#lincrusta

#lincrusta

Craft is often defined as skill in making things by hand, but this interpretation is being challenged by AI. Craft transcends physical interaction; historical figures like Mozart and Beethoven exemplify mastery without traditional methods.

Liberty's Oriental Carpet Department has long been a secret wonder, an Aladdin's cave of over 4,000 handwoven pieces, showcasing the artistry of traditional weaving techniques.

The new webpage, entitled 'How have objects come to be in the V&A?', points out that for some objects, their journeys have involved known histories of violence, coercion or injustice, while for others there remains uncertainty over exactly how they came to be here.

The exhibition traces Armitage's long career from her earliest linocuts to recent work, bringing together more than 40 prints, objects, and archival materials.

"Those panels really only last about 40 years maximum. These panels were covered in lichens, so the station was very, very dark."

It's not a house of outstanding art, being a self-taught carver whose skills evidently advanced over the years, as you can see the evolution from fairly rough carving on the stairs to the very skilled work in the living room. He also created the paintings on the walls - talented chap - but never finished the carving in the living room, as his time finally ran out.

Our role is, first and foremost, to transmit our fascination with a craft and to ignite that same excitement in the designer. This is the foundation of our curatorial approach: creating the right encounter between a designer's universe and that of a workshop.

Glass, in particular, exists within a lineage of techniques that have changed surprisingly little over centuries. The furnaces may burn hotter and the tools may be refined, but the core dialogue between heat, gravity, and human hand remains remarkably intact.

Off the Grain works out of Halifax in West Yorkshire, handcrafting every piece to order. Forget flat-pack or particleboard - here, it's all about real materials and genuine expertise. Skilled craftspeople cut, join, and finish each item by hand. You can pick your dimensions, wood, and finish, so the final piece fits your space instead of the other way around.

And when it comes to a refresh, Quince is my go-to. Its products strike the perfect balance between luxury and affordability, which is why the linen sheets are a consistent favorite among our editors - we even recommend them over pricier options. For a Queen set, they're a surprising steal at just $170, offering incredible breathability and a wonderfully soft texture. Just be warned: they frequently sell out.

During the mid-18th century, while Delhi was rocked by instability, many of its leading poets, painters and craftspeople migrated to Lucknow and Faizabad in search of new patrons. Through this population shift, Lucknow flourished as a courtly capital, its wealth matched by a cosmopolitan atmosphere that attracted Indian elites and European adventurers alike. The ruling Nawabs of Awadh were keen to eclipse Delhi and supported the trades, commissioning many fine jewelled and decorated objects - including, of course, ceremonial swords.

The beauty of frills lies in its delicate silhouette that pairs equally well with gingham bedding as it does with florals or simple solid colors. In fact, an all-white ruffled bedding set or a frilly decorative pillow is all you need to lighten the mood in a room. Extra pomp doesn't have to skew antiquated, either, as several modern variations from upscale brands like Sferra and Annie Selke illustrate.

When it comes to the ultimate easygoing, elevated bedding, you'll want to reach for the best linen sheets. This fabric is an old faithful with great range, seen everywhere from Scandi-style beach houses to cozy, colorful city apartments, owing to their breathability and relaxed look. And while you may think linen is just for summer and waterfront locales-yes, the moisture-wicking fabric works beautifully for body temperature regulation-the cozy, long-lasting material has become increasingly popular year-round for sheets, duvets, and shams for any style or space.

There's a new way for people to display their Tube loyalties* as the London Transport Museum has started selling a range of moquette doormats. Just two patterns and one roundel at the moment, but if you use the Bakerloo or Elizabeth lines, you can have a bit of seat pattern on your doorstep. For everyone else, there's the Mind the Gap in roundel form.

So, this late 1970s block of flats was built on the site of the former estate office. So did the red corbel come from there? Looking at a photo of the corner of Risinghill Street and Penton Street, taken in 1956, doesn't seem to offer much help, as it shows a row of shops and behind a row of terraced houses.

First, you probably have to rewire the lamp. Unless the seller already did it for you, it's best to rewire any vintage finds so you know they've been safely updated. The process isn't that hard, but you will need to buy the supplies and spend the time to do it correctly.

In Lana Launay's Kinship series, light does more than illuminate space. It acts as a living archivist, revealing, preserving, and narrating stories embedded within inherited textiles. Through works such as Kinship I and Kinship II, the artist transforms antique doilies, lace fragments, and stockings passed down through generations into sculptural lighting forms that do not simply display history but actively project it into the present.

My hope was to create spaces that felt unique and interesting, while at the same time offering a natural sense of ease and comfort,

Such was the case when John MacLaren started making porcelain light fixtures. MacLaren had been making custom furnishings for 20 years when his gaze drifted upwards: While visiting the home of a friend in Sagaponack, his pal noted that he'd n ever seen contemporary flush-mount light fixtures as beautiful as the antique ones in his historic home. MacLaren wondered if he might be able to make some.

One of those timeless items is the instantly recognizable federal-style convex mirror. These gilded mirrors have been adorning American dining rooms and foyers since the 1700s, when the centuries-old European style was given a uniquely American touch - an eagle sitting proudly on top. Looking to add a touch of American history to your home? Authentic federal-style mirrors dating back to the United States' earliest days are going to run you into the many-thousands of dollars, there are also reproductions that have been made for decades. Here's what you need to know about federal-style mirrors, how to source them, and how to style them in your own home (even if they're the only Americana piece you ever collect!).

Picture this: you're knee-deep in renovation dust, crowbar in hand, when something unexpected tumbles from behind century-old plaster. A yellowed envelope? A strange metal box? That moment when your heart skips because you realize you might have just found something extraordinary. For some lucky homeowners, these discoveries turn out to be worth thousands of dollars, transforming a simple home improvement project into an unexpected treasure hunt.

Despite their slender profiles, the best runner rugs can still transform a space from confused to curated. While they don't have quite the anchoring effect of an area rug, they can still breathe life into the spaces that need it most (see: entryways, hallways, all-white kitchens in need of resuscitation). Beyond creating impact in your entryway or hallway, runners serve an entirely practical purpose: catching and/or disguising debris in your high-traffic areas.

Not every home is willing to play a supporting role. Jess Cooney's has always demanded top billing. "It's been a main character in my life-we've had a beautiful journey," says the AD PRO Directory member of her 6,000-square-foot house in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. "And it also drives me insane." More than two decades ago, Cooney returned home from Colorado to the Berkshires with her husband, Joe, and a new daughter in tow.

After years of modern, ultra-polished aesthetics dominating the design industry, people are yearning for character. Young renters and homebuyers are indicating that new-builds and gut-renovated spaces, despite clean lines and amenities, simply pale in comparison to the aesthetic charm of an older home. And designers agree: There's something undeniably more interesting about a touch of patina or an imperfect silhouette. The romantic, old-world sensibility of vintage design is hard to beat.

Lighting is one of the most essential aspects of a home; it's also one of the most overlooked. The right illumination can create ambience, soften harsh edges, and imbue a sense of warmth. However, not all light sources are of the same quality. A custom chandelier, for instance, will always stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. These meticulously made creations can range from minimalist to monumental, bringing scale, ambition, and elegance into the room.