Dear Santa

If you’re looking for a few extra presents for a loved one this Christmas, or in fact you’re still collected ideas for your own list, there are some really fun and interesting homeware pieces that’ll make wonderful presents. Whether you’re looking for a few stocking fillers, or that special something, take a look at these last minute Christmas ideas.

Lustre Curve Vase from West Elm

These painted, hand-blown glass vases from West Elm are the perfect dazzling Christmas present for someone with a glamorous style. The rich blue and bronze mixture of colour will stand out from the crowd and make a beautiful centrepiece.

Sticking to the rich midnight blue theme, this inky coloured whale from Rockett St George is a triple threat, it’s stylish, practical and makes for a great present; perfect for displaying a few favourites on the windowsill or on a sideboard.

Cast Iron Whale Bookends from Rockett St George

Christmas is mainly about two things; presents and family, but mainly the presents, so combine the two with a beautiful picture frame that you can keep a treasured photo in. These faux shagreen photo frames from Oka will add extra style to a contemporary setting. Equally, these duck leg frames from Graham & Green are a fun way to add some style and show off a beloved memory.

Faux Shagreen Photo Frames with Curved Edges from Oka

Duck Feet Frames from Graham & Green

If you want to continue the fun, these ceramic planters from West Elm will put a smile on anyone’s face. The different animals can be used to match personality and taste, I think I’d go for the llama design myself! Keep them up on a dresser or add to a windowsill display.

Ceramic Animal Planters from West Elm

For someone will more glam taste, this gold embellished vases from The Estate Yard will make a great collection to display and show off single stem flowers.

Gold Vases from The Estate Yard

Or if you want to help someone house a slightly larger botanical friend, this graphic pot also from The Estate Yard is a fun, modern way to keep a plant.

Graphic Plant Pot from The Estate Yard

This little cactus is super cute, and works as a jewellery box, which would make a sweet addition to someone’s dressing table.

Cactus Jewellery Box from Maison du Monde

Our little cactus friend would go extra nicely with someone of these bamboo trinket boxes from Rockett St George.

Bamboo Trinket Boxes from Rockett St George

Finally, if you know someone who just loves throws, these little ones from West Elm have a dappled pattern and come in five different colourways, a lovely thing to snuggle into after all that Christmas lunch.

Cosiest Space-Dyed Throws from West Elm

If you find yourself a little stuck for ideas, or know someone in need of some homeware inspiration, send them a few thoughtful pieces that’ll make them smile this Christmas.

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Cosy Autumn Nights

Maybe it’s my imagination, or maybe I’m just ready for the autumn weather, but as soon as it turns September I feel a little nip in the air. While that may fill some people with sadness, I’m always secretly a little happy, autumn is my second favourite season after spring so I always welcome it with open arms. Making the transition from hot summer evenings to chillier autumn ones can always be made a whole lot smoother if you’re prepared, having your throws, cushions and snuggly furniture ready will mean that you’ll be looking forward to those evening curled up on the sofa instead of out in the garden. I’ve pulled together some wonderful products that’ll make those autumn nights even more tempting.

Finding a marvellous throw for the colder part of the year will not only keep you warm, but instantly make a sofa or bed look revitalised. Picking the best material for your throw is a job within itself, Merino wool is made from the Merino sheep, mainly in Australia, and is incredibly soft! I love this patterned throw from Wool Me, the red and green design will pop next to a pale coloured sofa, or help create a moody feel on a dark shade.

‘Red Green Merino Wool Throw Marta’ from Wool Me

If you’re looking for a throw that is outrageously soft, you can’t go wrong with a Mohair throw. Heal’s currently have a Mohair throw in five gorgeous colourways, but my particular favourite this the pastels shade. It looks perfect spread across a bed just like below but would look equally fabulous draped over an armchair when not in use.

‘Mohair Throw’ from Heal’s

Those nights where you’re inside watching a film, or reading a book instead of enjoy a summer’s evening can be made a whole lot easier when you have a wonderfully comfy sofa or armchair to curl up on. Loaf have produced a collection of sofas and armchairs, or as they lovingly call them ‘squishy’ chairs, that look like the King and Queens of comfort! Two of my favourite looks from their collection are the Snuggalump sofa and the Crumpet armchair, they both have extra thick cushions so you can get yourself well and truly comfy in one of these.

