images inspiring us now

Gadgets

2009-05-11T15:41:00.002+01:00

Cute, scary, stress busting, and functional all at the same time! We were going to a client's post refurbishment party and thought of buying this as a present, then remembered the two little children and took some Champagne instead!

Toys

2009-05-11T15:35:00.002+01:00

Apparently white is the new black in cars. Mmm.... we're not convinced, but this little number is a beauty with is futuristic and almost geometric shape. We'd be prepared to match the colour and wear white to drive it!

Fashion

2009-05-11T15:21:00.004+01:00

We were researching vortex shapes for a mirror design for a client and came across these! Is it a shoe, a piano or an angel?! They reminded us how fabulous black and silver can look together.

Then we forgot about work and carried on looking at Alexander McQueen creations! We love the way the model's hair echos the peacock heads and the way the feathers are entwined to make the peacocks merge. Ahhhh....Back to work now... a black and white scheme is called for!

Exhibition

2009-05-11T15:12:00.003+01:00

We went to the hats exhibition at the V&A recently. Some absolutely wonderful creations on show, which must have been amazing to wear. This one inspires us to mix different materials to create an amazing effect. P.S. Stephen Jones who collaborated on curating the exhibition wasn't shy about choosing his own work!!

Interiors - Nila Design Project

2009-04-08T12:27:00.004+01:00

We're so proud of our latest project, we had to share it with you. See more photos on http://www.niladesign.co.uk/project_focus/

Easter

2009-04-08T12:21:00.002+01:00

It's Easter and time to indulge in chocolate! We're going for chocolate tasting and drinks at Hotel Chocolat tonight. What a fabulous way to spend an evening! Apart from the taste, we love the stylish design of the chocolates. Who would have guessed pink and yellow go so well with brown?!

Antiquities

2009-04-08T12:09:00.003+01:00

As our principal designer is Iranian, we are interested in all things Iranian! This 17th century plate is part of the Shah Abbas exhibition at the British Museum. The depth and intensity of the blue is breathtaking. We'll be searching high and low to match this colour.

Hotels

2009-04-08T12:04:00.004+01:00

We went on a tour of the refurbishment of the Savoy Hotel recently. The hotel was such a design icon particularly the frontage. We were hoping for an innovative marriage of Art Deco and contemporary for the new look hotel but it looks like they're going for a traditional safe look. A real missed opportunity. Thankfully, the beautiful sign at the front will be intact.

Art

2009-04-08T11:51:00.003+01:00

A perfect example of how a limited colour palette can achieve complexity and texture, and interpret the components in an entirely new way. Note: Must go and see the Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery.

We Won an Award!

2009-03-11T17:51:00.006Z

We were part of the M3 Architects winning team for interior design at the 2008 International Design Awards. Well done everyone! Shall we take time off and go to the awards ceremony in LA?

Lighting

2009-03-11T17:43:00.003Z

We were brushing up on our lighting design skills recently and saw this as an example of how lighting can affect the mood and feel of a room. This gallery is quite cold and grey but the lighting, as well as being functional in highlighting the art, adds a touch of warmth and makes the whole room feel more inviting.

Fashion

2009-03-11T17:33:00.008Z

The lovely Kate looked gorgeous in her silky dress. We love the asymmetric shape and the understated black and grey colours which scream style. That reminds us, we need to finish off the interior design on that batchelor pad!

P.S. Shame about the flowers, way way too loud.

Hotels

2009-03-11T17:21:00.005Z

We love the evocative colours and eclectic style in this hotel. The shapes are modern but the colours and textures remind us of Morocco and make us want to eat ice cream! Tutti Frutti anyone?

Film

2009-01-23T20:21:00.003Z

We went to see Slumdog Millionaire last night, and spotted the amazing colours and textiles displayed in blocks of bright colours. Next time we design a child's room, it's going to be colourful!

Interiors

2009-01-23T20:09:00.004Z

Another wornderful creation from Ingo Maurer. It's amazing how the usually unattractive simple light bult looks so cool with a pair of wings. Don't buy a bird and put it in a cage, get a Birdie instead!

Cars

2009-01-23T20:02:00.003Z

We've been obsessed with gold lately but this gorgous silver number is so sleek, shiny and desirable teamed up with black, we love it. Is Casino Royale out on DVD yet?

Fashion

2009-01-23T19:46:00.003Z

Winter is here for a while yet, and these bright colours make us think of warm, sunny and lovely things. These shoes are sexy and zingy, and would look great worn with a silk orange dress, to a beachside restaurant. We want to buy them and go on holiday!

Art

2009-01-23T19:31:00.008Z

We're not much into horses at niladesign but this painting is so amazing we had to share it with you. It looks so luxurious and reminds us of a fab and playful boutique hotel room with rich chocolate velvet curtains, mocha satin sheets and a blonde fur throw.

