Letter from the Editor
Why do we collect things? The answer may differ from one person to another, but the word itself holds a clue. “Memento” comes from the Latin verb meminisse, which means “to remember”. I suppose we all enjoy bringing home souvenirs of our trips, because they serve as physical representations of the places we have visited and the experiences we cherish. Amassed over time, these keepsakes take pride of place in our abodes, conveying a meaningful, personal touch.
While travel plans for most of us are still on hold, our sense of wanderlust is still very much alive. In the realm of interior design, some of that has translated into elements that capture a holiday mood—whether it is taking style cues from hotel suites or incorporating relaxing greenery into our homes.
This issue focuses on celebrating global style, with homes that cleverly mix cultural inf luences. From the vibrant Barcelona apartment in our cover story
(page 86 and on this page) to British interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s modern farmhouse in the English countryside (page 98) and fashion designer Alexis Mabille’s stylish sanctuary in Paris (page 126), these residences are an effortless melange of cross-cultural references, but still crafted to suit their surroundings.
To create a truly unique interior, layering is key. Get tips on how to successfully weave contrasting elements (page 52) and explore collections from Southeast
Asian brands and designers that combine a passion for traditional craft with a modern spirit (page 66). We also highlight playful, fruit-themed designs (page 48) as well as accent pieces in calming azure hues to bring a touch of Mediterranean style into your abode (page 50)—all the better to chase those travel blues away.
Elsewhere in the magazine, we feature the most gorgeous kitchens (page 58) and the hottest property trends to watch (page 76); we also recap the highlights of the much-anticipated Tatler Design Awards 2021
(page 42). Closer to home, our annual Top Interior Designers special showcases projects by local firms that demonstrate brilliant ways of sprucing up your space (from page 158).
Though we’re homebound for a bit longer, trust that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places if you keep your eyes open and embrace new experiences. We hope this issue will be a starting point for you to explore new horizons.