Blog, trends, etc.

Connubia Calligaris meets Weekend Max Mara

In a delightful convergence of fashion and interior design, Connubia Calligaris has teamed up with the iconic fashion brand Weekend MaxMara to create a captivating collaboration that is sure to leave a lasting impression on both fashionistas and design enthusiasts alike.

The result of this creative partnership is the stunning Connubia Calligaris Tuka Butterfly collection, a blend of Italian craftsmanship and high-fashion aesthetics featuring an all-over repeat butterfly print by fashion illustrator Cecilia Carlstedt in vibrant colours chosen to echo the fashion brand’s signature palette.

   
Pictured above: Tuka Butterfly Armchair and Dining Chair

The collaboration has resulted in a fresh take on the Tuka dining chair, bar stool and lounge chair that seamlessly blends fashion and furniture design. These chairs are not just pieces of furniture; they're a testament to the power of collaboration and the art of merging fashion with interiors. So if you’re looking to add a splash of unexpected colour to your living or dining space, the Connubia Calligaris Tuka Butterfly chairs by Weekend Max Mara are the perfect choice.

Paired & Layered Coffee Tables

Dimension is the key to adding depth and versatility to a room, allowing focus to go beyond just the linear zones we create with our tables and seating. Coffee tables can be a great way to layer in an unexpected way, adding depth and range of focus with a central and pivotal piece in a living space. Some of our top coffee table designs either feature layered levels or are designed to be grouped, and pair perfectly with a wide range of interiors.

   
Pictured above: Yang by Bontempi Casa

Take the Yang Coffee Table by Bontempi Casa, these artistic designs feature a unique table top formed of two semi-circular parts in wood or marble with a curved split down the middle and a metal joining detail. The tabletop is supported by an off-centre cone-shaped lacquered metal base in a range of finishes, and each design comes in a selection of sizes and heights which blend together.

   
Pictured above: Billy and Benny Keramik by Cattelan Italia

For a sophisticated fusion, the Billy Coffee Table by Cattelan Italia features a flawless bronze mirrored glass top complemented by an angular lacquered steel frame in a Y shape, and the various heights mean they can be intersected together and overlap as needed. The Benny Keramik Coffee Table by Cattelan Italia features similar overlapping functionality with its lacquered steel X shaped frame and ceramic top with rounded edges, available in a selection of finishes and sizes. 

   
Pictured above: Callisto Wood Mix by Porada and Arena Long Bond by Cattelan Italia

For a bolder style choice, the Callisto Wood Mix Coffee Table by Porada which features a cluster of organically shaped natural marble or wood tops positioned at various heights so that they overlap one another. In mix and match colours, the tops are supported by a bronzoro matt lacquered wood base. Or the Arena Long Bond Coffee Table by Cattelan Italia which features a long contemporary brushed wood top in an organic shape supported by a black steel base and a swivelling smoke grey glass circular side section, giving an industrial yet indulgent aesthetic. 

Whether you’re looking for a complementary pairing, or a set of contrasting layers, then explore some of these designs for depth and dimension. 

Beautiful Beaches in England

England houses some gorgeous stretches of coastline that will feel like you are transported far far away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. For some secluded pockets of paradise, delve into our top 5 beautiful beaches that we recommend you visit, right here in the UK. 

   
Pictured: Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall

Blackpool Sands, Devon 
Kicking off our list is Blackpool Sands, which despite its name, is located in Devon. When you initially come upon this little gem, you drive through pine trees echoing the Amalfi Coast, before coming out to a stunning sweep of beach. From afar, this beach looks like golden sands, however, the beach is actually formed from the smoothest little pebbles, making the water extremely clear. The beach has a brilliant pontoon which floats just off the shore, great for diving into the clear waters and cooling off.

Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall 
One of the remotest coastlines in Cornwall, Pedn Vounder Beach is a sandy cove which is accessible by boat or a 15 minute walk from the nearest village of Treen. It's so remote that when the tide comes in, it can actually cut it off from the surrounding beaches. The Treryn Dinas Cliffs stretch out along the coastline, overlook the vast Atlantic Ocean and host The Logan Rock, a 70-ton block of granite which is surprisingly rockable by human force making it a must see feature of the beach. 

   
Pictured: Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles

Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles 
Pentle Bay looks almost like it should belong somewhere tropical with its white sand and striking blue sea, but it's actually located just 30 miles from Lands End. The waters are surprisingly warm in this part of the country, meaning this is a great spot for swimming and basking in summer's rays. 

   
Pictured: Durdle Door, Dorset

Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset
This one is for the backpackers and adventurers as the coastline has created a stunning limestone arch between two beaches, St Oswald’s Bay and Man O’War Cove. To get here, you need to climb down several hundred steps in the cliff but once you are down there, you are entirely sheltered from the wind and the waters are crystal clear. A word of caution though — the waters are deceptively cold so don’t plan on taking a dip unless you are feeling brave. 

Seven Sisters, Sussex
Steep brilliant white chalk cliffs dominate this coastal landscape of Seven Sisters in Sussex. The name refers to the seven peaks of the cliffs and if you are a keen hiker and have the appropriate gear, along with not being afraid of the height, then this is a trek worth taking across the peaks; the views are incredible. There is also the very picturesque red and white striped Beachy Head lighthouse to spot along the way.

Wherever you decide to set out your blanket, there's an abundance of beautiful coastline out there.

Solar Lanterns

We are all becoming more environmentally conscious and looking for ways to introduce more ‘green-thinking’ concepts and designs into our interiors. With summer in full swing, we’re enjoying more time basking in our outdoor spaces, but as the sun does set later in the evening, many of us are looking for those perfect outdoor lighting solutions. Cue the flexibility and energy-saving logic of Solar Lanterns. 

   
Pictured above: Lighthouse and LightLux 

A Solar Lantern offers the freedom to place and move it wherever and whenever you need it, and it charges throughout the day giving you a never ending power source that won’t need wires or plugs. There are some fantastic design options to choose from, like the contemporary Lighthouse Solar-Powered Lantern by Cane-line which features an angular carrying handle and four feet with the frame coming in either wood or coated aluminium finishes.

Or for a classic style option, explore the sleek Lightlux Solar-Powered Lantern by Cane-line which features an octagonal shape with glass panels supported by a lava grey powder-coated aluminium frame and teak wood details on its handle and lid. Available in a range of sizes to offer depth and dimension to your space and of course housing a LED bulb with a choice of settings including a timer function. 

   
Pictured above: Illusion family

If a soft aesthetic is what you are looking for, then explore the Illusion Range of Solar-Powered Lanterns by Cane-line featuring wicker patterns in durable Cane-line soft rope which are woven around marine-grade powder-coated aluminium frames for a modern fusion. 

Whatever your desired look and feel, exploring solar powered options can free you from from wires and complicated chargeable options; you’ll find you have a lot more design freedom after hours.