A part of me loves a spare, minimalist look.  The kind of space where the architecture and the hard surfaces do all of the talking.

Fernando Santangelo

What could be more beautiful than this white tiled bathroom. The uneven texture of the tiles provide the only pattern required.  The monochromatic colour scheme is warmed by the wooden ceiling but the decoration is kept to a minimum with globe lights, chrome taps and fluffy white  towels.  It’s sparseness is its attractiveness and the high window ensures privacy.  I love it.

But then my head is turned.

Architectural Digest

Another white tiled bathroom.  Another monochromatic colour scheme, but there the similarity ends.  The owner of this bathroom loves comfort and decoration.  The floor tiles are highly patterned, there’s a mirrored cupboard that surely holds all manner of lotions and potions.  There are fancy bottles, and flowers, and lampshades, and so many photographs one ended up on the floor!  This is a bathroom to linger in.  To indulge in a long soak in the bath, not take a shower.

Which do you prefer?

And pictures don’t get any prettier than the ones here from the portfolio of interiors stylist Vicky Sullivan.

 This is just a small selection from her impressive portfolio but these were the ones that spoke to me.  They seem to convey the mood I’m feeling this morning.  A desire to stay cosy indoors with comforting tea and cake.

 To perform mundane, familiar tasks like washing up and tidying away.  Sorting and re-arranging and just generally pottering around the house.

Do you have days like that?

In fact I think I would like to reserve the second sunbed from the right.

This is the five star La Maltese on Santorini, which is perched 250 metres above the phenomenal Caldera.  A neo-classical mansion that has been turned into a luxury boutique hotel with dizzying views and a chic aesthetic, not to mention a spa.

Anyone care to join me?

Psst, it’s also available at up to 63% off for a short time on the Secret Escapes website.

One of my biggest influences in garden design lately has been a gorgeous book called Gardenalia by Sally Coulthard.  We featured an extract from it in the last issue of Heart Home magazine and it has become my well thumbed bible for inspirational ideas without breaking the bank.

I think we all strive to be less wasteful these days and furnishing your garden with flea market finds, country collectibles and architectural salvage is just the next step from upcycling in the home.  There’s something very satisfying about re-using something that would be thrown away, or finding objects in the attic or at a car boot fair that can be used in a way that it perhaps was not intended.  All you need is an open mind when you’re out and about.

Gardenalia is not just full of great ideas however.  It is full of practical advice for all styles of gardens and beautiful photographs.  Eye candy for the garden no less.

All photographs are from Gardenalia

Published by Jacqui Small

Aptly named The English Garden, it’s available from this month as wallpaper and printed textiles.  Above is pumpkin colourway and it also comes in honey, aqua, violet & blue and silver as shown below.

Camilla’s designs are always so meticulously drawn that they just invite you in for closer inspection.   She draws each element separately and then arranges them into a repeat pattern.

I just love the dragonfly!

Previous posts about Camilla Meijers

I Spy – Camilla Meijers, Spring 2012

London Design Festival – 100% Design

I’m continually impressed by the home collections coming out of French Connection and the sofas don’t disappoint either.

Slate

Quite handsome, non?  I like the oversized cushions and the piping detail and the covers are removable and can be dry cleaned.  Of course it looks all the cooler for having been paired with the French Connection Palette Coffee Table.  Definitely on my wish list for that One Day House in the Country.  Have you also seen the Tree Trunk Side Tables?

And the new Safari Chair in white?

Well anyway, I digress, back to DFS.

Coast

A clean linear shape which comes in a gorgeous palette of laid back colours or vibrant red for the very brave.

Chalk

Another winner that looks so inviting.

I think I may just go put my feet up now.

