From the Editor
‘I’m proud to say that the BRITISH Design Awards have always been allocated based on TALENT and merit’
Compiling this issue, I have been preoccupied with the idea of excellence. It’s at the forefront of my mind – predominantly as this is the issue where we are finally celebrating the winners of 2021’s ELLE Decoration British Design Awards – normally the accolades would be revealed earlier in the year, but, you know, unprecedented times and all…
We’ve been applauding the best designs and designers across our industry for almost 20 years now. While such awards seem two-a-penny these days, the fact that ours are so long-established, respected and career-defining gives us the impetus to continue to recognise the great talent around us.
Talking of some of the flatteringly similar awards you may have spotted, I was recently shocked to discover that some of our competitors (mentioning no names) charge brands quite substantial amounts to enter their own versions. I’m proud to say that the British Design Awards have always been allocated based on merit and talent, chosen by the magazine’s expert team in consultation with the design world’s most esteemed opinion-makers. They’re never run as a money-making endeavour, which, to me, would totally defeat the object of their existence.
This month, we are also recognising architectural excellence, examining creatively constructed homes around the globe and in the UK. From brutalist apartments to a rural masterpiece that brings eco-conscious Passivhaus principles to the fore, whatever style of building you’re attracted to, there should be something to excite. Plus, for those looking to start their own build project, we have architect-led case studies full of advice and inspiration.
Yet another annual event, the latest volume of our ever-popular ELLE Decoration Bathrooms guide can be found bound to the back of this issue. The 64-page special is full of everything you’ll need to tackle a bathroom renovation. And I must draw your attention to writer Eva Wiseman’s humorous and heartfelt paean to the joys of the British bathroom, in all its colourful glory.
Let me leave you with these words from Frank Lloyd Wright, who many of you will recall is one of my favourite architects: ‘We create our buildings and then they create us. Likewise, we construct our circle of friends and our communities and then they construct us.’
I love this idea of the circular nature of architecture and home, the talented people we choose to surround ourselves with and the excellence that flows in so many directions – all elements that you’ll find on these pages before you. I hope you enjoy.