by Natalie on August 27, 2009

I am hankering for these ceramic lamps featuring the bold hand painted prints of British designer Ruth Taylor. Deliciously graphic, they’re real statement pieces that will certainly put a dent in my bank statement at £280. Another one added to my covet list then….
From Frank
by Natalie on August 26, 2009


I’m damn near obsessed with Mini Moderns who just cannot put a foot wrong. In fact, it’s not just me – features editor Kat is much the same and we’ve just previewed their super-hot soon to be launched wallpaper that includes the C60, a design that pays homage to the ‘ole cassette tape. When I last met up with Keith and Mark in June, they were displaying some of the new cushions from their ‘Sewn Sequels’ collection which are made from limited edition found fabrics. They’re vibrantly divine and chock full of character.
Like all of their gear, these are made in the UK. Interesting fact – everything is made and sourced locally and when I say locally, I mean like a stones throw so these guys literally have no carbon footprint and really do make the most of their local talent. I think everyone is pretty much on their street – fabulous!
The cushions are £45 each and have an exclusive woven ‘Mini Moderns’ tag. Email them at info AT minimoderns.com to order/check availability. Even though I make my own cushions, I shall have to succumb….
by Natalie on August 25, 2009


Jaysus I want, I want, I want one of these laser-cut bird cages. Inspired by the bird houses and cages of Victorian era, I’m also loving the silhouette that they cast. Made from 100% cotton museum board, these are really striking decorative pieces.
£45 Couverture
Speaking of bird mobiles, also check out Kat’s post over on Bambino Goodies about making your own.
[via Wee Birdy]
by Natalie on August 21, 2009



I love statement pieces at statement prices and The Conran Shop are keeping abreast of a market where we’re getting more discerning about where we spend our limited pounds with their WellConsidered collection – a range of well designed products at exceptional (well for The Conran Shop anyway!) prices.
From the standout bent wood chairs in red and green for £95 each, to the fabulous cross floor light with its oiled wood tripod base, also £95, to the very quirky cheese grater that’s become a light for £29, to the 45 litre classic styled dustbins in black and red for £29 each, to the wool rug in bold, broad stripes for £125, this is some finger clicking good stuff!
by Natalie on August 21, 2009



I felt myself getting distinctly swoonish as soon as I laid eyes on some of the new arrivals in the house section of online boutique Plumo.
I’m all over the crochet stools (£119 each) by Danish favourite Rice, like a rash! Another fairtrade delight, the contrast of the vibrant seats against the painted wood makes for a folksy, bohemian vibe. They don’t just look good – they have storage space perfect for sewing bits and bobs, jewellery…or sneaky purchases…
Loving their selection of French handmade lampshades (£39 each) that have been covered in handcrafted batik and serigraphy prints on cotton for understated chic. For me it’s a tough call between the navy floral and the optical blue.
They still have the Kyoto Bench that I featured a few months back plus they’ve introduced the pink Sari Bench (£159) which has the same red lacquered legs as its sister. Lift the seat to reveal the handy storage.
by Natalie on August 20, 2009


I could spend all day on H is for Home, a slice of vintage, handmade, and one off heaven. A dazzling assault of temptation, I suggest you put aside some serious clicking time as you’ll get lost in the delights. They have a mustard and khaki green floral M&S bedspread that’s from the 60s/70s that looks just like one that my parents had and in the photo I’m lying on it looking angelic (hehe), to cups and saucers, original cushion covers, vases (I have a weakness for colourful vases that’s been helped some bargainalicious purchases on ebay), coffee tables, sewing baskets, posters, prints, curtains, kitchenwares, coffee tables, chairs, knitted slipper socks and oh, just go there!
by Natalie on August 19, 2009

As soon as Papernation tweeted about these animal sticky notes by Cavallini, I knew I had to feature them. The bambino loves sticky notes ever since we owned our first Genius Pad (supersized sticky notes) and animal lover that she is, she’d love writing on these. OK, truth be told, I’d love writing on them too! A great gift, each tin contains eight 60 note sticky pads.
£9.25 for the set
by Natalie on August 19, 2009

We’ve recently decided that we’re probably going to sell our big rectangular dining table and go for a round table. Inspired by our friends who have a similar long, open plan sitting and dining room, we’re now on the hunt for the one that makes the cut. Whilst this distinctly retro table made from wenge veneer with faux linen covered chairs set by Dwell isn’t ‘The One’, I do like it for it’s unimposing, cosy design as the chairs slot in neatly into the curve of the table. You can also get the set in a faux leather oak veneer mix.
£695 for the set at Dwell
[via Retro To Go]
by Natalie on August 18, 2009


Whilst researching some lighting for our bedroom, I found these unusual lights which takes the packaging and makes it part of the product by using the plastic that you’d chuck out as the casing for the bulb – height of cool! There is an adhesive ring around it and you can just peel it off and stick on the wall (or door, or even floor) so you can dodge the bullet on doing any drilling. A very wallet friendly £19.50 at Dutch by Design
Room image source Chris Kabel
by Natalie on August 18, 2009

It never fails to impress me how wallet friendly some of the furniture is at Zara Home Kids. Their Kids 156 Bench (not sure why they went with those numbers…) which features three storage tubs is a very reasonable £35.90. Whilst I’m not wild about the storage tubs, they can easily be substituted. You could stuff this to the gills or it could be sat on, or have bits and bobs displayed on top. Of course, you need to live near a store to nab one unless you either spend over £150 online or are okay with paying £19 delivery….