Blog – Be inspired

Poltrona Frau, the classic Italian furniture brand, is celebrating 100 years in the design sector

The company, which was founded in Turin by Renzo Frau, have produced some of the most recognisable designs from the last century including the Vanity Fair Armchair and the Kennedee seating collection. Famed for using only the highest quality materials and fine craftsmanship, the company have been one of the most recognisable brands from the last century.

The Italian company will be celebrating their centenary with the launch of three projects: The release of a book entitled ‘Intelligence in our Hands’, which takes a look at the last 100 years of design in the company’s eventful history; The opening of a Poltrona Frau museum in Tolentino, central Italy which reveals the inner workings of the brand and its designers; and the holding of a competition for young designers to design the Poltrona Frau ‘centenary armchair’.

To celebrate this historic event, we take a look at some of Poltrona Frau’s most recognisable designs throughout the last century. First up is the ‘904’ Chair, now known as the Vanity Fair Armchair, which has been in the Poltrona Frau archive collection since 1903. The iconic armchair became the model upon which all modern armchairs were based upon, and in doing so, became a classic design. It is upholstered in the finest leather, has a seat cushion filled with goose down and has rows of leather-covered studs on the seat and arms – a touch that is instantly recognisable as Poltrona Frau. The chair is available to buy online and comes in a selection of coloured leathers.

Next up is the Kennedee collection, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud which became an instant classic when it was revealed in 2006. The collection, which includes a number of modular sofas and a swivel chair, is characterised by a modern quilting of the back and cushions which perfectly showcases Poltrona Frau’s age-old artisanal skills. Our favourite item from the Kennedee collection is the beautiful Curved Sofa, but also available are the Two Seater Sofa, Three Seater Sofa and Swivel Armchair, all of which come in the finest leather and sit atop an elegant steel base. 

Finally, we take a look at the HT Table, designed by Claudio Silvestrin in 2006. The HT table is a clean and streamlined design that elegantly showcases its natural wooden properties – either oak or ash-coloured oak. The three staggered legs at each side of the table make this a unique and practical table.

Congratulations on your centenary Poltrona Frau – we look forward to the next 100 years!

If you are a fan of cosy and warm interiors then you will love the latest trend for chalet-inspired homes. Think wooden furniture, cosy sofas, textured rugs and accessories in brass and leather - all in a soft colour palette of white, cream, clay and mocha. 

The best part is that you don't need to jet off to the Alps to experience this look. Here at Nest we've picked our favourite products that will help you bring the chalet look into your own home this Christmas. 

Our selection features the beautiful new Haiku Sofa from Danish brand Fredericia - a beautifully curved sofa in luxuriously soft hallingdal fabric - guaranteed to make a warm and inviting statement piece in any home. Also featured are the Nani Marquina Spiral Rug, Gubi Adnet Mirror, Moooi Heracleum Suspension Light, Vitra LCW Calf's Skin Plywood Chair, Bestlite BL2 Table Lamp, Artek 60 Stool and Diamantini + Domeniconi Chalet Clock 

The neutral colour palette involved in this trend means that not only will the products look great in winter, they'll look great all year round too.  What do you think? Will you be injecting some chalet-inspired products into your home this season?

Whether you're a fan of cult Danish crime series The Killing or not, there's no denying that the show has increased the popularity of Scandinavian design. From detective Sarah Lund's famous fair-isle knits to the shows elegantly styled interiors, the show has created a fresh demand for all things Danish.

If you watch the show you'll know that each room set is peppered with Scandinavian design classics from lighting to furniture, and it's these stylish interiors that have got us interested in Danish design all over again.

Carl Hansen & Son is just one of the design houses that have seen increased popularity since the show began, and it's no surprise as their designs are not only elegant and stylish, but are also classics that will stand the test of time. The company was founded in 1908 in Odense, Denmark by Carl Hansen, a cabinet-maker and craftsmen. As the demand for his work grew, so did the company and it is now one of the most well-known design companies in Scandinavia. Carl Hansen & Son is now run by Knud Erik Hansen - the grandson of the original founder. Our favourite pieces from the Carl Hansen & Son collection include the CH006 Dining Table (pictured above) and the beautiful CH24 Wishbone Chairs

Danish lighting brand Pandul is also enjoying increased popularity. The company, which was founded in 1982, famously has worked with some of the most celebrated Danish designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Erik Magnussen and most recently, Henning Koppel. The company prides itself on making lights that 'have no age' - timeless designs that could have been designed 3 or 30 years ago. Our favourite pieces from the collection are the Opala Desk Lamp and the VIP Floor Lamp

The best thing about the latest 'trend' for Danish design is that these products are design classics. Not only are they the latest 'must-haves', but they will also be stylish and fashionable long after The Killing has finished. To shop more Danish design have a look at the work of Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm and Verner Panton

Pantone, global leaders in colour forecasting, recently released their colour palette for Spring 2013. Full of earthy hues and bright colour pops, these are the colours that are set to be the must-have shades of 2013 - within both the fashion and interiors sectors.

There's a great mix of shades in the palette - from soft and delicate Linen and Grayed Jade to the more vibrant shades such as Lemon Zest and Poppy Red - all of which work well within an interior.

Here at Nest we know choosing the right colours for your home is key, so with the colour palette as our inspiration, we've selected our favourite pieces of furniture and lighting from our collection, all in the must-have shades that will last through next season and beyond.

First up we’ve picked some products focusing on the neutral colours in the palette. There’s the Hay J110 Chair, the Ferm Living Candleholder String, the comfy Gubi Bonaparte Chair, the Moooi Tree Suspension Light and the Normann Tablo Table 

But for those that prefer brights, these products may take your fancy. There’s the gorgeous Fatboy Marimekko Beanbag, the Hay DLM Side Table, Cassina’s Nest Love Seat, Foscarini’s Le Soleil Suspension Light and the fun Butterfly Clock by Diamantini & Domeniconi

As these products are design classics, they will not only be on-trend for the coming year, but will look great for a long time after. What do you think? Which colours are you favourite?

The use of animal-themed accessories in interiors often divides opinion, but we think we’ve got the perfect pieces that everyone will love. 

With a colour palette of black, white and wood, these accessories will bring a bit of sophisticated fun into any home – and don’t worry, there’s not a leopard print in sight ! First up are Moooi’s tables and lamps which add drama and a sense of playfulness to a home. We absolutely love the Rabbit Table Lamp.

