The Interior Design Masters series 7 winner, Lia Gold, has unveiled her highly anticipated homeware collection with Next. This collection, a testament to her unique style and Italian heritage, offers a delightful surprise to those who expected a floral-filled range. Instead, Lia has crafted a 26-piece collection that celebrates her love of food and family, with a Mediterranean color palette and a focus on tableware and decor. This article explores the collection's key features, Lia's design philosophy, and her top picks, offering a comprehensive look at this exciting collaboration.
A Shift in Focus
Lia's journey on Interior Design Masters showcased her passion for biophilic design and florals, but her new collection takes a different approach. By embracing her Italian roots, Lia has created a range that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a strong emphasis on tableware and spaces for gathering. This shift in focus is a refreshing change from the expected, and it showcases Lia's ability to adapt and innovate.
A Mediterranean Influence
The collection's color palette, featuring red, blue, green, and white, is a nod to the Mediterranean, a region deeply rooted in Lia's cultural background. This palette is further enhanced by the inclusion of larger, thicker stripes and gingham and olive leaf motifs, adding a sense of texture and depth to the designs. The use of these patterns and colors is a clever way to pay homage to her heritage while creating a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
Tableware and Tablescaping
Lia's collection is a celebration of the joy of hosting and gathering. Her love for food and family is evident in the tableware, which includes plates with pasta shapes and slogans in Italian. This attention to detail adds a personal touch and a sense of warmth to the collection. The inclusion of tableware and decor that can be used for tablescaping is a testament to Lia's understanding of the importance of creating spaces where people want to gather and share meals.
Top Picks
- Tomato Vase: This fun and joyful vase is a standout piece, with its beautiful craftsmanship and ability to stand out on its own. It's a hero piece that doesn't need styling, and it's a great example of Lia's attention to detail.
- Gingham Rug: The gingham rug is a bright and fun addition to any space, especially for renters who may not be able to add color to walls. Its high-quality wool tuft and vibrant palette make it a transformative piece.
- Side Plates, Set of 4: These plates are a mix-and-match set, with one featuring ravioli and the other saying 'Pancia Felice' in Italian. This set is a fun and easy way to create an interesting table, and it adds a personal touch to any dining experience.
- Striped Shade: The striped shade is a larger-than-standard lighting fixture, lined on the inside, which adds a sense of depth and detail to any room. It's a bold choice that showcases Lia's willingness to experiment and think outside the box.
- Blue Stripe Ciao Cushion: This cushion features a striped pattern, a soft blue and red color combo, and the cute 'Ciao!' embroidery. It's a stylish and on-trend piece that adds a touch of personality to any space.
- Striped Throw: The striped throw is a bargain at £45, with a soft rick rack line around the edges taken from a pasta shape called mafalda. It's a versatile piece that can be used as a throw or a decorative accent.
A Future in Design
Lia's interior design studio and supper club are set to launch soon, and she has her eyes on a new project: a collection of cookware. Her desire to experiment with the shapes of pots and pans showcases her innovative spirit and her willingness to explore new avenues in design. With her talent and passion, Lia is poised to make a significant impact in the world of homeware and design.
In conclusion, Lia Gold's collection with Next is a delightful surprise, offering a unique blend of Italian heritage, Mediterranean aesthetics, and a focus on tableware and gathering spaces. Her ability to adapt and innovate, while staying true to her personal style, makes this collection a must-see for design enthusiasts and a testament to her talent as an interior designer.