The dingy hallway has never reached its potential.
First the shiny lime green highlights, bequeathed by the previous owners got whitewashed – but with such limited light in the area, it just looked grubby, particularly one side of the space – and so efforts have since been focused on that one wall.
The new front door, with glass panels was meant to help. But still the troublesome hall wall
Spotlight on... Lubna Chowdhary, ceramic tile genius
If you love colour and don't know Lubna Chowdhary's geometric ceramic work, you should...
The artist's gloriously hued tiles have been on my interiors horizon for ages, and when I saw her work up close a couple of years ago at London Design Festival I was even more dazzled.
Above: Chowdhary in her studio at work, left, and some of her colourful geometric designs
Chowdhary describes her
The artist's gloriously hued tiles have been on my interiors horizon for ages, and when I saw her work up close a couple of years ago at London Design Festival I was even more dazzled.
Above: Chowdhary in her studio at work, left, and some of her colourful geometric designs
Chowdhary describes her
A bit of a Christmas gift guide
This year I've once again put together the Christmas interiors gift guide for the Independent.
In case you missed it, and are looking for some inspiration...
You can see more of the wondrous Oxfam blankets here, and read more about Louise Wilkinson and StoryTiles here. To find the online version of the guide, with click-through shopping links, here it is on the Independent's website (and
Spotlight on... Kinska ceramics at the Crafty Fox Christmas markets
Kinska was a fashion designer, until she found clay...
And I discovered this ceramicist's witty and wonderfully odd work while co-curating the Crafty Fox Christmas markets, along with Emy Gray, preposterously stylish owner of Brixi in Brixton Market, and online retail legend, Supermarket Sarah (see some of of the gems we picked out at the Crafty Fox blog).
Last week, I was interviewed
From the archives: Introducing... artist Stephen Wright
This story was originally posted in the summer of 2013. For those of you who missed it, enjoy...
I met the most unusual artist I've met in a long time last week. I love Stephen Wright's work – gorgeous, and often off-beat mosaics and bright, odd prints with a big Mexican vibe.
I'd seen the latter for sale in a shop near me (Brixi in south London's Brixton Market in case you're in this part of
I met the most unusual artist I've met in a long time last week. I love Stephen Wright's work – gorgeous, and often off-beat mosaics and bright, odd prints with a big Mexican vibe.
I'd seen the latter for sale in a shop near me (Brixi in south London's Brixton Market in case you're in this part of
Labels:
artists,
brights,
colour,
london,
mosaic,
real homes,
Stephen Wright
Real Homes: Finally facing my Waterloo
When I was 19, out of work and still living at home, a friend of my mum's said she'd heard about some summer jobs going at Wimbledon, driving tennis players around during the tournament.
She knew someone involved with the hiring and suggested to my mum that I apply.
Above: the downstairs loo got painted black
Incredibly, none of us considered that this prestigious job would definitely
She knew someone involved with the hiring and suggested to my mum that I apply.
Above: the downstairs loo got painted black
Incredibly, none of us considered that this prestigious job would definitely
Labels:
DIY,
lighting,
my house,
real homes
Object of the day: self-loathing ceramics
Had enough of schmaltzy, smug personalised homewares? So has Keaton Henson, whose refreshingly honest debut range of ceramics you can see here.
Above: in case you can't read the text, it says: "This cup is on the theme of self-loathing"
Henson, however, is the kind of 26-year-old over-achiever it'd be easy to hate, imagining him to harbour some of his own smugness. The youthful musician and
Above: in case you can't read the text, it says: "This cup is on the theme of self-loathing"
Henson, however, is the kind of 26-year-old over-achiever it'd be easy to hate, imagining him to harbour some of his own smugness. The youthful musician and
Same house, different house
About five years ago, there was a brilliant photography exhibition at the Geffrye Museum in London, which depicted different flats in the same, south London tower block. Structurally, they were identical, but decoratively unique.
And a couple of years ago, I wrote about a similar project in the States, focusing on the interiors of the apartments in a housing complex designed by Ludwig Mies van
And a couple of years ago, I wrote about a similar project in the States, focusing on the interiors of the apartments in a housing complex designed by Ludwig Mies van
Moodboarding taste
So I've just been asked to create a few moodboards, own photography only, to illustrate my taste. I can't reveal why just yet (but will shortly) and thought I'd share them.
It was harder than I thought – mainly, I have realised, because I'm in denial about what my taste is. Who'd have thought?
I guess it's like trying to pick your 25 all-time most 'you' Instagram images. Each time I
It was harder than I thought – mainly, I have realised, because I'm in denial about what my taste is. Who'd have thought?
I guess it's like trying to pick your 25 all-time most 'you' Instagram images. Each time I
Object of the day: Brighton Beach goes technicolour
Please do bear with the recent break in my usually regular posts. Things will be back to normal within a few weeks – but meanwhile, a quick find I'd like to share.
I've seen this print – or, at least, very similar – in numerous interiors shoots, and I have coveted it HARD.
Tonight, while researching for the Independent Christmas Gift Guide that I'm in the middle of compiling, I stumbled
I've seen this print – or, at least, very similar – in numerous interiors shoots, and I have coveted it HARD.
Tonight, while researching for the Independent Christmas Gift Guide that I'm in the middle of compiling, I stumbled
Object of the day: Jacqueline Talbot tiles
Unusual tiles are a find. And these, by artist Jacqueline Talbot, are just that.
In 2009, Jacqueline experimented with photographing her paintings, intending to use them to create digitally printed wallpaper. But then discovered she could digitally reproduce her work onto tiles... one kiln later, and a business was born.
I think they're beautiful, and beautifully different. They aren't
In 2009, Jacqueline experimented with photographing her paintings, intending to use them to create digitally printed wallpaper. But then discovered she could digitally reproduce her work onto tiles... one kiln later, and a business was born.
I think they're beautiful, and beautifully different. They aren't
Labels:
artwork,
jacqueline talbot,
tiles,
walls
Where's my Pantone Colour of the Year? It's behind you!
A short post today (boy life has been busy, so apologies for gap in the usual, regular service). But brief as I am, I come bearing cheery and Friday-ish news to lift your spirits for the weekend: The Interior Designers' Pantomime is imminent.
Following on from the success of 2010's Snow White and the Seven Designers – below – comes Peter Pan and the Designers of the Caribbean. Har har.
Etsy UK is having a – real-life – exhibition
I've found some pretty special art over the years on Etsy – these affordable portraits are particularly memorable, as is the work of this Israeli artist (I've since bought two of her mini canvases and love them very much). I've also admired some rather unusual portraits on the site, too.
And now Etsy UK is hosting its very own art exhibition – a real one, not a virtual one. And here's my
And now Etsy UK is hosting its very own art exhibition – a real one, not a virtual one. And here's my
How to be tidy (and some storage porn)
I'm still on a high from the massive garage clear-out; a few scary cupboards inside got a healthy de-clutter.
But, while it's all good for the weeks following a big blitz like this, if you’re anything like me (untidy at heart) you’ll soon be wading through mood-dampening mess in no time. I’m in awe of tidy people: what are their
secrets?
Above: Future & Found's bright and cheerful
Another retro trend renaissance: hello pink bathrooms
Pink bathrooms are a trend a-brewing, I'm telling you, and I've been eyeing them longingly for a while.
I thought it might just be me, but then these much maligned blasts from the past started popping up all over Pinterest. (Though not especially looking like this one, below, even though it's incredible.)
Then I visited the beautifully designed Bill Granger restaurant in Clerkenwell (read
Wednesday Question: gold taps – well, would you?
Gold taps were to 80s interiors what a Lamborghini is to inner city driving. A bit showy-offy for the sake of it.
So who'd have thought they'd be reincarnated all these years later in such pleasing way? It's a quick post from me this week as there's lots going on, but here's a run down of the new way to do gold taps. The trick is to mix them with a utiltarian back-drop and play down the flash.
So who'd have thought they'd be reincarnated all these years later in such pleasing way? It's a quick post from me this week as there's lots going on, but here's a run down of the new way to do gold taps. The trick is to mix them with a utiltarian back-drop and play down the flash.
Object of the day: Dutch tiles with tales
The best thing I saw at the London Design Festival last week measured 10 centimetres square and was based on a 16th century Dutch design classic.
Yes, yes, there was so much to love at LDF 2014. The sprawling event, now in its 11th year, is the non-trade way through the back doors of the design world and, with six big fairs in different venues, various landmark displays of creativity, and
Yes, yes, there was so much to love at LDF 2014. The sprawling event, now in its 11th year, is the non-trade way through the back doors of the design world and, with six big fairs in different venues, various landmark displays of creativity, and
Throwback Friday – and a request to people make nice stuff
Today I'm plucking some of my favourite craft from the archives. Why?
To inspire any readers of this blog who make, paint or draw lovely stuff, to apply to be part of the illustrious Crafty Fox Markets this Christmas. The deadline for submissions is next week (23 September) and – ta-da! – I am one of three guest curators selecting which stalls get a pitch (details below).
I touched on this
To inspire any readers of this blog who make, paint or draw lovely stuff, to apply to be part of the illustrious Crafty Fox Markets this Christmas. The deadline for submissions is next week (23 September) and – ta-da! – I am one of three guest curators selecting which stalls get a pitch (details below).
I touched on this
The best design giveaway? Elle Deco's ace anniversary competition
Have you heard about the rather enticing Elle Deco 25th anniversary competition – where six winners will bag the contents of one of six rooms created by the magazine?
Here are three of them (my favourites).
It's all tied into the mag's October issue, which marks its quarter of a century of existence.
Each room set is worth around £16,500, and winning a competition is the only way I'd ever
Here are three of them (my favourites).
It's all tied into the mag's October issue, which marks its quarter of a century of existence.
Each room set is worth around £16,500, and winning a competition is the only way I'd ever
Object of the day: New Eley Kishimoto wallpapers
Weeeeeell, if I can't write about eye-popping budget-stretching wallpaper during the London Design Festival, when else? (The event started this weekend and goes on until next Sunday.)
I'm a big fan of Eley Kishimoto clothes, and the print mad design duo's expanding homewares range excites me greatly. And it's not for the faint-hearted...