]]> http://deardesigner.co.uk/whats-in-the-shops-french-connection-and-dfs/feed/ 0 http://deardesigner.co.uk/hooray-for-heals/ http://deardesigner.co.uk/hooray-for-heals/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:19 +0000 deardesigner http://deardesigner.co.uk/?p=17589 Read more →]]> A few weeks ago I spent a very pleasant morning re-discovering the Heals flagship store at 196 Tottenham Court Road.  A morning of shopping, coffee and design talk in the building that has been the home of this very british store since 1840.  What’s not to love?

Blu Dot dining chairs

Did you know that Heals has been trading for over 200 years (they celebrated their second centenary in 2010) and that they started as a mattress making firm?  Knowing that, it’s very apt that in early February this year the second floor was transformed into the ultimate destination for all things sleep related.  Room sets and designer names at every turn to inspire and tempt us all.

Designers Guild fabric

In fact quite a few things have changed recently in this historic building.  There’s been a lot of re-organisation so that shopping is a lot easier.  The Gourmet Kitchen department is the ultimate destination for premium kitchenware, the Spa department in now a truly indulgent experience and there is an extensive list of new designer brands including collections from Clarissa Hulse, Julian Chichester, Cantori, Gervasoni, Blu Dot and Matthew Hilton for De La Espada.

Clarissa Hulse

And, always a place to pick up the perfect gift, there has been an influx of innovative and wonderfully crafted collections from the likes of Chisel & Mouse L’Objet, Cire Trudon and Alli Tomlin alongside much-loved Jonathan Adler, Georg Jenson, Kartell, LSA and Seletti.

Jonathan Adler

And if you decide to visit, don’t leave without visiting the Cafe, which is now in partnership with the Quarter Group.  Not only is the food fresh and delicious, the space is serene and calming.  We’re talking Tom Dixon copper pendents, Ercol dining chairs and inviting solid oak tables.  Bliss.

Donna Wilson

Previous posts you might like:

Chisel & Mouse

Jonathan Adler

Clarissa Hulse

They have adorned a bone china tea-set with some of their most popular, most cheeky pin-up characters.  You can now take tea with Victoria Fancy, Norma Nibbles and Belinda Bakewell.

What would the vicar say?

Photographs by Jessica Milberg

It’s one of those sultry summer days in high summer.  There’s just a whisper of a breeze and occasionally a white fluffy cloud will scud across the sky.  The only sound to be heard is the soft drone of the bees and there is a heady fragrance of English roses in the air.

All of the chores are done.  The washing is drying on the line and there is a cake in the oven that will be done just in time for the family’s tea.

It’s one of those afternoons that seem to go on forever.  An unread book is within reach but it’s just too perfect a day to read.

It’s a day to dream.

All fabrics are Clarke and Clarke available from 4id Interiors.

Nostalgia and Rosetta are featured.

The company produces the ‘Lovable Collection’ of furniture, lighting, wallpaper and interior accessories and was launched in 2010 by designers Brendan Young and Vanessa Battaglia of Studiomold and Young & Battaglia.  The duo are known for their playful approach to design, and innovative re-appropriation of materials and imagery, so expect the unexpected…

The Palace wallpaper is inspired by the wonderfully opulent interiors of stately homes and palaces of the 18th Century. It features an image of a large hall adorned with beautiful paintings and chandeliers.  Absolutely fabulous for creating an illusion of space and grandeur.

The Renaissance cowhide is unlike any cowhide you have ever seen, it’s from a very exotic breed of beast that lives in the fantasy world of designers Young & Battaglia. The piece features a background image created by artist Himitsuhana, overlayed with tufts of fur and hand cut out in a special rubber backed fabric.

A fusion between art and utility, this rug will no doubt add a beautifully surreal touch to any interior, and unlike real cowhides this one is hypoallergenic, washable, and will always lay flat.

The ‘Renaissance’ wall light is a beautifully simple circular shade made using traditional lampshade making techniques of fabric stretched over a steel frame. The front diffuser features an image of a girl lit by candlelight, and is designed to give a soft, romantic glow.  The candle flame is cleverly positioned directly in front of the light source so that when the light is on, the light emanates from the flame.  Genius.