Ally Interiors

Birmingham NEC - or not

2012-01-25T14:51:00.006Z

I didn't go this year, sprained ankle from November meant I was unlikely to enjoy the day walking acres of halls, losing my way- not getting somewhere in time to enjoy the champagne bar or fresh sandwiches.( you need to get to those stands first)

If you are on twitter you can see what people have been really excited about at #interiorsuk

Thankfully over the last 25 years I have got to know a lot of people and their products/ ethos, so I see them and get samples/ books :)) I am also a sourcer, so I do hunt things out.

There is a revival with good solid UK furniture- not cheap Chinese imports so expect to pay a bit more.

Some Meccano style colour lighting, colour flexes- punkish looking cushions.

Not everyone, dare I say anyone, does these shows now.

Ercol were there.

Ercol Furniture is a great UK solid wood furniture manufacturer.
Went on one of their inhouse courses on their business site in High Wycombe over 20 years ago, was impressed then- impressed still.

Standing joke was where did all the dust from the sanding of furniture go. G-Plan was across the road.

There is quite a lot of this pattern around, in wallpaper and textiles.

I think I may have seen enough of it already, but appears to be a highlight.

And where some magazines have been going on for ages about zingy orange being "in" this year- I don't think so.

Grey/ clay/ yellow anyone?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-latest-from-paris-maison-objet-highlights-

Wallpapers

2012-01-23T18:47:00.002Z

I do blog a lot of wallpapers, these are some more from not widely available suppliers.
Expect to pay around £100 a roll, and as always with anything you see on my site, do ask me for a price.

Monochrome

2012-01-17T21:00:00.004Z

Black, white and shades of grey are as popular now as they ever have been.

This geometric wallpaper is by Cole and Son. Released late in 2011, it is sure to be popular.

3- dimensional effects have been around for a while, and you would have to be brave to use on all walls, but as a feature wallpaper this is sure to create a high level of interest.

Romo Fabrics Marenka range is not new.

I used the cushion fabric here for curtains and pelmet in an Art Deco style diningroom back late 2008.

It is still a great range, and the style shot shows it is possible to successfully team patterns to great effect

"Amaya" is a fabulous new collection by Linwood Fabrics.

The range comprises a mix of curtain and upholstery weight fabrics.

Stunning and luxurious are the words that spring to mind.

Carlucci di Chivasso have introduced a wild range for 2012.

"Exposure" teams animal prints with skull motifs and some really innovative designs.

As usual with Carlucci, the byword is "sumptuous".

Bold, dramatic- elegant and utterly workable.

Byron & Byron "polmets" are elegant and decorative.

Perfect for a minimalist window treatment without being plain.

Go Bespoke

2012-01-09T20:34:00.004Z

I love Jan Cavelle furniture! Gorgeous designs, beautiful finishes, a great company to speak with.

They have a really large selection of consoles,dining tables, chairs, bedsides- you name it they will make it. With over 30 fantastic wood finishes, loads of paint colours- glass, mirror, resized, gilt leaf, customer own fabric. A designer's dream.
What used to be almost exclusively available to showhome designers is available to discerning private clients, with help from people like me. I haven't even mentioned the handles you can have!

The Langley console table shown in faux burr walnut is just beautiful. I love this finish, almost Art Deco. I had similar piece in my shop and it was just beautiful.

This fabulous chair is one of many that can be made in customer's own fabric and available in different wood colours.

Buying a dining table is easy, what sets it apart are the chairs.

Imagine this in a white finish with delicate paisley pattern around an old farmhouse table, or in dark wood with orange back and green seat? Or black frame red geometric fabric?

Get the picture!

The Darcy chest shown here in faux wenge with contrasting drawers in mother of pearl, 920mm wide and 800mm high. All of the Jan Cavelle pieces are robust, heavy, and really generous size- as well as being fabulously made.

The Darcy chest starts from around £1200.00 depending on finish, the chairs from around £400 each. So, if that dining table looks like it can carry on but your chairs are looking non nondescript- you know where to invest your cash. Do call me with your enquiries.

Inspiration

2011-12-29T13:22:00.005Z

These fun chairs are by Cult Furniture . Use in an all white family dining kitchen, either with a white table or an old heavy pine one.
Great statement.