If you’re in need of a new piece of art to brighten your walls this season look no further than ibride’s exquisite collection of curio trays. We love the dark, almost macabre, feel to these unusual designs – definitely a conversation starter!

If you’re looking for some accessories to brighten up a sideboard or bookshelf have a look at our selection below. The ArchitectMade BIRD Figures would make the perfect addition to a shelf or windowsill. The Eames House Bird is a classic design that will look great in any interior scheme and the Schönbuch Above Coat Hooks would make a perfect Christmas present for that special someone.

Finally, cuckoo clocks are the ultimate way to add some ‘animal magic’ to your home and Diamantini + Domeniconi has a great selection of contemporary designs. We love their iconic Cucú Wall Clock – a modern-day classic that would make a great focal point for any room. Their Chalet and Half Time Cuckoo designs are also lovely pieces that take a fresh look at the classic cuckoo clock. What do you think? Will you be adding some ‘animal magic’ to your interior scheme this season?

Here at Nest we think it's a great idea to get to know our favourite products inside out, so today we take a look behind the scenes of the Kristalia Boiacca Table being made.

The Boiacca table, designed by Italian duo LucidiPevere for Kristalia, is made using concrete and stainless steel. Although these materials aren't normally what we'd expect a dining table to be made from, the end result is both elegant and practical. The process of creating the table, due to these unconventional materials, is incredibly fascinating. Below we take a look at the process from the initial design stages, through to the last details.

As a finishing touch, LucidiPevere mark every Boiacca table with their unique stamp.

After all the components have been assembled, this is what the finished Boiacca Table looks like. A sleek, streamlined and elegant table.

What do you think? If you like the use of concrete, we also stock a number of accessories in this material. Our favourites are Decode's Heavy Desk Light, which matches a concrete shade with red cabling, and Foscarini's beautifully shaped Aplomb Suspension Lights

Last week we stumbled across this cool image of the classic Wassily Chair and thought we’d share it with you guys. The chair, formerly known as the Model B3, has quite a story so today I thought we’d take a look at the history behind one of the best-loved pieces to come out of the modernist era.

The chair, designed by Marcel Breuer whilst working at the Bauhaus, was the first in history to be produced using bent tubular steel. The inspiration for this particular material came to Breuer from the bent steel handlebars on his Adler bicycle. He reasoned that if the material could be bent into handlebars, it could be bent into furniture forms.

When first designed, the Wassily was supposed to resemble the empty structure of a conventional armchair – no cushioning or padding, just the exposed frame. It was a modern interpretation of the cosy armchair. But Breuer actually thought that the design would falter, saying ‘I thought that this out of all my work would earn me the most criticism, but the opposite came true.’ 

The chair has now taken the name Wassily but it started out as the Model B3 when Breuer first designed it in 1925. It only became known as the Wassily when Gavina took over the manufacturing (from Thonet) in the 1940s. The chair’s connections with artist Wassily Kandinsky – he was the first to praise colleague Breuer’s design – meant that Gavina named it after him. Knoll now manufactures the Wassily chair, producing it to Breuer’s original specifications, and it can be bought here at Nest.co.uk

What do you think? Is the Wassily one of your favourite design classics?

Here at Nest.co.uk we're all big fans of innovative furniture company Artifort. We love the brightly coloured upholstery and iconic shapes of their designs. But what's Artifort's story? Today we take a brief look at the history behind one of the most notable furniture companies.

It all began in 1890 when founder Jules Wagemans started an upholstery company in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Soon after, Jules' son, Henricus, expanded the company into a furniture factory and things really began to take off. During the 1930s they created a distinctive profile for themselves to set them apart from other furniture designers of the time. They did this by creating furniture that was both eye-catching and innovative, as well as being comfortable and of the highest possible quality. Their aim was to combine art with comfort - a principle that is central to the company to this day.

By the 1960s, after collaborating with iconic designers Kho Liang Ie and Pierre Paulin, Artifort became a runaway success. The legendary Orange Slice Lounge Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin, was unveiled in 1960 and has been a best-seller ever since - it even had its own 50-year anniversary party at Interieur Kortrijk in 2010. In 1966, Paulin created another iconic design - the Ribbon Lounge Chair. Both of these designs have earned classic status and have been rewarded by their inclusion in the MOMA in New York. Other notable designs produced by Artifort include the Tulip Lounge Chair, the Little Apollo Swivel Chair and, my personal favourite, the Libel Lounge Chair, all of which are available to buy here at Nest.co.uk

Do you have a favourite Artifort design? Let us know, we'd love to hear!

‘Mid Century Modern’ is a phrase we’re all familiar with, but today I want to explore the term in more depth. Mid Century Modern refers to a specific movement in architecture and design between the 1930s and 1960s, predominantly in Britain, America and Scandinavia. The 'Mid Century' part refers to the time period, the middle years of the twentieth century, and the 'Modern' part refers to the modernist movement in design which was characterised by the championing of new materials and techniques to create design for the masses.

Due to the effects of World War Two, the purpose of furniture design changed dramatically throughout these years. Population figures boomed, meaning there was a greater need for mass-produced furniture. The new designs also needed to be suitable for mass transit and shipping - designs that could be stacked, folded and easily put together were high priority. An emphasis was also put on practicality and multi-functionality. Prolific American designer Charles Eames sums up this new purpose effectively when he stated furniture needed to be "the best, for the most, for the least", suggesting good quality, affordable furniture for every working family was key. This purpose, coupled with the emergence of new materials (plastics, fibreglass, stainless steel) and technologies led to a period of unprecedented innovation in the design sector. In only a few years furniture went from being ornamental to minimalist structures with clean lines.

In America, designers embraced the modernist principles early on. Prolific designers would often collaborate with each other to push the limits of design and to experiment with new and exciting materials. Many European designers also emigrated to the US in this politically-volatile period, such as Finnish-born Eero Saarinen who contributed heavily to the design effort with his 'Tulip' works. Notable designers to emerge from the US in this period were duo Charles and Ray Eames, who popularised molded plywood furniture, and George Nelson, famed for his iconic bubble clocks.

In Scandinavia, left-wing governments encouraged designers to create stylish furniture that could be afforded by all. Designers such as Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner famed for their ‘Series 7' and 'CH24 Wishbone' chairs respectively, gained great popularity during these times.Scandinavia also has a strong craft tradition and lots of affordable ceramics and glassware were also produced in these regions.

