Category: interiors

Books for thought..

So bookcases are now a ‘thing’? Excuse me now whilst I suppress my inner laughter.

Sometimes I think the puppetmasters of materialism actually believe their own hype.  Did they really think we’d give away our books in favour of cloud storage?

‘They get rid of books.  We charge them again for ibooks.  Then we gloss the pintrest pictures and persuade them bookcases are it…it’s a money making winner!’

The truth? People and interiors need the soul of books, holidays need the ease of kindles.  And parents, at home with children need to know that Alexa can read your kindle books aloud.  Whilst I’m writing this, Percy Jackson is entertaining my kids downstairs. Now that’s a win win.

 

Laters, Kate x

For Katerina x

We’re back on English soil, but more of that later – because I was chatting to a friend yesterday trying badly to describe these shelves – part of the new collaboration between Ikea and Hay.

There’s an air of lust permeating from them that suggests a potential design classic: Perfect for a kids bedroom, ideal for an office, there’s an intriguing play between focal point and curated clutter.

 

And at a mere £12?? Why not have 3….The only fly in the ointment is waiting till October when they actually hit the shops.

 

Damn.

 

Laters, Kate x

 

The little things x

I saw, I liked: H & M home department is riding a wave this summer. Eye catching designs at very pocket pleasing prices.

(All pics H & M)

Need a treat? You know where to go.

Laters, Kate x

Light up x

Northern Lighting, an international company based in Oslo, describe themselves as a creative force led by original ideas, in a place where traditional design seems like a thing of the past. Interesting.

Certainly each light is different and beguiling..

(All pics Northern Lighting)

This has to be the perfect corridor light.  It just wants to sit on a long, thin piece of foxed glass.  Heaven.

 

Laters, Kate x

The Simple Things x

Escapism confined to the mists of time, summed up in the romanticism of a gypsy caravan.

Away from the knowledge of leaky roofs, bumpy rides and social exclusion, it’s the pastime equivalent of the tiny house movement.

On my dream list is the wish to spend some serious time in one – Just. To. See

Laters, Kate x

Is it?

A lot hangs on ‘want’ these days – designs being produced for a perceived need.  A bit like these Joseph Joseph freezer/fridge tupperware boxes.

At first glance – so clever! A wheel in the top to show the date stored – problem solved!

Second thought: But it doesn’t tell me what’s in there…

The truth: You can’t beat a sticky and a sharpie hashtag-Grandma-still-knows-best.

Laters, Kate x

Old tricks x

We should be in Greece now where one thing that is fundamentally different from the UK (apart from sun, sea, beach, food, music..life) is the bathrooms and in particular shower/trays walls which are made on site, in one piece away from any notions of hinges, doors and glass and their battle with limescale.

A similar effect can be made using Tadelakt – or Moroccan plaster, now making it’s presence felt over here.

The joy is it’s versatility – waterproof, flexible, able to create curves or lines it’s totally usable.

This is about embracing forms beyond and one for the mental storage box.

Laters, Kate x

Switched on x

We still have no starting date for the construction of the garden office pod.  But that hasn’t stopped the dreaming.  I’ve found this company – Loomlight Design– based in Leicester, that specialise in creating unusual reclaimed and salvaged lighting plus a little bit more…

Like industrial cast aluminium light switches made from recycled alloy wheels.

(Which can even be personalised with dimmers and text of your choice.)

And check these out..no-nonsense door handles.

(All info LoomlightDesign)

Roll on start date..

 

Laters, Kate x

Wasted x

Wastepaper are part of the bare essentials a room needs, but it’s freeing to think that a place for the rubbish in our lives could be beautiful too..

So I took a look. I like the idea of a grand bin – something that takes pride in it’s job and makes a statement.  What I didn’t realise was the grand price attached – the first picture? £185..for a bin.  That’s a living  oxymoron. This one from Oka? A snip at £75..

It seems that bins run in the same business rip-off as cars – people are willing to pay a premium for a new one, meaning they’re devalued as soon as the first snotty tissue lands. So my tip – look to Ebay and Etsy where vintage examples with character can be found at a tenth of the price.

For me, I think I’ll follow my folksy heart and go for canal art painted buckets.

(All links Pinterest)

Just because I love them. And a person always needs a good bucket..

Laters, Kate x

Wish list x

Take a moment and think textured, green, seventies glass.

(All pics Pinterest)

A Joy, no?

Laters, Kate x