This is my favourite of the wallpaper designs that the
I'm a big fan of Eley Kishimoto clothes, and the print mad design duo's expanding homewares range excites me greatly. And it's not for the faint-hearted...
This is my favourite of the wallpaper designs that the
Real homes: an artistic hoarder's creative curation
Emy Gray owns Brixi, a pretty special shop near where I live, in Brixton*.
We got to know each other because I'm regularly in the shop, frequently loitering and ogling beautiful things I can't justify buying. We're also collaborating on something rather exciting shortly too, more of which at the bottom of this post...
Brixi is more of an art gallery than a shop in some respects; Emy, a
We got to know each other because I'm regularly in the shop, frequently loitering and ogling beautiful things I can't justify buying. We're also collaborating on something rather exciting shortly too, more of which at the bottom of this post...
Brixi is more of an art gallery than a shop in some respects; Emy, a
Guest post: create affordable washi tape art with Hannah Cox of the Crafternoon Club
Today I'm pleased to be passing you into the capable and creative hands of Hannah Cox, pictured below, founder of excellently inventive hybrid, the Crafternoon Club (where cabaret meets craft – what else?).
Hannah, who has a prestigious Mollie Makes Handmade Awards trophy under her belt – or, rather under her (hand-sewn) apron – is sharing an affordable interiors trick to spruce up walls for
Hannah, who has a prestigious Mollie Makes Handmade Awards trophy under her belt – or, rather under her (hand-sewn) apron – is sharing an affordable interiors trick to spruce up walls for
Amara Interior Blog Awards: Vote for Your Home is Lovely
Well, well. I've been nominated for an Amara interiors blog award. How very exciting.
Just click on the image above to vote for me (if you'd like to).
The awards are divided into several categories and Your Home is Lovely has been nominated for – no sniggering those who read about my grouting misadventure – Best DIY Blog. Apparently, the thrust is more about bloggers who get stuck in with
Just click on the image above to vote for me (if you'd like to).
The awards are divided into several categories and Your Home is Lovely has been nominated for – no sniggering those who read about my grouting misadventure – Best DIY Blog. Apparently, the thrust is more about bloggers who get stuck in with
Object of the day: insanely cute animal wall stickers for kids
I stumbled across these door decorations from Finland on Etsy.
If you're prone to being swayed by interiors trends (guilty) you might be thinking: wall-stickers, aren't they a bit 2011? Pah. Just try to think of trends while looking at these nice, friendly faces.
The vinyl stickers are made and sold by a little Helsinki-based company called Made of Sundays and cost around £28 each. What
If you're prone to being swayed by interiors trends (guilty) you might be thinking: wall-stickers, aren't they a bit 2011? Pah. Just try to think of trends while looking at these nice, friendly faces.
The vinyl stickers are made and sold by a little Helsinki-based company called Made of Sundays and cost around £28 each. What
Travel: some reasons to make Palm Springs your next holiday
I spied some snaps of a friend's holiday on Facebook and it looked so amazing I asked her to share. The photos, specifically, were of the Palm Springs modernist architecture tour she'd just done.
Among the many gems, the intimate, three-hour tour features the Kaufmann house, commissioned by the same family who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water. You get the idea. Over to you,
Real homes: am I the hoarder next door?
If ever I needed evidence that I had hoarding issues, my garage is it.
But during the August break, its purging is just one of many cleansing activities I've got up to. I shudder to relive the ordeal through this "before" photo, below...
This garage was in trouble before I'd even moved in (when you get to the oven picture you'll see why). But over the years, with different configurations
But during the August break, its purging is just one of many cleansing activities I've got up to. I shudder to relive the ordeal through this "before" photo, below...
This garage was in trouble before I'd even moved in (when you get to the oven picture you'll see why). But over the years, with different configurations
Labels:
diy tidy,
my house,
real homes
August holidays
Hola! I'm taking an August blogging break. Back in September...
Happy holidays all, whatever you're doing.
Image: Thomson Airways adverstising archive
Happy holidays all, whatever you're doing.
Image: Thomson Airways adverstising archive
Buy the contents of this Brighton house next week
Juliette, a very dear friend for many years, is throwing open her front door to sell pretty much everything in her colourful, 1950s-styled house.
The sale happens over this coming bank holiday weekend. Take a nose around her place, and find out what's prompted her to make such a mad move...
"I've been collecting 1950s homeware, clothing and accessories for more than 20 years," she
Barbara Hepworth retrospective – and how to buy her art for £75
I'm a little breathless about yesterday's news that a big Barbara Hepworth retrospective is coming to Tate Britain next year.
I saw Hepworth's work some years ago, in a show at Tate St Ives (in the town so dear to me): the Tate Britain show promises to be very good indeed, but the Cornish branch was possibly the most spectacular building in which to view her curvaceous, earthy work – and not
I saw Hepworth's work some years ago, in a show at Tate St Ives (in the town so dear to me): the Tate Britain show promises to be very good indeed, but the Cornish branch was possibly the most spectacular building in which to view her curvaceous, earthy work – and not
(Ridiculously kitsch) Object of the day: John Hinde tin box
I'd gone out to buy something from the DIY store, but it had just closed.
On my way back to the car I had to pass the farmer's market, which sells all sorts of random stuff, not just food. Serendipitously I thought (always a good approach to impulse buying) I passed a stall I often linger at, full of enticing old bits and pieces. No need to feel sad about the closed DIY store – here, surely, was
On my way back to the car I had to pass the farmer's market, which sells all sorts of random stuff, not just food. Serendipitously I thought (always a good approach to impulse buying) I passed a stall I often linger at, full of enticing old bits and pieces. No need to feel sad about the closed DIY store – here, surely, was
Hacking Annie Sloan
These stools, which have nearly been chucked out several times over the years, have had a radical makeover this weekend.
But before that, a little back-track about their transformation.
When, recently, I was offered a place on an Annie Sloan painting techniques course by Rigby & Mac, a mini chain of interiors shop local to me in south London, I was intrigued and dubious in equal measure.
But before that, a little back-track about their transformation.
When, recently, I was offered a place on an Annie Sloan painting techniques course by Rigby & Mac, a mini chain of interiors shop local to me in south London, I was intrigued and dubious in equal measure.
Airbnb: from Berlin to Nashville to Trafalgar Square
Do you Airbnb? A year after helping a friend do up his Berlin pad for that purpose, I had my first guest experience at one of the website's homes-from-home last year while on holiday in Nashville.
We were lucky enough to be able to stay at the home of a very cool country singer while she was on tour (and where else could you possibly want to stay in Nashville? We got very lucky...).
Above
We were lucky enough to be able to stay at the home of a very cool country singer while she was on tour (and where else could you possibly want to stay in Nashville? We got very lucky...).
Above
Throwback Anaglypta wallpaper – from just £8 a roll
Anaglypta might conjure up visions of 1960s interiors, but the wallpaper company behind the original textured wall embellishment was established in 1887.
And Anaglypta is currently channelling those early years with Book 39, a re-release of some of its elegant designs from the late 19th century and the 1930s.
They add gravitas to a room, don't you think?
Quite a different effect to the
And Anaglypta is currently channelling those early years with Book 39, a re-release of some of its elegant designs from the late 19th century and the 1930s.
They add gravitas to a room, don't you think?
Quite a different effect to the
Object of the day: Rose & Grey golden pineapple
It's quite pointless and a little silly, and way too on-trend.
Three great reasons to love the new golden pineapple ornament from Rose & Grey.
And I know you'll like it, since people got very excited by the decorative fruits in the the mad, bad and beautiful Les Trois Garcons chateau sale I covered a while back.
But don't stop here, because pineapples are the new foxes, which were the new
Three great reasons to love the new golden pineapple ornament from Rose & Grey.
And I know you'll like it, since people got very excited by the decorative fruits in the the mad, bad and beautiful Les Trois Garcons chateau sale I covered a while back.
But don't stop here, because pineapples are the new foxes, which were the new
Spotlight on... writer and stylist, Joanna Thornhill
I've been meaning to feature Joanna Thornhill's excellent budget-savvy interiors book, Home For Now, ever since it came out, earlier this year.
Worth the wait, I think: I quizzed Joanna all about the project, her surprising Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen love, her own "home for now" – and rinsed her for lots of clever tips for style on a shoestring.
The beautifully designed and photographed
Object of the Day: pre-painted radiators
Have you ever tried to paint a radiator? I hate doing it. The one in my hall, which I thought I'd done so carefully, using the right type of brush and the right paint and everything, is a disaster.
Every time I pass it which, given the position, is all the time its brush strokes, gloopy bits and weird brown lumps shame me. Which is what drew me to these beauties...
Quite apart from being
Every time I pass it which, given the position, is all the time its brush strokes, gloopy bits and weird brown lumps shame me. Which is what drew me to these beauties...
Quite apart from being
Bad week? Reach for Mr Bingo
I've had better weeks, filled with less bad news. But nothing quite cheers me up like a browse through the Mr Bingo back catalogue and, quite apart from my own excuses, I currently have an official one too...
... since the illustrator known as Mr Bingo is giving a talk next week in Bristol that promises to be an entertaining event if you're in that neck of the woods. Sadly I'm not, so here's a
Bathroom gets some love (apart from the ugly storage bit)
The bathroom was in need of some love.
It was looking a little cluttered and untidy around the edges.
But the real motivation was the paintwork...
Hmmm. So it got a weekend transformation. The paint looks white in these photos, but it's a lovely shade of a white-that's-a-little-bit-green – a Dulux mix.
I was shocked to discover that B&Q had stopped selling
It was looking a little cluttered and untidy around the edges.
But the real motivation was the paintwork...
Hmmm. So it got a weekend transformation. The paint looks white in these photos, but it's a lovely shade of a white-that's-a-little-bit-green – a Dulux mix.
I was shocked to discover that B&Q had stopped selling
Real Homes: the Tiny House Movement
I was fascinated to read about the Tiny House Movement last week on the US website, Salon.
Next week, Ryan Mitchell, one of the community's biggest enthusiasts and a blogger on the topic at thetinylife.com, is publishing a book sharing his tips on how to live small. Here are some of the weeny living spaces featured in it...
And even if you're not familiar with the Movement, if you've watched
Next week, Ryan Mitchell, one of the community's biggest enthusiasts and a blogger on the topic at thetinylife.com, is publishing a book sharing his tips on how to live small. Here are some of the weeny living spaces featured in it...
