My design is inspired by the history of this building. It was built in 1880 as part of a large uniformed housing development of artisan’s cottages for workers with middle-class values. As such I have introduced some symbolic aspects of this back story into the interior design remodelling and refurbishment through the natural wood ceiling, …
Heart of a scent: GALLIVANT perfume studio visit
As part of looking at creative industries, I have been introducing my son who is now starting GCSE prep, to how the world works. It was a remarkable experience and a pleasure to have been given the opportunity to visit Nick Steward in the GALLIVANT workshop/studio in Dalston. GALLIVANT is a multi-award-winning independent perfume range, founded …
Midcentury Modern Interior Design Book: Pre-orders NOW OPEN!
Master midcentury modern design principles with this simple and snappy interior design handbook. Do you love rich and vibrant timeless design? Are you on a budget and planning a project based on this hot trend? Are you excited to find out how to create the look for your home, hotel or motel? Architect, interior designer, …
WANTED: ARC reviewers for new INTERIOR DESIGN book
Interested in a free Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my interior design book out next month? I’d be thrilled if you’d like to put it in a story, and/or to review it. It’s a concise illustrated handbook called “Midcentury Modern: 15 Interior Design Ideas.” An easy read ebook, only 72 pages, colour photos on every …
What I Did During the Great Lockdown of 2020
This sounds like the title of the kind of English composition you had to do when you were 11. Actually I did feel like I was 12 again during lockdown when being at home felt neverending, that you’d never grow up or leave the cage. I lost 6 projects, the designs of which I had …
Stained Glass Design c. 1910 style
One of the most misunderstood design opportunities for stained glass lies in the fact that it is only used in bright areas or rooms. Yet the opposite is true. In a dimly lit basement flat where there is little natural light, it enhances and gives the illusion of light whether it’s on a dark and …
Old Bathroom Details hand drawings c. 1999
If anybody remembers ink on Vellum I’d be gobsmacked. While decluttering and clearing out my office, I just found my old drawings (bathroom details, 1:5) from when I first started my practice. Nostalgia “awwww” moment. Drafting/draughting was a way of understanding an entire building from beginning to end – like writing a book. You can’t …
Grade II-listed family home in Holland Park
Completed this family home. A smart, early Victorian, handsome townhouse project in Holland Park, London. It’s simple and effective, a classic Ivy Ngeow design in wit and style. #womeninarchitecture #listedbuilding #architecture #interiordesign #gradeii #london #design #culturesandcommunities #blogger #remodelling #professionalwomen #author #completedproject
5 Differences between Asian and Western bathroom design concepts
I am working on a very interesting live-work unit space with the working areas in the front of the building and the living space at the rear. It has to be a flexible, informal area because there might be guests or collaborative colleagues, and there might be entertaining. At the same time, when there are …
5 Top Tips in Chinese business etiquette (by a Chinese person)
It is not the language but the 5000 year old culture that is challenging because it is the very antithesis of European culture. 1. If someone pays you a compliment you do NOT say thank you. It is deemed immodest, crass and a conversation killer. You return the compliment straightaway by giving a camaraderie act of humility with a …