In Britain, the post-war boom in population coupled with the government-commissioned Festival of Britain in 1951, gave rise to a plethora of innovative designers. Ercol and G-Plan furniture became highly sought after in these years and changed the way Brit's decorated their homes for good.

As well as those mentioned earlier, key design figures to emerge from this period included Harry Bertoia, Verner Panton, Isamu Noguchi and Jens Risom, among many others. Their works, and the ethos behind it, have remained long-lived and their furniture is still as sought after today as it was then. TV shows such as Mad Men have catapulted this era of design back into our consciousness and the Mid-Century Modern ‘look’ is now a key trend in home décor. You can buy work from these prolific designers here at Nest.co.uk, and below are our top ten designs from the innovative period.

Products: From Top  
DSR Plastic Side Chair; Series 7 Chair; 
Egg Lounge Chair; CH24 Wishbone Chair; 
Panton Chair; Diamond Armchair; 
Tulip Table; Noguchi Coffee Table; 
Ball Wall Clock; Studio Couch.

OK so we admit we have a slight obsession with Park Hill located in our home town Sheffield. And to feed our passion further we've helped furnish their latest show apartment.

The duplex apartments feature some cracking views across Sheffield as well as fantastic architectural features. Dubbed "communal housing for the thinking man" by Tom our Sales Manager we can’t wait for our next visit.

Check out the pics and let us know what you think toni@nest.co.uk

If you are interested in buying any of the products shown please get in touch with our sales team at shop@nest.co.uk or give us a call on 0114 243 3000 (UK) or 00 44 114 243 3000 (Intl).

All Images courtesy of Urban Splash/Park Hill

Taking inspiration from traditional origami and the latest architectural forms - here’s our take on this season’s home trend.

Mix earthy tones in shades of pistachio and nutmeg and team it with natural wood grain for a warm, cosy feel to your home.

Wow, GUBI really was the stand out brand at Design Junction during the London Design Festival

Their display of new products amongst their existing classics really drew in the crowds and looked amazing.

Set to launch at the end of the year is the new brass version of the iconic British designed Bestlite range. The soft, matt colours in shades of grey, white and black and the striking all brass version certainly made us go 'oooo ahhh' when we saw them and we think you'll fall in love with them too.



Another sleek addition to their collection and an extension of their Adnet Mirror range is 'Adnet Rectangulaire'. A hand-stitched leather trimmed mirror with oxidised brass rivets studding it's surround, echoes an equestrian spirit which is thoroughly modern. These simple, flexible rectangular mirrors can be wall hung or free standing.




























The iconic mid-century Gräshoppa Floor Lamp also made an appearance but this time in an all new matt white finish.

And last but not least we saw a more refined all black version of the classic 1950's Mategot Coatrack

Ok, it's really miserable here in the UK. The weather is grey, rainy and to be honest shocking; the nights are getting longer and it's most certainly time to say goodbye to salads and start enjoying Sunday dinners and more importantly a Yorkshire staple...the Yorkshire pudding!

Here's our take on this classic Sunday dinner accompaniment taken from our latest brochure

The Perfect Yorkshire Pudding!

— 1 x mug of plain flour
— 1 x mug of semi-skimmed milk
— 4 x eggs
— Salt and pepper
— Half-teaspoon of mustard powder

Mix all the ingredients together
with a whisk and for best results 
leave for an hour to stand.

Heat the oven to 190°C.

Drizzle a little sunflower oil into 
a 12-hole muffin tin and place in the 
oven to heat through. Once the oil is
thoroughly hot, carefully take the tin out 
of the oven and half-fill each hole with 
the batter mixture. Place back into the 
oven for 15–20 minutes, or until done.

Remember not to open the oven door 
whilst they're cooking to ensure they 
rise! Once the Yorkshire puddings 
are ready, take them out of the oven 
and leave to cool. You can then fill 
them with some great savoury fillings 
such as beef & horseradish, chilli, 
bolognese or sausage & mushy peas to 
make delicious party-style canapés.

NOTE: If you don’t add the salt, pepper 
and mustard powder you can fill the 
Yorkshires with sweet fillings - yummy!

Go on, why not give it a go and don't forget to share the results with us.

Send us your Yorkshire pudding pictures to toni@nest.co.uk or post them on our Facebook wall for a chance to win two limited edition Park Hill mugs courtesy of Urban Splash and designed by People Will Always Need Plates

Oh and while you're here - check out our Dine feature for the latest furniture and lighting looks for your home.

The German born, modernist architect Ferdinand Kramer (B.1898) is regarded as one of the most significant architects and designers from the early period of modernism and post-war modernism.

His designs represent many values which we still highly regard today; social relevance, enduring design, durability, adaptability, intelligent use of material, functionality and timeless elegance.

e15 have worked closely with Kramer's family and archives to re-issue eight* of his designs.



Originally designed between 1925 and 1959 his progressive and enduring furniture designs were considered pioneering. His famous 'Knock-Down' series was the fore-runner to today's flat pack furniture.

From daybeds to side tables in solid wood with woven leather and contemporary brights - e15 bring you an original, inspiring collection for your home.



*Products available to buy online include the Alden Table (1942), Theban Daybed (1925), Karnak Chair (1925), Aswan Stool (1925), Frankfurt Table (1959) and the Calvert & Charlotte Coffee Tables (1951).

We all know that Charles and Ray Eames are your favourite 20^th Century furniture designers and to be fair they're in our top 3 too. But did you know that America's iconic design couple were also keen graphic designers, film makers and photographers?

You will now be able to see rare and previously unseen graphic work from Charles and Ray Eames in a brand new exhibition in collaboration with Vitra

'Addressing the Need: The Graphic Design of the Eames Office' explores this lesser known areas of the Eames catalogue with displays of advertising, packaging, film and photography.



You'll be able to browse and analyse works including advertisements, announcements, invitations, brochures, pamphlets, booklets, posters and timelines interspersed with furniture, films and toys and layout materials demonstrating the Eames design process.



Eames consultant I. Bernard Cohen said "Charles thought graphically...he would think in terms of what an idea meant-in terms of communication. And for him, communication always had to be graphic...he wasn't interested in the idea as ideas but ideas as challenges to communication, whether in lectures, films or exhibitions."

The free exhibition runs from 14 September to 3 November at PM Gallery, Ealing, West London.

Read more about Charles and Ray Eames in 'The Eames Story'

We can't believe it is already September and dare we say it, some people are already on the countdown to Christmas!

Well, we happen to love September because it is jam packed full off fantastic events showcasing the best furniture designs at the London Design Festival (LDF), arguably the most thrilling and innovative festival in the world.