A white background with a splash of colour. This image via Harlequin Fabrics offers a clean minimalist look with some style. Mismatched chairs, a hint of lemon and grey- with the main accent being the lemon. I don't know about you, but the random dark cushion looks out of place. A simple lemon and grey stripe would have worked better.
Remember if using a white background curtain fabric use a white lining material, not cream or off white.

Another pale scheme, this time white and powder blue.

This spectacular light is from Ochre
Very simple, but very stunning.

Solid cast bronze stems holding 46 LED bulbs. It measures 1-55 cm

Why can't a radiator be a work of art?

This Cordivari radiator can be screenprinted to almost any design and suitable for all areas from livingrooms to bathrooms.

Sanderson wallpaper have some great designs.
The "feature" wall has had its day, so be prepared to buy more than 3 rolls when decorating.

Another great light, this time from Baga.

Nickel finish with newspaper print shades and crystals.

Priced around £2500.00,it is certainly a unique piece.

Roche Bobois have been around for 40 years and still going strong.

This fantastic combination shown is certainly versatile. Bright Moroccan jewel colours that are interchangeable and as unique as you want. You can use your own fabric, but they do have a very good selection.

The dark rug defines the seating area almost as much as the almost closed square of the furniture.

This decorative indian rug is from a massive selection from RugMerchant Although this is machine made, rather than hand knotted, these traditional designs never disappear. You just have to think "New York loft apartment" and see lots of these scattered through the rooms.

Finishing here with a traditional couch upholstered in a Linwood fabric. The country cottage look will never leave us.

Well upholstered with the pattern on the cushions following repeat on main frame. When you are having something reupholstered, do be specific about how the pattern will work. ie: stripes look awful on buttonback pieces.

If you would like further information or prices for any of the above items, feel free to contact me.

Looking back through 2011

2011-12-21T13:37:00.007Z

Just a little personal journey of things I found interesting.

I have already commented here on the B&Q edible garden which won Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

9 metres tall and a perfect example of how easy it can be to grown your own veg and herbs.

Just a great lifestyle image- oh should we have the weather to take our life outdoors in such a permanent way!

Who would care cushions, curtains, wallpaper- it would be all about lighting and palms, pools and martinis...

Hark back to the vertical edible and we have cgi of proposed Milan apartment block.

Mature trees on each level.
I have slight reservation as I can see my back door step needs sealing as water kicks in and weakens it.

But it's a great idea. Read more here

Love this ammonite concrete basin. I have showed this in previous post, but reminds me of a link to the Alasdair Gray book "Lanark". The teacher sees a boy has drawn a shell with charcoal and it looks heavy. She replies, but it's a delicate fragile thing. He replies, but to the creature inside, it was his fortress,his armour.

Must have read that book 25 years ago, still remember. Like to think here, concrete and delicate shell again work well practically.

As we are in a country that is cold to cool most of the year, why not have a "cool" radiator.

In this blog I have mentioned a few outside feature fireplaces- but these are seriously good heat radiating machines that also look great. You can even have them screen printed with your holiday snaps!

http://radiatinginteriors.co.uk/

Can't do with out this!

Practical, easy, recharges, works. G-Tech

Christmas is Coming

2011-12-06T13:17:00.007Z

'Tis the the season to write lists. Christmas card lists, food lists, present lists.

So here are a few interior/ design ideas.

1.If having visitors to stay, do buy new sheets and duvet covers- a throw at the bottom of the bed shows you care.

2.The smallest room in house can be interesting too! Red towel, scented tea lights and a funky toilet roll.

3. Wrapping presents: simple paper, some nice ribbon, a party popper or last year's cracker gift attached can make a small gift look amazing.

4. Smarten up those dining chars- 1 1/2 metres of fabric should do 4 chairs. Borrow a staple gun and voila!

5. Scented candles are a must, cinnamon, pine or Christmas Memories.

6. Fabric napkins always look good. Use any plain or slightly patterned fabric, hemmed and you are done.

7. A wreath for the front door always looks good. Wire, moss and whatever decorations you have to hand. Here is my handmade. I trimmed off some fake boughs, made into circle and added decoration.

8. Mince Pies. Much more fun and very easy to make. 250g flour, 125 butter or lard 75gm sugar and and an egg with little milk to reach right consistency- perfect pastry.

9. A Christmas Tree- any kind, Christmas isn't the same without one. I prefer a real green one- but lots of funky pop up ones available now.

10. Friends and family.

Radiators

2011-12-04T20:40:00.002Z

Some pretty stunning radiators brought to my attention by Radiating Interiors
They have huge range, so do have a look at their website.

