Summer Travel Inspiration
Dreaming of summer getaways? Is your style lying back on a sandy stretch of beach beneath azure skies and enjoying the golden glow of the setting sun come evening? Or, strolling through historic cities, becoming absorbed by architectural details and thriving on the hussle and bussle? Or perhaps, you’d rather waft along grassy trails, through wooded glens and emerge on rugged clifftops looking out on a windswept horizon? Well, whatever your dream destination may be, we spoke to some of our inspiring interior design friends about their recent projects, perfect for escaping the everyday.
Samantha Todhunter Design London
Samantha Todhunter Design has an easy modern dynamic creating interiors that are at once relaxed and informal but paired with essential dashes of glamour and luxe. This balance feeds into every element of the studio and defines the company’s signature, her latest project being no different…
Destination: Montlaur, South West France
The Project: “The house started out life as a very large stone wine ‘Cuve' (wine storage) in South West France – essentially a huge empty barn with no utilities, just a dirt floor, cavernous volume and stone walls. The brief was to turn the space into a five bedroom/five bathroom holiday home that complemented the building’s heritage and historic function. Full of lovely bits of furniture, finishes and textures.”
The Local Area: “Located near Carcassone in South West France, the house is smack in the middle of the Corbieres wine region, a very rural and untouched part of France relatively speaking. So, our approach reflected that – the house sits comfortably in its environment – it is subtle but commanding in appearance and the interior very much speaks luxe but on the downlow.”
Stand-out features: “I think the stand-outs are the physical situation of the house, nestled in a beautiful untouched valley at the end of a gorge and at the base of the majestic Mont Alaric, near the Canal du Midi and within striking distance of a beach…”
Top things to do in the area: “Vineyards, hiking, beach or poolside!”
What to bring: “Everything [you need for the things] mentioned above: bikini, hiking boots, sun cream, a good book, a corkscrew (and wet weather gear as the weather can be unpredictable!).”
Rick Stein Group
Kate Stein started out working on interior projects for private clients and managing soft furnishing and upholstery contracts for Ruanne Dellal, Dellal Designs and Suzie Watson Designs. She is now an artist, designer and stylist for the Rick Stein Group family business, working on their various projects including restaurants, cocktail bars, private dining rooms and country pubs. Kate takes her inspiration from her striking coastal surroundings to create fresh and cosy spaces, she loves textiles, homewares and interiors and is happy to be living and breathing her passion every single day.
Destination: Padstow, Cornwall, UK
The Project: “Our rooms are in and around the town of Padstow on the North coast, a pretty harbour town, and active fishing port. [Top left] is the Almora room above The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, recently renovated with a new bathroom and beautiful new furniture and soft furnishings.”
The Local Area: “Padstow has the most beautiful coastline with paths taking you to sand dunes and white fluffy beaches in no time. The town itself is full of bustling bars eateries and galleries surrounding the working harbour. There is a pursuit for everyone in Cornwall.”
Stand-out features: “I like creating a modern and fresh but cosy coastal feel for our accommodation; I take a lot of inspiration from our rugged coastline. The colour palettes and the themes I try to adhere to are specific to Cornwall. Most people come here for the sandy beaches and coves to connect with the sea and get back to nature.”
Top things to do in the area: “Eating, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, swimming, paddle boarding, sunbathing.”
What to bring: “Walking boots, swimwear, and for some of our rooms, you can even bring your dog! Also, of course, an appetite.”
Collett Design Associates
This London-based studio takes a holistic approach to design, embracing every aspect of architectural, interior and landscape design down to the smallest detail, to create timeless and contemporary interiors. Georgia Collett, one of the studio’s Directors, loves to balance colour, proportion and structure, bringing the rigour of her training from both Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art to every design. Here, she talks to us about a recent project in the South of France…
Destination: French Riviera, South of France
The Project: “Villa O is a private holiday home (also available to rent) on the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula in the South of France. We worked with a local architect to design the interior architecture and furnishings of this landmark luxury property. Sleeping up to 10 people, the house boasts generous private and shared spaces; open plan kitchen, library, double volume living room, cinema, two outdoor pools and numerous terraces overlooking the sea.”
The Local Area: “Situated between Nice and Monaco, the sleek and modern interiors were designed with a strong blue and white palette to suit the Mediterranean context. Bespoke elements and curated pieces complement one another to create a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.”
Stand-out features: “With extraordinary views of the coast, the house revolves around a dramatic staircase with a soaring, sculptural artwork. The infinity pool on the roof terrace overlooking the sea, features a bespoke illuminated glass screen.”
Top things to do in the area: “To explore the area, follow a coastal path starting at the little port of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat carrying on to Beaulieu, past David Niven’s former home. Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the small baroque palace set high on a hill with superb sea views and filled with precious porcelain and tapestries; its magnificent fountains are a must see. The atmospheric Italianate town of Villefranche lies to the west of Cap Ferrat, alternatively the parallel world of Monte Carlo is nearby with its dazzling casinos.”
What to bring: “Glamorous pool attire and something to wear to the casino, of course.”
