If you want to see inspiring, innovative art and design from the past, present and future this summer London is offering a wealth of opportunities. We’ve chosen three of the best must-see exhibitions that are going on in the capital right now.

David Bowie is

Where: V&A, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL

When: Until 11th August

www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/david-bowie-is/

The V&A have got into the habit of staging high-profile exhibitions but the latest is by far the biggest and the best. Bowie is… celebrates the life and work of the Thin White Duke, David Bowie. Not only is it the fastest selling exhibition in the museum’s history but it also sold out online before it even opened. It’s a fantastic showcase of his influences, work and amazing stage personas, packed with over 300 objects ranging from handwritten lyrics to stage costumes. As an exploration of his work it illustrates how Bowie fused music, fashion and art to create exciting and original performances. Despite a few glaring exceptions (such as Bowie’s less successful side projects like Tin Machine) this is a comprehensive journey through the career of one of the Twentieth Century’s leading musical icons. Don’t worry if you haven’t got tickets though. You can still get tickets at the V&A box office on the day but be prepared to queue.

Designs of the Year 2013

Where: Design Museum 28 Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 2YD

When: Until 7th July

www.designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2013/designs-of-the-year-2013

The Design Museum’s annual exhibition of new and innovative design from the past year celebrates up and coming as well as established talents, awarding the best in seven design categories. The exhibition encompasses architecture, digital, fashion, furniture, graphics, product and transport design. So not only will you see iconic buildings but the best in cutting edge lamps, chairs, audio equipment and even bicycles. However, the stand out designs of the exhibition have to be Thomas Heatherwick’s stunning Olympic Cauldron, which had a starring role in the Olympic opening ceremony last year, and Renzo Piano’s The Shard, which looms large over the Design Museum from it’s home in nearby London Bridge.

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2013

Where: Burlington House, Piccadilly London W1J 0BD

When: 10th June to 18th August

www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/summer/

Every year new artwork is selected from thousands of submissions from new and established artists by the Royal Academy panel of experts. Now in its 245th year it’s a showcase for paintings, sculpture, photography, film and architecture. You’ll see over a thousand new works of art and the best bit is they’re all for sale. So you get the chance to make a canny investment or get a one-off for your living room. Even if you’re not in the market for some art, they’ll also be new work from Grayson Perry and Anthony Caro to enjoy.

Google recently let eager technology journalists get their hands on their latest piece of ‘wearable tech’ known as Google Glass. Essentially it’s a computer in a pair of glasses that, among other things, allows you to surf the internet, send emails, record 720p HD video and take pictures.

For such a small device it is packed with technology. Glass uses Wifi and Bluetooth to connect to the internet or your phone and offers 16GB of storage. The innovative screen gives the wearer a view of a translucent screen apparently suspended in front of them on which information, emails, directions, etc are projected.

Because it lacks a keyboard Google have incorporated several ways of controlling Glass. The touchpad allows clicking and scrolling functions, while voice activation software means you can prompt actions and search for information. Finally Glass uses an accelerometer and gyroscope to recognise gesture, such as flicking your head up to activate the computer. Voice, gesture and touch obviously have been around for a while now thanks to Apple’s Siri, Xbox’s Kinect and many mp3 players and tablets. But this is probably the most successful use of all three in a device. It’s a nail in the coffin for keyboards and another step towards invisible interfaces.

As innovative as Google Glass is, it’s not without its problems. While it makes checking emails and messages less intrusive than looking at your phone unless you’re an amazing multi-tasker you could trail off during a conversation to check out the latest alert to pop up in your viewfinder. It will take quite a confident person to stand in a crowd telling their glasses to ‘take a picture’, which doesn’t seem like a better option to simply pressing a button.

Because of its ability to unobtrusively film and take pictures it’s thought that many public places, like cinemas and swimming pools, will ban the use of Google Glass for fear of copyright infringement or voyeurism. Finally, while you’re lost in a cutting edge technological world all everyone else gets to see is you staring into the middle distance slowly stroking the side of their head.

While Glass is breaking new ground for technology, time will tell whether it redefines how we interact with technology or just becomes an evolutionary footnote. We should find out towards the end of 2013 when the first consumer versions will be released. They’ll come in a choice of five colours and will probably cost you the best part of £1,000.

Find out more: : http://www.google.com/glass/start/what-it-does/

If there is one person whose shadow looms large over the UK interior design industry it’s Sir Terence Conran. Not only did he single-handedly bring stylish and functional contemporary design to British homes but he also made it more affordable.

