Speaking of Zaha Hadid, there’s another event on in Milan showcasing the homes and workspaces of (starry) architects including  – as well as Zaha – Daniel Libeskind, David Chipperfield and a Brazilian gent called Marcio Kogan who has a nice Joanna and a lotta books.

The exhibition is curated by Francesca Molteni and also includes interviews recorded with the eight designers (one a couple) profiled.

This is Shigura Ban’s Tokyo house, built in the Hangei Forest district and rather beautifully designed around trees to avoid uprooting them.

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Trend: Crinkled rugs

Want to see a rug that looks as though a giant hand has runkled some XXXL tin foil? It’s actually made from knotted wool and silk and I immediately picture a big Zaha Hadid-esq loft apartment to go with it. The rug is by German artist Anselm Reyle, who is known for his striking works in silver foil, in collaboration […]

Address book: Willow & Hall

Remember our discussion about finding a comfortable sofa? I still haven’t made the purchase, but I am pretty certain that when I do I’ll be buying online. Don’t know about you, but when I have seen a sofa or sofa bed on the high street that appeals, once I’ve come to terms with the price […]

Magnificent Seven cemeteries

Walking through a cemetery feels a lot like walking round an art gallery to me, only you might need a brolly and you’re a bit more aware of your mortality. Depending on the art gallery. Both are contemplative places is what I’m trying to say. I used to live near Highgate cemetery before moving to South […]

Bric-a-brac shaming

First there was slut shaming. Then eating-in-public shaming. Now I’m reporting on a new – and yes, rather niche – variation: Bric-a-brac shaming. I had just bought the above print for a steal in a New Cross charity shop. That evening me and the fella were unwinding with one of my ultimate guilty pleasures – […]