Architecture News

In a charming Thurloe Square townhouse in London, bathed in natural light and surrounded by lush communal gardens, a unique design challenge unfolded. A family of five—a wife, her husband, and their three sons—found themselves at a crossroads, each with distinct visions for their 5,000-square-foot South Kensington residence. The wife, though outnumbered, held a secret advantage: her childhood friend, acclaimed AD100 interior designer Leonora Hamill. Hamill embarked on a journey to not only refresh the home's aesthetics but also to masterfully weave together the family's varied tastes, proving that compromise can indeed lead to exceptional beauty.

The transformation of this London home is a testament to skillful negotiation and design ingenuity. Hamill’s approach involved creating spaces where different styles could coexist harmoniously. For instance, the drawing room became a vibrant tapestry of design periods and textures. Here, the softness of patterned Pierre Frey curtains and a rose-velvet Luigi Caccia Dominioni sofa find a striking counterpoint in the clean lines of modernist Pierre Jeanneret chairs, adorned with bespoke tweed cushions. A sculptural white coffee table by François Bauchet anchors the eclectic mix, demonstrating how diverse elements can achieve a balanced and inviting atmosphere. This careful curation extended throughout the home, with Hamill sourcing unique pieces from various markets and auctions, adding character and personal touches to each room.

A key aspect of Hamill’s strategy was to integrate elements that appealed to both the husband's preference for modernism and the wife's desire for warmth and coziness. This balance is evident in the choice of textiles and furniture. The drawing room's blue walls, a specific request from the client, are softened by a Dmitriy & Co sofa upholstered in Lewis & Wood Kimono fabric, chosen for its inviting shape. Vintage and antique pieces, such as a 17th-century Portuguese cabinet and Danish midcentury chairs, blend seamlessly with contemporary art and family heirlooms, creating a rich narrative within the space. Hamill's ability to layer these different styles ensured that each family member saw their preferences reflected, fostering a sense of shared ownership and comfort.

The morning room, often considered the heart of the home, exemplifies Hamill's talent for creating intimate and functional spaces. Designed as a primary gathering spot, it features plush armchairs in yellow chenille and a sofa adorned with pillows crafted from antique suzanis and Eastern European textiles. The rich green walls, initially a bold choice for the homeowners, were encouraged by Hamill, who believed in the power of brave design decisions. This room also houses a thoughtfully curated gallery wall, a hallmark of Hamill’s expertise, showcasing a blend of personal artwork and unique tapestries. The kitchen, with its vibrant colors inherited from the previous owners, was embraced for its lively character, a welcome departure from the prevalence of white interiors. Similarly, the primary bedroom boasts upholstered walls in a Manuel Canovas fabric, creating a serene retreat overlooking the square, while the guest bedroom was transformed into a charming pink haven, a nod to the wife’s favorite color.

The dining room showcases another fascinating blend of old and new. A contemporary Alexandre Logé pendant light hangs above a table softened by a colorful suzani, demonstrating a modern edge within a luxurious setting. Custom shelves display an assortment of objects gathered from London's Decorative Fair, including Japanese baskets and Kashmiri papier-mâché boxes, highlighting the family's travels and tastes. Even the guest bedroom, adorned in shades of pink, showcases Hamill's philosophy of embracing personal preferences, believing that color can be a flattering and versatile element. This comprehensive redesign ultimately created a home where every detail contributes to a harmonious and inviting atmosphere, reflecting the family’s unique journey and collective style.

In the world of ceramic artistry, where chance often dictates outcomes in the kiln, a serendipitous chain of events led designer Danny Kaplan to establish an expansive new workshop in North Adams, Massachusetts. Faced with the challenges of finding a larger space in New York City, Kaplan's decision was influenced by his long-time production manager, Val Shamma, who chose to move to the Berkshires region. This unexpected turn of events proved to be a fitting solution, as Kaplan recognized the potential of North Adams, a former industrial town revitalized by cultural institutions like MASS MoCA, offering ideal, spacious industrial settings.

The newly acquired ground-floor warehouse in a converted textile mill has been meticulously outfitted to meet Kaplan's growing needs. With an upgraded electrical system capable of powering three kilns and a new glass garage door inviting ample natural light, the facility is now a hub for large-scale ceramic casting and sculptural endeavors. While his original Bushwick studio continues to produce hand-built pieces, this North Adams expansion significantly enhances Kaplan's overall production capabilities. This past summer, the team meticulously crafted the vibrant tiles for his 'Delf' collection, a collaborative project with Vince Patti's furniture company, Lesser Miracle. This partnership, which began in 2024 with a custom bed featuring inlaid tiles, has now expanded into the 'Delf II' series for the fall, showcasing consoles, coffee tables, desks, and nightstands made from oiled oak with distinctive octagonal tops. The ceramic elements, adorned with various glazes, are then transported to Lesser Miracle's Brooklyn workshop for final assembly under Patti's supervision.

This strategic move to North Adams represents more than just an increase in manufacturing capacity; it signifies a new frontier for creative exploration and community engagement. Kaplan envisions the new space as a future haven for visiting artists seeking a change of scenery, fostering a collaborative environment that integrates seamlessly with the local North Adams community. He emphasizes the tranquil atmosphere of the region and the inherent desire for connection within the ceramics community, highlighting the profound impact of environment on artistic innovation.

This relocation underscores the idea that embracing change and seeking new environments can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities. Just as clay transforms under heat, artists and their endeavors can flourish when met with fresh perspectives and supportive communities. The expansion of Danny Kaplan's studio is a testament to the power of adaptation, collaboration, and the pursuit of artistic dreams in new and inspiring settings.