The Coal Office; a holistic experience
Against an industrial backdrop, Tom’s Dixons new HQ, The Coal Office, leads the way as a multi-disciplinary space for innovation in design.
A fresh London home for Tom Dixon’s latest experiments, innovations and collaborations.
The Coal office is designed to push the boundaries of contemporary retail as we know it.
Later this month, the internationally renowned brand Tom Dixon opens it's doors to the design brands most ambitious development yet. Located in the heart of London’s Kings Cross, the new hub contributes to an ever-expanding network of creative businesses within the area. We were lucky enough to be invited to a private press-preview this week, for a first look at how the space has been transformed...
“For us it was imperative not just to find a new office or shop. It was vital to find a new home. London isn’t just another city. It is where it all started. We will use these 17,500 square feet in this incredible location as a platform to broadcast our latest ideas in interior design, product innovation and experiments in food, functionality and future living.”
Against an industrial backdrop the Coal Office is set to lead the way as a multi-disciplinary platform for innovation in design. The space will function as a live studio combined with a gift-shop, workshop and office all under one roof, with the culinary delights of a brand-new restaurant and roof terrace - to be launched later in the year, towards the end of June.
The Coal Office will serve as the ultimate centre for interiors, a journey through outstanding details from beginning to end. The lower ground store and showroom is a sensory journey, something which the iconic buildings architecture naturally lends itself to. A series of large archways split the space, allowing each sensory element to shine individually whilst harmoniously flowing into one another through the continued details of exposed brickwork and large-scale hardwood floors.
Each individual archway and the sensory visions of light, colour, tactility and scent within it, are all carefully considered in the new premises which notably isn't named after the Tom Dixon brand itself; a conscious decision to allow each element to breathe with room for creative collaborations from younger craft studios and complementary businesses; hand-selected for cohabitation by Tom Dixon personally.
In celebration of the unique history of the building, which dates back to 1851, edible installations celebrating the power of coal by food concept studio Arabeschi di Latte were served on the day, along with new product presentations and a tour by the designer himself. To preview the emotionally considered space before it opens to the general public at the end of this month, head over to our Instagram account here.
Opening Dates and Times
Shop Opening Date: Friday 20 April, Monday - Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Restaurant: Opening late June 2018.
Address: Tom Dixon, The Coal Office, 1 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4PQ
Successful scents; why you should trust your feelings, not obey the rules
We often underestimate the unique abilities of scent, overlooking their undeniable link to our emotions, feelings and memories. We explore the importance of trusting your feelings, rather than obeying the rules around aromas.
Scents natural ability in creating ambiance and mood is often underestimated.
The way in which we process aromas biologically however, offers some explanation as to why it’s an emotional reaction we simply can’t ignore...
We’ve all been there. That moment when without warning, a scent hits your nose and you’re transported back to another time and place. A sudden change of feelings ensues, not dissimilar to deja vu, that sudden feeling of having been somewhere before. Our memories transport us back before we consciously understand why, it’s intuitive and can be comforting or destabilising for our emotional wellbeing.
Scents are processed in the olfactory cortex of the limbic system, which is an area of the brain closely located to where our emotions and memories are stored. Individual aromas are made-up of molecules which the nose senses through vibrations, sending a signal to the most emotional aspect of our brains. This biological process subsequently affects our experiences, whether that be at home or in the outside world. Once we understand this natural human behaviour it makes obvious sense why we feel the way we do when we encounter aromas; it’s not something we can avoid, it’s built into our individual foundations.
Creating ambience and mood with scents
Whilst scent is one of our most influential emotions is also the easiest to harness, how we encounter a space and our emotional connection to it can be consciously manufactured to improve our well being. By using a strategic approach to incorporating scents within a space we have the power to determine the ambience or mood - whether that be to stimulate, comfort or calm, with the added advantage of not needing to invest heavily.
A practice you have most likely already heard of, aromatherapy, is known for its holistic approach and utilises scent to improve both psychological and physical health. Listed below are scents commonly used within the practice, all of which can be harnessed for the needs of an individual space.
Cinnamon is an emotional stimulant, known to reduce stress and encourage a focused mind.
Eucalyptus eliminates negativity, purifying spaces to create a fresh atmosphere.
Cedarwood balances our psychological emotions but is considered an equally powerful physical health stimulant.
Sandalwood creates a calm and inspiring atmosphere and so is a powerful antidepressant.
Patchouli can often be found in its purest natural form, producing an uplifting, regenerative feeling.
Rose is a powerful scent, creating balance for a stress free environment.
Lavender creates a serene atmosphere which calms and relaxes.
Scented candles are an ideal way to add natural serenity to a space, with aromas that gradually build. Using candle light in the evening when winding down is also another natural way to control our mood, a way of avoiding bright LED lights which confuse our body clocks and keep us alert.
The intensity of a fragrance also determines how quickly we notice or recall memories from it and so it’s important to also consider the level of scent we apply within a space.
Balancing indoor air
Burning candles within modern air-tight spaces does incur unfortunate side-effects on the quality of air we’re breathing in. You may be surprised to learn that candles, air fresheners, plug-ins and scented bleach wipes all emit the chemicals used to create their fragrance, which when released into the air lower the quality of air we’re breathing in.
Introducing humble house-plants is in instant remedy to this, just like nature outdoors, indoor botanicals have the power to clean the air around us; removing any chemicals released.
Scent is fundamental to the success of an interior design scheme.
Trusting and acknowledging your feelings is the only way to successfully create atmosphere within your space. Although intangible, scent is a powerful tool which creates atmosphere, truly individual to you and your space.
A personalised environment is at the core of what we aim to achieve here at Rachel Usher Interior Design which is why we spend time getting to know your true individual needs for a space. We don’t follow or obey the rules, we create new ones with you; relecting your past present and future...