‘Snuggalump Sofa’ from Loaf

‘Crumpet armchair’ from Loaf

If you’re all set for sofas, but are still looking for something to snuggle up in, this cocoon from Graham & Green may be your sort of thing. Its design is perfect for anyone who loves playful and contemporary pieces, and if you love vegging out on a Sunday afternoon!

‘Zig Zag Cocoon Chair’ from Graham & Green

Getting your interiors ready for autumn doesn’t necessarily mean you need to kit your home out in those typical autumn colours, if you prefer the bright and bold scheme then go for it! Cushions are a quick and fun way to inject a bit of colour into your interior, plus they’ll really spruce up a room with minimal effort. These Frida cushions from Graham & Green are fantastic, they use abstract imagery of the iconic artist (and her parrots!) to create some playful cushions. Use intermittently in a set of scatter cushions or go all out and use all in a row to really make a statement.

‘Appliqued Character Cushions’ from Graham & Green

If you fancy something a little less bright but just as fun, head over to Trouva for this snazzy tassel cushion. It’s ideal to give a space some character, and a hint of Mediterranean feel.

‘Turquoise Tassel Kelim Cushion’ from Trouva

A great way to make your bedroom feel extra comfy for autumn is with a new bedspread, although it may not make it any easier to get out of bed in the morning! I absolutely love this velvet and linen bedspread from Niki Jones, it looks like you could wrap yourself up in it all day!

‘Velvet Linen Bedspread’ from Niki Jones

If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, this beautiful duvet set from Houseology cannot be missed! The wisteria pattern will help you get through the colder months as you dream of summer.

‘Bluebellgray Wisteria Bed Linen’ from Houseology

Autumn is on the horizon and whether you’re happy or sad about it, one thing you can’t argue with is how much fun you’re going to have creating your perfect snuggly autumn retreat!

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

A couple of weeks ago I looked at the fabulous book COLOUR by Abigail Ahern for our monthly Book Club. Since then I have been intrigued by all things colourful in the world of interiors. It’s a fun and easy task to turn your home from a neutral setting to fabulously colourful! A bold paint choice, or wild decorative piece may be exactly what you need to create an enviable rainbow-esque room, but if you’re not ready to dive straight in there are small injections of colour to be made by the addition of bright home accessories.

So starting off slow, I’ve got together a collection of exciting, sophisticated and most importantly brightly coloured accessories and furnishings to show you how much fun there is to be had with the bold and beautiful.

If you feel like you might need easing into the idea of eccentric and bright interiors, it’s best to go easy and introduce colour step by step with a few gleaming home accessories. These glass candle holders from Rockett St George are a great way to spice up a window sill or bare surface. The interaction between the gold and the colourful exteriors will create a warm and inviting setting in any home.

‘Glass Globe Candle Holders’ from Rockett St George

Before you go in bright and beaming, opting for a more muted colourful tone is a good way to get acquainted with colour, something like these crackled, antiqued plant pots from Graham & Green will jazz up a patio area or conservatory without being too overbearing, plus they’ll make a strong canvas to continue to add colour to in the future.

’Turquoise Plant Pots’ from Graham & Green

I’m finding it ever increasingly harder and harder to resist a bit of trim these days, so this blanket is absolutely perfect. The lovely blue tones with make a bright impact, and will be easily adapted into all sorts of colour and style schemes.

‘Pom Pom Blanket’ from Holly’s House

 

Not all bold colour interiors need to consist of the bright primary colours, take a cooler, more relaxed journey with some sophisticated metallics, like this bronze Barabra chair from Sweetpea and Willow. It’s has a fantastic retro vibe going on, and will transform a simple front room into a plush cocktail lounge.

‘Barabra Bronze Chair’ from Sweetpea and Willow

When it comes to a large piece of furniture such as a dining room table, there is always an urge to stick to the status quo and go for something conventional. But if you’re interested in adding a little colour to your palette, there’s no need to go to extremes and end up with a tomato red shiny table. Find your middle ground with something like this stylish piece from Houseology. The traditional wood top combined with the playful painted legs makes a wonderful contemporary statement.

‘Moooi Paper Table Patchwork’ from Houseology

When you get more comfortable with the idea of bright, colourful interiors you can really start to have some fun with the concept, from small and big ideas. If you’re thinking big, you can’t get more bright, colourful and stylish than this iconic design by Missoni from Roche Bobois. Whether you want to make a big statement or have just fallen in love with the design, it’s every colour lover’s dream.