Born in Kingston Upon Thames in 1931 he studied at the Central School of Art and Design in London before getting his first design job working on the Festival of Britain in 1951. By 1956 he had established his own design company creating furniture and designing a shop for Mary Quant. In 1964 he opened the first Habitat shop, which quickly grew into a large chain of stores. Conran later built upon this success with a number of other projects, which included Mothercare and Heals.

Although Conran lost control of Habitat in the 1990s he hadn’t lost any enthusiasm for new projects. He had co-founded the architecture consultancy Conran Roche in 1980 and was instrumental in the regeneration of the Shad area of London beside Tower Bridge, which is also home to the Design Museum, which he also helped establish. He also branched out into high-end restaurants, including Bibendum and the Soup Kitchen. Being named the UK’s most influential restaurateur in 2005.

Now in his eighties there is little sign of Sir Terence stopping. He is still a big supporter of British design industries, designing furniture for Marks & Spencer, Content by Conran, Benchmark and The Conran Shop, as well as writing over 30 books on the subject. The Conran Shop, a chain of 10 stores around the world, including two in London continue to specialise in his signature, stylish, contemporary designs, reflecting his simple ethos: ‘All I’ve ever wanted from life are plain, simple, useful products’.

Find out more: http://www.conranshop.co.uk/

In February Yahoo! surprised a lot of people when they said that its employees should no longer have the opportunity to work from home. It raised a lot of eyebrows, not least because tech companies such as Yahoo! have made it easier than ever to work from home while staying in touch with the office.

Their reasoning behind this change was to encourage greater collaboration and effectiveness, not least because a work environment is focussed on getting the job done and has fewer distractions.

But sometimes you just can’t avoid working from home, so here are a few tips on how to create the ideal work environment at home:

Create a distinctive workspace - This should ideally be an office in a spare room, but could be in an alcove below the stairs or in an underused corner of the dining room. The point is you need somewhere away from the distractions that your home can create. So avoid being in the same room as the TV for example. You’ll need room for all the essentials like a computer, printer and files, plus plenty of plug sockets. Having your work space somewhere out of the way not only keeps you focused on the task at hand but when you’re done you can switch off from work and walk away.

Make sure your work area is light and well ventilated – In order to be most productive you want a space that isn’t too oppressive or stuffy. A window or lots of good quality lighting and white or plain, bright walls will make the space seem bigger and lighter. Use window blinds that allows flexibility and control of the light to ensure the suns glare doe not effect your computer monitor. A dark, oppressive space will only put you off from doing any work and create a negative association with it so Roller blind fabrics that give protection from harsh sun glare but still allow some light filtration are ideal

Make yourself comfortable - You could be tempted to just set up on the dining room table, but the seating probably won’t be suitable for sitting long periods of time hunched over your laptop. Take the time to have a dedicated space where the seat, desk and computer are set up to be as comfortable to use as possible.

Keep it organised – Ensure your desk is tidy and you keep your paperwork in good order. Don’t let a mess build up around your work area as it can lead to you becoming disorganised, which can lead to stress. If you can keep most of your equipment and paperwork in a cupboard or drawer that will help you stay focused. If your workspace is also part of your living room then being able to put it away out of sight will also help you switch off at the end of the day.

Get a pot plant – Research has found that have found that people tend to have more creative and innovative ideas when they are close to nature. So if you don’t have a window looking out onto fields or trees get yourself a pot plant and opt for a green colour scheme.

A classic designer chair can make any living space. They’re not just somewhere to sit, their sculptural form can be a talking point, adding character and dominating a space, even setting the tone to how the rest of the room looks. Few designs manage to make it to iconic status but here are several whose four legs (or in one case a single leg) straddle the 20th and  21st centuries.

Eames Chair

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The classic design, made from moulded plywood and leather, has been in production ever since. Brand new, the chair in the classic leather design retails for around £4,000. However, original, vintage versions are also very collectable as they are made from Brazilian Rosewood, which is now protected. Ideal for that vintage feel the Eames chair is an evocative retro throne for those that want to chill out, read or listen to music.

Ghost Chair

A modern classic from leading French product designer Philippe Starke is the iconic, transparent Louis Ghost Chair. Starke designs a lot of furniture for the Italian manufacturer Kartell, many using durable, injection-moulded polycarbonate plastic. A clever twist on a classic Louis XVI armchair, Starke stripped back the design to just its shape. It’s the chair that isn’t there, which pulls off the double whammy of being both traditional and modern. Although it is available in black and a variety of different tints it is the clear version that is most iconic and that will pretty much go with any colour scheme. Get a lot together for a stylish dinner party or a single one makes an ideal occasional seat.

