Out of this World

It’s always fun to have a look outside of the interior style you usually go for, and sometimes the more extreme the better as you might discover something that you really love. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of the ultra-contemporary, futuristic style, but every now and then something catches my eye. Whether you’re already a futuristic style fan, or a total new-comer take a look at these chic and forward thinking interior products.

For a sleek and suave introduction to a contemporary, futuristic style, Tom Faulkner’s innovative designs are sure to get you into the swing of things. This shell-like chair design has a grown-up, masculine feel about it. It’s perfect for an office, or a formal dining room, and its clean lines give it a timeless, sophisticated vibe.

Dining

‘Echo Chair’ from Tom Faulkner

Gotham have also pretty much honed the masculine look in their pieces, and this coffee table is no different. Designed by Damien Langlois-Meurinne for Pouenat, the mirror polished steel table is a contemporary intrigue. It’s a futuristic piece that can be easily worked into a contemporary set up, and if you just want to play around with the style concept it’s a great starting point.

‘In the Lake’ from Gotham

Not all contemporary and futuristic styles need to be masculine to fit the bill. This feminine, curvy shaped mirror from Julian Chichester is an easy way to incorporate the futuristic style into a feminine setting. There’s a lovely individuality to the mirror, as the combination of steel studded frame and guitar-like shape is an unusual pairing, but it works perfectly.

‘Guitar Bubble Mirror’ from Julian Chichester

For a table lamp with a little sci-fi elegance, the Metis design from Heathfield comes in some wonderful colours that’ll be sure to make a pop in your interiors. The free blown organic form of the base is an elegant statement, while the textural aspects of the design transition the lamp into a futuristic playing field.

‘Metis Violet’ from Heathfield

There’s a beautiful, fantasy element to this wall light from Ochre, it looks like something you might find decorating a set of a fantasy, sci-fi film, and if you want to create a romantic, theatrical atmosphere to a futuristic setting then this light feature, as with all of Ochre’s designs, is rather enchanting.

‘Damselfy Wall Light’ from Ochre

Your sci-fi world can extend all over your house, even to your bathroom. Dress up your shower with this Rio Revive shower from Crosswater. The LED design creates a beautiful, colourful effect that’ll transform a plain old bathroom into an exciting, playful one.

‘Rio Revive Showerhead’ from Crosswater

If you’re really getting the feel for things now, take a look at the some of the more avant-garde style pieces available, which will be anyone who wants to make a statement’s dream. Artemide is always host to a whirlwind of intriguing and outside the box designs, and it’s no different with this Copernico 500 sospensione pendant light. If you have a large drop and want to create a true futuristic statement, this is a sure fire way to do it. The spherical design is made from one single piece of laser cut aluminium sheet, creating an intricate design from a simple format.

‘Copernico 500 sospensione’ from Artemide

Another fascinating design from Artemide is the Florensis floor lamp. Not only is the design aesthetically innovative, but it’s also rather tech savvy too! The floral shape works with the surrounding air to create heat dissipation, so if you’re looking for something that both looks the part and acts it too, then this will be right up your street!

‘Florensis’ from Artemide

From Unto This Last comes the fascinating, alien-like shape bench that is a gift for those wanting to create a perfect, futuristic statement in their home. The fine precision craftsmanship from the company makes a cool, sleek look, giving the bench an effortless elegance.

‘Nurbs Bench’ from Unto This Last

From things with an overwhelming sci-fi edge, to items with a little hint of a futuristic element to them, there are all kinds of ways to get creative with your home.

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Autumn Treats to Keep You Warm

The changing weather at the moment has me reaching for the duvet as I begin to wishfully dream of hibernation during these upcoming months. Alas hibernation is not on the cards, but some beautiful throws, cushions, rugs and lamps are everything you’ll need to make it through autumn and into winter whilst keeping warm and toasty as the cold weather sets in.

Ligne Roset has some beautiful wintery rugs in their collection at the moment, and my personal favourite is this Allusions design.

It’s the perfect component to your home as the eye-catching design allows the rug to make a statement as a stand alone piece, but is subtle enough to complement other accessories and furnishings, whatever your style.

The rug would look great with a cosy throw like this one from Soak & Sleep, or if you want to go a little more glam and like me you can’t resist a faux fur throw, try this one from Feather & Black.

Whilst you’re snuggling up in your throw you’ll want to create a warm atmosphere in your home, some beautiful floor and table lamps will do the trick. Ochre has some amazing and innovative designs; this beautiful cast bronze floor lamp is an elegant piece with a modern twist and will be your perfect companion as you relax in front of a film or with a book.

If you’re looking for something a little more striking as well as atmospheric take a look at this stunning Wall Mounted Kasba Tea Light Holder from Rockett St George.

The intricate design makes this a rather special piece and both a functional light feature as well as a fantastic work of art. The piece looks great on its own, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have the wall space why not put two or three of them together for a real feast for the eyes.

Another accessory to truly spoil yourself with is this exquisite Alexander McQueen cushion available from The Rug Company. The butterfly design is sophisticated, dramatic and timeless and would look amazing mixed among some plainer cushions, or on a simple sofa making it a real statement piece. It’s a bit of a splurge but the design is so beautiful it’s definitely worth it!

