In the fifth instalment of Designers on Lockdown, we spoke to Eleanor Nadimi, founder of One Nine Eight Five. Lockdown has affected everyone and all our brands and designers have dealt with it differently. As an independent maker, Eleanor had to adapt quickly to lockdown, read on to discover more.
Hi Eleanor, tell us a little bit about you and One Nine Eight Five…
Hello, my name is Eleanor Nadimi and I’m the founder of One Nine Eight Five. One Nine Eight Five is an ethical British homeware brand that specialises in really bold, colourful printed velvet cushions, tassel cushions and recycled fibre throws.
How is lockdown treating you?
I have to say, it has been a tricky time as I’m sure it has been for many others. For example, adapting to new ways of living and working. The work life balance and trying to get that right took quite a lot of time. I’m living with my family who are all on furlough and in the meantime I’ve been trying continue trading and that took a bit of time to get in place. But it has actually been an extremely positive experience. I’m a big believer in needing to go through certain hurdles and challenges to move forward and grow. This has definitely been the time for that.
It is also a time of reflection that highlighted certain areas of the business that needed attention or tweaking. Luckily, I’ve now had the luxury of time to be able to address these areas. Being able to slow down and do this has been great.
How has your business adapted to social distancing measures?
As an independent maker I run the business completely on my own. When it comes to routine there isn’t one, every day is different. So, I could be designing for a few hours, followed by some PR, accounts and packing orders. There are so many different things within a day so to have that slow down a little was really helpful.
It has also allowed me to work on all the ideas I’ve had in my head for the longest time. I’ve been painting, I’ve been drawing, I’ve been researching. One thing I have really missed is being able to go to galleries. I’m just so thankful that most galleries have moved all their exhibitions online.
Thanks to the internet you can still feel incredibly connected and find lots of resources for research. A lot of the ideas are turning into reality now and I’m so excited to show you them. I hope once you see them, you’ll be just as excited as I am.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
The way that I design has definitely shifted. That’s partly because you can’t travel to a location or outsource things since everything is closed. So, problem solving and innovating from home has been a challenge. But it’s bought out results that I never expected.
For example, I’ve roped in my family to help with any jobs that involve more than a pair of hands. We created a beautiful photoshoot in the garden which I’ll be releasing soon. It’s taken turns that I didn’t expect to happen and I’m grateful for these outcomes. I do enjoy a bit of the unexpected and I work well under pressure. So, I find bouncing around different ideas and innovating really inspiring.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
One thing that has been a challenge at home is motivation, as I’m sure most people can appreciate. Something that has helped keep me grounded is living with my family and getting them involved. It bought us closer together and as they see what I do every day they value it a lot more.
They understand more about the processes of things and I’ve enjoyed sharing that with them. Also, with my friends from afar it has bought us all closer together and created a much better support system.
Another thing that has kept me motivated and grounded is my dog Lulu. We enjoy going for long walks and I’ve discovered loads of places on my doorstep that I didn’t know existed. It’s also bought me much closer to my local community. In times of uncertainty when you have no control, it’s so powerful when people come together. I’m so thankful for my neighbours and the acts of kindness people are doing locally and afar.
It’s so inspiring, motivating and grounding. It has made the future feel a lot less scary to me, and for that I am really grateful. For me, life moves so fast. I’m always late, always running to the next thing. To be able to take a step back and stop is such a special thing. Slowing down whilst still being productive has been a really humbling experience.
Like what you see? Shop One Nine Eight Five.
Want to know more? Read Meet the Designer: One Nine Eight Five.
https://youtu.be/RhTnaiKj4Ow
[ INSPIRATION ]
Behind the design
Laurie Maun is a Hackney-based textile designer and multidisciplinary artist with an exclusive wall art collection at Heal’s. Her abstract approach to motifs, colour and texture stretches across printmaking, drawing, painting and photography.
Within this she focuses on traditional craftsmanship and British materials to create premium home accessories. We caught up with Laurie to find out how lockdown has affected her.
How is lockdown treating you?
So far, okay. Like everyone, I’m having low days and high days but generally I can’t complain. I moved all my stuff from my studio in Dalston to my home in Forest Hill maybe a week or so before the lockdown was announced. I was starting to see a real shift in people’s energy when commuting so thought I’d get ahead of it and set up camp at home.
