Saturday, 29 December 2012

Acne JR - Kranium storage Skulls



I love finding cute things to put in my kids room. I don't have any, and I probably won't in the next 10 years...but I still like to plan ahead!! These cute little storage skulls are from Acne JR, a Stockholm based design company who specialise in making iconic traditional toys with a modern twist. These little critters are perfect for all those little bits and pieces which don't have a home, and would be ideal for a boys room. I prefect the unpainted version as it's a bit more raw, but the all white definitely has charm too! They also do this balloon print which is just adorable! Perfectly simple and will fit in with any décor! It comes in 5 colours so you have plenty of options!
Sophie xo




Friday, 28 December 2012

Norm - Menu teapot



It's not very often that I start my new years resolutions a few days before. If you read my post yesterday, you will know what it is, and low and behold I have already begun! Today I fell in love with a teapot. It was like love at first sight. I couldn't contain myself, I was like a unruly teen where no amount of good sense would ever get through! This bad boy is from Norm, a design duo who started out in architecture but have now broadened their horizons into product design. The collection is called Menu, and it is quite frankly amazing. Clean simple lines combined with small quirky details are inspired by the scandinavian style of architecture. This is no fuss, no nonsense design, Just how I like it! The simple ball shape which holds the loose leaf tea is on a silicon 'rope' it can be held in the tea for desired brewing time, then hoiked up ready for pouring. I just love it so much and can't wait to start my new adventure!
Sophie xo


Thursday, 27 December 2012

Tea Queen Dream!




Every year we all do the same thing – make up ridiculous new years resolutions. I for one can remember some pretty stupid resolutions, one was 'get my nose pierced'...I don't even think that is one. This year I have decided to go for something simple which I already love, but just need too improve. This year I will learn about Tea. Yep, tea. I will learn the differences between a Oolong and rooibos, I will brew my tea for the correct time and be a little more adventurous than English breakfast. I have already found two of my new favourite haunts, the first is The Tea House in Covent Garden, they sell 70 different types of tea and is just the place to get a good selection going. The second is Postcard Tea just off of Oxford street, a hot spot for exotic teas coming hand picked from all over the globe. I am particularly looking forward to trying Postcard teas Coffee Blossom black tea from Sri Lanka. Now all that remains is for me to find the perfect brewing machinery to make my tea queen dream come true! I am so determined to get my tea hat on it's untrue! I feel like this year will be a gooden!
Sophie xo



Tuesday, 25 December 2012

The Knit Menagrie



Merry Christmas everyone!!! This comes to you at half past 12 so technically it's christmas!! I hope you all have a lovely day and get really fat on turkey and drink far too much sherry!

However, on a completely different note, I was thrilled when at 3 o'clock this morning one of my buddies had an adorable little baby girl (she has so much hair!) Although it's christmas, I have still been searching for a little present to take round when I go for my first visit – which I am very excited for. I think I have found a winner, part of a collection of The KnitMenagerie these little critters are the perfect soft cuddly toy for a new born. They are made from cotton wool and have little felt patches on, I like them because they are a little different to your standard teddy bear. They come in hippo, bear, turtle, zebra and elephant. I am thinking the hippo – I love that pink and yellow colour combo! You can get them from The Land of Nod.
Sophie xo




Thursday, 20 December 2012

G&T Brogue table



We are all familiar with the concept of products taking on the role of another product. For example a hat becoming a lamp. But I both love and admire when this is done subtly and artfully. This brogue table is the perfect example of just that, an object taken - brogues - and changed to fit another purpose – a table. Ok so fair enough maybe it doesn't look like a shoe but the skills are there, the inspiration of the handcrafted leatherwork is there and the smart business image is most definitely there. This table is the perfect elegant assistant to any living room, it's the detail of the stitching which for me makes all the difference! It's from G&T, a collection created by Bethany Grey and Thomas Turner.
Sophie xo




Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Sarah Bagshaw



I looooove me a good hearty pattern design, especially when that design also works well in a print. Some occasions the two just don't work together but most of the time they work splendidly. I saw this print from Sarah Bagshaw and loved every single element. The orange semi-circles that remind me of edam or melon, that luscious fresh minty green background, that slightly offset of print which makes it look just that wee bit more individual. For some reason – it's making me hungry for cheese and crackers. This would look perfect in a kitchen, but the beauty is everyone will see something different and have their own feeling attached to it. All of Sarah’s work is beautiful and would look brilliant of a cheeky bit of fabric to decorate a chair! You can buy prints on Society6 or contact her for specific printing.
Sophie xo
Ps: Just died and went to heaven a little - she also has a range of iPhone and iPad cases!!! Score.




Monday, 17 December 2012

Kate Spade Scallop collection



Just a quick one from me this evening, as I am currently incapacitated trying to fight off this nasty vomming bug that seems to be sweeping the country at the moment. The worst is yet to come – but I'm hoping lots of sleeping and more sleeping will mean I can avoid the inevitable! But anyway I just had to share these super cute pieces of scallop jewellery from Kate Spade. The whole scallop trend is sort of over – but who cares they are adorable! I am particularly in love with the tiny little ring, each one is hand crafted and for only $38 will be on my new years treat to me list!
Sophie xo




Saturday, 15 December 2012

The Tri-angles from Papier Tigre




I have to admit – for me the whole geometric style is still going strong. I know I have been an avid fan for a while now, but I can't get enough of that sci-fi feel. I love this set called The Tri-angles from Papier Tigre, they remind me of something you would find in a paper mâché spaceship! Each kit contains 8 boxes with only 4 having lids, this enables you to get a little creative and place them in whatever way you want. I love the idea of keeping all my little bits and pieces in these on the wall. They are a quick and simple way of making some stunning storage for your office!
Sophie xo




Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Gail Bryson plates and bowls


