BRICK IN THE WALL
Glass bricks are often associated with the modernist movement of the 1930s, especially South Beach in Miami, and the industrialist trend of the 1980s. Yet today, look around and there’s a resurgence in their use. They are also making their way back into domestic spaces as demonstrated in this dining room by Child Studio, which features library cabinets with Rosso Levanto marble cladding. This room is separated from the neighbouring kitchen by a glass brick partition. ‘This allows light to filter through the geometric pattern,’ say the co-founders Alexy Kos and Che Huang. ‘The combination of dark mahogany, patterned marble and green upholstery feels so chic, yet warm and unpretentious.’
ROOM WITHIN A ROOM
The challenge of open-plan kitchens is that, even with the best extractor fans, it’s not always possible to keep cooking aromas from escaping into the rest of the space. The solution is having glass walls. It allows all the action in the kitchen to be visible and the room remains firmly connected to the rest of the house rather than being shut away. This is the approach interior designer Katharine Pooley took when redesigning this chalet in Switzerland. She’s paired this double-height glazed room with natural materials such as stone and timber. ‘It’s a layered contemporary feel that showcases richly textured, contrasting finishes that fits perfectly with the open-plan layout,’ says Katharine.
A great escape
The iconic Gleneagles hotel marks its 100th anniversary this year
NATURAL ATTRACTION
A garden that invites wildlife in is rich in so many ways, as these diverse spaces illustrate
WILD PROSPECTS
Lulu Urquhart of Urquhart & Hunt takes a deep dive into the importance of our waterways as well as the work of nature's eco-engineer: the beaver
LIFE IN COLOUR
Around 30 years old, this country home used to be described as a white box - now it's a joyful place with fresh hues and uplifting pattern.
THE JOY OF...A rural idyll
This month, our columnist Joy Moyler extols the virtues of living - and working - in the countryside
Floral arrangement
Interior designer Sarah Vanrenen shares her wisdom on using floral fabrics and wallpapers
DESIGN COMES TO LIFE
The WOW!house event will open its doors on 4 June - we hear from the designers behind three of the spaces
MOVERS & SHAKERS
A love for leather and its many possibilities is the creative catalyst for this Norfolk-based maker
MERRY & BRIGHT
This Edwardian home feels joyful all year round and it is all down to the bold colours, pretty patterns and delightful decorative details
A WINTER'S TALE
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this chic chalet is designed to keep the cold at bay and everyone inside warm and cosy