INTERIOR NOW

Palazzo Luce

@palazzoluce by Anna Maria Enselmi, in a 13th–15th century building in Lecce, Puglia. Beautifully shot by @giulioghirardistudio for @theworldofinteriors

A Gio Ponti devotee, the hotel designer Anna Maria Enselmi pays tribute to Ponti throughout the hotel, incorporating his colour schemes, combinations of shapes and geometric lines, as well as original furniture pieces. The space also has its feet firmly planted in the contemporary, through artworks on display and a bar designed by Martino Gamper.

Yes , those Gio ponti taps again, as always on the wishlist

Book your stay here

INTERIOR NOW

Marta de la Rica

Enjoying these soft and confident spaces by Marta De la Rica, she also makes some fantastic furniture , like this Lune chair

Of Note

Love the thinking outside the box with this island sink unit. There's also so much pattern and texture here, yet it still feels calm and relaxing as the palette remains within the same family throughout. Grasscloth wallpaper, floral wallpaper, geometric encaustic floor tiles, gingham ruffles on the curtains … even the glass is mottled and irregular, adding yet another layer of texture. It's a great case of each element being elevated, but never at the expense of the overall feel of the room.

Of Note

No notes on the wardrobe - I love it, tassels and all (and I am not a tassel kind of girl… perhaps it's because they are sitting alongside plaid). I'm also really enjoying this joinery shape making appearances in interiors lately … I predict we'll be seeing a lot more half-hexagon/angled cabinetry and doorways before Instagram inevitably ruins it for us all.

Of note

Why have your tiles in a straight line when they can create a stepped focal point? Love the relief motif on the cooker hood too. Again, another case of elevating the ordinary, but with such elegance that it never feels different just for the sake of it. It feels like it has soul and story.

I also love the two-tone in this space. Colour drenching is great, and works in so many spaces, but I love the depth that tonal variation within a single hue can bring to a room.

INTERIOR NOW

Hôtel Particulier La Muette, Paris.

Monica Klink’s work has featured in a previous newsletter … I think I may have compared her bathroom to a Margarita (a good thing fyi, although a recent night out may say otherwise).

I love this space just as much. It’s a collaboration between @monica_klink & @segolene.peyrichou that pushes the boundaries between classic and contemporary design.

Photos by @alicemesguich. Full story published in @ad_magazine, @ad_germany & @ad_italia.

Of Note

Colour of the headboard ✓ Lacquer ✓ Shape of the headboard ✓ Hybrid screen/headboard ✓. It's fun and whimsical, leans Art Deco but feels fresh and modern… tick, tick, tick.

Of note

Moiré love and more headboard appreciation. I stand by my previous observation that angles ( triangles, half-hexagons etc) are back, after a long stretch of swirly, whirly, organic wavy shapes dominating the interior landscape. I still love a Jean Royère wave, but social media really killed it for a while. Angled or wavy it’s best to just do you. I am both: I love an angle … I love a curve.

INTERIOR THEN

One for the maximalists , former Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland’s New York Apartment Featured in Architectural Digest September/October 1975

In the same book (celebrity homes by AD in 1976) I also discovered Joni Michelle’s interior and really loved her bedroom below,

COLLECTED INTERIOR

So I’ve realised that most of the homes featured in this section have come from World of Interiors, but I’m just going to roll with it for now and try to cast my net a little wider for June’s Things of Note. This month we have photographic agent George Lang’s home in Cairo, featured in… you guessed it… World of Interiors.

Photography by Georges and Samuel Mohsen

COMMERCIAL INTERIOR

brandihowe - brandihowe.com

Brandi Howe is a recent discovery and she seems to be a queen of retail, striking a lovely balance between the curated and the unexpected, bringing a restrained warmth to the spaces she conceives. Muted, monochromatic pastel palettes combined with tactile materials. Silk carpets, travertine and zellige tiles create a subtle but interesting backdrop for unusual furniture, objects and, of course, the merchandise.

me again … wanting to talk about the angles above …

OBJECT NOW

The Workshop by Studio Peake

Have I mentioned I'm hoping to design some of my own furniture in the future? Well, seeing Studio Peake's recent collection, I'm wondering whether to bother at all — especially as a bedside table was going to be my first port of call, and Studio Peake's Otto bedside is perfection. I love their fabulous Flame mirror too.

Good job I don’t have to take a shot every time I say angle because ..is that the infamous octagon (ish) shape above? ….

