10 minute read
INTERIORS
www.madaboutmidcenturymodern.com
www.iconiclights.co.uk www.danetti.com
Au Naturel
www.pigletinbed.com
In an increasingly synthetic and manufactured world, there’s never been a better time to embrace organic design within our homes. Not only can it strengthen our connection with nature, but it provides the perfect antidote to the last couple of years that have been dominated by Zoom meetings and a heavy reliance on digital technology. Organic design trends tend to focus on natural forms and minimalist materials such as glass, steel, wood, jute, rattan and stone. They feature clean lines, neutral colours and a distinct lack of fussy embellishment.
Organic style is not a new characteristic for interiors. Ray and Charles Eames famously worked with molded plywood to create designs that were smooth in shape and simple in design. More recently, Matthew Hilton (Habitat) and lighting designer Tom Raffield, have both become well known for their ergonomic, organic desk designs and lighting. As one of Britain's most highly respected furniture designers, Matthew Hilton creates elegant and
Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com
www.loaf.com
functional pieces out of wood and Tom Raffield produces sustainable, steam-bent and wooden pendants, chandeliers, wall, floor and table lights. Other organic influences can be seen in Nordic, Hygge, Japandi and Alpine styles.
The colour palette of organic schemes focuses on neutrals, with white walls frequently combined with area rugs in earthy, woody tones. The result is a peaceful look, encouraging a sense of serenity and calmness. The open plan spaces that have become synonymous with organic design encourage a free flow of movement around the rooms giving the occupants a feeling of freedom, just like being outdoors in a wide, open space. The main stay of organic styling is the use of natural materials. These are rarely perfect, in fact it’s their natural characteristics that tend to give a scheme interest and originality. At a time when our on-screen lives tend to be lived so ‘perfectly’, to have a home that reflects the opposite can prove a very welcome relief.
If you’re concerned that a neutral palette or a look dominated by natural materials might be too uninteresting for you, then take time to seek out finishes and fittings that are more textural. Jute, recycled glass, wool, hand carved wood, rough-hewn timber, plants, linen fabrics, all offer a degree of texture that will add interest, depth and dimension to your scheme. Crucial Trading has a great selection of jute, coir, sisal and wool rugs that can be created in any size to suit and there are those that combine sisal and wool in chunky weave designs that are both beautifully tactile and aesthetically interesting.
The success of your design scheme will be dependent upon how well balanced it is. In organic interiors, offset hard concrete, shiny steel and structural stone with large, soft sofas upholstered in boucle fabrics, side tables covered in faux shagreen, tactile throws crying out to be touched and deep pile carpets or rugs thick enough to sink your toes into.
In a small kitchen, there may be less opportunity to add softness using upholstery and rugs so consider softening accessories instead. Add cushions to dining chairs or drape a small blanket over the back of a bar stool. Incorporate a wooden butcher’s block on your island or have a separate worksurface such as a breakfast bar made of wood where the rest of the surfaces are granite. The light reflecting, shiny finishes of quartz, marble and polished metals will help glam up an organic scheme if it’s what you desire, whilst darker woods, heritage paint colours and heavy wools will bring warmth and cosiness to a scheme that’s at risk of becoming too stark and sterile.
Very often designing to an organic brief will enable you to be sustainable too. Reclaimed materials add colour, interest and texture and by repurposing an old material you’ll be helping the environment by not buying new. Sourcing pieces that have a history can provide a talking point. Rather than shouting about the bold pattern or colour, instead you can describe where you found the piece, how you came to be able to repurpose it for its new use and the method in which it was restored.
Designing with a natural brief in mind can be as wholesome for the designer as it is for the end client. It is highly rewarding to know that the scheme you’ve successfully created and incorporated into your client’s home can offer them a relaxing calming escape from the digital world, bridging the gap between the natural and the man made, whilst also being environmentally mindful and sustainable.
Gary Walton, artist: See the world with a fresh perspective
The work of Gary Walton is full of character, imagination and joy. Describing his own style, Gary says it is: "Very whimsical, romantic and happy; quirky, two-dimensional with a slight intriguing air of fantasy combined with a twist of reality within." This fantasy world he creates draws us in, reflecting our own reality - particularly the coastline he loves - while offering an opportunity to consider unusual ideas and perspectives.
Born in Worcester in 1962, Gary enjoyed exploring his creativity while at school before entering the world of work as a graphic designer. He continued to paint, deepening his skills and developing his style further. He has been inspired by the works of surrealists including Salvador Dali, a connection we can see in his unique world - with recognisable elements and yet often so different from our own.
