Urban Chic Issue 1

Making

the asp

affo rdable l a n tio a r i

Issue 1 March 2016 UK Edition ÂŁ3.99

Urban Chic

Exposed brick & chipped paint

Embrace NYC’s edgy, boho style

Industrial Inspo:

Wine bottle lighting for your city shelf

The Crafty Gentleman

Magic Mike shares his DIY expertise p.6

Moroccan Makeover

Straight from the souks of Marrakech p.10

5

tips for a

Brooklyn Loft Look

Contents Hello and a very warm welcome to our first issue of Urban Chic!

Urban Chic is what we like to call a “hybrid” magazine. We will bring you the best home decor inspirations, global trends and features with craft and interior design experts so you can create your palatial home, even if you’re on a pauper’s budget.

In this issue, the Urban Chic team have delved into our creative vaults, and got a little messy, to bring you stateside inspiration in the shape of the Brooklyn loft. Our regular columnist, The Crafty Gentleman, will also share his secrets on how you can create this bohemian look in Britain.

We show you how to create new home accessories with empty wine bottles, and will stop off in the souks of Marrakesh to add a little spice to your living space. We can’t guarantee a suntan or souvenirs, but we can promise you a suitcase full of inspiration, motivation and a no-frills approach to creating your ideal home. UC

Contents

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Inspiration

p.9

3 - Brooklyn Brownstone Our COVER STORY gives a glimpse into a stylish converted paint factory

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D.I.Y Projects

p.10

9 - City Lights Create your very own cityscape in two simple steps

p.4

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Global Trends 10 - Modern Moroccan Take a pinch of African aspiration from expert Elizabeth Lee

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#UrbanCrafters 6 - The Crafty Gentleman Our go-to DIY guy, Mike Aspinall, gets creative with copper 8 - A fair to remember A list of 2016’s best craft fairs to jot down in your diary

Meet the team..

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Jessie-Ann Lewis

Jessica Phillips

p.3

p.6

Lauren Phillips

Eugenia Ferrer

Emily Owen

Anna Morgan

Brooklyn

We take a look through the keyhole of a reclaimed NYC paint factory reinventing itself as a quirky nook, proving that stylish living isn’t exclusive to the Upper East Side

Photo Credit: Brian Ferry - www.brianwferry.com

Brownstone

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Inspiration

Bricks and Bicycles

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he Brooklyn loft style is an interior design look that symbolises the cool, edgy, bohemian culture of New York’s most exciting and eccentric borough. It combines an industrial rugged flair with a sleek, polished finish and is the epitome of style for those looking to embrace the raw feel of exposed bricks and chipped paint, but want their eclectic style to remain clutter-free and organised.

The most famous examples of the Brooklyn loft treatment in modern popular culture are Dan Humphrey’s

apartment in Gossip Girl and Sherlock’s brownstone in Elementary. The van der Woodsen penthouse is elegant and pristine, but can equally be described as clinical and cold.

What the Brooklyn loft offers is a clandestine charm and a sense of personality to represent a home which is lived in. This interior design look is perfect for the adventurous, the cheeky and playful and, of course, the cultured and creative.

Interior designers Loren Daye and Jesse Rowe perfectly encapsulate

the personality of the Brooklyn loft.

They converted this 1250 square foot space, that was previously a run-down paint factory, into a stylish suite.

Daye and Rowe describe their style as “random and circumstantial - a mixture of history and travel”. Clothes racks, bicycles on the wall and stained floors mix with piles of hardback classic books, a world map and potted plants to create a balanced look.

Their space pays homage to both the manufactured and the sustainable, yet still encompasses a cosy city home. UC

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5 ways to get the Brooklyn loft look 1. Running out of storage space?

Don’t fear! Use clothes racks and rails to create a bespoke display with your favourite garments.

2. Nothing says authenticity like exposed brick walls. If you’re home doesn’t feature this, use brick printed wallpaper to get the look.

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3. Art helps to liven up bare walls and creates a contrast between

the rugged and refined. Use this issue’s supplementary pull-out to add a little flair to your space.

4. Brooklyn lofts have plenty of natural light. Use large mirrors to create more light in small spaces.

5. Plants help city dwellers keep in touch with nature. Feature potted cactai and larger plants to infuse green into your environment. UC

Photography provided by Brian Ferry; Illustrations

by Miriam Collett www.mimcollett.wordpress.com

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This style is perfect for anyone looking for a house with class, but a home that is a little rugged around the edges 5

#UrbanCrafters

The Crafty Gentleman

Introducing Mike Aspinall: Our regular columnist, craft blogger and DIY extraordinaire Mike Aspinall is a 25-year-old craft blogger and DIY enthusiast from Nottingham. By day he’s a digital marketing manager, but by night he is The Crafty Gentleman. His blog features original craft tutorials, interviews with makers and lots of inspiration to get your creative cogs turning! Let’s get to know the guy behind the DIY.

Why did you set up your blog, The Crafty Gentleman?

The simple answer is there just isn’t much out there for male craft and DIY lovers. I strongly believe that crafting is not just for women, so I set up my site to encourage more men to explore the world of crafting. I wanted to create a blog to shine a light on the incredible male makers out there and to show that crafting is for everyone!

What can people expect to see on your blog?

I post a variety of original DIY and craft projects, with step-by-step tutorials so you can follow along.

They range from simple projects, to more complex DIY, as well as cooking and baking. I also regularly interview fellow male makers to get an insight into their work and craft.

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Where do you get inspiration for blog posts and craft projects?

Everywhere! I’m not exaggerating.

I find ideas and inspiration all over the place. I probably come up with new project ideas every day – the only thing that limits me is time to make them! I’m also really inspired by fellow bloggers and crafters. I love

how each maker tends to have their own style and can create something completely unique from a set of pretty standard craft supplies. I’m constantly exploring new craft techniques to keep things fresh. Whether its paper craft, woodwork, cooking, drawing, photography or even knitting – I’m always pushing myself to explore new techniques and learn new things.

Are you part of any blogging/craft groups in the Nottingham area?

I’m a member of the Nottingham Hackspace, which is a communityrun workspace for creatives. It’s full of woodworking tools, sewing machines and computers. It even has electronic stations and a spray painting booth!

I’m also involved with the Nottingham Etsy team, who organise regular craft fairs and seminars. It’s a great city for craft lovers!

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently completely rebranding my blog and redesigning my website.

I am also in talks to launch a blogging seminar later this year, where I’ll be teaching people how to set up and run a successful blog. Watch this crafty space!

What’s your top crafting tip?

Try everything and keep trying!

There are so many craft techniques out there. You have no idea if you’re going to be good at something, or enjoy something, until you give it a go. Don’t be deterred by the level of skill involved. Start simple and work up from there. If your first attempt isn’t perfect, then join the club – no one’s first attempt is ever perfect! Just keep crafting, continue making things and enjoy it.

The Crafty Gentleman blogging from home

Photos courtesy of Mike Aspinall

Where did you find your love for DIY and craft?

I’ve been a craft geek since I was a child. I used to spend hours making handmade cards and gifts, and as I grew up crafting became my “zen” activity. It was a way for me to unwind from the busy routines of university and work. I honestly love nothing more than spending an afternoon making a mess with my craft supplies and creating weird and wonderful things. What’s not to enjoy?!

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DIY: Copper Pipe Desk Tidy

You will need: • • • • • •

1 metre copper pipe Copper pipe cutter Steel wool Hot glue gun Permanent marker Cork coaster

All supplies are available from Homebase and hardware shops.

Mike’s top tip: “When gluing the copper pipes together, warm the pipes first under warm water so that the glue doesn’t cool and set too quickly!”

Mike’s DIY copper desk tidy perfectly fits the Brooklyn loft interior style .

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Step 1

Make small marks with the permanent marker pen in varying lengths along the copper pipe. Start with a length of approximately 15-20cm and decrease in size as you go along.

Step 2 Use the copper pipe cutter to slowly cut through the pipe at each marked position. Start by just scoring the copper before gently tightening so that the pipe naturally comes apart. If you tighten the cutter too fast, it will dent and distort the metal.

Step 3 Repeat these steps so that you have a range of sizes. Use the steel wool to buff and clean the copper so it is nice and shiny.

Step 4 Position the copper pipes into the structure you’d like for your desk tidy. Use a hot glue gun to glue this together. Start by adding a line of glue to one pipe, then firmly pressing another pipe onto it. Add another layer of glue to seal them in place.

Step 5 Add each of the remaining pipes in the same way to form the final structure. Then, turn the desk tidy on its side and add more glue to the base, focusing on gaps between the pipes.

