Get Cosy

I love the autumn and it only takes a whiff of a bonfire or a slightly chilly breeze in the air to get me thinking about cozying up my home for the cold weather. Whilst we are generally enjoying a gorgeous autumn, I am not to be deflected and am taking the opportunity to add a few seasonal accessories, so where better to start than with a bit of natural sheepskin.

I think you can’t go wrong with simply owning a sheepskin, they are nature’s perfect invention. They are great on a chair, or on the floor for your feet to sink into. Don’t even think of leaving it anywhere that your pet goes or you will have to fight for your spot. Cox and Cox curly sheepskin £165

And if you are won over by a picture of a chair with a sheepskin on it, why not go the whole hog (sheep) with a sheepskin beanbag. Fall into it, and emerge in the spring.

Cox and Cox sheepskin beanbag £750

If you have a bigger floor space to be filled with under foot joy, look no further than The Rug Company. Their Alpaca rug not only looks wonderful but is as tactile as you could possibly desire.

www.therugcompany.com Alpaca £550 per m2

On a slightly more frivolous note, I love this sheepskin sheep footstool by The Wool Room at Not on the High Street. I almost feel like naming it, but I will control myself.

Sheepskin sheep stool, the Wool Room £99

We have featured it before and I still love it – why not have a sheepskin magazine rack?

A + B Furniture (sadly not related to us)  £225

And finally, whilst not given to exaggerated sentimentalism myself (she says), I couldn’t resist this sweet heart shaped sheepskin cushion – well why not?

The White Company Sheepskin Heart Cushion £35.00

 

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Hands on Design

Human hands are so wonderfully expressive that it is no surprise that they feature in some lovely, and well designed, interiors products. Some of my favourites are shown here and we start with the king of hands, Pedro Friedeberg, a Mexican surrealist artist and designer, who created the exquisite Hand Chair, designed so that you sit in the palm of the hand.

Pedro Friedeberg chair

White versions of the chair are shown in this super stylish shot taken from Elle Decor, with thanks to them for the use of the image

I have lusted after these door lever handles from Charles Edwards since I saw them in their fantastic showroom in the Kings Road.

An updated version of the ball and claw feet seen on antique furniture, Hand and Ball door or cupboard knob, also from Charles Edwards.

This beautiful wall light from super stylish Cox London was inspired by Caravaggio’s ‘Supper at Emmaus’ painting.

Charming and practical, these hand book ends from going to look great either side of your classics (or your Jilly Coopers). Hand book ends from Rockett St George

 

This beautifully detailed hand door knocker from Broughtons would be a very elegant addition to a period front door.

And finally, I couldn’t resist these delightful paperclips from After Noah – my order is on it’s way!

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Cycle Fever

The third stage of the Tour de France starts in the heart of Cambridge on 7^th July and I, for one, am excited. Now you would have thought that this excitement would translate into the crucial work of having the Angel and Blume bicycle serviced and the flat tyre and wobbly seat sorted out, but instead my enthusiasm has manifested itself into finding the best bicycle related interiors products. Kingsway cycles we will be bringing the Angel and Blume bike to you any minute, for the rest of you, here are my discoveries so far:

 

 

Bicycle cushion 30cm x 50cm Graham and Green £55

You know how I love a cushion, and this one from Graham and Green is not only very classy but fun too.

 

 

 

 

 

I love these prints from David Sparshott – they are beautifully detailed, absolutely charming and I suspect very accurate, although I am only guessing. The bike race support vehicles is my favourite – which is yours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bone china mug from Ginger and French £10 for 1 or £74 for 8

I personally think that commemorative mugs need to be used advisedly, so these mugs from Ginger and French are joyously low key whilst reminding you of the great occasion.

Bicycle rug 120cm x 180cm £460 Graham and Green

Oh so beautiful – a little work of art for your floor! Find just the spot for this charming rug, either on the floor or on the wall.

Linwood wallpaper – On Yer Bike £79.90 per roll

Lovely wallpaper from Linwood, entitled ‘On Yer Bike’ put it in a child’s bedroom, a dressing room, in the back of a cupboard or wardrobe, or line your desk drawers with it. You will smile every time you see it.