In 2004 Gary earned a position as finalist in the DeMontfort New Artist competition which earned him a publishing contract. Through this relationship, new collectors came to appreciate his work and - having been able to commit to his work full-time - Gary has been able to explore his interests and inspiration. While Gary Walton’s work can be described as quirky, fantastical and surreal there is a comfort in the facets we recognise which combine to invite us into his world and explore.
As well as original paintings and limited editions, Gary recently released a new collection of block mounted prints featuring the quirky harbour scenes, lighthouses and hot air balloons typical of his style. The artwork is beautifully presented - they are printed onto fine art canvas then bonded to board and varnished to replicate the look and feel of an original painting.
At the Rose Gallery, we love to be able to share the joy of new pieces by popular artists and the work of Gary Walton definitely falls into that category. If you’d like to know more about these works we’d be happy to help – do get in touch, or pop into the gallery.
Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk
Iis the most amazing achievement for England to become Champions of Europe. The Lionesses are an inspiration to everyone and have shown that through teamwork, ability and hard work, anything is possible.
Like many others, I never thought I would be able to say that England have won a major football tournament in my lifetime.
I am so proud that Milton Keynes hosted four matches and played our part in the greatest achievement in English football since 1966, including attracting a full house at Stadium:MK for the second semi-final. I’d like to thank all the teams and supporters that made those matches so special. Yet again, we as a city had the vision and confidence to back the tournament when many others did not.
I hope the win will have a lasting impact on women’s sport and I am sure it has both inspired a new generation of women and girls to go out and take part in whatever their chosen sport is, as well as changing the attitude of many others to women’s sport in general. Our host city bid promised to increase the number of girls playing the game and double the number of trained women’s coaches in the city. The Lionesses’ win is just the beginning of unlocking so much potential, so if you have been inspired, today is the day you can also make a difference and be part of a winning legacy.
Bobby Moore and Leah Williamson, that is good company as the only two England football captains ever to lift a major international trophy.
We are immensely proud that Leah is from Milton Keynes, and I think it would be totally appropriate that the very first person to be given the Freedom of the New City of Milton Keynes is the first woman to lead a national side to international honours and is from MK. In July, I asked the Council to start the process of bestowing the honour on her. Leah has since accepted this honour and we can expect to see a formal ceremony take place soon.
Pete MarlandLeader of Milton Keynes Council
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 252442 Email: peter.marland@milton-keynes.gov.uk Facebook: @mklabour ADDRESS: c/o Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ
Challenges in farming
and a visit to Under One Roof
Pavilion. Aimed at young people (aged 11-18) the event offers access to everything they need ‘Under One Roof’ with attendees covering mental health, physical health, sexual health, homelessness and young carers.
Some of the organisations in attendance included YiS, Depaul, MK ACT, Carers MK and CAMHS. I spoke with all these organisations to learn about what support and information they can offer to young people across Milton Keynes. Great work everyone!
As ever, if I can be of any help, please do get in touch with me on the contact details provided below.
The team from Under One Roof which aims to support young people and their mental health
Ihope hope you had a lovely summer and enjoyed the warm weather of August. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things that I have been up to during the Summer Recess.
National Farmers Union Recently, I met with farmers from Milton Keynes South and representatives from the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Calverton. I heard firsthand from the farmers in attendance the issues and challenges that they are currently facing in their line of work.
The Food Strategy Plan was discussed as a positive step for farmers and there is an opportunity to grow it. But there is a need for a joint up approach between government departments.
The topic of innovation in the farming industry was also mentioned and the need for government confidence in it. In addition, government support and funding for farmers was also raised and the need to continue to help farmers.
M&M Supplies Another visit this month was to M&M Supplies in Bletchley; recent recipients of the Queen’s Award for International Trade. Meeting with managing director, Frank Purcell, I learnt more about the business and what they do.
M&M Supplies employs 40 people locally to help in their operation of distributing products and goods of manufacturers across the world. Some of the brands that they distribute include Kellogg’s, Mars, Proctor & Gamble, Nestle and Kraft Heinz.
I was pleased to hear about the success that they have achieved by embracing the opportunities presented to them through Brexit. I also heard about the wonderful work that they have done, and continue to do, with MK Food Bank and the products that they provide to support the work the food bank does.
M&M Supplies based in Bletchley employs 40 people locally to help in their operation of distributing products and goods of manufacturers across the world
A meeting with the National Farmers Union means I heard first hand about their issues and challenges and the need for government confidence
Iain StewartMP for Milton Keynes South
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 686830 Email: iain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk www.iainstewart.org.uk Suite 102, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD
