BRIGHT IDEAS:

With Claire Hornby

DESIGN is all about combining different elements and materials – from glass and perspex to wood, chrome and leather – to create a look which is beautifully balanced. Think a glass table enhanced by a stone sculpture, or a reclaimed wood chest of drawers topped off by a metal vase. The Tonelli Kasteel from Barker and Stonehouse is a beautiful dining table made of extra-clear or transparent glass with natural wooden joints and trestle legs. It’s perfectly complemented by Eames dining chairs in a fibreglass white gloss shell and oak and steel finish.

This look is slick and super-stylish but it relies on your ability to confidently combine pieces to create the look you want to achieve. It’s important to remember that elements don’t all have to be hard, and they don’t have to be natural. The trick is to balance man-made and natural materials – for example, plastics with reclaimed wood and cotton.

The Axel console table from Barker and Stonehouse is constructed from Sassafras reclaimed junk board wood on a tubular steel frame. Barker and Stonehouse also has the Kick range of wardrobes which combine maple wood and melamine. Similarly, the Altro A bedroom range features mirror or glass applications which are repeated through the wardrobe panels and headboard of the bed.

Ligne Roset has always understood the importance of concept design, and we’re big fans of the brand’s Confluences pieces. Individual elements link together in a puzzle-type effect to create a unique form.

When it comes to accessories, your first port of call is a mirror, which will create a new perspective and maximise natural light.

Then introduce accessories such as the Rope coil table lamp. Counter balance with PVC pieces such as the quirky Bookworm bookshelf in fire engine red.

Claire Hornby is creative stylist at Barker and Stonehouse. www.barkerandstonehouse. co.uk