picnic perfect

I could write almost exclusively about all the exquisite things stocked by Liberty, although I do try to restrain myself a little and allow other designers a mention. However, I simply couldn't resist telling you about their new enamel homeware items. I want them all!

sail away

These lovely little Jurianne Matter paper boats are made of eco-friendly paper, ready to fold. From the Selvedge shop:

spring scents

Mown grass, and other delicious scents, from Baileys Home and Garden:

selvedge spring fair

Jolly good, the Selvedge Spring Fair is fast approaching:

the bucket tree

I am in awe of the multi-talented Artemis Russell and take much delight in browsing her online vintage shop, The Bucket Tree. Today, I am most tempted to purchase these gorgeous vintage wooden nesting dolls:

orla kiely

I'm a huge Orla Kiely fan and this bowl from the SS11 collection makes me super happy:

refreshing

Start saving now for these Toast tumblers, hand made from recycled glass in Damascus (£29.50 for a set of four). Perfect for picnics or al fresco dining! (Wildly optimistic at this time of year, I know).

super soups

January has (mostly) been a month of restorative soups, courtesy of the boy (and Jamie). Top to bottom: a hearty minestrone in our treasured anthropologie bowls, chilli corn chowder and our favourite bread, pain aux six cereales from Paul bakery.

studio mela

I just got this Studio Mela print back from the framers and am super pleased with it - now busy deciding where it should go:





These are some of their other limited edition prints (I like to think that the bottom one looks like me and the boy):

petite properties

January is accompanied by a long list of things to do around the flat - hanging pictures, clearing out my wardrobe, making curtain ties. When it's all done and I've created a little nook of space, I intend to fill it with one of these totally charming Shelf Cities, from The Oak Leaves:

Why is really small stuff always so appealing?

upcycled vases

Lately, I've been buying firefly tonics at the Italian deli on my way to work. My favourite is 'sharpen up'. Not only are they delicious and packed full of all sorts of healthy things that your body needs, but they also make amazing little vases.

before...

and after...

midcentury. modern

‘This show could cause design lovers a cardiac arrest’ Grand Designs

This weekend, I'm planning a visit to the Midcentury.Modern show at Dulwich College, an 'unpretentious one stop shop for busy people who appreciate collecting beautiful pieces for their homes'. Visitors can source antique pieces from some of the UK's best dealers and discover new work by contemporary designers. Directions, opening times and tickets are available from the Midcentury.Modern website. 

woven in wales

Welsh company Melin Tregwynt makes these useful, yet beautiful blankets that would make a lovely gift.

atelier eva juliet

I am a total Francophile. Check out this adorable print from Atelier Eva Juliet (via Etsy):

 

home sweet home

I thought I'd start by sharing a few pictures of our new home and the inspiration for this blog.

It's a victorian conversion flat, with a bright red front door. I fell in love as soon as I saw it.



The boy and his best friend jim ripped up the carpet in the living room to sand and varnish the floorboards. It was a super hot day and they emerged at the end of it tired and sweaty and coated in a very thick layer of orange sawdust.

You can find sideboards like ours for about £40 on eBay, but it helps to be able to collect them. I sanded it down, revarnished the top and painted the sides and doors to give it more of a vintage modern feel.