Thursday, 31 May 2012

Leif



At the moment I have been discovering a lot of brands – in reality I just want to share the entire collection with you! Today comes a company called Leif they have such beautiful products I’m not sure where to begin. Ok, first off has to be these amazing gemstoneslabs, as a kid I had this big lump of amethyst from somewhere, I use to love it and play with it all the time, so I just love these little coaster/trivet slabs. They are a marbled mix of beautiful gem stone colours and I love the endless possibilities with them. One suggestion I love is using it as a little teapot rest, perfect for protecting your worktops and looking gooood! Next up is this tray and spreader set, made from olivewood and bone it is the perfect party centrepiece with just some simple fruit or cheese on. What makes it more amazing is it is handmade in Kenya, so you can really feel the craftsmanship and care that has gone into every detail. So lastly is something a bit different, at first I was a bit confused then I read a little more and thought “Awesome!”. These vases are in the shape of various items of rubbish this particular one is a Dish detergent bottle, the rubbish was taken off the streets of Helsinki, and challenges our perceptions of beauty. When this familiar shape is made of a chalky neutral porcelain, I can’t help but fall in love! So there you have my best bits from Leif but check them out yourselves!
Sophie xo




Jim Datz prints



I’m very excited at the moment, in a few months time I will be moving, and we all know what that means. New stuff!! I’m already planning out my new lamps, throws and wine glasses, and have just found a beautiful addition to my walls! I love these prints from Jim Datz a Brooklyn based designer and illustrator. Each print is based on a different place, Brooklyn, Manhattan and London (I have to admit although I am a New York nut at the moment since I started planning a little break there with my boyfriend in January, I’m kind of bummed that two of the prints are New York based! But these are just the prints I have found, I know he does more though, I’m just being fussy.) Whatever the place these quirky little illustrations will look perfect as a trio, in any room. They bring so much character and life with them, I just love them. Now just to haggle that £195 price tag down to my budget! These prints are from Pedlars or you can check out Jim’s website!
Sophie xo







Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Tom Dixon




For a long time now I have searched for a brand that are the ultimate british designers. A designer that for me, is british design. And I think I have found it in the form of TomDixon. Creating probably the most unique and best hand crafted lights in the business, the collection is full of fresh looks and unique materials. Established in 2002, Tom Dixon has been dropping design bombs on us ever since, especially in the lighting sector - although they do dabble in furniture too. What I love about the work is how refreshing it is, big hefty mirror balls remind me a 90's party but at the same time the pressed glass series has a much more elegant theme to them. Time and time again they create trends, they are at the forefront of the current copper trend with their stunning copper shade and the Beat series. All in all, for me I think these are could be the best lighting designs out there at the moment! Check out their whole range here, and enjoy!
Sophie xo









Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Tunnock teacake tote



In my household my dad is usually not bothered about food, he just isn’t a very foodie person. Where the rest of us fight over the last sausage, he is chilled out and isn’t fussy. Apart from when it comes to Tunnock Teacakes. If you aren’t familiar with this little treat it is essentially a biscuit with a dollop of gooey marshmallow all dipped in chocolate. It’s insanely British and tastes realllly good, so when I saw this amazing tote bag from Gillian Kyle I fell instantly in love. These bags just have so much nostalgia for me, and not only do they come in a tote but in tea towels, baby bibs and aprons! I am most definitely going to get me one of these bad boys, they are just too amazing. Find out more details here, and you can buy them at my favourite shop, Not on the high street.
Sophie xo



Ps: How smug/adorable does that baby look?!


Couverture & The Garbstone



Those who read this blog a lot will know that when it comes down to it, I’m pretty easily pleased. 99% of the time, if it has a cute animal on it I will probably love it. And this adorable little plate andbowl set from Couverture & The Garbstone is no different. I originally went hunting on their site because I saw a cute teapot (below) but fell in love with this little set, so decided to make it the feature. There is only one downside, it’s made of plastic, for me if it was china it would be so perfect but never mind! But also I love this bulky porcelain bright yellow teapot, it’s just so…90’s!  It comes with a tea strainer, and I just love that bright popping yellow! Big big fan of Couverture & TheGarbstone, they also have a lot of stunning clothes, so check that out too!
Sophie xo




Innermost lighting


At work I have just been moved into the lighting department, so you know what this means, finally my obsession with lighting can be fulfilled. I can now be surrounded by beautiful light design all day! And already I have spotted one that I am completely in love with, but if I’m honest I’m not sure why. This funny little pendant light reminds of a squid or jellyfish.  It’s called Kaboom and its from innermost, I just love this quirky little guy, it’s fun and playful and would brilliant pretty much anywhere. On the flip side to this I have also found these beautiful geometric shades also from innermost. They are called Portland and are made of concrete. I love the bright inside pop of colour mixed with the dull grey of the concrete. Definitely a winner for me! Find out more details here.
Sophie xo







