Blog, trends, etc.

Charlotte — Our Most Sought-After Bookcase

Bookcases have grown in popularity and functionality over the years, no longer used solely as spaces to house pages of literary icons, but now a great way to display our ornaments and accents to shine a spotlight on our own signature. 

One bookcase that we're asked for time and again is the Charlotte by Bontempi Casa, and now the range has been expanded to enable even greater versatility.

   
Pictured: Charlotte Bookcase ceiling and wall mounted styles. 

The Charlotte is an open design with a lacquered metal frame tapering at the top and bottom ends, creating a sleek shape which accentuates the shelving and the contents it houses. Wall mounted or ceiling-to-floor mounted styles are available, making it a popular choice as a room divider. 

   
Pictured: Selected Shelves and Glass Cabinets

The frame and fastenings can come in contrasting or complimenting finishes, and there are a selection of widths available to which one adds shelving components, selected separately. These can include glass or wood shelves, drinks cabinets and metal storage cupboards, allowing for a bespoke finish.

   
Pictured: Charlotte Bookcase and Corner Bookcase

Beyond the original bookcase, Bontempi have newly released a Corner Design which can be configured to fit inner or outer corners depending on your needs, meeting in the centre with curved glass shelves — and a Charlotte TV Unit. The TV Unit employs the original bookcase design to surround a large lacquered wood panel for a mounted TV.

   
Pictured: Charlotte TV Unit

The expansion of this already very flexible design allows for endless possibilities, allowing many a space to embrace its light, contemporary aesthetic. Why not explore the options?

On the Move: Top Tips When Moving House

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. From packing up your life to settling into a new space, the process can be overwhelming. However, with proper planning, you can make your move smoother and less stressful. Here are our top tips when moving home.

   
Pictured: Dix Table and Zero Chair by Connubia Calligaris

Plan Ahead & Declutter
The key to a successful move is early planning. Start by creating a moving timeline and checklist; this will help you stay organised. Before packing, donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. This will not only reduce the number of items to move but also save you time and money.

Hire Professional Movers
— and when budget allows, consider their packing service. They have the experience and equipment to make the process efficient and less strenuous. Obtain quotes from a few moving companies to find the best fit for your needs.

Notify Important Parties
Update your address with the post office, utility companies, banks, and other essential services. Make sure your utilities are disconnected at your old home and connected at the new one. Don't forget to notify friends and family of your new address as well.

Keep Essentials Handy on Move Day
Pack a box or bag with essential items such as toiletries, clothing, and important documents — passports etc. Keep this with you during the move to ensure you have everything you need immediately on arrival.

Take Your Time Unpacking
Don't rush to unpack everything immediately. Start with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedroom, and gradually work your way through the rest of the house.

Moving can be a challenging process, but with these top tips, you can make it more manageable. With patience and careful preparation, you'll soon be enjoying your new home.

Embracing 'Minimaluxe'

Interior design trends come and go, but some manage to capture the essence of contemporary living with timeless elegance. One that has taken the world by storm is the ‘Minimaluxe’ trend. This aesthetic movement seamlessly marries minimalism’s clean lines with the luxurious appeal of unique textures and shapes, for spaces that are not only visually appealing but also remarkably serene. 

   
Pictured: Porada's Klem Sofa, Smile Pouf, Ziggy Side Table, Giove Mirror, Callisto Coffee Tables and Jok Side Table

Minimalism meets luxury
Minimaluxe is all about the art of simplicity combined with a touch of opulence. It embraces the notion that less is more, but what’s left should be refined and feel special. The trend welcomes fluid forms and juxtapositions of textures.

Natural wood meets concrete
A hallmark of minimaluxe is the interplay between natural wood and concrete. These contrasting materials coexist harmoniously, with natural wood lending warmth and organic beauty, while concrete adds an urban, industrial edge. This union of elements creates balance that’s both inviting and contemporary.

Texture play
Texture plays a pivotal role in the minimaluxe world. It’s about elevating simple surfaces with tactile richness. From rough concrete walls to plush textiles, from sleek glass accents to the grainy surfaces of natural wood, texture is the secret ingredient transforming minimalism into a luxurious, sensorial experience.

Unique wood grains
In the world of minimaluxe no two pieces of wood are alike. The trend celebrates the individuality of wood grains, making each piece of furniture or decor a work of art in its own right. Wood's unique patterns add depth and character to your space, making it more personalised and inviting.

Elevating serenity
One of the most striking features of minimaluxe is its ability to create serene, calming environments. The use of soft, neutral colour palettes combined with the soothing presence of natural elements helps to foster a sense of tranquillity. When we step into a minimaluxe-inspired space, we instantly feel more relaxed and at ease.

The Minimaluxe lifestyle
Like minimalism, minimaluxe isn't only a design trend; it's a lifestyle. It encourages you to declutter your home, keeping only what truly brings you joy and serenity. It’s about investing in quality over quantity, choosing pieces that tell a story and add value to your life.

In conclusion, the minimaluxe trend represents the perfect marriage of minimalism and luxury, where the simplicity of design meets the opulence of texture and the calming influence of nature. How might this trend elevate your home and contribute to your sense of tranquillity?

The Perfect Entranceway

The entrance of your home impacts the first impression visitors have of your personal style and portrays the overall ambiance of your living space. It gives clues to what lies beyond so it is essential to make it both welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. Creating the perfect entranceway involves a clever blend of functionality, style and personalisation. Here are some tips when transforming an entranceway into a welcoming space:

   
Pictured above: Cody Suspension Light by Cattelan Italia and Chouchin Reverse Suspension Light by Foscarini

Light it up
Effective lighting can make a significant difference to your entranceway. A combination of natural and artificial lighting is ideal. Install a striking pendant such as the Chouchin Reverse by Foscarini or a contemporary suspension cluster such as Cattelan Italia's Cody, for a touch of elegance.

Functional storage
An organised entranceway is key to a clutter-free home. Invest in functional storage solutions such as a coat stand, shoe rack or storage bench. This not only keeps the area tidy but also provides a convenient place to hide everyday essentials.

   
Pictured above: Jupiter Coat Hook by Porada and Holly Armchair by Calligaris

Personal touches
It’s the little things that reflect your personality and style. Consider a gallery wall with family photos, artwork that resonates with you or decorative items from your travels.

Statement furniture
A carefully chosen piece of furniture can become the focal point of your hallway. Invest in an antique dresser, a neatly placed occasional chair or a smart console table such as the Ziggy console table by Porada. This not only adds style but also serves as a functional surface for keys and post.

   
Pictured above: Ziggy Console and Giolino Mirror by Porada, Pill Mirror by Bontempi Casa

Mirror, mirror on the wall
Mirrors can visually expand and brighten your home. Decide between a decorative design such as the Giolino mirror by Porada or a multifunction style such as Bontempi's Pill —  place it strategically to reflect the light, creating the illusion of a larger space.

Textured rugs
A well-chosen rug can tie the whole entranceway together. Opt for a rug that suits your scheme and complements the colour palette. It can also act as a sound buffer and make the space feel more cosy.

Overall, creating the perfect entranceway at home is a combination of thoughtful design, functionality and a little bit of personalisation. By paying attention to the finer details, you can transform your entranceway into an inviting space that sets the tone for your home.