Duel

'Two' seems to have been a bit of a theme for my blog recently, but I assure you I'm not all about a pair. I love a cluster. I'm all about balance through asymmetry, and I have an ongoing friendly struggle with a client who loves everything in pairs, often with a single item in between. I call it the 'shrine' style of decorating, and I tend to find it a little stagnant.

I prefer objects to encourage the eye to run smoothly about the space, resting on the key pieces and the spaces in-between, then gently moving on.

However, I do absolutely LOVE this perfectly symmetrical World of Interiors cover. It is not quite current but I've only just received my copy, and it's the mail I look forward to the most.

             

This magazine always inspires and delights, and this particular cover features SO many of my favourite things - a wall sconce, a wall-mounted mask, a rococo commode, a bit of taxidermy (not quite sure where you find a unicorn these days) and then they doubled it all.
Taking it from whimsical to fabulous.
And when combined with a wide-board oak floor, a controversial wall colour over every architectural feature and finished with an unexpected pendant light it's truly fantastical.

Two for One

A mini sofa, an oversized armchair, call it what you will... we prefer the term Love Seat. 

Very cosy.

The shape is very classic and super smart - like an upright 1940s take on a chesterfield. 

I love a bit of studding, and it's got that most elegant of elements - a pair of bolster cushions. 

I'm also loving the single scatter cushion in the same fabric - very cool. And let's just talk about that fabric for a minute: it's a casual canvas in a chic shade of grey, which gives a comfortable tone to an otherwise very formal design. 

With its easy elegance and relaxed luxury this too is a piece that can work in many environments, and has a range of applications. 

Perch with a tea, lounge with a book, or our favourite, curl up on it with your plus one.

Round Two

So you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I am loving all things gold right now. Truth be known, I always have. But recently I’m seeing it in every fab place I look. And while I’ve always been more attracted to the old than the new, there’s nothing I like more than a clever new take on something tried and true.

Just look at these – so cool. A clever little nest of 2 circular tables. Put them with a single chair, curving around the end of a sofa, or in the centre of an-L shaped modular - round is visually less intrusive than square, and provides an oft-needed softening effect. And I’m loving the fact that there are 2 in the set –  there's usually three in a nest and I never quite know what to do with the third; it just gets in the way and takes up space.

And they are truly, truly beautiful. Featuring a distressed gold leaf finish, the top of each is an inset round mirror that has been aged. They feel so contemporary yet so antique. Whether you’re going for Georgian, Deco or 70s Vegas these can slot right in; rustic or urban, industrial or refined, they’ll work with it all.

The Two Pots

Clearly I'm on a ceramics thing right now, because I just couldn't go past these. They may be small, but they've got it all - Italian-made, earthy tones, and my favourite right now, some gold detailing.
They're actually planter pots, dating from the 1960s and have apparently never been used. Seems a great shame for something so cute to be condemned to a cupboard all these years, particularly as they could go anywhere. I mean it, they could really go anywhere - there is not a single interior they wouldn't work in.
So if you want one, you'd better be quick, because there are only two and I'm having the other one.

Animal Crackers

While we’re doing the whole animal motif thing (which, as you know, is always very Becker Minty) take a look at these amazing ceramics.
Love, love, love them.
Created by designer and decorator Gilles Caffier, they really challenge your notions of texture. At first glance it’s difficult to determine exactly what they’re made of – alligator, crocodile, tortoise – amphibious surfaces abound, all very tactile, absolutely begging to be touched, and perfectly safe to do so.

My understanding and appreciation of them was greatly heightened by learning that Caffier began as a textile designer: it somehow gives them a whole new level of sensitivity.
For while sensitivity may not be high up on your must-have-in-a-vase list, a little bit of artistic integrity goes a long way.

And I for one can never have too many natural textures indoors - they provide a soothing balance to all the shine. And these are so subtle and sophisticated. You can cluster them, or let them stand alone. Pop them on a side table, a coffee table, a mantel or a credenza. 

Fill them with flowers and trinkets, or leave them untended.
Clever, chic and easily housed.

A favourite dish

So I just a have little more to say about this fabulous ceramic bowl, which although pictured in my previous blog, was not given the attention it deserves.
It is truly sensational, designed and made by uber-glam American ceramics company Waylande Gregory Studios.
The company’s namesake was a much-celebrated ceramicist, at the vanguard of mid 20th century high-gloss glamour. Working from the 30s to the 70s, Waylande Gregory exhibited in the Whitney and the Smithsonian, found his way into the most sophisticated of private collections, and to an extent defined the direction of contemporary art-ceramics of the western world.
This unique giraffe pattern is one of his signature designs, re-issued by his great nephew, and I absolutely love it - it’s hand made, hand decorated and highlighted in 22 carat gold leaf.

It’s very me.

And very Becker Minty.
Its diameter of 46 cm makes it perfect for the centre of a round table – one of my favourite looks. But considering its impact and the fact that it’s shallow, I’d be very tempted to pop it on a wall, a decorating choice some consider to be up there with flying ducks, but one of which I’m especially fond.
And at least it stops me filling it with food.
But why would I want to? It already has everything I could possibly need – animal motif and a shiny surface.

Gilt Trip

Austerity measures be damned, bring on that gold!
  
             

Forget Melbourne and New York, let's occupy Fort Knox and El Dorado.

Dip it, brush it, roll it, or prize it rock solid.

Few natural substances possess the allure of gold. In good times and bad, for cultures old and new, this reservoir of sun from beneath the earth's surface makes the whole world a brighter place.

As a sun-worshipper from way back, I too have long been under the spell of this lustrous hue. And my two favourite designers of all time, Kelly Wearstler and Anouska Hempel, have also caught the rays.


             


              


              



And while Tamara Mellon has walked away from Jimmy Choo, she's still happily ensconced in the golden luxury of her London apartment.

               
               



But for those of us who want a little bit of Louis, without the expense of Versailles, below are my pick of ideal gilded accents.



                                


   
            


              


                           


     

From tabletop to ceiling rose, every surface deserves the touch of Midas.
Bring it on, roll it out and let it shine.