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Trend: Modern florals

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French Connection Home S/S 2013

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Trend: Monochrome Interiors

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Prop Styling

Category: New designers

Sian Elin produces 'on trend' collection for Mocha

On January 8th, 2013 by .

I absolutely love this collection by Sian Elin, inspired by Scandinavian style with Moorish and Mediterranean design influences, the patterns and colours she encompasses are right on trend for 2013; graphic shapes, repeating patterns and strong blocks of colour including; vermilion, mustard and grey, all of which are strong for the coming year.  The collection features bold hand drawings which combine colour and pattern together beautifully. Sian says her inspiration for the collection came from Moorish architecture which she saw while travelling throughout the Mediterranean, and you can clearly see those influences coming through.  For an ‘on trend’ look, combine Sian’s cushions with a soft grey or classic mustard sofa (similar to my shoot with Heart Home Magazine which you can see at the top of the page). Price: Cushions: £59.99 – Tea Towels £11.99.You can see the full collection over at Mocha’s website.

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Posted under Design post, Home accessories, Livingroom, New designers, Paint/fabric/wallpaper, scandinavian design, cushions, tea towels, bold colours, soft furnishings, textiles, surface pattern, screen printing, Trend Stories, Uncategorized

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Introducing... Jimbob Art

On September 15th, 2011 by .

 

In recent months there has been a real surge for raw, imaginative and free illustrations, and in my eyes, one of the leading designers in this category is James Ward of Jimbob Art. Ward honed his skills in illustration whilst studying at Westminster University, London, where he developed a love for working in pen and ink. After a recent vacation to Sweden, Ward came back to England truly inspired; inspired by their use of natural history design and the range of products or surfaces that features them. It’s from this point that Ward began using ceramics as a medium to display his range of animal characters.

‘I feel drawing anthropomorphic characters can describe so much about human emotions and personalities with the juxtaposition of the animal’s expression against his clothing, an item or text.’ – James Ward

I am enchanted with Jimbob Art’s selection of ceramics and the beautiful illustrations that cover them; they’re so playful and humorous. The bright pops of colour on the monochromatic designs bring the illustrations to life and add to their charming nature. Each individual illustration is hand-drawn with on-glaze ink on to dishwasher proof white porcelain. All of the ceramics will look not only brilliant as a table setting, but great on display; perhaps on a welsh dresser or kitchen shelving. My personal favourites have to be the El Guapo plate, The Dominator plate, the Owl in Pants teapot, and the Tea Defender Mug. It’s probably too early to be writing a ‘Christmas Wish List’, but these will definitely be going on it!

Posted under Design post, Home accessories, Kitchens, New designers

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Trade show previews

On September 1st, 2011 by .

It’s impossible to believe it’s already September, the prime season for trade shows is here! In anticipation, here is a small selection of the shows I’m most looking forward to and which exhibitors I’m excited to see…

 

Origin – the contemporary craft fair

Ontwepduo is dutch for ‘design duo’. Designers Tineke Beunders and Nathan Wierink work closely together to create inspiring creations such as the above Light Forest (left) installation.  Their products have a brilliant industrial edge which is spot on at the moment. The award winning Shan Annabelle Valla is the next exhibitor I am looking forward to seeing. The collection of playful decorative curiosities take a twist on the normal, highlighting the everyday beauty. The above Itzy Bitzy Ditzy vases (right) have a fantastic texture which you wouldn’t expect from porcelain.

 

Top Drawer – design-led gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories.

As a cookie extremist I instantly fell in love with Nikki McWilliams scrumptious cushions and homeware accessories (left). I’m looking forward to seeing the tea time treat creations, such as the above Tunnock’s Teacake and Bourbon cushions. Next on my list for Top Drawer will be Fifty One Percent, a colourful company which offer a great selection of folksy tableware, bedding and textiles. All in bright and bold colours.

 

100% Design – cutting edge, contemporary interior design

& Then Design (left) is a creative venture of Nottingham based furniture designers Samuel Wright and Jamie Bowler. Their pieces are intelligently crafted and full of character. The overall look is effortless and perfect for both at home and the workplace. London based Ochre (right) create subtle yet sophisticated designs that embody glamour. The craftsmanship is to an exceedingly high standard along with the materials used. The ‘Arctic Pear’ table lamp pictures above (right) is a personal favourite.

Posted under Events, Home accessories, New designers

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The beautiful work of Rebecca Newport

On February 28th, 2011 by .

Rebecca Newport trained as a textile designer and is now a freelance stylist and assistant.  I came across Rebeccas work this evening and absolutely fell in love with it.  I really like the way she brings colour together using small and quaint objects.  Each styled set-up is a picture in it’s own right and would make such pretty postcards.  Well done Rebecca, such original work.  Take a look at more of Rebeccas work on her lovely blog

Posted under Home accessories, Interior Styling, New designers, Paint/fabric/wallpaper, Vintage

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'Cabin living' inspired design

On February 18th, 2011 by .

Below are some of my favourite ‘cabin living’ inspired accessories and interiors of the moment. I know this trend has been around for a while now, but I love it!

It appears that creatives around the globe have opened their doors to the friends of the forest, with looks featuring cute woodland critters such as owls, deer and rabbits and earthy timbers in warm tones. I love how this style can be both fun and elegant, whilst inviting the outside in! I especially like the white ceramic animals from Have You Met Miss Jones…


Vintage Posters availabe from Etsy.com

Interior of The Cabin restaurant in Perth, Western Australia

Image courtesy of Velocity

Posted under Design post, Favourite shops, Home accessories, Livingroom, New designers

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Introducing Polly Hope

On January 26th, 2011 by .