We are pretty limited to space as I share my one bed apartment with my partner, who is also a creative working from home. So, an extra room wouldn’t go a miss, but other than that I feel very lucky to have what I do. Generally I’ve allowed myself more time to do things I like, things I would usually be “too busy” to do. I’ve been quilting, and reading more and going pretty experimental with my cooking and baking. I think this is what’s kept me going really.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
I think where I’m taking my inspiration from has maybe developed. I’m surrounded by trees and nature so my palettes are definitely adapting to their surroundings. More greens, yellows etc. My day to day has also certainly seen a shift as a lot of time is usually spent making and packaging wholesale orders.
But, with the shops being closed my wholesale has stopped and instead I now spend most days painting as the request for commissioned art works has grown massively.
How has your business adapted to social distancing measures?
I’m a bit of a lone ranger day to day so I haven’t experienced a huge shift in what my norm is. But sadly I’ve had to cancel all workshops for the foreseeable future. I attempted to take them online but I don’t think that works so well for my personality. So, I’m still exploring ways I can keep them alive while we’re in lockdown.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
Really simple steps like taking a walk in the morning, getting dressed, doing my hair/makeup. Anything that tricks my mind to thinking it’s just another normal day helps. We’ve been spending more time exploring the areas around us which we’d maybe be too busy to normally do. There’s so much woodland on our doorstep which is great for getting lost in. If you squint hard enough you can forget you’re in London.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I’ve been pickling, fermenting, sourdough bread making and really stepped up my horticulture game. I’ve had an allotment space for a couple of years but have really gone to town this year. I’m growing Aubergines, Squash, Tomatoes, Beetroot, Onions and a whole tonne of flowers. Being able to nip down there at lunch time is really helping my mood especially when the weather’s nice.
What are some of the most inspiring things you’ve seen during this period?
It’s been amazing to see local communities coming together. It’s not something I’ve really experienced since living in London but there’s a real spirit in the air. One of the flats in our block has started their own micro bakery meaning we have fresh pastries and baked goods delivered every weekend.
Another flat has started a little library/book exchange which is really sweet and we also get to help someone who has hit financial difficulty which is a win. I’ve also made some new friends in the area which was completely unexpected. People are talking to each other more and maybe generally just slowing down and appreciating what’s around them.
Like what you see? Shop Laurie Maun.
https://youtu.be/-K9-2jC1iTYLaurie Maun at work during lockdown
Searching for the perfect smoked glass pendant lights for your space? Look no further. We’ve compiled our top 14 pendant light made using smoked glass for you to choose from. These elegant designs will provide interior design inspiration for your space.
If you like what you see, simply click on the image to find it online.
Kyoto Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Heal's
We love how the Kyoto Pedant Light is available in different shapes. This means you can mix and match them to create a statement cluster or keep them the same for continuity. Each light is hand-blown in Poland and has a metallic electroplated finish. This finish means the smoked glass pendant lights look mirrored when switched off and more translucent when illuminated.
Parison Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Cheshire Architects for Resident
This smoked glass ceiling light has a refined ombré effect that makes it stand out from other lighting. It’s beautifully mouth-blown by skilled glassmakers with a raw rim. By leaving the rim unfinished, the light has a rougher edge that keeps it looking modern. We love how the light is used here to illuminate a crisp white corridor, thanks to the ombré effect it makes the ceilings look even higher.
Honey Smoked Glass Pendant Light
Guillaume Delvigne for Heal’s
Horizontal ribbed lines and a cylindrical silhouette mimic the shape of a beehive and inspired the Honey Pendant Light’s name. The glass ridges help to capture the bulb’s glow and soften it, so it casts a warm light. We think these contemporary smoked glass pendant lights look great displayed individually but also as part of a cluster. Try mix and matching it with other finishes to make more of a statement.
Reveal LED Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Silje Nesdal for Northern
Reveal is one of the most contemporary smoked glass ceiling lights in our selection. The pale colours of dawn seen on the Norwegian coast inspired this design. This is translated into the design through traditional Scandinavian design hallmarks such as brass accents and contemporary shapes. Instead of being illuminated by a bulb, the smoked glass light shade houses a horizontal LED module. This lends is an innovative, modern aesthetic.
