For most of us it has now been nearly a year since we even contemplated checking into a luxury hotel and, frankly, we miss it. The warm greeting from a doorman, the crisp cotton sheets, the lavish room service and, to be quite honest, the time spent somewhere other than our own homes.

So if the wanderlust has finally become too much and youve started researching your much-anticipated post-lockdown holiday, we cant blame you. But where to stay, given all that pent-up expectation? Ever the optimists, the worlds finest hotel brands have pressed on with their new 2021 openings, spoiling us for choice when it comes to booking the dream back-to-normality holiday. Here are the best new luxury hotels opening in 2021

Okay, so this isnt technically a new hotel the Mandarin Oriental Ritz has been a fixture of the Madrid hospitality scene for over 110 years but having been closed for a major refurbishment since 2017, its definitely one to add to the 2021 bucket list. Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and French design duo Gilles & Boissier have helmed the refurbishment, which the hotel promises will offer state-of-the-art new facilities while retaining the Belle poque character created by hotel founder Cesar Ritz. Key upgrades include all-new spa and wellness options, as well as the return of the historic Palm Court after 80 years, which will house one of the hotels five new restaurants and bars featuring menus by celebrated Spanish chef Quique Dacosta.

Opening: April 2021Prices: From 650/night

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All-inclusive resorts can get a bad rap but, done right, the concept can save a nasty bill at the end of your luxury holiday. This is exactly what high-end Greek hotel chain Ikos has been proving and, so popular has its formula become, that 2021 will see its first Spanish property open in Andalusia. Located 20 minutes from Marbella, guests at the 411-key resort can expect a la carte menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, 24-hour room service and a 300-label wine cellar to choose from. Ikos has also created relationships with surrounding restaurants to allow guests to try the best local cuisine. Room fees also include use of the hotels Mini car, golf passes and complimentary museum tickets to some of Mlaga's most prestigious institutions.

Opening: April 2021Prices: From 392/night

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The brainchild by Patricia Urquiola and housed in a 13th Century building that formerly hosted pilgrims and crusaders, the latest addition to Venices crowded hospitality scene is certainly worth making a beeline for. Occupying a privileged position on the Riva Cadi Dio in the artistic Arsenale district, just minutes from Piazza San Marco, the hotel will offer just 66 elegant suites and rooms and can be accessed directly by water taxi from the canal. Two pretty internal courtyards will offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and play host to the Alchemia Bar and Essentia restaurant, where traditional Venetian dishes will be created using the hotels own vegetable garden, while a roof terrace, spa and reading room ensure plenty of options to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Opening: Spring 2021Prices: From 460/night

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One of Londons most highly-anticipated new hotel openings, the first outpost of American luxury hotel brand NoMad, draws inspiration from its home in the Grade II-listed former Bow Street Magistrates Court. Centrally located in Covent Garden, opposite the Royal Opera House, the 91-room hotel provides the perfect base from which to explore the capital, with its light-filled central atrium restaurant promising to become a favourite of both guests and locals. Side Hustle, the hotels take on the classic British pub, will also serve Mexican-inspired small plates and one of the most extensive bar menus in the capital.

Opening: Spring 2021Prices: From 455/night

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Located on the banks of Lake Geneva and overlooking Mont Blanc, this new suite-only hotel from Oetker Collection was originally built in 1901 by Franois Durel and is undergoing a complete transformation by renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. Beyond its historic faade, The Woodward will offer sophisticated, contemporary interiors across its 26 suites, bars, spa, tea room and cigar lounge (housed in a former vault from the buildings time as a bank). Dining will come in the form of Le Jardinier, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Olivier Jean, and LAtelierde Jol Robuchon, a 36-cover open kitchen concept created by the legendary French chef.

Opening: Spring 2021Prices: From 1,200/night

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Offering all of the glamour and luxury of St Tropez and Positano but with far fewer crowds, the coastal towns of Montenegro are fast becoming a favoured playground for the Mediterranean's rich and famous. Accordingly, luxury hotels are starting to pop up in the country's top locations, and, in 2021, One&Only will be joining them with its new hotel in Portonovi. As well as offering guests the usual state-of-the-art wellness, sport and fine-dining facilities, One&Only is also putting an emphasis on helping travellers explore Montenegro, with exclusive experiences including visiting the 18th century palace of a local aristocratic family, submarine diving through the caves of old Yugoslavia and scaling the Adriatic's highest mountain, Mount Orjen, with ultra-trail athlete Saa Kulinovi.