 

Habitat door mat

45cm x 75cm £15

I’ve just ordered one of these – I couldn’t help myself

 

 

 

 

Aspace single duvet cover £45

And for your Tour de France obsessed children, a charming pillow and duvet cover set to ensure that they are wearing the yellow jersey in their dreams.

 

See you at the start line!

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Urban inspiration

By Leonie Walker

Recently I have come across several designs that take inspiration from urban living and city landscapes, offerings some refreshingly original design motifs and patterns.

One example is Timorous Beasties fantastic Toile collection. Unlike traditional French toile designs of charming pastoral scenes, Beasties’ toiles offer a contemporary twist on the French classic. Their wallpaper and fabric motifs display a surprising and honest depiction of city life. Iconic cityscapes, park life, crime scenes, promenading and rude boys are just a few of the engaging narratives that take place in these designs. There are differing toiles for London, New York, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and each with its own feel and cityscape.

The New York Toile

The London Toile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Glasgow Toile

 

The Edinburgh Toile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another example of urban themed decor is Marimekko’s new Siirtolapuutarha range. Made up of a selection of crockery and textiles, the pieces have a lovely illustrative design motif that eludes to cityscapes and urban living. Sure enough, the design for this range is inspired by city life, in particular small city gardens. The word siirtolapuutarha is a Finnish term that refers to small community plots of land in the city that are used for gardens and allotments. Each piece tells a different part of the siirtolapuurtarha story, from ‘a morsel of nature in the urban jungle’ to the ‘tiny gardens tucked into the nooks of urban life’ – Marimekko.

Siirtolapuutarha bowl, available at Skandium

 

Oiva Siirtolapuutarha coffee cup, available from Nord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Siirtolapuutarha plate, available from Skandium

 

Siirtolapuutarha red coated cotton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So you need look no further than out onto the street to find something new to be inspired by.

This article first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

 

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Let’s tesselate

Geometrically inspired designs are a current theme in interiors, including a pleasing inclination towards tessellation.  For those who don’t know, tessellation is a distinct type of pattern where one shape is repeated without any gap or overlap when placed side by side. These sorts of patterns often appear in interiors, and their appealing geometric qualities often result in an interesting and cohesive design. Here are a few examples for you to enjoy.

The work of fabric designer, Eleanor Pritchard is characterised by bold geometric and graphic reversible patterns making use of inky tones and sharp accents.  Her focus on geometry means that several of her designs have beautiful tessellating patterns.

This grey cushion shows the ‘Northerly’ range, made up of a repeated stepped shape. £96

The ‘Easterly’ range is the same pattern as above but with a striking retro yellow and grey palette. £230

Pritchard’s beautiful ‘Quail’s egg’ design is made up of a repeated double triangle bow shape.  £230

Cushions from top, ‘Easterly’, ‘425 Line’ and ‘quail’s egg’. £96 each

The hexagonal ‘Pov candleholder’ by Menu is cool and quirky, and as a tessellating shape it can be built up to form a larger pattern on your wall.

Available from Skandium. £30

Using the same shape, Merve Kahraman has designed this extraordinary ‘ Diplopia Monochrome’ table, and goes a step further by emphasising the 3D cube optical illusion. This stereographic effect is produced through combining different shades of marble.

Contact Merve Kahraman for prices.

Iconic chair company, Vitra, have recently brought out the ‘Maharam pillows’ range, designed by Hella Jongerius. This includes a selection using the classic tessellating Hound’s tooth check, but with a colourful twist!

In pink…

Moss…

Cocoa…

And in Lemon.

Available at Skandium. £130 each

Tiles tessellate by nature and ceramic company, Made a Mano play to this by incorporating the tessellating theme into some of there designs. One example is the Komon Natura Viceversa, which Inspired by Japanese small decorations, is made up of an isosceles triangle repeatedly rotated.

Contact Made a Mano for prices

The folded forms of origami and sculpted paper often come from repeat patterns of one shape to form a structure, which can be very simple or rather complex as is shown by the two examples of folded light pendants below.

‘Kami, white paper pendant shade’ from Habitat. £60

‘Luci, red fabric geometric shaped pendant shade’ from Habitat. £20

 

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

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Design on the Underground

Earlier this year London Underground celebrated its 150th anniversary. To mark the occasion, TFL (Transport for London) have collaborated with a number of designers to come up with some iconic underground themed collections.