Bloom Smoked Glass Pendant Light
Tim Rundle for Resident
Paper lanterns and the way they fly through the air inspired Tim Rundle’s Bloom Pendant Light. It mimics the paper lantern design with a stainless-steel mesh inner surrounding the bulb and a smoked glass diffuser. When illuminated, it casts a soft glow through the shade. This also highlights the unique pattern created by the steel mesh inner and casts a pool of light downward.
Sunset Brass & Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Cattelan Italia
The Sunset Pendant is composed of six smoked glass diffusers suspended from angular steel stems. Its futuristic design means it’s perfect for modern homes and its extensive width ensures it creates a dramatic focal point. This smoked glass chandelier looks striking suspended over a kitchen island or dining table to create a visual impact.
Olson Glass Cloche Pendant Light
Heal's
Multiple different shapes and sizes make up the Olson Pendant Light collection. Each fitted with antique brass fittings, these lights bring an industrial touch to these modern smoked glass pendant lights. They look particularly great when paired with exposed filament bulbs and displayed in a cluster with pendant of varying sizes.
Soap Pendant Light
Ota Svoboda for Bomma
This smoked glass light shade really stands out because of its craftsmanship. Each one is freely blown from glass without using a mould, this creates an organic shape that is different from one light to the next. The lamp’s design was inspired by the every-changing shape of soap bubbles. To strengthen the similarity, the pendant light has an iridescent finish achieved through a unique metallisation process.
Anchor Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Timothy Oulton
As part of Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls collection, the Anchor Pendant Light was designed to showcase ancient crafts. As such, its fluted glass shade is hand-blown by skilled artisans using methods that have remained relatively unchanged since they were invented in Syria over 2000 years ago. The entire collection is a celebration of natural materials and traditional techniques.
Deco Knot Pendant Light
Genevieve Bennet for Heal's
This luxurious art deco pendant light is perfect inspiration for those who like traditional design with a modern flourish. The Deco Glass Pendant Light features a smoked glass dome sat atop an opaque orb. This casts a beautiful glow when the light is switched on. The addition of a fluted brass stem exudes luxury and completes the pendant light.
Apollo Pendant Lights
Cattelan Italia
As part of Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls collection, the Anchor Pendant Light was designed to showcase ancient crafts. As such, its fluted glass shade is hand-blown by skilled artisans using methods that have remained relatively unchanged since they were invented in Syria over 2000 years ago. The entire collection is a celebration of natural materials and traditional techniques.
Grace Smoked Glass Pendant Lights
Heal's
The exclusive Grace Pendant Light radiates the sophisticated style typical of 1960s glassware. It’s accented with a modern twist in the form of its slanted base, allowing light to escape from the base. The addition of smoked and coloured glass finishes sets the mood and helps to create a warm glow when illuminated. Colour is added to the glass whilst it is being blown, meaning the hue won’t fade or scratch.
Bubble Smoked Glass Pendant Light
Heal's
The Bubble Pendant Light is perfect if you’re looking for a modern smoked glass lamp with a different. This exclusive Heal’s light is hand-blown using smoked glass and is hand-finished with bubble detailing so each finish is subtly different. When illuminated, the bubbles diffuse the light’s glow even further to create a textural effect.
Bolha Pendant Light
Heal's
This contemporary glass pendant light is named after the Portuguese word for ‘bubble’ thanks to its bubble-like finish. Like bubbles, each Bolha Pendant Light is unique with the dimples differing slightly on each piece. This is because each of these smoked glass pendant lights is individually hand-blown to achieve the organic shape. Bronzed metal fittings complete the pendant, so it looks right at home in modern interiors.
For the third instalment in our Designers in Lockdown series, we spoke to London-based designer Magnus Long. He is the brains behind our exclusive Massimo Sofa collection, a design that showcases his love for refined, elegant design. We caught up with Magnus to find out how lockdown has affected him.
How is lockdown treating you?
Like everybody, I found it quite scary at first. We’ve managed to find a new rhythm within our family but our house has become a classroom, a nursey, a workplace and a part-time home. It has been great being able to spend time with together. My two year old can now say “wash your hands” and my four year old is really taking an interest in the design work I’m doing when working from home. But it has also been really frustrating at times not being able to go quite at full speed. Lots of projects have been a bit quiet and it’s only now that things are starting to pick up again.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
I’ve been thinking lots about how this could be the breakthrough that means people don’t travel so much to work. My studio is a 10-minute walk from my house so I’m quite lucky in that sense. I’m kind of imagining what it could look like if we have lots of local workplaces. This would mean people not having to work from home but also not having to commute for hours every day.