Opening: May 2021Prices: From 495/night

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Brand new luxury hotel chain OKU will launch its collection of high-end European retreats with OKU Ibiza in May 2021. Focused on barefoot living and a slower pace of life, the hotel has been designed around the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi which champions the use of natural materials as a way of connecting with the earth. Wood, wicker, rattan and stone abound throughout this minimalist hotel, which is home to 184 rooms and suites, two restaurants with menus created by Sushisambas Mark Vaessen, a spa, yoga studio, gym and the islands largest swimming pool (not pictured).

Opening: May 2021Prices: From 316/night

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Originally opened in 1986, the beautiful Le Guanahani hotel on the Caribbean island of St. Barths will reopen under the Rosewood banner after an extensive three-year refurbishment this year. Spread over 18 lush acres of peninsula, with access to two sandy beaches, the resorts 66 rooms, suites and villas have been overhauled by interior designer Luis Pons Design Lab and many have been upgraded with new private pools. Elsewhere, the hotels status as the islands only full-service resort is cemented with updated amenities, including tennis courts, a childrens club, gym, Sense spa and new swimming pool.

Opening: Spring 2021Prices: TBA

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Looking to really get away from it all post-lockdown? The first resort in the Americas from uber-luxury hotel chain Six Senses couldnt be more perfect. Nestled in the breathtaking forests around the Mantiqueira Mountains in Brazil, this remote eco-friendly retreat currently offers just 18 suites and villas (a further 16 are planned) and everything from the food to the spa treatments and the architecture are inspired by the hotels surroundings. Seasonal Brazilian dishes at the Mina restaurant, for example, are created using herbs, fruit and vegetables grown on-site, while drinks at the Fire Side bar are mixed using homemade probiotics and tonics. To help guests really connect with this unique location, the hotel also offers a programme of cultural activities, including capoeira and Afro-Brazilian martial arts classes and hiking and horse-back trekking through the surrounding forest.

Opening: January 2021Prices: From 306/night

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Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the heart of Bangkoks creative district, the Four Seasons' newest Thai hotel is a serene Jean-Michel Gathy-designed sanctuary. Spread across a series of tiered buildings to maximise on outdoor space and natural light, guests at each of the hotels 299 rooms will have access to six restaurants and bars, with cuisines spanning traditional Cantonese to Italian and French, as well as a 26,900 sq ft Urban Wellness Centre complete with extensive spa, nail bar, barber, hair salon and lap pool. If you find yourself never wanting to leave, The Four Season Bangkok will also be home to 366 private residences with access to all of the hotels amenities.

Opening: January 2021Prices: From 240/night

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The first step in Legian Hotel Managements Asian expansion plans, the boutique Legian Sire in Lombok, Indonesia, takes relaxed island life to the next level. Each of its 60 spacious villas and suites boasts gorgeous views across the forested mountains, paddy fields and calm seas of Lombok, while the hotels complimentary boat service allows guests to take advantage of the world-class diving and snorkelling at the neighbouring Gili Islands. The Legian Sire also puts a strong focus on wellness, with treatments at its in-house spa using Lombok volcanic clay. Elsewhere, its wellness garden grows all the ingredients used at the adjacent vegetarian restaurant a first for the island.

Opening: July 2021Price: From $347/night

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Read more: London's best five-star hotels

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The best luxury hotels opening in 2021 | International | Travel - Luxury London

COVID-19 has left us with many questions that need to be answered in case of another such pandemic strikes again. Even though the vaccine for the yearlong disease thats jolted the world brings a refreshing change in how we perceive the current future, the threat is still not all gone. There are hotspots around the world that need to be scanned for the virus, and a handy antibody test kit is more than the need of the hour. Yue Zhao, a medical design student at Muthesius Kunsthochschule University, has come up with the Testen?Testen! (name so nice, you gotta say it twice. But this is the name bestowed by the designer) home antibody testing kit that simplifies the process of mass screening in any community.

