We recently worked with the talented Matthew Burt Furniture on a commercial project in Surrey. The business was founded in 1978 and not only do they design and make beautiful furniture, the business also does all the administering, marketing, selling and after-selling directly to their clients.
I was fascinated to find out a bit more about the story behind the business, how they have grown and what makes them different. I hope you agree that it makes for a really interesting read.
Continuing the theme of sustainable businesses and products, I wanted to highlight the work of Maria Sigma - a textiles weaver that I discovered recently. I was fascinated by her passion for woven textiles, the way she uses sustainable materials and the process she uses for creating the textiles. Maria has kindly answered my questions and I think you will agree that it is a fascinating read.
LATEST DISCOVERIES
Rachel Dein is a London based artist who studied Fine Art at Middlesex University. After discovering a basic form of casting whilst studying, she decided to combine her love of plants and sculpture and began to create beautiful castings of flowers and plants. I was fascinated by these beautiful pieces of art and wanted to find out a bit more about what inspired Rachel and how she goes about creating them.
AG Sculptures is a father/son business but not in the normal way. It is fascinating to learn that the sculpting began in 1988 when at the age of 43 Alan Glasby O.B.E.,G.M. decided to 'have a go' at carving. With no formal training he developed his own style and methods, with each piece displaying its own unique presence and character. His skills didn't go unnoticed and he had some amazing commissions including a half size Golden Eagle for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for presentation to Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II to mark 50 years as Air Commodore-in-Chief. It wasn't until Alan sadly passed away in 2008 that his Son, Andrew decided to take up the helm.
If you are not already aware of the sculptor Michael Speller, things are about to change! Not only has he had his work featured at Chelsea Flower Show (as seen below) for several years, his work has also been commissioned worldwide and most notably in London a large sculpture of his is standing in front of the Milbank Tower.
It seems appropriate that with Armistice Day looming that I let you know about the work that Nic Joly - an incredible artist - is creating in support of the Royal British Legion. For well over a year, Nic has been working on a project called 'Never Forgotten'. The project was inspired by his meeting with a ninety-six year old war veteran who talked through his experiences of World War II and also passed on his father's stories from World War I.
I wanted a whole new look, so out went the old business cards and in came the newer, more sophisticated business cards and comp slips. I was so lucky to be able to visit Identity Print who were making them. It was like taking a step back in time. So although business cards aren’t necessary an item for the home the process was of such quality and craftsmanship that I just had to share the experience with you.
In sorts, its the beginning of a new chapter. A fresh start and the beginning of a very exciting new adventure into the world that is the blogosphere. Over the past months I have been so inspired by like minded people taking the courage to put pen to paper, or should I say thoughts to computer to write about things that interest them, that they have knowledge about and they really want to share with the world.
We recently worked with the talented Matthew Burt Furniture on a commercial project in Surrey. The business was founded in 1978 and not only do they design and make beautiful furniture, the business also does all the administering, marketing, selling and after-selling directly to their clients.
I was fascinated to find out a bit more about the story behind the business, how they have grown and what makes them different. I hope you agree that it makes for a really interesting read.
I discovered Naturalmat last year when I was sourcing a natural and sustainable mattress for a client in Cornwall, and instantly loved their story and sustainability credentials.
The company was started in 1999 when the owners were searching for a mattress that was supportive, made from natural fibres & biodegradable, but really struggled to find something suitable.
I was intrigued to find out more about this sustainable business, how they got to where they are today and where they see the business heading.
This past week its been all about kitchens so what better way to round off the week than to look at a Cornish family business, that specialises in just that, kitchen. I discovered Treyone as they are very near my family home in Cornwall and I am very keen to support local businesses.
As many of you are aware I was introduced to the Covet Lounge earlier in the year where I was introduced to the brands DelightFull, Boco do Lobo, Koket and Luxxu as well as a couple of others. While I was there and looking at samples and finishes I came across a beautiful butterfly which was so intricately made that I was intrigued to learn a little more about Koket the luxury brand behind this piece which is made for the Nymph lights.
Hallidays is a name that instantly conjures up images of sophisticated manor houses with panelled rooms and beautiful antiques. It is a company that has been around for decades and has never wavered from being anything other than an incredibly high end, leader in the carpentry world of interiors. How lucky was I to discover that old polo friends that I hadn't seen for ten years had now taken over the running of the family business and were leading it into the future.
What started as a hobby has turned into a fun, evocative and elegant take on the industry standard of upholstery for Sarah Louise Dix, based in Godalming, Surrey. When Sarah created the corset chair in 2005 she created a piece of design history and the Couture label came into existence. Specialising in the design and upholstery of top quality furniture and inspired by the construction and form of clothing, the designs are an art form as well as a piece of furniture.
At Decorex this year, I had a great time exploring all the show had to offer and loving the variety of products and styles that were available. Many were well known brands launching a new collection or showcasing many of their beautiful products. I was keeping a particular eye out for new names that I hadn’t come across before and I was delighted to find ‘TurnPost’ and their exquisite beds.
