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French Connection Home S/S 2013

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Category: Ethical Interiors

French Connection Home S/S 2013

On April 22nd, 2013 by .

Have you all had a chance to see French Connections latest Homeware for S/S 2013?  After the successful launch last year, their latest collection doesn’t disappoint. It’s all about texture and raw materials combined with a faded coastal palette of soft white, light greys and oatmeal.  Expect to find pale and interesting ceramics with a hand finish appeal, textiles in denim, jersey and linen, and furniture with a painted and weathered look.  I love it all!  To see the full collection, visit any store or go to the French Connection website.

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Posted under Colour, Design post, Ethical Interiors, Furniture, Home accessories, Livingroom, Shabby chic, Trend Stories

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Pitfield London

On January 23rd, 2013 by .

Having just come back from Interiors UK , I had the pleasure of visiting Pitfields Pop up shop and cafe (and sampling one of their blueberry muffins – very good!)  Attracting the creative and curious and based in the heart of Shoreditch, Pitfield London is an eclectic emporium of beautiful, unique and attention grabbing homewares.  At the show, they managed to create a stylish and homely space using lots of their signature pieces, including enamel teapots, mugs, vintage floral chinaware, chunky knit throws and brightly upholstered furniture items. The cafe and seating area was simple yet creative.  Marked out with bright yellow steel supports, the area was busy and colorful.  Up-cycled apple crates were padded out with large blue glitter cushions and for the seating area, shipping boxes had been stacked together to create several vintage looking breakfast bars, but to top it all off, they had a £7,000 copper octopus suspended over their product display! (see image below). If you are in the Shoreditch area any time soon, I strongly recommend a visit to their shop where you will discover vintage finds, designer wallpapers and carpets, reworked furniture, inspiring gifts and much more…

Pitfields_London_InteriorsUK

Pitfield_London

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Posted under Craft ideas, Ethical Interiors, Events, Furniture, Trend Stories, Vintage

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How to revamp an old chair

On January 14th, 2013 by .

Have you ever revamped an old chair? As trends change, the furniture we once loved can suddenly look ugly, dated and very shabby, which is exactly what happened to my set of dining chairs (image below). My husband was insistent that we took them to the skip, but I had other ideas ;0) Nothing gets skipped in our household until I am sure it can’t be up-cycled, free-cycled or painted!  On this occasion it was an up-cycle procedure.

I had some gorgeous mustard fabric left over from a fashion shoot, and so I thought I would have a go at re-upholstering (similar fabric found here).  I would like to point out at this stage, I have never re-upholstered a chair like this before, but seeing as nearly every household owned one just like this in early 2000, I thought it only right to have a go.  You now have the option of bringing yours into the 21st century…!

Before_after_chair_upholster

You will need

  • A chair
  • Staple gun
  • Scissors
  • Gloves (if you have a lot of chairs to do as it helps to protect nails)
  • Fabric of your choice, it needs to be fairly thick
  1. Cut out a rectangular panel and drape it over the  back rest , leaving about 3 inches all around the edges.
  2. Push fabric ends into the crease, where the seat meets the back of the chair.
  3. Pull the fabric taught at the sides and top to create a smooth appearance. Now staple down the sides and top to fix this panel in place (don’t worry too much about neatness as this will be covered, it’s just important to pull the fabric tight!)
  4. Now cut a seperate piece of fabric to cover the back panel, leaving about 3 inches around the edges.
  5. Start at the top and fold the fabric in on itself, then staple.  Next do the sides, keeping the fabric taught at all times, leave the bottom hanging down.
  6. Pull the bottom panel down tightly and turn the chair upside, then staple it to the underneath of the chair.
  7. Take care to make neat folds at the corners (see image ref).
  8. Cut a square large enough to cover the seat and again, tuck the fabric in to conceal the ends.
  9. Pull the fabric taught at the sides, turn the chair upside down and then tuck the fabric under to make a neat edge.
  10. Staple all around keeping the fabric taught, making sure the staples are nice and neat.

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Posted under Craft ideas, Ethical Interiors, Interior Styling, Livingroom, Trend Stories

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New year inspiration

On December 31st, 2012 by .

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. If like me, you feel a little flat after all the festivities, then try to think about things that make you happy for 2013, through images…

Image 1: A long walk always blows away the cobwebs and is often where I find so much of my inspiration. Image 2: I love throws; cashmere, mohair, silk and wool, I think I have one in every material! I see it as an essential accessory for every bed and sofa ;0) Image 3: I will try to be as creative as I can at home and at work, I thought this picture demonstrated how something so simple can look so stylish. Image 4: A log fire makes me feel so happy, the crackle and smell of the burning wood brings back Childhood memories from the house I grew up in. It’s amazing how something can bring so much comfort. Image 5: Spring planting, this is the year when I plan to start my vegetable patch, a little way of I know but I love the idea of using these little sticks in the ground. 6: My family inspires me every day xx

What is your inspiration for 2013…?

