Simple Pleasures

 Photographs by Cindy Loughridge

When I stumbled upon Cindy Loughridge's photographs dedicated to her window ledge it reminded me to open my eyes more. Cindy has captured moments throughout the day to one little spot in her home that many of us would overlook. Including myself lately. It really doesn't matter how much money you have, if you're a homeowner, renting or still at home with the parents we can all find inspiring ideas within our space. Inspiration can come from the sun shining through your kitchen window, your pet running under your feet, your child’s mucky handprint on a light switch and even your shoes scattered across the floor. It's up to us though to stop and capture this moment. I will never forget when I went to Sir Terence Conran's house and while we were in his exquisite family kitchen he grabbed a garlic bulb from a bowl and sniffed it then stretched his arm up and examined it like a precious rock. He then went onto say "Isn't it beautiful, look at the colours: discovering beautiful objects like this each day is what keeps me going". I really did have a shitty year last year but this year I am taking back control and being proud in who I am. I really do think more of us need to slowdown. Instead of churning stuff out we need to use our personal space to help us carefully consider the new project, the new idea, the next steps. If we take in more of our surroundings and listen to ourselves more I believe this is when your soul, creativity and your talents will shine out even more. If Sir Terence can take a moment to enjoy life's simple pleasures - then so can we.  Cindy has a gorgeous blog here go and say hi.

Roksanda Ilincic At Home

Born in Belgrade, Serbia and based in London, Roksanda Ilincic takes a fresh, feminine—even avant-guardian—approach to dress design. Her creations read more like art pieces: delicate but bold, fluid but sculptural. I had a chance to visit her London home which she shares with her husband Phil Bueno del Mesquita with the incredible photographer Henrik Knudsen. Working closely with hotshot UK  architect David Adjaye they have created an environment that plays with light. It’s all about how to use light and dark whether as a focal points, to define an area or to draw the eye to a favourite piece. The result is dramatic, breathtaking and a natural  extension of her fashion line.

 

Portrait by Richard Nicholson

 The 32-year-old former model graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins arts college in 2000, and by 2005, boldly made her mark on the runways with her namesake Roksanda Ilincic line. Roksanda chose Adjaye for his bespoke designs that have always been less about structure or form and more about illusion. He approaches them with an artist’s sensibility, displaying an ingenious use of materials and ability to sculpt light. ‘I prefer not to make a house look a house. The aim for my buildings is to leave an individual impression based on how they’re experienced,’ he says. With this King’s Cross home, once an industrial concrete loading bay, Roksanda and David have created a glam-chic space with low-budget materials.

 

All pictures by Henrik Knudsen

What I love is how they have shown us how light can be captured and displayed like a beautiful butterfly in a glass bell jar.