Abigail Edwards

Oooooooo how (sadly) excited am I! I completely love it when I find a new designer and get all excited and start eagerly scrolling through their work. Today that designer is Abigail Edwards, she has a background in Fine art which makes her designs so intricate and delicate, I want to explode! She keeps to a simple grey or blues palette which gives all of her work a kind of misty dream like feel. 

My favourite piece of hers is seascape winter wallpaper, it's fresh, subtle and really sets the mood. This paper would look extra special in a bathroom, be it big or small. I can just imagine chilling in the bath feeling like I'm looking out at the waves (It's that convincing!) So have a little cheeky browse through her work here, I'm sure you will love it all. 

Sophie xo

Banter Banners

I always love something just a little bit different. I'm a massive fan of posters, prints and the like to adorn my walls, a popular content for these prints are quotes or little 'cheer me ups' (I don't actually know what they are called, but cheer me ups seems right). So when i spotted these cute little banners I was very intrigued. They are from Banter Banners, who specialise in well...these banners, but they are a brilliant idea, and I'm glad someone thought to put heart warming quotes on cute banners!! 

Usually banners only make an appearance for birthdays, celebrations, the general partay atmosphere, so I love too see them completely taken out of context! They are actually made of cardboard still (although some of them look metal? Just me?) They are a cute way to spruce up a wall with a little light hearted fun and above all they are pretty cheap! At $10 a pop I would say they are most definitely worth a punt, I'm thinking that 'Wine Dine' is my favorite, I can see it now in my little kitchen...move over fridge! Check out the full range here. 
Sophie xo

See Scout Sleep

So, if you read my post yesterday you will know about my unatural obsession with all things of the pug variety. But one thing I didn't mention is that this wierd obsession also transends into westies, sausage dogs, basset hounds, basically anything with unnaturally short legs, lots of wrinkles or a cute squishy face...and don't get me started on cats. All of this and I don't even have a dog! Bizarre I know, but I have already found where I will be getting my bedding from for my pooch when he finally comes into my life!

See Scout Sleep is a cute little design studio who specialise in all things dog. They have such a brilliant range of bed options for your pampered pooch it's hard to choose! (I especially love the prawn heart shaped one) They have also just bought out a range of collars and leads, all in the perfect size to fit your goggie. Oooooo I want a pug just so I can buy him a bed, is it weird if I just bought a bed...and slept on it myself... Ok I took it too far sorry. Maybe I could buy a super mini one and my hammies Dali and Tolouse could snuggle up on it together! Whatever my purpose for wanting one, be it for me, my hammies or future puglas I want one, and thoroughly suggest you get on it too! Check out their full range here.
Sophie xo 

Pantone Orange

Continuing on from my over excited-ness of the approach of spring/summer, basically the whole warm weather shebang comes this seasons colour! Pantone Orange (021 c to be precise!) has set a flame a little obsession in me! It has long been anticipated that this bright overpowering orange would make a come back, and this summer it's time. Get ready to be completely sick of it by Autumn, orrrrr be super cool, get in quick and buy EVERYTHING you see in orange...that's my plan anyway. I selected a few of my favorite orange bits from the high street and on Etsy (I really need to stop spending my spare time skulking on Etsy looking for cool design ideas) So enjoy, get in there fast because this baby will be all over the place soon! 

1. Fluoro Orange Pendant Light by Tom Dixon, £440. 2. Wild and Wolf Orange Trim Phone, £42. 3. Le Creuset Volcanic Tableware, £11-29. 4. Vintage industrial bookends, $19  . 5. Hofdi Cushion, £70. 6. Ceramic Pig Planter, $29.99. 7. Brabantia Touch bin, £199. 8. Kartell Spoon Chair by Antonio Citterio, £419.

Velvet Moustache

For those of you who know me pretty well, I have an massive obsession with pugs. Seriously it's starting to get a little bit over the top. But I can only think of two ways to solve the issue. 

1. Get an epic pug to fill my pug loving days.

2. Buy loads and loads of pug related stuff!!

And at the moment...it's all about the latter. I am literally sitting here squeeling at all the cute pug shape stuff i'm finding (my boyfriend sitting next to me half amazed I can find these random things half I think a little scared of my love of pug) when I have stumbled across possibly the single most awesome cushion making company EVER!

