Wild Kingdom

Using animal motifs in your home can be a great way of giving the space a healthy portion of personality. Animals have had quite a presence in interior design in the last few years with new, playful ways of using them; from quirky ideas like salt and pepper shakers, to wallpaper to abstract interpretations, there are lots of ways to include animals in your home that suit your style. I’ve pulled some of my favourite ideas that are around at the moment to share with you.

Example of Dalmatian Wallpaper from Trend Addictions via Pinterest

When you think of animal prints in homes, you might be tempted to make a grimacing face, but nowadays there are some rather sophisticated designs around that counteract the bad rep animal prints have faced. Something I love is this Dalmatian style print that you can find floating around at the moment. It falls somewhere between polka dots and animal prints, and has the perfect zest of personality and glamour without being over the top; instead it offers a really pretty, feminine look for a room. Sanderson have something similar to this look above called the Ocelli wallpaper in three different colour ways.

Ocelli Wallpaper from Sanderson

Using animal motifs doesn’t have to apply to just one type of interior style, you can find all sorts of accessories in a whole range of designs from minimalist to extravagant. This cushion from Mineheart might appeal to the more dramatic and glamorous interiors, with a dash of humour. This best dressed giraffe would look perfect on a bold armchair or mixed into a range of scatter cushions.

Dame Griselda Cushion from Mineheart

Add some animal into your interiors with a three-dimensional aspect; this Indian Tiger money box from Rockett St George has a fun charm to it, as well as an antique look to it. It’s well suited to a bohemian style interior, but could also be integrated into different styles as an exciting pop of colour and character.

Indian Tiger Money Box from Rockett St George

This panther vase from Graham & Green hits the nail on the head. It finds the right balance between quirky and sophisticated, giving an overall design that’ll catch your eye and be an unusual addition to a smart and sleek look. Contrast the strong black look with a few stems of brightly colour flowers.

Panther Vase from Graham & Green

Cole & Son do some absolutely knockout wallpapers, they’re beautifully crafted and designed to perfection so that even with a big, brave print the wallpapers still retain their sophistication, style and grace. This Jabu wallpaper reinvents the concept of striped wallpaper; the rhinos and their patterned horns peak out of the African motif stripe and the overall effect is stunning.

Jabu Wallpaper from Cole & Son

There’s a wonderful sense of humour that’s involved with using animal motifs in the home; a simple, mundane item can be given a little twist, like this door mat. If you want to have some fun with your interior this is a great way to start as you mean to go on.

Leopard Door Mat from Amara

Add a little extra flair to your drinks with this Giraffe tray from Graham & Green. The pattern of giraffes are mirrored on the tray to create an abstract and intriguing look; a beautiful set of coffee cups or glasses will look lovely on top of this wild design.

Giraffe Birch Tray from Graham & Green

A beloved photo or memory can be given a touch more style with this lounging leopard frame. His paw dangles over the photo in a charming way, it’s the perfect finish for a fun nostalgic moment.

Leopard Picture Frame from Rockett St George

If you like the idea of animal motifs, but like you interiors to feel more contemporary and graphic, this fabric (and wallpaper) print from Osborne & Little may be right up your street. The waves of abstract foliage reveal a sleek black panther. This bold print would make an amazing statement as a sofa fabric, or an exciting set of curtains.

Fantasque Fabric from Osborne & Little

Finally, add some spice to your salt and pepper with these adorable leopard head shakers from Amara. They’ll make a super sweet addition to a table or breakfast nook, and will be sure to put a smile of guest’s faces when they come over.

Leopard Salt and Pepper Shakers from Amara

Adding in animal motifs into your interiors is a great way to utilise you style in another way. A contemporary look with clean lines is given a little more oomph with a sleek panther vase, or a bedside table is a given an extra flair with a leopard picture frame of a fond memory. There are always great ways to get creative with your home, so go out and find your favourite animal.

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Osborne & Little Spring 2018

The new Spring 2018 collections at Osborne & Little are simply gorgeous, in fact they are all so good, I had a tough Sophie’s choice ahead of me on which one to write about, so I cheated and decided to include elements from all of them! So here is touches of fabulousness from the Manarola, Palazzo, Rialto and the Sirocco collections.