The Barcelona chair

Originally created during the German modernist movement for the International Exposition of 1929 in Barcelona, furniture manufacturer Knoll resurrected the design in the 1950s. It is a design that has managed to stay timeless and has become much copied. A popular fixture in fashionable reception areas its sleek design and smooth surfaces make it beautiful to look at, while its wide seat makes it ideal casual seating. Its low profile makes it seem to shy away from the limelight and it can often be found skulking against walls. However, arrange a few around a low table to create a relaxed place to sit and mingle with friends.

Ball Chair

Designed by Finnish furniture designer Eero Aarnio in 1963, the Ball Chair (also known as the Globe Chair) screams Sixties quirkiness like a six-foot tall lava lamp. As designs go it couldn’t have been more simple – a revolving ball sitting on a single leg. When designing the chair Aarino drew an outline of his head in a sitting position on a wall to determine the chair’s height then took in to account the need to fit it all through a doorway. It’s a big statement chair that sets a retro tone and demands to be sat in. It comes with a caché of cool and will dominate any big room making sure all eyes are on it.

The Wassily Chair

Also known as the Model B3 chair, The Wassily Chair was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1926 while he worked at the Bauhaus in Germany. A classic of the modernist era it is simple and utilitarian in its design. The design was revolutionary in its use of materials. The bent tubular steel and canvas design had only become feasible after German steel manufacturer Mannesmann perfected a process for making strong, seamless steel tubing. This was also critical in that it allowed for mass production, which helped cement its iconic status. It inspired many similar designs and has been widely copied. It wouldn’t be out of place in a minimalist, utilitarian space where its clean angles and lines will add another dimension.

 One of the biggest interior design trends for 2013 is the use of textures. Whether it’s a rough, rustic weave, something smooth and svelte like suede or rough and rugged like natural wood, interesting textures can be a great way to break up the clean design and sharp edges of modern homes.

You can use different textures to compliment or contrast with each other, or to stand out against more minimal decoration to create a focal point in a room. Simply introduce a textured fabric in the form of a rug, a throw, cushions or as window blinds. Some textures cry out to be touched, while others can bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your home.

Some textures can add new dimensions to a space while rough and irregular textures give a more natural feel. Alternatively, regular patterns in darker shades can stay contemporary while contrasting with their surroundings. Textures can also create a sense of weight, which could change the whole look and feel of a room. In the case of electric blinds you can literally dictate how much of the fabric is on display and how much it dominates a space.

A lot of modern homes consist of clean lines and smooth surfaces. White walls, the gleaming tech of flat screen TVs and expanses of glass and tile. A rough texture contrasts with these and can break a wall or room up. If the texture is in the blinds this can change the feel of a room between daytime and evening.

Many modern furnishings and accessories also come in bold, primary colours. So a texture could compliment these colours or contrast with them so that they catch your eye more. A patterned texture offers the greatest opportunity for contrast but try to keep things simple and not to have too many colours fighting for your attention.

Pick the right texture and use it sparingly or mix it with the latest fashion for handmade materials. Knotted rugs, big knits and embroidered furnishings may sound more like your Gran’s cup of tea, but in 2013 they have a more of a contemporary spin.

The right combination of textures can create a sense of a distinctly individual home rather than one that is ubiquitous and industrially produced, so that it becomes a space that is uniquely yours.

If you had to dream up the most opulent and ostentatious display of wealth you probably wouldn’t even come close to saying a massive TV in your back garden. But if you have a spare £423,000 knocking around and a garden big enough you could become the envy of your neighbours with this C Seed 201inch LED TV.

At the flick of switch this black monolith rises up out of your lawn like a missile preparing to launch. Within 15 seconds it has reached its full height or 4.6 metres. Then its 201inch screen begins to unfold like an emerging butterfly. In 25 seconds the seven panels on the screen have fully extended and you’re ready to start watching.

The C Seed has been designed in Austria by the Porsche Design Studio deliberately to look sculptural as well as sleek and imposing. It is the world’s largest outdoor LED TV and employs the latest cutting edge technology to deliver a seamless experience.

When not in use it is hidden away in its own underground storage, its fully water replant, features three-way audio, can rotate through 270 degrees to allow you to find the best viewing angle and wirelessly connects to your home’s media hub. It also boasts fantastic picture quality so you’re not compromising anything for the outdoor cinema experience.

While a lot of home design brings something of the outside in, this takes a bit of the inside out. Although it’s possibly not best suited to the British climate but the C Seed is one a must have gadget for people that have everything, especially a large bank balance and a garden to match.

Visit www.cseed.tv for more info.

How do you make remote control roller blinds disappear?

The epitome in a sleek minimalist design theme for your home or workplace is created by housing your Controliss powered blinds, fixing brackets , roller tube and integrated motor within a concealed cavity or pocket.