‘Mah Jong Composition Missoni Home’ from Roche Bobois

This Zulu girl cushion from Graham & Green brings a lovely regal side to the world of bright interiors, it makes the perfect scatter cushion, either in a collection of equally bold cushions or as a statement piece against a sea of neutral cushions as its backdrop.

‘Zulu Girl Cushion’ from Graham & Green

There is always something to be found from the colourful section of home accessories if you want to add a sense of humour into your interior settings. Although they might be a little too quirky for some people’s taste, this set of winking eyes is rather fun. They’re perfect for a den or bedroom and are a great way to put a smile on people’s faces.

‘Winking Eye Cushions’ from Rockett St George

To give your table a quick fix of colourful fun, these Magritte inspired plates are a must. They’re so fabulous that they’ll even distract the guests if the dinner all goes wrong!

‘Magritte Melamine Plates’ from Rockett St George

And finally if you ever need a little colourful pick me up, this pink budgie is marvellous, hide it away in some plants or up on a shelf so that it’ll catch anyone who spots it by surprise as they walk past.

‘Pink Budgie’ from Rockett St George

Whatever your budget and whatever your taste or space requirements there is always a way to add a little brightness into your interiors and a little joy into your life!

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Mum’s The Word

As if by magic we seemed to have powered through almost the first two months of 2016 which means we’re nearing the month of March and onto another special occasion, Mother’s Day! As we are trying to stick to our resolutions of being more organised this year we’ve already dug up some wonderful gift ideas for our beloved mothers.

Instead of purchasing the usual gifts of flowers, which will wither away in just a few days, or chocolates, that will disappear in a mere matter of minutes, at Angel + Blume we want to think outside the box and give something a little more permanent as a present that mums can treasure forever.

Whatever style or taste you mum likes, be it quirky, traditional, nature-loving or contemporary, we’ve got something that will make her smile from ear to ear this Mothering Sunday.

For all the mothers who follow a traditional sense of style, and love adorning their homes in lovely little trinkets An Angel at my Table, as always, has some absolutely beautiful home accessories.

Glory Be! & Amour Tea Towels from An Angel at my Table

 

These beautiful floral printed tea towels will add a lovely spurt of colour into any kitchen, and the added touch of some pom pom trimmings are a wonderful idea, so wonderful in fact that we think they may be best left as display items and not actually used for washing up!

Small White Country Jug from An Angel at my Table

A wonderful gift for a traditional style loving mum is this simple yet sophisticated jug, also from An Angel at my Table. The detailing around the side of the vase creates a lovely finish to the ceramic piece, making the jug ideally matched for a classic interior.

If, like mine, you mum has green fingers then opting for some nature related gifts will get two thumbs up. Thornback & Peel make some wonderful products with the some amazing designs that are the perfect combination of tradition and modern. I completely love this pea pod tray from the vibrant green colour to the herringbone inspired print.

Pea Pod Tray from Thornback & Peel

Another wonderful idea for all the nature loving mothers out there are these rather spectacularly designed plant pots from Not on the High Street. The aged copper Verdigris-like colour is stunning and helps make these pots a real feature piece.

Leaves Plant Pot from Not on the High Street

For a sweet little gift, and a flower that will last, this paper rose from Not on the High Street is simply marvellous, using printed text from novels the whole look has charm to boot.

Literary Paper Rose from Not on the High Street

If you hear the words ‘wonderfully wacky’ and your mind immediately wonders over to your mother, then taking the unconventional route and giving her some adorable and quirky gifts this Mother’s Day will fill her with joy. This cushion from Fine Cell Work featuring the ‘princess of fruits’, the pineapple will make a lovely addition to an array of scatter cushions. It’s a fun and playful item that will look good in any home.

Pineapple Cushion from Fine Cell Work

I love this quirky, full-to-the-brim of individuality vase from Rockett St George. It’ll make a fine talking point and will no doubt put a smile of everybody’s face. It’s full of character and is a perfect gift if your mum is too.

David Display Vase from Rocket St George

Last but not least if your mum is a bit of a cool cat, with a home to match, why not help her kit it out with some amazing and stylish pieces. Since the cold weather doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon a cosy blanket and cushions are most certainly in order. These hand woven, hand printed cushion and blanket are laid-back contemporary style at its best and will look great on a sofa or bed.

Hand Woven Cushions and Blanket from Bailey’s Home

I completely fell in love with this ceramic collection from Rockett St George, so much so that I may have to treat both myself and my mother to a set. The modern marble effect is a wonderful design for all the lovers of the classic contemporary style.

