Tom Dixon at Maison & Objet

Maison & Objet's Designer of the Year continues push the boundaries. This time, creating 'The Factory' - a unique factory-to-store concept at the exhibition.

This tongue in cheek experiential creation is engineered to take over Paris with the scent of London. I like it already!

Producing new limited edition products for the show, the London Brick concept is born.

Actual London bricks are repurposed as diffusers to inject Tom Dixon's signature fragrance, London, into the home.

Designed to capture the smell of red bricks and London parks with crocuses and nettles, and the salty smell of the Thames at Dagenham, I can confirm it does just that. With a smokey scent, the fragrance features top notes of peppercorn, a heart of oud wood and vetiver, and a base of cedar wood and patchouli.

Produced on site, each bottle lid is laser etched, the bricks are individually wrapped and stamped by hand.

All in all, this charming concept has taken Paris by storm.

  

 

Industrial Chic

Raw materials, minimalist style and rugged appeal. Industrial Chic is not only an old favourite with the Design Olive, but it is very in vogue now. Simple shapes, clean lines and natural textures all contribute to this signature look. Think copper, concrete, exposed brick, leather and steel.

To inject some industrial luxe into your home, try pairing a woven throw with a supple leather sofa. Introduce metallics with a pendant lampshade and a statement clock, or add unique character with reclaimed wood - I particularly love these frames created from wood saved from Hastings Pier.

Remember, keep the look simple, minimal works best. However, do add your own finishing touches, perhaps a vintage desk fan, a bar stool or two and a standard lamp.

For more inspiration, take a peek at my Industrial Chic Pinterest board. I'd love to see how you style your industrial look. Show me on Twitter here @thedesignolive.

  

All images can be found, with original sources here : http://www.pinterest.com/thedesignolive/industrial-chic/

Colour Trend | Chartreuse

A fusion of yellow and green, the artsy bold hue of Chartreuse is named so due to its resemblance to the green colour of French liqueur, green Chartreuse. Team this happy, vibrant colour with black, coral, white or grey for an on-trend colour injection.

The Design Olive - Pinterest

A few favourites:

1. Chartreuse paint - Homebase

2. Graphic stem table lamp - M&S

3. Chartreuse and black mug - Habitat

4. Chartreuse dining chair - Vitra Panton at Occa Home

5. Isla loveseat - M&S

6. Tira storage jar - Habitat

7. Chartreuse, Steel and Putty nest of tables - Accents by Conran at John Lewis

8. Cushion - BHDecor via Etsy

In The Design Olive's home...

left to right:

Chartreuse candle holder - Habitat

Porcelain candle pot - Anthropologie

Anglepoise style lamp - Gumtree

Office Styling

For me, the key to a great office space is simplicity - a clear space that allows creative thinking and inspiration while being practical too.

Add interest with a well designed desk lamp, character with motivational or artistic prints, your favourite mug for that morning coffee and a comfy cushion.

Here are a few beautifully styled office spaces that I just adore:

The Design Olive's Office Essentials:

1. Print - Kimsey Price via Society6

2. Heart shaped mug - Alessi

3. Desk organiser - Anthropologie

4. Grey cushion - Heal's

5. Black is the new black pencils - MadeByGirl

6. Monochrome container - Normann Copenhagen

7. Cement and oak clock - MOAK

8. Drawing set - Moleskine

9. White leather office chair - Neratoli

10. Note block - Hay

11. Notes to self notebook - Anthropologie

12. Bamboo globe - Kristoffer Zeuthen

13. Desk lamp - Anglepoise

Exposed Brickwork

Creating an industrial yet cozy feel, exposed brickwork works well in more rooms than you may initially consider. Adding character and unique rustic charm, the textured material can produce a light and airy contemporary loft space, the classic farmhouse kitchen or super-stylish stairways.

Whether painted or left in its organic state, the raw undulating surface adds a dynamic that is truly unique to the property. From exposed chimney breasts, to a whitewashed archway or housing large industrial windows, the natural architectural element provides a subtle nod to the composition of the home.

Combining texture and tone strikes an effortless balance adding interest to a space. For me, a beautiful dusky grey sofa with soft white throws set against an accent brick wall, paired with a natural wood coffee table would make the perfect addition to my ideal home.

What are your thoughts on exposed brickwork? Would it feature in your dream home? If so, how would you style it? I'd love to hear! Here are a few of my favourites from Pinterest...

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Minimalist with a touch of understated luxe

So, if you're wondering what makes me tick when it comes to interior design, here is a small sample. My style and design preferences could perhaps be summarised as minimalist, clean and simple with a shot of monochrome or colour and an element of fun yet understated luxury. What a mouthful. Perhaps not minimalist at all!

Image credit - manners.nl

Image credit - rtlwoonmagazine

Image credit - vtinteriors

Image credit - myscandinavianhome

Today Is The Day...

Today is the day I start something new, something I have been daydreaming about for sometime now. But today I woke up and wondered, what am I waiting for? So here I am, here is my blog, The Design Olive.

Here you will find interiors, product design, beauty and more. All things that make me tick.

Welcome, and I hope you enjoy this adventure as much as I will.

Image credit - GraphicAnthology