And even if you're not familiar with the Movement, if you've watched
Object of the day: sale special
I'm still smiling about the cushions I bagged in the Habitat sale for £4.50 each last week.
To capitalise on the high, here are some more sale goodies worth checking out.
These handsome pheasants by Exmoor- based Brit designer, Sam Pickard, feature on Swedish Åry trays in two different sizes.
Medium tray: £18.15, reduced from £ 25.95 and small tray £11.85, down from £16.95, Theo-Theo.com
To capitalise on the high, here are some more sale goodies worth checking out.
These handsome pheasants by Exmoor- based Brit designer, Sam Pickard, feature on Swedish Åry trays in two different sizes.
Medium tray: £18.15, reduced from £ 25.95 and small tray £11.85, down from £16.95, Theo-Theo.com
The Insider: what you'll be seeing in Habitat this autumn
First up, let's just talk about these rugs, shall we?
I was transfixed by them on my whizz around the Habitat Autumn/Winter 2014 collection preview last week, which took place in a big old warehouse on the Southbank, in London.
I'm eyeing that two greens and white one, the Cortez, £95, to brighten up my kitchen floor (though I know opinions run high on rugs in kitchens... not least amongst
I was transfixed by them on my whizz around the Habitat Autumn/Winter 2014 collection preview last week, which took place in a big old warehouse on the Southbank, in London.
I'm eyeing that two greens and white one, the Cortez, £95, to brighten up my kitchen floor (though I know opinions run high on rugs in kitchens... not least amongst
Introducing... Jen Collins, illustrator and ceramicist
I haven't yet got the hang of Instagram – I know, late in the game, but blame Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and life – I have no followers and can't work out how to find people...
... but I have already made my first lovely discovery and may just find myself hooked. (Do come find me by the way, and share your tips!)
Above: sitting tigers, £50 each
Glasgow-based illustrator/ceramicist Jen
... but I have already made my first lovely discovery and may just find myself hooked. (Do come find me by the way, and share your tips!)
Above: sitting tigers, £50 each
Glasgow-based illustrator/ceramicist Jen
The Insider: inspiring tiles from Bert & May
The Conran shop is usually out of this blog's price range... but this story is only partly about Conran.
The rest of it is about Bert & May, a new company (but also not so new, more of which shortly) specialising in beautiful reclaimed and made-to-look reclaimed tiles. Bert & May today launch their collaboration with the Conran Shop, with whom they have exclusively developed a hue named Azure
The rest of it is about Bert & May, a new company (but also not so new, more of which shortly) specialising in beautiful reclaimed and made-to-look reclaimed tiles. Bert & May today launch their collaboration with the Conran Shop, with whom they have exclusively developed a hue named Azure
Labels:
bert & may,
conran,
flooring,
tiles
Introducing... Homestuff with history
I'm not sure I love the say-what-it-is name of this shop I recently discovered, but I do like what it does. And at least the owners are making that clear.
Homestuff with History, an online shop based in Hertfordshire, is run by brother and sister Matt and Kathryn Brown and they may love old junk possibly even more than I do (did you miss my breathless post about the secondhand shops of Lewes?)
Homestuff with History, an online shop based in Hertfordshire, is run by brother and sister Matt and Kathryn Brown and they may love old junk possibly even more than I do (did you miss my breathless post about the secondhand shops of Lewes?)
I went to Copenhagen and all I got was...
I'd never been to Denmark or Sweden before last month, when we took in Copenhagen, Malmö and southern, coastal Sweden for a wedding and a mini-break.
And I promised to write a post on the trip. Not quite the post I'd intended to write though...
Photo: Declan Fahy
Any fan of good design and nice furniture would get excitable at the thought of such a trip, especially Denmark – birthplace of
Object of the day: Slim Aarons photography made affordable
I have previously lusted here over Slim Aarons' gloriously glamorous seventies photography.
But have never been able to afford it... until now.
Just when I thought digital wall print experts, Surface View, couldn't get any more exciting (you may have seen my breathless post about their John Hinde range a few months back), they pull another corker out of the bag: yes, now you can get your
But have never been able to afford it... until now.
Just when I thought digital wall print experts, Surface View, couldn't get any more exciting (you may have seen my breathless post about their John Hinde range a few months back), they pull another corker out of the bag: yes, now you can get your
Before & After: a dramatic transformation of the downstairs loo
Would anyone ever describe their house or flat as finished?
Eight years after moving in, I'm finally getting around to painting that bit of bare plaster, tidying up those wonky shelves and changing various unsatisfactory light fittings.
And of course my tastes have changed since I first moved in, so there's a fresh round of updating too. So sometimes it's good to wait a while until you're
Eight years after moving in, I'm finally getting around to painting that bit of bare plaster, tidying up those wonky shelves and changing various unsatisfactory light fittings.
And of course my tastes have changed since I first moved in, so there's a fresh round of updating too. So sometimes it's good to wait a while until you're
Scandinavia here I come...
No posts until later next week... as you read this, I should be sitting on a train going across this baby. Fans of The Bridge will understand my excitement.
Fans of sleek Scandinavian styles will too, as at one end there's Copenhagen, and at the other end, Malmo. Design heaven. Look out for the photos on my return.
Have a good weekend and week!
Fans of sleek Scandinavian styles will too, as at one end there's Copenhagen, and at the other end, Malmo. Design heaven. Look out for the photos on my return.
Have a good weekend and week!
Simple pleasures
I wrote, a few weeks ago, about how I'd decided to start collecting the dubiously 70s brown range of Hornsey Pottery.
Having inherited one piece – the biscuit jar among this bundle of treasures – I came around to the idea slowly, but was totally sold after visiting a park cafe filled with the stuff. It just made the place seem so homely and nice, and it went well with the many Ercol chairs in
Having inherited one piece – the biscuit jar among this bundle of treasures – I came around to the idea slowly, but was totally sold after visiting a park cafe filled with the stuff. It just made the place seem so homely and nice, and it went well with the many Ercol chairs in
#cheaphometricks: table pimping for less
Last week I wrote about the new Pretty Pegs table legs that you can buy to transform your ordinary Ikea table into something extraordinary.
This week, it's still my most read post – and the legs are lovely, clever things. The downside? They aren't cheap. So if you're cash-poor but DIY-enthusiasm-rich, here's some inspiration for taking on the home-made version of that project.
Despite
This week, it's still my most read post – and the legs are lovely, clever things. The downside? They aren't cheap. So if you're cash-poor but DIY-enthusiasm-rich, here's some inspiration for taking on the home-made version of that project.
Despite
Object of the day: making kitsch look classy
They're kitsch and kind of silly. But also kind of brilliant.
These ceramic indoor animal-shaped planters are new in at Urban Outfitters. Some of the homewares at UO can be a little studenty and these could, of course, fall into that category (there's also a pink plastic flamingo in the new indoor garden range...).
Nothing wrong with a pink plastic flamingo, of course, but full-on kitsch
These ceramic indoor animal-shaped planters are new in at Urban Outfitters. Some of the homewares at UO can be a little studenty and these could, of course, fall into that category (there's also a pink plastic flamingo in the new indoor garden range...).
Nothing wrong with a pink plastic flamingo, of course, but full-on kitsch
Object of the day: old French bowls and plates from The Peanut vendor
These beautiful plates range in date from the 1930s to the 1950s and are available from The Peanut Vendor (whose owners' wonderful home I wrote about AGES ago, here).
The online and actual shop (in north London) has a big batch of these beauties fresh in... for just £4 a-piece.
Affordable enough to start a little collection...
Check them out at The Peanut Vendor, and get in quick as
The online and actual shop (in north London) has a big batch of these beauties fresh in... for just £4 a-piece.
Affordable enough to start a little collection...
Check them out at The Peanut Vendor, and get in quick as
Spotlight on... Lundtofte cutlery
What have you had handed down from your family that you cherish? I remember, when I was little, my mum and dad getting out this amazing 1950s Danish wooden and stainless steel cutlery set when they had people over for dinner.
Even as a child, I could appreciate the smooth tactile handles and their nicely tapered shape. The set now belongs to me (see it below). And what you don't want to with
Even as a child, I could appreciate the smooth tactile handles and their nicely tapered shape. The set now belongs to me (see it below). And what you don't want to with
Object of the day: hexagon brass bottle openers
On one hand, £27.50 is a lot to pay for a bottle opener.
On the other hand, when it looks like this...
...it doubles as a miniature sculptural work of art. This isn't a bottle opener, it's a beautiful object to add class to coffee tables, pzazz to show-off shelves and a general air of design-savvy smugness to its owner. AND it opens bottles.
Seems almost a bargain now, don't you think? I
On the other hand, when it looks like this...
...it doubles as a miniature sculptural work of art. This isn't a bottle opener, it's a beautiful object to add class to coffee tables, pzazz to show-off shelves and a general air of design-savvy smugness to its owner. AND it opens bottles.
Seems almost a bargain now, don't you think? I
The Insider: Pretty Pegs does table legs
You may recall my previous posts about Pretty Pegs, a Swedish company that ingeniously makes gorgeous, unusual replacement legs for Ikea sofas.
It's a sort of interiors perfectionist's version of the classic fashionista trick of buying a high street coat and replacing the buttons to designer-ish effect.
Well if you liked those, you'll be excited to know that the company has just launched a
It's a sort of interiors perfectionist's version of the classic fashionista trick of buying a high street coat and replacing the buttons to designer-ish effect.
Well if you liked those, you'll be excited to know that the company has just launched a
Labels:
furniture,
home office,
ikea,
kitchens,
pretty pegs
Back soon...
Long lost family visiting...
Daily service will resume in a few days! But do feel free to browse the archive highlights below meanwhile.
Check out some: gorgeous, sunny graphic prints; Shipping Forecast fandom; excellent architecture-inspired drawings; a mini makeover; bad student bedrooms (my own); a house of two halves (one half is c-r-a-zeeeee) and what Living Etc. looked like in the
Daily service will resume in a few days! But do feel free to browse the archive highlights below meanwhile.