Fired Earth has recently released their beautiful new limited edition ‘Underground 150 Collection’. On request of TFL, Fired Earth were asked to delve into the London Transport Museum archive’s and recreate a selection of some of the finest tiles used in London Underground stations. Using the original moulds taken from the archives, Fired Earth has done a spectacular job and has revived some truly delightful designs.

The ‘Edwardian’ range, originally designed by Leslie Green in 1903, features the recognisable pomegranate and acanthus leaf designs with base tiles and dados in matching shades.

Perhaps the most iconic range, ‘Signage’, includes a selection of famous underground phrases in their original typeface.

The ‘Landmarks’ range features the designs of Harold Stabler, who was commissioned in 1939 to create large scale architectural ceramics for a number of Underground stations. Fired Earth has reproduced their favourite, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Crystal Palace and the Palace of Westminster.

In their ‘Underground Collection’, Kirkby Design has also collaborated with TFL to recreate these London Underground seat fabrics, which I have never seen looking so good! Taken from the London Transport Museum archives, these old moquette fabrics have been transformed into a fantastic contemporary collection of viscose velvets, which are cool, retro and rather iconic.

Bench: Marylebone Kingfisher. Cushions from left: Marylebone Neon Orange, Piccadilly Havana, Bakerloo Neon Orange, Bakerloo Magnet.

Cushions from left: District Blackberry, Bakerloo Kingfisher, Marylebone lime, Marylebone Eden, Bakerloo Neon Orange, Piccadilly Havana.

Sofa: District Gold. Cushions: Bakerloo Magnet, Bakerloo Jet Black.

Seats from left: Piccadilly Neon Orange, Piccadilly Kingfisher.

These collections have given me a fresh look at the London Underground, and the distinct designs that have transpired from underground transport. Do take a further look as there is plenty more to see, including Fired Earth’s fantastic vintage underground poster range.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

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Anatomy in the home

Anatomical illustration is a personal interest of mine, and I have recently been grabbed by a variety of anatomically inspired domestic items that have been emerging on the high street. Besides having a role within the medical domain, anatomical illustration has an artistic merit in its own right as the human body form is a visually intriguing subject matter. Here are some examples that make the most of this theme, and that definitely make for some wonderful, if a bit weird, designs!

This Striking A3 paper art print ‘Skull’ is by artist Coulson Macleod at Not on the High Street

 

‘Phrenology’ is a fantastically retro piece of anatomical illustration that serves as gift wrap by Cavallini & Co, at Rockett St George.  Cavallini & Co’s gift wrap is extremely high quality and could even be framed to hang on the wall.

 

This set of 6 recycled glass ‘Heart and Head Tumblers’ are an amusing table piece, by Space 1A Design at Not on the High Street.

 

‘Supermodel’ is a life size, 10 plate piece depicting the human skeleton, and is closer to a work of art that it is to crockery!  Designed by Phoebe Richardson at The New English.

 

Rockett St George also sells a range of Phoebe Richardson’s work. This quirky ‘Skeleton Cup Stack’ is part of her Bone Collection.

 

Phoebe Richardson, Bone Collection, ‘Skull Dinner Plate’ at Rockett St George.

Bryonie Porter, Cornwall based artist covers furniture with wallpaper. This Desk is covered in skull print wallpaper by The Magnificent Chatwin Brothers, featured on the Anatomy Uk website.

‘Anatomy Skeleton Chest of Drawers’ by Bryonie Porter at Not on the High Street

 

I have never seen anything like this reupholstered anatomy chair by Sam Edkins, part of a set sold at Cavaliero Finn. Gruesome or cool? I can’t quite make up my mind!

 

Emily Evans, professional medical illustrator, as well as anatomical artist sells a wonderful range of products at her Anatomy Boutique online. This ‘Mexican Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Wallpaper’ depicts the ‘Memento Mori’ – an iconic Mexican symbol of life and death.

 

Beware the Moon’s ‘Skulls Wallpaper’ features a contemporary gothic skull and crossbone, at Rockett St George.

Whilst we love all of these designs, we would advice that you do pick and choose your favourites, or your friends may worry about you!

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website. 

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Creature comforts

Animals are important to a household and I think it is fair to say that most of us can think of at least one loveable creature that we hold close to our heart. So it comes as no surprise that they are the inspiration for many designs in the home. From wallpaper to pots, our mischievous friends have brought out a quirkier side to some of these domestic items. Here are some of my favourites.