All White

2011-12-04T13:54:00.003Z

Years ago walls were typically painted magnolia, beige, or cream. Now you are more likely to find that the whites have taken over.

White, far from being an industrial stark hue reserved for hospital wards and sold typically in over sized tins, can be calm and relaxing -or bold and daring. Take your pick!

Finding the right shade of white can be difficult though. Many appear very much more like a definite colour thinned down. While others like the Farrow and Ball range here really require a tester pot and at least 3 coats of paint.

White absorbs and reflects light and colour. A cornflower white may look particularly blue in a darker room, and as much as the almond shade looks good on the front of the tin, it may clash with your red.

Have a good look at the choices of white if buying furniture. Some whites may appear more cream once installed in your room. Paint a sample card with your chosen shade and carry it with you when looking for furniture or curtains.

White bedrooms are nothing new. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's design of the White Bed Room at Hill House dates from 1903.

In complete contrast to the rest of the house, the White Room is cool and elegant. Here the form and line of the furniture is highlighted, and the white is an effective background for the delicate stencilling and decoration.

This fabulous and fun kitchen diner relies completely on the bright accessories. Here the form of boxy boring units vanish into thin air almost as the kitsch choice of red based fittings become the centre of attention. The odd smattering of yellow and green a nice distraction too.

Voyage Fabrics

2011-11-22T11:51:00.002Z

The new Voyage Country is imaginative, well produced and very workable. A mix of prints, checks, stripes and weaves- the collection is produced on 2 background shades, white and natural linen.

All are perfect for curtains, and some are suitable for upholstery. Strathmore, shown as the large check cushion, is 100% cotton and not only great for upholstery use, but machine washable.

The colours are fresh and clean, and certainly versatile. Although predominately neutral there are some reds and purples in there too.

Neutral background colours they may well be, but a closer look reveals all matter of quirky fauna and flora.

There are the River Fish shown here, squirrels and welly boots, ducks, chickens and nuts.

The designs are also small enough in pattern repeat in most cases to be used as cushions, small blinds and as an interesting pelmet for plain curtains.

All of the fabrics drape well, with the collection comprising from a mix of cottons, linen and viscose. I am a local stockist so do e-mail with your enquiry. And do have a look at Voyage own website to view the full collection online.

Christmas Ideas That Don't Cost the Earth

2011-11-16T12:51:00.007Z

"Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat.."

They may be the only ones enjoying a good life, many people are in the worst recession since the 70's, and money is tight.

All we want is a good Christmas, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Friends, family- if you are cooking for others, they all want to help. This year do let them contribute, a starter here, a cheese, the veg. It's your home and your electricity/ gas. It is all about the company.

Decoration- most of us have probably acquired enough to decorate a small town. If you are starting out, raid your parents loft. If you can't do that, ask a neighbour with holly growing in their garden if you can have some. North France has the most abundant mistletoe I have ever seen- but check if ok to bring into country before doing so, or asking friends who might be returning from there.
Branches, twigs, boughs of holly- as the song says. Less is definitely more, but indoor greenery is Christmassy.

Presents- Do you write a blog? One that has good info and others might like? Print it. WillowTreePress will print blogs, books, make up custom notecards, even make the fledgling business person in your family their own business cards.

Books- everyone loves a good book.
What if it came with its own gorgeous bookmark? Sherieann Jewelery have a great range, £3 and free UK delivery.

An inexpensive "vintage" find of a book and a lovely keep forever bookmark.

This company do a range of boys wristbands, bracelets and other crafty finds!

Use some imagination,remember a lot of last year's presents have ended up in charity shops!

Wrapping paper - Quirky paper such as old comics, tissue paper with ribbon, brown paper, newspaper. Just make sure ink print won't stain gift. Or cheap gauze and netting .

Attach a sprig of holly, a tealight, a miniature Baileys, last years christmas cracker finds (ha, now you know what to do with that mirror/ toolset/ baby charm).

A few ideas, I will add to this post.
Maybe it takes a Recession to remind us of a better meaning of Christmas- time spent with friends and family.

Stylish Bedrooms

2011-11-15T19:17:00.005Z

We have all seen the bedroom with the feature wallpaper, so I thought I'd find a few more unusual rooms. This Art Deco inspired scheme has some very clever ideas.