Haute Faves Deux

Pale_and_interesting.2 Sarah_and_Bendrix

Pale_and_interesting

Brenda_HilleniusFamily.2Credits: Winter photo by: Haute Faves Deux. Selection of throws by Pale & Interesting. Creative Art by Sarah & Bendrix. Rustic log baskets by Pale & Interesting. Spring planting: Image by Brenda Hillenius. My family

 

 

Posted under Christmas, Craft ideas, Design post, Ethical Interiors, Fireplaces, Home accessories, Shabby chic, Vintage

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Habitat Spring/Summer 2013

On November 30th, 2012 by .

Colour, colour and more colour, there is no escaping this trend that is set to roll into 2013 and beyond, and just in case you need some help on how to apply this look in your home, look no further than Habitat’s S/S 2013 collection. Some key words from this range are: texture, organic, blonde wood, textiles and COLOUR!  I’m particularly in love with their textiles, especially the throws, #want…!

Posted under Design post, Eco watch, Ethical Interiors, Furniture, Home accessories, Interior Styling, Trend Stories

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Beautiful Bloomingville

On June 25th, 2012 by .

I have just been sorting through all of my press releases and brochures from BlogTourNYC (which are now 3 months old!) and found myself glued to the A/W Bloomingville collection.  The fast growing wholesale company is based in Denmark and produces product for the home and garden.  Their products are a mixture of scandi, french and industrial vintage and I LOVE it all!! This company works for me on so many levels; the originality, style, affordability, and ethical views are all to be commended.  Contact Bloomingville directly to find your nearest stockist.

Posted under Design post, Ethical Interiors, Favourite shops, Home accessories

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Wooden watches - would you wear one?

On August 10th, 2011 by .

How cool are these! They are made by a company called WeWood, a young Italian company from Florence, whose line of wooden watches are getting noticed by famous wrists around the globe and it is clear to see why.  The intricate detailing on the faces and straps teamed with the classic styles (loving the retro feel) makes the watches extremely desirable.  The collection is not only Eco friendly but also hypo-allergenic, free from toxic chemicals and has a traditional Miyota movement (Citizen),  AND, for every WeWood watch purchased, a tree is planted.  The organic matter is also recyclable, biodegradable and takes less CO2 to produce, than materials traditionally used in watch production, such as stainless-steel, platinum and gold – And the best part is that they start from £79! you can’t get much better than that!

They are currently available in two classic designs: Date and Chrono, and in four different types of sustainable wood: maple, black ebony, guaiaco (a tree native to South America), and red wood celtis (derived from flooring waste).  I guess my main concern would be the comfort but but Wewood promote them as feather-light and silky-smooth, I’m very tempted…
WeWood watches are available at new green concept store e-side, www.e-side.co.uk

Posted under Eco watch, Ethical Interiors

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Hotel Review: UXUA Casa Hotel, Brazil

On August 5th, 2011 by .

Nestled in the colourful fishing village of Trancoso on Brazil’s idyllic Bahian coast is the one of a kind, UXUA Casa Hotel {pronounced ooo-SHOO-ahh}.  The creator of UXUA – Dutch fashion designer Wilbert Das, first arrived in Trancoso whilst traveling in 2004, instantly falling in love with it’s beauty and pristine natural spirit, sense of preservation and tradition roots of the community.  Wilbert felt at home and after 10 days left with the typical Brazilian ‘saudade’ – a Portuguese word meaning a nostalgic longing for something. Within a year of leaving, he returned and started searching for a property to buy and build a home which would later become UXUA Casa Hotel.

