Windswept

Autumn is my preferred time of year because of its dynamic celestial weather and my enhanced appreciation for cosy interiors. The recent blustery winds and bright rains have reminded me of some of my favourite designers that have used this to inspire their designs for the home.

First example is Marimekko and their fantastic current WeatherDiaryRange, which consists of a variety of collections. This range of fabrics, home textiles and dishes are designed using Aino-Maija Metsola’s gorgeous observational paintings and sketches of changing weather and autumnal colours, and they definitely communicate the dynamic seasonal mood. Here are a few examples.

Kuuskajaskari Fabric, by www.marimekko.com, from Skandium.  The colour scheme has been taken from the autumnal season and depicts autumn winds.

Oiva Saapaivakirja Tea Pot and Mug, by Marimekko, from Skandium.

The design captures highlights of autumnal weather patterns and colours, and evokes an image of reeds swaying in the wind.

Oiva Saapaivakirja Plate, by Marimekko, from Skandium.  This is one of several attractive plates in the Saapaivakirja collection, and was inspired by rainfalls and sunrays.

Jussaro Fabric, by Marimekko. This last example of Marimekko’s WeatherDiaryRange, gives a wonderful impression of rolling storm clouds and thunder.

Cloud – Autumn Rug, by Luke Irwin.  This stunning rug is one of a set of four cloud rugs, with one for each season. The cloud shapes for autumn are a dash more manic than the others!

De Gournay’s luxurious wall papers are always striking and dynamic and often inspired by weather.

Windswept Blossom, by De Gournay. This enchanting blossom tree captures the transition from summer to autumn perfectly.

Cranes, by De Gournay.  I love this chaotic yet elegant display of wind blown cranes.

Flying Ducks Velvet Sky, by Mulberry Home, from Lee Jofa.  Mulberry’s Duck velvet is another lovely fabric that shows an array of windblown birds, playfully ducking and diving in the sky.

On the subject of flight, Coral and Tusk have got a charming range of embroidered home accessories, many of which feature feather patterns.

Large Feather Table Runner, by Coral and Tusk.

Detailed with peregrine falcon, owl and peacock tail feathers, these embroideries have a lovely illustrated style, with gorgeous splashes of autumnal colours.

Feather Vertical Curtain Panel, by Coral and Tusk.

Cole and Son have fantastic wall coverings depicting scenes and landscapes, including a couple of great celestial designs.

Nuvole, by Cole and Son.

I always imagine this beautiful mural to be an autumnal scene, combining wonderfully energetic clouds, with glimpses of sunshine.

Macchine Volanti, by Cole and Son.

This wall paper is another wonderful sky scene with a combination of quirky flying machines demonstrating all sorts of air navigation.

We hope you all survived St Jude storm’s visit safely and are still able to enjoy the blustery autumn weather! 

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Woodland walk

I couldn’t start to count the number of summer walks I have been on that have taken place in stunning woodland, so I am delighted to see this has become a recurring theme in household furnishings. I have always thought that woodland nature has a sophisticated quality all of its own, and this certainly shows in some of the woodland inspired furnishings that are currently out there. I have picked out a few of my own favourites, which are sure to bring a fresh and inviting ambiance into the home.

These tranquil ‘Abstract Pines’ are one of De Gournay’s hand painted wall coverings, which I think are stunning.

The beautiful Etched Arcadia Mural from Anthropologie is such a statement and enchanting enough to capture any imagination.

Zoffany’s lovely linen with fern embroidery, Gingko Fern, is quaint, modern, and pleasantly quiet.

The fern flora provides stunning botanical detail for this Sanderson woodland fern print, and I particularly love it in this sumptuous charcoal colour.

Amanda Brisbane is a sand casted glass artist based in the UK, and her delicate glass leaves offer a light and peaceful look to any space.

Green can be a tough colour to crack, but can look great when used well – here are a few moss green items to add warmth and colour into your home.

The Old Cinema Is a great place to find vintage gems – this particular green cabinet has a lovely timeless weathered look.

This hand knit ruche cushion by Strikk Handknits at Not on the high Street, adds a mossy texture to this luxurious shade of green.

You can find this Paolo Nadine Wire Basket Trio at Anthropologie, the uneven baskets have a lovely organic and natural feel to them.

So keep your eyes open for inspiration, whether you are going for a woodland walk or a walk down the high street.

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