Decorex & Focus 2016

Visiting these two design shows is always a great source of inspiration with hundreds of stands all beautifully designed and full of things I love - fabrics, furniture, lighting, decorative finishes ...

I particularly liked this hanging lighting at Ochre which would look fabulous above a dining table or in a meeting room.

And, more lovely lighting by Pooky.

These coloured knobs from Haute Deco also caught my eye.

There are always a huge number of fabric designers at Decorex and Focus.  It is a great way to catch up with all my suppliers and view the latest collections which are often launched at these shows. And, very tempting to spend lots on fabric books!  Here is the Titley & Marr stand showing off their new Gujarat Collection.






 

The decorations for Focus 2016 at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour Focus were AMAZING.  Red Photographic Ltd has kindly let me use some of their images as my happy snaps didn't do justice to the wonderful flower displays and the curtain "tassel" chandelier.

And, this photograph - again by Red Photographic Ltd - really summed up the day for me ..

I felt just like a child in a sweet shop!!  ...  

Celebrating Two Significant Centenaries!

There seems to be so many grim and depressing things happening in the world at the moment it is nice to find something to celebrate!

I am a great fan of Roald Dahl and spent many happy years reading his books to my children. Quentin Blake's very distinctive illustrations are equally wonderful.  When I spotted The Fantabulous Fabric collection by Ashley Wilde I decided it would have to be added to our fabric collection in the studio.  I can't think of a better way to bring a little bit of magic into a child's bedroom whether they are used for blinds, curtains, a chair cover or just a cushion!   The fabric is 100% cotton - easy to wash and hardwearing.  All your favourites  - Matilda, the BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Twits, Fantatic Mr Fox even Lickwashing Sweets and Whizz Banger spots!

And, thanks to Steven Spielberg we can enjoy the BFG at the cinema this summer!

We have also been celebrating the centenary of the death of the talented William Morris - revolutionary socialist, cultural critic, writer, designer - in 1896.  Of course, it is his work as a designer that I really admire.  His wallpapers and fabrics are still very popular and William Morris & Co are ensuring his legacy lives on by carefully re-creating his designs.  The team at their studio give some of the enduring favourites a contemporary twist and lesser known wallpapers a new lease of life.

This wallpaper and fabric is a reproduction of an early paper - Indian - 1868-70.  Similar in appearance to the block printed original this comes in two colours.

I recently used a new design, Kelmscott Tree by Alison Gee, for some curtains at a lovely renovated 17th century property.   Inspired by Morris's bed curtains at his home, Kelmscott Manor, which were embroidered by May Morris in 1891. Kelmscott Tree has been painted in the Morris studio and adapted into a beautiful embroidery of trees, birds and flowers. 

This fabric is available in three colours.

Two very talented men whose legacies will live on forever - hooray!!  

Hints of the Sea

I often get asked to bring a hint of the sea and general beach life into the home especially holiday homes so I thought it would helpful to create a page of ideas........ so here goes.

Wallpaper and fabrics are a good place to start:

And, these two lovely fabrics by Emily Bond are perfect for a child's bedroom.

Maps and prints .............

Nautical mirrors like this Ship's Mirror ......

Or, accessories in colours that are a reminder of the sea such as this useful jute basket in "seaspray"

Rugs ...... 

Decorative hanging fish...

 A throw .....

 A seashore scented bar of soap or candle 

We all like to incorporate some of our favourite things from outside into the home whether obvious or subtle and living by the sea is very inspirational when it comes to styling .  And, it certainly doesn't have to cost much - a simple piece of driftwood found on the beach or a collection of pebbles in a jar are just as attractive as any bought items.   

Have fun!