So what would those spaces look like? What would the design for those spaces be? Maybe they could be on the high street. Maybe we could use empty shops as localised co-working spaces for lots of different people doing lots of different things. I’d really love to see that happening and the design opportunities that arise because of it.
I’m just trying to think about what happens when we all get to the point where we realise that travelling is a waste of money, time and fuel. Maybe we don’t need to do that anymore and at the same time not need to work at home. Maybe there’s a third way that could fill this gap. I’d love to see communities coming back together on the high street again, even if they’re connected globally or nationally.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
Most of the time it’s just me in the studio and ever since lockdown it’s just been me alone. So that bit has been quite easy to manage. In terms of social distancing it’s really about the travel and not being able to visit factories and trade fairs. Milan was cancelled this year and that’s usually a nice place to see new things that are being launched. So we’ll have to wait until next year to see the major launches that will happen.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
I think so much of my work is reliant on other people throughout the design project. From clients to manufacturers, there’s a lot of coordination between so many different people. Obviously lots of these people have gone quiet over the last few months. At moments it has been difficult to stay motivated and that’s the time I’ve taken to think about different things.
But it feels like things are beginning to pick up again. Prototypes have begun being manufactured, for example. It’s just sad not being able to go and see them in the factory and not work as closely with the partners. So it’s a bit different in that respect but I’m sure things are beginning to change and open up again. It does raise the question whether we need to travel as much and if we can do things in different ways.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I don’t really feel like I’ve had much more time on my hands. Lots of juggling around of other things. I’m really interested in seeing what happens next, how things are going to change, the new normal. What is that going to look like in term of the work-life balance? I’m really interesting to see what the details will be and the restructuring of various aspects of our lives. Then, of course, how we as designers can respond.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
The first one that comes to mind is 3D-printing PPE. It’s a brilliant use of the technology. Global groups of people working together to use their very localised manufacturing and get PPE to frontline workers quickly has been inspiring to see.
Also, I’ve been inspired by projects that don’t require much investment and are things that everybody can do. For example, Paul Priestman launched a project that involved cutting up an egg box to make a smartphone stand. It’s something everybody can do and everyone can have a go at. The rainbows have been really great. Being able to walk down the street and experience that feeling of being in this together.
Plus, saying thank you to frontline workers and NHS staff. That pulling together of organisations, businesses and communities has been really inspiring. We can do this together.
Like what you see? Shop Magnus Long.
https://youtu.be/gx-D0MJcKTQ
Continuing our ‘Designers on Lockdown’ series, we caught up with Danish design duo, Says Who. Lockdown has been different in every country, and in their native Denmark, Says Who are finding it’s beginning to loosen up.
Read on to discover more about Kasper Meldgaard and Nikolaj Duve’s experience of lockdown in Denmark.
Hi guys, tell us a little bit about yourselves…
Hi, we’re Says Who design, made up of Kasper and Nikolaj. We’re back in the office because here in Denmark the lockdown is quite easy now because everything is opening like schools and shops. So, we’re back in the office as well, where we can actually do a normal day’s work. The team is here as well and we’re happy to be back.
How is lockdown treating you?
Two months ago we went into isolation and since then it has been quite an interesting period. Of course, it was positive in the way that we have had time to focus more on the projects at hand individually. The challenge is that it has been quite a different way to go about making designs. We are a team and working individually has been new for us.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
The biggest shift for us in lockdown is that we had to move the whole process from being together in the office to an online experience. We had to adapt to working with video, over the phone and on WhatsApp. So, we could see each other virtually but not physically. That was a breakthrough for us because it showed we can work well together even when not together physically.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
So, after having been at home for about two months, initially just Kasper and I returned to the office. Gradually the whole team came along as well, so today we are working as a full team at the office. Of course, it’s not the same as it was before. We are still keeping our distance, we are not eating together and we are washing our hands frequently. But the fact we don’t have to wear facemasks makes it a little easier. Wearing facemasks isn’t a requirement in Denmark.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
In the beginning it was actually quite challenging to work from home. I would say the motivation was, of course, quite high because we were worried about how this would affect our business. Quite rapidly we set about stabilising our business and finding out which of our clients were still working or not. Then we tried to build from there.