OBJECT THEN

Roberto Matta (1911-2002)

I can't imagine there were two Roberto Mattas in design (please correct me if I'm wrong), but his output encompassed two unique, very recognisable yet very different design styles. I suppose what unites them is an element of creativity and playfulness … so it's no surprise that he was first and foremost a Surrealist artist.

ARTIST

Guim Tio

You may have already seen the work of Guim Tió, as I recently saw it shared across multiple accounts on the old gram. This doesn't take away from how wonderful it is. I love the moments the work captures: it's painterly yet graphic, featuring some lovely interior spaces, all with a beautiful sense of colour. What's not to love … it also makes me want to take a nap ( a favourite pastime).

BOOK

I recently watched Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns with my four-year-old and a quote jumped out at me:

‘Whenever someone creates something with all of their heart, then that creation is given a soul.’

It’s what I’ve realised I am drawn to in objects and interiors … and really the premise for this whole newsletter. It also ties in with a little publishing project of my own, which I hope to be able to share with you soon. In the meantime, I’ll be grabbing a copy of Ettore Sottsass and the Poetry of Things for a bit of a research deep dive.

Buy your copy here

SHOP

Kernow Furniture

I’ve been involved in some sourcing projects lately and love how each project allows me to explore different eras and styles yet find a thread between the present and past objects that means the curation speaks a unified language.

A recent project led me to Kernow. Much of it’s stock is in the antique realm but there are also lots of 20th Century pieces. I absolutely fell for the umbrella stand below that I hadn’t seen before by Narciso Tonin Casa. Below are a few other pieces from their inventory that floated my boat.

I HAVE MY EYE ON

Flute pencil tray in silver by Tino Seubert, artwork by Cody Hoyt, A Pair Of 80’s , Broderie wallpaper by Backdrop, Vintage Design Cubic Metal Wood Armchairs, The Chin Chin Stair runner by studiojantien, A Beautiful art deco desk from studio_eklektik, Moving Shadow - Wool Flatwoven Rug from Shame studios , Polished Brass Ball Handle – MG&Co

READ, WATCH, LISTEN, SEE

Read

‘I always have time to read’: Pandora Sykes on bonkbusters, childhood and dodging Pilates

Watch

How to Design a Home That Feels Like a Sanctuary with Ome Dezin (Design Masterclass)

An oldie but a goodie, I enjoyed discovering Zoe Zimmer’s apartment on House and Gardens you tube. Its from 4 years ago but proves that if you design spaces for yourself and not for current trends or others, you’ll have a space that feels timeless.

Paige Wassel’s HOME REVIEW: Athena Calderone's Tribeca Apartment , not watched in full yet but keen to hear her take.

Listen

I’m usually a podcast addict but have seriously neglected listening this month. I did enjoy Lena Dunham in conversation with Dolly Alderton on Intelligence Squared but if you have any recommendations that are interior and art focussed and not the usual suspects, ( homing in, business of home etc ) do post in the comments.

See ( In June)

I’m going to be sharing some new work at a group show called KEEP in Margate. 18 June 2026 to 23 June 2026, more info about the show here

SPOTLIGHT market is back in Clapton Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th

Folie chambre also have a pop up coming in June at 321 Kings Road in Chelsea 10th - 13th June.

Thats it for May , however I have a half finished round up post for paying subscribers that will be making its way out in the next week or so.

&

Please do like and/or restack if you enjoyed this post, it helps others find my thoughts on octagons in interiors, and this is, of course, essential work.

Em

x

Just a note, As I waded through all the beautiful discoveries I made recently, I realised I s…

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THE APRIL AUCTION EDIT

Lots of lovely pieces going under the hammer in the UK over the next few days if you wish to set your alarm. Many items have good reserves!

All my favourite finds from the following:

• CHISWICK AUCTIONS - Design & Contemporary - 22 Apr 2026 - 10am

• ROSEBERYS LONDON - Prints & Multiples - 16 April 2026 - 10am

• SWORDERS - Design - 21 Apr…

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I admired many things in February, and I hope you will too. To enjoy this letter at its best and in full, please read it in your web browser or…

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INTERIOR NOW

Luca Guadagnino Brings Brazilian Modernism to Milan.