Portovenre wallpaper and upholstered sofa in Spiaggia fabric

Close up of the Portovenre wallpaper

This beautiful wallpaper design, which also comes as a fabric, depicts the view of a coastal region of Italy, Liguria. The charming houses are painted in a ray of pinks, yellows and oranges are full of rustic charm and style. It gives the design a slightly retro, warm, fun feeling; giving a room a wonderful feature of sunny, relaxed style, even in the midst of these dreary winter months.

Curtains made from Leghetto fabric

These pretty little fish make up a lovely composition, perfect as a roman blind for a cute bathroom, there’s only one colourway but it’s full of beautiful tones and colour to match with a scheme.

Carlotta wallpaper

A beautiful array of Dahlias, Poppies, Berries Cow Parsley and Artichokes creates this lilac palette of wildflowers and a really interesting wallpaper. It’s gentle and calming without being wishy-washy and gives you a bountiful backdrop in your room.

Curtains made from Carlotta Sheer fabric

Here the same design is shown as a sheer, with punchy pinks and yellows; the delicate sheer is a perfect piece to have in a garden room, or kitchen, giving you a light and romantic atmosphere.

The Cervo pattern shown below on the curtains shows how you can be diverse in the way you use am iconic motif such as Islamic tiles. This colourway is my favourite, the deep blues and the pinks and oranges are a lovely combination, and will give a room a warm, welcoming impact.

Curtains in Cervo fabrics

Vernazza wallpaper

This Vernazza wallpaper is a super interesting and eye-catching design. Up close are pretty tropical leaves and from afar the design looks more graphic and abstract, it’s perfect for an entrance hall or cosy living room. Throughout the collections there’s a great sense of Mediterranean and artistic motifs, both combined and separate. This Russolo fabric on the sofa below pays tribute to early 20^th century art, and it’s a piece of art in its own right; it’s almost luminous giving a footstool, chair or headboard a life of its own.

Sofa upholstered in Russolo fabric

Another breath-takingly beautiful design is the Torcello fabric. The mouth-watering colours and patterns are beyond wonderful, and here they are paired with an equally delectable sofa, and curtains to match. The floral pattern has an almost seventies glam to it, mixed with a touch of arts and crafts in the trelliswork.

Sofa upholstered in and curtain made from Torcello fabric

Paraggi wallpaper and Bed canopy made from Pampero fabric

These two designs sit rather perfectly together; the prehistoric feel of the Paraggi leaves and the ripples of the Pampero, almost like the marks inside a rock or fossil, go hand-in-hand with one another. For such a large print, the Paraggi is quietly peaceful as the falling leaves feel quite serene.

From start to finish, Osborne & Little is rather an exciting place to be this Spring.

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The William Morris Gallery

A few weeks ago I went on a trip to the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. In the middle of Lloyd Park sits a beautiful a grand Georgian house, and is entirely dedicated to the celebration of the Arts and Crafts designer. The house, the work and the atmosphere all make it well worth a trip; here are some of my highlights.

Illustrated Book by William Morris

The gallery is filled with William’s best and brightest work, from the beginning and end of his life, and continuing after his death as his company Morris & Co. lived on, and still continues today. The tapestry below was a rather unique piece in the collection, and although it was made in 1885, it has a very medieval quality to it, and is an ode to Morris’s love of storytelling.

Tapestry by William Morris

Cray Block Printed Cotton by William Morris

This intricate, floral design was created using natural vegetable dyes and needed thirty-four different woodblocks to complete the finished look; showing the dedication that Morris and his team put into their work.

There are all sorts of different pieces on display at the gallery, including this fireplace surround, which is beautifully decorated with Longden tiles in a sunny yellow, which have been attributed to Philip Webb who worked closely alongside William throughout his career.

Longden Tiles by Philip Webb

If you know William Morris, you’re probably aware of his ideologies that contributed to his style of work, and his return to art forms prior to the Victorian era. Morris created his work in protest to the industrial revolution, and the way it treated the workers as well as the quality of the work that was produced. Here, Morris designed this chair for his lodgings in London, and its style reflects a medieval style with painted panels; which was an era that Morris much admired.

Medieval Style Chair by William Morris

The gallery also featured a segment from William Morris’s first wallpaper design, Trellis, which also reflected his love for medieval art once again, and was based on a medieval style walled garden he had created at his home, Red house.

