Suzy Hoodless is currently working with Amalgam Architects on the complete refurbishment of this 5 storey grade 2 listed townhouse near Sloane Square. The interior will be classic, modern and smart.

Check out Another Country
Another Country makes contemporary craft furniture. The designs are archetypal, calling on the familiar and unpretentious forms of British Country kitchen style, Shaker, traditional Scandinavian and Japanese woodwork. “It’s the spirit and functionality of these honest forms of furniture that we endeavor to re-interpret for a modern customer.”

We need be nostalgic for Tom Dixon’s Jack light no longer. This ‘sitting, stacking, lighting thing’ has always represented the early 1990’s design boom to us; a cool, contemporary form and straightforward  (plastic) manufacture. The Jack has been reintroduced in its original form for a new generation – it still does all the same things but these days is a ready-made piece of furniture history.

One of London’s most beautiful homes has re-opened its doors after a lengthy restoration. Leighton House is in Holland Park, just around the corner from Hoodless HQ, so we don’t have to go far to ogle at the amazing interiors. The lavish house was the home of famous Victorian-era painter Lord Frederic Leighton and was designed for him by architect George Aitchison. Opulent and beautiful – the house provided the backdrop to Leightons romantic paintings. It was even home to the real Eliza Doolittle – one of Leightons models; Dorothea Dean.

After the 49th Milan Salone del Mobile came to a close, our minds turned to all things Italian. We should have taken with us Bruno Munari’s classic book ‘Supplement to The Italian Dictionary’ with us. The stark, graphic photography has helped make this little book an iconic piece of 20^th century graphic design. In it Munari explains the meaning behind certain Italian hand-gestures. We hope we don’t get given the ‘Che Peso!’.

New French design brand Mr Moustache had us at ‘hello’. Their first collection included works by a great roll-call of young design talent; Inga Sempe pleated paper lanterns, Big Game created a cartoon-like chair, Matali Crasset went for ease with her series of trestle tables. And everything was showed-off beautifully in their stunning brochure. Now Moustache are set to launch their second collection – we’ve seen some of the new pieces and can confidently say that they aren’t a one-collection wonder!

Stopping by the exhibition of Kenneth Grange’s work currently showing at Margaret Howell led us to ponder why this great British designer simply isn’t more revered. His re-issue of the Anglepoise lamp is a contemporary classic but Grange is to be thanked for such icons as the London black cab and Parker pen too. Grange’s superior industrial design is surely ready for another look.

Suzy Hoodless aims to demystify Interior Design. Suzy has encountered over the years recurring dilemmas and key problems, this course is structured to identify some of those issues as well as allowing people to discuss problems relevant to their own homes. Suzy says ‘I have made every mistake there is to make, this is my guide to ensure you don’t have to’.

Next workshop Friday 23rd April, 10am-12pm.
£150 per person.
Please email us to book your place.

We are working on the Shropshire/Welsh border for very old friends of mine who have moved into his family home.  A hugely ambitious scheme to turn the house into a wedding venue is set to pay off with over 20 weddings booked for the next 12 months.  The first wedding is May 1 and the house is a frantic scramble to get to the finishing line.  We are re decorating the entire house, installing new bathrooms throughout as well as building an extension, collaborating with the architects, contractors and suppliers.

I have taken the big leap and bought this house in Oxfordshire with my friend and brilliant developer James Perkins.  It’s going to be comfortable, modern and adorable. We are currently experiencing the usual fun and games, delayed planning permission and heavy snow falls but we’ll be back on track soon.