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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Chandelier Fairy Tales

Every time I go to the V&A Museum in London I always spend a little time gazing up at the extravagant chandelier in their grand entrance. The ‘Rotunda’ Chandelier made and designed by Dale Chihuly in 2001 is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship and artistry, you can observe it in a hundred different ways and still not see all the intricate detailing the piece has to offer.

‘Rotunda Chandelier’ at the V&A Museum

Though it’s probably a safe enough to bet that most of us couldn’t really accommodate such an elaborate and outlandish decorative piece in our own homes, there’s something to be said for investing in a showstopper of a light, and in particular a chandelier. Often, when the mind thinks of a chandelier we think of the beautiful, classic chandelier that grace to entrance halls of stately homes and mansions, but in today’s world of interior design there are so many contemporary and alternative versions of the classic design that it’ll make your mind race with possibilities. I’ve found a few of my favourite contemporary chandeliers that are truly irresistible.

‘Mud Beaded Chandelier’ from Abigail Ahern

These beaded chandeliers have kept the classic chandelier shape but swapped out crystals for beads, a real contemporary take on a classic. The draping and styling of the beads creates a beautiful, elegant design, combining extravagance and humility which is perfect for those who are big on style but want to refrain from being overzealous. Instead of the usual twinkling of crystal, the finish on this design is somewhat muted, giving the piece a day-to-day accessibility that more traditional designs lack. Its style makes it the ideal component if you want to add a little glamour to an understated interior scheme.

‘Silicate Chandelier’ from Baker

This stunning piece from Baker reminds me of a multitude of things, from a feathery waterfall to a vintage 1920s ballroom. The soft layering of the glazed pieces of glass mixed with the gold chains that they dangle from is a modern approach, creating beauty out of structural elements and producing a playful nature between hard and soft textures that gives the overall design a gorgeous flair.

‘Neo Baroque Chandelier’ from Abigail Ahern

This Neo Baroque chandelier packs quite a punch. Definitely not for the faint hearted, it’s fusion between the antique world and the futuristic makes for the ultimate statement piece. Its structure has a ghostly element to it, which works perfectly with the neo-gothic design. Despite the sense of grandeur that accompanies the design, the chandelier could be worked into smaller spaces. The translucency of the design means that your room won’t be bombarded by the piece, and will actually sit rather elegantly and subtly.

To take things down a notch or two, if big and bold isn’t your thing, there are plenty of understated, chandelier inspired designs out there that go easy on the drama but still maintain the overall sense of splendour and grace.

‘Aster Chandelier’ from Copper & Silk

This contemporary design gives a comparatively minimalist alternative to the other chandeliers. Its circular design has an assertiveness to it without being over dominant, enabling you to happily have a few situated in a room without it looking excessive. The curved glass and the whole look of the piece has a hint of a retro feel, but there is a contemporariness to the design that brings these vintage motifs into the 21^st Century.

‘Contardi Kubric Chandelier’ from Interior Supply

For a completely contemporary remake of the traditional chandelier, something like this piece from Interior Supply is a marvel. The reflectiveness of the spherical shades is a modern take on the flickering light the crystal from traditional designs would produce. The design is slick, contemporary and stylish, the perfect companion for an architecturally innovative home.

If all the talk of crystal chandeliers has made you nostalgic, a little tradition can always be thrown into the mix. This design, again from Interior Supply, mixes together the best of both worlds, the traditional with the modern. A fresh oval structure, made from satin nickel with the inclusion of crystal beading allows for all the traditional glamour without the domineering nature of a traditional design.

‘Cattelan Italia Cristal’ from Interior Supply

Finally, for the ultimate investment piece that follows the same breath-taking nature that the traditional grand chandeliers would have had, a head-to-toe chainmail covered piece that is full of style and grace. There’s a certain allure that comes with using a single material, here the chainmail replaces crystal but still remembers the same grandeur and elegance of its ancestors, only with a modern twist. The effect created by the texture of the chainmail is truly marvellous and completely conquers the purpose of a chandelier.

‘Chainmail Chandelier’ from Ochre

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Struck by Lighting!

Guy Fawkes Night in Cambridge is an absolutely beautiful affair, and is an event that is at the forefront of my childhood and adult memories. The fireworks display on Midsummer’s Common is a real feast for the eyes, and reminiscing about previous years has inspired us here at Angel + Blume, so I’ve set about finding some beautiful lighting features and topical wallpaper that hold all the beauty and magic of a fireworks display for your home; making sure that there will be a lot of ooh’s and ahh’s, not just on the 5^th November but all year round.

 

Ochre has some of the most outstanding lighting pieces in their collections. Their products are more in line with works of art then a practical, necessary part of the home, and if you’re in search for something truly eye-catching then Ochre should be your first port of call.

The Seed Cloud collection from Ochre is one of my favourite designs from the company, and is rather alike to falling stars or luminous raindrops; a real masterpiece of style. The contemporary take on a classic chandelier would look stunning over a dining room table, perfect for a luxurious, modern home, but could also make a subtle yet distinctive contrast mixed into a traditional, classically designed interior. For an alternative take try the table lamp version, quite an extraordinary piece to have at eye-level.