Step 6 Place the desk tidy onto a cork coaster. Pencil around it and cut out the resultant shape. Glue this to the desk tidy’s base. UC

For more of Mike’s tutorials check out his blog at www.thecraftygentleman.net

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#UrbanCrafters

What is

H

#UrbanCrafters?

ere at Urban Chic, creating a sense of community is the driving force behind our magazine. #UrbanCrafters is our online community where we want you to share your crafts, DIY projects and any other ideas with us

via the hashtag, whether it’s on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Using these platforms, we hope to bring all urban crafters together! If we love your work we will feature our favourites on both the website and the forthcoming issues.

Follow us on social media:

@mag_urbanchic @mag_urbanchic magazineurbanch/urban-chic/

A fair to remember Feeling creative? We have compiled a list of exciting craft fairs to

visit this year if you are in need of a bit of home decor inspiration

The Fairy Tale Fair Where: Patcham Methodist Church, Brighton When: March 5, 2016 The Fairy Tale Fair promises to take you on a magical journey of exploration and fantasy as you discover the wonders of one-ofa-kind artwork.

Market Bath Artisan Park Station, Bath een Where: Gr ch 13, 2016 When: Mar f t prides itsel Bath Marke d fun friendly an on being a t of Bath. in the hear y’s experience ve of the cit tro e ur as arts It is a tre handmade d, cle cy up best and crafts.

en run by the This fair has be for s Association aft Cr e tiv ea Cr nded , and has expa over 29 years st largest and mo to become the ir Gift Fa d an aft Cr l successfu North West. promoter in the

ide vows to prov Made by Hand rdiff with Ca of le op the pe y to purchase an opportunit k ality craftwor qu d an e iqu un ked group of from a handpic kers. top Welsh ma

Bolton Crafts Association is an event which boasts unique quality and provides visitors with something a little bit different at the indoor event, so that you can personalise and individualise your home.

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Brimming with creativity and cutting-edge decor ideas for your home, the award-winning Hobbycrafts ensures visitors will depart with a limitless supply of craft and interior inspiration.

ft Marquee Craft and Gi rld, ie’s Garden Wo Where: Dobb Liverpool 3-5, 2016 When: June

nd: The Made by Ha ry Craft Fair Contempora Hall, Cardiff Where: City er 28-30, 2016 When: Octob

Bolton Crafts Association Where: Smithills Hall, Bolton When: May 22, 2016

Hobbycrafts Where: NEC Birmingham When: March 17-20, 2016

d Gift Fair City Craft an y Centre, Derb Where: City -22, 2016 21 rch Ma n: Whe

r ally British fai A quintessenti will art - City Craft with a lot of he ferent stalls dif of ay arr exhibit an ves exciting creati from the most the design of d ea ah who are and spiritual gifts curve. Expect me decor. ho ve ati ov inn

Weald of Kent Craft and Design Show Where: Penshurst Place, Tonbridge When: April 30-May 2, 2016 The Kent Craft and design Show will wield an impressive array of inspiring and unusual crafts that you will certainly not find on the high street.

DIY: City

Lights

You will need: •

An empty wine bottle or glass jar

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LED fairy lights (we used copper wired fairy lights from Primark, £2.50 each)

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AA Batteries

DIY time: • 30 minutes

#Urban Crafters Recreate urban industrial chic in two simple steps

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ave you been inspired by our insight into Brooklyn Brownstone? Recreate the New York City style with our easy DIY home accessories tutorial that is sure to light up your room.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll love a glass of wine, so next time you’re with the girls enjoying some vino don’t think about getting rid of that bottle.

We’ve got a crafty alternative to reuse empty glass bottles and jars rather than just putting them in the recycling bin.

This is a super easy project that you can put together on a Sunday morning when you’re feeling a bit tender after the night before. It’s so easy that you’ll be able to make these crafts even with a hangover!

Our tutorial works with any jar or glass container!

Share your DIY City Light projects on Twitter and Instagram for the chance to be featured in Urban Chic’s next issue! Use #UrbanCrafters with your snaps!

Step 1 Wash and dry the bottle and remove the outer label. Untangle the fairy lights, laying them out across the table.

This will make it easier to put the lights into the bottle.

Step 2 Carefully insert the fairy lights into the bottle, making sure the lights are evenly distributed inside the glass.

Keep the battery pack outside at the back of the bottle so you can easily switch the lights on and off without the pack being seen.

