Holly Palmer is the designer of the original and playful Tea Cup Stool. She graduated from Bucks New University, UK, in 2008 where she studied Contemporary Furniture and Product Design.
Here she tells us the story behind the design of Tea Cup Stool, the process involved in manufacturing it; and reveals to us the designers who have inspired her.
What initially inspired you to design the Tea Cup Stool?
The Tea Cup Stool was inspired by children’s literature and Surrealism, in particular Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
It is designed to confuse proportions and use, to be playful and original. I want the user to feel like Alice when they interact with the seat.
Tell me a little about the design process involved?
The original prototype was made through vacuum forming in four parts and was filled with expanding foam – it looked like a huge cappuccino.
Now though, the piece is roto-molded in a five part tool in the same way as your everyday plastic bottle. It is manufactured in Plymouth.
How would you describe your design style?
Unique, playful, innovative. My pieces have inspiration and a story behind them.
Which designers inspire you, and why?
Mostly I am inspired by designers from the 60s – Panton, Robin Day, Eames…
This is because of how free and innovative products were. Furniture was bold and vibrant. Colombo was ‘inventing the future’ in the past. I appreciate Tom Dixon’s work too because it seems to echo this era.
What item of furniture or home accessory do you wish you had designed?
The Panton Living Tower is brilliant, I love how you can interact within it. It’s play time for adults.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I watched it every summer at my Nan’s place when I went to visit. I still love it now.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, and various others.
I like to read more than one book at a time. It gives me a choice depending on my mood.
Barbellion’s ‘The Journal of a Disappointed Man’ is better when you have a more open mind.
What appeals to you about designing furniture and home accessories?
Three words – Design enhances life.
Photo credit: Holly Palmer
This striking minimalist bedroom, is part of a suite known as the Lioness Den, in the Hempel Hotel, London. Famous for its daring design feature – the bed is on a platform, suspended from the ceiling by metal bars. Also situated on this mezzanine is an en-suite bathroom and storage space. Below, there is a spacious, light and sunny lounge.
The design of the room is sleek modern minimalism with a warm and organic atmosphere. It is in keeping with the interior in the rest of the hotel: a blend of minimalist design and 21st century technology and comfort, inspired by the essence of modern and ancient travel.
The sleeping area is intimate, yet feels spacious and is perfectly proportioned. It achieves balance and harmony through the use of warm lighting and some of the natural elements associated with Zen philosophy: earth, wood, metal and fire. The inspiring modern design offers many interior ideas you could use to create your own minimalist bedroom.
Small Bedroom Ideas
If your bedroom is small, but it has a fairly high ceiling, why not think about building a platform for your bed to make more space? You can then use the area below it for storage, seating or even a home office.
The metal bars act as a support for the platform; but they also make a striking interior feature and help to enclose the space without making it feel claustrophobic. If your platform is supported from below, though, you could also consider using Perspex bars or frosted glass as a way of zoning it off.
Floating Shelves
The streamlined rows of floating shelves behind the bed are a clever design element with a multi-functional purpose. They serve as storage space – dispensing with the need for bedside tables – and prevent the room from feeling cluttered. They also act as a headboard, and give the room a focal point.
You’ll notice that this simple but ingenious design actually runs right across the width of the window. But the open shelves allow light to flow through, without making it feel boxed in.
Bedroom Colour Scheme
The plain white bedding gives the bed a fresh look and serene feel. Whilst the light brown shades of the wooden floor, shelving, window blind and accessories make the space feel warm and inviting.
Accessories
In keeping with the modern minimalist design, accessories are kept simple: they add interest without overwhelming the interior.
I particularly like the row of tea lights on either side of, and behind the bed. It’s a dramatic touch which adds a warm glow and slightly magical feel to the room. You could also create a similar look to this in your bedroom using rope light.
A beautiful plant or simple vases of flowers add an organic touch to the decor. They can also help purify the air and make you feel happy.
Photo credit: The Hempel Hotel