Indigo Storm Collection by Faye Toogood from Rockett St George

So there you have it, a sweet guide on what to buy your mum this Mother’ Day, or if you can’t resist a preview of all the lovely items you’ll be filling your own home with as well!

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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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Baby it’s cold outside

There’s nothing like a cold snap to make a little snooze on the sofa (in front of my newly installed fire) under some lightweight wool seem like the only way to spend an afternoon. These divine articles are mainly known as throws but beware this term as it can mean a tiny article that is meant to ‘dress’ the end of a bed and is therefore far too small to keep you warm either in bed or anywhere else. A good throw should cover the vast majority (preferably all) of your duvet or sheets so that if you do need it for warmth, it won’t disappoint. If you add a lovely splash of colour and texture, a throw can start to see like the perfect accessory. I have been researching throws to see what is available from my favourite suppliers and honestly, I want them all.

   

Wallace Sewell textiles achieve a delectable blend of colours along side stunning textures so their throws honestly feel like works of art

   

I discovered The Biggest Blanket Company when I came across their shop in Pimlico last Autumn which is stuffed to the rafters with desirable throws. The paisley cashmere throw shown above on the left is heavenly and is high on my must-have list.

Bronte from Abraham Moon (a firm favourite of Angel and Blume) produce a huge range of lovely throws including some very jolly spots and checks.

For those of us who lust after colour, look no further than Designers Guild who have some delicious throws using colour in ways only they can.

Melin Tregwynt have a unique range of designs that encompass both traditional and contemporary interiors – and as they design and manufacture all their products by the sea in Wales, I think they have a pretty good karma too!

And finally, Roger Oates who produce the most wonderful stair runners, have now expanded into throws and bedlinen, and their eye for design and colour works as well with their throws (and bedlinen) as their runners.

You can see why I am spoilt for choice, can’t you?

 

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Catesbys

How wonderful to see a lovely new independent shop moving to Cambridge offering stylish and elegant interiors products in a beautiful environment. Welcome to Cambridge Catesbys! If you love understated, neutral, beautiful, tactile (any or all of the above) home products, Catesbys is going to be a must stop shop for you and the great news is that from Saturday, there will be a cafe on the first floor, in case all that shopping has exhausted you. They are at number 10 Green Street – see you there!

           

Sneak preview of the new cafe which is opening on Saturday

  

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Rugs, runners and ice cream

At Angel and Blume, we have long been fans of Roger Oates elegant stair runners and so we were delighted to see these beautiful images of their rugs on their website, and also to spot a new online collection of bags, throws, cushions and other highly desirable accessories. However, what really made us envious is the picture of their ice cream van – now that is something we really, really want.

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Keep out the cold

There is a chill in the air this week and as a self confessed fan of Autumn, I think this is the perfect excuse to make your home a warm and cosy place to be. There are lots of gorgeous home accessories that are perfect for the winter months and will add a dash of style we well as comfort so as the summer days fade, light the fire and embrace the change in the seasons.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website 

 

 This gorgeous throw is perfect for the watching TV under or as an extra blanket for the bed.

Rockett St George Chunky Aran Knit Throw £49 135cm x 135cm

 Stylish and practical, this zinc log basket will enhance any hearth and ensure you have enough logs to last, well, all evening!

Cox and Cox Zinc Log Basket £50

 

I just love this fur trimmed cushion with the seasonal ski scene. If it is put away for the summer months, it will be sure to raise a smile when it is brought out again for winter.

Pierre Frey Tyrol cushion £280

 Sink into soft sheepskin with this inviting bean bag from The White Company. Designed to mould to your shape, it is also easy to move so you can get even closer to the fire!

The White Company sheepskin bean bag £950

 

 A fantastic alternative to regular firelighters, these natural pinecones are scented with cinnamon and spices so will smell lovely as well as getting your fire blazing.

Not on the High Street from Hunter Gatherer

£13 for 12

 

 Bringing light into your home is even more important as the nights draw in and candle light is always a lovely option. I love these little alphabet votives as they allow you to get creative with your messages.

 Not on the High Street from The Letteroom £6 each

 

A rug is a great accessory, whatever time of year it is but I think this wonderful Goat skin rug from The Rug Company is particularly inviting when the weather is chilly.

 The Rug Company Como rug £420 per m2

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