“The colours and energy of this town really offer something magical and as much
as I have traveled, I think Trancoso is one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing
places one can imagine; a true harmony of human habitation and nature, and a place with
a wonderful warm native population with deep and extremely diverse cultural and ethnic ties’
- Wilbert Das

 

On Trancoso’s historic ‘Quadrado’; a grassy cliff top square, Wilbert purchased the first UXUA casa named ‘gulab mahal’ which was built and restored to an Indian-style pousada. From there Wilbert set out to create a property of houses {ten in total}, each completely different but combining the rustic elements native to the village.  The casas range from authentically restored one to three bedroom fisherman houses; self catering or fully serviced, to sleekly opulent, but ecologically-conscious treehouses hidden amongst the lush tropical gardens. Trancoso’s rich 500 years of history adds to the design of UXUA, taking inspiration from it’s Portuguese founders in the 1500′s, Jesuit missionaries, Indian tribes, African slaves, and Brazilian hippies of the 1970s. Resulting in an amalgamation of architecture, showcasing southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods towards Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design.  Wilbert collaborated with local artisans, using traditional building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The fusion between interior and exterior runs throughout the property seamlessly and this can be seen in the choice of colours. The rich, earthy tones and floral brights reflecting the nature that surrounds UXUA.

The eco vibe runs throughout the properties, even the kitchen utensils are recycled coconut shells carved by Bahian cowboys. Shower-heads are carved from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, & sofas are upholstered using canvas taken from the backs of old transport trucks. Further up-cycling can be seen in the beach lounge that is built entirely from old local fishing boats. Wilberts creative use of up-cycling and re-cyling is not only intelligent but inspiring. His keen eye for detail shows up in my favourite feature at UXUA… the lake-like pool. The stunning pool is created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities as a therapeutic mineral.  The traditional technique used to build the quartz pool walls is called ‘pau a pique’ – creating a stunning finish, especially when lit at night.

Prices start from R$1710 (around £455) per night. For further information on booking the UXUA Casa Hotel please click here.

Posted under Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Design post, Eco watch, Ethical Interiors, Hotel reviews

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Eco Chic fashion update

On June 26th, 2011 by .

Following on from eco fabrics, here’s a run down of fashion brands, flying the flag for ethical clothing. Green is in, and looking good!

Goodone
One of green fashion’s highstreet pioneers, Goodone was one of the first eco-labels to be stocked by Topshop. They have recently collaborated with Tesco to create a range made entirely from recycled roll ends and factory waste.

People Tree
People Tree began in 1991 as the pioneer of Fair Trade Fashion internationally. Their products are made to the highest Fair Trade and environmental standards from start to finish, consistently proving that it is possible to wear stylish, exciting and affordable fashion, at the same time as respecting people and planet.

Katherine Hamnett
A true ethical clothing innovator, and a tireless campaigner for the use of organic cotton, London based designer Katherine Hamnett has been doling out wearable catchphrases like “Choose Life,” and “No War,” and since 1983. After a visit to Mali, the designer saw first hand the devastating effects of the conventional cotton industry, and vowed to help drive the demand for the organic alternative. Katherine Hamnett

Stella Maccatney
One of fashion’s most ethical crusaders, Stella McCartney proves that fashion can be fair, without sacrificing style. She has long been a champion for ethical fashion, refusing to use animal products including fur and leather, and in 2009 launched her first Eco collection made from organic materials.

Kuyichi
Combining cutting edge fashion with faultless ethical policies, Dutch brand Kuyichi use 100% organic cotton from Peruvian farmers who they encourage to become shareholders so that they may share responsibilities and profits.

Edun
Edun, Founded in 2005 by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, EDUN specialises in organic clothing, graphic tees, and eco clothing with a mission to drive sustainable employment in developing economies.

Images

Sheet 1
Goodone
Peope Tree
Katherine Hamnett

Sheet 2
Stella Mccartney
Kuyichi
Edun
Stella Mccartney

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted under Eco watch, Ethical Interiors

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Eco Fabrics

On May 26th, 2011 by .

‘A growing number of textile designers are cottoning on to the rise of the conscientious consumer, and producing fabrics made from sustainably sourced, Eco textiles. Made from natural materials, Eco textiles are produced using none of the chemicals, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which make the textile industry the world’s number one water polluter.

In putting together a collective of some of my favourite Eco fabrics, I’ve convinced myself that I need more fabric in my life!One of the great things about buying textiles for the home is their versatility. Adding instant colour and comfort, cushions and covers can be used to create a look of laid back luxury, and moved from room to room, depending on your mood. Alternatively, upholstering is a clever way to update worn out, or mismatched furniture, and give a room a new visual dynamic.

Aside from their green credentials, (and the fact that they would make my home look infinitely better), for me, this eclectic collection of fabrics share a real feel of design authenticity and quality, often found lacking in more conventionally made textiles. ‘


 

http://www.rajboori.com/

http://www.lesindiennes.com/

http://www.vanessaarbuthnottfabrics.co.uk/

http://www.showpony.co.uk/

Posted under Eco watch, Ethical Interiors, Home accessories, Paint/fabric/wallpaper

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