Blog, trends, etc.

Flashes of Gold

Gold has for centuries offered extravagance and luxury, highly sought after due to its beauty and enduring value.  In the world of interiors, metallic tones are best used when they are blended into designs rather than dominating, otherwise they can actually make a space feel quite heavy. Instead, a flash of gold or a splash of copper can actually create a spark of bold and playfulness within a design or space. 

Here we’ve curated some of our top designs that can add that touch of gold magic to your interiors. 

   
Pictured above: Sunshine Table by Calligaris and Louis Table by Bontempi Casa

For a sprinkle of gold into your space, then why not utilise the legs of a table or unit to add the metallic flash of brilliance. Take the bold and unique Sunshine Table by Calligaris featuring an elegant tabletop supported by two curved metal frames supported by L shaped elements in a pop of bright gold. Or the Louis Table by Bontempi Casa with its stylish rounded lacquered metal frame available in brass, gold, or rose gold finishes complemented by contrasting metallic feet.

   
Pictured above: Joint Coffee Table by Porada and Spillo Trio Tables by Cattelan Italia

The Joint Coffee Table Porada is a simple design with some classic finishes, featuring a round glass tabletop supported by three gold cylindrical legs linked together by a Canaletto walnut element in the centre. Employing a flash of gold at its base is the Spillo Trio Tables by Cattelan Italia. The tables feature cylindrical brass inserts to the feet of angular legs that support an elegantly industrial brushed lacquered top.

   
Pictured above: Universal Ceramic Sideboard by Calligaris and Gem Table Lamp by Foscarini

Last on our list to draw the spark of metallic from the ground up is the Universal Ceramic Sideboard by Calligaris which features a sophisticated ceramic top and doors available in a choice of looks and supported here by polished brass lacquered metal legs. 

If you’re looking for a slightly smaller way of adding a flash of gold into your space, explore the gentle glow of the sculptural Gem Table Lamp by Foscarini. This design features an acid etched blown glass diffuser with graphic detailing finished with a stylish satin aluminium gold finish base.

An interior without some contrasting elements can eventually feel quite plain and two dimensional. Adding a spark of gold, copper, or metallic into your space can add depth and dimension without having to compromise on the overall warmth and richness of the room.

Alfresco Bontempi Casa

As the Easter break draws closer, we find our minds starting to wander to our outdoor spaces and how we can use them more this summer. Whether we’re starting to consider pressure washing the decking, or potting some new plants, adding some vibrant and fresh outdoor furniture can help enhance yours and your guests' alfresco dining experience.

Here we’ve carefully curated some of our top picks from Bontempi Casa, with  clever twists on traditional shapes and silhouettes.

   
Pictured above: Sander Outdoor Table and Ines Outdoor Chair

Take the Sander Outdoor Table with its graphically inspired fixed metal frame and elliptical or rectangular glass tabletop, this sleek design will compliment even the boldest and brightest of outdoor spaces. Pictured with the Ines Outdoor Chair — with its statement lacquered metal seat, angular legs and armrests, this design will contrast cleverly with the outdoor greenery. 

   
Pictured above: Moon Outdoor Bar Table and Net Outdoor Bar Stool

For a minimalist aesthetic, why not explore the Moon Outdoor Bar Table complete with four rounded legs joined by a crossbar support and finished with a ceramic marble, glass, laminate or melamine tabletop. The Net Outdoor Bar Stool also compliments the more minimalist approach, complete with a Texplast seat and metal frame available in a wide range of finishes. 

   
Pictured above: Galaxy Outdoor Chair and Hidra Outdoor Chair

The Galaxy Outdoor Chair, with its cut-out back design for a memorable twist, is available in a selection of colours in polypropylene and recyclable glass fibre. If a contemporary pop of colour is what's needed then the Hidra Outdoor Chair may appeal. Featuring a bold polypropylene frame which curves for comfort, it's also available in an array of colours to add cheer to any patio breakfast.

Styling Open Shelving

Open shelving is a great way to add visual interest to a room and display your favourite decor items. However, styling open shelves can be a bit tricky, as it requires a balance of aesthetics and functionality — less is often more. We’ve highlighted some simple tips to help you style your open shelves like a pro.

1. Start with a plan. Before you start filling space, take a step back and consider what you want to achieve. What items do you want to display? Which will you reach for most often? Having a plan ready will make it easier to style your shelves in a cohesive and visually pleasing way.

   
Pictured above: Charlotte Bookcase by Bontempi Casa

2. Keep it balanced. Open shelves can easily become cluttered, so it's important to keep a balance of items on each shelf. A general rule of thumb is to have a mix of larger and smaller items, and to avoid overcrowding. Bontempi Casa's Charlotte Bookcase incorporates a range of shelving and cupboards for a mix of 'on display' and 'hidden away'. 

   
Pictured above: Lexington Bookcase by Bontempi Casa

3. Use a variety of items. To create visual interest and depth, incorporate a variety of items on your shelves. Mix and match different textures, colours, and shapes to add dimension to your display. With the Lexington Bookcase by Bontempi Casa one can take this even further, with a bespoke mix of shelf materials and colours for an eclectic look. 

   
Pictured above: Fulham Bookcase by Cattelan Italia

4. Group similar items together. Clustering items in categories, such as vases or books, will create a cohesive look and make your shelves appear more organised. Take the Fulham Bookcase by Cattelan Italia for example; this design offers balanced, clearly defined spaces to make grouping items quick and simple.

   
Pictured above: Myria Bookcase by Porada

5. Incorporate greenery. Adding plants to your shelves can add a pop of colour and bring a touch of nature into your space. Opt for low-maintenance plants that don't need a lot of sunlight. The Myria Bookcase by Porada comes in a variety of sizes with varied shelf heights, thus allowing different sized plants and greenery to be part of your display.

Glorious Greens

Green tones are making a rise in interiors this year and it’s no surprise that many designs have begun showcasing this invigorating colour; it can appear powerful and bold whilst also providing calming qualities. Introducing this into your own space can open up your interiors, and highlight their vibrance. As such, we've selected some designs that we believe showcase greens brilliantly. 

   
Pictured above: Ines Chair Wood Legs by Calligaris and Tuka Fabric Chair Wood Legs by Connubia Calligaris

The Ines Chair Wood Legs by Calligaris and the Tuka Fabric Chair Wood Legs by Connubia Calligaris both flourish in their deep emerald green finishes on their seats and backrests. Both designs contrast with solid wood frames that further enhance the rich jewel tones and help to bring the outdoors in. 

   
Pictured above: Tyron Table by Cattelan Italia

Also seen in current collections are table tops with a green nod to the beauty of nature. Explore the bold design aesthetic of Cattelan Italia's Kaindy ceramic design, seen here on the Tyron Table. It features earthy layers of warm greens rolling into one another through a fascinating granite pattern. 

   
Pictured above: Berry Table and Callisto Mix Coffee Table by Porada

The Berry Table by Porada and the Callisto Mix Coffee Table by Porada both utilise verdant Lapponia Green natural marble, featuring lush waves of dark and light leafy greens with no two pieces the same. 

   
Pictured above: Jelly Side Table by Porada and Vera Sofa by Sits

Continuing the green in your living space, the Jelly Side Table by Porada features a bright and brilliant green cast glass table top that resembles an emerald jewel, adding a simple spherical design shape, but a bold and powerful tone for a striking statement. Lastly, of course you can also explore a plethora of greens on sofas and armchairs across the collection. The Sits Vera Sofa is seen in green Elyot fabric, ideal for introducing a gentle mid-green warmth to a room.