There is something extraordinary about a house tour. In person, you have the opportunity to truly sense the interior architecture: proportion, scale, and detail. You can fully appreciate how it feels to inhabit the space, the atmosphere, the illumination. I have marked the Open House Festival in London happening in September in my diary for precisely this reason. It will be my first time attending this noteworthy event. I've heard such positive accounts from friends and family that I am particularly looking forward to experiencing it firsthand.

I've had several clients approach me recently expressing uncertainty about what to do with their large 'modern' open-plan spaces (kitchen-diner-living) - often inherited from the previous owner who developed the property in line with market demand. The consistent feedback is that the space feels too vast (yes, a luxurious problem to have) and lacks comfort and character. This is a subject that is cropping up more and more.

Now and then, you come across a supplier doing something new and exciting—brands that bring a fresh perspective to craftsmanship and storytelling in design. Some of these discoveries have popped up on my Instagram, while others are trusted suppliers I came across while working for award-winning studios before setting up on my own. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for exceptional design and the ever-evolving creativity within the industry.

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the London Art Fair at the Business Design Centre in Islington. It’s always an exciting experience to immerse myself in a space charged with talent, passion, and energy. I visited on the last day of the event as collectors made their final choices. The excitement was visible, and it was a wonderful opportunity to explore a wide range of works from well-established and emerging artists, all represented by top-tier galleries. I will certainly be heading back next year.

Among the many incredible pieces on display, here are five that particularly caught my eye: