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6 MUST VISIT PLACES FOR FOODIES IN COPENHAGEN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 MUST VISIT PLACES FOR FOODIES IN COPENHAGEN

It’s not news that Noma has placed Copenhagen on the map as one of the foodie capitals of the world. With Noma now closed for the foreseeable future, arriving and expectant food tourists may be caught short when looking to experience the city’s world famous, avant garde Nordic cuisine. Fear not though, there are so many alternatives.

Equally, Copenhagen isn’t just about Nordic cuisine. From a 3 Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy to accessible, affordable street food, there really is something for everyone.

With affordability in mind, here are our top tips for a culinary weekend away in Copenhagen.

Bror

Image via Bror’s Facebook page

Bror (the Danish word for brother) is the restaurant from two former sous chefs of Noma. Awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, Bror is a more affordable option for those wishing to experience Danish ‘sense of time and place’ cooking, with inspiration and ingredients from wider Scandanavia adding extra flair. The menu is a simple choice between a 4 course and 5 course menu, with the option of additional snacks. We would highly recommend the latter, as the snacks provide real intrigue and fun, with a cod’s head and eyes, and deep fried bull’s testicles challenging even the more daring diner. 

Website: http://www.restaurantbror.dk

Address: Skt Peders Strade 24A, 1453 K Copenhagen

WarPigs

Craft beer and slow cooked, barbecued meat – could there be a better match? Warpigs is about as far from Nordic fine dining as you could imagine, but it is no the worse for it. Based on traditional American barbeque joints, with a heavy metal soundtrack to match its no frills location in the popular meatpacking district, this place is a hoot. There are up to 22 craft ale and beer taps, provided by its onsite brewery, ranging from session strength to one sip will blow your rocker, and long tables reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, it’s impossible not to spend a raucous day (into night) here.

Website: warpigs.dk

Address: Flæsketorvet 25, 1711 København V, Denmark

Kodbyens Fiskebar

Based in the same, gritty Vesterbro district as WarPigs, Kodbyens Fiskebar is a Copenhagen institution, famed for its super fresh, intricate yet simple seafood dishes. The fish is the star on every plate, caught from the surrounding waters and treated with according respect and is presented beautifully. It’s a large restaurant with a bar running through the middle, creating a buzzy atmosphere where you’re equally at home having a feature-length meal as you are a glass of wine and a snack. Although fish is the undoubted headline act, we have to mention the desserts. They are highly original and utterly stunning on both palatte and eye – worth a trip for one with a glass of sweet one alone.

Website: fiskebaren.dk

Address: Den Hvide Kødby, Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 V København

108

108 is the younger sister of Noma and has recently been awaded its first Michelin star. This is modern Nordic gastronomy with an affordable price tag. Unlike Noma, 108 is an a la carte affair with lots of sharing options. The plates here are beautifully constructed, with a similar eye for presentation as Rene Redzepi’s ‘growing out of the plate’ style. Housed in a beautiful building next to the canal, and with plenty of natural light from huge ceiling to floor, wall to wall windows, it’s a great space to really take your time over your food – service is friendly but classy and you never feel rushed.

Website: 108.dk

Address: Strandgade 108, 1401 København K, Denmark

Copenhagen Street Food (Paper Island)

Just around the corner from 108 is Copenhagen’s must-visit indoor streetfood market. With loads of food and drink stalls spanning the globe, there is something for everyone. Make sure you enjoy the famed Danish hotdog here, topped with crispy onions and lashings of ketchup – its a contestant for one of the best hotdogs in the world. The market is open all year round. Come winter this place is the epitome of hygge – think roaring fires and candlelit tables, but in the summer the party moves outside with throngs of foodies enjoying snacks and beer in the sun.

Website: copenhagenstreetfood.dk

Address: Copenhagen Street Food Warehouse 7 & 8 PapirØen Trangravsvej 14,1436, Copenhagen

Torvehallerne

A short walk from Norreport station you’ll find Torvehallerne market – offering both Danish and international food stalls, as well as excellent, local charcuterie and cheese, and fresh, local seafood and vegetables. A trip to Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without sampling an open faced sandwich and Torvehallen market is our favourite place to experience this quintessential Nordic delight. If you happen to be in Copenhagen on Culture Night, which falls on 14th October every year, you’re in for a treat. This evening is all about showing off the very best of Denmark including the food. When we were there, oysters and tasters of craft beer are handed out generously (and seemingly endlessly) outside of the market – showing just how the good produce in Denmark is.

Website: torvehallernekbh.dk

Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K, Denmark

 

5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO THE EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS

Joseph Gann
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5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO THE EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS
© Pixabay

A new series looking at the best dining options within walking distance (1 mile) of city landmarks worldwide. Here we offer our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

More than just about any city in the world, Paris is a city of fine food and restaurant culture. It doesn’t all have to be starched white table cloths, champagne and foie gras – there’s plenty of diversity on show and sometimes the most humble bistro results in the most satisfying experience. Indeed, there is something for everyone in France’s capital.

The Eiffel Tower is the city’s most iconic landmark and is in an area well-supported by public transport and close to the River Seine. To say that on a day trip to the tower, you’ll be spoilt for choice restaurant wise, is something of an understatement. We’ve eaten our way around the area and found our favourites and here they are, our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to the Eiffel Tower.

L’Astrance (0.5 miles)

Although Les Jules Verne would be the convenient go-to (it’s housed in the tower) if you’d like to include haute cuisine in your day out, Astrance is the place we’d recommend for fine dining in the immediate area. It has 3 michelin stars – the ultimate marker of highest calibre cooking – and a superb wine list. We’ve included it on the list for a reason we’d like whispered, only; at 75 euros, their set lunch option is one of the cheapest (yes, we know, still not cheap) 3 star meals in the world.

Address: 4 Rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris, France

Website: www.astrancerestaurant.com

20 Eiffel (0.3 miles)

A stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower – although, please not from the top; we all learnt in school physics lessons that would kill a man – and cooking of precision and craft, 20 Eiffel is a no-brainer if you’re visiting the area. The traditional Parisian set menu of a starter and a main for 24 euros is a steal, with an honest focus on great flavour above frippery.

Address: 20 Rue de Monttessuy, 75007 Paris, France

Website: www.restaurant20eiffel.fr

Crépuscule (0.9 miles)

Paris is home to scores of cafes and creperies celebrating the cuisine of Britanny, which is wonderfully rich yet humble. Crépuscule does a fantastic buckwheat crepe (we’d always recommend savoury) of Breton cheese, ham and an unctuous egg yolk. This place attempts to eschew tradition with some more flamboyant flavour pairings but we suggest staying safely in the middle of the road for this one, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely. A very reasonable option with the Eiffel Tower in sight.

Address: 18 Rue Amélie, 75007 Paris, France

Website: www.facebook.com

Les Cocottes (0.4 miles)

Still well within reach on Rue St. Dominique, Les Cocottes serves French charcuterie for sharing and individual mains in shallow, heat-proof baking dishes, all of which are fantastic. We couldn’t recommend this place highly enough; a hyper seasonal menu, unfussy yet precise cooking and wine by the carafe making it a big winner in our book.

Check out our full review here

Address: 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France

Website: www.maisonconstant.com

Le Table du Vietnam (0.5 mile)

When one has spent a few days in Paris, there is a tendency to feel a little heavy. There’s a lot of cheese, a lot of butter and a lot of protein. Something light and refreshing then, at Le Table du Vietnam. I know you may be thinking; Vietnamese food in Paris , why oh why? Well, following a period of French occupation in Vietnam, the country’s food has plenty of technique learnt from the French and lots of flourishes that shouldn’t feel unfamiliar. Think bread, pate and bone broths galore. Le Table du Vietnam is a fine purveyor of Vietnamese fare and trust us, we’ve eaten a hell of a lot.

Address: 6 Avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris, France

Website: www.tableduvietnam.fr

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DINNER DATE AT HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DINNER DATE AT HOME

It’s always unnerving to entertain someone for the first time, especially when that person is a new love interest. Even the most seasoned cooks have stage fright when they are preparing a meal for someone new. Indeed, when you’re cooking for another with the aim to impress them, it’s like you’re putting on a little show and the pressure can be nerve-racking. But worry not, we’re here to help with these 5 IDEAL tips for a successful first dinner date at home.

DON’T FORGET THE NIBBLES & WELCOME DRINK

Plan ahead and don’t forget some nibbles and a welcome drink to begin the evening. Think of them as the foreplay prior to the main event; equally as important and sometimes the best part. Indeed, it’s always nice to have a drink on arrival and a few nibbles on offer when your date arrives to get the juices flowing. Just keep them light so you have room for the main event.

THE WINE

A perfect glass of wine for a date is essential – and that doesn’t mean a £4.99 bottle from Tesco’s bargain bin. It means class, it cries sophistication and it positively bellows WINE SNOBBERY at the top of its tasting notes. When you select a great bottle of wine – whether that’s a full-bodied red or a light rose – it’s a marker of taste that will impress your date, even if they don’t like wine. The cultural cache society has given to wine is peerless, so make sure you get your selection right.

THE MEAL AND THE HOSTING

A two part tip, make no mistake. We’ll start with the cooking. Of course, you want your food to wow your date. That’s a given. But to be a great host, you can’t be slaving away for the duration of the meal; you’ll be seldom seen and when you are, stressed and distracted. So, the choice of dishes you serve is going to be make or break to the success of the evening.

After a fancy starter, try to keep the main course simple. Think of cooking something that can largely be prepared in advance and finished off quickly, as you don’t want to leave you date sitting alone for too long.  The dish every diner will depart discussing is going to be dessert. Most people have a sweet tooth and owing to it being the last course, the final act is the one whose taste will linger and your date will remember. So, do it in style. Again, something prepared a little in advance will save stress so close to the finish line.

DON’T CROCK IT UP

You’ve gone to all the effort of cooking up a carefully considered meal and then you serve it all up on paper plates. Okay, this an extreme example, but you want to get your crockery right if you want a romantic, sophisticated feel to the evening and the food to shine as it should. The same goes for drinking vessels; if you’re going to serve good wine (see below) then you’ll want an appropriate glass to bring out the best characteristics of every last drop.

MAKE SOMETHING TOGETHER

If you’re cooking for a date it helps if you can cook of course, but if you’re hopeless in the kitchen fear not. Why not get your date involved in the cooking process? Think about making pizzas together. Not only will be great fun, getting the ingredients together and making the dough beforehand takes enough effort to prove you tried.

THE AMBIANCE 

If the meal’s a disaster and the wine tastes like vinegar, your fall back plan is your ambiance. Perfect this and you’ll be able to save your date from almost any impending disaster. That means exquisite lighting, a well laid out table, a playlist more chilled than the ice cubes in your freezer, and oodles of sartorial suaveness.

3 IDEAL WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WORK WEAR WARDROBE

Editorial Team
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3 IDEAL WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WORK WEAR WARDROBE

Remember the days when summer holidays were filled with your parents taking you on trips to buy the essentials for the upcoming year? We may have outgrown the “Back to School” sales but why not give your work wardrobe a little update? What you wear to work doesn’t need to be boring. Get creative and try something new to add to your repertoire.  Here are some simple ways to upgrade your office attire:

ROCK THE STAPLES

Having staple pieces in your wardrobe is vital. They allow you to adapt your ensembles by changing little things around it. For example, that well-worn pair of mom jeans can be dressed down with a striped Breton and a pair of your favourite white trainers. However, with a soft blouse, a structured blazer and loafers, they are instantly smartened up. With this is mind, opt for basics that can become the foundation of your wardrobe. A crisp white Oxford shirt, a leather pencil skirt or even a skinny pair of cigarette trousers could be the versatile addition your outfits need.

THE BOLD AND BRIGHT

There is a huge focus on tailoring and bold prints as we head into autumn. Animal print is definitely having a moment, so adding a leopard print dress or a snakeskin blouse to your collection is a sure-fire way to make a statement. If you don’t feel brave enough to rock a wild print, then tartan or stripes are the next best thing. Suits and bright patterns are a perfect match so opt for structured   tailoring that is anything but ordinary.

ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE

Adding a finishing touch to your outfit can give it a completely different feel. A suede pair of ankle boots, a bucket bag or an oversized pair of tassel earrings are the perfect accent to finish off your look. Quilted handbags, leather rucksacks and cross-body messenger bags are designs that never go out of style, take a look at secretsales to pick up a wardrobe essential. You could even incorporate some of the bold patterns such as leopard or zebra print to shake up a monochrome outfit.

 

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE MOVING

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE MOVING

Someone, somewhere in the world, right now, is arguing with a loved one about moving house. With every packed, repacked and packed again box; with every dropped sentimental ornament and broken down rental van, tempers flare and pickering ensues. Moreover, come moving day it’s easy to find yourself up to your neck in cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and black bin liners, on the brink of an emotional breakdown because you don’t think you’ll be finished by the time the removal men arrive. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips for stress-free moving.

MAKE A TO-DO LIST

The pressures of moving house seem to come at you from all sides. Just when you’re looking forward and straight ahead, an unexpected hurdle trips you up; when the weight of upheaval is close to dragging you down, a mishap or miscalculation knocks you sideways. With all the big issues needing so much attention, it’s sometimes easy to neglect the little tasks that keep everything running smoothly and in place. Indeed, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when moving house, especially if you try to tackle everything at once . The solution? Make a to-do list. Organizing your tasks with a list will make everything seem much more manageable and help you to stay focused.

MOVE ONTO THE NEXT TASK

While it’s all very well to try and work through your to-do list methodically, don’t be a stickler for doing things task by task. If you do get stuck with something like labelling your things and you don’t think you can finish it any time soon, find something else to do with your time. Just make a further list of the uncompleted tasks and get back to them when you are ready to face it. Separating tasks into more manageable chunks then, with designated times and targets, serves to break up the monumental task of moving considerably.

LOOK FOR HELP

Instead of doing the tasks alone, ask for a moving company like Movecorp to help you haul your stuff, or better yet, get them to do it all for you. They offer complete services from the start until finish, and the only thing you need to do is wait until all your items arrive at your new home. And if you need to send your items to an international location, they can do it. They will even process all the documents for you and with their help, you can finish everything as scheduled.

AND BREATHE

Moving home can be both physically and mentally exhausting. However, just remember to breathe. In a few weeks time you will be all settled in, and any memories of moving will be a distant dream.

10 IDEAL TIPS TO ENSURE YOU MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL TIPS TO ENSURE YOU MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

It’s no secret that summer can leave us feeling frazzled and our homes neglected as we spend time and energy keeping the kids entertained and enjoying fun-packed holidays abroad.  However, August is also a great time to get your house in order and undertake crucial home admin tasks, helping you to feel more relaxed and prepared for the return to work and school. Which is why anyone with some annual leave remaining this summer should embrace a ‘stay-at-home vacation’, allowing for a few free days spent at home, to leave you and your home, relaxed and refreshed. Moreover, home is where the heart is. It should be a sanctuary and a place to unwind, both mentally and physically.

Spending time getting your home in order can help you to recharge and reset, it’s also a chance to prioritise tasks ready for the colder months when you’ll be spending more time at home indoors. With this in mind, lifestyle expert at Contura wood burning stoves, Catharina Bjorkman, shares 10 IDEAL tips to ensure you make the most of your home this summer.

CONSIDER YOUR ROOM LAYOUT

Are you making the most of the available space in every room? Does the room have a good flow? If the answer is no, try changing the layout by moving furniture around, particularly in the room(s) where you spend most of your time. Think of the function of a room and how you use it; if you spend a lot of time watching TV in the living room, make sure your furniture is placed in a way that it can be easily seen. Make sketches of your rooms and map out where your larger items (bed, dresser, shelves etc) would work best, then add smaller items around these to make best use of the space.

TAKE STOCK OF YOUR FURNITURE

It can be tempting to splash out on new furniture, but chances are your existing furniture needs some TLC rather than replacing. Getting your sofa re-covered is cheaper than forking out for a brand-new sofa, likewise, clean and polish your furniture before discarding it. You may find once shabby items look brand new with a little sprucing up.

LET THE LIGHT IN

Clean windows, curtains and blinds will instantly brighten up the room and get rid of any grime or dirt collected over summer. Wash the windows inside and out, dust and wipe down shutters, and put cotton blinds and curtains in the washing machine on a cool cycle. You’ll be amazed how these simple steps can give your rooms an instant boost and lease of life.

DIY TILES

From wall tiles in the bathroom to floor tiles in the kitchen, tiles can bear the brunt of busy lifestyles. If yours are looking a little worse for wear, try replacing the grout for an easy update without the need to replace the existing tiles. Use a grout rake to remove old grout, being careful not to scratch the tiles, then replace with new grout – always read the instructions for best results.

GIVE YOUR PLANTS SOME TLC

Did you know that wiping plant leaves with the inside of a banana skin will give them instant shine and life? As well as frequent watering, plants should also be dusted to boost their longevity. Green plants liven up any living space and are natural air purifiers; try adding a cactus or spider plants as these don’t require a lot of maintenance.

CLEAR THOSE DRAINS

It’s not a pleasant job but clearing the drains will save you time and money in the long run. Unclog shower and kitchen drains using an anti-blockage chemical and invest in drain grates to prevent excessive build-up. Likewise, clear any leaves and build-up from the drains outdoors to ensure they function well during the rainy seasons ahead.

GET THE FLUE CLEARED

If you have a wood burning stove or open fire, it’s important to get the flue cleared of tar and soot build-up as this will enable the fire to burn more efficiently. This is a job for the professionals, so find a local chimney sweep to get your fire in top shape for winter. An efficient fire uses less energy, which is kinder on your wallet and the planet.

CLEAR OUT THE ATTIC AND BASEMENT

The attic and basement are often a dumping ground for Christmas decorations and general clutter but taking time to clear out junk will free up space and help you prioritise which items are useful and worth keeping – you may even unearth some forgotten treasures.

TIDY HOME, TIDY MIND

It’s an age-old sentiment, but a clutter-free home will bring a sense of calm and order. Rather than tackle rooms bit by bit, take a few days to blast the whole home and purge it of items you no longer have a use for. Take what you can to the local charity shop as a first step.

ENJOY YOUR HOME

Above all, your home should be a place you enjoy spending time. Summer is a busy time and it can be stressful fitting in activities but take time to relax and recharge when possible. Take a long bath, read a book and invite friends over for coffee and a catch up. Ditch your phone and spend time living in the moment to boost your health and happiness.

For more information on Contura, visit www.contura.eu

8 TIPS FOR CREATING THE IDEAL TRAVEL ITINERARY

Editorial Team
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8 TIPS FOR CREATING THE IDEAL TRAVEL ITINERARY

Planning, preparation, strategy and foresight; not exactly words which chime with the spontaneous, carefree approach to travelling most young millennials dream of. But realistically, putting a a little energy into an itinerary before you set off truly goes a long way. Indeed, it’s all too easy to miss so many incredible sights and experiences simply because you haven’t planned well enough in advance. To avoid this, and to get the most out of your next trip, here are our 8 tips for creating an IDEAL travel itinerary. 

LIST THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO

Everyone has a reason for visiting a country, be it to sample certain foods or see some sights. Creating a master wish list of things to do and see will ensure you can make the best decisions on the day based on where you are, your budget, and how you feel. Make note of all the top places to go, see and eat at, and once you’re done, see if there are any events or festivals you would be interested in going to. As these would likely be ticketed, they should be the only “must do” activities on your itinerary.

INCORPORATE TRANSPORTATION INTO YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

For most, getting to the destination should be done as quickly as possible. Doing this, however, means that you miss a huge opportunity. You can have so much fun simply by incorporating the transportation aspect of your trip into your itinerary; after all, life’s great adventures are as much about the journey as the destination. So, see if there is a scenic train ride, or if you can try to go on a road trip and make several stops along the way. If you do want to get from point A to point B, use apps that allow you to compare flights and days so you can choose the best price for you and your friends.

KEEP ALL OF YOUR TRAVEL INFORMATION AT HAND AND IN ONE PLACE

Clutter and endless paperwork is a pain in all walks of life, but when you’re travelling and trying to forget bureaucracies’ toils, the annoyance of losing important forms and information is amplified tenfold. It’s a good idea, then, to have all your travel information (flight times, hotel addresses, maps…..) stored in one place. There are plenty of apps available which can do this, and with reminders and updates sent to your phone, there won’t be any nasty surprises if schedules change.

FIND THE BEST ACCOMMODATION

With the rise of share-accommodation apps like Airbnb, there are so many more opportunities on the market. Rent a vacation home between you and your friends, and you can enjoy all the amenities and design of a five-star hotel for a very affordable cost. Go to a hostel and make friends with the other travellers, or find a hotel and treat yourselves. The point is to not settle on a room or a price until you have gone through all of your options methodically. Moreover, where you stay, both in terms of location and accommodation type, will have a huge impact on your experience. Try to arrange somewhere in the thick of things, preferably walking distance from lively spots or places of personal interest. 

Should you be considering taking your pet with you on your travels, then a little prior research into accomodation is essential to avoid some serious headaches later down the line. In their super useful guide on travelling with pets, the guys at Parked in Paradise recommend that ”some villas, hotels, Airbnb’s and so forth will allow animals where others will not. If you book online, they will usually inform you if they are pet friendly.”

HAVE RESERVES

Whether it’s a National Holiday, a festival or a political coup, sometimes your travel plans will be interrupted. If you’re going to a restaurant, for instance, make sure you have one or two back up dining options in mind, in the same area, just incase your first choice is closed or full. Planning ahead is key, particularly if wifi isn’t always immediately available. If you’re not prepared, you’ll end up feeling stranded, frustrated and suddenly short on time.

MAKE NOTE OF WHERE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE

You should never go to another country without knowing where you stand in case of an emergency. At the moment, EU citizens have access to EU nations’ healthcare, but that is not guaranteed to be the case in the future. Similarly, going to international destinations like America can be dangerous without the right travel insurance, which is why not only should you ensure that you are insured, you also need to make note of where all the emergency services there are. Make note of the closest hospital and even where an emergency dentist like Life Dental and Wellbeing is, just so that if something were to happen, you know who to turn to (and that you are covered).

LEARN A LITTLE OF THE LOCAL LINGO

Making friends with fellow explorers is great, and part of the reason you’re out here on your own, but don’t just cosy up with other travellers for the duration of your trip or you risk missing out on seeing the ‘real’ culture of the country you’ve chosen. Instead, learn a few phrases – some polite, some playful – of the local lingo to help you integrate with the people of the city; people who may well offer to show you around.

BE FLEXIBLE

Having a plan and a schedule is great as it gives purpose and meaning to your trip. What’s really important, though, is not to be too rigid in sticking to this plan. If you’ve met some great people who’ve invited you along to see the local temples, do it! Perhaps you’ve been invited to a local’s house for dinner with their family; you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity! So, be open to making changes to your carefully laid plans, and you’ll end up having a much more rewarding time.

6 IDEAL PLACES TO SPOT THE SUPERCARS OF LONDON

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL PLACES TO SPOT THE SUPERCARS OF LONDON

Oh to be stinking rich, where the hardest decisions about motoring involves choosing what supercar to buy next. However, while owning a fancy car is often only the preserve of rich oligarchs, that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t enjoy a spot of car watching. Yep, exotic supercar spotting is actually a thing. In fact, there are even countless numbers of websites, facebook and instagram pages dedicated to this hobby, some of which have several thousand followers.

So where can one enjoy this pursuit in the UK we hear you ask? Well, London of course. Whether you think supercars are flashy or trashy you’re guaranteed to find them in the capital – but not just anywhere. You have to go to the preposterously wealthy areas where the streets are paved with bling supercars; gold ones being a common sight. Here you’ll come across Ferraris by the dozen, often parked on yellow lines (because the super rich don’t worry about such things as parking tickets or traffic wardens).

While the really rare cars are usually stored in an underground garage, it goes without saying that from Bentleys to Aston Martins and Lamborghinis to Zondas, and all other types of thoroughbred car brands on Autopartspro.co.uk, the fancy parts of the city has the fanciest cars. So for tourists (or perhaps their children) more interested in car spotting than the history of The Tower of London, here are 6 IDEAL places to spot the supercars of London.

HARRODS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Harrods; the world’s most famous department store, where inside you’ll find the owners of luxury supercars doing a spot of shopping, and outside the models themselves – and we’re not talking about their paramours. The stretch outside Harrods is also a favourite drag spot of the boy racers from the Gulf States, where you can hear their car engines roar furiously as they wait at a red light before seeing them whizz off down the street.

SLOANE STREET, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Sloane Street; the place where well-off Londoners come to buy designer clothes, browse in high-end boutique stores and indulge in other frivolous gewgaws. And in front of all the fancy shops, you’ll find fancy supercars zooming up and down the street. The area even holds an annual Supercar Sunday event which is billed as the ‘biggest car meet of the summer for supercars, classic cars and high performance car’. This year it was held on Sunday 15th July and an estimated 400 cars came to the capital and lined up along Sloane Street and its side roads, with the owners posturing and jostling for the best space.

LOWNDES SQUARE, BELGRAVIA

As recommended by British GQ, this residential square is another place you’ll find the thoroughbreds of the automotive world, often trying to get a parking spot. Here the lives of wealthy residents (and less so) have been blighted by the roar of revving engines for years. In fact, some of the residents of Knightsbridge are so fed up with the noise that they’ve called for legal counter-measures by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, suggesting a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in and around most of Knightsbridge, making it a criminal offence to rev engines, accelerate rapidly, race or perform stunts. While introduction of these measures may not be great for car owners and their spotters, at least the residents may get a good nights sleep.

THE DORCHESTER, MAYFAIR

Come in the morning when the owners are tucked up in their beds and without fail, you’ll find Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces and other fancy cars parked outside this luxury hotel. Summer is the best time to spot these eye-wateringly expensive vehicles. It’s the season when the supercars (or should we say high-powered playthings of Middle Eastern billionaires) are shipped into the capital from countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, so their rich owners can escape the scorching temperatures back home. And if you could afford it, why wouldn’t you ship your own car abroad for a small fortune (in excess of £20,000 for a return journey) for a few months at the cost of thousands of pounds?

THE PARK TOWER HOTEL, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Situated in the heart of one of London’s most wealthy areas, The Park Tower Hotel is another hotel popular with wealthy visitors who enjoy flying their expensive toys out to London for the summer. As such, the carpark of The Park Tower Hotel is the ideal place to see shiny supercars. While you’re here, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at The Dorchester. It’s one of the most legendary afternoon teas in London with tea, cakes and scones galore. They even do a champagne afternoon tea, which with enough glasses, could possibly give you enough dutch courage to actually ask for a ride in one of the supercars parked in the parking lot. Or at the very least, get up close enough to get a selfie of your reflection in the mirror of a Lamborghini LP670-4 Superveloce.

THE STREETS OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE & MAYFAIR

This ones non-specific we know, but super cars are a common sight all over Knightsbridge and Mayfair. So simply take a stroll around the streets of this affluent area and your bound to come across some swanky supercars. In summer especially, it’s car-mageddon in London and these areas are in the middle of it.

HOTEL REVIEW: TEMPLATION, SIEM REAP – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR RELAXATION AND EXPLORATION

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOTEL REVIEW: TEMPLATION, SIEM REAP – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR RELAXATION AND EXPLORATION

Only ten years ago, Siem Riep, and in fact all of Cambodia, was a whole lot lighter on the load, tourism-wise. The recent influx of travellers of all purposes and budgets has led to the appearance of a vast array of amenities to match. A relatively new addition to the fast-burgeoning hospitality scene in Siem Riep, Templation is the perfect spot for relaxation and exploration of the famous nearby Angkor Wat.

IDEA

The name is a mash-up of Temple (referring to the ones close by) and ‘temptation’. To be tempted is often to be denied some forbidden pleasure, but you’ll be pleased to hear that this lovely, luscious resort caters to your every whim and want, whether that be within its grounds or through its prime location close to Angkor Wat, the behemoth historic site which is the reason for a visit to Siem Riep.  

LOCATION

Templation’s position is one of its key attractions. The ubiquitous tuk-tuks of the city wait out front to whisk you off (ok, not whisk, trundle) to the temples. The ride takes about 20 minutes, relatively short compared to some of Siem Riep’s other resorts of similar stature. We were grateful for the ride, as any closer would negate the build up, the sense of anticipation as you slowly transition from city to jungle and then, finally, to seeing the dense foliage part, revealing stunning views of the temples.

The hotel is just a short ride from the town centre too, and although further from the hub than some resorts, there is a peace and tranquility to being amongst nature and Cambodian life that we would always choose over convenience

STYLE AND CHARACTER

Templation channels the water and flora of its surrounds, with cascading water and tropical plants lining the walk to, and from, reception. The building is low-rise, which feels respectful to the majestic beauty of Cambodian countryside. Don’t let the modest touches fool you though, there is luxury within.

ROOMS

Upon approaching the door of your living space, you’d be forgiven for expecting something on the cosy, unassuming side. That presumption is testament to the privacy within the walls. Once inside, you’re greeted with a small, private pool which separates two minimalist but perfectly formed rooms, each with their own bathrooms, both spacious and boasting elegant luxury. All of the area is dressed with the aforementioned fauna, only serving to add to the sense of seclusion. After a day of serious walking amongst the vast grounds of the temple, in the searing Cambodian sun, there really is nothing better than coming home to this.

FACILITIES

If you never wanted to leave your oasis living space, no one would judge you. However, in casting your eyes further afield you’ll find a huge central pool, which rather than being uniform and rigid, seems to adapt to the area encompassing it. It shimmers in the sun and offers a wonderful focal point for the hotel, with the restaurant and bar area overlooking it.

There is also a Spa and Fitness area, as you’d expect to find in such a resort. What sets this one apart though is the atmosphere of the jungle, enhanced by  the décor which channels the spirituality of the temples and escapism of the jungle.

FOOD & DRINK

Cambodian food sits alongside refined Western dishes in this tempting space. Breakfast follows the a la carte route, rather than buffet, with local eggs a must.

Of note, Templation provides a couple of superb, locally brewed craft beers – a first for Cambodia. They were both intriguing and unique, with flourishes of Asian flavour rubbing shoulders with the familiar tastes of craft ale.

WHY GO

Templation. Well, it’s all in the title isn’t it? A place with fantastically easy access to Angkor Wat, and an ambience which continues to spiritual mood of the temples long after you’ve left, this resort is a must-stay in Siem Reap. Give in to those urges and set yourself free.

Website: templation.asia

Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine stayed as a guest of the hotel

SIEM REAP BREWPUB REVIEW – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR CAMBODIAN CRAFT BEER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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SIEM REAP BREWPUB REVIEW – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR CAMBODIAN CRAFT BEER

Come to Cambodia and the need to drink locally brewed craft beer probably isn’t first on your list of priorities. However, after a long day of trekking in the scorching sun, feet tired and mouth dry, having a fruity, ice cold beer and snacks designed to match couldn’t be more right. Travellers and locals alike flock here. It just makes perfect sense. The only thing that surprises us is that it’s taken this long.

IDEA

With craft beer cropping up in Vietnam and Thailand in recent years, and popularity booming, Cambodia was never going to be far behind. Siem Reap Brewpub offers both a selection of their fine crafts, brewed onsite in large, visible containers, and Western and Cambodian beer food. The brewer, Neo Say Wee, honed his skills in Singapore, earning accreditation along the way, before returning to his homeland to launch this excellent establishment, still a unique proposition in Siem Reap.

LOCATION

Siem Brewpub is housed just a five minute walk from pub street, but enjoys a relative calm in comparison to the lively, bustling and at times overwhelming atmosphere of that particular road.

ATMOSPHERE

The space is set back from the road, setting it apart from many of the other beer providers of the city centre, and the flora and fauna of the garden area create a sense of rural calm. It gets boisterous in the evenings, as the beer is just so damn quaffable.

FOOD

Don’t be fooled into dismissing the food as this is a drinking spot. Sure, the fare on offer is made with drinking in mind, but it’s eminently delicious.

Western and Asian palates are equally catered for and the beer itself is often used as an ingredient. Amusingly, when chatting to the manager, we made the assumption that the burgers were on the menu to appease travellers. Conversely, the Cambodians come here for American beer food, and visitors for the spicy local pork belly. We learned two lessons from this – one, never to make assumptions, and two, craft beer goes beautifully with all types of cuisine.

DRINK

The main event. Each beer is infused with different ingredients indigenous to the country for a unique Cambodian taste. We’d highly recommend the ‘tasting menu’ of beers which Siem Reap Brewpub offers. This comes in the form of cute, quarter measure glasses, each replicating the adult version, and each designed to suit the beer’s character. This attention to detail pleases us immensely. The tasters arrive in an artfully designed rack, and one can sample the full range of on-site brewed beers and leave able to still remember them.

MUST TRY

As it’s a craft brewery place, we’ll talk beer. Genuinely, each glass had unique flavour and personality, but our favourite, unanimously, was the Saison. Extremely thirst quenching, with touches of the terrain from lemongrass and green peppercorn (grown in the region), we could’ve drunk a fair few of these, as it’s light and just assertive enough for the balmy evening.

WHY GO

A range of beers which all offer their own character, and reflect the personality of the owner as well as the country. With food to match, a thirsty punter couldn’t ask for anything more. Sure you can get $0.50 beers on pub street, but they won’t taste nearly as good as the beer here.

www.siemreapbrewpub.asia

Image source: Siem Reap Brewpub Facebook 

IDEAL dined as a guest of the restaurant

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO ENGAGEMENT RING SETTINGS, SHAPES AND STONES

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO ENGAGEMENT RING SETTINGS, SHAPES AND STONES

Are you looking for a modern architectural design, a unique cluster or something art deco with an antique air?  Do you know what you want widthwise, to the millimeter? Have you asked yourself what type of cut you’d like? Indeed there are a huge plethora of decisions you’re going to have to make when it comes to choosing an engagement ring and the process can become overwhelming. So to help, together with Angelic Diamonds, stockists of diamond engagement rings here’s our IDEAL Guide to the most popular engagement ring settings, shapes and stones.

THE SETTING

Some settings have more diamonds in or require more craftsmanship — for this reason they can be more expensive. Below are the most common types of engagement ring: 

THE HALO RING: A halo ring has a large centre diamond surrounded by smaller stones that sit on the band. Often the band is bejewelled too which can increase the cost.

THREE STONE ENGAGEMENT RING: Another ring with multiple diamonds in is a three-stone engagement ring. These rings have three diamonds on the band, often the middle diamond is the largest — giving off a glitzy appearance.

SOLITAIRE RING: One of the most popular types of engagement rings however is a solitaire engagement ring. It is a traditional style where a single diamond sits on a metal band and fits nicely with a wedding ring.

TENSION SET: Tension-set engagement rings are similar as they often only have one diamond on the band. In these settings, the diamond is held in place by the pressure of the metal and it is designed to ‘squeeze’ the stone.

DIAMOND SHAPES

Do you have any preferences as to which shape of the diamond you choose from?  Have you ever thought about which shape of the diamond you would prefer? Some are self-explanatory such as an oval or round diamond however others may take some explaining. 

The most popular choice is a princess shaped diamond. But what is this? This cut is where the face-up profile of the diamond is square and the side view is alike to an inverted pyramid. Cushion cut diamonds are a mix of round and square outlines and are considered to be more of an antique style. There is also a marquise cut which is quite a dramatic shape — like an elongated oval so it can appear bigger than it actually is.

According to one US jewellery retailer the order of the most to least expensive shape of diamond is as follows (bear in mind this will vary between retailers):

  • Round
  • Pear
  • Marquise
  • Heart
  • Princess

THE METAL

Platinum, gold and silver are the most popular metals available to choose from. They differ in price and appearance and it’s all down to personal preferences!

Pure gold is too soft to be sold, therefore it is mixed with other metals which can change its appearance. Yellow gold for example, is pure gold combined with a small amount of silver and copper — giving off a warm appearance. White gold on the other hand is brilliant, it is pure gold combined with palladium and silver or with nickel, copper and zinc. It is a perfect backdrop for diamonds and complements them beautifully.

Platinum is a highly durable metal. In fact, it was removed from the jewellery market around the time of the war as the resources were used for military use instead. It’s more expensive than gold as it is around 30 times rarer. Since it’s a strong metal, it is also the purest — often sold at 95% purity.

If you’re looking for something different, rose gold could be the one for you. This is pure gold plus copper gives off a red tinge. The more copper that it is combined with, the redder it appears.

Sterling silver is another metal that is popular — it is the most affordable out of the others. Similar to gold, pure silver is too soft to make into jewellery. Therefore, it is combined with copper or other metals to improve its durability.

THE AVERAGE SPEND

It’s 2018 and gone are the days of going to a jewellers to pick out a style that is the result of someone else’s imagination. From couples splitting the cost of the engagement ring to forgoing the traditional diamond of yesteryear, there are lots of modern trends when it comes to getting married.

According to research by insurance company Protect Your Bubble showed that couples spending less on engagement rings are one of the. In fact they found that they are spending 19% less on engagement rings than they did 5-10 years ago. Now, the average spend on an engagement ring is close to £1,000. Also, 18% of people spend less than £500 on an engagement ring for their other half. When it comes to spending, don’t feel as though you have to spend the traditional ‘two to three months’ salary’ on an engagement ring.

4 IDEAL DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE WITH THE LARGEST COFFEE CULTURES

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE WITH THE LARGEST COFFEE CULTURES

Once upon a time us Brits would settle for a cup of instant granules, burnt with boiling water and brought down to barely warm with some ice cold milk. It’s 2018 and those days are long gone. Artisanal cafes serving coffees from across the globe, with flavours advanced from bean specific techniques, have raised the game exponentially. Indeed the availability of both knowledge and product on most high streets has only served to make us ever more discerning. However, while our coffee game is certainly better than it once was, compared to many of our European counterparts we’re seriously behind the times.