Luca Guadagnino’s interiors never fail to impress and surprise me. He is the master in mood and scene setting. The perfect example of how a separate creative career ( film m…

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I found some great auctions this weekend so thought I would do a little December edit for subscribers. Happy bidding if you decide to go for anything.

I personally wish I had the space for the Pierluigi Cerri sofa with a very affordable estimate, also the Luigi Caccia Dominioni bookcases and desk completely lit me up . UK subscribers, do bear in mind the import taxes now due on purchases from Europe thanks to Brexit. Shipping fees can often match the sale price depending on your location too, so do your research : )

First up,

Design and 20th Century Decorative Arts at by Colasanti Casa d’Aste in Rome, December 10, 9:30 AM GMT

1950’S brass bedside - Estimate 300 - 400 euros

Kazuhide Takahama chairs 60s/70s - Estimate €200- €300

Niche and very retro but surrounded by the right things in the right space …

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Flying by the seat of my pants putting my October Things Of Note out on the 31st. Its been a slow month on the inspiration front and truth be told I’ve not been feeling particularly creatively inspired. But as I put this letter together …

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However, they are too good to ignore.

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Hello All, I’m planning to pause subscriptions next month as the juggle between work and my son will be pretty full on. As there will be no “Things of Note” In August I thought I would do a special 2nd edition in July just for my subscribers all of whom I am incredibly grateful for! Thank you.

I’m excited for a return to sched…

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INTERIOR NOW

E J R Barnes x Sanchez Benton

I’ve been an admirer of E J R Barne’s work for a long time. His work seems to be the perfect ode to elegant early modernism but with a utilitarian twist, which 100% floats my boat. This beautifu…

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If you aren’t already familiar with Jean Cocteau and Madeleine Castaing’s work on the Villa Santo Sospir, you can read about it here on the FT. If you don’t have a subscription ( the bathrooms are worth it alone) here are a few pics to wet your whistle. The images were taken by one of my favourite photographers @stefangiftthaler and below are a few featured on The FT’s instagram and the instagram of Jo Ellison, editor of @fthtsi magazine.

If you’d like a little Cocteau magic in your own home, here are some finds that might fit the bill,

1. Jean Cocteau Signed Lithograph, £167.12 ,

2. 1966 Original Cocteau Edinburgh Festival Poster US $575.00

3. Figures La Plage Abstract Color Lithography Signed 1956 ,

4. Poteries, 1958 Jean Cocteau Rare Poster, £900

   ---

   Now to Madelaine’s world …

‘Making a house is creating. I make houses like others write poetry, make music or paint. A house is more of a likeness than a portrait. Don’t be intimidated by audacity, be audacious, but with taste. You also need intuition, originality, vigor. Avoid reproduction, that easy and banal method. Don’t get taken in by fashion. A secret : Love your house, love makes miracles.’ Madelaine Castaing

Vallee-aux Loups, the country house of Francois Rene de Chateaubriand, yes please to the flora and fauna patterned stair runners.

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We are so used to scrolling through eye candy on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram that we rarely understand why something works or how we can pull some of the same magic into our own spaces…

Let the room analysis begin!

1.

I could have chosen any of the spaces from Tobias Vernon’s Bath townhouse. But I thought that the above felt so inviting, I wanted to focus on this space specifically. My future goal is to have a space as welcoming as this in my own home, so figuring out why its so wonderful is definitely part of today’s goal.

I’m only just getting into wallpaper. I think my issue with it in the past has been the idea of things looking too cutesy and feminine. I used to feel the same about curtains and really anything too ‘decorative’ but I’m really leaning into this now and enjoying discovering how to find the right design /decor balance. There are a few key elements in this space that stop it feeling twee and achieve this much sort after visual tension.

I’ve spoken about florals before. My go to would always be a Josef Frank pattern (I promise this newsletter is not sponsered by Svenskt Tenn). The prints aren’t chintzy and its florals at their best. Above is the Eldblomman wallpaper. without it the room wouldn’t feel half as cosy but there are several other elements that in conjunction with the wallpaper elevate the space into something more surprising.

For me these are,

• The unexpected high corner shelf in a pop of red

• The iconic and contemporary Vitra Akari 14a Floor Lamp

• The surprising and strangely swampy coloured shaggy rug, Scandinavian Rya rugs are a good search term to put into Ebay and Etsy if you are after something similar.