The large expanse of wall behind the bed has been broken up with a "frame" feature, and the symmetry of the headboard and lamps create a perfect focal point.
A simple neutral based colour scheme works perfectly with a red/ orange toned accent colour. The quirkiness of the furniture and the bold patterns on the headboard and carpet create a beautifully executed and comfortable room.

Here we have a clean textured wallpaper, simple curtains, silvered furniture and a feature headboard and accent throw.

When you have a short window it is worth incorporating blackout lining into the curtains so that when they are closed, they look perfect- without any residual light showing through. The fitted quilt on the bed echoes the clean lines in the room

This is a very lovely Guest room. A small central window is made to feel larger by the use of patterned wallpaper behind the beds which has the appearance of curtains. Light voile curtains and a working roman blind to match the wallpaper add to the clean breezy feeling.
Using the same pattern for the fabric on the beds keeps this room unfussy but entertaining.

As with the first bedroom, white bedding accessorised with a contrast pattern or colour definitely works.
An interesting touch is the textured carpet, which enhances a rather rustic charm, balancing the very flowery print.

Altogether this room has a very light and lovely look.

Some tips:
Harlequin is one company that has a very complimentary range of wallpapers and fabrics.

When fitting a large headboard, fix it to the wall using mirror screws. Depending on the fabric you use, buttoning the headboard will minimise any joins in the fabric.

By reducing the contrast between walls, carpet and furniture rooms will appear larger.

Don't be afraid to experiment with strong colours- but do make sure that the fitted wardrobes do not dominate the room. The bed is the focal point.

What is Interior Design

2011-11-09T12:23:00.004Z

Le Corbusier said that "a house is a machine for living in".

Ruskin said " In my house there is no attempt whatever to secure harmonies of colour, or form, or furniture.... I am entirely independent for daily happiness upon the sensual qualities of form or colour--when I want them I take them either from the sky or from the fields."

Robert Owen, Lord Lever, the Cadburys are all great visionaries who changed the way we live and the homes we live in. Charles Mackintosh,well his chairs may not have survived but his design does.

The term Interior Design may have first been used to describe the intensity of decoration that first found its way into the places that could most afford it- the churches. The exultant extravagance of an organisation full of gilt and gold, whilst their neighbours struggled to find candles they could afford.
I doubt interior design referenced including a nook for a candle in some cave dwelling.

But wait, weren't the best interior designers also architects, philanthropists,artists, town planners?

You have four walls, a ceiling and a floor- what can be so difficult about decorating that? And you are right, watch any of the design programs on television and what a chore it becomes. I have been involved in a 60 Minute Makeover where we supplied an item for free 6/8 weeks before.
Paint a room beige, take current supplier colour trends and you have it.

But will any of the current popular "interior designers" be remembered in 50 years? Maybe quite literally they have looked at 4 walls and a floor and thought "neutral". The last group of people I saw worth calling themselves interior designers belonged to Memphis Design. Or maybe now people start to realise that interior design is not just pink this season, purple next- but part of a way to live and function well.
Interior architecture.

Interior design may be about creating a beautiful(sic) space- but it is all about the "machine" that helps us act and work and live to our best ability.

There are many people who do that with intuition, product knowledge and understanding how a client lives , albeit on singular and small scale. But really some just don't understand the principles properly.

Thanks to Ann who quoted Corbusier and reminded me how great he is.

Decorating your Entrance Hall

2011-11-02T10:41:00.008Z

We may not all have an entrance hall on the grand scale of this beautiful Bauhaus foyer,but with some thought we can have one that is equally interesting.

Have you ever watched "Come Dine With Me" and looked in horror as the host could barely squeeze their guest through the front door, a peg to the side so overladen with coats the door would not fully open?

Or another where the hall is so large the disproportionately small console table is lost in this cavernous waste of space?

No such problem here, the floor design and artwork are in perfect scale for this foyer.

Here, a small hall is kept simple with the clever use of Farrow and Ball paint. The balance of the colour tones and the contrast on the arch and handrail, add interest and definition.

The cupboard to the side, which could be housing a radiator, is detailed enough without the need to add more pattern to the walls or stairs. The roman blind is pulled up high inside the window which has a beautiful frame.

And note the direction of the wood flooring? This could be original, but it also accentuates the width of the space and runs neatly along with the other horizontals on the stairs and cupboard.

The only real accents are the arch, handrail and small picture- whose frame balances the colour of handrail.