According to research from Nobly, a global point of sale company that helps provide small hospitality businesses with intelligent sales technology, the UK has the smallest coffee culture in the whole of Europe. They found that in Britain, there are only 2 coffee shops per every 10,000 people and the average citizen consumes 2.63 kgs a year. Measure this against Portugal, where each citizen puts back 4.6 kilograms of coffee each year and has a whopping 41.5 cafes per 10,000 citizens, and you can see just how small our coffee culture is (comparatively speaking of course). 

So if you’re finding the UK’s meagre coffee outlet offering as disappointing as a decaf coffee on a Monday morning, here’s 4 IDEAL destinations in Europe with the largest coffee culture where you can go and get your caffeine fix.

PORTUGAL

If you haven’t guessed from the above stats, the Portuguese have claimed the prize of Europe’s biggest coffee lovers. The countries coffee culture dates all the way back to the 18th century when Brazil, its largest colony, got hold of the first arabica seeds. Legend has it that a Portuguese soldier, named Francisco de Melo Palheta, acquired ( or should we say stole) some coffee beans from French Guiana. He took them with him to Brazil and subsequently coffee spread through Portuguese colonies like wildfire. Many beans were also sent to the motherland, and as such the Portuguese coffee culture was born. Today, there’s a cafe on nearly every corner in most parts of Portugal and when it comes to ordering, the most popular coffee is an“uma bica” (pronounced bee-kah) which is like a long espresso.

GREECE

Ancient mythology, lamb koftas and lots of plate smashing, coffee isn’t the first thing you think of when it comes to the Greek culture. However, Greece is one of the top coffee-consuming countries in the world with the second largest number of cafés per capita. Moreover one of the world’s most famous coffee drinks was invented in Greece. The frappe was accidentally concocted in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair when an employee of Nestle wanted to make a typical hot instant coffee. However, he couldn’t find any hot water and subsequently created the now named frappe latte with the ingredients and tools he had available. Today, this iconic, frothy ice-cold coffee is the most ubiquitously served coffee drink in the country alongside the The Freddo – a mini-sized icy delight and another popular Greek coffee invention.

FINLAND

According to Nobly’s research, Finland consumes more coffee per person than any other European country. However, while they consume huge amounts of coffee, cafes are few and far between with only 2.2 cafés per 10,000 people. Why is this? Well we can speculate a number of reasons; first of all, in Finland they have a thing called santsikuppi where in many places when you buy a cup of coffee, you can have a free second refill. Secondly, by law, the Finns take a ‘coffee break’ at work twice daily for 10 minutes.Thirdly as Samuli Ronkanen, who owns Helsinki’s Good Life Coffee  told the Independent. “It’s impolite not to drink the offered coffee and pastries. It doesn’t matter how much coffee you had before.”

Whatever the reason, coffee is ingrained in the Finnish culture. Oh and coffee in Finland is almost always served with a cake or pastry – often  a korvapuusti – a traditional Finnish cinnamon roll which translates as ‘slapped ears’. In fact, there is even a word in Finnish, kakkukahvi, which means “coffee and cake.”

NORWAY

Surprisingly Norway has the fourth largest coffee culture in Europe and according to experts, the country is changing the way we drink coffee. Indeed, the light roast has become the hallmark of Norwegian coffee and is gaining popularity across the globe. Experts insist that a light roast reveals more of the coffee’s aromas, allowing the characteristics of the bean to be more easilty identified. Most of us are more use to the dark stuff, this is because bulk coffee roasters will roast the coffee to hide imperfections and provide a consistent taste. So if you want to savour a different type of coffee, head to Scandinavia and have a brew with the caffeine-crazy Norwegians.

5 OF THE BEST RENTAL VANS ON THE MARKET

Editorial Team
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5 OF THE BEST RENTAL VANS ON THE MARKET

If you are on the hunt for a rental van, you might not know where to begin. There are certainly lots to go around, so it can be difficult making the right choice for you. There is a common misconception, that people only rent vans on a short-term basis, but in reality – there are long term leasing options where it’s even more important to make sure you make the correct selection.

The last thing you want is to commit yourself to a van that doesn’t suit your needs and requirements. With this, in mind here are 5 of the best rental vans on the market.

MERCEDES CITAN VAN

The Mercedes Citan van is one of the most popular rental vans there are.  It is agile, comfortable and has low running costs, which is great if you are going to be using it a lot. There are lots of different options when it comes to this particular model. You can opt for 3 different lengths, wheelbases, as well as loading lengths which means you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

It comes complete with all kinds of safety and technological equipment such as: airbags, roof hatch, light and rain sensors, an air conditioning system and more. This makes it a comfortable and smooth drive. 

Should you need a Citan longer term, the price to buy one outright may be a stumbling block for some, with The AA listing used models going for around the £10’000.

Of course, van leasing is another option, which generally covers a longer stretch than a traditional rental arrangement would cover.

FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM DOUBLE

This van is incredibly stylish and is perfect for any form of commercial transportation.  It is an enjoyable drive with cruise control, as well as suspension that is of fantastic quality.  It has lots of room for loading capacity which is great if you need to haul equipment back and forth anywhere – and with some companies, you can also opt for more comfortable passenger seats.  

To give you an idea of the high spec of these vans, they are so versatile – they can even be used as cabs as part of their fleets. They are also an option for haulage companies due to their space capability. If this van appeals to you, you can click here for more Ford transit custom double cabs for sale and see if they’re in your price range.

MERCEDES VITO SPORT

The Mercedes Vito Sport is a luxury van, but what else would you expect from Mercedes. There are lots of options with this van to suit your business needs. There is the panel van which is for those of you who need as much space as possible and looking to carry a lot. You can load up to just under 1.4 tonnes.

It’s big enough for 3 passengers including the drivers seat. There is also the crew van, which is ideal if you need to ferry about lots of people. Although there is less space for loading – you can get up to 7 seats. It has lots of fancy features including air con, cruise control, and even heated seats for when it’s chilly outside.

ELECTRIC NISSAN NV200

With people placing much more focus on the environment these days, we definitely had to put in an electric van somewhere. Petrol is no longer as economical as it used to be, and diesel isn’t as environmentally friendly as people would like – so electric cars are the future.

Since electric vans are very much in the development stages, there isn’t a huge range out there – but there is no doubt that this will get much larger as time goes on, and the prices will get lower.  In the meantime the Electric Nissan NV200 is a great choice for those of you on the lookout for an electric van.