This year's ten day festival (14-23 September) has numerous events, large and small across London including a major digital installation by Keiichi Matsuda called the Prism at the V&A Museum

We're particularly looking forward to Design Junction, Tent London and 100% Design



Amongst many others Artek will be at Design Junction exhibiting their latest products and presenting their 2^nd Cycle concept.

Carl Hansen & Son will provide all the furniture and lighting for the Danish Bar and British brand Modus will furnish the multi-award winning Canteen restaurant, which will combine with Transport for London (TfL) to create a unique dining experience for all visitors.



Be sure not to miss 'Luminosity at the Dock' which will see Tom Dixon's West London canal-side home erupt into an international design emporium.

And check out Ercol at Tent London who will be showcasing an 'Orignal's' exclusive and a brand new range of graphic printed fabric from Tamasyn Gambell.

We'll be tweeting and posting live from Design Junction on 20^th September – so be sure to follow us to get the latest news from the event.

Moooi was founded in 2001 by Marcel Wanders and Casper Vissers. The name comes from the native Dutch word for beautiful and the third ‘o’ stands for the extra beauty and uniqueness that the brand encompasses.

Editor’s choice
At the top of the editor’s wish-list is the Smoke Chair designed by Maarten Baas. It truly lives up to its name, with the chair’s frame finished by setting it on fire then sealing it to preserve the smouldered edges.

Love it or fear it, the life-sized Horse Floor Lamp is straight out of a fairytale.
 

If you don’t have the space for the Horse Floor Lamp, try the super-cute Rabbit Table Lamp.

And from the same animal family, The Pig Table comes complete with beauty spots!

We love the Dear Ingo Suspension Light with its spider-like projections.

Shop the full Moooi collection.

Illuminate your room in style.

Not only is lighting essential for practicality and function, it can also create the right mood and atmosphere in your home.

Each room requires different types of light depending on the size, shape and amount of natural light in the space.

Pendant lights can add the wow factor and provide the best even light across the room.

Wall lights create zones within your living area and highlight key features.

Table and floor lamps are extremely versatile, and there are thousands of styles available to help you add personality and style to your home.

We have a massive selection of contemporary lighting from leading brands including Flos, Foscarini, Tom Dixon, Decode, Anglepoise, Moooi and many more. 

TOP TIP
When buying lighting for your bathroom, make sure you check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating to ensure it is water resistant – you’ll need anything over IP44 for lights above a shower or bath.

Click here to see our latest lighting

In this week’s blog were celebrating a timeless masterpiece in the shape of the Flos Arco Floor Lamp

The legendary Flos masterpiece designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni was first released in 1962 and has become over the years a genuine design icon.

To mark Arco’s 50^th birthday Flos pays tribute to its best-known lamp by launching a new version, Arco LED, enhanced with the most advanced and high performance dimmable lighting technology.

Crafted with innovation and realised with sensible functional design, the Arco is a design landmark which continues to inspire and excite new generations.

Montana gives you the freedom to personalise.

When the architect lets go of the room Montana takes over and gives place for personalised interior design, which caters for your ever changing needs and wishes.

The Montana system comprises of shelving units with infinite possibilities which you can combine as creatively as you wish. You can use the 42 basic units, 4 depths and 49 colours and special surfaces to create your own personal solution to suit any environment from a library, to bedroom, to home office as well TV/Hi-Fi solutions for your living room.

This Danish brand makes storage fun, sleek and stylish. Why not get creative with the Montana Designed by You tool.

Meet Archetype – the award winning light from Luceplan

Designed by Goodmorning Technology the simple, functional ‘Archetype’ has won a series of prestigious international awards in recognition of its innovative and functional characteristics.


The design of the Archetype's shade is based on a classic silhouette and the lamp features energy efficient modern diode technology and a very simple screw fitting much like a traditional incandescent bulb.

The lamp has aluminium external casing and an internal polycarbonate diffuser. Cleverly sandwiched between these two profiles are a warm white LED and an Edison E27 screw-in fitting that allows the device to be connected to any standard lamp holder. The light comes with a painted white aluminium ceiling rose and a coordinated coloured fabric cable.

The Awards

• Winner of the product design category at the Red Dot Design Awards 2012
• Chosen as the ‘Lamp of the Year’ at the Bo Bedre Awards 2012
• Shortlisted for the D&AD Award in product design
• Listed in the ADI Index 2011 Volume

Shop more inspirational lighting from Luceplan

The lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, is one of the couples most famous designs. Created in 1956 for the high end market, it combines ultimate comfort with both materials and workmanship of the highest quality. Currently manufactured in Europe by Vitra and still widely sought after, this video shows you how to spot a fake and ensure you are buying an original Eames Lounge Chair that will last a lifetime.

Check out the latest brand to join our growing family - Zeitraum

Birgit Gämmerler established Zeitraum in 1990 when wood was considered most unfashionable within interior design. Yet it was her belief and love in wood, a living material, that led her to create well thought out minimalistic, unobtrusive designs that are both ecological and sensual.

From the beginning all her furniture designs were made by local joiners using clever wooden joints as opposed to simple screw together solutions. Even today when the furniture is manufactured in much larger quantities, every piece is made to these same strict quality standards.

The playful and adaptable Waiter & Waitress side tables can be used as bedside tables, sofa side tables and can easily be moved around and snuggled together.

The Cena round dining table has a bevelled table top that gives it a dynamic lightness which contrasts beautifully against the reassuringly solid central leg.

The Morph chairs’ smooth, light moulded wood shell sits upon a solid wood frame and looks just as great in the upholstered version which was launched in Milan this year.



Effortless, comfortable and natural are the attributes that give the Mellow bed its name. Slim-line profiles, fine lines, a delicate frame and soft upholstery make you want this bed. The fine laced leather straps in the headrest look sophisticated whilst also supporting the comfy leather back cushions.



Based on the Modular proportions system developed by Le Corbusier, the Low sideboard’s design is a deliberate attempt to replace the rigidity of symmetry with an asymmetric arrangement that feels just perfect.



For more information or for a quote please email shop@nest.co.uk or give us a call on 0114 243 3000 (UK calls) / 00 44 114 243 3000 (INTL calls).

The Grand Repos by Antonio Citterio unites the expertise of office chair technology with the design aesthetic and comfort of a lounge chair.

"Developing a new chair for Vitra in the wake of a masterpiece like the Eames Lounge Chair was a unique challenge", explains Antonio Citterio.