Check out some: gorgeous, sunny graphic prints; Shipping Forecast fandom; excellent architecture-inspired drawings; a mini makeover; bad student bedrooms (my own); a house of two halves (one half is c-r-a-zeeeee) and what Living Etc. looked like in the
Out & About: Dulwich Open House
Last weekend was a whirlwind of art in south London – and this weekend, much of it continues, as the Artists Open House event revs up for its final weekend.
I couldn't afford much (but it's nice to look), and saw a fraction of the things I wanted to see – it's quite a tiring thing to do, especially in last week's driving rain – but nevertheless here are a couple of highlights.
Above: the
I couldn't afford much (but it's nice to look), and saw a fraction of the things I wanted to see – it's quite a tiring thing to do, especially in last week's driving rain – but nevertheless here are a couple of highlights.
Above: the
Spotlight on... drinks trolleys
Drinks trolleys are having a bit of a moment right now.
And hurrah – as there's just something so glamorous about devoting an entire piece of furniture to stiff liquors, sweet liqueurs and fancy cocktail stirrers...
After an extended hankering, I finally got a drinks trolley. But then impractically positioned it by a radiator (useless for the fantasy ice bucket) and turned the bottom part
And hurrah – as there's just something so glamorous about devoting an entire piece of furniture to stiff liquors, sweet liqueurs and fancy cocktail stirrers...
After an extended hankering, I finally got a drinks trolley. But then impractically positioned it by a radiator (useless for the fantasy ice bucket) and turned the bottom part
Object of the day: Karlsson wooden wall clock from Howkapow
Got to love a good wall clock. And especially one placed somewhere a little unexpected, away from the trad kitchen wall scenario.
I have one on the wall by the bed – astonishingly, we look at it before checking phones for the time. Anything that encourages a bit of old-schoolness has got to be good.
Clocks in cloakroom loos, halls, or as part of a picture display – all ideas to try.
And the
I have one on the wall by the bed – astonishingly, we look at it before checking phones for the time. Anything that encourages a bit of old-schoolness has got to be good.
Clocks in cloakroom loos, halls, or as part of a picture display – all ideas to try.
And the
Real homes: copycat front door
This door belongs to my friends, Adam and Maggie, an example of their mastery at finding brilliant things for their home for next to nothing.
I went to dinner there at the weekend and asked about their incredible late 70s smoked glass and angular chrome early 80s dining table: £1 on eBay. The story reminded me to take a photo I'd been meaning to take at their house for ages – this one, of their
I went to dinner there at the weekend and asked about their incredible late 70s smoked glass and angular chrome early 80s dining table: £1 on eBay. The story reminded me to take a photo I'd been meaning to take at their house for ages – this one, of their
Labels:
doors,
front doors,
my house,
real homes
#cheaphometricks: Oxfam's amazing woollen blanket range
Last weekend I was in my local Oxfam shop and came across some new woollen blankets. They were really nice.
I found them in the new section, and spent a while trying to decide between colours before picking this one: pure wool and just £12.99.
When I got home I checked on Oxfam's online shop to see if they were on sale there, too (you didn't know Oxfam had an online shop? Junk hunters, you
I found them in the new section, and spent a while trying to decide between colours before picking this one: pure wool and just £12.99.
When I got home I checked on Oxfam's online shop to see if they were on sale there, too (you didn't know Oxfam had an online shop? Junk hunters, you
Surface View collaborates with the John Hinde Collection
I've written about Surface View and their brilliant wall murals before.
Highlights, for me at least, have included gems by Hemingway Design and George Stubbs' Whistlejacket, from SV's National Gallery collection. I didn't think it could get any better – and then I heard about the new John Hinde collection...
Regular readers may know of my Hinde infatuation. And if not, and the name means
Highlights, for me at least, have included gems by Hemingway Design and George Stubbs' Whistlejacket, from SV's National Gallery collection. I didn't think it could get any better – and then I heard about the new John Hinde collection...
Regular readers may know of my Hinde infatuation. And if not, and the name means
#Cheaphometricks: when is an Ikea sofa not an Ikea sofa?
When Saustark Design has been at it. This Munich-based company has taken the Ikea hacking trend to a clever, commercial level.
Now you can pimp your Swedish buy by adding a customised loose cover in the fabric of your choice (as well as colourful new legs), to take the edge off the ubiquity of your purchase... I wonder how many of us do have an Ikea sofa? (And you can check the rest of your home
Now you can pimp your Swedish buy by adding a customised loose cover in the fabric of your choice (as well as colourful new legs), to take the edge off the ubiquity of your purchase... I wonder how many of us do have an Ikea sofa? (And you can check the rest of your home
Exhibition: Clip Cut Gel, or masculinity explored through 80s barbershop photos
If you've ever gazed at those faded barbershop model shots, of men you can't imagine ever meeting, sporting hairstyles that never age beyond the 80s, then you'll love this new exhibition by artist, Julia Riddiough.
The angle of Clip Cut Gel is modern masculinity: male grooming, gender politics and the gaze and what it means to be a man today.
The photographs above, titled (from left to right)
The angle of Clip Cut Gel is modern masculinity: male grooming, gender politics and the gaze and what it means to be a man today.
The photographs above, titled (from left to right)
Friday fig
I came across this graphic on Pinterest, thanks to Howkapow (do follow them, very good taste).
I thought it must be a print they were selling in their nice shop. It wasn't.
So then I thought it must be a print some other nice shop was selling. Can't find it anywhere.
These figs make are good and happy. And they need to be nurtured and put onto paper and made available to the public so we
I thought it must be a print they were selling in their nice shop. It wasn't.
So then I thought it must be a print some other nice shop was selling. Can't find it anywhere.
These figs make are good and happy. And they need to be nurtured and put onto paper and made available to the public so we
Labels:
howkapow,
prints etc
Thursday question: the "Jackson Pollock" oven – would you?
This oven has come to my attention and I thought you'd like to see it.
I've written recently about some other jazzily coloured kitchen appliances and lots of you were enthusiastic about the idea.
I, on the other hand, am too wary of my fickle and faddy nature and have resolutely stuck to boring old white. But this is something else: could you have one like it in your kitchen? And what sort
I've written recently about some other jazzily coloured kitchen appliances and lots of you were enthusiastic about the idea.
I, on the other hand, am too wary of my fickle and faddy nature and have resolutely stuck to boring old white. But this is something else: could you have one like it in your kitchen? And what sort
Gardens: make a moss wall hanging
How hard can it be to kill moss? This is one the sorts of indestructible sorts of plants that I need more of in my life (OK, I'm cheating - it's a special kind of preserved moss).
I love this idea from the inspiring new book about house plants from Isabelle 'Balcony Gardener' Palmer. And any gardening project that involves gluing the plants in place sounds like my kind of project.
The book
I love this idea from the inspiring new book about house plants from Isabelle 'Balcony Gardener' Palmer. And any gardening project that involves gluing the plants in place sounds like my kind of project.
The book
Hinge sprucing #cheaphometricks
We've just redecorated the bathroom, and you can see from the cracked paint below how badly it was in need – but that's a story for another day.
Because today I just want to focus on one tiny change we made to the room that cost just a few quid, a bit of effort and – in my opinion – has given our bathroom door a bit of a new, design-y lease of life (plus it's a more positive DIY story than last
Because today I just want to focus on one tiny change we made to the room that cost just a few quid, a bit of effort and – in my opinion – has given our bathroom door a bit of a new, design-y lease of life (plus it's a more positive DIY story than last
Object of the day: Kimmy Hogan's sleeping Dachshunds
This is pretty much the cutest illustration of a dog you will ever have seen. Right?
The print is titled The Dachshund. Appendix 4: Sleep Study and it was drawn by (no surprises) a Dachshund-owning artist named Kimmy Hogan.
Sleeping dogs, especially little ones, are particularly endearing and Kimmy has captured that aspect beautifully, in this very simple series of line drawings.
Kimmy, who
The print is titled The Dachshund. Appendix 4: Sleep Study and it was drawn by (no surprises) a Dachshund-owning artist named Kimmy Hogan.
Sleeping dogs, especially little ones, are particularly endearing and Kimmy has captured that aspect beautifully, in this very simple series of line drawings.
Kimmy, who
Real homes: when DIY goes wrong
It was meant to be a cheap, quick way to give the shower room a spring spruce-up.
We had a leak in there, and while I was shopping for grout and silicone to fix it, I was dazzled by the grout reviver on sale nearby (everyone else gets excited and over-shops at DIY stores too – right?). A sparkly new bathroom for just a few quid? Yes please. Only things haven't gone quite to plan...
This
We had a leak in there, and while I was shopping for grout and silicone to fix it, I was dazzled by the grout reviver on sale nearby (everyone else gets excited and over-shops at DIY stores too – right?). A sparkly new bathroom for just a few quid? Yes please. Only things haven't gone quite to plan...
This
Labels:
bathrooms,
cheap tricks,
DIY,
my house,
real homes,
tiles,
tiling
Shopping: raiding the antique shops of Lewes
I had a lovely time recently visiting dear friends who have recently moved to Lewes, not far from Brighton.
It was brilliant to hang out and catch up (and eat fantastic fish and chips – well, just chips and a pickled egg for me – from their excellent local chippy). But what was almost as great? THE SHOPPING.
First off, I should highlight the one purchase of the trip (unusually restrained for
It was brilliant to hang out and catch up (and eat fantastic fish and chips – well, just chips and a pickled egg for me – from their excellent local chippy). But what was almost as great? THE SHOPPING.
First off, I should highlight the one purchase of the trip (unusually restrained for
Labels:
antiques,
gifts,
Holly Atkins,
junk,
lewes,
out and about,
secondhand,
shopping,
vintage,
Wickle
Real homes: a designer's £800 total renovation
Bobby Petersen's amazingly thrifty warehouse flat in north London filled me with inspiration when I went to nose around it a few months back.
I was there to write about his place for a piece published in last weekend's Guardian Weekend mag. You can read that here, but here are some bonus pictures of his insanely creative ideas.
The flat was a derelict, one-room warehouse space when Bobby,
I was there to write about his place for a piece published in last weekend's Guardian Weekend mag. You can read that here, but here are some bonus pictures of his insanely creative ideas.
The flat was a derelict, one-room warehouse space when Bobby,
Merry Easter
May your weekends also be filled with DIY, spring cleaning, picture framing and hot cross buns!
See you after the bank holidays.