Compared to the currently available test kits, this design is painless, uses a lot less blood, and safer to use as the blood goes directly inside the tester. According to Yue, she has created theband-aid-like test kitin such a way that it brings a safe and hassle-free means of testing at home for antibody development. According to her, finger prick testing can be painful and difficult for some individuals when performed at home. Thats why this test sticks to the forearm and using high-velocity microneedles and vacuum pressure, only the required amount of blood drop is collected. This ease of makes it possible for one-handed use of the test kit, even for alone individuals.

The operation is simple, just stick it to your forearm, wait for one minute until the blood cells turn red, and then press the sample diluent button. This will trigger the blood and diluent to mix and flow to the absorbent pad. The resulting area will then show the result of the test. Yues design is promising, to say the least, as more and more people are venturing out of their homes to make sure they are not infected and have a good immune response, this test kit is the viable solution.

Designer: Yue Zhao

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This Band-Aid inspired antibody home test kit design is the simple and safe home testing solution we need! - Yanko Design

Norman Foster's lofty dining room and the tactile living space of Faye Toogood are among the home interiors revealed in author Sam Lubell's new book, Life Meets Art.

Life Meets Artwas curated by Lubell to "reveal a new side" to over 200 of the world's best-loved creatives by offering a glimpse inside their private spaces.

The homes of both notable and lesser-known architects, designers, musicians, poets and artists from across six different centuries and more than thirty countries are also shown many for the first time.

"It started with the people, the world's most talented, interesting, original, and in some cases strange artists, architects, writers, musicians, and more," Lubell told Dezeen.

"We knew we wanted to reveal a new side to these creatives, but we also wanted a lot of surprises, people and places that people might not have heard of."

"All the spaces are reflections of their owners"

According to Lubell, one of the most significant discoveries in the book is how "all the spaces are reflections of their owners".

"There's this phenomenal feedback loop between a creative person and their living space," he explained.

"Their experience inspires their art, which inspires their home, which inspires their art, which inspires their experience, and so on," he continued.

"Every square inch is fueled with a creative vision that manifests in entirely different ways. We learn how they've shaped their homes, and how their homes have shaped them. It's almost like peeking inside someone's body."

"The homes of designers have most influence on residential design trends"

Lubell believes Life Meets Art also encapsulates the extent of the influence that architects and designers have had on residential interiors.

According to Lubell, this "trend rolls through history", and is evident in homes ranging all the way from Charles Moore postmodernist dwelling in Texas to the minimalist London residence of John Pawson.

"I think the homes of architects and designers had the most influence on residential design trends," Lubell explained.

"This makes sense because that's their speciality, and in many cases, their homes were opportunities to experiment with and advocate for entirely new design philosophies."

Read on for Dezeen's pick of 10 designer homes in the book:

La Voile, France

One of the most notable contemporary architects to feature in the book is Pritzker Prize-winning architect Foster, with his La Voile residence that he created within a 1950s tower on the French Riviera.

The building was carved out to create an open, futuristic interior, with a series of balconies overlooking a white-walled dining room and a living room at its heart.

Toogood/Gibberd Residence, UK

Toogood's minimalist home, which she shares with Modern House co-founder Matt Gibberd, is located in a 1960s house in London by Swiss architect Walter Segal.

In her living room, pale bricks are used as a tactile backdrop to a number of pared-back furnishings that range from her own pill-shaped coffee table to playful geometric tapestries.

Cabin at Longbranch, USA

American architect Jim Olsen created this stilted woodland house for himself at the age of 18 and remodelled it several times since.

The dwelling is characterised by its exposed-wood framework and large windows, captured here in this seating area, which is designed to retain focus on the home's natural surroundings.

Rainbow Penthouse, UK

The vibrant and colourful home of Zandra Rhodes, aptly named Rainbow Penthouse, is an embodiment of the fashion designer's trademark style.

Located on top of London's Fashion and Textile Museum, which she also owns, the penthouse apartment is filled with colour-blocked surfaces and adorned with her personal art collection.

Finn Juhls Hus, Denmark

Modernist furniture and artwork fill every space of Finn Juhl's former home in Ordrup. This includes the living room, photographed above, within which his Chieftan lounge chair takes centre stage.

In the book, Lubell describes the dwelling as a "perfect example of how Juhl weighed interior design and architecture equally".

Moore/Andersson Compound, USA

The final home of late Charles Moore, which he created for himself was in Texas, perfectly captures the bold postmodernist style for which he is best known.