Citterio knows how to combine timeless elegance with surpassing comfort. His Grand Repos responds to every demand for comfortable seating like a considerate host and companion.

The upholstered seat and backrest of the large, swivel chair accommodate movement and invite users to relax in different positions. With the Grand Repos (and the smaller version without wings Repos), Citterio transferred expertise in the field of office chair technology to the home for the first time. Thanks to its bio-mechanical construction, the lounge chair adapts to any seated position.

The angle of the seat and back follow the fluid movement of the user, the chair’s invisible mechanism adjusts to the user’s body weight and can be locked in any position. Ergonomics, movement and relaxation unite in the Grand Repos for unwinding at home.

"Its design tells the story of people and their relationships. Common ideas are born of ethical considerations and a sense for adventure." Antonio Citterio

Shop our range of lounge chairs here

Here's your chance to read our Tom Dixon article taken from our latest brochure - with an extra bit of info thrown in - enjoy!

We take a closer look at Tom Dixon, the self-taught British designer and maker who's previously headed up design at Habitat and Artek and now fronts his own eponymous design and manufacturing company.



Born in Tunisia, Tom moved to England in 1963 and dropped out of the Chelsea School of Art to play bass in the band 'Funkapolitan'. In the 1980s, following a motorcycle accident and bored while recuperating, Tom learnt how to weld – advancing quickly from repairing his motorbike to developing a line in welded salvage furniture.

From here he went to work for the Italian giant Cappellini, where he designed the iconic 'S' chair. By the 1990s he had become a household name and was appointed Head of Design at Habitat in 1998.

Since setting up his own design company in 2002, Tom's designs– including the iconic Mirror Ball, Copper Shade, Wingback Chair and Beat Light – have become synonymous with great British design. His passions still lie very much in the invention and engineering of a product, with each design evolving from these processes to create something functional and new.

Tom is anything but complacent and continues to move design forward, to rethink and revive the British furniture industry. New products are launched every year at the Milan International Furniture Fair, and this year is no different.

In April 2012 Tom Dixon presented 'Luminosity' – a showcase of new lamps, lights and shades – in a series of illuminated interconnected tunnels at MOST; the festival of design, innovation and culture held in the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

The London launch of 'Luminosity' took place last week at The Docks, where our Tom met up with Tom Dixon to get the latest product low-down.

Using the latest technologies and materials drawn from the world of engineering, mathematics and nature, the new Fin Light and Etch Light Web are truly inspirational, shedding as much light on the mechanisms and effects of luminous objects as on their beautiful organic design.

By constantly innovating and taking inspiration from our nation's heritage, Tom Dixon's designs continue to remain fresh and contemporary.

We've just launched our brand new TwentyTwelve brochure which coincides with our 10^th anniversary.

To celebrate our heritage we decided to shoot our favourite products on location at an iconic Sheffield landmark, the Brutalist designed Park Hill estate, currently being developed by Urban Splash.



Here, we give you a chance to peek behind the scenes of the shoot which involved the whole team who pulled together to bring you the latest designs in a brand new magazine style. Tom, Antony and Cairen spent two days slogging furniture around the estate whilst Toni issued orders and styled the shots - all in all it was a very hectic two days, but well worth it.



We've managed to pack plenty into the brochure, from shopping inspiration for your home to the latest news from legendary British designer Tom Dixon. We take a closer look at the timeless designs of Charles & Ray Eames in 'The Eames Story' and learn more about the latest Vitra collaboration.

To whet your appetites we've put our Dine feature online.

We hope you enjoy it.

There’s been a lot of talk about the new series ‘The House The 50s Built’ – have you seen it?

It’s a great show that is slowly transforming a 1930s semi into a 1950s home. It takes us on a journey and re-introduces key designers, engineers and influencers of the decade into a ‘wall of fame’. It also features some brilliant classic design and here’s another one which has been revisited by Danish design company, Gubi

Grossman Collection
Gubi are continuing their Grossman adventure with the reissue of some of Grossman's best-known furniture designs from her ‘62-series’, designed in 1952 and so-named because the designs were deemed to be ten years ahead of their time.

The new Grossman furniture collection illustrates the designer's penchant for unusual pairings of material: in this instance, American walnut (which forms the main body of the pieces) and powder-coated metal, (used for the legs).

The slender ‘Martian-like’ metal legs, with their ball shaped feet, contrast sharply with the wooden form, giving the furniture a characteristic appearance of lightness, the pieces almost seeming to defy gravity.

A deep, black, protective full gloss finish on the desktop and additional surfaces is striking when juxtaposed to the richness of the American walnut.

The collection sits perfectly with their Grossman lamp designs: the Cobra table and floor lamps, with their distinctive oval shade inspired by the form of a cobra's head, and the elegant Gräshoppa tripod floor lamp.

Greta
Although Swedish-born designer and architect, Greta Grossman designed for many companies during the 30's, 40's and 50's, it is almost impossible to find original pieces of her work.

The furniture, which she showcased at her prestigious Los Angeles store with which she used to decorate many of the homes she designed, was often custom built or produced in exceptionally small numbers - 200 pieces at most.

Yet, along with the houses she designed, these pieces, with their lightness of form and elegant, asymmetric lines, brought her fame and Grossman was regarded as one of the leading mid twentieth century designers. 

She certainly goes into our wall of fame!

Check out the latest from Muuto, designed by David Geckeler, the Nerd Chair won Muuto's design competition for Scandinavian design schools in 2011.

Now David's independent and unique take on an all-wood chair joins the main Muuto collection.

The Nerd Chair combines an impeccable sense of craftsmanship with a strong personality while still maintaining a certain simplicity. The seat and back innovatively merge to create precise detailing and an a truly organic shape.

David Geckeler (who's fresh out of design school) talks about his winning design "While the appearance of Nerd is unique, the overall expression, material and craftsmanship all have references to classic Scandinavian design values. I am really happy with the result; a chair that stands out as a very personal and disctinct interpretation of an all-wood chair."

The chair is available in either Natural Oak or in seven gorgeous Lacquered Ash Wood finishes – we particularly love the Rose.


 

Midcentury is a UK-based biannual publication championing the best of Modern interiors, furniture and architecture. Get hold of issue 03 hot off the press!

A free copy is available to anyone making a purchase at Nest.co.uk (while stocks last!).

What’s in it?

