ISSUE NO. 31

A March Issue

When I was younger, I felt like I had all the time in the world. Days would stretch and I’d count down to my 16th birthday—eager for the excitement it would bring. But as I’ve gotten older, time moves differently now. It feels like I’m just arriving at moments instead of moving toward them. The years don’t build up the way they used to—instead, they rush by, leaving me wondering where the time has gone.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

A 1960s Time Capsule

There's something special about old homes—like the details in their woodwork or patterns in their floorboards. This 1960s Hampstead townhouse had years of well-meaning DIY updates but had it feeling lost and mismatched.

Soul Survivor

In a neighborhood where tear-downs and white-box luxury flips dominate—this renovation feels like a quiet act of rebellion. It preserved the soul of its midcentury design—like the restored wood ceilings and stunning storage solutions. Quiet upgrades—discreet solar panels, hidden insulation, and optimized layouts—speak volumes.

Finding Its Groove

It wasn't about forcing an ultra-minimalist makeover or creating a fake retro aesthetic. Instead, the approach was conversational. It leaned into the home’s original character while adding functional updates—proving that the greenest building is often the one already standing. All it takes is vision to work with what exists, not against it.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Huizhou: Modern Alchemy

Located on Huizhou Cuizhu Fourth Road, is a design showroom—The Shan Liao Exhibition Hall—where ancient philosophy meets contemporary design. Unlike conventional Western design, Shan Liao follows the Eastern concept of creation (造物, zào wù)—an approach that respects the natural essence of materials and forms.

Cultural Anchor

Inspired by Daoist principles, the space avoids rigid structures in favor of organic movement. It uses elements like red cave stone, circular windows, and deconstructed lanterns to evoke tradition while remaining modern. This philosophy ensures that every detail—whether a wooden grille or a hidden light fixture—carries both functional and cultural meaning.

Spatial Storytelling

Walking through the exhibition hall feels like exploring a classical Chinese garden—each turn reveals new perspectives. Movable paper screens control light and space, stone columns echo traditional architecture, and platforms display ever-changing arrangements of art and furniture. The space invites visitors to feel the depth of 5,000 years of wisdom.

VISUAL COMFORT

Ceramic Chemistry

The boundaries between architecture, interior design, and product design have blurred—with everyday objects being reimagined to serve multiple purposes. Ceramic tiles—traditionally used more as passive surface coverings—are now being repurposed into dynamic and functional elements.

human + hue

Using a modular system that merges industrial utility with an artistic vibe—UU Tiles—are turning walls into interactive spaces. The collection includes 3 designs: a standard flat tile, a lamp tile (with integrated lighting), and a hanger tile (for storage). Each tile is crafted in Normandy and glazed in rich hues like fiery red, deep blue, and pale mint.

From Suitcases to Surfaces

The studio is the same folks who redesigned luggage for Rimowa—introducing their modular, precision-fit storage systems. Applying their signature approach to ceramic tiles, they’ve once again reinvented conventional materials through a human-centered design philosophy.

DESIGNER PICK

What I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Reviving Egyptian Alabaster

Working with raw Egyptian alabaster, Omar Chakil bridges historical motifs with clean modern lines. Carving fluid silhouettes like the Sobek Bench—its surface is interrupted by a dramatic quartz vein. Juxtaposing milky alabaster against crisp marble—he creates striking contrasts of texture and light.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in March

It’s the moments with my 7-year-old niece that remind me time is our quiet teacher. We don’t always appreciate it in the moment, but looking back, we see it as a gift.

If you haven’t already, this is the last week to listen to March’s playlist. I’ll see you next week, my friend.

Warmly,
/shane