Its been a really busy week for me, hence the lack of posting. Saturday I got a call asking if I could assist on a shoot for the magazine Homes and Gardens with none other than Katrin Cargill, one of the very best Interior stylist's on the English Interiors publishing circuit and a star amongst stylists. Of course, I jiggled my work load and said yes I would absolutely LOVE to help. What an opportunity.
The shoot was taking place at a location house near Waterloo over 3 days and the theme was Stripes. Katrin had come up with 3 very different room sets, all of which would have 3 shots - an opener, a double page spread and a detail shot. I can't give too much away, as the photos are under wraps until October's Issue comes out, but the mix of wall coverings, fabrics, and furnishings was fabulous.
On the ground floor we set up quite a smart casual dining room scene, with plush haberdashery used in novel ways to create stripes on a fairly neutral backdrop; the sitting room was elegantly styled in subtle stripes and soft tranquil shades and felt really light and airy; and the bedroom was bold in contrast and stripe-tacular. The theme was carried through to the max, and the shot felt young, modern and playful.
I really enjoyed the shoot. They are always hard work - running up and down stairs, fetching, carrying, unpacking, ironing, repacking, bubble wrapping, labelling - and require amazing feats of organisation to get everything ready to shoot. Although they can be stressful at times, there is a great sense of camaraderie as everyone is working together to get the job done.
One of the things I enjoy most is unwrapping all the packages. Its so exciting seeing what goodies the Stylist has called in for the shoot, sometimes it feels like Christmas! Its great learning about new designers and artists too and seeing how the pieces all fit together. You can really learn a lot from working with someone like Katrin Cargill who has years of experience of Interior Design, putting together and styling room sets for editorial and advertising shoots and has written tons of books on soft furnishings.
At the end of the shoot, I am shattered but looking forward to seeing the photos in print and looking forward to the next one.
The floors and walls can be a bit wonky in some of these old location houses but I think it was I who was a tad skewiff in this one! Lovely lamps though.
Pretty little dressing tables. I L.O.V.E the platinum crushed velvet stool, after all velvet is the touchy feely fabric de jour don't you know?! There is something so pretty about these soft greys, silvers and winter whites, they gave the finished shot the feel of a crisp winters morning. 
A luscious Christmassy cushiony bundle and below, serious bag envy! I want that satchel.
Deliberating over how best to shoot the study desk and chair combo. You would not believe the infinite number of variations we tried for this shot, but we got there in the end! 
Many of The Dormy House products are available in different colours and paint finishes. I'm loving the new French Grey and Katie's printed luggage tags.
Katie admitted to having a bit of a thing for birds, and claimed to have them all over her home in different forms. I fell for this sweet bird print by Karin Akesson available from www.alittlebitofart.co.uk
The final shots on the last day, and photographer Darren Chung moves lighting into place, while Katie makes the final tweaks to the Dining table.
All packed up and ready to go. Thanks Katie and The Dormy House peeps for a great few days.
Jude, our handyman/set builder for the day gets cracking on the walls creating a slightly aged effect on a fine red border to be used for one room set. Its a simple and effective idea that you could try at home with the help of a spirit level and a bit of dry brush work. I couldn't resist sneaking a picture of Jude's lovely paint splattered brushes.
Once the paint was dry and goodies unwrapped we were ready to set up the first shots and get furniture and props in place. These are just a few piccies of some of the beautiful items sourced by Charis, who always manages to combine new and old, high end and high street. She can be relied upon to come up with interesting pieces and novel little finishing touches like the gingham and mini baskets, which were to be used for a table dressing idea. 
