Precious Metals

I often find myself being nicknamed a magpie, because I’m constantly drawn to shiny things! Although I don’t always appreciate the nickname, I have to admit that more often than not it tends to be true, especially when it comes to home accessories. Metal and metallic items keep cropping up all over our favourite stores and sites at the moment, and with so much range there is something to suit everyone’s style and everyone’s home. So I thought I would share some wonderful shiny accessories with you, to help to start your own magpie collection!

‘Pindale Copper Wire Light’ from Graham & Green

This pendant light from Graham & Green is something that immediately caught my eye when I saw it, from its curvy shape to its glistening colour, everything about it fantastic. It’ll make a great showstopper in a high-ceilinged living room or hallway. As you can see from the picture above it really pops out against a green back ground, as it would with a rich blue, but if you want keep things a little more minimal it will look equally as good against a crisp white backdrop.

For something else with an equally interesting shape to it, this bowl from Jonathan Adler is a rather fascinating design. Based on seeds, barnacles and pebbles, the bowl is designed to crack slightly during the firing process, which unveils some understated modernist patterns. It’ll make a beautiful centrepiece on a coffee or dining table.

‘Metallic Pinch Bowl’ from Jonathan Adler

Not all metallic accessories need to be contemporary pieces, in fact there are some wonderful, traditional style ideas out there. I love this toilet roll holder from Rockett St George, it’s a great way to add a little antique glamour to a bathroom with breaking the bank. It can work as a simple one-off accessory, or if you want to use the style for a whole bathroom theme, match the holder with a roll top bath and a dark wooden toilet seat.

‘Traditional Style Metal & Wood Toilet Roll Holder’ from Rockett St George

For another dose of glamour, these vintage style candlesticks will add a bit of grandeur to a dressing or dining table, or a mantelpiece. Mix and match the different heights for some diversity, and to make a really dramatic appearance collect a whole cluster of them!

‘Gilded Glass Candlestick’ from Rose & Grey

If you enjoy a particular style, metal and metallic can always be worked into any scheme. Add a little freshness to a rustic setting with these dishevelled herb pots from Anthropologie. The worn down look will go great with an already established look, while the zing of the colours will give a room a few sporadic pops.

‘Metallic Crackle Herb Pots’ from Anthropologie

If you want something with more of a matte finish, but something still incredibly eye-catching, this bull’s head from Rockett St George is not only a fantastic piece but great take on the traditional animal’s head style. The ornate metalwork will make you feel like you commissioned the piece yourself, but fortunately the price tag won’t!

‘Ornate Metal Faux Bull Skull with Horns’ from Rockett St George

For a room which style follows an exotic home décor, this Moorish wind-light from Lombok is a dream. They’re made by artisans in India with antiqued iron, and are perfect for creating some romantic lighting.

‘Moorish Iron Wind-Light’ from Lombok

This hanging plant pot is ideally suited from a contemporary, urban space. The angular shape gives the accessory more of a masculine edge, and its simple form means it’ll work in a minimal space without altering the tone.

‘Metal Distressed Hanging Plant Pot’ from Rockett St George

Finally, I had to throw in this adorable little etched coaster from Anthropologie, its pattern is super sweet, and will look lovely littered across a coffee table.

‘Etched Metal Coaster’ from Anthropologie

Whatever you’re style, adding a little bit of metal here and there into your home is a great way to experiment, have some fun, and bring a little freshness to an interior!

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Welcome to the Jungle

If like me you’re not quite making it out to a tropical island for a holiday this year, then fear not! Choose wisely and you can recreate that tropical feeling from your very own home, from quirky and contemporary to classic and stylish, tropical and jungle interiors have been a prominent trend over the last few years and there not going anywhere! I’ve pick out some absolutely scorching home accessories that’ll give you that hot, tropical feeling all year round!

‘Palmeral Amhurst Sofa in White and Green’ from House of Hackney

Jump straight into the deep end with this extravagant leafy sofa from House of Hackney.
Despite its busy pattern the piece of furniture manages to keep its cool, giving off more of a jungle chic vibe than jungle fever!

For a mellow hint of tropical flavour, this bedding from Graham & Green is a fun, non-committal way to interact with the style. It’ll look great as a standalone jungle themed piece or act as a lovely base to build upon.

‘Palmier Bedding’ from Graham & Green

The same can be said for this leaf item from Rose & Grey, which combines tropical and glamourous themes to create a beautiful piece. This complementary piece will make a stylish addition to a room and is ideal for storing jewellery or little knick-knacks.

‘Gold Leaf Tray’ from Rose & Grey

Jazz up your hallway with these functional yet beautiful umbrella stand and stool from Lombok. They’re made by artisans in Indian and will really provide a sense of glamour to a hallway or room that is in need of a little face-lift.

‘Frette Design Umbrella Stand and Stool’ from Lombok

If you really want to inject some jungle fun into your interiors, there are all sorts of stylish ways to do so. For a talking point, these parrots on perches are just the ticket. They’re perfect if you like your home to have a sense of humour and are a great way to insert a jungle theme into your ornaments.