This hallway is reminiscent of many Victorian terraced properties in this country. Long and narrow with little natural light.

Many of these houses have front doors with glass panels above- this is called borrowed light. The light here is seen coming from a bright kitchen area and possibly a landing window.

If you look closely you will also see many wall lights, a large mirror, shiny floor and polished console table. All of these "tricks" will enhance the feeling of light in this area.

Avoiding clutter is key to narrow spaces. Light walls give a feeling of breadth, and the runner adds detail to a beautiful staircase.

Every hall needs at least one point of interest.

Make the most of the shape of the floor, use mirrors and invest in good lighting.

But for goodness sake, lose the clutter.

And,as with everything in life, the key is balance.

Small Kitchens

2011-10-29T15:54:00.002+01:00

Every cook wants a lovely new kitchen. Doors and drawers that effortlessly close, good worksurface space, lots of sockets- a table and flatscreen tv.
But what if your kitchen is like mine.

More a scullery than a kitchen, somewhere to serve food made elsewhere , not in the least bit modern.
I cook dinner for 5 here nearly every day and a 3 course Christmas dinner from here for around 7 people each year- with a Jamie Oliver 3 day duck recipe included.

What you can't see is the understairs cupboard which doubles as a bit of a pantry. And yes, I have no dishwasher. The bread machine is in the pantry and used at least twice a week. My spice rack is the one my brother made in Woodwork around 20 years ago.

Since this photo was taken the George Foreman has made way for a slow cooker, but pretty much the rest is the same.

Matching electrical appliances is good, lack of contrast walls and units opens space. Most important is ensuring there is no work surface/ drainer clutter. The flooring is Karndean and carries through into hall.

My windowsill is always full of herbs, tomato and pepper plants. We eat in the diningroom which has a sofa and tv, but we all sit at the table.

Yes, I'd like more space and maybe one day I can afford that kitchen extension. But for now, I am happy with my kitchen- and my cooking skills!

A few Glamorous Finds

2011-10-25T14:33:00.002+01:00

I see lots of interesting design products, so it takes something before I go wow.

This fridge is just one of many available by Italian company Coolors. The refrigerators themselves are made by Whirlpool then screenprinted.

Apart from the built in models, the freestanding ones are screenprinted on the sides too.

Their website has many more options including tulips, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

This delicate and smooth Ammonite washbasin is actually made from concrete by High Tech Design Products AG.

I think it looks effortlessly beautiful and I really hope to see more uses for moulded concrete.

On this blog somewhere is a moulded concrete sofa prototype which breaks the traditional stereotype of this workhorse of building material being used for something more decorative indoors.

Concrete is also more and more being used to manufacture worksurfaces in the kitchen. Exciting!

THG Niagara bath mixer tap is pretty stylish at around £542.00.

Available in chrome, nickel, gold and silver it also has matching bidet and basin spouts.

Yes, this a cooker hood. One of a range from Elica .

Just perfect for that kitchen island with an open griddle.

Made from glass and steel it is 47cm wide and takes 4 internal bulbs so doubles as efficient lighting too.

This company also do a matching air purifier, unusual idea which shows how forward thinking they are.

Mirrors

2011-10-24T14:47:00.002+01:00

There are many reasons for purchasing a mirror.
Firstly, you might want to see what you look like. You may want to check your make up or shave. You could also want to allow reflected light into a room, or make a room feel larger.

So how do you choose?

This is a stunning, highly decorative overmantle mirror. So called because it is usually positioned over a fireplace, hence the flat edge.

This particular one has extremely good reflective glass- as shown by the straight edge of picture rail and coving reflected through the 3 mirror panels.
Cheap mirrors cause the reflection of straight lines to bend and looks distorted.
Definitely worth investing in decent glass if reflection important.

Certainly, the larger the mirror, the more of the room is reflected and appears larger. Hence if you have a tiny bedroom, sliding mirror doors are great.

There are many shapes and styles. The startbust mirror here is more decorative than functional!

Positioning a mirror in a dark area where it attracts some light, will bounce the light out and make small spaces seem less shady.

If the mirror is in the bathroom, it is worth investing in one which won't steam up while you are in the shower. Many companies also offer an option of a magnifying mirror attachment.

Mirrors can also come in a multitude of frames. If you particularly want one without a frame, opt for a bevelled edge. This is where the "frame" is also mirror and slightly slanted.

When you find the right mirror, you won't regret it. And you will never replace it.

