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Showing posts from January, 2026

Leaf & Living: Sculpting Timeless Green Spaces in an Urban Age

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In an era where design sensibilities increasingly blur the boundary between architecture and nature, Leaf & Living emerges as a compelling voice for refined, greenery-infused interiors and exteriors. More than a décor provider, the company has become a trusted collaborator for architects, interior designers and discerning homeowners seeking to elevate built environments with bespoke botanical forms that feel both cultivated and alive. Founded with a commitment to quality and versatility, Leaf & Living specialises in the design, supply and expert installation of premium artificial foliage — an elegant solution for spaces that demand lush visual impact without the compromise of constant upkeep. Their portfolio spans custom vertical gardens , sophisticated hedging systems and curated hanging plant installations, each crafted to harmonise with architectural language rather than merely decorate it. What sets their work apart is not just the aesthetic effect but its seamless adap...

A Celebration of Craft & Context — Oakmont’s Lanseria Project

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This kitchen forms part of a newly completed build in Lanseria, where wide-open countryside meets a quietly assured approach to interior architecture. Oakmont’s scope encompassed the full manufacture and installation of bespoke cabinetry, created in close collaboration with the client to deliver a balance of contemporary aesthetics and everyday functionality. The generous vertical volume of the space invites a layout that feels effortless and breathable. Anchored by crisp black fenestration and high-pitched ceilings, the cabinetry is realised in Sahara Textured by Sonae Nova Board — a soft, timber-inspired surface that catches natural light with subtle warmth while offering impressive durability. At the heart of the room, a matte black island with slatted detailing and a quartz surface acts as both sculptural centrepiece and working hub. Above it, a custom-fabricated cooker hood and suspended gantry shelving in powder-coated steel and glass underscore Oakmont’s talent for integrat...

Trend Insights: What to Expect in 2026 Outdoor Design — A Cape Umbrellas Perspective

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Looking ahead, 2026 signals a purposeful evolution in outdoor living—one where beauty, resilience, and sensory wellbeing converge. Designers are rethinking how exterior environments function, feel, and perform, and the outcome is a richer, more immersive relationship between people and the spaces beyond their doors. 1. Nature-Integrated Outdoor Architecture In 2026, shade structures step out of the background. No longer secondary additions, umbrellas and pergola-style elements are being conceived as sculptural features that anchor a garden’s visual rhythm. The design community is seeing a shift toward forms that echo natural silhouettes—canopies that curve like leaves, frames that harmonise with surrounding planting, and finishes that play quietly with sunlight. The goal is subtle integration rather than imposition, allowing outdoor architecture to feel grown rather than manufactured. 2. Weather-Adaptable Entertaining Spaces As outdoor rooms become extensions of the home, year-rou...

La Monique: Oceanside Glamour in the Heart of Santa Monica

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Hollywood Regency Meets Riviera Elegance At Oceana Santa Monica , La Monique transforms the hotel’s oceanside setting into a cinematic French brasserie. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio , the interiors are a masterclass in texture and tone: jewel-toned velvets, hand-crafted straw marquetry, sculptural cast-glass walls, and reflective ceilings layer drama and intimacy in every corner. A Jewel Box of Design Emerald, sapphire, and rust tones shimmer against lustrous finishes, while a curated art collection—from local talents to international names—adds depth and narrative. Signature details, including a glowing backlit bar and intricate marquetry, invite guests to pause, explore, and savor the environment as much as the cuisine. Dining as Design At the helm is Top Chef France semi-finalist David Fricaud, whose menu is a modern homage to French brasserie tradition. But here, design dictates experience: every seat, sightline, and surface is choreographed to heighten the p...