Trellis Wallpaper Design by William Morris

This Flowerpot embroidery, was an affordable design which proved very popular, and was made by May Morris, Morris’s very talented daughter; the design looks like it was perfectly made for a feature cushion.

Flowerpot Embroidery by William Morris

Another wallpaper design that really caught my eye was the Lily and Pomegranate design. It’s meticulous detail shows the craftsmanship that went into each and every piece; the background is made up of dots, which is intricate work and Morris is quoted as saying on the design “after taking all the trouble to draw it, do you think I’d be such a fool as not to do the dots?”

Lily and Pomegranate Wallpaper design by William Morris

May Morris, William’s daughter also had her own career as a designer and an embroiderer; and had an exhibition at the gallery as well. Her work was absolutely glorious, full of light and elegance.

Work by May Morris

This piece is absolutely luminous; there’s a delicacy it is and softness that is different to her father’s work.

Work by May Morris

This design was by far my favourite thing in the whole gallery. Intricate embroidery on a sheer silk background, shows off not only style but skill. The golden thread still shimmers today, holding all of its life even after all this time; it’s a truly breath-taking piece.

Detailing of Work by May Morris

Written on the wall in May Morris’ exhibition is a quote by her in her later life saying “I’m a remarkable woman – always was, though none of you seemed to think so”, which I thought was rather brilliant. Under the shadow of her father and his company, May Morris shined, although not in her own name, but today she get the celebration she deserves, and she truly does deserve it.

 

For more information on the William Morris Gallery visit their website www.wmgallery.org.uk/

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Belvoir by Matthew Williamson

Last week we had the pleasure of seeing Lizzie Ibbotson, our sales rep for Osborne & Little, which meant we had a look at the beautiful Belvoir collection by Matthew Williamson. It’s an absolutely gorgeous array of colour, patterns and excitement and a triumph of both wallpaper and fabrics that are on par with one another. Not only am I smitten with the whole collection, but I now must visit its main source of inspiration, the Gothic Revival style of Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, which is a truly beautiful place.

Exterior Shot of Belvoir Castle from Pinterest via Flickr

The Ballroom at Belvoir Castle

The Folklore fabric from the collection is a patchwork wonder, and inspired by a rug found in the ballroom of Belvoir Castle. Its busy pattern is playful and creative, and has a modern Arts & Crafts sensibility to it; a fantastic way to brighten up a living space in the home.

Folklore fabric on the bed, and Ceramica wallpaper

This photograph also features the ceramica wallpaper in its most vivid colourway; each plate holds a different designs, but all with familiar Matthew Williamson motif’s that he is most known for. A very daring design that isn’t for the faint hearted, but if you’re brave enough, what a statement you’ll make.

At first glance, the Sirius design, available in both fabrics and wallpaper in a multitude of colours, is simple in its design; but it is in fact a very curious design, that’s perhaps one of my favourites. The stars are given an almost three-dimensional effect as their metallic tone glistens as you move it back and forth. Here it’s shown in with a neutral background, but colourways also include some feisty vibrant shades too.

Sirius fabric on the seat cushion, and Sirius wallpaper

Orangery fabric used for the drapery

Orangery is one of the fabric designs, which although it’s a very busy design, still manages to have a calming effect when viewing it. The background is a lace pattern, inspired by a vintage design; and on top of this is a beautiful depiction of birdcages, orchids and butterflies. There are two colourways; one with fuchsia pink and feisty orange and the other with punchy lilac and pastel yellow. Both colourways are sure to make an impact, and have that iconic Matthew Williamson feel to them.

The next pattern is so lovely that I had to include images of both the wallpaper and fabric versions; the Lyrebird design has a beautiful tile effect from far away, and up close the detailing is stunning, with an Arts & Crafts style to it. Both the fabric and wallpaper are paired with Farrow & Ball’s Arsenic, which makes a stunning collaboration.

Lyrebird wallpaper

Lyrebird fabric used for the drapery

The Rosanna Trellis is a very soft, romantic design that sits dreamily in a room. The soft blush pink background against the garden roses had a delicate nature to it; perfect for a feminine, peaceful interior.

Rosanna Trellis wallpaper, Sirius fabric on the seat cushion, Rosanna Trellis and Contour on the scatter cushions

For some of the patterns in this collection, Matthew Williamson has reinvented some of his past fashion collections, just like the Duchess Garden, which has a damask background and some very lovely dahlias in the foreground in some rather lovely colours. There are two colourways with the darker background, and two in neutral shades if you want to create a lighter look.

