Welcome to The Art Of Design
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Lauren Holmes

  • Leica Cine Play 1

    Leica Cine Play 1 is a versatile mini-projector in a compact, timeless design. The Leica Cine Play 1 combines state-of-the-art laser technology with outstanding Leica premium imaging quality in 4K resolution at up to 300-inch screen sizes. Its smart functions, innovative solutions and user-friendly handling guarantee a premium home cinema experience that is always ready to delight viewers at anytime and anywhere and brings maximum flexibility to home and outdoor entertainment. Continue Reading

  • Floating Staircase Creates Sculptural Centrepiece for Interior Designer

    Turning your Vision into Reality

    As interior designers, we’re always seeking that one standout element — the piece that elevates a space from well-designed to truly unforgettable. While many focus on furnishings, lighting, or finishes, there is an architectural feature that has the power to define a project: the staircase.

    In the world of high-end residential interiors, a bespoke staircase can do far more than connect floors. It can act as a sculptural centrepiece, a visual anchor, and an expression of artistry and engineering. In the case of a recent Lakes by Yoo property, a staircase designed by world renowned specialist Bisca, did exactly that — becoming the heart of the home’s interior scheme.

    Bringing a Project to Life

    Set within a newly built lakeside property, the brief for the staircase was clear: to replace a linear, functional plan with something exceptional – something that felt alive. Interior designer Kathryn Levitt engaged Bisca from the very beginning, before construction had started. This early collaboration proved instrumental.

    The result was an elegantly curved, floating staircase which twisted gracefully between three floors. Its organic form softened the home’s clean architectural lines while offering a luxurious sense of movement. Wide treads and a shallow rise were combined with seamless lighting integrated within the staircase treads – encouraging an almost theatrical ascent to panoramic views over the surrounding lakes.

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    “The impact of Bisca’s floating staircase when entering the house is fantastic – it’s brings a real wow factor and has become a talking point of everybody that visits,” said the homeowner.

    Design Freedom Begins with Collaboration

    For an interior designer, Bisca’s staircase ideas and design concepts offer creative freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. Rather than retrofitting a staircase into an existing plan, Bisca integrates their design into the architectural framework of the building – shaping not just its form, but the experience a staircase brings to the home.

    As Bisca Founder and Design Director Richard McLane notes:

    “When we find an interior designer with Kathryn’s attention to detail, we know we’ve found a kindred spirit. This kind of collaboration allows our creativity to flourish.”

    It’s a reminder that extraordinary design comes from shared vision – and mutual trust.

    Creating A Spatial Experience

    In this project, Bisca didn’t just deliver a floating staircase design of remarkable beauty –  they redefined the home’s vertical flow. Landing structures were redesigned. The base flared to invite movement. Light washed gently across risers, hidden within overhanging nosings. Viewed from above, the staircase unfurled like a ribbon — all curves, grace, and precision.

    Architecture, interiors, design, interior design, chrissnookphotogrraphy, magazine, magazineinteriors, designer, interiortrends

    Material selection was equally deliberate. Bisca used liquid bronze steel with an antique patina, hand-forged tapered uprights, and textured oak treads — materials chosen not just for visual harmony, but for tactility and warmth. The finishing touch? A hand-stitched leather handrail, crafted by Bisca’s in-house artisans.

    “They added enormous value throughout,” says Kathryn. “From materials and structure to layout and logistics — Bisca leaves no stone unturned.”

    Why Interior Designers Need a Staircase Specialist

    Staircases sit at the intersection of structure and style. They not only demand creative vision but also technical precision — which places them beyond the usual scope of interior design. That’s where a staircase specialist comes in.

    Bisca doesn’t just fabricate staircases; they design sculptural installations which marry to a property’s architecture. They guide designers through the staircase process, handling engineering, compliance, logistics, and craftsmanship — so your design narrative remains uninterrupted.

    Architecture, interiors, design, interior design, chrissnookphotogrraphy, magazine, magazineinteriors, designer, interiortrends

    “The staircase is one of the few elements that bridges creative expression and structural integrity,” says McLane. “It’s not something that can usually be handled by an interior designer alone.”