Life Meets Art spotlights the dwelling's main living area, which is crammed full with decorative pilasters, a collection of toys, colourful ceramics and statues of kachina dolls.

Villa E-1027, France

Furniture is the focus throughout Villa E-1027, the former clifftop home of modernist designer Eileen Gray that is now open to the public in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Life Meets Art homes in on its main living room, which features her the iconic Bibendium chair and the glass and steel E-1027 side table.

Rashid Residence, USA

This gallery-like kitchen and dining room forms part of industrial designer Karim Rashid's four-bedroom townhouse in Manhattan.

White walls and floors form a backdrop to bright finishes that range from a luminous lime-hued backsplash to a multi-coloured carpet that echoes Rashid's joyful approach to design.

Juan O'Gorman House-Studio, Mexico

Located just outside Mexico City is the home of the late architect, painter and muralist Juan O'Gorman, which he built for himself in 1933. It is positioned close to La Casa Azul, the dwelling he created for Diego Riviera and Frida Kahlo.

Today it is owned by artist Paulina Parlange, who has teamed its bright, light-filled finishes with an eclectic mix of furnishings, murals and patterned textiles.

Neutra VDFL Research House, USA

Large glazed walls that frame views of a neighbouring reservoir line the Neutra VDFL Research House the former home of modernist architect Richard Neutra.

Lubell selected the dwelling for the book in recognition of its innovative, mid-century design, which he describes as "strikingly ahead of its time".

Photography is courtesy of Phaidon.

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Life Meets Art book offers glimpse inside homes of leading creatives - Dezeen

After an anxiety-filled 2020 and during the continuing pandemic, many of us are looking to our homes for nearly everything: a place to work, study, sleep, eat, exercise. And dont forget unwind. Homes these days can offer calm and relaxation, designers say. Whether that means a decor refresh or a few small additions, they suggest some easy ways to create a more restful home space in 2021.

Think both big and small as you assess your rooms, says John Eason, an interior designer in New York.

The feeling of a soothing room comes not only from the overall effect and aesthetic, but from key details, he says.

THE NEW COZYDont be limited by conventional ideas of what makes a space cozy, Eason says: Metal and stone are as comforting for their sturdy dependability as wood is for its flex and give. Deep, rich colors can be as relaxing as cheerful, bright ones.

Sustainably produced textiles and environmentally friendly paints with velvety finishes can lend a healthy and comfortable vibe.

Find apps that play calming music and relaxing stories, or YouTube videos of crackling fireplaces or lapping waters.

Aromatherapy candles and diffusers wafting scents of nature, or baked goodies, are easy additions, as are soft toss pillows where youll be binge-watching.

In recent years, the Danish word hygge came to describe the concept of coziness. The Welsh have their own apt term: cwtch. Pronounced kutch, it loosely references both cozy nooks and extra warm hugs.

FOLLOW YOUR OWN TASTESCreate your easy-living vibe based on your own sense of balance, harmony and good energy, says Leigh Spicher, national design director for Atlanta-based home builder Ashton Woods. Thats especially true now when guests are discouraged because of safety concerns.

The best way to design a restful, relaxing home is to make it about you and the people you live with, she advises.

Choose colors you love, not necessarily whats trendy. Frame travel pictures and personal photos.

UNPLUGGED SPACESWe all need more screens if were working and spending more time at home, but allow yourself to escape them too, Spicher says.

Make sure theres a space in your home without tech, including TV, she says.

Real plants, and a mix of elements like wood, stone, metal perhaps even a water feature, like a table fountain can create a soothing, authentic living space.

DEFINING THE SPACEIt can be stressful when too much is going on in a space. Get creative with delineating spaces and their functions.

For children, I love to create a designated play area by overlapping a fun, patterned area rug with woven poufs and storage ottomans, says Amanda Amato, a designer in Caldwell, New Jersey, and style expert for HomeGoods. She also suggests creating a reading nook in a forgotten corner of a room, and reducing clutter in a small bedroom by multi-purposing a writing desk as a nightstand.

SEE THINGS IN A GOOD LIGHTChip Wade, a designer and architect in Cumming, Georgia, uses light to define different parts of a room and to create a laid-back atmosphere.

Lighting is a key component to personalizing my space. Controlling my entire lighting setup remotely on my phone makes it easy to dim and create scenes, he says.