 

If you’re interior style is all about theatrics and you want to dive into the world of fantasy and fairytales, this Porta Romana chandelier was made just for you.

The Ivy Shadow chandelier is the definition of a show-stopper, just think of the beautiful shadow imagery the design would make on the walls and ceiling of a room. The theatrical nature of this piece means it isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you’re looking for something special and breathtaking then look no further.

 

Staying on the fabulous and theatrical track, no where does it better then Timorous Beasties. With their designs being so innovative and creative, they are perfect for embellishing your home in originality and flair.

These Golden Oriole wall panels are intended to make your home stand out from the crowd. The richness and romance of the design is something dreams are made of and the mystical elements will make your home shine. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this wall panelling tells a whole story and if you’re intent of showcasing your style and making a statement this is the perfect way to do so.

 

However, if this is all getting a little too much and something more low-key sounds appealing, you can never go wrong with a much beloved favourite of ours, the Mosaic Dapple by Zoffany.

This is a real crowd pleaser, and is a really fun but subtle way to include a little bit of shine and shimmer.

The same can be said for this beautiful design by Harlequin, and with multiple colours you’ll be spoilt for choice.

 

When going for a contemporary look, it’s easy to be drawn to a minimalist and understated design, but if you want to make a statement, you needn’t compromise on the contemporary aspect.

These fan effect lights from Collingwood are a fun and modern way to create a well-lit space and would look great on a feature wall or lighting up a long corridor.

For some excitement and a bit of colour, Artemide have some outstanding designs, including this Tian Xia Metamorfosi design, which is perfect for creating a cool, vibrant atmosphere for a dinner party.

So remember, remember that the 5^th November is not the only time to create a few sparks and explosions when it comes to your interiors.

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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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On reflection

The thing that I appreciate most about summer is the beautiful light. I have been making the most of the last few weeks enjoying the fabulous scenery that is scattered with enchanting summer rays. It has got me thinking about different materials that play with light in a space, and I have gathered together some of my favourite examples of furnishings that have attractive reflective surfaces.

 

I could never grow bored looking at the enchanting glass pear drops that hang from this table light.

 Arctic Pear Table Lamp by Ochre

 

 The ‘seeds’ that fall from this gorgeous chandelier almost look like raindrops, each one acting as a magnifying lens.

 Seed Cloud, round 112 buds, by Ochre

 

These lovely large glass orbs reflect the light around them, and draw your attention in.

Bubbles Glass Orb Pendant from Anthropologie

 

Glass vessels that hold water are a beautiful table piece, and offer a playful refracted image of whatever they behold.

LSA Umberto Vase from John Lewis

 

Glass perfume bottles can be a charming ornament in the bedroom that twinkle in the last of the evening light.

Early 20th Century Perfume Bottle from Alfies Antique Market

 

This brilliant wallpaper is a 3D foil that can be used to create great effects with some clever lighting.

Beware The Moon – Quantum Foam Wallpaper from Rockett St George

These contemporary arched mirrors create the illusion of an entrance, and will really open up a space.

Panorami Mirrors for Secondome, designed by Zaven

 

John Soane is famous for having used convex circular mirrors in his London town house to create a tour de l’oeil, magnifying viewpoints and making spaces look larger.

Little Black Framed Convex Mirror from Rockett St George

 

I love the glamorous ambiance created by using this antique mirror as a headboard. You can find some fantastic antique mirrors at Lassco. 

 

These garden tea light holders are lovely. The glass vessels emit a pretty flicker of candle light.

Hanging Teardrop Votive by Garden Trading from Not on the high street. 

 

This gorgeous lantern creates a warm glow, perfect for a garden dinner party.

Antique Style French Lantern by The Flower Studio from Not on the High Street

Reflective materials and multi faceted surfaces can be a great way to play with light in a space; to create illusions of scale and splendour, or simply to make a room feel more dynamic.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

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Stylish Lighting

This article first appeared on www.cambridge-news.co.uk

Really good lighting is crucial in all homes and once you’ve worked out what you need, there is still the tricky question of which fittings to buy. There is a bewildering range of light fittings on the market and unfortunately, an awful lot of them are, well, awful.

In order to avoid mistakes, I think it helps enormously to decide what style of fitting you prefer and then to find a small number of suppliers (two or three, but one is fine if they can provide for all your needs) and stick to them. We’ve put together a selection of different types of fittings from some of our favourite suppliers to show you what we mean.

Jim Lawrence design and manufacture some of the best light fittings around. They are fairly traditional, although with careful selection, some of their fittings work well in more contemporary homes. Here are some of their products we’d use for classic or country projects.

  

  

By contrast, more contemporary interiors normally require much simpler light fittings and I particularly like the fittings from Astro Lighting. If your own style is more for clean lines and unfussy design, these types of fittings are likely to work in your home and fit with the rest of your furnishings.

      

  
For glamorous, statement light fittings, I love these from Ochre. Made from a range of materials including glass, metals, coconut, horn strips and horsehair, they are works of art in their own right and will add more than a touch of style to any interior.

      

  

For really elegant light fittings, my first port of call would be Heathfield and Co. Their fittings work with a range of interior styles because they are classic and well designed. They also make bespoke lampshades for their lights which means you can get just the colour and fabric to fit your scheme.

  

  

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