UPDATE: due to extreme DIY-ing over the weekend (in that I only finished painting the bathroom at about 9pm last night), normal daily service will resume tomorrow. Look out for a myriad of cheap tricks from a £3 idea giving doors a design edge, to clever interiors
Labels:
accessories,
easter,
gifts
The Insider: so, apparently carpets are back
According to a reliable source (OK, well not really – it was the PR for a carpet company) wall-to-wall carpets are back in vogue.
But no need to take their word for it: the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) confirms that carpet sales are growing at their fastest rate since 1996.
Do you have carpet? Are you hankering after some? Dreaming of ripping yours up? I live in a house of bare
But no need to take their word for it: the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) confirms that carpet sales are growing at their fastest rate since 1996.
Do you have carpet? Are you hankering after some? Dreaming of ripping yours up? I live in a house of bare
Object of the day... Louise Wilkinson plates
These plates are just two from a small collection by designer, Louise Wilkinson.
I'd like them all, but these – marginally – are my two favourites.
Nice aren't they? In dinner plate size they cost £19.50 each. Below are a couple of the sweet side plates, priced at £14.50.
Louise launched her range at Liberty in 2012 and will be exhibiting at Tent London later this year. See more and buy
I'd like them all, but these – marginally – are my two favourites.
Nice aren't they? In dinner plate size they cost £19.50 each. Below are a couple of the sweet side plates, priced at £14.50.
Louise launched her range at Liberty in 2012 and will be exhibiting at Tent London later this year. See more and buy
Spotlight on... the Dala horse
I bought this little chap from a second-hand shop near my house as a Christmas present, but he never made it out of the house.
I should have known myself better, given my love of all horse-themed house items.
At the weekend, as part of my more houseplants mission, I picked up the leafy example you can also see in the photo below (from the Morden Hall nursery – a very nice place, by the way
I should have known myself better, given my love of all horse-themed house items.
At the weekend, as part of my more houseplants mission, I picked up the leafy example you can also see in the photo below (from the Morden Hall nursery – a very nice place, by the way
Object of the day: M&S melamine
You could of course use these bright and beautiful melamine plates for a picnic, as intended, but wouldn't they look wonderful hung on a drab wall?
They are eminently affordable and available in the Summer range at Marks and Spencer.
Rio Dinner Plate, £3.50
If you follow me on Pinterest, you may already have spotted a mini gallery of plates on walls. If not, and you're after some inspiration
They are eminently affordable and available in the Summer range at Marks and Spencer.
Rio Dinner Plate, £3.50
If you follow me on Pinterest, you may already have spotted a mini gallery of plates on walls. If not, and you're after some inspiration
Friday Edit #8: illustrated homes, super shelves, a super-cool table and some surprises
Apologies for last week's lack of Edit, in case anyone noticed.
But it's back! (And with bigger pictures and everything.)
Still Life Interior blog
Do you know the OK Corral online shop? You must! Run by photographer Holly Joliffe, it's a proper treasure trove. Now her mum, Joy, who designs lovely cushions sold through Random Retail, has started a side project: Still Life Interior blog. It's
But it's back! (And with bigger pictures and everything.)
Still Life Interior blog
Do you know the OK Corral online shop? You must! Run by photographer Holly Joliffe, it's a proper treasure trove. Now her mum, Joy, who designs lovely cushions sold through Random Retail, has started a side project: Still Life Interior blog. It's
Object of the day: Hundreds & Thousands tray by Jonna Saarinen
These colourful laminated birchwood trays by Finnish designer, Jonna Saarinen, are like useful little pieces of art.
I have previously mentioned my tray shelves. They are waiting to be filled. One or two of these mini ones could boost the fledgling collection...
Aren't they cheery?
After spying these trays, I checked out Jonna's website to see what other nice stuff she'd designed. But
I have previously mentioned my tray shelves. They are waiting to be filled. One or two of these mini ones could boost the fledgling collection...
Aren't they cheery?
After spying these trays, I checked out Jonna's website to see what other nice stuff she'd designed. But
Real homes: design envy in the south of France
Today's post is by writer and family travel blogger, Amanda Pollard, who lives in the south of France and has been nosing around this incredible place...
When designers Elisabeth Vidal and Huub Ubbens moved into their Montpellier apartment two years ago it didn’t look like this at all. Uninhabited for five years, it was run down with thick patterned wallpaper everywhere. But they could see the
When designers Elisabeth Vidal and Huub Ubbens moved into their Montpellier apartment two years ago it didn’t look like this at all. Uninhabited for five years, it was run down with thick patterned wallpaper everywhere. But they could see the
Sign the sewing petition!
This is the sewing machine I was given for my 18th birthday.
And I knew what to do with it only because I'd taken compulsory sewing classes for the first few years at my secondary school. I was not, however, a great student.
I kept for years the pencil skirt we were required to make – but which I never finished before the end of term – convincing myself that I would one day, very soon, sew
And I knew what to do with it only because I'd taken compulsory sewing classes for the first few years at my secondary school. I was not, however, a great student.
I kept for years the pencil skirt we were required to make – but which I never finished before the end of term – convincing myself that I would one day, very soon, sew
Labels:
craft,
sewing,
the insider
Spotlight on... Vernon Ward
Here is my bargain of the month. A beautiful Vernon Ward framed print... for just a quid!
I found it in Suffolk countryside, for sale in the on-site shop at an amazing converted barn we stayed in (more of which another time). It's my second print by the same artist.
Vernon Ward lived from 1905-1985 and was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. Though he was born in London, many
I found it in Suffolk countryside, for sale in the on-site shop at an amazing converted barn we stayed in (more of which another time). It's my second print by the same artist.
Vernon Ward lived from 1905-1985 and was a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. Though he was born in London, many
Real homes: inside an Eric Lyons span apartment
I'm a little bit obsessed with the architect Eric Lyons' work. The 1968-built house I live in is my local authority's version of his celebrated (and now listed) 1950s designs for Span Developments.
If you were a fan of the BBC's Great Interior Design Challenge a few months back, you'll have seen the kitchen makeovers the contestants did on the kitchens in a Span development.
The
If you were a fan of the BBC's Great Interior Design Challenge a few months back, you'll have seen the kitchen makeovers the contestants did on the kitchens in a Span development.
The
Spotlight on... themed playing cards
Contributing editor, Abi, gives very good gift.
And she's just pulled off a double-whammy with two beautiful sets of playing cards. A while back, she gave me this most excellent John Hinde Cornwall-themed set.
Hinde's studio, in case you don't share my – and Martin Parr's – obsession with it, is the prolific producer of pretty much every British holiday postcard you've ever bought –
And she's just pulled off a double-whammy with two beautiful sets of playing cards. A while back, she gave me this most excellent John Hinde Cornwall-themed set.
Hinde's studio, in case you don't share my – and Martin Parr's – obsession with it, is the prolific producer of pretty much every British holiday postcard you've ever bought –
Labels:
gifts,
inspiration,
my house,
real homes,
walls
Introducing... Durido
Isn't this a nice idea for brightening up a dark wall?
These colourful, graphic designs are the work of Mojca Dolinar and Marko Durini, AKA Durido, a new design company based Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The pair explain online at their Etsy shop that "a lot of energy and positive vibe" is what goes into their work, and say that they hope it will "contribute to your happiness and joy". Nice!
These colourful, graphic designs are the work of Mojca Dolinar and Marko Durini, AKA Durido, a new design company based Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The pair explain online at their Etsy shop that "a lot of energy and positive vibe" is what goes into their work, and say that they hope it will "contribute to your happiness and joy". Nice!
The Friday Edit #8: a mini missive, featuring his 'n' hers sheds, Pharrell's crib and clever clashes
Are you, like me, an Apartment Therapy addict? If so, you will no doubt love this voyeuristic nose around the freshly done-up New York flat of the blog's founder, Maxwell Ryan. Just like AP itself, Ryan's place mixes high design with the every day and a bit of clever DIY. NYMag.com
The rug company, Danskina, launches a new collection at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan next
Introducing... Anna Chilton
First, the bad news: you can't buy Anna Chilton's beautiful drawings – on various ceramic items – and her striking print designs – on wallpapers, t-shirts and more – today.
The good news: you're getting the inside tip-off about this fresh talent early – and one day soon, when she's left art school – I know! – if not before, her stunning work will be in demand from retailers a-plenty. (Sharpen
The good news: you're getting the inside tip-off about this fresh talent early – and one day soon, when she's left art school – I know! – if not before, her stunning work will be in demand from retailers a-plenty. (Sharpen
Real homes: what a difference new cushions can make
I've been charting the finishing touches to my kitchen for what seems like ages. But these things take time, decisions aren't always fast – things have to be lived with, tried out, and experimented with...
But I'll admit that the kitchen cushions – seen in their before-ish state, below – have been an issue for several years.
And it's not like I haven't had some excellent, expert guidance
But I'll admit that the kitchen cushions – seen in their before-ish state, below – have been an issue for several years.
And it's not like I haven't had some excellent, expert guidance
Object of the day: HAY's S&B yellow bath mat
My bathroom doesn't have much colour in it, and as there's so much colour around the rest of the house I like it that way.
But it could remain a pale, calming space and still handle a cheer-up with one of these sunshine yellow bath mats by HAY.
£18 from Clippings
And if you're feeling yellow even more than this, these anaglypta-ish bathing brights might appeal too (and if you can't find
But it could remain a pale, calming space and still handle a cheer-up with one of these sunshine yellow bath mats by HAY.
£18 from Clippings
And if you're feeling yellow even more than this, these anaglypta-ish bathing brights might appeal too (and if you can't find
Labels:
accessories,
bathrooms,
Clippings,
gifts,
HAY
The Friday Edit #7: a mad bad bathroom, Snoop's Air BnB crib and how to eat like Martin Parr
A look back at some of the week's best design (well, design-ish) links...
Chinoiserie: not a look I've ever thought of dabbling with. Until I saw this fabulous image – that green! With that pink! Wow. It looks gooooood. There's also a great tip for wallpapering if you're renting. Read the full post at Thedecorista.com
The images of this light, beautifully floored flat – and the slightly
Chinoiserie: not a look I've ever thought of dabbling with. Until I saw this fabulous image – that green! With that pink! Wow. It looks gooooood. There's also a great tip for wallpapering if you're renting. Read the full post at Thedecorista.com
The images of this light, beautifully floored flat – and the slightly
Exhibition: legendary 1980s Berlin Wall artist, Thierry Noir
The Berlin Wall fell a quarter of a century ago this year, after standing for 28 years.
