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Interview: Winner of The Great Interior Design Challenge

Some of you will have dropped in today to read an interview with Daniela Tasca York, the winner of BBC 2's The Great Interior Design Challenge. Some of you will have no idea who she is, won't have seen the programme and won't really care less. Which is why you should know that this isn't
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Norr 11 Danish Furniture Launch

Well it wouldn't be the Mad House if we didn't find some fabulous Scandi furniture to show you and this is Norr11 which has just launched in the UK. The company takes its inspiration from cultures around the world and then reimagines pieces influenced by Danish Modern design to create timeless furniture. Before we go
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Metal Magazine Rack

Now I don't know if my magazine habit is a particularly bad one. I may, in fact, be no better or worse than you. I mean I have a large coffee table, which, although it is mainly used as a repository for coffee table books (part of the job description) and glasses of wine (an
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Cuckoo Clock

I do like a new take on an old theme and you don't get much more old school than the cuckoo clock. This gorgeous grey number is from Cox and Cox and it has just arrived in stock. It's a Taiwanese design and, in addition to the traditional cuckoo, there is another bird that comes with
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Objects of Design #123: Alessi Fat Tray

Fine Dining? Or Posh Picnicking? The word "fat" has become rather demonised in our society and for that reason alone, I love this tray. For it is, basically, exactly what it says. Load up the bamboo box with the cutlery, glasses, plates and what have you and put the drinks and/or food on the top
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Objects Of Design #120: Moose On The Loose

Moving on from the ubiquitous stag's head, this moose is not just decorative but practical too as it's actually a coat rack. But as it stands out from the wall a little you can also slot an umbrella along the back too. Made from birch, he'll raise a smile as visitors come and go. www.twentytwentyone.com
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Objects Of Design#115: Hoxton Shelving Unit

These shelves just have a little more pzazz (as my son would say) that your average straight up and down bookshelves. Use them as a room divider between the front and back halves of you knock-through sitting room or just slot them in an alcove and fill them with books or objects of a combination
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Mad About . . . Lampshades

Someone once said that pendant lighting is like earrings for the home. When everything is painted and dressed with your furniture and possessions, it's time for the finishing touches. With that in mind, Mad About The House brings you lampshades. Not just for ceilings but for tables and tasklights too.   RACHEL POWELL VENEER SHADES
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Objects Of Design #104: Leonhard Pfeifer Farringdon Desk

It's true that for many of us a desk, rather than a corner of the kitchen table, is a luxury. But, if you have managed to squeeze a little study space out of a corner of your abode, this desk is the one to put in it. It's sleek, clean lines mean that it will
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Johnny Egg: The Furniture Designer Launches Our New Competition

Johnny Egg has never had a day's training in his life. Yet his furniture is stocked in the prestigious London store, Heals, and has featured in numerous glossy magazines. He has never advertised his wares, but works constantly as new clients approach him, rather than him having to seek them out. As he puts it, he
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Objects Of Design #91: Ammonite Water Feature

A well chosen water feature will add interest Many water features look a little cliched but this is modern and unusual and will add a sculptural feel to your garden or patio. Comes in two sizes and, unless you are putting it in a pond, you will need to buy the reservoir to go with
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Objects Of Design #74: Gat Garden Chair

If I had one of these in my garden I think I would eat outside from breakfast till dinner. Perfect for those long lazy lunches when everyone sits around all afternoon having "just one more" drink until lunch has turned into dinner and you couldn't stand up if you wanted to. Admittedly, sitting by the
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Objects Of Design #70: Maternity Planter

  I love this planter. I really do. I love the terracotta and the shape and the fact that it has a baby. The second pot is actually there for practical reasons so you can grow cuttings from the first. I also know that it's a fantastically expensive item (it is frost resistant does that
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Objects Of Design #65: Zinc Planters

  These really are beautiful, although I appreciate that at this price, you won't be grouping them on the deck anytime soon. However, a single one with a large camelia or magnolia in, or perhaps a wisteria by the front door, will look stunning and have the added advantage of being to heavy for anyone
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Objects Of Design #62: Moon Chair

Another month, another series of Objects of Design. In May we'll be looking at gorgeous things for the garden. Or roof terrace. Or balcony. However big or small your little outside patch there will be something to fit in it. From pots for the window sill to sofas for the verandah. It's all here and
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All The Shops And Sites You Need To Know

zoffany persian tulip wallpaper via madaboutthehouse.com
As a frequent contributor to The Independent's regular 50 Best features, I have been researching and discovering new places to shop for over ten years now. This directory aims to provide you with details of the ones that I think are the best. It will start off alphabetically because that is the easiest way to compile
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