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Isn’t there just something about stripes that says summer?

Maybe it’s the childhood memories of holidays in the sun and all of those striped deck chairs and sticks of rock.

Harlequin Mimi Checks & Stripes 1

Whatever it is, these images of Harlequins new Mimi range of checks and stripes are certainly doing it for me.

Or maybe its the colour combinations evocative of sand and sun and sea?

Harlequin Mimi Checks & Stripes 2

Or the crisp cotton and the white background that says fresh and clean.

Harlequin Mimi Checks & Stripes 3

Like scents that suddenly transport you back and resurrect long forgotton memories, it’s stripes that do it for me.

 

If you love wallpaper and you love flowers, you will love this new design from Camilla Meijer.

camilla meijer - the english garden wallpaper

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 meijer - the english garden wallpaper colourways

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.

camilla meijer - drawings

I just love the dragonfly!

Previous posts about Camilla Meijers

I Spy – Camilla Meijers, Spring 2012

London Design Festival – 100% Design

Let’s indulge in a little fantasy today.

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.

clarke and clarke from 4id interiors - nostalgic_prints-3289

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.

clarke and clarke from 4id interiors - rosetta_16

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.

clarke and clarke from 4id interiors - rosetta_17

It’s a day to dream.

clarke and clarke from 4id interiors - rosetta_24

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

Nostalgia and Rosetta are featured.

Mark Alexander launched four new collections earlier this year.  Voyage, Compass, Brasilia and Safari.  All of the collections are beautiful but it was Safari that spoke to me the most.

mark alexander fabrics - safari 1

It’s a contemporary and stylish take on African tribal-cloths, animalia and North African kelims.  The textured weaves have been re-interpreted in urban neutrals, punctuated with a strong red and turquoise (not shown).

mark alexander fabrics - safari 2

mark alexander fabrics - safari 3

This is very me.

Mark Alexander is part of the Romo group and the collections are available through selected showrooms and interior designers worldwide.

Well, if this doesn’t get you in the mood for spring, nothing will.

The new Semaphore and Semaphore Grande linen fabrics and wallpaper by Sarah Hardaker are all inspired by an old poster of semaphore flags.  They are printed on natural linen, to maintain a vintage feel, with a colour palette of denim, scarlet, french grey and custard.

sarah hardaker nautical collection 1sarah hardaker nautical collection 3

It looks absolutely lovely in a boy’s room, and or course it is timeless and ageless, so you won’t have to re-decorate too often!  But, it would look just as perfect in a cottage by the sea don’t you think?

sarah hardaker nautical collection 4

To keep up the theme, Paperboats is a whimsical linen fabric and wallpaper, inspired by kids’ paper boats and old-fashioned fishing and sailing boats. It’s designed to evoke sunny, salty, seaside days and perfect teamed with Semaphore and Semaphore Grande.

Ahoy Captain!

While we’re on the subject…

Colourful Childrens Rooms

Romo launched The Black Edition at Maison et Object, Paris last month.  Sadly, I wasn’t there, but I do have my spies!

Romo Black Edition Orchis 2

Romo Black Edition Orchis 1

It’s a new brand of exclusively designed fabrics and wallcoverings that blend sophisticated textures, innovative weaving techniques and artisan effects with a visionary colour palette.  It carries the essence of Romo but explores new techniques and processes that allow for more complex designs with rich, intense colour.

Romo Black Edition Orchis 3 Romo Black Edition Orchis 4

My favourites are Orchis and there are already several fabric swatches on my pinboard at home.  The painterley sheers, tie-dyes and dip-dye linens are perfect for spring and summer.

Romo Black Edition Orchis 5

Best for unstructured curtains that waft in the breeze, casual tablecloths and piles of soft pillows as demonstrated in these gorgeous pictures.

Unmistakably French in style, the latest Manuel Canovas luxury fabrics as always, are instantly recognisable by bold and unusual colour harmonies.  Vibrant shades of rose Indian, anis, amethyst and turquoise to make the heart sing and to bring some much-needed sunshine into our lives.

Manuel Canovas 1 Manuel Canovas 2 Manuel Canovas 3 Manuel Canovas 4 Manuel Canovas 5

Canovas is the art of living à la Francaise” says Ariane Dalle (Design Director), “with a very special colour palette, and a real touch of originality.

Be courageous!

I’m such a fan of Harlequin.  Last year I told you about the Momentum Sheers and Structures collection here.  Well, now they have launched Momentum 3&4 which is a collection of weaves.

harlequin momentum 3 and 4 weaves [1]

They are totally on-trend, keying into the current ‘look’ of the international hotel interiors scene. They are design-led, eclectic and beguilingly tactile.  In fact the epitome of global chic and effortless style.

harlequin momentum 3 and 4 weaves [2]

 There are abstract geometrics, tweedy plains (with shimmering accents!), smart broad stripes, luscious full-pile velvets, deliberately aged, vintage-look velours, artisan ombré stripes, contemporary flamestitch motifs, tufted, slightly irregular raised spots and geometric velvets with an ultra-sheen, all of which can be accented by stunning colour-block plains.

harlequin momentum 3 and 4 weaves [3]

All in an uninhibited palette of indulgent shades, ranging from quiet tones and restful neutrals to fashion-forward, vibrant combinations such as flame, spice, tangerine, citrus, clover, old navy, denim, bottle green, emerald and teal with flashes of iridescence and judicious scatterings of metallics too.  I’m particularly drawn to the colours of the images here although this is only one of many combinations.  I love the moody feel.  It just feels so restful and welcoming.

harlequin momentum 3 and 4 weaves [4]

 Design Director Claire Vallis elaborates on the inspiration behind the collections: For Spring 2013 we felt a very strong pull towards a more global style –we wanted to emphasise the unusual and incorporate contrasting textures. We loved the juxtaposition of artisan knits and rustic woven effects with sumptuous velvets and glamorous metallic and we are thrilled with the overall look – an eclectic and confident fusion of different international styles.”

A success I’m sure.

Isn’t this just delightful?

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 1

It’s the new Enchanted Woods woven fabric range from Hibou Home.

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 6

It features charming silhouettes of whimsical woodland folk that include rabbits, deer and bird motifs, the digitally printed fabric is packed with personality, enticing the imagination further into the forest.

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 2

Designed for children’s rooms, it’s perfect for adding a playful feel to any space, this loveable narrative design draws its inspiration from the cornucopia of delightful childhood memories that add to it’s on trend woodland style.

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 5

But why should the children have all the fun, I say.

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 3

I’d quite like it in my home office to remind me that life is also for fun and play.

Enchanted woods fabric from Hibou Home 4

And with three colours to choose from I could have fun choosing too.

As another gloomy day dawns I have the perfect antidote.

Just scroll down for visions of spring loveliness and promises of summer mornings…

cath kidston spring summer 2013 1

enjoying breakfast in the kitchen….a cheery tablecloth and a few simple flowers in a jug while the sun streams in…

cath kidston spring summer 2013 3

promises of days when you can air the bed linen in front of an open window…

cath kidston spring summer 2013 4

promises of laundry day when the smell of ironing smells of fresh air…one of life’s simple pleasures…

cath kidston spring summer 2013 2

promises of a picnic on the beach…

cath kidston spring summer 2013 5

and days when you can pile up the tray for al fresco dining.

I promise it will get warmer soon.

All images are of the Cath Kidston Spring/Summer range.

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