Decorators should never insist on throwing out everything the client has. Even when they are far from perfect, loved possessions add personality. In his final lecture Baldwin emphasises the importance of ‘the personal touch’: because it’s the personal that breathes … Continue reading
Cathay, China, the land of the dragon…has fascinated and inspired Europe for hundreds of years. Chinoiserie is a style created by fable, myth and exotic merchandise. What do I love about it? that it’s in an exercise in fantasy: European … Continue reading
The Elements of Decoration – Baldwin takes us through each element of the decor itself from furniture, to colour and lighting. He starts out, as he always does by making the obvious necessary: you do need that room plan and … Continue reading
It’s the time of year when the mind turns to long lunches under shady trees, lingering evenings by candlelight… that is, if you live in sunny climes. However in Dublin we’re still somewhat wrapped up, and it got me thinking … Continue reading
How do you start decorating? Most people collect some tear sheets, look at colour charts, possibly think about storage. Most people end up with a variation on a theme of current decorating trends: You know – open plan something, Farrow and … Continue reading
The RA’s Summer Show, I went with my mother a few years ago and it is an extraordinary spectacle of uber-britshness: up-from-the-country, hand bags at the ready, culture-specs on. I felt a little hemmed in by the future: nothing like … Continue reading
The fact there was a Diamond Jubilee at all and its significance was brought home to me, when I went to fetch a book ‘The Queen’s Jewels’ (and they are fab) and came came back clutching: This book used to … Continue reading