By coincidence, this year I've also recently watched two excellent German films set in the Wall era, Lives of Others and Barbara, which was on TV the other week. Loved both, Lives of Others in particular, if you haven't ever seen it, is one of those films that stays with you for a long time.
And they've
By coincidence, this year I've also recently watched two excellent German films set in the Wall era, Lives of Others and Barbara, which was on TV the other week. Loved both, Lives of Others in particular, if you haven't ever seen it, is one of those films that stays with you for a long time.
And they've
Labels:
art,
berlin,
exhibitions,
thierry noir
Object of the day: Future and Found striped dishcloths
Only this morning, while photographing my idiot's plants, was I thinking about my dishcloths.
In fact, I was hiding them, so the ugly things weren't too prominent in a photo that wasn't about dishcloths. Had I had one of these beauties by the sink, I'd have been proud.
Good, aren't they? And a spring clean motivator to boot, perhaps?
Striped dishcloth trio, £6, Future and Found
In fact, I was hiding them, so the ugly things weren't too prominent in a photo that wasn't about dishcloths. Had I had one of these beauties by the sink, I'd have been proud.
Good, aren't they? And a spring clean motivator to boot, perhaps?
Striped dishcloth trio, £6, Future and Found
Spotlight on... houseplants
I love to have greenery indoors but if there was a horticultural equivalent of the RSPCA, I'd have been shopped. So this is my latest adventure in not killing house plants.
A little bit pathetic, but a start. And succulents are – in my limited gardening knowledge – virtually impossible to kill.
And putting them on the kitchen windowsill, where I can never get too distracted after
A little bit pathetic, but a start. And succulents are – in my limited gardening knowledge – virtually impossible to kill.
And putting them on the kitchen windowsill, where I can never get too distracted after
Labels:
house plants,
my house,
plants,
real homes,
walls
Object of the day: Tesco round wood stripe tray
Trays can be so much more than trays. I'm currently collecting some to fill my new kitchen display shelves: I like nice things to look at, but useful nice things to look at are even better.
And this pleasingly coloured, spring-like wooden number from – gasp – Tesco, would enhance a wall as much as it would a spread of summery drinks and al fresco hors d'oeuvres. I also like the idea of a
And this pleasingly coloured, spring-like wooden number from – gasp – Tesco, would enhance a wall as much as it would a spread of summery drinks and al fresco hors d'oeuvres. I also like the idea of a
Labels:
accessories,
gifts,
trays,
walls
Friday Edit #6: teeny dwellings, mad portraits, how to do flea markets like a pro and more
From left to right 1. A construction trailer transformed into... this. Love it! Proof that clever ideas are more important than bags of cash for lovely interiors. See the full story at Designboom
2. Wow. And just to bring things down from the luxury of even having the small budget it took to do that: this piece on Hong Kong and what "affordable housing looks like in one the most expensive
Object of the day: The Wes Anderson Collection
I went to the cinema last night (The Dallas Buyer's Club, brilliant) and the queues for Wes Anderson's new film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, were vast. It's next on my list.
As fellow fans will know, the look of the director's typically eccentric movies is so distinctive – the palette of Moonrise Kingdom alone was enough of a reason to go and see his last film.
So even though this book was out
As fellow fans will know, the look of the director's typically eccentric movies is so distinctive – the palette of Moonrise Kingdom alone was enough of a reason to go and see his last film.
So even though this book was out
Labels:
books,
illustration
Spotlight on... photography for walls
I love a framed beach photograph.
And this one, taken on a packed Bondi looks great in a clean white frame on a white wall, don't you think?
The photograph is by Louisa Seton and part of a limited edition of 500 for sale in this A1 size at the reasonable price of £50, from a new company called Lumitrix.
It reminds me a little of this, which I featured in a previous post.
Good,
And this one, taken on a packed Bondi looks great in a clean white frame on a white wall, don't you think?
The photograph is by Louisa Seton and part of a limited edition of 500 for sale in this A1 size at the reasonable price of £50, from a new company called Lumitrix.
It reminds me a little of this, which I featured in a previous post.
Good,
Object of the day: totally kitsch swan light
A couple of weeks ago I paused in front of a shop window near my house, ogling the unusual lamps in the window display.
All sorts of ornamental objects had been wired up and fitted with lampholders, and they looked brilliant. And today, via the magic that is Twitter, I think I may have stumbled across these lovely lights' makers: a south coast-based duo called the Lost and Foundry. Check out
All sorts of ornamental objects had been wired up and fitted with lampholders, and they looked brilliant. And today, via the magic that is Twitter, I think I may have stumbled across these lovely lights' makers: a south coast-based duo called the Lost and Foundry. Check out
The Insider: big idea, small budget?
Do you remember last year's BBC2 show, The House That £100k Built? Are you planning – or dreaming of – a home project (even a tiny one) that could feature in its new, spin-off series?
The new show will include small-scale projects – new bathrooms, or even just a different room layout. And the show's makers are currently casting for anyone with an idea in mind who would like some design expertise
The new show will include small-scale projects – new bathrooms, or even just a different room layout. And the show's makers are currently casting for anyone with an idea in mind who would like some design expertise
The Friday Edit #5: a bloglove special
I check my blog stats and I know that somehow I've gathered quite a staggering number of readers, but until I get feedback I never really believe you're actually there.
So it's always really nice to discover that other people are enjoying these daily posts, whether via comments here, tweets or Facebook interactions. And this week I got a tweet saying I'd made a Top UK design bloggers list,
So it's always really nice to discover that other people are enjoying these daily posts, whether via comments here, tweets or Facebook interactions. And this week I got a tweet saying I'd made a Top UK design bloggers list,
Real homes: what makes a great guest room?
We're thinking of renting out what used to be the lodger's room on Air BnB.
The room was decorated, years ago, with a lodger in mind – this meant plainly and sparsely, so someone else could make it feel homely.
Air BnB is, of course, a different beast. You want to inject a bit more personality, give the space some personality. (But how much personality?) So I'm revving up for a major guest
The room was decorated, years ago, with a lodger in mind – this meant plainly and sparsely, so someone else could make it feel homely.
Air BnB is, of course, a different beast. You want to inject a bit more personality, give the space some personality. (But how much personality?) So I'm revving up for a major guest
Object of the day: DFS does good
I've got a DFS sofa, but still have never been a big fan of the brand.
Largely, I chose DFS because I found one lone design out of all of the ones on offer that I almost liked, and I chose it because John Lewis don't do interest-free credit. (I'll probably be paying for the sofa in £10 instalments for about the rest of my life – it wasn't cheap).
That said, It's not a bad sofa at all –
Largely, I chose DFS because I found one lone design out of all of the ones on offer that I almost liked, and I chose it because John Lewis don't do interest-free credit. (I'll probably be paying for the sofa in £10 instalments for about the rest of my life – it wasn't cheap).
That said, It's not a bad sofa at all –
Real homes: could you live in a house like this?
Fancy a change of scene? You could always rent this former coastguard lookout, converted into an airy home by the interior/architect practice, Johnson Naylor, currently on the lettings market in Dungeness, Kent.
The rent is £1,450 pcm – but could you handle the location?
The house, which has two bedrooms, is bang in the middle of the shingle beach at Dungeness – the largest area of shingle in
The rent is £1,450 pcm – but could you handle the location?
The house, which has two bedrooms, is bang in the middle of the shingle beach at Dungeness – the largest area of shingle in
Exhibition & Book: "I've Lived in East London for 86 ½ Years"
London-based photographer Martin Usborne met Joseph Markovitch, 86 ½, on an unusually hot day in Hoxton.
He asked to take his photograph (in "the hope of winning some award") but that one meeting turned into a project that has resulted in a series of beautiful portraits of Markovitch. These are part of a new exhibition and also feature in a very special coffee table book.
Markovitch, who
He asked to take his photograph (in "the hope of winning some award") but that one meeting turned into a project that has resulted in a series of beautiful portraits of Markovitch. These are part of a new exhibition and also feature in a very special coffee table book.
Markovitch, who
The Friday Edit #4
A few of the best design stories on the internet this week...
1. Did you catch the Guardian's sorrowful ode to Ikea's Expedit shelving this week? In honour of the ubiquitous storage system, three of its best moments: some excellent Expedit hacking at homes blog, Dans Le Townhouse (bottom right); 20 real spaces featuring Expedit at Inthralld included this very good bench seating version (left
1. Did you catch the Guardian's sorrowful ode to Ikea's Expedit shelving this week? In honour of the ubiquitous storage system, three of its best moments: some excellent Expedit hacking at homes blog, Dans Le Townhouse (bottom right); 20 real spaces featuring Expedit at Inthralld included this very good bench seating version (left
Object of the day: horse hangers
Perhaps inspired by Les Trois Garçons' haul earlier this week (particularly the wall-mounted unicorns), I have my heart set on these.
Regular readers will know of my fondness for an equine accessory. But is this a step too kitsch?
Neighhhhhhh! It is for sale in the US at Etsy (from a shop called Equine by Lauren) along with a range of similar designs featuring different horses (this, I
Regular readers will know of my fondness for an equine accessory. But is this a step too kitsch?
Neighhhhhhh! It is for sale in the US at Etsy (from a shop called Equine by Lauren) along with a range of similar designs featuring different horses (this, I
Labels:
accessories,
etsy,
horses
Real homes... kitchen trolley suggestions?
The top of this kitchen trolley in my house has been a design conundrum for years. It was originally acquired to provide a side table for the kitchen bench.
For various reasons that never happened, and now – since the dramatic kitchen table relocation – it isn't really necessary either.
The trolley, due to its generous surface area, immediately became a dumping ground for downstairs
For various reasons that never happened, and now – since the dramatic kitchen table relocation – it isn't really necessary either.
The trolley, due to its generous surface area, immediately became a dumping ground for downstairs
Labels:
dogs,
furniture,
kitchens,
real homes
Spotlight on... the Sight Unseen shop
After writing about a Sight Unseen competition last week, I discovered the online US craft magazine has a shop dedicated to selling hand-made products by artists and designers.