• Painting the window frames, skirting and radiators in a colour drawn from the wallpaper, in this case, a lovely grey blue. ( pairing this colour with a sunshine yellow blind is also a hit, these colours are firm friends)

• Elegantly framed contemporary artwork contrasting with the busy wallpaper. When it comes to framing I’m really enjoying extra large mounts on pieces when appropriate. Its an easy way to elevate a postcard you might have picked up from your favourite exhibition, or a small vintage family photograph. If you want some framing tips, I found this Substack post below had lots of excellent pointers.

  Down The Street

  Everything You Need To Know About Framing

  So… you’ve found the art. It’s beautiful, you love it. But now you’re faced with the next (often dreaded) step: framing. Where do you begin…

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  a year ago · 914 likes · 20 comments · Jamie

You can book into the 8 Holland Street house in Bath here and discover more about the space here

2.

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INTERIOR NOW

Orsini Daventure

Loved discovering the work of Orsani Daventure this month. The studio has the right amount of weird and surprising which is unusual to come across in these homogenised design times, very welcome.

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As someone who is firmly in the ‘limited use of over head lights please’ and ‘ceiling spots are a crime’ camp. I’ve collected quite a few lovely lights to go on my wish list. Pendant and floor light favourites to follow but here’s a little run down of covetable table lights for you to shop or save for future reference.

For ease ( and because I am a Virgo) I have categorised the collection, Icons, Portables, £500 and above, Under £500 and Vintage.

My conclusion after putting this list together is that Flos can do very little wrong and I could spend too many hours in the day looking for their Snoopy lamp in the wild.

Let the light show commence …

ICONS

INGO MAURER Lampampe Table lamp paper white

In the Wild …

Sitting pretty in this NYC home by Giancarlo Valle

Pipistrello table lamp, black Martinelli Luce Gae Aulenti

In the wild …

Remembering the use of the Pipistrello table lamp in this Japanese restaurant reminded me how much I love all the work of Child studio

Flos GATTO LED cocoon resin table lamp Designer Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Mario Bellini Area table lamp, Artemide, Italy, 1974

FontanaArte BILIA RED TABLE LAMP BY GIO PONTI

TACCHINI A.D.A. TABLE LAMP Design by Umberto Riva

Flos Snoopy table lamp

In the wild …

Amazing Oliver Peoples store in Milan by Giampiero Tagliaferr

A beautifully styled image to show off Desert Sand wallpaper by borastapeter

Frederic Hooft’s home published in est magazine ⁠ also very into the Pillow Sofa by Muller Van Severen and the butter yellow le Corbusier wardrobe in the distance.

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DESIGNER THEN

Osvaldo Borsani

I Re-visited the work of Osvaldo Borsani this month after seeing the bathroom (below) in his Milanese home again. Very jealous of those that viewed the space in real life during one of the Milan design weeks. …

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BEST IN SHOW - Etsy stores

Etsy can feel a little like the wild west of Dupes, especially when it comes to items like rugs and art. I do suggest shopping with caution and it’s why I tend to peruse for vintage rather than new designs. Its particularly good for lighting.

BEST FOR INTERIOR ACCESSORIES ( Less ‘curated’ so more about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of a nicely priced unusual item)

Cleaning Out Our Chaos

Vintage Interior Design From The 50s To 80s ...& older.

Cologne, Germany

Domus Bolino Wooden Designer Floor Lamp , Erich Jachmann Large Green Opalesque Glass Vase, Green Space Age Large Plastic Hanging Lamp, Small Gmundner Ceramic Frame Wall Mirror , Vintage "Brilliant" Red Triangular Telescope Table Lamp, Sea horse bottle opener, Mid-Century Blue Petrol Metal Cone Hanging Lamps, 1960s coat hangers

SEE ALSO

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It may not be an aesthetic I would wholly commit to in my own home, bar the odd showstopper chair, but Hotels are the perfect place to experience something slightly wild and weird. Not necessarily an environment you could live with beyond a few nights, but something that might pull you into a different world, a different time.

I’m not sure if many of these hotel interiors are intact, but I really hope they are. Perhaps they can help you make some accommodation decisions for your next trip … Or inspire a bit of postmodern 90’s weird in your own home. Stainless steel, plexiglass and tulips at the ready …

Book details and a link to purchase at the end of the post.

LE LAC, Kawaguchiko-Cho , Japan, 1990

Interior Design : Andree Puttman

LA PERGOLESE, Paris , France, 1991

Interior Design - Rena Dumas

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