You can swap out regular bulbs for color-changing ones that offer sunrise, sunset and other mood-enhancing hues.

Eason likes to play with the way light works on various surfaces.

An upholstered wall lends a peaceful air to a room for its sound-absorbing qualities, but also for how it affects the play of light, he says. Creating pools of light in a variety of intensities, rather than an overall brightness, and having that light emit from fixtures that are focal points, can create a sense of focus and calm.

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Resetting for the new year with soothing decor - KeysNews.com

LISTING OF THE DAY

Location: Flinders, Victoria, Australia

Price: A$30 million (US$22.93 million)

Dubbed Horizon, this recently completed five-bedroom mansion is perched on a dramatic cliff edge on Australias Mornington Peninsula near Flinders township, about 45 miles south of Melbourne.

In 2015, the family of legendary Australian rules football coach Jock McHale put the property, which includes a 1920s homestead called Pinnacle Park, up for sale. According to listing agent Rob Curtain of Peninsula Sotheby's International Realty, developer Brooke Starbuck bought it, along with multiple adjoining titles.

Unlike all of the other allotments offered, which have restrictive zoning regulations, the five-acre homestead did not fall into the same zoning, Mr. Curtain said. So he saw an opportunity and subdivided the land into four separate plots while maintaining the original homestead.

More: Luxury Homes in Seoul, Berlin and Sydney Headed for Significant Price Growth

Starbuck enlisted local craftsmen Williams Group and commercial architect Bruce Henderson to build the home. The process took five years. He wanted to do the unique position justice and build a generational home that would withstand the harsh environment of living so close to the ocean, Mr. Curtain said. He also hired interior designer Mim Design for the internal fit-out based on Miriam Fannings renowned coastal work. Its truly a modern-day masterpiece.

The interiors feature St. Croix stone complemented by American oak flooring. The homes elevated first level contains five ocean bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and ocean views, as well as a central chefs kitchen, a fully appointed scullery and three living spaces oriented to maximize the views.

The main open-plan living, kitchen, dining area is simply spectacular, Mr. Curtain said. The 13-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a 180-degree ocean view create the most surreal feeling of being suspended over the water. Its an architectural and engineering triumph set on a truly spectacular landholding with 335 feet of oceanfront and tremendous 270-degree ocean and rural views.

More: Why Australian Buyers Are Turning to the Mornington Peninsula

Stats

The 21,528-square-foot home sits on a 1.25-acre lot and has five bedrooms and six full bathrooms.

Amenities

The home has the latest in technology with world-class kitchen appliances from Wolf and Sub-Zero, integrated audio-visual by Sonos, zoned hydronic floor heating and VRV heating and cooling throughout. A comprehensive security system includes keyless entry and all home technologies are controlled via Elan. The residence is also 6-star energy rated and includes a solar panel system.

An elevator connects the upper level to the lower one, which has a professional gymnasium, sauna, cinema room, wine room and a garage. There is also a second gourmet kitchen servicing an al fresco spa terrace, where a suspended 20-person spa overlooks the ocean.

From Penta: Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Rookie Card Sets a Record

Neighborhood Notes

The beauty of this location is the views are all water and rural surroundings as the area is better known for the farming environment, Mr. Curtain said. But this home is only a five-minute walk to the Flinders township, golf courses and the Flinders Bay Beach. Its also only a 60-minute drive to Melbournes central business district.

Listing Agent: Rob Curtain, Peninsula Sotheby's International Realty

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Brand-New Oceanfront Mansion on Australias Southern Coast Is a Modern-Day Masterpiece - Mansion Global

ITALIAN POLICE have arrested a four-man gang of thieves who used Instagram to stake out the homes of Milan celebrities to prepare daring burglaries.

Investigators in Milan have arrested a gang nicknamed the acrobat thieves by the local press who used Instagram to monitor the movements of their celebrity targets as well as using photo posts to get an insight into their luxury homes.

The criminal quartet, aged between 14 and 44, targetted homes of local celebrities in Italys richest city including Inter Milan footballer Acharif Hakimi, TV personality Diletta Leotta, and Instagram influencer Eleonora Incardona. They analysed the stars social media output to see when they were out of town when they could strike, as well as gaining info on their homes and what type of windows they had.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the acrobatic thieves scaling a wall to break into a first-floor apartment and the criminals reportedly dressed in style to blend into the crowds of upmarket Milanese neighbourhoods during their heists. They looted Rolex watches, designer handbags, and expensive jewellery during their robberies, much of which has now been recovered following the gangs arrest.