I recently came across the work of Polly Hope and wanted to share it with you all as I am a big fan.  Her Eco freindly collection includes interior textiles, cushions, lamp shades, upholstered chairs and illustrations.  I think her choice of colours are spot on.  The style is decorative and feminine but has a very sophisticated feel due to her choice of subtle colours.  Her cushions would make a fantastic focal point on any plain chair, bed or sofa.  I am particularly drawn to the one below, uh oh,  I can feel a purchase coming on…(the only down side to this job is that when you see something you fall in love with you just HAVE to have it!)

Here is what Polly has to say about the collection: “The textiles are special because they are very Eco friendly, all organic cottons, peace silks and linens and the dying and printing is carried out naturally using herbal dyes and designed by me. I spent 4 months in India last year researching the right factory for production, it was important for me to know the people I was working with and make sure the whole production process was sustainable and  the workers were treated fairly.”  Click here to see for of her work and her contact details.  She also publishes a gorgeous blog – good work Polly!

Posted under Design post, Eco watch, Ethical Interiors, Home accessories, New designers

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Students to style the windows at Heals flagship store!

On January 18th, 2011 by .

From Monday January 31st until Sunday February 6th 2011 the UCL Slade School of Fine Art will return to Heal’s as part of Artists in Residence 2011 with 11 artists taking part in the inspirational project over 7 days.

For one week only students from the prestigious Art School will take up residence in the windows of the flagship Heal’s store on Tottenham Court Road to create original and limited edition artwork and installations.

Heals launched this project last year to celebrate their bicentenary and it was thoroughly well received. It has the potential to showcase the talents of the students and also to lead to future collaborations.  I think this is such a great idea and an incrediable opportunity for the students

One particular artist, Alex Springer who took part in the project when it launched last year, is this year creating 6 handmade working cameras from homeware products found around the store including a Brabantia bin which customers will be encouraged to use to either take a photograph of themselve or of a product from around the store (image below).

Joseph Griffiths (image below) is creating large scale 3D laser cut butterflies Joseph will produce an installation in the window covering the walls, ceilings, floor and window.

Sophie Blagden (image below) will be modifying ready made sculptures found in second hand stores Sophie will be working live within the window with her work exhibited on plinths as each piece is complete.

Student Cansu Aladag will be creating a large scale hand knitted structure using walking sticks as knitting needles, which will cast off in-store and progressively continue to suspend across the front of the store between the columns.  She will also be hosting small workshops to teach customers how to knit so that they can help her complete the unique installation.

There will also be a workshop by Poppy Whatmore who will be producing model fantasy furniture.

Heal’s hopes to create the same excitement as last year, encouraging customers to take part and be involved in the process of seeing an original piece of art being created.

I think it will be well worth a visit…!

A customer taking part last year

Work in progress: Artists in Residence 2010, Diana Taylor

Posted under Design post, Home accessories, New designers, Students & Graduates

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Inspirational interiors: The designs of Sibella Court

On December 6th, 2010 by .

As I explore further into the world of interior styling, I am constantly discovering new talents and inspiration that pushes the boundaries and opens up a world of imagination for interior decorating.

One such talent worth discovering is Australian interior stylist, prop salon owner and author Sibella Court. Sibella has a wonderful eclectic style, combining collectibles and tid bits in the most exciting way that is alive with creativity and life!

Check out these snippets of Sibella’s amazing work

Posted under Design post, Furniture, Home accessories, Interior Styling, New designers, Uncategorized

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The unique and beautiful designs of Patricia Fernandes

On October 18th, 2010 by .

It appears ‘Perth Upmarket’ is quickly becoming known as the place to be for new local designers and craft lovers alike, to celebrate their passions for all things arty. I was so encouraged and excited by my visit to the most recent markets, with the discovery of local ceramic artist Patricia Fernandes.
Her beautiful range of printed brooches, earrings, pendants and scarf holders are created by layering traditional Indian patterns onto white porcelain, in a range of sizes and bright colours. Each of these irresistible pieces are unique, and are a wonderfully ornate addition to any bag or outfit.

Image: Brassed flowers by Patricia Fernandes

Image: Brooches by Patricia Fernandes

Speaking with Patricia and learning about how she creates her pieces, I have come to appreciate the lengthy and involved process involved and especially her awareness of her design process and its’ impact on the environment.

Image, necklaces  by Patricia Fernandes)

Follow Patricia’s design journey here and keep yp to date with the launch of her online store and new homewares collection which will include framed wall plaques. Keep an eye out for Patricia Fernandes as a designer of the future!

Posted under Design post, Home accessories, New designers

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The beautiful work of designer: Florence Broadhurstw

On September 22nd, 2010 by .

Having such a love of graphic design and all things pretty and floral, I can not resist the timeless and beautiful work of 1950’s designer Florence Broadhurst.

Her collections of wallpaper, fabric and print designs are still manufactured and supplied today in a variety of colours. What I adore most is the Japanese influence in her work, featuring fans, bamboo, flowers, cranes and geometric shapes, in a contemporary graphical style that is so wonderfully distinct. Wander through more of Florence Broadhurst’s fabric and lifestyle galleries here: Signature or purchse her designs here

Feature by Meghan Plowman

Posted under Design post, New designers, Paint/fabric/wallpaper

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