I think I just died and went to dinner plate heaven! These sexy little numbers are designed by Gail Bryson who is probably better known for her print work. Each and every one is hand painted, so for every set no two will ever be the same. They are simple but have just that right amount of popping colour to please both the modernist and the eccentric in me! I particularly love the dip-dye style side plates. You can buy them individually or as a set from Pedlars.
Sophie xo




Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Petra Boase paper pom pom balls




I have always admired the artfully casual look that can be created using the simplest of materials. Take these paper pom pom balls. A simple creation of light paper shaped into a honeycomb ball, but oh my are they effective! They are completely versatile too, fitting any occasion from kids parties to wedding or for just decorating the house. These ones are from Petra Boase who has a huge collection of different sizes and colours. I particular love the idea of having a few red 5” on a string for christmas! They really allow you to get your creative hats on and start planning a little instillation in your home.
Sophie xo









Monday, 10 December 2012

Tassel Ceiling light



How insane are these ceiling lights? I honestly don't think I have seen a light that quite hits the spot like one of these bad boys! It features a blown glass shade from which grows a meter long hand dip dyed tassel. It comes in a few different colours but I particularly like this golden brown, it reminds me of something you would find in an epic art deco ballroom. They are such a stunning statement piece I just love them! Plus, they are only £330, pricey but not too shabby for a serious conversation starter! The tassel is made by Jessica Light and you can buy them from Curiousa and curiousa.
Sophie xo



Sunday, 9 December 2012

Wahaca - Mexican food at home


This morning as I woddled to work I kept thinking how much I fancied a good slap-up Mexican. As I have mentioned before, Mexican is for somewhat of a family tradition. Mexican food never fails to cheer me up, no matter what it is there is nothing like the warm burn you get from a good chorizo and bean stew (one of my sisters specialities!) So I decided to treat myself and buy a book I have been lusting over for ages. And oh my word – I'm so glad I did! Thomasina Miers is the mastermind behind Wahaca, probably one of my favourite mexicans in London. I bought Wahaca - Mexican food at home, which is full of simple recipes full of flavour. It doesn't help that all the pictures make my mouth water and I just want to cook it all! I'm going to try this fit looking breakfast combo – corn pancakes, crispy bacon, fried tomatoes and avocado dip. My flatmates have also put an order in for Queso fundido with chorizo – essentially a tomato and chorizo sauce with a cheese fondu on top! I especially love the cocktails section at the back – can't wait to try chocolate and chilli margaritas! I will let you know how it goes!!
Sophie xo







Saturday, 8 December 2012

Cow & Co ceramic tiles


I know I did a post about ceramic tiles a few weeks ago, but I have been finding more and more amazing designs! For me, tiles are the new wallpaper. They add texture and life to a wall compared to plain flat paint or most papers. They can create optical illusions and allow the user to get a little creative. There are no rules to how you use them. I have seen bright popping moroccan patterns in a single strip along a white wall, it makes them into an exhibition rather than just tiles. I am loving Cow & Co's range, they have a little something for everyone. My favourite is probably this mustard and orange rib tiles, it's just so 80's! But also how sweet is the little swan pattern?! I'm not sure it would fit in my house, but it would make a cute alternative in a country kitchen.
Sophie xo






Thursday, 6 December 2012

Prefontaine Poster



I saw this and thought “Oh! It's so beautiful! I love the layout and the font!” Eagerly I waiting for the link to load, so I could find out how easily I could get my hands on this bad boy. And then it got a million times better. This poster was designed by Jessica Hische, who's work with typography always amazes me, I have been a fan of her work for a while. It's perfectly executed and visually stunning. For this poster all the proceeds go to fighting cancer. Most of us have had to dealt with cancer in some way or another – through friends, family or themselves, so to be able to contribute to fighting it even just a little is amazing. I'm not always one for inspiring quotes on posters, sometimes I guess they just don't inspire me, but this one definitely does. For me it says “stop being a lazy bum – get out there and suck it up!” I need this on my wall! You can get in from The Russians used a pencil, a blog full of inspiration for designers – definitely worth a read!
Sophie xo


Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Moon Clock - Kikkerland



I will be the first one to admit, I am a little geeky at times. But let's face it aren’t we all? Everyone has that one thing that they think is awesome but everyone else (bar like minded people) is like...errrmm cool? However, I think we can all agree that this is just plain awesome! A clock, with the face of the moon on it – yep cool. After turning the light out, this moon lights up for two hours. It's made up of around 60 images of the moon and has a slight dome to it, to make it just a wee bit more realistic. But I have to agree with the description “We can't decide if the Glow in the Dark Moon clock makes a room look more romantic or like science nerd central.” I would like to agree with the first option but I would be lying.
Sophie xo

Monday, 3 December 2012

Senor Picklesworth



Super adorable illustrations based on a little fella called Senor Picklesworth, a mexican chihuahua. Need I say more? Designed by Gemma Owens, each illustration tells the story of Senor Picklesworth and his travels around the globe in search of friends. Each place he visits, Gemma creates a new design based on the place. My favourite has to his visit to New York to see his buddy Coco the pug. I love this little cushion, the simplistic black outline with highlights of bright embroidery make this design perfect for any room, plus brings a big smile to my face. I love love love them!! Top of my (ever growing) Christmas list!
Sophie xo







Sunday, 2 December 2012

iPad Gramophones




So many times I have considered buying a classic gramophone, they look super awesome and make all music sound amazing. The only thing that always puts me off is how expensive the vinyls are. That is no longer an issue. These stunning gramophones from Restoration Hardware are for your iPad or iPhone, you simply plug it in and play! You don't need any electricity so it's perfect for travel. This is such and awesome unique gift for anyone. I want one so bad....so if anyone loves me lots...
Sophie xo