While the south of Italy is famous for its mafia, some of Europes most accomplished thieves have hailed from the north of the country. The mysteriousSchool of Turin,originating in their eponymous home city, garnered international attention in 2003 following the daring and lucrative Antwerp Diamond Heist.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

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Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes - Euro Weekly News

I have two fluffy and squishy Persian cats and I absolutely adore them! Having them at home is a delight, a fact Im sure all pet owners can attest to. Another fact that all pet owners can attest to as well sometimes, just sometimes, our pets can be a little annoying (No, were not horrible people for saying this). Theyre like children, they have their mood swings, demands, tantrums, and an intense need for attention. They also love leaving our homes in a mess, with no consideration for our belongings. And the few pet products that I do add in my home to keep them entertained and comfortable, often turn out to be complete eyesores, having no respect at all for my interior decor and theme. The secret is to integrate furniture designs in our homes that our pets can rest on, relax, and keep themselves busy with, but also designs that manage to harmoniously merge with our interiors, seamlessly becoming a part of our living space and also providing us with some functionality. We can cast aside the bulky pet products that stand out in our homes awkwardly without even really catering to the needs of our pets. This collection of interesting, multifunctional and not to mention fun furniture designs will keep both you and your pet satisfied!

Designed by Ben Hansen, this simple yet innovative dog house uses excess water from watering plants and filters it into the dogs water bowl! Rattan with green accents gives it a light, airy feel. The minimal dog house will brighten any corner of your home hard not to when it holds a cute plant and pet! Its an adorable piece of furniture that not only serves as a home for your pet but also doubles up as an elegant plant holder, harmoniously merging with the interiors of your home.

The idea behind the Gatrimonial bed frame by CatLife is that it should be a comforting space for the pet and owner. The cat gets a secure, comfortable den, and does not feel as if you are invading his/her space. The furniture also provides plenty of stimuli to keep him/her entertained. I can already hear my roommates pet darting through his maze while I lie on the bed above him. Perhaps this cat-friendly furniture will encourage some casual bonding time between the two of us.

Seungji created the Dog House Sofa to enhance the harmony between humans and their pets. Created out of solid wood ash and fabric upholstery, the sofa can seat two people. The entire piece is draped in neutral shades of beige and mocha, so no jarring colors to alarm your pet! The wooden armrest also doubles as a cozy hideaway for your pets. Its a private section where they can laze around, with an opening in the armrest, allowing them to sneakily cuddle up to you! Such a design enables the two of you to interact but also provides sufficient personal space, without your pet destroying your beloved upholstery (for a change).

Industrial designer Jong Hoon Yoon from Seoul, Korea pondered over the unique idea of thinking from a pets perspective and designing an intuitive TV stand. Christened With, the space-saving TV unit doubles as a cozy spot for your cat to never let go of. All this while being considerate of the kind human too. Yes, With considers the positioning of the cat and the fellow human, so that they both are in their comfort zone and dont bother each other. For us, the TV is a mere source of entertainment as well as lousy around on our couch binge-watching streaming content. On the other hand, the heat produced from the TV and the accompanying electronics is an opportunity for your pet to curl up and enjoy in their own space.

People in small living spaces use low furniture (such as rugs, floor chairs) to build intimate relaxing areas while cats prefer covert spaces, but due to the limited space, there are not many places to hide or play.CatYou in a Circle by Jack Dogson (ironic huh!)didnt want to separate the pets from their owners so it is designed to cleverly bring them together while also maintaining boundaries. The hollow armrests and backrest offer cats a playground and hiding territory while the coffee table provides a place to sleep. The woven bamboo texture makes it possible for owners to see their cats even when they are hiding and play with through its holes. The size of holes is different in different parts of the furniture to adapt to the needs of the pet as well as humans. The backrest holes are smaller to make the cats feel more secure. But holes above are bigger so that when people lean on the sofa, they can see through the backrest and find their cats underneath.