Duchess Garden on outer cushion, Contour on inner cushion and seat cushion, Duchess Garden used as drapery and wall paneling

 

If you’re into luxurious interiors, especially those with a bit metallic glam, this fanfare design was made for you in mind . The cobalt blue with the silver detailing is a real show-stopper, and looks incredible surrounding this ornate architrave.

Fanfare wallpaper, and Sirius seat cushions

And lastly, this beautiful Waterlily design come in a wallpaper, a fabric and a sheer and is just oh so pretty. Swimming amongst the flowers are carps, that’ll flow effortlessly in the breeze in the sheer form, or float around the room in the wallpaper.

Waterlily Sheer used as the curtain, Duchess Garden and Sirius used as for the cushions

The Belvoir collection from Matthew Williamson for Osborne & Little is downright gorgeous, with the utmost care and thoughtfulness taken throughout, with every colour, design, detail and stitch done with precision and beauty.

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Hodsoll McKenzie – Discovery Collection

Hodsoll McKenzie is one of my favourite fabric companies, every collection is filled with glorious colours, embroidery work, textures and of course wonderful designs. So it comes as no surprise that their new collection Discovery is just as lovely as ever. The collection has new design techniques and ideas that introduce “an unexpected twist to natural fibres and inventive interpretations of classic and ethnic designs”. Discovery is full of soft and sumptuous designs that have the perfect combination colour, subtly and romance. So take a look at the latest instalment from Hodsoll McKenzie.

‘Cushions in Turlington fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The beautiful Turlington fabric has a Tuscan antique sensibility to it. The faded glamour of the pattern gives off a relaxed and calming presence; you’d be able to have this look in a contemporary bohemian setting and have it feel just as at home as in an older, more traditionally styled home.

The embroidery on this Gabon fabric designs is absolutely stunning, creating patterns that take their influence from African design. The strong sharpness of the indigo background allows the pattern to pop, while still keeping a natural and organic feel to the cloth.

‘Bedspread in Gabon Embroidery fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The drapery in this next photo is a lovely fabric that hangs beautiful. The Quincey Floral pattern was taken from an 18^th century design, so it perfect if you want to create an inviting, classic setting in your home. Also featured is the Donnelley fabric on the central cushions. A rustic design taken from the Scottish Highlands; which could be a fun alternative to tartan if you want to evoke that heritage feel in a different way.

‘Drapery in Quincey Floral fabric and central cushions in Donnelley fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The upholstery on this chair is the Malindi fabric, named after the city in Kenya. The intricate pattern has both a softness and a richness to it, making it feel like it would be comfortable both in your home and a hotel.

‘Chairs upholstered in Malindi fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

If you’re more inclined to opt for a plain upholstery fabric, something textural like this Collins design from the collection is a gorgeous way to have the best of both worlds. There’s an interesting effect on the fabric that’ll give your sofa a bit of life. Also in the image is the Chloe braid on the cushions, which is a great idea to dress up the piece in a glamorous way.

‘Cushions embroidered with Chloe Braid and Sofa upholstered in Collins fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

‘Chair upholstered in Caswell Velvet fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

I absolutely love this velvety patterned fabric, it has a distinct Renaissance feel to it, whilst the use of the denim colour gives it a modern feel as well. It looks beautiful on chair above, but I can also see this looking lovely on a headboard, really creating a statement in a room.

‘Sofa upholstered in Serengenti Stripe fabric, central cushion covered in Gabon Embroidery fabric and center back cushions covered in Zambezi fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The stripe of the Serengeti fabric gives the sofa above a beautifully elegant feel. It’s a perfect example of how you can have a patterned sofa and still have a collection of vibrant and busy cushions on top of it without them clashing. The centre cushion shows the Gabon fabric in a smaller way, for a more intimate approach to the pattern; great for using in any room of the house.

It’s always lovely to see a collection like this where you can imagine using every fabric, from stripes to patterns to plains, there’s a whole array of exciting pieces to choose from, the only trouble now is picking a favourite.

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Enchanted Gardens

Whenever Lizzie Ibbotson, our Osborne & Little rep comes in to show us the new collections it’s always a wonderful trip to a world of fantasy and magic. Osborne & Little have completely nailed their latest collection, Enchanted Gardens, with beautiful patterns, designs and some fantastic colourways, it’s a collection to covet. So take a look at some truly enchanting designs.