These darling owls are my all time favourite by C.F.A Voysey.

Trustworth Studios have now reproduced the design calling it ‘Whoot’. Contact Trustworth Studios for prices.

Klaus Haapaniemi has opened up their first retail shop on Redchurch Street in London, Klaus’s charming animal cushions and textile designs are definitely worth a look.

Rabbit Blueberry , woven wool and silk mix throw,  200x180cm,  £395.

Klaus Haapaniemi, Running Hare hand printed on pure linen, £82.

Klaus Haapaniemi, Print Asio Flammeus silk screen on paper, 70 x 100cm, £350.

From Dennis Chinaworks new collection, these dainty little bottles with insects are quite unique.

Tiffany Dragonfly, Micro Bottle, 8cm, £120.

Dennis Chinaworks , Bee, Micro Bottle, 8cm, £120.

Cole & Son’s Fornasetti II range is playful and whimsical.

Procuratie e Scimmie. Contact Cole & Son for Price.

Cole & Sons Fornasetti II, Acuario. Contact Cole & Son for price.

Charlotte Rose makes these lovely illustrated cards, which I have to say makes me see creepy crawlies in a whole new light!

Not on the High Street, Love Bug Cards by Charlotte Rose  £2.35.

Playful and unique, creature representation brings a personal feel to any home so let your zoological side run wild and embrace mother nature!

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

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Treading carefully

I recently came across Made a Mano, a unique company who produce a fantastic range of domestic ceramics using unusual materials such as lava stone that makes for a resilient and refined finish.

What I love most about their work are their ceramic tiles, which in many of their projects are used for amazing floor designs. Their projects are an inspiration – but also a reminder that the floor is not a part of the room to be forgotten in the course of design, even if it is hidden beneath our feet! Here are some examples of some inspiring floor treatments.

Cristilli tiles by Made a Mano, made from smooth lava stone and terracotta. I love the Herringbone layout that Made a Mano have chosen to do on this project.

Made a Mano have used some of their more traditional tiles to decorate this gorgeous household step.

Here, Made a Mano have used their extremely resilient tiles to decorate both the floor and the walls with the same tile design.

I have seen some fantastic rugs recently, especially from The Rug Company. This example is called ‘spectrum’.

Climbing leopard by Diane von Furstenberg, from The Rug Company

Cowhide flower rug by The Rug Company

Farrow and Ball have recently showcased some of their floor paints with some innovative faux stair runner and rug designs.

Alternative flooring has some great stair runner designs, especially their ‘inspiration’ range where they let you design your own. Here are a few examples.

So tread carefully and keep a look out for what you are stepping on.

 This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website 

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Teetering on the edge of good taste

William Morris famously advised that you should have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful and I couldn’t agree more. However, just occasionally I find something that I truthfully cannot really put in either camp, but which simply makes me smile. Whilst all good interior designers know that you don’t mess with William Morris, I also believe in breaking the rules and should you feel so inclined, I have a few suggestions.

What’s not to love about a fabulous faux flamingo? – made with real feathers but the rest, thankfully, is fake

£49 from Rockett St George

This perspex and red vinyl sign is a cracker – it’s a metre wide so it’s impossible to ignore.

Rockett St George £89

Continuing the faux taxidermy theme that is rightly popular at the moment, I love this jolly Bindu cow head which looks like it could wink at any minute.

Graham and Green H.65cm x W.15cm x D.45cm £125

This brilliant frieze wallpaper from Cole and Son features nine cyclists on a multi-saddle bicycle – surely this is the future?

7.5 metre x 52cm roll. £190 per roll

Strictly speaking this sheepskin magazine rack from A + B furniture is both beautiful and useful but actually I think it is just such fun, so I included it anyway.

£225

Vyconic make all sorts of things into clocks, bike wheels, record players, guitars – and whilst a clock is always useful, I know that is not the reason you would want this.

£220

I’m saying nothing……

Cheeky seatseat by Flock Follies £450

Kapow Blanket by ROAM, made in gorgeously fine lambswool, for the superhero household, where William Morris is not welcome. £249

Impecable taste will be resumed in our next blog.

This blog first appeared on Cambridge Evening News website.

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