by Natalie on March 5, 2010
One of the reasons why I write about and love shopping online is because I’ve been able to enjoy independents who don’t jump to the beat of the bland. When I have the time and patience to hit the streets, I also like supporting indie stores and have a well thumbed copy of the Independent London Store Guide by Moritz Steiger and Effie Fotaki.
An organised read that handily fits into your bag, it tips off on seven colour coded categories including home, fashion, food and bars, and health and beauty, and includes maps for each area, which include the likes of Peckham, Crouch End, and unsurprising spots like Notting Hill. The photos are great, conveying the vibrancy and eclectic offerings and the guide includes a mix of familiar (but not too big names) with total unheard of’s.
RRP £8.99, £5.94 on Amazon
[via Bitchbuzz]
by Claire on March 5, 2010
We’re big fans of Anthropologie and their kids collection has some wonderful pieces. My favourite has to be this Deciduous Puzzle (that’s what they call it) which is actually the totem tree by Dutch design company, Kidsonroof. It’s three-dimensional and visually stunning. It’s artsy and whimsical and will look fabulous as a decor piece. There’s 170 pieces of recycled paper, cardstock to put together, and it’s big, 28″H, 24″W, 24″D. I’m going to get one for the nursery, and then put it up high as I’m not sure it’ll last long with little hands grabbing at it. Anthropologie don’t have a UK based site (yet) so no point ordering from them when you can get it from Fishingfordesign for £22.95
by Natalie on March 4, 2010
Jaysus, Present&Correct are as always, temptation central. They’re constantly making, hunting down, and finding cool things and I really want to get one of their latest additions, Popville, a book where as you turn the pages, the pop up town builds, starting from a church and quickly forming what looks like a paper version of a ‘Sim City’ -used to love that game. The colours are popping and I want! I’d have to hide it up high on a shelf though because the dark destroyers (that’d be the 10month and 33 month olds) will destroy on sight! £15.50 each
by Claire on March 4, 2010
I am in love. This is pure genius. And I’m sure that anyone else out there with limited space will agree. Dutch designers Kapteinbolt has created a flexible workplace, called FLKS. It features a desk and chair that fold out from two hinged sheets. You just open the panels unfold the table and the chair and put the plug in for light. This design is characterized by simplicity, clarity, freedom and space. How much it costs I can’t tell you. I’ve asked the question so will report back.
by Natalie on March 3, 2010
Here at Nest Goodies and
Bambino Goodies, we’ve been
owl addicts for ages, so much so, over on Bambino Goodies I had to put myself on an ‘owl diet’ for featuring them. Designer and veritable hotbed of cool tipoffs
@Bertied tipped me off to these beautiful, simple
owls by Bath based designer maker Matt Pugh. Hand crafted from walnut and oak, it’s the dash of colour (green and red are my favourites) that gives them a quirky edge. £28.50 including delivery from
Counter-Objects.
by Claire on March 3, 2010
A fast becoming addiction for me is Hidden Art. I am love love loving loads of bits on the site, especially these Ashley Thomas cushions. There are four to collect: La La Lucy, Happy As Larry, Chripy Steve and Hello Joey.
Each cushion has two designs, front and back, so if you feel playful one day you can display your cushion with the illustration facing the front. But if you fancy a change and want a simple, calm, co-ordinating pattern instead, you can just turn the cushion around.
They are all handmade and printed on a linen fabric. They include a duck-feather cushion and a zip for easy cleaning (machine washable at 40°c). They are approx. 20 inches/ 51cm.
by Claire on March 2, 2010
I’ve been on the hunt lately for a cake stand and didn’t realise what a plethora of choice there is. There is literally a cake stand for every occasion! My favourites are the vintage tea party styled ones, and the more modern polka dot ones – and here are three of my favourites, from top to bottom:
- Red Spotty Cake Stand from Hunky Dory Home (£24) – A pretty handpainted red and white polka dot two tier cake stand.
- Blue or Red 3 Tier from Laura Ashley (£26) – A classic three tier cakestand handpainted in blue stripes and white polka dots.
- Big Spot 31 from Beverly Hewitt Designs (£35) – Available in a range of colours.
I am absolutely loving Beverly Hewitt designs. As well as the polka dot version, she also has a cute pink hearts cake stand. We will be featuring more of Beverly Hewitt soon.
by Natalie on March 2, 2010
Last summer I got a sneak peek at US designers DwellStudio’s now current collection which was full of stuff that it didn’t look like we were going to get here in the UK, including their divine rugs featuring their standout designs including the retro transportation icons and our obsession, the splendiferous owl (its rug looks like a piece of artwork in itself), as well as some softer floral designs.
But I got wind that the rugs were finally coming in and they’re now available from Little Baby Company…for £400 each. Hand tufted with New Zealand wool and printed with eco friendly, low impact dyes, I can see the owl or transportation one in the girls room. It’ll remain a fantasy…for now…
by Claire on March 1, 2010
In case you missed it, we’re bringing you this months round up of fabulous things for your nest that have featured on our sister site, Bambino Goodies. So pour yourself a cuppa and check out:
And that’s just to get you started. Enjoy. Make sure you don’t miss all the other fabulous finds over on Bambino Goodies, see how you can stay updated!
by Claire on March 1, 2010
I came across Cardboard Futures recently and was very impressed. They have created a desk, with optional pedestal, a table, some bookshelves and a round coffee table all made of cardboard. And they look good. Very good. I’m quite partial to that round table. I love its sleek design. The products come with a gloss white finish, and there is real attention to detail. For example, the desk comes with a cable management system! The clever engineering makes this product extremely light, immensely strong, fully functional and excellent value for money. The site says ‘in normal day-to-day use they will last many years; in very heavy use they should be good for at least three years’. Not bad. Impressive in fact. The desk costs around £150.
I’m seeing a great future with such products. Just imagine an office, or classroom, where the end user could decorate their desk to show their individuality. I want to get my paws on one of these products. I shall report back.