The Classics

2011-10-05T15:49:00.002+01:00

Good Interior Design is about getting things to work together to suit your life and the house. It's not about Fashion, more about good Style.

Just because magazines say you should have flat hard sofas in white with purple cushions and a random Ikea print, does not mean you have to! If that is what you want, then great. But you have a choice. And pretty sure after a month you'll rid yourself of "showhome" look and have an opinion of what you want.

Ulster Carpets have great range of plains and patterns. If don't like stripes, the tartan carpets are great halls and stairs especially.
They have a grey toned one I used in a 60 sq metre Hall and Stairs. Amazing!

Did anyone watch the RIBA Awards the other night?
Well done to Schools, anything that inspires people and makes them feel proud is a good thing.

There was a cantilever house reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright- no reference made to him- but here is a Lego version.

Do love the guy.

Working with Colour

2011-09-30T13:04:00.004+01:00

If someone asked me what my favourite colour was I would say "green". I don't wear that colour, I haven't decorated any rooms in green - but I do have a lot of plants and love my garden.

In the past my shop colours were purple, black and white- I have an aquamarine ring that brings me happiness. I am an Autumn baby and am drawn to the colours in this bracelet- they complement my hair!

The really lovely thing I like about the colours here, is also the woman who made it didn't feel the need to add an "accent colour". The colours, shades, tones- they just work perfectly together. Why unbalance with a strong rust or green. It's similar to tasting a perfectly made soup and marvelling at how wonderful it is- and appreciating how difficult to combine ingredients and get it right.

Bracelet by Sherieann-Jewelery
Good soup by a Seafood Restaurant Florida, a pub on the corner of High Street Warwick and a polysterene cup of Cullen Skink in Anstruther.
Bad soup- locally but gone now.

Girl's Bedroom on a Budget

2011-09-29T13:45:00.002+01:00

The key to decorating a girl's bedroom is to keep the main elements simple, and change accessories as they get older. If it's a smallish room, painting the furniture a light colour to blend in with walls will make the space feel a little less cluttered.

Changing the furniture handles/ knobs is easy enough to do, look out for end of lines or charity shop finds- they don't need to match just be same size and shape.

Keep the bedlinen white. Plain duvet sets and pillows can be dressed with patchwork throws and colourful cushions. If your daughter is into a particular theme- princess, fairy, horses- then find a metre or so of remnant fabric in that theme and use to make cushions. The backs of the cushions can be out of cheap lining fabric so you may even get 4 cushions from a metre of fabric.

Pompoms are fun to make and can be used to add detail to cushion corners or even attach to the bottom of blinds or across the top of curtains. Again lining fabric can be used to make inexpensive curtains, use remnant fabric to attach to leading edges or sewn across top to add interest.

I have used old faded bedding, clothes that don't fit, worn t-shirts and cheap second hand patterned dresses cut into squares and sewn patchwork style to make throws for beds and roman blinds.

Or why not have a go at making a chandelier? A hanging pendant fitting, wire twisted and a few baubles! Plenty of websites showing how.

Keep walls tidy by providing a metal notice board with magnets to hold pictures/ cards in place- rather than blu tacking to walls.

Hope you have fun with all the suggestions!

Shades of Purple

2011-09-27T18:59:00.001+01:00

Purple is still on trend as a popular colour choice in Interiors.

This purple wallpaper is particularly striking. It does work very well with black here.

From a wide selection available from Cole and Son

Romo have always had fabulous textured fabrics. These 4 fabulous shades are from the Zola range which boasts 29 great colours.

Pondicherry which is a Viscose/ Linen mix is a very subtle, delicate patterned fabric which despite its light handle is suitable for curtains and upholstery.

Available from Linwood

I do like the odd gorgeous and different chandelier. This is by Baga, an Italian company with some quite unique designs.

It's Not All Doom and Gloom

2011-09-01T13:49:00.005+01:00

Good bye Traditional Incandescent Light Bulb- hello Energy Efficiency. Whilst it has long been known that the day of the 100 and 60 watt traditional bulb would come to an end, trying to decide which bulb to choose now can be a bit of a shot in the dark.

The CFL, or Compact Fluorescent Lamp, is probably the one most people would recognise as "Energy Saving". These are not the most attractive of the bulbs in their open spiral form but are the most efficient. As the light "warms" up, they are best switched on 5 minutes or so before you use the room. The best ones will last up to 15 times longer than the old incandescent style, and one thing you will notice is that there is substantially less heat emitted from them. The performance of this bulb can be affected by constant turning on and off.