Say 'oh hai!' to Velvet Moustache, now they are a french company but unfortunatly I spent too much time in my French lessons staring at the ceiling, so can't actually understand what it says, but I do know I don't need to know french to know an amazing pug cushion when I see it!! They also have pandas, cats, owls, deers and even sharks! Just cute animal cushion galore! So check out their website (and if you know some french...please enlighten me!) 

Sophie xo

Terrarium

As we all know spring is meant to be upon us by now, it's almost March and god damn it I want some sun!! Last week we got a little snippet of warmer times, and I for one got very excited at the prospect of actually not having to wear five layers and a bobble hat at all times. So today's post is all about warmer climates, bright colours and greenery, lots of greenery.

As you know by now I live in a little flat with no garden, balcony actually no windows to even hang window boxes from, so my only option of having any form of grennery indoors is a big pot of shrubbery, not massively appealing. However, I introduce to you a (very) old friend the Terrarium, a big glass, wooden or even plastic box thing you can grow some shrubbery in! Terrain have a beautiful range of different shapes and sizes of terrarium, and all will look adorable with a little cheecky foilage inside! So have a browse and get into the spring mood!! Enjoy!

Sophie xo

Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair

It is that time of year again when all the good design festivals start to rear their epic heads. Offset is in a few weeks time, Ideal home starts in May but this week it's all about the Stockholm furniture & light fair...even though it was actually a few weeks ago but still! I would of loved to go to this bad boy, Sweden is famous for it's modernist furniture and graphics, and this year they didn't dissapoint. Showcasing some of the freshest talents at the forefront of furniture design, this was always set to be an impressive exhibition of home décor.

Now comes the biggest challenge, showing you guys the crème de la crème of the exhibitors, the best bits and highlights. My only issue is if I did that we would be here all day. Now to get the best examples I have had to filch a few snaps from one of my favourite magazines Wallpaper*, who covered the fair excellently, so please check out their other photos from the exhibition, there are some real corkers! I love love love Steffan Holms, Spin stool I'm not always persuaded about stools, they remind me of school but these look striking with a modern twist *nudge nudge*....sorry. For some reason I am completely crazy about this oak cabinet, I think for me to for a designer to ignore colour, or a varnished finish and to produce something so pure and elegant is really a breathe of fresh air! It's a simple classic design but has shed loads of character. Like I say, check out Wallpaper* for more on the event, or on the Stockholm furniture fair's website for information about next year.
Sophie xo

Jayson Home

It has to be said, we all have those days when we simply cannot think of anything. Can't decide what to eat, can't decide what to wear, for me today is just one of those days. I'm in such a indecisive mood that deciding what to write a post is proving most difficult. As my mind would seem blank I decided to have a little scroll on my bookmarks in hope of finding a little gem I had forgotten about, and guess what...I have!!

I found Jayson Home months ago through browsing various blogs and other websites, they have an amazing selection of 'flea' market furniture (so for me charity shop goodies!) Some of the stuff is a little hit and miss, or maybe it's just not to my taste? But none the less some of their pieces have really caught my eye! They have a section called 'curiosities' ... that's just begging for me to have a browse, and I found this delightful train station model dating from the 1800's. They also sell there own furniture, like this pretty crazy cow meets horn meets ottoman thing...I'm a fan!! Check out their website for some more brilliant unique finds!
Sophie xo

                                      

A unique Blanket?

I recently purchased some white bedding with a little pink embroidered aztec ikat pattern running along the top, I am completely crazy about it and yet a little bit of me it still like....damn that's a lot of white space at the bottom. One thing about me, I am a self confessed white space freak, Oh how I wish I could embrace it and think 'Yeah it looks good' but I just can't! Ever inch of wall must be covered, every corner filled and apparently, every bed blanketed. 

So I have begun my hunt ot Etsy, I want something a little bit different and unique. Now bearing in mind that the top of my bedding is pink, I should really go for that, but sometimes I just can't resist a bit of clash. This little wool blanket (top) in a beautiful chevron pattern is modern and fresh, it's an 'all year round' kind of blanket and I love how simple and effectively gorgeous it is. However....Giganto blanket...it just sounds so insanely epic I'm not sure I can resist...well maybe at $449 it's a weenie bit out of my price range so I can resist, But still it's so awesome!! And look how giant it is (plus it has a cute kitty in the pictures) Hmm I think the search for a unique blanket continues...I will keep you updated. 