Veering away from accessories and dipping into some lovely furnishings, there are some wonderful pieces that are in-keeping with the autumn vibes.

This velvet chair from Oka Direct looks amazingly comfy and is the perfect place to sit back and admire your pretty throws and lamps. Plus the warm truffle colour makes for a perfect canvas to add other accessories in any style.

If you’re in need of a place to store your summer accessories or are just simply looking for an excellent addition to a room, take a look at this elegant storage box from Sofa.com, it’s both practical and pretty.

And finally, this new fabric collection from Zoffany has got me all excited. The Tespi velvet collection is beautiful and rich and is absolutely perfect for the colder months. It comes in various patterns and colours to suit your style: if you want a more traditional design there’s the Tespi pattern, or for a more retro or contemporary feel try the Tespi spots and squares. These fabrics are great for revamping some cushions or going all out and covering an entire sofa or chair!

So while the cold weather isn’t cause for celebration, the excuse to treat yourself with all these new home addition certainly is, and with these accessories, staying in has never felt so glamorous!

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Home Accessories to Mark the Arrival of Autumn

September has arrived and we’re now into the autumn season and whilst the weather in Cambridge has been less then desirable, at Angel + Blume we’re optimistic in the hope that we’ll be treated to a radiate Indian summer in the next few months (fingers crossed!) Following the Boy Scouts code to always ‘be prepared’ we’ve assembled a list of some beautiful accessories and furniture that are perfect for the changing seasons and the arrival of autumn.

As ever Graham and Green have some wonderful products in their collection at the moment and they’re just the thing we’re looking for.

These metallic tealight holders will reflect the flickering light from the candle flames and create a warm, cosy feeling. They’re perfect for using outside on the last few nights of summer and will be equally as good when brought inside.

Pay tribute to the summer with this striking Peacock chair from Graham and Green. It would work both indoors and outdoors and makes for a great statement piece wherever you decide to put it.

Or if you fancy something a little more retro in style try this vintage bamboo Rocker chair from Rockett St George. The addition of some Matthew Williamson fabric turns the chair from Granny chic to just plain chic!

If your focus is something on the ground level take a look at some of these rugs and floor cushions. This gold Chevron cowhide rug will bring a little bit of sparkle to your home when the clouds are grey. The sporadic splatters and stripes of gold gives the rug a glamorous touch without being tacky and will make the room look shiny and new without adding anything else.

These Moroccan tile mats from Graham and Green are the perfect combination of style and functionality. They’re ideal both indoors and outdoors and add a bit of style to an otherwise ordinary house product and will easily jazz up a neutral room.

Or something a little softer perhaps? Try these gorgeous floor cushions also from Graham and Green.

They’re perfect for taking outside and enjoying some sun and returning back inside and settling down in front of the fire for when the nights get a little cooler.

If you’re not ready to embrace the oncoming autumn months and want to celebrate the summer in your interior decoration then have a look at some of these home accessories. This sunflower style wall clock makes both a stylish addition to any home as well as creating a warm, nostalgic memory for the summer months.

Continue to feed your cravings of summer and make your house the home to something belonging in the scorching desert, this fantastically fun faux cactus. It’ll add intrigue to your home and be a fun, playful reminder of the sun and warm weather during the winter months, and it has the plus of having none of the prickly needles the real ones have!

Another accessory I love are these beautiful yet simple placemats.

They’re a simple added touch to a table that’ll brighten up your home as the autumn sets in, and are a contemporary take on the blue and white oriental style porcelain that was popular during the 17th century and onwards in Europe.

So however the weather decides to behave in the next coming weeks, you’ll be prepared to enjoy it no matter what with these wonderful home accessories.

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Kick back and relax, in style

There are surely few things that shout British holiday as loudly as the deck chair and whilst we are enjoying a wonderful summer, now is the perfect time to invest in the classiest seating you can lay your hands on for use in the great outdoors. Here are just a few of my favourite finds.

I love all the designs from Thornback and Peel but this turquoise sardine tin seems to work perfectly on a deckchair – don’t forget the matching cushion!

House of Hackney‘s fab fabrics give their deckchairs a decided air of cool, and I love the Edwardian version with shade cover and stool for the perfect feet-up experience.

This double deck chair from Cox and Cox is extra wide for communal relaxing – there is room for two, or more, so bag your place quickly.

Liberty has joined forces with deckchair experts Southsea Deckchairs to produce these limited edition deckchairs in classic Liberty print. Available for one season only, so buy now to avoid disappointment!

You get a little piece of history with these deckchairs from Plum and Ashby as each frame used to be used on the sea front at Weston-Super-Mare and has now been given an overhaul with a new seat in their charming Bertie print.

Life is indeed beautiful with these chairs from Rockett St George with their upbeat messages. You Are My Sunshine and Life is Beautiful – but which will you choose? – I recommend both to be on the safe side.

And finally whilst this is not a deckchair, I couldn’t resist tempting you with this wonderful covered Rocker Swinging Seat from House of Hackney. Couldn’t you just snooze on that until the Autumn?

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