Living with plants

So many wonderful fabrics take their inspiration from nature but every so often I come across a design that conjures up images of hot houses full of leafy tropical plants or those detailed old botanical drawings that accurately depict the exact details of a species, which are such a lovely things to use in an interior, particularly if your garden isn’t up to Chelsea’s high standards.

I think illustrative prints work brilliantly on upholstery where you can really see the detail of the design. Woodland Ferns from Sanderson is a design taken from an old botanical illustration and shows three different species of fern.

Bananier is a wallpaper from Pierre Frey which has the most wonderful detail of banana and coconut leaves and should be used where it is possible to get really close to the paper to see the detail.

House of Hackney’s wonderful Palmeral design takes inspiration from the Loddiges Nursery in Hackney which was operating up to 1852 and which included an enormous and well stocked palm house.

This delicate and exquisitely drawn design from Sanderson has been a favourite of mine for a long time. It comes in some great colourways but I love the more neutral backgrounds to really show the detail of the pattern.  Etchings and Roses by Sanderson.

This fantastic Dandelion design from Timorous Beasties comes in three huge panels printed on a wool voile with a three metre drop – the image shows the three panels together.

This new fabric, Retiro, from Gastón Y Daniela is a wonderful mixture of plants and insects and comes in five different colours all on a soft linen background.

And finally this delightfully fresh fabric Alice from Manuel Canovas for Colefax and Fowler shows a range of white cut flowers on a natural background.

Have a great bank holiday weekend everyone!

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Happy Days

I think it is really important to have just a few things in your home that make you smile for no other reason that they just appeal to your sense of humour. A bit of light hearted fun in a home goes a long way and helps to bring your own personality to your space. In honour of the International Day of Happiness, here are a few of the things that make me smile.

Cabaret wallpaper from Cole and Son – a joyful carnival of colour and intrigue

The classic Duck Feet Lamp from Porta Romana which invariably gets a laugh when I first show it to a client.

Could there be a better way to serve ice cream than in a golden sundae dish? Rockett St George

The first time I saw this fabric, it just lifted my spirits and we now have a metre of it on a canvas on the office wall, to keep us all in a good mood! Bora Bora fabric by Manuel Canovas from Colefax and Fowler

These exquisite brush pots from Bridie Hall are in such jolly colours with their big gold letters that they can be used individually. But how much more fun to spell out a word that makes you laugh.

These simple and delightful drawings from HAM have always made me laugh and I am very excited that there are some new ones coming out any day now. Keep an eye on their website.

The combination of the hilarious design of the Anna G corkscrew from Alessi and the opening of a bottle of wine always lifts my heart

Is it possible to get more of an explosion of colour, pattern, flora and forna into a cushion?

Calypso Turquoise cushion by Christian Lacroix from www.designersguild.com. 

The problem with writing this blog is that I keep finding things I just have to have. My order of this Mohawk matchstick holder is on its way. www.jonathanadler.com

And finally my absolutely favourite find of the day is this fabulous illuminated sign from Argent and Sable. You can create your own wording but So Saucy is difficult to better. www.argentandsablesigns.co.uk

 

Wishing you all a happy day on March 20th and all other days.

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New collections from Colefax and Fowler

There is lots of lovely bold colour coming from Colefax and Fowler‘s collections at the moment which we are absolutely loving! There are four brands under the C&F umbrella and having had a good look through all the new collections recently, it was impossible to pick out just one to show you, so we are showing you a bit from them all!

Baptista Linen from Colefax and Fowler

The curtain fabric is Grimaud from Manuel Canovas

Fabulous colours from the latest Jane Churchill collection

Softer, elegant colours from Colefax and Fowler – the curtain fabric is Lucius.

More tempting fabrics from Colefax and Fowler

A fabulous combination of colours from Jane Churchill – the curtain in the background is Versus Copper, Plato Charcoal is the cushion at the front and sandwiched in the middle are Orion in pink and burnt orange.

I just love this design from Manuel Canovas called L’Envol – it is a work of art in itself! 

And finally much more contemporary fabrics from Larsen with some delicious sharp accent colours.

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In love with florals

Inspired by the Chelsea Flower show which opens this week, and by the glorious sunny weekend we have just enjoyed, I can’t resist bringing you some floral interior inspiration. I love the great outdoors but in truth, these florals are much more my line of country – no weeds, no wilting, no hay fever and are still in full bloom in the winter – perfect!

Patterned carpet has often had a very traditional look but this bloom strewn carpet by Sophie Conran for Axminster is gorgeous and up-to-date.

Colefax and Fowler Louise Silk

Beautiful and timeless embroidered floral silk curtains create an elegant country feel. Fabric by Colefax and Fowler.

Bedthrow and cushion by Kate Forman fabrics

I love this bedthrow from Kate Forman which adds a splash of colour and pattern to a room, and draws attention to the lovely bed

Nostell Priory wallpaper from Zoffany

We have featured this glorious wallpaper in a previous post but it is so lovely, I think it deserves another showing.

 

Sanderson Midsummer rose rug

This jolly rug adds such a burst of colour to a room that it is hard to resist and I love it in this setting with very cream walls and vintage accessories.

Floral cotton velvet cushions from Forest and Co

Finally I couldn’t write about floral interiors and not give you a cushion or three – these velvet beauties from Forest and Co will add glamour to almost any home and I am very tempted by all of them.

Do you have any favourite florals? Let us know while we are in the outdoorsy mood!

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Winter Calm

At this time of year it’s hard to see through the fog of tinsel, glitter and Christmas glitz. But it’s nice sometimes to take a moment out and regain a little bit of calm. Which is why i’ve posted these lovely images from the most recent Colefax and Fowler collection.

The soft winter whites, muted blues and heathery greys create a wonderful peaceful atmosphere with a light, airy Scandinavian feel.

Whilst the silky sheen of the floor length drapes and the soft glitter of the glass accessories add a shot of glamour, creating a quietly luxurious feel.

The perfect antidote to Christmas mayhem!

All images: Colefax and Fowler

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