Monday, 28 May 2012

Emily Peacock



I have always had a thing for various crafts, knitting, sewing, tapestries all sorts. I love spending a bit of time buried in some knitting or a complex tapestry. I am currently undergoing a large tapestry featuring lots of flowers, which I am enjoying but I have recently discovered Emily peacocks cross stitch designs so can’t wait to finish it so I can start one of these. I absolutely love these cross stitch patterns, they are fun, colourful and nice and complex! One thing I really love about these is that you have to do it yourself, none of this buying it ready made, so once you have finished you can be nice and smug at your handy work. My particular favourites have to be the hug and kiss long cushions, with the addition of the little pom pom these are just so perfect! They would look adorable on a bed or a sofa. You can get more info here, but prepare yourself these patterns will set your back around £50-70 pounds depending on size and colour variations.
Sophie xo




Sunday, 27 May 2012

Momantai Design, masterpiece pattern



Naturally as someone who is completely home obsessed, when I see something new and interesting I get all excited. I actually found this quirky solution to you standard piece of wall art a while ago, but have just re-discovered it in my bookmarks. This crazy technique works by using a pattern of perfectly hammered nails, and knotting thread around it, to create a dot – to – dot like wall sculpture. From Momantai design, this brilliant pattern has become incredibly popular, and because you can choose the colour of the thread and nails you can match it to your home. Personally I really like it in the simple white thread, I would probably go with the classic Van Gough sun flowers, but I am pretty partial to the rabbit as well. Check out more details here, and you can buy the masterpiece pattern sheet for only € 9 90 here! Bargin.
Sophie xo


Ps: Above is what the masterpiece pattern set includes, an A0 of all 4 patterns in different threads, so you have plenty of time to make a decision! 


Thursday, 24 May 2012

Three Bad Seeds



Ever since I was a kid I have had an uncontrollable obsession with soft toys. I’m not sure why, I have just always collected them/given them all names and a life history. As I have got a little older, the obsession hasn’t stopped. If anything it has probably got worse because now I buy them myself….they are usually cat related. I found these adorable little toys when browsing tumblr earlier today, they are from Three Bad Seeds, a family business who hand make these little critters. Something I struggled with when I was a kid was picking a favourite toy, I didn’t want the others getting jealous, so picking some favourites to share now is proving pretty difficult. But ok if I had to choose one it would be the little cloud and rain drop… they have smiley faces people!! I really think I have to buy these for my wall, they are so adorable. I really urge you to check out their website and Etsy…because otherwise I feel bad on the other toys!
Sophie xo







Thomas Paul




Around this time of year people get itchy feet when it comes to home decorating. I was saying yesterday about how around this time I always feel like a bit of change is needed, I need new things to brighten up the place a little ready for summer.  One thing I think everyone has a bit of a ‘thing’ for is cushions, I don’t know why but everyone just loves cushions! And when I saw these little bad boys from Thomas Paul, I knew they where my summer numbers. Each cushion feels so exciting and fresh, the playful use of a more classical style of illustration really works, and they don’t just stop at pillows. These designs come in shower curtains, tea-towels, throws, scarves – the lot! My particular favorite has to be the octopus shower curtain, it’s actually amazing! Although I am rather partial to the whale pillow covers as well! For more details visit the website.
Sophie xo






Further Products




Ever since I started my job in a Spa section several months ago, I have realized I have become a bit of a soap snob! I am allergic to a fair few things in soaps, so am naturally pretty picky but lately I have become a snob as well and will only use the best. Now I have admit I have never used these products, but I love the look and feel of them and can’t wait to get my hands on some! Further are a family run business that aspire to create beautiful cleansing products that not only get you squeaky clean but also uplift your soul a little. Completely made out of wasted grease from restaurants, it is one big circle as founder Marshall infuses the grease with beautiful smelling oils and pops them right back into the restaurants he took the grease from. It’s an eco-friendly, beautiful smelling and looking product, their branding is nice and simple, just like the soap. No matter what your style is these little numbers will fit perfectly for every home! Visit the website for more details.
Sophie xo


Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Hanne Rysgaard Ceramic milk jugs