When operated, the Controliss powered blinds appear magically from within the concealed structure creating the magical appearance that the blinds are appearing from a part of the structure of the property. This adds even further impact to the wonder of motorised blinds!

This effect can be achieved easily, particularly if consideration is given to its inclusion, early on in the development, ideally at pre-plaster stage.

METHOD 1- CEILING CONCEALMENT
The ceiling if the room  is lowered by 120mm, and finished 120mm short of the window wall x length of the blind to be fitted.

This creates a recess of 120mm sq x length of blind to be fitted to house the cassette or tube of the blind.

100mm sq is applicable to most average size blinds (up to 2.4m wide x 2.5m drop) allowing sufficient space for the installation brackets blind tube plus fabric and allow ease of fitting.

For blinds greater than this the core tube diameter of the blind may need to be increased, thus the housing would need to be increased accordingly.  We are happy to advise on housing dimensions for larger blinds.

METHOD 2 - STUD WALL CONCEALMENT
The window wall can be built out in its entirety, creating a 120mm cavity to house the blind mechanisms.

This method allows the blind to be over-sized and overlap the edge of the window reveal.  The blind then operates from ceiling to floor within the recess created, providing the ultimate blackout facility.

METHOD 3 - RETROSPECTIVE CONCEALMENT
When wanting to conceal the blind mechanisms retrospectively, when the building is completed; it is simple to create a surface mounted pelmet or lambrequin, constructed in a material to co-ordinate with your interior, or indeed upholstered in a soft-furnishing fabric of your choice.

The Controliss team is liaising on a daily basis with architects, contractors and clients to achieve cutting edge solutions for discretely integrating powered blinds systems within residential and commercial properties, help and advise is on hand for your individual project.

Whether it be luxury homes, quality hotels or dynamic conference venues, motorised curtains are becoming a standard requisite in this type of high-end project.

Our exquisitely designed remote control tracks are extremely robust, yet discrete and can even be concealed within a ceiling recess.  Nothing creates greater visual impact than beautifully crafted curtains moving virtually silently, across a span of up to 10 metres, at the touch of a single button!

The sophistication of Controliss electric curtain tracks is reflected in the simple form and sleek lines of the powerful motor and rail.  The motor is covered neatly, housing an integrated power supply; having the capability to offer a large range of control options, with adjustable limits to allow the curtains to fall naturally.

Just like our electric blinds ranges, the curtain tracks are operable either individually or as groups of tracks, just by varying the choice of remote control handset. Installation is a simple operation with a basic electrical connection; ensuring the experience of an electric curtain track and all the associated benefits, could not be easier.

These electric curtain tracks are so versatile, they incorporate Touch Motion functionality, to open and close the curtain by lightly pulling on the fabric, without the use of a remote control.  The motor drive shaft disengages automatically to permit use of the Touch Motion function.  The curtain tracks can also be personalised; to stop at preferred levels of opening, even the speed of operation is adjustable, with all tracks having soft start and stop as a standard feature.

We can not only guarantee our tacks with a warranty for 5 years, but more importantly, we guarantee that any visitors will not fail to be impressed by the power of motion; so for any projects scheduled for 2013, where that ever important 'wow' factor is vital, then the simple solution is a Controliss electric curtain track!

CONTROLISS BLINDS GRAND DESIGNS PROJECT | SERIES 9 | EPISODE 5 |
THE WATER TOWER | KENNINGTON, LONDON

Controliss blinds were excited to be tasked with supplying and installing remote control blinds for Channel 4’s 100th Grand Designs episode, the fabulous Grade II listed Water Tower renovation in Kennington London.

Liaising closely with client Leigh Osborne and the project architects from the early stages of the project. Our brief was to integrate a number of wireless 240v mains powered electric blinds that could be effortlessly controlled as independent zones within the building or as whole groups of blinds.

Contemporary minimalism was the order of the day and the clean and sleek lines of our hand made pure white Roller blinds collection were the perfect companion to accompany the projects minimalist design theme. The Controliss fabric of choice in the various locations throughout the project was our Oscuro Frost white blackout Roller blind fabric.

One of the greatest challenges was to seamlessly integrate the remote control blinds over the colossal two storey minimal profile glazed sliding doors that spanned an entire elevation of the cube. The doors which were installed by Fusion Glazing Systems in Notholt, Middlesex are amongst the largest ever installed in Europe. Controliss were able to manufacture and install three Roller blinds at over 2 metres wide and 6 metres drop to ensure the blinds visually maintained the architectural integrity of the doors.

You can visit Channel 4's Scrapbook for Grand Designs to view some of the fantastic products involved with the project including bathrooms, kitchens, furniture and Controliss blinds.