MIX MASTER

The new Hôtel Les Deux Gares in Paris is the first hotel project to reflect the marvellous mashup that is the signature style of up-and-coming British interior designer Luke Edward Hall.

from Central Saint Martins, the designer founded his own studio in 2015 at the age of 26, and his approach to interior design is about avoiding the obvious path. “I start projects by leafing through old books and magazines; then, I visit galleries and museums,” he says. “I allow myself the time to dream and invent stories.” Luke draws, paints, collaborates with brands, stages interiors, writes a weekly column for FT Magazine, and creates fabrics, furniture and accessories.

In the 40 guest rooms at Les Deux Gares, Luke has used mismatched geometrical rugs, headboards boasting broad stripes, classic Tulip tables, fringed velvet chairs and ’70sinspired lights. And did we mention the bright, yellow Art

Deco bathrooms, which sport mint-green, baby-blue and pink fittings? “It’s this combination of styles that, I hope, will intrigue guests”, Luke says.

Across the street, the hotel’s café continues the story. One of the unique colours of the guest rooms – cherry red – is prevalent here, and is mixed with the codes of traditional Parisian cafés: cement tiles, Thonet chairs and seats with bold stripes, as well as a banquette and bistro tables in stained wood. “Design can often be very serious, whereas I want my work to convey joy,” says Luke. And that’s exactly what he has managed to achieve at Hôtel Les Deux Gares. hoteldeuxgares.com

arkhurst’s 7th Avenue has become a bit of a haven for design in Johannesburg, and the arrival of the spectacular new showroom for Oggie has taken the suburb’s design status to a new level. Created by Carl Jacobsz of architects C76, and with interiors by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HK Studio, the sprawling structure of wood, glass and abundant vegetation is the perfect setting for Oggie’s marvellous wooden flooring options.

The building, which faces 7th Avenue, rises up from the street in a series of brick and glass boxes that are framed in a connected façade of shoji screen-like wooden apertures, shielding yet also ever so elegantly revealing what might be going on inside the interior spaces. Inside it is a glorious expression of light, and Parkhurst’s abundance of trees

Pand other greenery creates the sense that the building has become part of the suburban canopy itself. Wall cladding, flooring and ceilings all made from Oggie products add another layer of natural texture, connecting you back to the landscapes outside the windows.

“We wanted a space and building that reiterated what Oggie flooring’s products stand for, so we focused on nature, light, simplicity and warmth,” Carl explains. “The brief was simple: originally, Oggie wanted a showroom space on the ground floor with rentable office space for like-minded people on the first floor. But as we moved along, it became clear they needed the entire showroom for Oggie products. After that, they pretty much left it up to us to do our thing, and design a building that complements the Oggie brand. The company believes

in the professionals they appoint, and trusts in them, which is a wonderful philosophy to hear from a client when starting any built project.”

The interiors continue to explore the material qualities of natural products, while also complementing the organic textures with metallic accents that bring the space squarely on trend, giving it a fresh feel. “We were lucky to have a beautiful, interesting base to work off from the architects,” says Megan. “We were also lucky to be able work with the incredible product that is Oggie, and apply it to floors, ceilings, walls and furniture, which instantly imbued the space with warmth and sophistication. We focused on detailing throughout, as well as on the use of materials that are authentic in principle, such as marble, stone, brass, steel and, of course, timber.”

The space offers a rare opportunity to experience the full product offering from one of VISI’s favourite local brands. Oggie’s new home is the perfect place to explore ideas for your own home or office, and immerse yourself in a building and decor approach that pushes the boundaries of how we connect with traditional showroom spaces. oggieflooring.com | c76.co.za | hkstudio.co.za

1. LIFE MEETS ART: INSIDE THE HOMES OF THE WORLD’S MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE by Sam Lubell

Phaidon, R1 000

This remarkable coffee-table book rounds up the private spaces of no less than 250 of the world’s most creative people – past and present – providing an unparalleled behind-the-scenes tour of some of the most fascinating, inspirational and unique interiors ever. With the homes of painters, sculptors, novelists, poets, fashion designers, composers, musicians, architects and more represented here, Life Meets Art is decor inspiration second to none. 2. ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON by Wally Koval

Trapeze, R1 050

Ever wondered whether acclaimed director Wes Anderson’s stylish sets had counterparts in real life? Author Wally Koval has discovered just such locations around the world, and collected Anderson-style photographs of them – as well as telling the story behind each one – in this delightful and diverting book. Authorised by the director himself, Accidentally

Wes Anderson is sure to appeal to all fans of his distinctive aesthetic. 3. COOK, EAT, REPEAT: INGREDIENTS, RECIPES AND STORIES by Nigella Lawson

Chatto & Windus, R590

Nigella Lawson needs no introduction, and her more serious fans will no doubt have snapped up this, her

13th cookbook, already. But as its subtitle suggests, there’s more to Cook, Eat, Repeat than recipes: Nigella is a marvellous writer, and this is one of those rare cooking titles that’s just as engaging and interesting when read in bed, novel-style, as it is useful propped open on the kitchen counter with a delectable meal in the offing. 4. TASHAS INSPIRED:

A CELEBRATION OF FOOD & ART by Natasha Sideris

Quivertree, R1 200

Lavishly produced and exquisitely photographed, Tashas Inspired is the second cookbook by the founder of Tashas restaurants Natasha Sideris. Each of the seven chapters recreates a place that has had a lasting impact on her cooking: the New York deli, the Spanish tapas bar, the Parisian bistro, the Greek taverna, the Levant kitchen, the English country home and the classic international café. 5. HOW TO BE YOURSELF: LIFE-CHANGING ADVICE

FROM A RECKLESS CONTRARIAN by Simon Doonan

Phaidon, R295

Appropriately subtitled, this book of advice and inspiration by Simon Doonan – who spent almost three decades creating iconic store displays at Barneys in New York – is witty, irreverent and loads of fun. And if you’re looking to find (and flaunt) your very own creative style and vision in every aspect of life, from fashion to family, then this is the self-help tome you need. 6. SPIRITED: COCKTAILS

FROM AROUND THE WORLD by Adrienne Stillman

Phaidon, R1 250

Spirited documents, describes and provides home recipes for hundreds of cocktails from around the world, ranging from iconic classics to cuttingedge contemporary creations. The drinks featured are photographed in distinctive style, and the text shows how they perfectly reflect the era, location or bar that inspired them, making Spirited a must-have reference for every serious cocktail aficionado.