VW TRANSPORTER SHUTTLE S MINICAB

Volkswagen vans are known for their quality, and that’s exactly what you can expect from the VW Transporter Shuttle S Minicab. It’s a perfect choice for larger families as well as the likes of hotels or airlines who need to shuttle people back and forth. It looks incredibly stylish and is comfortable for passengers. It is packed with safety features to ensure you have a safe journey, and also has lots of loading space for anything that you need to take with you on your travels.  

4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A WARDROBE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL INCREDIBLE

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A WARDROBE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL INCREDIBLE

Are you someone who plans out their outfit the night before, or more of a last-minute dresser? Whatever your getting-ready ritual, you might revaluate which outfit you select when you discover more about how it could completely change your day.  According to scientific studies, how we dress can transform our moods and behaviour. Indeed, from confidence to happiness, clothes can influence a person’s psychological state. With this in mind, we’ve put together 4 IDEAL tips on how to create a wardrobe that makes you feel incredible, backed up with plausible scientific research of course. 

GET FIT

One of the most prominent scientific studies into the psychology of fashion is called ‘enclothed cognition’. Essentially, the outcome of the study highlighted how an item of clothing’s ‘symbolic’ meaning, as well as actually wearing it, worked together to affect behaviour. For example, one of the participants in the study pulled on a white lab coat and began adopting traits we’d associate with a doctor, including a rise in attention and carefulness. Could this result be reassigned to other items of clothing, such as sportswear? 

Research by Professor Karen Pine also appears to back up the ‘enclothed clothing’ study. After asking multiple students to wear Superman t-shirts, she found that participants claimed to feel strong and confident while wearing the clothing. So, if you’re looking to get fit; joggers, leggings, tees, and a vest might all help you subconsciously channel a professional athlete, subsequently putting you in the mood for fitness. 

GET THE POWER

 Psychologists at California State University discovered that people who dressed formally to complete a task were more logical and objective. Also, in her book, ‘The Color of Success’, Mary Ellen Lapp commented: “Different clothing colours exude different feelings and meanings, and colours can affect — and reflect — your mood.” If this is true, you could wear differently coloured outfits to mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead. So if you’re heading to a big meeting channel a business-ready persona by switching your everyday work outfit for a stylish tailored blaze or more formal attire And since black, then, is the colour of strength and formality, incorporate plenty of it into your work outfit.

GET HAPPY

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia conducted a study that looked at how we attach emotions to certain outfits, and how our clothing choices affect our moods. Lead researcher, Dr. Alastair Tombs, said about the people he interviewed as part of the experiment: “Quite a few people talked about using clothes to change their mood. If they get up and aren’t feeling great, they would put on something that would brighten them up.” They also found that we can potentially evoke happiness within ourselves simply by wearing an item that reminds us of a nice moment or that we were complimented on previously.

To boost spirits on a down-day, try looking through your wardrobe to dig out those key pieces of clothing that you remember having a great day when you wore them. Or even go shopping for new, similar pieces — whether they’re an identical colour, similar style or the same pattern — to help channel positivity through your clothes. Chances are, if you got a compliment the first time, you’ll get one again.

GET CREATIVE 

Since how we perceive an item of clothing is crucial to how we feel when we wear it, an outfit may help us get creative if it looks creative itself. So ignore standard items of clothing — like the iconic little black dress or cherished skinny jeans — and opt for something quirkier. Choose tops in a colour you wouldn’t usually go for or get a pair of statement culottes featuring vibrant checks or bold paisley prints. Clothes featuring stand-out frills, asymmetric designs and embellishments could also help.  Orange is the colour of energy, while red is the shade of excitement — could you use splashes of these when building your creative look to boost innovation?

 

4 IDEAL LIVING ROOM DESIGNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL LIVING ROOM DESIGNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

For most of us, the living room is the hub of the home. It’s a place where we spend a great deal of time; from putting our feet up, to entertaining friends and family, the living room embodies a sense of community like no other room in the house. Indeed, it’s one of the most sociable and inclusive parts of a household. And it may come as no surprise that no matter what country you are in, the living room remains an integral part of a homes dynamic. However, while living rooms across the world seem to serve the same purpose, each nation has it’s own style when it comes to living room decor. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL living room designs from around the world.

JAPANESE LIVING ROOMS

With a minimalist approach to décor, Japanese living rooms are all about clean and uncluttered living. A common feature in Japanese living rooms are Tatami mats which are thick, woven straw mats used for sitting, sleeping and even meditating. For those who opt to not sit directly on the mats a zabuton, which is a Japanese sitting cushion are commonly used. Often, they are put on top of low chairs called zaisu that don’t have legs to support the back.

Japan is also big on sliding doors, which are usually referred to as fusuma or shoji. Fusuma doors are made up of wooden frames that are covered by thick, opaque paper and can usually be removed to create a larger space. The shoji differs slightly as it is covered in translucent paper which allows the light to filter into the room.  As well as tatami mats and sliding doors, you’ll often find a low table in the centre a Japanese living room. 

ARABIC LIVING ROOMS 

Grand and majestic, you’ll find a mix of both colours and geometric patterns in an Arabic living rooms. Usually, Arabic homes are filled with luxurious pieces of furniture and ornate designs. Gold, which is associated with royalty and luxury, is a common theme in their interior design schemes; think gold mirrors, gold wall sconces and even gold walls.

Also, Arabic living rooms usually feature lots of prints which deliver a strong presence within the room. Sofas are decorated with countless cushions and coffee tables are dressed with throws and patterned runners. Arabic living rooms are also know for their accessories, think vases, fruit bowls and extravagant chandeliers!

ENGLISH LIVING ROOMS

Grab a cup of fair trade tea and take a look at the English living room. The television is usually placed on a stand in the corner of a room, so that no matter where you’re positioned in the room, you can still watch it. While chesterfield sofas were once a common staple of English living rooms, today Brits seem to opt for a simple design and neutral colour. Brits also like to mix and match with photo frame styles and colours and place them in different areas of the room, including wall and unit placements. And almost every living room in Britain will have a fireplace, be it real or fake. 

FRENCH LIVING ROOMS

Like the French themselves, their living rooms have a unique sense of style and sophistication. Traditionally, ceilings are high which allows everything else in the room to be grand in size. To complement this, curtains are draped from the top to floor level and to offer a regal feel to the room, these are often tied back and curved in shape. The French pride themselves on the sharp details of their furniture, and the threads of their curtains are no different — with intricate designs making each room feel bespoke. On their sofas, the French love a padded cushion style which is usually bulky in size- think French Louis style settees. 

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