In all the desk designs Ive seen over the years, this is a first for me! Its calledAscendand its been created by Dan Devine for all the cat ladies and fellas out there. Like any cat person will tell you, the moment you give attention to anything but your furry friend, theyll find a way to lounge on your keyboard or knock over your utensils until its back on them! Designed with this in mind, the wood desk has been crafted with multiple ramps and landings for cats to perch up and play. If you cant fight em, invite em!

Named after the acorn nut and clearly inspired by its curvaceous form, the Acorn Leisure chair boasts of a similar voluminous design, with a seat above for you to rest on, and an area below thats ideally sized for a pet, or a makeshift magazine-rack. The chairs unique design is instantly eye-catching, with the lack of traditional details like legs, or a backrest thats attached directly to the seat. Instead, the chair builds itself out of a wooden platform on the base, with a wrought-iron enclosure above it, topped off with a seat. The backrest, instead of emerging from the seat itself, mounts directly onto the base platform, making for an incredibly unique chair that your eye naturally gravitates towards! The wooden parts of the chair are CNC-machined to perfection, and the wrought-iron pipes on the base give the chair its sturdiness while allowing your pets to see your legs as they sit inside their safe-space, providing a unique connection between both occupants! Alternatively, you could use the space under the seat to store books, toys, and pouf pillows too!

The latest piece to catch our eye has been the Kyali cat climber by MADE for its almost human furniture-like design because usually, a cat climber would stick out but this one just blends in like a cozy stool! The climber has a warm inviting vibe because of the woody tones and the soft fabric cushioning that will instantly draw your cats in for a nap. It is a blend of a bed and a dynamic game for your pets. Featuring three shelves or levels, Kyalis goal was to provide plenty of fun for your feline friends without taking up too much room. It has a modular structure that lets you adjust the shape to create more space for cats to explore or to make it more compact to store.

Grid functions as a comfy resting spot for your pet. With a cozylounging spot at the bottom and a slanted roof on top, it manages to provide a very homely feel, a safe haven of sorts for your furry friend. The gridded structure at the entrance allows your pet to slither in and out, allowing them to have their own little adventure! On the other hand, the roof also functions as a magazine stand. You can place your magazines on the roof, where they will be supported by an almost inconspicuousshelf.

This particular piece of cat furniture is extremely easy to set-up and seamlessly integrates with your current home setting minus the bulkiness of a conventional cat tree. In 2020, it is all about how modular the product is, and that applies to pet furniture too. With Catssup you can create a DIY jungle gym by simply clamping the different parts onto existing furniture and changing the set-up whenever you (read: your cat) need. The best part is that it doesnt require any floor space so if you want to lie down and WFH you absolutely can with the extra room! The Catssup set includes a Dot Step, a Sleeping Pill, a Space Ball, a Cloud Lounge, and a Climbing Tower I would just like to say that I strongly believe human furniture should also have fun labels like this and maybe we would be more invested in it.

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Pet-friendly IKEA-worthy furniture designs that perfectly balance the needs of your pet, your home and you! - Yanko Design

The group wants to save farmland Photo Ros Tapp

A group set up in a bid to save Westgate agricultural land from being developed hopes to mobilise residents into action.

The Westgate Action Group Against Housing Development says a planning application for a huge 2,000 development of a new town on farmland at the edge of town will mean a massive population increase, lost green fields and a change of environment forever.

Millwood Designer Homes wants to create up to 2000 homes, including up to 100 Extra Care units, a care home, two form entry primary school, health centre and shops, cafes and restaurants on 237 acres which includes agricultural land either side of Minster Road.

The site can be broken into three main parcels, divided by the existing roads. The first parcel is on the west of Minster Road. The second parcel lies between Minster Road and Garlinge High Street. The third parcel extends east of Garlinge High Street.

A full application has been submitted for 120 homes earmarked as a new Dent-De-Lion neighbourhood, with views of the Dent-De-Lion Gatehouse and fronting on to a village green with a feature pond. This site will be accessed from Garlinge High Street / Dent-de-Lion Road.

The development has been named The Gallops. Millwood say the new town will include green spaces, play areas and walking and cycle routes. Plan amendments have been made based on feedback from community meetings and exhibitions, including one held last November.

But the action group says members are concerned about: the decimation of prime agricultural land and that this development will increase the population of Westgate from approximately 7500 to 11,500 changing the character of Westgate forever.

