China: A Family Travel Project

When we think about building a future-positive world, we often focus on sustainable industry or conscious design. But the most vital project we undertake is shaping the global perspective of the next generation. This is why China family travel must be approached not as a vacation, but as an intentional cultural undertaking—a shared project of…
Read more: China: A Family Travel Project
The Art of Quiet: How a Well-Designed Dressing Room Changes the Feeling of Home

A dressing room is more than a place for clothes. It is a quiet sanctuary of order, intention, and personal beauty. It shapes the rhythm of your morning, influences your state of mind, and defines how your home feels at its most intimate level. Everything matters here: the way a door moves, the warmth of…
Read more: The Art of Quiet: How a Well-Designed Dressing Room Changes the Feeling of Home
The Hidden Cash Flow Errors That Can Sink an SME

Cash flow should be a matter of concern for every small business. If you don’t have the liquidity you need to operate, then you may be forced to incur avoidable costs. In many cases, you can prevent this problem from occurring by anticipating problems with your cash flow ahead of time. So, how might you…
Read more: The Hidden Cash Flow Errors That Can Sink an SME
Building a Secure IT Network for Your Business

As your business grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, securing your IT network is no longer optional – it’s essential for protecting your business and reputation. Securing your network isn’t about installing software or buying expensive hardware. It’s about creating a layered defence system that adapts to…
Read more: Building a Secure IT Network for Your Business
Your Guide to the Ultimate Self-care Holiday

Taking care of your well-being on holiday isn’t always easy. Brits often return from a break abroad feeling like they need another getaway to recover from their packed itineraries. However, there are plenty of simple ways to step away from your daily routine and give yourself space to reset. If you’re interested in returning home…
Read more: Your Guide to the Ultimate Self-care Holiday

Tag: london

A Scandinavian Midsummer

Last Tuesday we attended the press preview of A Scandinavian Midsummer, a pop-up exhibition and cafe organised by designjunction before their event at London Design Festival in September.

Running until Sunday 29th June, designjunction have transformed Habitat’s Platform gallery on King’s Road into an impressive Scandinavian midsummer experience, showcasing the latest products from leading Danish, Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian brands.

If you’re visiting the gallery in June you’ll be able to enjoy great artisan coffee and Scandinavian delicacies provided by Skandel, as well as flower arranging workshops organised by Flor Unikon every Saturday of the month.

Thanks to our London-based contributor Jess Maddock for attending and documenting the event.

More information about A Scandinavian Midsummer:

www.thedesignjunction.co.uk/london/habitat/

June 12, 2014
Anglepoise + Paul Smith

Last Tuesday we attended the launch of the collaboration between iconic British design companies Anglepoise and Paul Smith. Taking place during Clerkenwell Design Week, this exciting new product was presented along two new lamp ranges, the Type 75 Maxi Collection and the Original 1227 Brass Collection.

The Anglepoise + Paul Smith is a stunning new interpretation of the iconic Type 75 table lamp, where all the pieces of this original model designed by Sir Kenneth Grange are reinterpreted in a complimentary combination of colours.

The Anglepoise + Paul Smith will be available to pre-order on both the Anglepoise and Paul Smith websites mid-August and in Paul Smith shops and selected retailers from 13th September 2014.

Thanks to our newest contributor Jess Maddock for attending and documenting the event.

www.anglepoise.com | www.paulsmith.co.uk

May 22, 2014
TOKYOBIKES & ACE HOTEL LONDON BIKE TOURS

On our recent trip to London, we realised that some neighbourhoods are best experienced on two wheels. From the place where we stayed in Wapping, we cycled along the canal to Broadway Market in Hackney for a quick breakfast, then passed some great coffee shops on the way to Angel, from where we cycled up to Camden Town for a quick visit to the food market there.

One of our favourite London hotels, Ace Hotel, has teamed up with cult bike brand tokyobike and organised a guided tour around the city, highlighting the many fascinating streets of Shoreditch.

Tours will be led by writer and brand consultant Duncan Riches, who’ll also serve as curator for future ride guides. The Shoreditch tour, on 19th April, will include a visit to Terrece Studios in Dalston to see a light-maker, jewellery-maker and painter at work; a ride down the beautiful Regent’s Canal and a visit to see Denys Lasdun modernist block of flats, Keeling House, in Bethnal Green.

Easter Saturday Tour

19th April, 10am-1am

Meet at Ace Hotel London in the lobby

www.acehotel.com/london

April 15, 2014
Places: Dalston Garden

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden was created in 2010 on the old Eastern Curve railway line which once linked Dalston Junction Station to the goods yard and the North London Line in London. The garden was born out of a regeneration project aimed at improving Dalston’s open spaces. Design for London and Hackney Council worked with architects, landscape architects and local cultural and community organisations to establish the Garden and it is now managed by Marie Murray and Brian Cumming from one of those groups, GrowCookEat.

The project won the Hackney Design Awards in 2010. It was described as “an excellent example of how an abandoned piece of land can be affordably transformed into an asset that enhances the locality and benefit the community. Every inch has a strong sense of community spirit”.

Photographer Erola Arcalís kindly shared with us these photos she took of the garden and the people working in it.

www.dalstongarden.org

February 23, 2014
Stay: Tune Hotel Liverpool St London

Last weekend one of the members of the Future Positive team travelled to London to meet some people and find inspiration for the website. Whilst planning the trip and looking for accommodation, Tune Hotels kindly offered us a discounted stay at their Liverpool St hotel. Scroll down to find out more about Igor’s stay at the hotel.

For those of you who haven’t heard about Tune Hotels before, they are a chain of hotels offering a great night’s sleep at a good price. They have several hotels in Asia and have recently expanded to the UK with hotels in London and Edinburgh.

Tune Hotel Liverpool Stis located in the heart of London’s East End, just under 5 minutes walk to Brick Lane. Despite its name, the hotel is actually not located on Liverpool St but on Folgate St, just off Commercial St (don’t forget to visit The Commercial Tavern) and 5 minutes away from Liverpool St Station. This is actually an advantage as you can avoid all the noise from the main streets and have a good night’s sleep.

The room had a really comfortable double bed and didn’t feel tiny as in other budget hotels. That was also the case with the bathroom which had a great shower and enough space to move around. The windows were facing the hotel’s patio which looked great for having an outdoors breakfast if you’re staying during summer.

The stay was great and it’s hard to find something similar in the area for a better price, considering how close it is to the East End’s main attractions. If you’re planning a trip to London and looking for a good value accommodation, definitely consider having a look at the four Tune hotels in the city!

January 30, 2014