‘Meadow’

Meadow is a vibrant pattern is a modern take on the typical floral themed fabrics. The array of wild flowers, including some lively poppies, really stand out of against the navy background. It’s a strong look that must be met with some hefty confidence, but it’s a great choice for making an impact in a room.

‘Aviary’

The Aviary pattern gives you a geometric feel, these colourful birds on a structural web are a great way to add some colour and fun to a contemporary room. If typical florals and natural motifs aren’t really your thing, adding a contemporary element can help to eliminate the factors that you’re not so keen on.

‘Woodland Sheer’

When it comes to sheers, you’ll typically find some beautiful white or off-white colours that’ll look elegant whilst giving your room some substance, but at the same time maintaining the light. Osborne & Little have taken this one step further, keeping the cool and sophisticated sheer qualities but adding a dash of colour into the mix with some fun leafy shapes.

One of my favourites from the collection is Rain Forest; it’s the combination of vivid colours, intriguing patterns and the overall striped effect that really create a concise, contemporary and glamorous effect. The only problem you’ll have with this fabric is choosing between the two colourways; the first, a green leafed pattern with almost neon indigo flowers, and the second a beautiful combination of purple and yellow.

‘Rain Forest’

Hanging Gardens is an adorable fabric that’s perfect for a feminine, sweet interior. The pattern consists of all the wonderful planters, baskets and birdcages you might imagine in your dream conservatory. The painterly style gives the whole look a soft and charming feel, giving it some interesting character. It’ll look gorgeous framing a window or doorway to the outside, especially blowing gracefully in the breeze.

‘Hanging Garden’

One of my favourite flowers, the Rhododendron, is captured beautifully in one of the fabric patterns in this collection. The gentle trellis-like formation makes a sophisticated structural look without being too heavy. The pattern is perfect for giving a little life to a conservative setting. The flowers have a charming traditional feel, but the dabbled background gives a little touch of contemporariness to the look, making perfect for adding florals to a period home without it looking dated.

‘Rhodara’

For a chinoiserie style, but with a twist of modern colours, the Japanese Garden pattern is just the ticket. The busy yet delicate design will give a room a new lease of life, and is a design that can be introduced in to a multitude of interior themes; including contemporary, bohemian, retro or traditional. A great feature of a chinoiserie style pattern is that it integrates the old with the new, and the fun with the elegant.

‘Japanese Gardens’

A new lighter touch has been given to an old favourite from the Pasha collection, the Tulipan. The teal, blush pink and faded orange tones of the detailing, gives the intricate pattern a softer feel, making it a more diverse fabric. There is also a certain modern neon-ness to the pattern which gives it an unique, contemporary, floral look.

‘Tulipan’

Lastly, for something full of quirk, fun and just a hint of quaintness, the Curio pattern. From a distance, there’s a grid-like formation but upon closer inspection, you see a whole world of curiosities. Squirrels and owls that have found themselves bouncing around crockery and shells overall making a sweet, joyful pattern. It would make a perfect kitchen or bathroom blind, giving additional warmth.

‘Curio’

If you love adding a touch or romance, character, fantasy and charm into your interior, this collection is your new best friend. From contemporary to traditional, there’s something to suit everyone, and all sorts of ways to have fun and get creative with the Enchanted Gardens collection.

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Travers: ‘Love Letters’ Spring Collection

Although it may not feel like it with all this icy weather, the warm weather is just a few months away, and the spring collections are beginning to roll in. The new collection from Travers, ‘Love Letters’ is a wonderful array of fresh and light patterns and colours, and couldn’t be more perfect for spring.

The collection as a whole pays homage to original Travers brand and style, as well as classic American design. The bright and snappy colours are met with elegance to create a truly wonderful assortment to fill your home with.

‘Beaumont Indienne’ for the Blind and Tablecloth and ‘Sausalito’ for the Chairs

This vivacious Beaumont Indienne fabric is the definition of an eye-catcher. The vivid colours and lines give a modern twist on an iconic style, which make the fabric ideal if you like to add a little of the old and the new to an interior. Here it is matched with the fantastic Sausalito pattern, which is used as a more neutral canvas to house the punchy Beaumont Indienne design, but its mid-scale pattern still manages to hold its own, without the whole look being too overdone.