In sorts, its the beginning of a new chapter. A fresh start and the beginning of a very exciting new adventure into the world that is the blogosphere. Over the past months I have been so inspired by like minded people taking the courage to put pen to paper, or should I say thoughts to computer to write about things that interest them, that they have knowledge about and they really want to share with the world.
Jeannine Birch started Coral & Hive in 2016 as a natural home interior brand with the vision of sharing the magic of South African makers with the rest of the world. She grew up admiring the art of weaving, and is passionate about the creative process behind woven craftsmanship.
I was really interested to find out more about Coral and Hive so Jeanine has kindly given us an insight into her fascinating world of weaving and growing her business.
We recently worked with the talented Matthew Burt Furniture on a commercial project in Surrey. The business was founded in 1978 and not only do they design and make beautiful furniture, the business also does all the administering, marketing, selling and after-selling directly to their clients.
I was fascinated to find out a bit more about the story behind the business, how they have grown and what makes them different. I hope you agree that it makes for a really interesting read.
The Big Bean Bag company was launched in 2018 by David & Lucy. Based in Cornwall, they have created the world’s first truly eco-friendly beanbag. I discovered the company last year and having used them in a recent project I was interested in finding out more about the business, their focus on sustainability and how they got to where they are today.
I love it when I stumble across a unique find and this Ewenique Flock certainly is just that! A true artisan at work creating something truly wonderful. I first came across Liz whilst having a quick browse in the craft stalls at RHS Wisley earlier in the year and fell in love with her flock of sheep. I totally want one, my kids want one, or two (actually they want the whole flock!)...
When you're looking for beautiful bespoke linens for your interior design projects where do you go? On a trip recently to London I decided to go and check out a little secret on Motcomb Street that I discovered whilst working at Helen Green. Having not been there for a while I walked straight past it. What I had known as L&B London has been taken over by Vis a Vis.
You all know just how excited I get about flowers, one of my first blogs was almost totally dedicated to declaring my love for their colourful displays. In fact, I would love to own my own florist shop, if only it didn't involve early mornings or standing in the cold. It's a fantasy that will never happen! Any way, you can imagine I almost couldn’t contain myself when I first came across Fjura and started following their beautiful creations.
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and have not over indulged too much. The next leg of celebrations is here with New Years Eve. To help inspire you to create some fabulous and indulgent cocktails I have teamed up with Hawthorn's Gin to share with you a few special recipes that you can amaze your guests with. These are all incredibly tasty and I have even included a pick me up at the end for New Years Day should you need it!
Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you are all having a lovely, joyful time whether you are celebrating this festive season with friends or family. Christmas to me is all about creating a warm and inviting environment, a place that embraces you within its warmth. Where you want to cuddle up on the sofa beside a beautiful, freshly decorated Christmas tree, with the lights low, Christmas songs playing and candles lit. The mood is set!
When I first knew I was going to India I reached out to my friends for any contacts or tips on the where to go, what to do and what I simply must not miss. I struck lucky and was given some fantastic inside information which led me straight to the door of Nappa Dori in Delhi. Within the rough and ready nature of India, a trait which I had instantly fallen in love with, I wandered down what I thought was a little back street in Hauz Khas in search of this tip off and found myself walking into a very stylish, cosmopolitan styled shop.
On a recent trip to Gloucestershire, I made a trip to a little town called Tetbury. It was love at first walk down the high street. Packed with antique shops but not the musty kind, the kind full of carefully sourced beautiful products thats you want to buy and fill your house with. I was totally blown away by the place and managed to go and explore for two days running. Even with a hubby and two kids in tow I managed to get that epic sense of excitement with every new find.
On a recent visit to FBC London on Francis Street I was introduced to the wonderful works of Haberdashery. This young and exciting company is taking lighting design to another level. Their stunning leaf installation is so delicate and striking it makes for a real showstopper in the FBC showroom.
There is an art to creating beautiful shades. Using techniques that have to be done by hand, by a variety of skilled tradesman each with their role to play to create the final product. Copper & Silk is a company filled with artisans working in a warehouse in North London, producing the beautiful shades that so often add the final detailed touches to so many homes. Read on to learn ...
I first discovered DelightFULL when I fell in love with one of their floor lights for a project. I'm still hoping it will make an appearance so watch this space! This discovery is really quite exciting because it has introduced me to a huge luxury design area which somehow before had managed to miss my radar. DelightFULL in itself is quite awesome, their lights are fun, cool and fresh.
In sorts, its the beginning of a new chapter. A fresh start and the beginning of a very exciting new adventure into the world that is the blogosphere. Over the past months I have been so inspired by like minded people taking the courage to put pen to paper, or should I say thoughts to computer to write about things that interest them, that they have knowledge about and they really want to share with the world.
Jeannine Birch started Coral & Hive in 2016 as a natural home interior brand with the vision of sharing the magic of South African makers with the rest of the world. She grew up admiring the art of weaving, and is passionate about the creative process behind woven craftsmanship.
I was really interested to find out more about Coral and Hive so Jeanine has kindly given us an insight into her fascinating world of weaving and growing her business.