The shop has recently extended its remit from just selling wearables to including a few very nice homewares, all produced in tiny batches.
These mugs are designed by former print-maker, Josephine Heilpern under the
The shop has recently extended its remit from just selling wearables to including a few very nice homewares, all produced in tiny batches.
These mugs are designed by former print-maker, Josephine Heilpern under the
The Insider: inspiration from the interiors of Les Trois Garçons
If you've ever eaten at A-lister repository and east London restaurant, Les Trois Garçons, you'll recognise the style below.
Even if you haven't (and it isn't cheap), the place is well-known for its interiors and a favourite with art directors and photographers, so you'll have almost certainly spotted it as the backdrop for countless glossy magazine shoot. Either way, feast your eyes...
Why
Even if you haven't (and it isn't cheap), the place is well-known for its interiors and a favourite with art directors and photographers, so you'll have almost certainly spotted it as the backdrop for countless glossy magazine shoot. Either way, feast your eyes...
Why
The Friday Edit #3
This week's aesthetic highlights...
From left to right:
1. Don't need more interiors crack in your life? Look away now, because Sight Unseen has discovered Neybers, a new web based app which it describes as "a cross between My Deco and Sim City". The app lets you design rooms in 3D, using products from brands including Fornasetti and Donna Wilson. There's a competition currently running on
From left to right:
1. Don't need more interiors crack in your life? Look away now, because Sight Unseen has discovered Neybers, a new web based app which it describes as "a cross between My Deco and Sim City". The app lets you design rooms in 3D, using products from brands including Fornasetti and Donna Wilson. There's a competition currently running on
Introducing... The Common Room
When former performance artist, Kate Hawkins, retired from her chosen medium, she followed a new vision: to make good, contemporary art accessible to "the many, rather than the few".
Her solution? To commission working artists to design conceptual wallpapers, and sell them in her new shop, The Common Room. I think the brand new company's first designs are very exciting. What do you reckon?
'
Her solution? To commission working artists to design conceptual wallpapers, and sell them in her new shop, The Common Room. I think the brand new company's first designs are very exciting. What do you reckon?
'
Object of the day: Sanderson 'Manila'
It's holiday time of year for the organised among us.
If that's not you (it's not me), or if your holiday is about open fires and British countryside, you could always bring the heat home instead. And these two prints, in Sanderson's new Manila range, would do it for me.
A good tip if you don't want to commit to wallpapering properly, or can only stretch to one roll of the stuff, is to
If that's not you (it's not me), or if your holiday is about open fires and British countryside, you could always bring the heat home instead. And these two prints, in Sanderson's new Manila range, would do it for me.
A good tip if you don't want to commit to wallpapering properly, or can only stretch to one roll of the stuff, is to
Object of the day: stuffed drawings
This crazy looking little figure would look good on a shelf, especially in a kids' bedroom (but don't let that limit you). It's like a Donna Wilson creature cushion on acid.
And if children's brains are as free as a hallucinogen fuelled mind, then it sort of is. Because this stuffed character is modelled on an original child's drawing. Brilliant, no?
Thorody, the fabric company that makes them
And if children's brains are as free as a hallucinogen fuelled mind, then it sort of is. Because this stuffed character is modelled on an original child's drawing. Brilliant, no?
Thorody, the fabric company that makes them
The Friday edit #2
Back again with a round up of some of the best things I've seen/read/received this week. Happy weekend, all.
(Clockwise from top left)
1. Meet the original Brooklyn hipsters: The New York Public Library has more than 500 of Dinanda Nooney's 1978-79 photographs of Brooklyn dwellers, many taken in their homes. Apartment Therapy published the highlights. Excellently nostalgic, fascinatingly
(Clockwise from top left)
1. Meet the original Brooklyn hipsters: The New York Public Library has more than 500 of Dinanda Nooney's 1978-79 photographs of Brooklyn dwellers, many taken in their homes. Apartment Therapy published the highlights. Excellently nostalgic, fascinatingly
Object of the day: Eduardo Barba prints
Some different examples of Eduardo Barba's striking geometric prints have featured here before.
The Seville-based artist, a trained architect whose schooling seeps into his work, has created designs with a sharp 50s feel but without cliche.
Geometric Exercise 3
A Rum Fellow, whose incredible Peruvian chairs I wrote about last week, seem to be the only UK shop to stock his work, and they
The Seville-based artist, a trained architect whose schooling seeps into his work, has created designs with a sharp 50s feel but without cliche.
Geometric Exercise 3
A Rum Fellow, whose incredible Peruvian chairs I wrote about last week, seem to be the only UK shop to stock his work, and they
Before & after: Ikea mini drawer unit revamp
I've had these Ikea drawers so long that they no longer sell them (though they're in the ilk of the Moppe series).
I put wheels on them back in the day, and thought often about painting them, just like the ones I overhauled in the bathroom – using odd old drawer knobs found on eBay and some white gloss paint. Years passed, procrastination flourished. Finally I have got around to fixing them up.
I put wheels on them back in the day, and thought often about painting them, just like the ones I overhauled in the bathroom – using odd old drawer knobs found on eBay and some white gloss paint. Years passed, procrastination flourished. Finally I have got around to fixing them up.
The Insider: remembering Nest magazine
Today, designer and writer Andrew Pothecary writes an ode to his favourite defunct magazine, and one after this blog's heart...
The entire span of Nest magazine’s printed life lasted 26 quarterly issues. And it closed 10 years ago with its autumn 2004 issue. So why’s it worth remembering now?
The first issue. In mint condition, it might set you back over $1,000. Other issues are
The entire span of Nest magazine’s printed life lasted 26 quarterly issues. And it closed 10 years ago with its autumn 2004 issue. So why’s it worth remembering now?
The first issue. In mint condition, it might set you back over $1,000. Other issues are
An idea: the blue room
Blues of every shade are suddenly everywhere, with teal (thanks to Dulux with, oddly, Alesha Dixon) and navy two of the most photographed shades.
And I've just fallen for this room, which features both.
It's cosy and calming and I am feeling a yearning to repaint the front room. I think I would read more books if there was a room like this in which to do it.
And don't you just love those
And I've just fallen for this room, which features both.
It's cosy and calming and I am feeling a yearning to repaint the front room. I think I would read more books if there was a room like this in which to do it.
And don't you just love those
The Friday edit: the week's best bookmarks
I'm dabbling with making this a regular Friday regular: a round-up of some of my favourite stories from around the web, the homes and design-y things I've bookmarked in the last week or so.
Let's give it a go.
Clockwise from top left
1. Donna Wilson has designed the interior for the remote Fogo Island Inn, off the coast of Newfoundland. There's a lovely story behind it and the building is
Let's give it a go.
Clockwise from top left
1. Donna Wilson has designed the interior for the remote Fogo Island Inn, off the coast of Newfoundland. There's a lovely story behind it and the building is
Object of the day: CUSTHOM's latest embroidered fabric
I've written about Custhom before: the young design company's particular speciality is their unusual and striking digital embroidery technique, which gives their textiles a tactile, 3-D quality.
Now they've just launched a new range of cotton wallpaper and fabric using the same methods.
The south London-based pair behind Custhom Nathan Philpott and Jemma Ooi only met – at the Royal
Now they've just launched a new range of cotton wallpaper and fabric using the same methods.
The south London-based pair behind Custhom Nathan Philpott and Jemma Ooi only met – at the Royal
The Insider: The best Ikea hacks ever?
"Things are not always what they seem," state Elia Maurizi and Francesco Pepa, the duo behind Italian design company, Teste Di Legno (which means, by the way, "blockheads").
"Ask yourself: is it possible to revolutionize the furniture of Ikea, the company that revolutionised how millions of people live? Yes, it is." And thus they explain the thinking behind their incredibly brilliant new range
"Ask yourself: is it possible to revolutionize the furniture of Ikea, the company that revolutionised how millions of people live? Yes, it is." And thus they explain the thinking behind their incredibly brilliant new range
Labels:
furniture,
ikea,
teste di legno
Tuesday question: coloured kitchen appliances – would you?
I was recently part of a research panel for a kitchen appliances brand. One topic we discussed was colour: good or not so good. What do you reckon?
To me, a washing machine, an oven, a dishwasher – whatever – these are things that should work well and also look as if they work well.
Something in a seasonally fashionable colour runs the risk of outdating before its working life perishes (
To me, a washing machine, an oven, a dishwasher – whatever – these are things that should work well and also look as if they work well.
Something in a seasonally fashionable colour runs the risk of outdating before its working life perishes (
Labels:
appliances,
colour,
domino magazine,
gorenje,
kitchens,
smeg,
swan
Object of the day: "Your Ideal Love Mate is..."
I'm not much for Valentine's day. But I can't resist these fantastic old cards from Pedlars – in fact I bought a set of 10 as a little Christmas present to go in a frame above the bed.
They're part of a vast stash of deadstock the shop acquired (so although they are originals, they're in good supply). But what are they?
These amazing love cards are from 1940s vending machines and originated
They're part of a vast stash of deadstock the shop acquired (so although they are originals, they're in good supply). But what are they?
These amazing love cards are from 1940s vending machines and originated
Labels:
cards,
pedlars,
prints etc,
vintage,
walls
House porn Friday: Grand Designs' Slip House hits the market
It was one of Grand Designs' more controversial builds: a glass box bang in the middle of a Victorian London terrace, designed by the architect Carl Turner.
And now it's on the market, in case you have a spare £1,350,000 to hand.
I don't live far away from Slip House – as it is known due to its construction from "slipped" or cantilevered boxes – and have passed it many times: it really
And now it's on the market, in case you have a spare £1,350,000 to hand.
I don't live far away from Slip House – as it is known due to its construction from "slipped" or cantilevered boxes – and have passed it many times: it really
Freestyle Thursday: Voyage round my grandmother
Where do you think this is? On the fringes of a Home Counties golf course, perhaps? Looks that way, and yet the mock Tudor exterior and very English 1950s hotel interior are deceptive.