Today, with everyone back in the office things feel normal and we are really enjoying being back. It’s keeping the motivation much higher and really reinforcing the team spirit. We’ve missed hanging out with each other and doing great design.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
Through the lockdown period we have had a lot of time at home and had the pleasure of hand-sketching a lot. It’s a tool we use every day but, whilst balancing kids and family at home, it’s really been a pleasure to sketch everywhere. We’ve sketched in the garden, the living room, the bedroom, everywhere. It’s really just about honing that skill.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
I would say that one of the most inspiring things that has happened for us is everyone becoming more passionate about their interiors. People have just picked up on the amazing idea of redecorating and refurnishing their homes. They keep asking us “what do you think is cool” or “what should be the next thing I buy”. Because people cannot travel or go to restaurants, they just want to stay at home and make a really nice living or dining room. It’s a huge passion for us because we just love furniture.
Like what you see? Shop Says Who.
Want to find out more? Read Meet the Designer: Says Who.
https://youtu.be/6bUSFs401r0Watch the interview here
Lockdown has affected everyone and all our brands, designers and colleagues have dealt with it differently. We sat down to talk to some of our favourite designers on lockdown and discover how they’ve been coping over the past few months. To begin with, we caught up with textile artist Beatrice Larkin.
Hi Beatrice, tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m normally based in East London where I design all my fabrics there. Each design is based on my ink and line drawings. Then I work with a mill in Lancashire to get them all woven. There they turn my weaves into throws, cushions and fabrics.
How is lockdown treating you?
I’m usually based in East London but since lockdown I’ve been in Whitstable with my family by the sea. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to spend the time here. It has given me such great headspace.
How has lockdown shifted the way you design?
Lockdown hasn’t really shifted the way I design. In fact, it’s just meant I can design more because I feel like I have so much more time than usual. I’ve suddenly realised how fast-paced my lifestyle was in London. It feels so good to be out of that for the time being, even though I miss my life there too. But, I get to see the sea every day and the last few weeks the weather has been beautiful. It’s the best place I could be right now.
How has your business adapted to social distancing?
Not too much has changed because I work alone anyway and I manage my business on my own. Obviously when I’m shipping anything out I’m conscious of guidelines. But I’m still using couriers and queuing up at the post office from a safe distance so not much has changed.
How have you stayed motivated when working from home?
I’ve been keeping motivated more so than I was in London. I have so many more ideas now and I feel like the headspace has inspired me. There isn’t anything specific that’s inspiring me, just the space to think.
I’ve been designing a lot of new fabrics, thinking of other products to make and new ways to apply my designs. The weaving process is quite a slow one with lots of different parts involved in manufacturing. At the moment, all of these processes are taking a little bit longer.
So, I’m thinking of other ways to create products. For example, I’m looking into print and applying my designs to many different surfaces. I’ve also been getting back into hand-making, hand-drawing and I’ve started lino-cutting. It’s shown me how much I miss hand-weaving and that zen-flow state you get into when working with your hands.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during lockdown?
I’ve actually been spending so much time on my business. But, every day I try to walk along the sea front for an hour or so and listen to a podcast or audio book. I can’t seem to concentrate on reading a book but when I listen to it, I’m addicted. It also means I can listen whilst designing.
What has inspired you most during lockdown?
As I’ve been taking this time to focus on my business, I’ve been watching a lot of webinars. There have been lots of free webinars online that wouldn’t have been available pre-lockdown. They mainly focus on growing your business but also managing your business in these times and how your business can adapt. That’s been really beneficial to me. This time has also given me more direction. You can live such a busy, crazy lifestyle in London and it’s sometimes difficult to get that headspace and clarity. I feel very inspired for where I’m going to take my work in the future. Watch this space.
Like what you see? Shop Beatrice Larkin.
Want to find out more? Read In the studio: Beatrice Larkin.
https://youtu.be/UuE-T5S_EYUWatch the interview with Beatrice Larkin here.
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
HEAL'S DISCOVERS
Ed Heritage
As part of this season’s Heal’s Discovers initiative, we’re delighted to introduce Ed Heritage, an award-winning UK-based designer whose signature style of clean geometry and playful details is reflected in the beautiful lamp he created.
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