Continuing the theme of sustainable businesses and products, I wanted to highlight the work of Maria Sigma - a textiles weaver that I discovered recently. I was fascinated by her passion for woven textiles, the way she uses sustainable materials and the process she uses for creating the textiles. Maria has kindly answered my questions and I think you will agree that it is a fascinating read.
Balineum is well know for its beautiful bathroom washstands and high end bathroom accessories from towels and linens to towel stands and lighting but unbeknown to me it has also had a very successful traditional tile business in Italy for the past 20 years. This year they have bought this huge range of tiles to the UK and I was very excited when they asked me to do a feature on them on my blog.
With a busy summer drawing to a close it is time to focus the mind again and focus on my lovely readers. So with the new season in mind I decided to get up and running with a fun competition in collaboration with my latest feature on MYB Textiles. One of the last remaining mills in Ayshire in Scotland, dating back to 1900. MYB still weave traditional lace, however through recent developments and innovations (read on to learn more) they are now bringing the mill into the 21st century to produce fabrics that top designers such as David Collins and exclusive venues, the likes of Soho House are commissioning.
Bernie de Le Cuona has been leading the way with fabrics for the past twenty years. Developing exquisite fabric collections with a refined finish, look and drape. Bernie not only works with linens but is renown globally for her paisley wool and cotton collections. Paving the way with her luxurious fabrics I had a chance to interview Bernie to glean an insight into her business...
The magic that is created at Fromental is out of this world, when you walk into their showroom it is like walking around an art gallery of an exquisitely high calibre. Fromental are known for their hand painted wallpapers but what blew me away...
When you're looking for beautiful bespoke linens for your interior design projects where do you go? On a trip recently to London I decided to go and check out a little secret on Motcomb Street that I discovered whilst working at Helen Green. Having not been there for a while I walked straight past it. What I had known as L&B London has been taken over by Vis a Vis.
It was only a few months ago that I was taking my parents in to the Fromental showroom in Chelsea Harbour to show them the stunning hand painted wallpapers that were on display. Little did I know at the time that some of the work could have been that of the then head designer, Diane Hill. She has since left the company to set up on her own and has literally launched her website this week.
Last Friday, I set off for a one day screen printing workshop at Rapture & Wright. It was a beautiful, sunny winters day and as I drove into the Cotswold I was put instantly into a calm and enlightened mood. I wished I could up sticks and move from Surrey to live in the picturesque Cotswold countryside, but alas I was here for one day only and I had a mission on hand. To learn the art of screen printing!
There is something about these cushions made by Rifat Ozbek which set them aside from the rest. Something other than their price tag which can reach as high as £900 a cushion! The quality together with the matching and contrasting designs make these cushions stand out. The stunning ikat and beautiful use of colour make me want to buy a whole truck load and distribute them around my house with flourish!
Morocco in January for a smattering of winter sun couldn't be more perfect as a get away. I was very spoilt when hubby decided to take me away on a mini adventure, I was even more excited when I got to chose where we stayed! Spending so much time on Pinterest and Instagram on a daily basis as a designer I am constantly stumbling across images of some of the most beautiful locations and interiors of the world. So when an opportunity arises when I can explore...
A couple of weeks a go we took a family holiday to get some winter sun, destination: Sri Lanka. We didn't really know what we were letting ourselves in for, was it going to be appropriate for two little ones, what was the temperature going to be like, the food, the accommodation? We needn't have worried, when we arrived we instantly new we had found paradise!
Exploring India was an adventure every day. I used the Love Guides as my bible to explore with and allowed it to point me in the direction of all of the wonderful experiences that Delhi and Mumbai have to offer. I just loved jumping in a Tuk Tuk and whizzing around to see Temples, Forts and Markets. I was so inspired as a designer as I was inundated with patterns and colours, from tribal arts to colourful saris, from ancient architecture to modern trendsetting shops. It really was an incredible experience.
In sorts, its the beginning of a new chapter. A fresh start and the beginning of a very exciting new adventure into the world that is the blogosphere. Over the past months I have been so inspired by like minded people taking the courage to put pen to paper, or should I say thoughts to computer to write about things that interest them, that they have knowledge about and they really want to share with the world.
LATEST DISCUSSIONS
It is with great excitement that I just have to share with you all that I have been nominated for the 'Amara Interior Blog Awards - Best Newcomer Blog 2016'! This totally blows my mind having only started in September last year that my little blog and all my research is not only being read but also appreciated and I thank you all for following me.
We have already taken a look at brass and copper trends, now I wanted to take a quick look at the black trends which have been sweeping through the design world over the last year.
Brass adds a soothing, sophisticated warmth to a space. It looks just as beautiful contrasted against white as it does against the dark greys, blues and emerald greens in kitchens.
Jeannine Birch started Coral & Hive in 2016 as a natural home interior brand with the vision of sharing the magic of South African makers with the rest of the world. She grew up admiring the art of weaving, and is passionate about the creative process behind woven craftsmanship.
I was really interested to find out more about Coral and Hive so Jeanine has kindly given us an insight into her fascinating world of weaving and growing her business.