This very familiar looking architecture is in fact in Malaysia, and while sorting through old photos I was reminded of the trip I took there a few years ago to retrace a significant journey my grandmother had
This very familiar looking architecture is in fact in Malaysia, and while sorting through old photos I was reminded of the trip I took there a few years ago to retrace a significant journey my grandmother had
Freestyle Wednesday: mix colours like a pro
When I visited Home 2014 a couple of weeks ago, I finally met Tania James, one half of colourful design duo, Quirk and Rescue.
It reminded me that I've long meant to post a photo of Q&R's rather amazing geometric Wundt wallpaper.
For starters, I like the paper itself (more details of which below). But also, I love how their photograph of it in situ is styled. It throws out all preconceptions
It reminded me that I've long meant to post a photo of Q&R's rather amazing geometric Wundt wallpaper.
For starters, I like the paper itself (more details of which below). But also, I love how their photograph of it in situ is styled. It throws out all preconceptions
The Insider: the madcap world of Fornasetti
We're still searching for something to put in the 1950s glass-fronted cabinet from my grandma's house (which you can see, in need of some love, here).
It's in the kitchen and, with its location in mind, my boyfriend sent me the photo below as inspiration.
It's a rare 1955 pizza recipe plate by the Milanese designer, Pierro Fornasetti. It was listed on a Knightsbridge-based antiques website,
It's in the kitchen and, with its location in mind, my boyfriend sent me the photo below as inspiration.
It's a rare 1955 pizza recipe plate by the Milanese designer, Pierro Fornasetti. It was listed on a Knightsbridge-based antiques website,
Object of the day: H & M new season cushions
One day, I'm going to get around to making my own cushion covers. I've even got my 1980s sewing machine out. It looks nice on the new under-stairs alcove shelf arrangement. So far that's as far as it's got.
So hurrah for H&M's new season cushion range. You may remember their excellent horse cushion from last year... this year they've gone graphic and colourful. And prices start at just £3.99...
So hurrah for H&M's new season cushion range. You may remember their excellent horse cushion from last year... this year they've gone graphic and colourful. And prices start at just £3.99...
Object of the day: Russian nesting dolls
Meet Panda, Penguin and Raccoon. Monochrome nesting dolls hand-painted in Russia.
Aren't they nice? You could get them for a child, but who'd appreciate them more?
They're from a sweet little online store in Canada (check out their sheep cushions!) and cost $38 Canadian dollars, around £34. Find them at Babasouk.ca. International shipping available. You could also try US-based Wee Gallery,
Aren't they nice? You could get them for a child, but who'd appreciate them more?
They're from a sweet little online store in Canada (check out their sheep cushions!) and cost $38 Canadian dollars, around £34. Find them at Babasouk.ca. International shipping available. You could also try US-based Wee Gallery,
Real homes: a mini kitchen makeover
I've been at the kitchen already here this week, with the great table revelation. Now for another recent update.
This is how the back wall in the kitchen looked for a very long time...
As well as the obvious repainting, which took me about a year to get around to, I thought it needed a shelf above the bin. After about three years of talking about it, the shelf finally happened – by which
This is how the back wall in the kitchen looked for a very long time...
As well as the obvious repainting, which took me about a year to get around to, I thought it needed a shelf above the bin. After about three years of talking about it, the shelf finally happened – by which
Labels:
kitchens,
real homes
Architectural porn: Cities and Other Ruins – Reflections on Astley Castle
Witherford Watson Mann, you may remember, were the architects who bagged last year's RIBA Prize, for their spectacular transformation of the 12th century ruins of Astley Castle into a Landmark Trust house.
Now you have the chance to nose around a decade of the practice's other work in an exhibition opening next month in London. Meanwhile, Astley Castle and a reminder of why they won...
Now you have the chance to nose around a decade of the practice's other work in an exhibition opening next month in London. Meanwhile, Astley Castle and a reminder of why they won...
Kitchen table sorted?
You might have seen a post late last year about the kitchen table situation round my house.
The kitchen looked as it does below, which looked OK, but when we had lots of family over for a Sunday lunch, and moved the table temporarily over to the bench so we could all fit in, it transformed the room dramatically. Made it feel nicer. And put us on a mission.
We tried out about 100 different
The kitchen looked as it does below, which looked OK, but when we had lots of family over for a Sunday lunch, and moved the table temporarily over to the bench so we could all fit in, it transformed the room dramatically. Made it feel nicer. And put us on a mission.
We tried out about 100 different
Streetart Monday
Been meaning for ages to post up a photo of some of the wonderful street art springing up in my neck of the woods.
I walk past this giant painted chaffinch, by the artist Mark Wydler, most days on the way to my nearest decent-sized dog-walking park, and it always puts a spring in my step.
The area in south London that I live in – between bustling Brixton and Camberwell – has its issues. A bit
I walk past this giant painted chaffinch, by the artist Mark Wydler, most days on the way to my nearest decent-sized dog-walking park, and it always puts a spring in my step.
The area in south London that I live in – between bustling Brixton and Camberwell – has its issues. A bit
Objects of the day: alternative alphabets
It's been an alphabetty kind of a week. At Home 2014, I loved illustrator James Brown's colourful new letter linocut prints.
I also came across Anil Mistry's excellent alternative A-Z print via Design Week (where you can see lots of close-ups).
His Icons Alphabet goes something like: D is for David (Hockney), X is for XTC, Q is for Quincy (Jones), K is for Kenneth (Williams)...
...
I also came across Anil Mistry's excellent alternative A-Z print via Design Week (where you can see lots of close-ups).
His Icons Alphabet goes something like: D is for David (Hockney), X is for XTC, Q is for Quincy (Jones), K is for Kenneth (Williams)...
...
(Unattainable) object of the day: Royal Crown Derby new Equus collection
Prices have yet to be announced for this new range of tableware by Royal Crown Derby. But know this: it launches at Harrods, and some plates on the RD website cost over 400 quid.
Not all of them mind. Some are on the kinder side of £50. But whether we can afford them or not, please do take a moment to marvel at the beauty...
Don't you love the way the body parts are split between different
Not all of them mind. Some are on the kinder side of £50. But whether we can afford them or not, please do take a moment to marvel at the beauty...
Don't you love the way the body parts are split between different
Objects of the day: from the Home 2014 show
I made flying visit to Home 2014 yesterday, a big interiors trade show at Earl's Court in London if you're not familiar.
Snapped some nice things. Here is a small selection, with more to come anon.
Danish design company, Ferm Living, have some nice new cushions (54 Euros) and a range of prints (30 Euros).
Hemingway Design have some gorgeous fabrics coming soon. Really like the blue/
Snapped some nice things. Here is a small selection, with more to come anon.
Danish design company, Ferm Living, have some nice new cushions (54 Euros) and a range of prints (30 Euros).
Hemingway Design have some gorgeous fabrics coming soon. Really like the blue/
Freestyle Tuesday: who works in an office like this?
Oh Google, you thought you had the amazing office thing sewn up, didn't you?
Well check out the rather incredible working environment below. Which big international company do you think it belongs to?
Now that is a civilised meeting room.
Top marks if you've already guessed it is the home of Air BnB.
The company, which of course specialises in allowing home owners advertise their
Well check out the rather incredible working environment below. Which big international company do you think it belongs to?
Now that is a civilised meeting room.
Top marks if you've already guessed it is the home of Air BnB.
The company, which of course specialises in allowing home owners advertise their
Labels:
air bnb,
holiday lets,
holidays
Real homes: a 50s hilltop bungalow surrounded by deer
Having been born and raised in the city, I often think I could never live in the country.
But when, late last year, we went to stay at the house of some of my boyfriend's oldest friends in the Wye Valley, I was almost swayed. In our bit of London, we often hear drug deals being done outside our windows. There, as we discovered when we stayed, the noises outside are usually inquisitive deer.
Labels:
1950s,
jill dixon,
real homes
Shopping: Branksome china
We've had a beautiful, teak glass-fronted display cabinet up on the kitchen wall since before Christmas. We still can't decide what to put into it.
All the stuff that actually needs to go in it for storage, doesn't add up to much of a display (as you can see here). So the pondering continues for now. It needs to combine practicality with beauty. Like this...
I love this bit of styling from
All the stuff that actually needs to go in it for storage, doesn't add up to much of a display (as you can see here). So the pondering continues for now. It needs to combine practicality with beauty. Like this...
I love this bit of styling from
Freestyle Thursday: The lovely Llangollen Railway
And now for some shameless nostalgia. I've just had a photo downloading binge and had totally forgotten I'd taken all these pictures of the restored Llangollen steam railway.
Check out the beautifully designed 1960s British Rail interiors. Couldn't you just move in?
We took it on the nine-and-a-half mile trip from Llangollen, in north Wales, to Carrog late last year when we stayed at this
Check out the beautifully designed 1960s British Rail interiors. Couldn't you just move in?
We took it on the nine-and-a-half mile trip from Llangollen, in north Wales, to Carrog late last year when we stayed at this
Shopping: The Wire Poster Project
I'm preposterously late to the game, but have finally started watching The Wire. I know. I'm still only on series two and have only just stopped being traumatised about Wallace.
It is as brilliant as everyone has always said it was, and so with the fervour of a new convert, I present something else – a themed design off-shoot – that's been around since October. But maybe you haven't seen it
It is as brilliant as everyone has always said it was, and so with the fervour of a new convert, I present something else – a themed design off-shoot – that's been around since October. But maybe you haven't seen it
Real homes: a central London houseboat, frugally styled
Living in central London is fast becoming impossible on most people’s budgets, that is unless you live on a houseboat. Over to designer and blogger, Sarah Fox, for today's story.
Boat owners, illustrator, Sophie Jamieson and her boyfriend Kendall Gilmore, on the Department of Health's graduate scheme, live a 10-minute stroll from Baker Street station on a peaceful stretch of canal edged with a
Boat owners, illustrator, Sophie Jamieson and her boyfriend Kendall Gilmore, on the Department of Health's graduate scheme, live a 10-minute stroll from Baker Street station on a peaceful stretch of canal edged with a
Competition winners: kitschness wins prizes
Hello and merry 12th day. Great to be back at work? Broken any resolutions yet? Mourning your Christmas tree? Distract yourself with these photos sent in by entrants to a competition I ran at the end of last year.
The prize was a limited edition lava lamp and so, naturally, I asked people to send in photos of the most kitsch things they had in their homes. Here are my favourites...
This
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