoors. However, it is often still in a formal fashion – the equivalent of taking your dining suite outside and sitting properly at the table.

Cultures that regularly experience hot evenings have a much more relaxed attitude to the whole situation, recognising that long evenings of happy chatting, drinking and dining can be better facilitated if revellers are totally laid back. So why not throw caution to the wind and embrace a bit of Eastern culture? Forego the table, forget the chairs and instead look to lounge in comfort.

This season sees an array of Moroccan inspired outdoor offerings which are perfect for creating your ideal dining experience. Think picnic with a twist and you are half way there.

Base everything around a central carpet area where you can put out your food and drink. Kilims are purpose built for this; they are incredibly hardwearing and fold up easily so that you can store them in a relatively small space. Specialist rug sellers often have them at reasonable prices and ebay usually have a good selection available (remember to check the size of the rug you are buying).

You might also want to consider the likes of the Acapulco Picnic Mat which is made from recycled plastic and fashioned to look like a traditional rug. It may not be as comfortable as a kilim, but is incredibly practical and the price point makes it a worthwhile alternative. (£19.95 in a variety of colours from www.dotcomgiftshop.com – 0208 746 2473).

Surround the edges of your carpet with masses of cushions and Moroccan pouffes. The more the merrier is the name of the game – think of falling back into a generous pile of cushions, rather than balancing precariously on one. Homesense have faux leather Moroccan inspired pouffes for those who would prefer something more upright (from £19.99; www.homesense.com – 01923 473000 - see main picture).

To light up your evening forget patio lights and opt instead for the gentle glow of candlelight. Moroccan style glass lanterns are perfect for countering our rather windy weather. Tesco has wonderful white lanterns with coloured glass at £11 each (www.tesco.com – 0800 505555), while Homesense claim that they will be selling the biggest range of Moroccan lanterns on the high street this summer with prices from £14.99. Add intimate lighting around the dishes of your feast with an assortment of tea lights in patterned holders which will cast exotic shadows.

Two of my favourites are the Etched Glass Candle Holder finished in silver (£4; www.roseandgrey.co.uk – 0560 311 3405) and Bangle Tealights fashioned from recycled Indian Bangles (also £4; www.berryred.co.uk – 01432 274805).

BEDOUIN THEME BRINGS TASTY TEA



DRESS your area with earthenware pots and vases to create a rustic Bedouin atmosphere and serve dates and mint or apple tea poured from a coffee pot into small glasses for an exotic after dinner digestive (the set here were purchased in the Souk at Marrakech).

To ensure that you can enjoy lounging until late invest in a firepit which you can keep close by and then regroup your cushions around to end the evening in a warm and welcoming glow.

Jamie Hempsall, BIID, is an award-winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180


This article was originally published in the Yorkshire Post on Weds 18th May 2011