‘Emperor’s Seal’ for the Armchair and Ottoman and ‘Temple Lattice’ for the Curtains

The nature of Emperor’s Seal reminds me of the laid-back, open plan room decorated in a low-key, comfy minimalist style that you  might have seen in a design magazine from the nineties. The Chinese calligraphy, just a few shades darker than their background, are an interesting touch to neutral fabric, and is the sort of detail that adds a distinct sense of luxury. Paired perfectly with the Temple Lattice curtains, the burnt orange gives the whole look a sophisticated pop of colour.

‘St. Croix’ for the Headboard and the Armchair, ‘Catalina Stripe’ for the Curtains, ‘Sausalito’ for the Cushion and Footstool, and ‘Mason Diamond’ for the Throw

The glorious St. Croix fabric adorns this headboard to create a bold, feminine look in a bedroom, the birds and florals bursts out against the pink, and with a little additional piping the whole ensemble is really superb. A hint of texture is provided by the Mason Diamond fabric used for the throw and the crisp white teamed up with the array of pinks give the room a sweet and charming look.

‘Vermicelli Velvet’ for the Chair and ‘Belle Meade Stripe’ for the Curtains

The rich and textural Vermicelli fabric has a wonderful mixture of both contemporary and traditional aspects. The pattern is modern way of presenting a regal style, and the velvet and interesting colourways means that the fabric can be used in a contemporary setting, or used to update a traditional piece of furniture like the chair above. You may think using an intricate design like the Vermicelli with another pattern may make the fabric lose a touch of its elegance, but the royal stripe of the Belle Meade creates a perfectly curated look.

‘Lamour’ for the Curtains and ‘Astor Velvet’ for the Chair

The snappy green colourways from this photograph show how to do classic styles in an unexpected shade. The textural Astor Velvet used on the seat of this antique chair gives an idea of how to keep a harmonious look throughout a room whilst still including antique pieces. There’s an Art Deco touch to the Lamour curtains, the sultry gold intertwines wonderfully with the mossy green, making a glamourous display, proving that you needn’t just use dark hues to create a rich and romantic interior.

‘Beverly Velvet’ for the Sofa

The Beverley Velvet has a touch of retro style to it, the wavy pattern almost melts onto the sofa,  giving it a laid-back seventies vibe, which is perfect for adding some relaxed but smart style into a room. This fabric is perfect for giving a little flavour into a modern, contemporary space.

‘Cloisonné Embroidery’ for the Curtains

Another absolutely charming design from the collection is this rich but sweet pattern, Cloisonné Embroidery. It’s a rather special deign and if you like to go bold with your interior choices, this should certainly be up for consideration. The vibrant pattern maintains a feminine and soothing tone about it, which means the large pattern isn’t too overbearing for a room and instead will settle into a scheme in a natural fashion.

Next up is a playful take on traditional Chinoiserie, Happy Dragons is a fantastic pattern if you want to have a little fun with your style. The design has the perfect combination of whimsy and elegance, and mixed together with some fabulous colourways, the design is a must-have for contemporary schemes, or traditional ones that are in need of a bit of an edge.

‘Happy Dragons’ for the Blind, and ‘Temple Lattice’ for the Cushions

Finally, for hint of vintage Miami, this look is fabulous. From the limey greens of the Catalina Stripe to the limber paisley style of the Balboa Paisley, which could almost be mistaken for palm leaves, everything about these fabrics gives off a laid-back American coastal feeling.

‘Catalina Stripe’ for the Sofa, ‘Sausalito’ for the Chair and ‘Balboa Paisley’ for the Curtains and Cushions

Everything about this collection is calm, cool and collected glamour, in this vibrant array of designs there’s something for everyone, the only problem you’ll have is choosing your favourite!

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de Le Cuona – Savage Beauty

A few weeks ago we had our lovely rep Onur from De Le Cuona come in to show us the fantastic collection Savage Beauty. It’s a wonderful combination of linens and rich fabrics, that is perfectly described as a collection where “intrepid travel and haute couture meet”. The fabrics are simply stunning, and so I had to dedicate a blog to the collection.

You can tell that careful consideration has been taken over each and every fabric in the collection, the quality of work and style is top notch, with each fabric both visually and texturally wowing you; if you’re looking for a luxurious collection to deck your interiors in, this is it.