I have realized that whenever the weather is nice outside, my whole interior needs to change with it. I try to keep my surrounds nice and bright and cheery during the winter months, now that summer is here I feel like I want something cute, warm and homey. I am not usually a fan of things that are overly kitsch, it just kind of all looks the same and annoys me a little. However, I really love these little porcelain milk jugs, I have seen a lot of them around recently but these ones from Hanne Rysgaard Ceramics have particularly caught my eye. They are cute and fun, and would look adorable with some flowers in them, I’m thinking queens lace would be perfect…and about as far as I am willing to go in celebrating the Queens jubilee! I particularly love the little polka dot one and the cows! So adorable. You can buy them at Not on the highstreet, or visit Hanne’s website!
Sophie xo







Breakfast Express




It’s a well known fact that for most people, morning is the worst time of day. All that waking up and feeling like a slug, refusing to get out of your cocoon bed can be tough. If something can make me smile in the first hour of my waking up, I can be assured that the rest of my day is going to be pretty good too. So when I saw this amazing little breakfast train, it’s exactly what I had in mind. Named Breakfast Express from Reiko Kaneko, this little train features 3 carriages, an egg cup, toast rack and a little salt and pepper cellar. Each carriage is magnetic so you can join them or split them up. It’s made out of china, with little birch wood wheels, I just love it, and it’s so insanely adorable it would make a perfect gift. You can get is from SCP for £60, not bad for a smile every morning!
Sophie xo


Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Pantone Posters



I may have mentioned this a few times before, but how amazing is Pantone! They are just full of complete genius. Their constant rebranding of simple colours amazes me, first it as their planters then their mugs and now I have discovered their posters. What I really love about these is their simplicity, no need for anything fancy just letting that famous colour chart speak for itself. Each poster is £12, and they have a good selection of colour variations, my particular favourite has to be Coral, Blue/Green and Green, they would look so perfect aligned along a wall…I cant even describe it. I will now go to bed one happy chappy after finding these – smug. You can see all their colours here.
Sophie xo




Bartsch wallpaper



For so long now I have been trying to find some wallpaper that I absolutely love. When I first started writing the blog I was really into wallpaper, and think I kind of exhausted myself with wallpaper lust. So after a little break I’m back with a smasher. I am absolutely dying over these beautiful designs from Bartsch, a French design studio who create stunning wallpapers using some pretty nifty techniques – if I do say so myself. I love the use of the gold leaf effect, creating a reflective surface. I cant decide which is my favourite but I just love the little clouds and the rain, this would look adorable in a Childs room or in a toilet…I’m not sure why the toilet but I can see it now! Now usually I’m not a massive fan of black walls, but I also love the gold and black paper, it creates such a dark and moody wall but with those little golden circles I cant help but grin! Check out their range here.
Sophie xo




Monday, 21 May 2012

Roost Living



It's been a pretty slow Monday for me, I have felt like a bit of a slug for most of the weekend and that probably wasn't helped by all the chocolate and pizza I have just eaten. I was doing the daily browse and saw some amazing vases from Roost living, a home accessories company that are full of adorable little bits and pieces. It has definitely been a situation where I have sat trying to decide which pieces to show, as I am probably in love with pretty much all of their products. So to start are the original vases that drew me to their website, I love the textured pattern adorning the sides, they remind me of a pine cone! So autumnal (Yes, I'm aware it's meant to be summer but i'm planning ahead). Second is this adorable little artichoke range with Hankie, Tea Towel and Apron all with this cute little funny green vegetable. I am particularly taken with the apron, it would be probably just chill out in my kitchen as it's very very white! And lastly I couldn't resist including this little bandit cat doorstop…so adorable! I swear with the stealth my cats steal the sandwiches from my plate, they might as well be bandits! So check out their entire range here! They are now a firm favourite and beware friends of mine…next birthday they will be my first port of call!
Sophie xo




Friday, 18 May 2012

Basil and Cream from Mr Smith Studio



It’s Friday everyone, Yay! The weekend is almost upon us, for me Friday is kind of my weekend as I work Saturday and Sunday so I always get excited when Friday comes around. Today I want to share with you a favorite of mine from Mr Smith Studio, a furniture design studio that have created a beautiful range for Calligaris. In particular I am looking at the Basil Chair, this chair is inspired by a basil leaf with its slightly molded back and stalk like legs (Above.) I love its simplicity and really feel like it reflects nature in the beautiful mustard green colour. But it doesn’t stop there, to go with the Basil Chair is the Cream chair. This chair is inspired by a Creamsicle (I actually had to google that as I’m not sure what it is…it’s oneof these) The bright orange pop and pale beechwood combination make a real statement, but they also come in a white and pale wood combo, which also looks amazing. Both of these designs are real classics and I just love them! Check out the details here, you can buy both Basil and Cream at Heal's.
Sophie xo