‘Parrots on a Perch’ from Graham and Green

There’s always a lot of fun to be had when picking out a lampshade, with each room there’s a chance to add some individuality and character. New to Rockett St George are these fantastic hand woven lampshades, which work wonderfully with the tropical theme. The frayed ends a reminiscent of grass skirts and the looks as whole feels as if it could be found in a lovely beachside cabana. A few in a cluster would set off the entire look with a swing.

‘Hand Woven Bamboo Basket Lampshade’ from Rockett St George

For an alternative tropical look for your ceiling lights, take a peek at these Kauai Lanterns from Oka. The playful tassels that rest on top of the shade come in three colours, rust, natural and blue. This design will mix really well with a stylish, contemporary interior that is in need of a little zing.

‘Kauai Lanterns’ from Oka

Give an extra little spurt of tropical spirit with this adorable, quirky flamingo light bulb from Rose & Grey, a super addition for kid’s room, or for an adults!

‘Flamingo Light Bulb’ from Rose & Grey

Bring your jungle theme back down to eye-level and to your table with these snazzy table accessories. For a simple yet effective piece of day-to-day tableware try these super sweet elephant shakers from Jonathan Adler, they’re almost impossibly cute.

‘Elephant Salt & Pepper Shakers’

And for an exciting and colourful table update, this dinner plate set from Anthropologie will really get your guests talking! An absolute sea of vivid colours and images, perfect for a summer’s evening or even to brighten up a cold wintery night.

‘Aperta Melamine Dinner Set’ from Anthropologie

There’s all sorts of tropical, jungle fun to be had with your interiors and you don’t need to be an explorer to find them!

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Easter Table Treats

Easter Weekend is just a few weeks away, which means we have a fully-fledged excuse to update our dining room tableware in preparation for the occasion. Whether it’s a big affair or a quiet gathering, new glass and tableware helps create an exciting and sophisticated setting ready for however you choose to celebrate.

I’ve picked out some wonderfully charming items to fill your table with, that were made for spring in mind, each with its own lovely characteristics that will help to make your dining a thing of beauty this Easter!

‘Jackson Ceramic Collection’ from Graham and Green

This Jackson Ceramic collection from Graham and Green are full of light-hearted elegance, and the modern splattered design will add innovation and a contemporary sense of whimsy to your table. For a similar style, with a tad more dramatic feel to it, try these limited edition ink blot ceramics from Rockett St George, together the two designs will create a theatrical setting for your future dinner parties.

‘Ink Blot Bone China Side Plate’ from Rockett St George

There are some amazing ways to add a hint of nature to table, the perfect theme for spring. These garden party spoons from An Angel at my Table are utter perfection and will add so much charm to a table.

‘Garden Party Porcelain Spoons’ from An Angel At My Table

Another sweet, nature themed addition to a table are these beautiful hand embroidered napkins from Sibona. They really add a personal touch to a table for a light and delicate dining scheme. If you feel like something a little different than the olive design, Sibona, who are a fantastic company who have a complete range of wonderful hand embroidered napkins, from crabs to cupcakes!

‘Olive White Cotton Cocktail Napkins’ from Sibona

If you want to inject a little colour into your table design then some beautiful glasses is a great way to go. These glasses from Rose & Grey are full of character and will add a little amusement to any table, creating a delightfully relaxed and bright atmosphere.

‘Tiny Tall Glasses’ from Rose & Grey

For those who love a bit of the unconventional, why not wonder a little into the world of all things bohemian with these adorable cactus shaped salt and pepper shaker, ideal for not just special occasions but for adding flair and fun to the everyday!

‘Cactus Salt and Pepper Shaker’ from Graham and Green

To keep things simple yet stunning, opt for something that oozes laid-back sophistication, this elegant vase from Rocket St George will let the flowers do all the talking, making a wonderful centrepiece for a busy table.

‘Glass Jar Vase’ from Rockett St George

Or for something with more of a rustic, country style feel try these Potter jugs and bowls from An Angel at my Table. The slightly off-centre finish to the ceramics gives them a lovely homemade feel making them the perfect farmhouse chic style.

‘Potters Jug and Bowl’ from An Angel at my Table

Houseology is full of amazing products, especially if you’re into your contemporary style. So if you want to make your table shine with some modern accessories, take a look at their website for some great ideas. I particularly love this wood and slate serving board, it’s full of style and will look superb as a minimalistic centrepiece.

‘Just Slate Sheesham Wood Serving Platter with Slate Insert’ from Houseology

And lastly, for a subtle sense of cool, these black and white mugs with terracotta bottoms are perfect for the chilled out mornings when the hustle and bustle has been and gone and you can relax with a warm cup of coffee.

‘Moroccan Mugs’ from Rose & Grey

There you have it, a few treats for upcoming Easter that prove not all good things come in chocolate egg form!

For more information on these companies and many others don’t forget to check out Angel + Blume’s Address Book, http://www.angelandblume.com/addressbook.php

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