In issue 03 Print-maker Beth Evans showcases the contemporary renovation of her 1960s Dulwich home;Architect Cat Martin looks at the redevelopment of Sheffield’s Park Hill Estate; Designer Zoe Murphy talks upcycling; Queen of British fashion Zandra Rhodes shares her design highlights; Dealer Ben Adams reveals his Buyer’s Guide to the Hans Wegner Sawback chair; Expert Mark Hill discusses Bianconi glassware and its value at auction; plus there’s a travel profile of a rare Robin Spence holiday let on the Norfolk coast.

For more information on the publication, go to www.midcenturymagazine.co.uk

Weil Am Rein - this part of Switzerland is definitely not grey and boring!
As you enter the Vitra campus you cannot help but notice the contrast between the beautiful surrounding countryside and the strong presence of Vitra's architectural collection.

All of the speed and urgency of a German factory production in the same space as people sitting on the grass and having outdoor meetings in the shadows of the regions cherry trees that are such an important part of the companies home.

There are no walls and no separation between the workers in the factory and visitors that come here to see what goes on backstage at one the world's leading furniture brands.

The approach of Vitra as a company seems to be as unique as their geographic location. The Vitra Campus, which contains the factory, design museum and its latest architectural outburst the creatively named VitraHaus is based very close to the intersect between Germany, Switzerland and France. This creates great confusion when trying to communicate using what remains of your school French and German lessons.

Vitra which comes from the word 'Vitrine', a glass cabinet for the presentation of objects, was started in 1950 as a shop fitting business and has developed into one of the largest suppliers of designer furniture in the world.

As one of Vitra's top UK suppliers we were invited to have 2 days of intensive product training to learn more about what goes into making a great piece of furniture. Product information, material specifications and the story behind existing and future design classics was passionately explained to us by members of the Vitra team. Vitra understand that it is the attention to detail that makes their products special and they want their retailers to have the knowledge and ability to present this to the customer.

The Training
Our two jam packed days on the Vitra Campus began with a brief history of the company and its philosophy towards design, production and architecture.

This was followed by an intensive look at the Vitra Home Collection, after which came a group product presentation (eek!) focusing on the development, inspiration, details and materials of two products, in our case the Slow Chair & Ottoman and the Alcove Sofa by the Bouroullec Brothers.

Later on came a fascinating guided architectural tour of the Vitra Campus taking in buildings by Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Jean Prouvé and Zaha Hadid. Hadid's Fire Station proved to be a particular talking point with its dizzying angles and perspectives getting everyone scratching their heads.

A transfer into Basel city centre was followed by a particularly Swiss/German dinner of meat fondue and apple strudel which was enjoyed well into the night…

Day 2 started with a trip to Testcenter where each and every product and material in the Vitra range is tested and tested to ensure it lasts as long as you do. The highlight was definitely an Eames Lounge Chair which has been tested and tested for the equivalent of an extraordinary 300 years and counting! Now that is design that is built to last!

Up next was a tour of the production facility of the Eames Aluminium Group Chairs. We followed the pieces round every stop in the plant until the final chair was checked, wrapped and ready to go. It was fascinating to see the attention to detail and care that goes into each and every chair using many of the same techniques used by Charles & Ray Eames when the designs were first produced.

The morning was completed with a look at the Vitra Standards Collection comprising of the Basel, Jill, Vegetal, Tom Vac, HAL and Tip Ton chairs. After much debate the HAL and Tip Ton both seemed to come out on top in the comfort stakes.

The last stop on the Campus trip was the one everybody had been waiting for – the VitraHaus. Designed by architects Herzog & de Mauron it consists of 12 individual houses stacked on top of each other to create an amazing building which impresses from inside and out. Starting from the top floor you wind your way through various room sets which showcase the whole of the Vitra Home Collection to its best. Not only does the furniture look amazing but the views of the surrounding countryside through the huge windows are spectacular.

The Vitra Campus has become a Mecca for design lovers worldwide and most importantly makes consumers of designer products aware of the love and attention to detail that goes into the design and development of any piece of high quality furniture.

From a retailers point of view this trip was an invaluable learning tool. From a personal perspective and because we are passionate about design and its influence on the world around us, it was more like a religious journey.

The Republic of Fritz Hansen launched Minuscule, a formal chair and table at their showroom in Milan during Salone Internazionale del Mobile in April.



Minuscule, designed by award winning Danish designer Cecilie Manz, represents the informal and understated style that Scandinavians are truly famous for.

The uncomplicated yet sophisticated design was initiated by a series of experimental workshops which involved only material with no brief or creative constraints.

“For me design always starts with the material. I need to have all the materials in my hand before I can feel if it is something I can work with.” Cecilie Manz.

Combining the tradition of craftsmanship and industrial production Minuscule, with the shell of the seat hand stitched in a light weight, durable fabric and features a fine leather detail following the contour of the shell. The curvaceous shell is held by a contemporary plastic base frame. The striaght lines of the base are softened like the curves of a washed up pebble on the beach – a source of inspiration behind the design of Minuscule.






















The chair will be available in two tones of grey, a colour that fascinates Cecilie Manz because it is the only colour that is able to absorb all other colours. The inner shell is upholstered in a choice of colours ranging from rust orange to dark ultramarine blue.

The lounge tables features the same base as the chair in grey plastic with an Oregan Pine or white laminated top.



You can see Minuscule during Clerkenwell Design Week 22-24 May 2012 at the B-Loose Showroom.

Minuscule will be available to buy from September 2012. For all enquiries please email shop@nest.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 114 243 3000.

This week we meet Simon Brown, our newest recruit and get to know him a little bit better!

As Website Content Editor you spend a lot of time online (a lot!) – so tell us – what is your favourite website and why?

Easy, got to be Maria Popova's Brain Pickings. Insightfully playful with a great book section Maria put me onto BlexBolex! She does it for the love, makes no cheesy product references and doesn't try to sell herself or anything else.

School of Life and Art of Manliness are also worth a mention.

What's your favourite book?
Without a doubt Georges Perec's Life a Users Manual

‘A dazzling, crazy-quilt monument to the imagination' - Paul Auster, New York Times

What would be your dream holiday?
Rural Japan - riding up mountains.

What’s your star sign:
Virgo - same as Peter Sellers, Sean Connery, Rocky Marciano...

Likes:
Generosity
My mini-man Fabian (after Fabian Cancellara)
Cycling
Good food
Good manners
Being outside
Arty films
Sheds
Bass
Berlin
Trying to be fit
Pool

Dislikes:
Greed
Offal
Snobbishness
Moaning
Selfishness

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Shortbread

What's your sacred place?
My shed

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. Twitter is weird, it's like C.B radio.

