So, what happened to June??! We’re in July and already we’ve had the longest day of the year, but it feels like we’re just getting started! Last week was a scorcher and the electric fan came out in the studio (more for Meggies’ comfort than my own) but I’m determined not to complain about the heat, because no doubt it will rain for the duration of August…
Last week was decidedly more relaxed, it’s 4 weeks until the August shut down on the Continent and we have a few client meetings coming up before then so it’s been time to stock up on more samples and meet with a few local artisans to discuss our designs for several bespoke pieces.
We received a beautiful London Plane sample from Sebastian Cox, which we’ve been trying out in various schemes. Since visiting with Seb at his workshop many years ago I have been a fan of their work and in partnership with his lovely wife Brogan, their company has gone from strength to strength. Their furniture is beautiful, they are meticulously professional and their company ethics are in line with our own; I’m really looking forward to working with them on upcoming projects.
On Thursday I ventured up to London for the BIID AGM meeting and summer drinks party. It was lovely to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a long time and discuss where interior design is heading. The meeting was very positive and we had some great talking points, a few highlights were;
– The BIID have recently appointed a marketing manager, Charlotte Davies, to raise awareness of the industry and Interior Design as a profession.
– Registered Interior Designers can now apply for a CSCS card (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) which entitles us to attend building sites in a professional capacity just as any other sub contractor would, without having to sign into the visitors log book and gain permission from the site manager.
– The BIID now offers even more support to it’s members, with participation in an Income Protection Scheme if injury or illness prevent us from working.
– The current President, Charles Leon, handed over the reins to Gilly Craft for the 2018/19 term, who I’m sure will bring a lot to the position and I look forward to seeing her chairing more BIID events soon.
After the AGM I wandered up Kings Road to browse a few shops and found myself in French Connection Home. They have some really eclectic boho chic pieces in at the moment, lots of fringing, Aztec weaves and some fab little pendant lights!
The summer drinks party was hosted by Poltrona Frau at their showroom on Fulham Road, the champagne was flowing and there was a delicious charcuterie table tucked away in the back corner. Live music was provided by a wonderful quartet and the party started to fill quite quickly with the chatter of old colleagues meeting up, new attendees introducing themselves and the general buzz of being off duty on a sunny afternoon in London, surrounded by like minded peers.
Friday was spent mostly researching emerging furniture, textile and wallpaper designers in prep for the New Designers Showcase next week which I am so excited to attend with my fellow KLC alumi (and fantastic designer) Sarah Lindsey. We haven’t seen each other for over a year so we’re well overdue a catch up!
The family and I attended Manton Fest on Saturday, it was so unbelievably hot but we went prepared with hats, bug spray, sun cream and iced water. Clearly we were the stand out amateurs though as most people rocked up with camping chairs, outdoor rugs and pop up gazebos! It’s a great local gig that raises money for a well deserving cause and I’m so glad the weather stayed fine for them. Next week is Barbury Horse Trials which is also set to be a scorcher, if you’re around on the Friday or Saturday and you spot us do come and say hi!
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