    Elevate Your Next Project

    Interior designers who collaborate with a specialist don’t just get a staircase — they gain a creative partner. Someone who can interpret your vision, amplify your design language, and deliver a centrepiece that anchors the space emotionally and architecturally.

    “With Bisca’s input, we shaped more than just the staircase — we enhanced the entire design scheme,” Kathryn reflects. “They understood the intention behind every decision I made.”

    Final Thought: More Than a Means to an End

    At this Lakes by Yoo property, the staircase became more than a functional element. It provides a journey — of movement, light, and layered craftsmanship. For interior designers looking to create standout moments in their projects, Bisca offers more than design — they offer a transformative approach centred around creativity and collaboration.

    To find out more, explore Bisca’s staircase gallery here, or contact their specialist team on 01439 771702 for a free initial design consultation.

  • K Residence

    Jack Fugaro Architect

    Set in one of Melbourne’s leafier suburbs, Kernan Residence spatially draws inspiration from the exterior sculptural form, achieving a sophisticated sense of calm through refined detailing and a rich material palette. Continue Reading

  • LUXURY NEW BUILD LIGHTING DESIGN

    Embark on a journey through John Cullen Lighting’s latest luxury new build project. The clients who have extensive experience in large-scale construction approached John Cullen as they were seeking expertise in luxury residential lighting design along with discreet architectural products. Nestled in the heart of Essex, England, the goal for this grand family home was to epitomise opulence while seamlessly blending functionality with comfort. Continue Reading

  • Upper West Side Triplex

    This brownstone apartment, steps from Central Park, is the pied-a-terre for an empty-nester blended family who reside primarily in Seattle, with a palette drawn from Pacific Northwest tones of greens, blues, deep grays, and white oak paneling. The clients had occupied the rear garden duplex for a number of years when the front triplex became available. The two units connected only at the garden level, with front stairs leading up to the parlor and down to the cellar, and rear circulation leading down to the cellar and out to a two-level outdoor garden. Continue Reading

  • Boerum Hill Townhouse

    Barker Architecture Office

    Deep, moody colors and sculptural textured shapes, punctuated by richly veined marble elements, define the spaces of this Boerum Hill townhouse, designed to enable a social family of three to maximize spaces for entertaining and accommodating visitors. Continue Reading

  • PROJECT CASE STUDY: Burmatex® and Universal Fibers® Ensure Sustainability Takes Priority in Architect’s Relocation

    Bond Bryan architects are known for creating lasting, sustainable environments that enrich the lives of people and their communities. They are committed to becoming a truly Net Zero practice – both in how they design and deliver their buildings and through the choices they make in running their own practice. As part of their continued commitment to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and Architects Declare, they relocated to a more sustainable, carbon-conscious space within Sheffield city centre. Continue Reading

  • Frameless glass showers

    We specialize in the supply and installation of bespoke frameless glass showers, serving clients across London and the Home Counties. Our custom-designed shower enclosures are crafted with premium toughened safety glass and high-quality fittings, delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic that enhances any bathroom space. Continue Reading

  • LUX Pottery Handmade Ceramic Tiles With utilitarian sculptural elements

    As each tile is uniquely handmade the possibilities are endless to create that beautiful useful element to add to your living space. Imagine lighting a scented candle held within a ceramic holder seamlessly integrated into your bathroom wall, reaching for a bar of artisanal soap resting atop a beautifully crafted tile or grabbing a handful of salt from the wall in your kitchen. Each piece is designed to enhance daily rituals. Continue Reading

  • The Art of Collecting Gold Bullion and Collectibles

    Collecting gold bullion and collectibles is an age-old practice that combines the thrill of acquisition with the potential for investment. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a budding collector, understanding the nuances of this art form is essential for building a valuable collection. In this article we delve into the reasons for collecting gold, the types of gold bullion and collectibles available, tips for successful collecting success, and seeking a bargain! Continue Reading