In the last few months and particularly since Samantha Cameron's fake Arco Floor Light was plastered all over the press, there has been a real impetus to define the difference between buying the licensed original design and buying a copy!

By investing in the 'real' thing you can be sure that the quality of the workmanship, materials and design of the piece are second to none and that it will last a lifetime - not just a season or two.

This video by The Republic of Fritz Hansen clearly demonstrates the difference between the real and the fake – the footage speaks for itself. If you want good design that lasts, invest in the original and not a copy.



If you feel the same and want to make a change then why not get your voice heard and sign Elle Decoration UK's Equal Rights for Design ePetition to 'Fight the Fakes' and protect original design and help change the law.

We truly believe in the design of the products we sell and in the craftsmanship and materials used to make them and that is why we only sell licensed original's.

The Milan Furniture Fair in Rho took place on the 17th-22nd April and we were there to check out the latest products and brands.

This year was the 51^st edition and it really was bigger than ever, with 20 halls at the fair and nearly 400 events on in Milan itself - it was a very busy 4 days for us and our feet! It was great to see that even during difficult economic times, brands have still invested in new great design, whether it's launching brand new products or improving existing ones there was certainly creativity in the air.

Here's a snapshot of a few of our favourite bits!

Vitra didn't disappoint and showcased the Grand Repos Lounge Chair, the very adaptable Suita Sofa, the truly accommodating Hal Ply Chair, the simple 'Corniches' wall shelves desgined by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and brand new Prouvé RAW editions.

Tom Dixon's Luminosity Show at MOST was a feast for the eyes and a chance to see their new products Fin, Etch Light Web, Lustre and new extensions to the Peg collection in the flesh. The Stamp collection showcased how Tom Dixon continues to merge technology and design to create industrial chic products at their best.

A must-see brand was Established & Sons whose unique and arty exhibition was based in the Tortona zone and featured some very exciting new products and collaborations, including some fabulous new lighting.

It was also a chance to see quality workmanship in action with Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chair demonstration. Their new CH163/162 Sofa and the CH33 Chair looked fabulous.

Foscarini offered visitors a 'virtual' experience in the form of a cinema room featuring massive screens showcasing their products – we just needed popcorn!

Kartell’s exhibition showed us how their products progress from the initial idea through the design stage and manufacturing to the final product, with some very interesting results.

Moooi's new products were unusual and bold – the Big Ben Clock certainly makes a giant statement being 180cm in diameter.

We also checked out the new designers on the block within the Ventura Lambrate zone and WM Studio and Coordination stood out from the crowd.

Check out our Facebook page to see even more pictures and videos from our time in Milan.

This week we meet Antony Jackson, our Website Editor.

Describe your job and what you like best about working at Nest?
My role consists of editing the content of the Nest website to keep it constantly evolving and improving. This includes everything from designing the images that appear on the homepage, newsletters and blog posts (including this one!) through to adding the latest products and improving existing ones. The best part of my job is seeing all the fresh new brands and products first and getting them online for our customers.

What's your favourite film?
Napoleon Dynamite.

Describe your perfect night in three words:
Sofa. Movie. Snacks.

What’s your star sign:
Libra. That's supposed to make me indecisive, but I'm not so sure!

Likes:
My son Austin.
Photography - just wish I knew what I was doing properly.
Instagram.
Listening to midweek football on BBC Radio 5 Live in the kitchen.
Cooking.
Vintage cars - I would love an old Mini.

Dislikes:
Pretentious food.
Facebook - I just don't get it!
Noisy eaters.
Rubber neckers.
Spitting - unless you are a goose.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I am slowly becoming addicted to Man v. Food on Dave if that counts?

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I went to the same school as the Arctic Monkeys. Don't think we had the same music teacher though.

There's only a few days now until the start of the Milan Furniture Fair in Rho on the 17th-22nd April.

This year is the 51^st edition of the fair and it is bigger than ever, featuring a huge array of exhibitors, brands and new products.

We are particularly looking forward to MOST, Tom Dixon's and Martina Mondadori's joint collaboration taking over the National Museum of Science and Technology and focusing on technology, culture and design.

Tom Dixon will be showcasing brand new products Lustre, Drum Stool, Peg Barstool and Peg Lounge Chair – both available in new finish, stained brown oak, as well as, new lights Etch Light Web, Fin Light and Etch Shade newly available in copper and stainless steel within the Luminosity experience.


We will be live Tweeting and posting pictures on Facebook from the fair itself – so make sure you’re following us to keep up-to-date with the latest product news!

In honour of Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen has now introduced the stacking chair collection back into its original form in a series of wooden veneer variations, including Maple, Ash, Beech, Cherry, Oregon Pine, Elm, Oak, Walnut and Dark Stained Oak. With each type of wood veneer naturally holding hundreds of shades of colour, it is always possible to find a kind of wood that matches your existing interior.

In addition, nine new colours have also being introduced, inspired by the original colour pallet designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1968.

The new colours are designed to work with the wooden veener variations and includes; white, light grey, dark grey, black, yellow, orange, red, petrol blue and sage green.

A truly distinctive collection to compliment your home or office.

Check out our great selection of outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories.

Keep your main colour scheme monochrome with pure white walls and a jet black sofa and then mix it up by adding bright accents of colour in yellow, red and blue for a modern and fun twist.

This week we meet Chloe Sheldon, our Office Administrator apprentice. Chloe is our newest member of staff and has worked with us for 3 months.

Describe your job and what you like best about working at Nest?
I work in customer services answering phone & email enquiries, putting orders through and purchasing goods for customers. The best thing about my job is the people that I work with, especially Shelley and the items we sell.

Star sign:
Leo

Likes:
Food, clubbing, romance, action films, fashion, karate, football, the London accent, my yummy boyfriend, kids, playing sports, sunny holidays and being super organised.

Dislikes:
Arrogant people, conflict, patronising people, bad music, Indian takeaway, messy people and losing.

Describe your perfect night:
Chinese, film & good company.

Guilty pleasures:
Crisps, cheesecake, singing, Dominos pizza, Laser Quaser and cheeky Vimtos.

Facts:
I have fought at the World Championships in karate for England and I can do the worm!