But all is not lost, if you need a good looking CFL bulb, there are attractive ones out there- like this Globe shaped one.

Whilst the CFL bulbs are a bit clunky, it may well be that you need something more compact and elegant for a decorative ceiling light and a Halogen lightbulb is the answer. Still energy efficient, the light emitted from it is similar to an incandescent bulb.

LED bulbs are massively efficient. The great thing is that they can also come in a range of colours, unlike some standard bulbs which would require filters.
And also unlike the CFL lamps, the efficiency and length of life of this type of bulb isn't affected by being turned on and off frequently. This makes it ideal for cloakrooms, bathrooms etc.

More Memphis

2011-08-23T14:44:00.017+01:00

Memphis was, is a philosophy, a way of living.

"Memphis says that the design is never the "solution" to a problem, because no problem is ever a motionless event that can be isolated and grasped, but a changeable, versatile event continually revolving in the midst of other problems also in motion"- Memphis, Barbara Radice

They are the punk rational town planners/ designers. They designed towns, houses, furniture, fabrics, electrical items. They didn't want to create just a product, but an entire way of living.

Ettore Sottsass, Nathalie du Pasquier,George J.Sowden, Marco Zanini were the key players. They not only were exemplary designers, but great collaborators.

Most of all they had a dream- to create the perfect environment.

Related article - http://allyinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/08/memphis-design.html

Hard Flooring

2011-08-23T10:21:00.000+01:00

When you mention hard flooring most people would think real wood, laminate, sheet vinyl.

Harvey Maria have an amazing range of vinyl floor tiles in the usual woods and stone but also some exceptionally quirky designs- like this water effect. Hard wearing, easy to lay and extremely practical for all areas. The tiles allow you also to create your own designs mixing stripes and woods to great effect.

Other designs include grass, cork, feathers and bubbles!

Amtico is a pretty well known name both for residential and commercial installations. There is a fantastic range to choose from, with feature strips allowing you to be thoroughly creative too. Perfect for heavy used areas, you can achieve the wood look without worrying too much about maintenance. It is a very durable product in direct sunlight too

The leader of the pack in terms of durability has got to be good old linoleum. This product has been in continuous production for over 100 years at the factory in Kirkcaldy. I was lucky enough to visit there many years ago and it is an incredible site. The flooring is made up of overwhelmingly natural materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour... The interesting thing about it is that it actually becomes more resilient the longer it is down as it dries out. But it is incredibly supple to install. It is the flooring of choice for school kitchens, and because it is not a print, the design goes right through the product, even slight burns can be smoothed out.

Karndean is another household name, very similar to Amtico in design and installation- often unfairly dubbed "the poor man's Amtico". With all of these tile products it is essential to ensure that your subfloor is free of damp otherwise the tiles will lift, or cause the damp to escape and rise up the walls. Priming the subfloor is essential. Whether that be by laying ply or a latex screed. As always, if there is underfloor heating installed read the tog rating of each product and use a reputable floorlayer. Not all carpet fitters can lay hard floors.

Attention to Detail

2011-08-16T12:06:00.001+01:00

I think I do have a bit of a passion for lightfittings, and maybe for something just a bit different. I really like this one by Laura Kirar.It's called Leaves and Seeds and available through Arteriors.

Thibault Wallcoverings have always been a favourite supplier. A little while ago they began their distribution through Anna French, which has helped to keep their profile alive in the UK. Their designs range from the traditional Damask,through to the vibrant traditional prints with beads and crystals and on to to this texture range. They are an American company, so the wallpapers are usually wider width and sold in the double roll size for the UK market. As with all natural grasscloth papers, there is no seamless join. So what you see, is what you get.

With so many kitchens using a variety of materials, tile on floors, wood on units, corian for work surfaces- it's hard to know what to use for a kitchen island. What about glass? And a real designer piece! Of course, glass can be moulded into any shape, coloured in a variety of ways and is very tough. This is by Thinkglass.com

And at the bottom of this article we have shower drains. I have seen so many amazing ones recently. Round and square designer stainless steel drains that come in a variety of intricate designs, elegant wood shower drains, and this fabulous discreet linear shower drain which should be available through all good bathroom suppliers.

And had to include these taps by Thgusa.com! Wow!