Home Grown Design

I braved the torrential rain and a car breakdown yesterday (yawn!) to go to Earls Court to the 100% Design Exhibition showcasing not only talent from the UK but brimming with fresh international talent too and as usual it didn't disappoint.   I could go on for hours about the fab things there but here are a few of the things i wouldn't mind splashing out on  - might have to remortgage the house though...

Pinch Design - husband and wife team Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon famous for their wonderfully simple yet innovative furniture and lighting designs - showcasing a great new Imo stool which can be wall mounted..www.pinchdesign.com

Gray Concrete with their surprisingly realistic and comfortable concrete - yes concrete !! - sofa - (lightweight too!) - this really was a show stopper... www.grayconcrete.co.uk - would be great nestled in amongst my ferns in the garden

James - i love the twist on a classic wingback chair with this contemporary cool version - www.jamesuk.com

Scabetti produce 'to die for'  hand made ceramic lighting and sculptures  - they are just stunning -- drool drool!www.scabetti.co.uk

Feeling girlie..

If you're not familiar with Cox and Cox then log on and have a good old browse - if you're after a prezzie for someone (they've got great kids things)  or just fancy treating yourself then you're sure to find something to whet your appetite -http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/

I love these pretty match boxes - they're a bit of a luxury but then who wants boring old Swan Vesta's - these are sooooo stylie..

Home to Roost

Although the sun is shining Autumn is definitely on its way (i know that cos myotherarf manages to wedge himself on the sofa most of the afternoon on a Sunday watching the footie).  His new companion the TV gives me the perfect opportunity to hide away with the laptop and drool over some new lovely bits and bobs.  Roost always has lovely inspiring homey accessories and taking a look at the new arrivals  really make you feel like it's worth making a cuppa and large piece of homemade cake!
http://www.roostliving.com/index.html

Animal Magic

Surely this is making you ooh and ahh -you just can't beat the Scandinavians when it comes to innovative kids stuff - never frilly and fussy just so simple and effortlessly chic - not a nylon fibre in sight..  this mail's only just pinged through so i thought i'd share it with you on this grey Tuesday afternoon.. if you can sneak a few minutes to yourself look at the fab products on the Scandi Living website go on then it's a real treat...www.scandiliving.com 

A little Light relief..

Fancy a conversation stopper? - then how about one of these surreal lights to add that quirky touch above your dining table - i love the bowler hat one - can feel a titfer' trend on it's way... ...http://www.originalbtc.com/catalogue_item.php?catID=2865&prodID=19392

http://www.hiddenartshop.com/product.php?xProd=1382&s=1

High Street Lovelies...

The new Autumn Winter Laura Ashley catalogue http://www.lauraashley.com/icat/homefurnishings

 has just hit the high street and i'm loving their take on French style -they're the masters at taking a classic look we love but giving it their own Laura Ashley signature style with  coordinating ranges and decorative flourishes.  

This season traditional toiles go bold in juicy colour,  traditional ceramics are reinvented with decorative embossing, and those large decorative painted mirrors that we all covet are now readily available...so  no more having to scour  junk shops for that piece of france just head straight to Laura Ashley... 

Lovely....

One for my diary...

I've been lucky enough to have been invited to a charity auction organised by the Conran Shop where a collection of 54 timeless design classics, handpicked by Terence Conran, are being auctioned with proceeds going to Centrepoint.  Seeing as it's for a great cause and as I adore both The Conran shop and obviously Terence Conran himself as one of our country's leading design guru's then it's a big event in my calendar.  However, i might have to remortgage my home to buy anything...but with opening bids starting at the original retail price here's hoping.... How much did an Eames lounger cost back in 1956?       http://www.conranshop.co.uk/landing/Furniture/