A spokesperson for the group said: Our aim is to raise awareness of the planning application and provide information to support and mobilise residents in responding .

We believe this development cannot be considered separately to other similar developments planned for Birchington and Shottendane and so we aim to collaborate with other groups in Thanet .

We believe it is important to ensure there is sufficient time to consider the application in the light of a number of significant changes and additional evidence.

The first phase planning application was made at a time of national emergency andmany people were not aware of it. There are questions regarding the algorithm used to calculate housing numbers and why Thanet been allocated 10% of the Kent housing quota when it represent only 2.7% of the area and has significant food production.

The application appears to extend beyond the designated allocation as agreed in the Local Plan.

One of our members, Ros Tapp, estimates we are losing one third of the central undulating chalk farmland cited as area of character in local plan.

We do not believe the application has fully considered the extensive wildlife population on the farmland.There has been a climate emergency declared locally, nationally and internationally. It is incomprehensible why there are plans to proceed to decimate acres of prime agricultural land, failing to protect this for food production now and for future generations at a time when we need future food security.

We are urging residents to contact their local town, district and Kent county councillors , MPs and Secretary of State for housing.

Millwood says it is planning to include wildflower meadows and bug and bee hotels as well as areas for foraging, an orchard and a heritage trail. There will also be natural play and sensory areas.

Planning documents say: This first phase of development provides an opportunity to create a visually striking gateway and set a high standard for the future phases of development. The Gallops, Land at Westgate and Garlinge, has been designed comprehensively, demonstrating the potential to deliver up to 2000 new homes in a sustainable manner, with no fundamental constraints on development that cannot be appropriately mitigated.

The proposed site is larger than that suggested in Thanets adopted Local Plan, which is a blueprint for housing, development and infrastructure on the isle up until 2031.

Westgate was originally allocated 1,000 homes but a vote in 2018 to retain Manston airport as aviation-use only instead of mixed-use development meant 2,500 proposed homes had to be reallocated to new sites.

The reallocation included 1,000 homes for greenfield sites either side of Minster Road in Westgate, bringing the draft plan total for the town to 2,000.

Millwood Designer Homes is involved with a similar plan for development in Birchington.

Westgate Town Council has also opposed the development plan. A statement says: We have always been opposed to the building of houses on the grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, the loss of separation between Westgate and Garlinge, the loss of open space and the over development of our small town.

We believe that other, preferably brown field sites should have been chosen for a development of this size. We understand that there is a need for housing, however we have always been concerned that the methodology used to calculate the housing need in Thanet caters for developers and those moving to Thanet from outside the district, more than local residents.

We are concerned that this methodology which does not value agricultural land will result in Thanet becoming more and more densely populated with no concern for the over-arching impact on our towns, our residents or the environment.

As the local plan was approved last year, we had to concede that this land will be used as a strategic site for housing against our will. We are now eager to ensure that if houses go ahead that they are future looking, take the environment and our residents into account and do not impact the town in a negative way, now or in the future.

The full objection can be viewed here

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale this week called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce and immediate moratorium on the use of all farm land for housing until policy can be reviewed.

The PM said the request was unrealistic although he appeared to believed Sir Roger was calling for a halt on all construction.

The planning documents can be viewed on Thanet councils planning page, reference OL/TH/20/1400

To join the Save Our Fields campaign email saveourfields2021@gmail.com

There is also a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter and Instagram pages @saveourfields

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Designer, podcaster and author Rebecca West will present How to Design a Happy Home, an hour-long webinar in the February 17 edition of International Market Centers Market Insights program. Wests session will address how designers help clients put together homes they crave, and how manufacturers and retailers can develop products that generate such satisfaction.

West will provide insights into design psychology fundamentals and alignment as well as product selections and marketing. She will present the eight categories of well-being that meet emotional and psychographic needs with related products and collection ideas. The session goal is to spark new design and marketing ideas for designers, retailers and manufacturers that will lead to consumers and clients feeling truly happy at home.

West is the founder of Seattle-based design firms Rebecca West Interiors and Seriously. Happy. Homes, as well as a podcaster for Creating Your Happy Place and author of Happy Starts at Home. The session, which is worth 1 CEU credit, is set for Wednesday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST. All pre-registered attendees can win a copy of Wests book, Happy Starts at Home when registered.

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