There’s a real sense of a naturalistic element to the fabrics, Flint has a stone-flecked finish to it, much akin to its namesake, and Treasure despite its metallic sheen manages to maintain a rustic element.

The haute couture component of the collection comes out the play in fabrics such as Persia, where “a tween crosses a tapestry and Chanel jacket woven in ribbons and tapes”. It’s a playful, elegant fabric that on closer inspection reveals layers in colours and textures.

Another beautiful piece from the couture side is the delicious Cleopatra, which flows effortlessly like air, as well as the Liquid velvet, which is by far the softest velvet we ever felt in the office!

Another of my favourites is the Mistral fabric. Made to resemble the rippling effect created by the wind in sand dunes and the sea, the fabric is light in weight but heavy in texture and spirit and reflects its brief perfectly.

Vintage is a reversible linen, a creamy off-white colour on top and on the bottom a light beige. Both sides can be used, and De Le Cuona shows this off perfectly with this marvellous chair combining the two sides.

Savage Beauty is a dreamy, romantic collection. It ties together nature and luxury and creates an “adventurous glamour” as they so aptly describe it. However, unlike a lot of collections where the beauty is so present it’s hard to see how the fabrics can function in the real world, Savage Beauty manages to maintain both its practicality and its romance all in one quick, awe-inspiring swoop.

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New Lorca Collection for Spring ’16

We were fortunate enough to have our lovely sales rep from Osborne & Little come into the office the other week to show us the new collections for spring 2016, and by the amount of samples we ordered you can tell we absolutely fell in love with everything! However what really struck a chord were the wonderful new Lorca collections, Aradonis and Aradonis Weaves!

There are some wonderfully bright and colourful patterns and colours being used that are sure to put a spring in your step and into your interiors.

Hanging fabric: Yolanta, back of chair: Loana, seat: Calina

The inspiration for the collection comes from the style, architecture and general aesthetics of the Eastern Mediterranean visualised in a modern, contemporary way. The collection sees Lorca’s distinctive signature colours including fuchsia, lavender, orange and turquoise mixed together with a new palette of apple, hyacinth, linen, saffron, taupe and black.

What’s so lovely about this collection is that each pattern is inspired by something specific, you can really imagine a designer’s journey through the Mediterranean and the places they visited and the things they saw. The ‘tree of life’ pattern in the hanging fabric above takes its inspiration from mosaics in a Byzantine Palace. The inspiration for the pattern, just like all the patterns in the collection has then be translated into a contemporary design with just the right combination of snappy 21^st century colours and historical and traditional nostalgia.

Hanging fabric and cushion: Aradonis Stripe, sofa and base of footstool: Calina, top of footstool: Loana.

There’s a lovely sleekness to the Aradonis Stripe design and a sense of fun in the colours that gives the fabric a light-hearted nature. The fabrics in this photograph all take inspiration from various items of clothing, the stripe from the costume of a temple dancer, the Calina design from an antique Maltese belt and the Loana from an ottoman waistcoat.

Hanging fabric: Natalia

This beautiful floral design on a mixture of viscose and silk is absolutely stunning and is a fantastic way to do glamour and florals without the scheme looking dated or tacky. The design follows suit of a brocade spotted by a designer in a Cypriot villa, and is beautifully elegant, reflecting the rays of sun amazingly.

Hanging fabric (left): Fombelle, hanging fabric (right): Palatine

These two fabrics are absolutely perfect if you’re looking for something vibrant and contemporary to revamp a room. On the left, Fombelle a lovely embroidered feather pattern that also comes in a vivid palette of colour for a really contemporary look. Palatine, the fabric on the right was influenced by rope work seen at a quayside on Syracuse, Sicily. You can really feel the energy of the sources of creativity shine through into the patterns and designs, and knowing their origins helps to paint a rather enticing picture of a rich history for your interiors.

Hanging fabric and cushion: Palestrina, sofa: Calina

The Eastern Mediterranean heritage and culture shine through in the Palestrina fabric, having acquired its name from the ancient city in Italy. It’s a spectacular combination of regal damask design with modern hues in the background and is absolutely ideal for dressing up any room and creating a little Mediterranean getaway.

