Official Launch Of 'The Soft Minimalist Home'
On Wednesday 9th October we held the official book launch for Abi Dare's debut book 'The Soft Minimalist Home'. The event was held in our flagship showroom, located in the heart of Bath.
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The launch took place in a relaxed setting on the second floor of our showroom, allowing Abi to engage in more of a casual conversation with attendees rather than a formal talk. We wanted to create a relaxed evening which celebrated the book, minimalist design and products featured in these amazing homes.The conversation style was perfect for Abi to go into much more detail about the book and the reasonings for writing it. It allowed the people attending the event to get a real insight into what soft minimalist really is and how this can be different for everyone. Abi explained how this style isn't defined by one particular thing, which is evident from the range of home featured in the book.
The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including interior designers, bloggers, and Abi's friends and family, fostering engaging and dynamic conversations throughout the evening.
No event is complete without some drinks and nibbles, we were honoured to partner with Nauhaus Chocolates who provides a range of beautifully hand crafted chocolates which accompanied a glass of fizz rather well.
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In Conversation With
There were a number of questions asked by fellow interior design blogger Kate Baxter (@fabricofmylife) which worked much more as a relaxed conversation fitting with the space and also the ethos behind the book. Abi started off by explain what soft minimalism meant to her and discussing how this style sometimes can come across as cold or unloved. The book and all the homes featured in it really show this isn't true, they are full of warmth, texture, colour and so much love, these are real homes which are used everyday by real people.Abi went on to explain how she selected the homes featured in her book, noting that she already had a clear idea of which ones she wanted to include. With her strong presence on Instagram, Abi discovered many of the people and homes through the platform.
Abi's own home features in the book, explaining that due to a heath condition she needs her home to be very natural in order for her to relax and her brain to really switch off. She points out that not all homes featured use natural colours and tones; some use minimalist décor but add a touch of colourful whether that be a coloured wall or through artwork. What makes the book so fantastic is that it doesn't follow a single rigid rule. Instead, it allows for individual interpretations, showing how soft minimalism can work differently for each person.
Our Products Within The Book
Abi highlights several of our products featured in various homes throughout the book. Three standout pieces include the Multi-Lite Portable by Gubi, the Little Petra by &Tradition, and the CH24 Wishbone Chair by Carl Hansen & Son. Talking about how one home with a very rustic interior used the Gubi Muilti-lite portable lamp in chrome to create a striking contrast and focal point within the space. And how that juxtaposition gives interest and depth to what otherwise is a calm and natural interior. Abi also explains this can be done though a range of decorative pieces such as artwork.
Following on from this Abi then speaks about how important lighting can be within a space, saying often new modern homes only have one pendant lamp and then spotlights creating a very harsh same level lighting which doesn't help create a calm, soft, minimalist home. Some advice Abi gives is using layered height through floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights all dotted at different heights creating more of a cosy atmosphere of small pockets which draw your attention to these different areas.
Abi is then asked about some pieces on her wish list, to which she responds with the Little Petra Lounge Chair which Kate is sitting on. They talk about it comfort about about choosing items that are timeless and don't date, saying that selecting a product which balances function and aesthetic is key for choosing products to add to her home.
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We would like to thank Abi and the publishers Ryland Peters and Small for choosing our Bath Showroom to host this incredible event.
Abi's book is available on our website to purchase, here >
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