Urban Chic loves..

We love how quick and easy this project is and how sustainable it is too!

Living on a budget means recycling and upcycling old products is a great way to create a completely new home accessory, whilst saving the pennies and the planet.

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Inspiration

Modern Moroccan

Translating the luxe aesthetic into a city slicker space

Photography provided by Rebecca Mitchell Interiors www.rebeccamitchellinteriors.com; Illustrations by Emily Owen

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raving glamour? Lusting for some authentic opulence?

Modern Moroccan could help satisfy your interior needs.

Throughout history, Morocco has been a cultural melting pot.

Explorers and holiday-makers from various nations have converged here and called it home. Even today, it remains a must-see on a traveller’s map, whether you’re on a budget or splashing out. This vast array of people has led to Morocco’s unique and distinct style of rich, vibrant living – a sought after style which is emulated across the globe.

When someone mentions Morocco, immediately images of dark earthy tones and metallic and ornate details are conjured up. It is thanks to such details

that even the smallest nooks can look palatial, and by nightfall they can transform into incredibly sultry, sleek spaces. The metallics glimmer under candlelight and the marble makes a statement.

Current trends in this Moroccan styling include handmade rugs, which add colour and cosiness to any space. Metallic pendant lights and floor lamps also add a warm glow to any area, which will evoke a sexier feel than the average 60w downlighting.

What’s more, adding mirrors and mosaics can provide the illusion of additional space and width.

Reflective surfaces also add to the luxurious appeal, and dark wood cabinets and furniture provide an incredibly trendy foundation for Modern Moroccan styling.

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Photography provided by Elizabeth Lee

ago, I was surrounded by all the beautiful textiles and artisans working there and it seemed only natural that I should bring them home with me. The business started from there.

Secrets of the Souk

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rt of Vintage Souk is an independent Welsh online business that ecompasses the Moroccan interior style.

The owner, Elizabeth Lee, sells textiles, jewellery and anything interesting that she finds on her travels to the souks of Marrakech.

Elizabeth tells Urban Chic how you can achieve this vibrant style in your small city space.

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1. Rich coloured scatter cushions provide additional seating in a small space.

2. Metallic picture frames, glass vases and fairylights dress up a small alcove and create a high-end boudoir feel.

3. Bring the outdoors inside with plants, driftwood and white flowers to add grounding to the eclectic trend.

4. Throw pashminas, blankets and scarves artfully onto sofas to add character, and also free up wardrobe space.

5. Leather pouffes pay homage to this look and double up as a seat, footstool or low table.

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5 ways to steal Moroccan style

What particularly inspires you about Moroccan design?

I’ve always loved ethnic design, particularly in textiles. I love the colours and patterns and its artistic spontaneity.

What is your favourite thing about Morocco?

I love the sun and the heat! I like the Arabic culture, its creativity and all their wonderful old historical buildings.

Driving there can be quite meditative, and being in the desert dunes is magical as you can actually hear the silence.

When is your next trip?

In March and April 2016. I’m going to the Festival of Nomads, which is held every year.

What inspired you to set up the Art of Vintage Souk?

When I visited Morocco six years

Does your home reflect the Moroccan interior style?

Not really, I like IKEA! There is new and old mixed together, which creates an eclectic style with an arty feel.

What advice would you give to someone visiting a souk?

Most Moroccans will want to barter when you see something you want to buy in the souks. It’s part of their culture. My advice is to just enjoy the shopping experience, laugh with the traders and don’t take anything too seriously. Enjoy some tea and chat while negotiating.

Do you have a favourite Moroccan piece that you’ve sourced?

There are so many rugs that I love.

I have had favourites. I loved one of the Boucherouite rag rugs that I sold for just £50. I regret that.

What Moroccan items are popular at present?

I sell a lot of Babouche leather slippers. They’re inexpensive, so are easy to sell. I also sell quite a lot of jewellery. I find that people also love the rugs, but it’s a bigger outlay so they are slower to sell.

Which of the soft furnishings you sell could you not live without?

The cushions are my personal favourites. They can be used anywhere in the home or even the garden. I can’t be without my rugs, but I love it when a customer wants to have one in their home. UC

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#UrbanCrafters @mag_urbanchic @mag_urbanchic

magazineurbanch/urban-chic/ Email: magazineurbanchic@gmail.com Website: http://jomec.co.uk/urbanchic/