The Dolenia fabric makes a rather lovely finish, the beautiful silhouettes of the leaves overlapping one another is akin of looking directly underneath a tree in full bloom and seeing the sun beam through the foliage.

Hanging fabric: Dolenia, cushion and base of footstool: Calina, top of footstool: Loana

Another simply stunning collection from Lorca to feast your eyes on, we can’t wait to use them!

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Three Lovely New Designers!

At Angel + Blume we love discovering new and exciting designers, and this week we thought we’d share three new companies we’ve come across that we absolutely love, Porcupine Rocks, Waybreads and Juliet Travers, each with their own authentic, original designs.

‘Africa Map Sofa and Shine Shine Cushions’ from Porcupine Rocks

Porcupine Rocks is an amazing company based in London that sources their products from Southern Africa, if you’re looking for some striking and vibrant designs this is the place for you. The cushions in the photograph above are from the Shine Shine range, the vivacious colours and graphics are beautifully intriguing and are absolutely perfect for adding a pop of pattern and colour to your interior.

‘Jackie So in Teal’ from Porcupine Rocks

I am in love with this Jackie So fabric from the same collection, its playful nature will bring a witty sense of style to a room, and it’s the perfect fabric for updating your scatter cushions or perhaps reupholstering a fading armchair for a real sense of contemporary flair.

‘Ananas Curtains’ from Porcupine Rocks

For something a little more subtle but equally as fun, this pineapple print is a sweet design that will really uplift a room and keep a warm, summer vibe all year round.

There is a real sense of originality when it comes to Porcupine Rocks, it’s the ideal shop if you’re looking for a ‘one of a kind’ sense of style, especially as they provide a bespoke upholstery service, allowing you to adorned a beloved sofa or armchair in a beautiful new material.

‘Selection of Scatter Cushions’ from Porcupine Rocks

Porcupine Rocks was founded by Paula Goodburn and her stock comes from artists who combine traditional craft techniques with contemporary designs, which makes for the perfect recipe, and don’t just take our word for it, their iconic ‘Qalakabusha Sofa’ design was used by the legendary Kit Kemp in her award winning Ham Yard Hotel!

‘Qualakabusha Sofa’ from Porcupine Rocks

 

Moving away from stunning African prints and taking a trip into the English countryside with the lovely company, Waybreads.

‘Ramsons Print’ from Waybreads

Waybreads specialises in hand printed wallpapers with some truly stunning designs, all influenced from the British countryside and all the wonderful things that grow there. Helen Morely the founder of Waybreads was inspired by “long wanderings in the English countryside and a deep love of our native flora and fauna”, and this inspiration is very clear in her remarkably high-quality products.

‘Oak and Honeysuckle Print’ from Waybreads

I absolutely love the stunning combination of this pattern and colour, it creates a mesmerising design, which is more than you’d expect for a somewhat traditional style. It would look amazing in a garden-facing room with the sun shining brightly, catching the beautiful texture of the wallpaper in all its glory.

‘Wayside Print’ from Waybreads

Waybreads designs are almost contemporary versions of William Morris prints and are perfect if you want to include elements of nature into a contemporary interior, or want to add a contemporary touch to a period property without veering too far from traditional designs.

‘White Bryony Print’ from Waybreads

There are seven wallpaper designs and a choice of twenty-five colours, ranging from neutral hues to vivid pinks and oranges, so there’s masses of arrangements to suit your home and your style.

Another designer making fantastic wallpapers and fabrics is Juliet Travers, her designs add a little bit of magic and spark to a home.

‘Secret Garden Wallpaper’ from Juliet Travers

This secret garden wallpaper is a lovely little wonderland that would truly light up a room, the contrast between the midnight blue background and dusty pinks and yellows of the flowers creates a beautiful effect.

‘Nakuru Wallpaper’ from Juliet Travers

Juliet Travers has some lovely hand drawn designs that epitomise laid back and soothing elegance, this Nakuru design is beautifully tranquil, even in hot pink!

‘Nakuru Fabric’ from Juliet Travers

I particularly love the sleepy style of these falling feathers pattern, which would create the perfect dream-like ambience in a bedroom, with the silver feathers catching the light exquisitely.

‘Free Fall Wallpaper’ from Juliet Travers

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know these designers as much as we have and you feel inspired by their remarkable designs!

For more information check out their websites!

www.porcupinerocks.com

www.waybreads.com

www.juliettravers.com

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