Old meets new

Maybe it never went away, but retro, vintage, old meets new is definitely back. The new series of Mad Men is back on UK TV screens in March and programes such as this have certainly had something to do with a 50's / 60's design resurgence. Beautiful and practical design, sleek lines, subtle curves and pure class has given credence to the latest pieces available which you should have at least one of in your home.


Chanel 4s recent Black Mirror Series had 3 episodes set in various different times but the third episode had a futuristic tech theme set in a modern contemporary world but with the 2 lead characters in very much 60's fashion, both cars in the programe were 1950's and 1960's vehicles, a Ford Zephyr and and an MG MGA, and the furniture in the properties had a distinct vintage feel.


The Victorians were brilliant at mixing different period styles together. Mass production meant more goods were available to buy and the newly emerging middle classes took immense pride in their homes which they saw as a reflection of status. Consumers now had access to the latest household goods and flocked to see them on display at the numerous exhibitions. The Victorian era was the age of imitation and reproduction. Every style from Gothic to rococo was revived.


Today's consumer, of course, can be as versatile as the Victorians having almost limitless access to information on design styles and product from images and literature available from the internet, libraries and museums such as the V and A to the many large multiple and independent retailers selling retro vintage pieces both on the high street and online.


I guess we all have a fascination and to some extent an obsession with antiques and inherited, 'one off’ family heirlooms but in a world where purchasing departments and trend setters dictate what we have access to and can buy in terms of the same clothes; furniture; books; home furnishings and food etc it’s only the old, nostalgic, ever lasting loved pieces from our history, and in most cases, things that are no longer made which truly stand out.


Thanks for reading


Regards,


Jason
Fusion interior design

6 years on the market

The story of a modern-day palace

Widely regarded as the most important private residence to be built in England since the 19th century, to describe Updown Court as a palace is an understatement. Indeed, the two nearest palaces - Hampton Court and Buckingham - are both smaller.

Situated on a secluded estate in Windlesham, and set in 58 acres of beautiful forested countryside, this four-storey cream-coloured mansion has 103 rooms, including 24 en-suite bedrooms, two guest houses, a security lodge and manager's office.

What is more, Updown Court is available for you and your entourage to move in immediately - if, that is, you can afford the £70 million reserve price tag, £3 million stamp duty and, of course, the phenomenal running costs estimated to be around £10,000 a month just for gas and electricity. 

 

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• • • The first Updown Court was built in 1924 on 12 acres of land.
    • In 1977, Prince Sami Gayed of Egypt purchased it, but the building was abandoned after it was damaged by a fire in the Great Storm of 1987, believed to have been caused by a fallen tree rupturing a gas main.
    • Thereafter, Indian businessman Banjul Singh purchased the property and began an extensive renovation programme.
    • The following year, Les Allen-Vercoe of Rhymer Investments, a Surrey-based property magnate, acquired Updown Court for £20m and set about creating a sumptuous citadel inspired by Victorian-era mansions.
    • He replaced the original American architect with a Briton, Eades Hotwani, and hired Italian craftsmen to lay the marble tiles and mosaics.
    • Today, Updown Court is larger than Hampton Court and Buckingham Palace and includes 24 bedroom suites, 27 bathrooms and five pools.
    • At £70 million, it is the most expensive house currently on sale in the UK, though a property in London was recently sold for £80 million.
    
    
    
    
    
    

Decorex 2010

Each September I look forward to Decorex, the Interior Design show at Royal Hospital Chelsea but to be honest with you the last few years has left me flat.


This year was an inspiration. Maybe because of the tough economic climate, we are all having to pull out the stops and work a little harder, however the result was a fantastic display of creativity and show of new products. The exhibitors stands were the best I had seen since the days of Decorex being held at Syon Park. It is encouraging to see so much potential and so many gorgeous products being launch.


Particular favourites were Harlequin Tabletop & Andrew Martin


I'm off to have some fun designing!


Thanks for reading and if you need any advice or input just let me know.


Jan


Fusion Interior Design