Dear Decorex, I love you.

a small collection of my favourite things, so far

I love this chair by Tamarisk  (all pieces produced here in the UK)

Lighting

ever see anything quite like these? I love the binoculars! By Antiques By Design

I'm an immediate fan of any designer who can make wall lights sexy

Styling / Design

Cabbages & Roses had the best stand, hands down!

Fabrics

gorgeous linens and ticking popped up a few times

I love this triple warp fabric by NYC based designers Pollack 

Silk fabric wallpapers in gorgeous colour palettes - such luxury!

Product

 Dn Designs make beautiful tiebacks - I adored their presentation 

As you know, it's London Design Week, and although there are a number of good trade shows on, the Decorex show is outstanding. I have to go back on Wednesday because there are so many great stands and lovely people to chat too that it just isn't worth rushing.

A couple of highlights, so far: I was delighted to meet both Charlene Mullen (who I will be posting about, later) and Niki Jones. I'm such a fan of Niki's products and, particularly her website which I think is so well done - you get a real sense of who she is. Having met her, I was quite taken by how lovely and generously spirited she is in person.

         I love these concentric cushion covers

People who work hard and who are generous with information are going to be the stars in this newly forming share society or otherwise known as 'Collaborative Consumption' (via the brilliant Uncluttered White Spaces website). After all, transparency is a compelling show of brand confidence. 

What Niki Jones stands for (read her manifesto) instils a sense of loyalty in her customers. Her products are often on my boards; I want my clients to buy from her and visiting her site feels good. It's little wonder to me that she's doing so well. And when you take into account that she launched just a year ago...well, that's an incredible achievement by anyone's standard.

Other highlights: Emily Bond - charming doggy prints and  Barbara Coupe's Cool Britania - hand embroidery!

More to follow, soon...

Come Away With Me

Astier de Villatte

Bon voyage! 

Don't you just love that wall?

 love the sleek industrial lines of this table.

authentic details- see the nail studs? This building has lived! 

                                                              Astier de Villatte

During my most recent visit to Paris, in July of this year, I was on the hunt for something special. Time Out Paris alerted me to a (small) handful of interesting interior shops and so I walked up and down rue St. Honoré on the hunt for one particular treasure, feeling quite annoyed because I was lost (I always manage to get lost in Paris), and then, at last, I found it. It wasn't hiding, but a certain phrase came to mind: le charme discret de la bourgeoisie.

Walking in to Astier de Villatte is a thrilling experience. I hope these photographs will give you an idea of what a wonderful a place this is. Their website, although very clever, gives nothing away when it comes to the shop - why don't they give us a virtual tour?


Astier de Villatte along with my all time favourite NYC shop John Derian are the exception to the new e-commerce rule: you really do have to be there; try not to miss out on this one.

And So To Bed

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                                      Bella Notte Linens

My latest blog crush ABCDesign (I think this one is going to be a long term deal), is one of the most beautiful blogs out there. Visually, I find her posts inspiring and her content top notch. This wonderful post on American bed linen retailer Bella Notte Linens knocks my socks off - why no UK retailer?

The styling on their site is superb and the layering of colours and textures are downright sexy - images 1 and 3 have me sold, what a gorgeous way to start and end each day, wouldn't you agree?

Open Plan Living: 4 Things to Know Before Choosing Colours

With open plan living being the New Order of things, introducing a colour palette - one that will give each room it's own identity whilst being a sum of two (or three) parts, can be a challenge. Although the light invariably differs from one side of the room to the other, the space can feel quite cold if it's painted all in one colour.

For this reason, I prefer to differentiate areas with colour accents according the purpose of the space and the atmosphere I'm wanting to create. In this case, the client wanted a colour palette that was quiet and reflective; one that would celebrate the accent colours in key places.

1. Change colour on the tight corner/recess where you can see the light change to ensure colour migration is seamless. 

2. Choose one strong colour, to unite the two rooms. Adding darker tones to the alcoves will add dimension and interest to the room.

3. Ensure that your accent colours work with all key colours. Doing so will ensure the flow throughout the home is uninterrupted and each room is relevant to the next.

4. It is important that the undertones are compatible, especially when introducing a strong accent colour. 

 It's not obvious from the image (and it really depends on whether you have a Mac or PC), but Farrow & Ball's Hardwick White has a green undertone as does Downpipe.

  Downpipe 26  |  Hardwick White 5  |  Dulux 30BB10/019

and finally...

                              

This consultants chair is to be reupholstered. It is a beloved heirloom and although the client is appreciative of the 'lived in' look, it really is a little too far gone. The seat is currently upholstered in a forest green Leatherette and we're considering the following replacement colours: 

• Burgundy Red
• Olive Green
• Black. 

I have my favourite, but I'd love to know, what colour would you choose?

This blog post is part of the mydeco.com ‘Pass It On Kitchen series’, a collaborative blogging project.