English Romantic By Chocolate Creative

I have always been a big fan of Chocolate Creative, a boutique brand that offers unique handmade homewards & accessories. Margarita Lorenzo is the woman behind the brand whom I immediately clicked with, the first time we met. An extreamly friendly woman whose Mediterranean passion is clearly visible. I totally adore this lady and am so proud to see her do so well.

Her new collection, English Romantic is truly lovely. Pretty cushions and door knobs featuring serene scenes from the British countryside. It definitely has that nostalgic element where you feel totally transported. I leave you with these images from the collection and on this note I wish you all a lovely weekend!

Introducing Deryn Relph

Welcome to the bright world of Deryn Relph. It has been some time that I wanted to share her work as it is so much fun, and perfect for this time of year. A few bright pops to liften the mood I say. Deryn is a textile designer, with a love of colour, pattern and texture, who likes to think creatively about the use of textiles she designs and constructs. I really like her work as I think its very charismatic, would love to know your thoughts!

Winter Indulgence

Winter is coming and as we know, it can really affect our moods. Personally there is only one thing that can really cheer me up on days like today. Yes some good old chocolate cake to fight off those gloomy cold days. Pure indulgence is what I need; after all life is  also about the simple pleasures. ;)

You can find this gorgeous recipe in the Autumn 12 issue of Heart Home magazine on page 60-62. Images and styling by Geidre Augustinariciute.

New Harlequin Bedlinen Designs

I have just had a peek at Harlequin's new bedlinen range, and it's perfect for lifting this grey mood I have been in thanks to the dull weather.

Over the past few seasons Harlequin has collaborated with Bedeck, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of luxury bedlinen. Building on the success of previous collections, Harlequin will launch two new designs in Spring 2013.

First up is the Serene collection, featuring a deliciously contemporary, watery aqua stripe which looks as though it has been casually dip-dyed! This colour palette is delightful and perfect for Spring, the name totally matches the mood of this collection.

Next up and completely different is the Hermosa collection. This features a flamboyant oversized floral motif in vibrant shades of pink, with a brush stroke effect, gorgeously pretty...

I don't know about you but I feel much better now... Is it Spring already?!

Artist Spotlight: Ben Lowe

I have loved his work ever since I discovered him while working at Louise Bradley. Ben Lowe is a British artist who creates thought-provoking artwork that explores human emotions. He has many different artistic styles, using figurative and landscape element, his artwork is complex but accessible which results as both rewarding and evocative.

I have been contemplating having a painting of his for my new place, it would simply look divine. He commissions many pieces for interior designers as his work, in my humble opinion is simply breathtaking. His extraordinary use of colour works ever so well to suit specific colour schemes. 

An artist whose work I admire very much...

Happy Weekend...

Have a lovely weekend friends. I will be spending time with family and desperately sourcing bits and bobs for my new place. See you next week!!!

Image via Inspiring Places

Brad Pitt Turns Furniture Designer

Another celebrity turns furniture designer, Brad Pitt launches a collection of furniture designed in partnership with design and craftsman, Frank Pollaro. You can imagine how skeptical I was when I first heard this, I immediately thought (like I am sure many others) 'oh look another celebrity putting his name on a furniture line'. However I dug deep and to my surprise found out that apparently Brad's passion for building & furniture design stems back into his university days. He is truly fascinated by design and took an architecture course for a hope of an easy credit. He has been doodling ideas since the early 90's and his inspirations come from from Charles Renee Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Brad hadn't really planned on doing a furniture collection, he did though happen to have a sketchbook filled with drawings of furniture design. When Frank Pollaro spotted this  he immediately jumped at the chance of collaborating with the actor. How could Brad refuse such a tempting proposition...

Lets not forget also one major factor here, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005 Brad turned to his passion for design and helped launch Make It Right Campaign, a great cause dedicated in creating well designed, energy efficient and affordable homes for families from New Orleans who lost everything.

So you see even though a furniture designer he isn't, is it really that bad that he's doing something that he enjoys and is having some fun with it? I am not a complete fan of the collection but I do think some of the table designs are quite slick even though they are not my style at all. Would love to know your opinion on this...

Images via Architectural Digest.

Let There Be Light

My head is quite literally all over the place at the moment. Last week was pretty insane to say the least, jam-packed with meetings, photo shoots, press days and events. On top of all that I am still trying to sort my new place out. It is definitely a work in progress and I am only at the concept stage but so many ideas are creeping in that I'm jumping up and down with excitement... 

I have already been thinking what kind of light pendants I would like in my dining room over the table. I want to keep it quite urban and have a set of them hanging down... In my head I know what I want to achieve, it's just finding the right products, easier said than done! Here are a few of my favourites that I have come across...

 Oh how I love these Crystal bulbs from Lee Broom. A mix of contemporary with a classic edge. 

 These sweet frosted glass chandeliers are pretty cool from Bocci. Perfect for creating some atmospheric lighting.

I could go for something plain and fun with these lights from Muuto.

Or perhaps something completely different to the previous looks, bolder and bigger! These Beat lights from Tom Dixon are pretty exquisite if you have them hanging all three together.

10 Corso Como

I love how every main city has a cool shop that is a must stop. There's Colette in Paris and then there is 10 Corso Como in Milan. Located in an industrial building in the inner courtyard of a traditional Milanese palazzo, you know you are in for a real treat. A destination which consists of a design and fashion store, a restaurant and cafe, a gallery, a bookshop, a terrace and a courtyard garden. A total haven to explore the senses, a definite must stop when in Milan, which is by far one of the coolest cities I have visited. Definitely on par with New York and Paris.