Christmas!

2008-12-18T13:25:00.002Z

Well I had to nod to the festive season. These presents look yummy and promise something exciting inside under the understated wrapping. And we're still going through our 'we love gold' phase. Is gold the new black?!

Architecture & Fun

2008-12-18T13:21:00.002Z

I love the contrast between the solid colour and feel of the historic building in the background, against the twirly fun of the ice rink in neon blues, pinks and purples.

Film

2008-12-18T13:13:00.003Z

I saw Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love when it was first screened in 2000. It was reviewed recently, as a classic, in Time Out. I remembered coming out of the cinema wishing I could have the lead woman's wardrobe! The colours, patterns, textures and shapes in her exquisite dresses were enviable, inspiring and evocative. I'm off to get the DVD!

Art or Interiors?

2008-12-18T12:43:00.003Z

I saw this installation/chandelier, aptly named 'swarm', at the Victoria & Albert Museum and it's breathtakingly beautiful. Each of the 16000 black crystals is hung from individual wires. It's amazing how such a structural basis for the chandelier achieves soft curves that look like they could move at any time. Black is definitely the new black!

Sculpture

2008-11-24T18:14:00.009Z

Richard Serra's sculptures defy gravity. He bends massive sheets of steel to the limit, balancing them, barely, until 'Newton says no'! The curves, textures and colours are organic and beautiful set against the white walls of the gallery. Don't miss an exhibition of his work at the Gagosian Gallery in London.

Gadgets and Toys

2008-11-24T18:10:00.002Z

Now you'll never miss your favourite TV programme, even if you're in the bathroom!

Fashion

2008-11-24T17:31:00.003Z

We love the drapes and the shimmery look of the fabric in this beautiful Versace dress. The golden tone is bang on trend for the red carpet or in home interiors. We're looking for a client who loves gold! Anyone interested??

Interiors in history

2008-11-24T17:12:00.003Z

We went to the Geffrye Museum in East London at the weekend. Walking through the rooms from the 17th to 2oth Century was like leafing through a Farrow and Ball colour chart! What an amazing place. This domestic scene may be from over 200 hundred years ago but the colours look very modern.

Architecture

2008-11-24T16:37:00.003Z

The Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey was established by designer Zandra Rhodes who commissioned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta to design the building. What a stroke of luck that Ricardo loves PINK!

Toys!

2008-10-21T15:09:00.001+01:00

Black is the new black. What better way to wear it?!

Art

2008-10-21T15:04:00.001+01:00

One of my favourites from the Tate Modern Rothko exhibition. Gorgeous colours and labour-of-love layering.

Gadgets

2008-10-21T15:02:00.000+01:00

Modern and nostalgic at the same time, this radio is sleek and chic.

Architecture

2008-10-21T14:57:00.003+01:00

Although a futuristic looking building, it blends perfectly into the natural environment by reflecting the colours of the river, sun and sky.

Fashion

2008-10-21T14:49:00.005+01:00

These Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are so beautiful and architectural. The heals are reminiscent of a high rise tower.

Block colours can be so striking in their simplicity especially when paired with interesting architectural shapes

Hotels

2008-09-17T15:48:00.003+01:00

The combination of gold and lighting is so inviting. Fabulous use of materials.

More Hotels

2008-09-17T15:32:00.003+01:00

This hotel room is actually very small but the curves and clever lighting make it appear huge.

Colours

2008-09-17T15:27:00.003+01:00

Pink is usually too shocking for an exterior colour but the simple lines of this building make it work perfectly.

Architecture

2008-09-17T15:24:00.001+01:00

Futuristic yet contemporary. We love the different shades of white.

Innovative Design

2008-07-29T10:23:00.004+01:00

Simple and complex at the same time

Furniture

2008-07-29T10:21:00.003+01:00

Curves, curves, curves...

Art

2008-07-29T10:19:00.003+01:00

Tactile, curvy and glossy

Ligthting

2008-07-29T10:17:00.004+01:00

Is it a light or a sculpture? This creation is both.

Homeware

2008-07-29T10:12:00.004+01:00

We're obsessed with curves and light this month and this vase definitely fits the bill.

Toys

2008-06-23T12:11:00.004+01:00

sleek, gold and silver,

a classic combination

Art

2008-06-23T12:04:00.001+01:00

so simple and sexy

Nature

2008-06-23T12:02:00.003+01:00

nature's colours can be so chic

Fashion

2008-06-23T12:00:00.001+01:00

mocha choco latte

Makes you thirsty for leather tiles

Architecture

2008-06-23T11:56:00.003+01:00

How to stand out from the crowd

Gadgets

2008-05-14T21:59:00.003+01:00

Art

2008-05-08T18:52:00.003+01:00

furniture

2008-05-07T11:18:00.001+01:00