The Egg Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The Egg sprang from a new technique, which Jacobsen was the first to use, employing a strong foam inner shell underneath the upholstery. Like a sculptor, Jacobsen strove to find the shell’s perfect shape in clay at home in his own garage. Since then it has become a true design classic.

The special offer Egg Chair comes in a range of ‘Fame’ fabrics from Danish manufacturer Gabriel. Please note that this offer excludes the footstool and ends 31st May 2012.

There's no better time than now to look towards the Spring and start updating your home ready for the warmer days and lighter nights. We love the new pastel trend seen on the catwalks and it's making a fast beeline into interiors too.

Add pastel shades in pink, powdery terracotta, mint green and soft blue to your home with these perfect lighting and accessory solutions from Nest. Team them with clean white walls for a super fresh look or antique creams for a more vintage feel.

The Ferm Living Winebottle Candleholder in green and ivory will set the scene perfectly as a centre piece on a dining table. For lighting you can easily create a pretty, girly look with the Moooi Lolita Suspension Light in either pink or grey. Storage just got softer in the shape of the String Soft Shelving in walnut and powder pink. And you can quickly freshen up a bedroom with the Hay Colour Block Bed Linen and the Hay Polygon Quilt in mint green or powder.

This week we meet Matthew Giles, our Web Manager. Matt has worked with us for 4 years and is a first time Daddy to gorgeous Thomas.

Describe your job and what you like best about working at Nest?
My role includes managing the content of the website, adding new products and thinking of new ways to help make the site look better and work more efficiently. I have been at Nest for a few years now and it has been amazing to see how the company has grown in this time!

Star sign:
Born in the best month of the year "July" so Cancer.

Likes:
My boy – Thomas!
I'm a little bit of an obsessive Bruce Springsteen fan – can't wait to see him live again in Manchester later this year.
I love playing basketball and fortunately I play for a very tolerant team who don't seem to mind me turning up and giving it a go.
Being quite a boring man, I love reading and in particular about Roman history, it's amazing I managed to find a wife really!
Animals – especially cats (big ones and little ones) and sharks, I swam with a few baby ones in the Maldives and it was amazing if not a little bit scary – sharks that is not cats.

Dislikes:
This is a tough one as I am maturing quite nicely into a grumpy old man so I will try and keep it short;
Rudeness, stubbing my toe, the word 'portion', the sound of people coughing, dust, headaches, laziness (if it's not mine!), snow on the roads (quite happy for it to be on the mountains where it is useful!), speedos, mushrooms (I'm allergic!), allergies, cruelty to animals, the fact I have never won the lottery, forgetting things, songs by the bands Queen, Madness and Abba – that is probably enough for now!

Describe your perfect night in three words:
Now I have a boy that never sleeps is would have to be 'nice and early'!

Guilty pleasures:
Belly pork, roast potatoes and watching Wheeler Dealers on Discovery Turbo.

Fact:
My wife and I stayed in the same hotel as Mel Sykes this summer and ended up sharing a taxi with her to the airport. I am pleased to report she is even lovelier in person than she appears on the telly!

If you're anything like us, you will spend a lot of time online and we've come across some great sites. From the arts to fabulous publications, these sites are inspiring and we'd love to share them with you.

Bright Bazaar Happy Interiors Decor8 Design Milk Liberty London Girl Style Bubble The Style Rookie Bryan Boy		Museums Sheffield Design Museum V&A Museum Tate Gallery
Dezeen MocoLoco Design Taxi Retro to Go The Cool Hunter Design Boom Cool Hunting We Heart		Wallpaper IconEye GQ Aesthetica Elle Decoration House to Home Dazed Digital i-D Online  Creative Review Interior Design The Independent – Interiors The Guardian – Homes Est Adore

Well it's about time I wrote about our recent adventure to the magnificent VitraHaus just before Christmas 2011.

The VitraHaus built by Herzog & de Meuron, is the home of the Vitra Home Collection. As you get off the bus from Basel, the Haus stands proud and dominant and completely draws you in. The shape of the building alone with its stacked and cantilevered elements makes you eager to find out how the inside flows and what lies within its walls.

You start your journey in the main reception area by taking the lift to the fourth floor. The space within is large and open spaces are linked together by endless curving staircases. The large main spaces merge into the outside as you look through the huge glass windows that stand proud at the end of each room.

As you'd expect the Vitra Collection sits well within its grasp and as each room is styled to inspire and satisfy a range of tastes, it’s easy to see how you can use the pieces in your own home.

This week we meet Tom Crookes, our Sales Manager. Tom helps you get the furniture and lighting you want, on time and within budget.

Why did you want to work at Nest?
I had just moved back to Sheffield (my home city) after 9 years in London and 18 months living in Australia and doing a bit of travelling. Having completed a degree in Three Dimensional Design I have always worked in and around the design industry and for modern design retailers in London. Finding Nest in Sheffield was great because it meant I could use the experience and knowledge gained in London. After a quick chat with Christian I knew I could help develop Nest into something fantastic, 5 years later I believe we have.

Star sign:
Cancer.

Likes:
Photography. I love taking photos.
Australia. My favourite place outside the Peak District.
The Peak District.
Football (Sheffield United).
Aussie Rules Football (Geelong Cats).
F1 – push the (Jenson) Button!
My Renaultsport Megane 230 F1 team r26
Music.
Battlefield 3.
Keeping fit.
A quiet night in with my lass.

Dislikes:
The incorrect and overuse of the word "Obviously"!
Idiots who want to race from traffic lights.
So called talent shows on TV
Soaps on TV – seriously, get a life!

Describe your perfect night in three words:
Curry, beers, F1 highlights.

Guilty pleasures:
Thornbridge Brewery beer and a cheese and bacon burger at the Cricket Inn... mmmmm

Fact:
I was the lead singer and front man of a band called Karman. We were signed to a couple of labels but never made it big! Got radio plays on BBC Radio 1, X-FM, Capital, Hallam, and BBC Radio Sheffield to name a few. We released a single called 'Breakdown' in the year 2000 with a limited run of 5000 copies which sold out in HMV on Oxford Street, London on 6 occasions in the first week.

I got Karman banned from Capital Radio after I swore live on stage in front of 20,000 people at the Capital Radio Road Show at Earls Court, the broadcast was being played live across London! In my defence they wanted me to mime and when I refused I got on stage and couldn't hear myself over the screaming crowd and got a little frustrated (I do not condone the use of bad language!).

There is currently a copy of our single available for purchase on eBay, I have no idea who is selling it but if you buy it I'll sign it for you.

All images © Tom Crookes.