Sophie xo

Book Wallpaper

After it being opened a few months ago, I finally got round to going to Westfield in Stratford, apart from being really scared at the sheer size of the place (and mildy overwhelmed) I was pretty much loving every shop! And after a very long and serious oggle at several shops I completely fell in love with some John Lewis wallpapers! I'm especially a fan of this, what I must say I thought was a pretty over used look, book wallpaper. But I got to say this one I didn't even realise was a wallpaper at first!! 

I just can't resist a little bit of cheeky wallpaper especially when that wallpaper is completely gorgeous. I also love this little number by Cole and Son, it reminds me of an exotic Aladdin stylee street scene, include those awesome gold rooftops and you have a little slice of daydream heaven, It would look so beautiful in a bathroom. All I'm fancying right now is both of these beauts on my walls!

Sophie xo

Mjölk

Sometimes there comes along a product that just makes me want to cry out with joy. Sometimes something you have been dreaming exists, just kind of falls into your lap. Wooden lamps. What is so hard about that people of the product design world, a bit of nature mixed with light is all I need and Mjölk have just completely hit the nail on the head.

This stunning hand spun walnut lamp shade is just so spot on I can't even find the words. It's 
clean elegant and simple. It's a real blend into the background kind of character, but when you
notice it boy does it make an impression. But if i'm honest the fitness doesn't stop there, check out 

Mjölk online store as they have plenty of other goodies to behold, all there work has this 

simple modern look that just looks amazing. 

Sophie xo

Primitive Press

As well as harbouring a bit of a 'thing' for interiors I also have a thing for print...and pugs. But for once the pugs are irrelevant (I never thought I would say that). For now it's about the print, Screen Print, Letter press, Lino print, Rinograph print you name it I probably want work produced by it. So for today I am going to blend all these loves (minus pugs) into one neat little bundle of joy. 

Primitive Press is a studio based in London who started up a few years ago. Already they have an amazing body of work and when again my oh so lovely boyfriend (cheers babez) showed me I sat in my duvet eagerly scrolling through their work, eyes goggling and making little 'Ooooo' sounds, it was a good 5 minutes for Sophie. Their work is beautifully printed, with a lot of care and passion, and their geometric Aztec-stylee Navajo patterns look fresh and modern. In particular I love their wallpaper collection, it would look so amazing...anywhere basically. They have an online shop, and each roll of wallpaper costs £200, for hand screen printed wallpaper this gorgeous, what's not to love. 

Sophie xo

NoBrow

I really am a firm believer that anything you want in your house, be it pink and fluffy or one of those little barbie toilet roll holders you should have it! If it says something about you and the people inside your home why should it matter...unless it IS one of those roll holders, and then it's just creepy. I think nothing says more about you than the art in your home, you could be a someone who adornes the walls with big flowers photos, or maybe some personal prints from independent studios. If you love the latter, then this place is so for you.

Welcome to NoBrow press, possibly producing some of the most beautiful, witty and stunning prints for me at the moment. My lovely boyfriend introduced them to me a few weeks ago when we popped over to Old Street to have a browse, £30 he came away with many goodies.I am now the proud owner (Thanks again to the Boif) of this amazing Katja Sputzer, Queen print, it is sitting very proudly on my walls as we speak! This teenie tiny lil wonderland is most definitely worth a scout out if your in the area, and I guarantee you will come away happy. they also have an excellent online shop so check that out too!
Sophie xo

D.I.Y Cakestand

It is a well known fact to all my family and friends, that I really like cake. All sorts of cake, chocolate, ginger, Victoria sponge you name it, I'll nom it. I'm also (massive smug face) pretty good at baking, last night I make some pretty fine looking brownies, which I then ate way too many of and went to bed feeling sorry for myself. But for all you smug bakers out there, there is the moment when you pop out the cake, ice the cupcakes or sprinkle with icing sugar that you think 'Damn they look good, now I just need a fancy plate to display them'...and then all hell breaks loose.

 I have a very strange wire cake stand, and am forever oggling at the expensive Victorian style ones made of vintage china. However today after a very enlightening conversation with my mum on the phone about making your own cupcake stands I am determined to give it a crack. So now here is some inspiration to get me going! First...I need to decide on what plates (or in some cases wood?!) I will use, do I want a rustic or a posh tea party feel. Then do I want a vintage Victorian style handle (you can buy them on eBay here) an old candle holder (used above) or some pretty glasses or cups acting as tiers? Finally a bit of hot glue or a drill and hey presto, something to make my cakes look even better!! Now I'm off to eat more brownies, I never learn.

