February 3, 2017

Home Comforts

Sometimes the best designs are those frozen in time that create that link from nostalgia to modern day with the seamless flow of a painters brush.

Away from the noise and frenzied activity, Devol – more normally known for their exquisite kitchens – have been quietly honing their own beautiful ceramics range with the help of potter, Claire Fowler.

The range includes this nest of three lipped mixing bowls to rival – nay, supersede, Nigella’s original iconic offerings that are so hard to find now.

(All pics from Devol)

There are somethings in life that you know will just live long and prosper.

Laters, Kate x

February 2, 2017

Magic Carpet x

If there’s a theme over the last few post it’s re-invention. And the carpet industry is ripe for it: 400,000 tonnes of unwanted carpet is buried in UK landfill every year.

Isabel Webb has decided thats where the rubys in the dust lie – she’s taking both domestic and industrial carpet waste and giving it her own unique twist through dying, tufting, embroidery and shearing to reveal new patterns and textures and expose the potential within.

(All pictures Isabel Webb)

Isabel only graduated in 2016 so this is the embryo of a work in progress. But we like it. And we need more.

Laters, Kate x

February 1, 2017

Leg Lift x

Prettypegs is a simple concept – to bring the option of individuality to mass produced furniture just by changing the legs. It’s the idea that changing one small thing can have a huge impact – effectively it’s the metaphorical butterfly effect for furniture. But without the chaos.

Like Superfront and Bemz before them, Prettypegs main products are designed around anything Ikea makes that has legs – sofas, tables, chests..even beds. But because they have a universal bolt available, other brands can work as well.

(All pics Prettypegs)

On the notion of individuality, it would be nice if they offered a pic ‘ n’ mix option…within similar height options of course….

Laters, Kate x

January 30, 2017

White on..

There are some things that even science still can’t explain..

Past bathroom trends: Curiously overstated, flamboyant, slapstick and in your face.

But maybe it wasn’t so bad…maybe we’ve now gone too much the other way – found the plot but lost the fun?

Because yes, there was holy chaos…but take away the shag pile carpets, soften the saturated colour..and the essence of something special is in there..

Hidden in plain view, the traces are lovely…

(All pics Pinterest)

This is the Maida Vale sink by Fired Earth, available in aqua, yellow and navy.

Wide-eyed bewilderment in this goofy praise of avocado? Keep watching – the tide marks are turning…

Laters, Kate x

January 26, 2017

Yellow! How are you?

Laters, Kate x

January 25, 2017

Behind the curtain x

I’m away at the mo. Can you tell?

Instagram may reveal more.

Or you could just enjoy these interiors that have caught the roving eye.

Until we meet again.

Laters, Kate x

January 24, 2017

An Education x

Who needs words?

Laters, Kate x

January 23, 2017

Impact x

8 simple artworks the create impact.

Laters, Kate x

January 20, 2017

Brainstop..

So the husband asked me what sort of doorstop I’d like for the new crittall doors – I said a round one of course!

He looked at me like I’d suddenly grown donkey ears but it’s not such a stupid idea…the inspiration came from cannon ball doorstop at my parent’s house in Greece: heavy enough for purpose but round enough for cheeky aesthetic pleasure. So he searched the internet and found this, a cannonball doorstop handmade in Dorset by Sam at Millin Metalcraft and I couldn’t be more delighted!

Sam makes them in three sizes – from heavy (£25), to even heavier (£35)…to very heavy (£45) (which is strong enough to hold back a barn door..)

And they are all that you could want: resonance, authenticity and practicality.

But Sam’s talents don’t stop there – he does a beautiful line in metal sculptures like these alliums…

And is up to be challenged for anything metal related. Minion stove anyone?

Ours in situ. Made by hand by a proper, loving, skilled craftsman – it’s simple, effective joy.

Laters, Kate x

January 19, 2017

Design Classic x

Camilla Lundsten is a former designer for Ikea who then published a highly successful series of childrens books’ based around a little red elephant called Littlephant.

Demands from friends and family persuaded her to launch of her own homeware/toybrand…and the making of this drool house and future design classic.

Her philosophy presses many happy polka dot buttons: ‘To simplify everyday life with long-lasting objects that are practical and as eco-friendly as possible’.

Combine that with the alchemy of faultless design, iconic textiles, hours of play, rampant imagination and the urge to make more yourself just to add to the ongoing joy…and it’s product made in heaven.