Sophie xo

Tula Pink

There comes a time in everyones life, when you wish you where someone else. Not because your unhappy with your own life, but just because someone else's is so friggin awesome you literally want to steal their identity (...That sounded really creepy...I don't actually want to do that, it's a figure of speech, I hope.) For me, today is that day, actually most days is that day, i'm pretty jelly of most peoples talents. I welcome you to the weird and wonderful, punky world of Tula Pink, fabric design extraordinaire! 

Her bright colour palettes, brilliant themes and subtle incorporation of animals, from lizards to owls, literally made me squeal in delight (Sorry housies!) I love her clear and utter devotion to design and how she completely ignores all fabrics on the market, she embraces each design element with such ferocity and really incorporates herself into the designs. My particular favourite collection is from her current line called Prince Charming (top image), with 30 fabrics per collection this lady has a hell of a lot of creativity! 

Check out her website for plenty more fabrics, and keep an eye out, her new collection, Nightshade is due out in April. It tells the story of the three Von Black sisters....is there any limit to this ladies genius!! 

Sophie xo

Kirath Ghundoo

Although I very clearly stated the other day that I wasn't a modernist freak, I still study Graphic Design so a certain amount of modernist freakism has been instilled in me. When it comes to pattern, I like bold colours clean and clear, i'm sorry but the Cath Kidson vintage flower pattern has had it's time in the sun. It's onto modern fresh looks with lots of popping spring colours to cheer us up on (what should be sunny)  dreary days. 

Enter Kirath Ghundoo, one of my favourite wallpaper designers at the moment, her patterns are simple and elegant yet are crazy, bold and colourful, just my cup of tea. And the beauty of it is that each strip of wallpaper has 7 different pattern combinations, so no two joins in the paper are the same, you can mix and match and play around to your hearts content (or until you get bored of wallpaper paste.) So if your looking for something with endless style and possibilities but with a Graphical twist then Kirath's work is just right.

Sophie xo

Squint & London Transport Upholstery

I am constantly on the look our for some quirky furniture ideas. I like to think I am pretty nifty with a hammer and some tacks, and could upholster something to a pretty good standard! If i'm honest, before I did a short course in upholstery I would of taken on a sofa...now i'm not so sure! A footstool took many hours, a lot of cursing and my tutor did most of it, but none the less, I like to think I could take on a large challenge one day, hence why I always have my beady eye out for clever furniture revamps. 

Now, this one isn't exactly something I would do at home. It's garish wouldn't go with anything but white walls, and if i'm honest it's just not my cup of tea, but damn it's fine!! As you may have guessed, I really like London Transport, so this chair has some of my favourite things (no singing please) the tube, upholstery and somewhere comfy to put my bum while I drink tea. Like I say, the colours are a bit whacky for my taste, but the beautiful shapes of the pieces, and the use of reclaimed tube moquette fabric just appeals to every bit of me! I am particularly a fan of the frequent use of Misha Black (the District line pattern of orange and brown stripes used in 1978) one of my favourite moquettes! These pieces are a collaboration between Squint Limited and London Transport Museum that where shown at last years Tent London exhibition. If you love the idea behind the design, check out Squint Limited's website for more beautiful, wacky furniture. 
Sophie xo

Vintage Tea Set

It has to be said, as much as I wish I was a swiss modernist loving, money to burn kinda gal who can wander around Tottenham Court Road buying expensive Eames chairs i'm just not! *Sigh* as much as I wish I was (and could afford to be.) I will forever be a vintage/ charity shop haunter, always searching for a bargain. My first port of call upon entering pretty much every charity shop, is the china. Flowery, stripey, gold plaited or even some cheeky pink frills, any antique china has it's own personal charm. 

Now I originally live in the country side of Essex, where vintage and antique centers are bountiful, but now in my little London nest, I struggle to find cheap, reasonably priced charity shops! Unlike the Essex shops run by loving grannies who don't really get why you want the chipped tea set, Londoners have clocked on that this stuff is worth a fortune! So...onto the next best thing, Etsy! Most of the time I don't condone online vintage buying, but when push comes to shove (for my purse) it has to be done! And sites like Etsy and eBay have to be the next best thing. 

And one last note, if your bored on a Sunday, teacup candles are a must! I recently got a little start up candle making kit (thanks to Mummy Soph!) and had hours of fun making these little cuties, plus it was very rewarding and every time I light one up I become extremely smug, much to the my house mates enjoyment. 

Sophie xo