Mary Middleton Design

Latin Loves {Part 2}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Another architect who’s House 6 takes my breathe away is by Marcio Kogan . I love the way the veranda has been reinvented here. It’s all about the inside/outside living

Brazilian architectural beauties {Latin Loves}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

I was doing some research on Brazilian architects and designers when I came across details of an annual show in Brazil called Casa Cor. Casa Cor is apparently the most important Interior Design exhibition in South America’s calendar. Essentially it's a large show home that the countries leading architects and Interior Designers turn into the finest design for a month. Two of the designers from 2011's show. Juliana Vasconcellos and Carlos Maia of Vasconcellos Maia Arquitetos Associados and Architect Gisele Taranto

Today over at Heart Home – BRIT POP

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Yes I did say Brit pop. Today over at heart home I’m talking about the Brit Awards and how Sir Peter Blake and his Brit Pop sensibilities can triumph in your home

Pancake Day {Yum Yum}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:18:00 +0000

Pancake Day is here and I’m so excited. It’s something my husband just doesn’t get worked up about but I do. As a kid it was a really big event in our household as it is the eve of Lent. In fact pancakes were the only thing we would have for dinner on Shrove Tuesday so my Mum would make millions of them – I’d always wanted to see how many I could polish off. I’ve tried to engage my DH in this foolish but fun dinner time ritual but he feels pancakes are dessert and therefore for after we’ve eaten our meal. My favourite is the very traditional lemon and sugar, but I do like nutella and banana too!

So here is my not-very-secret pancake recipe for you all to give it a try

Monday Inspiration – dogs and checks

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:18:00 +0000

I love a lazy weekend, I also love an active social weekend but this weekend was a lazy one. I spent my time consuming tea and hot cross buns and under a blanket of dogs. The gorgeous Wispa has joined our family “pack” and we had to introduce Milo (a slight jelly baby) to her. So it was a quiet one filled with family and dogs – glorious.

It was also a real jolt though to realise that a fabric I had “selected” this week was more of a favourite than I thought. In the picture above I’m sitting on a sofa covered in Linwood’s Roxburgh Kilmartin - which I helped to select last year. This week I’ve added it to a client short list with Linwood’s Skipness. A close second was the Ralph Lauren Westerly Tattersal. It seems I can't get checks off my mind at the moment - strange given spring is around the corner (hopefully!)

The Weekend Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:47:00 +0000

Another week nearly over and the weekend is nearly here. I’m off to visit my in-laws and meet their brand new puppy. Isn’t she the cutest? I hope Milo will be a good boy and take her under his wing, so to speak.

I think at the very least we need to bring a “welcome” gift to the new puppy and I think the below Sleep dog bed from Cloud 7 is fantastic. Not only is it made from organic cotton but it will fit in with any décor (also the people behind the company Petra and her other half are really very nice and love their dogs!). The rest? Well that’s just because really…. Who wouldn’t want to sit on that yellow sofa, under a blanket, having tea and cake off that set of crockery?

Timeout Thursday - Beaches, fires and good food

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:12:00 +0000

Before I was struck down with the dreaded lurgey I spent the weekend with my DH and two very dear friends. We stayed in the gorgeous little village of Burnham Market on the North Norfolk Coast. If you’re familiar with this part of the world you’ll know its know for its glorious deep sandy beaches and tumbling sand dunes. Burnham Market is quite upmarket and has a bit of a hot spot reputation – on our last 2 trips we spotted the musician David Gray and Amanda Holden the Britain’s Got Talent judge. The draw though here is the good food and spectacular beaches.

M.I.A – belated valentines wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:25:00 +0000

….due to technical difficulties otherwise known as problems accessing blogger my Valentines post is late. I hope you all had a wonderful day and that it was everything you planned.

So here’s my pick of sweet treats from pinterest

Monday Inspiration {Love is all you need}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Whilst this week heralds Valentines Day, I find it’s the little gestures that make all the difference and melt my heart. My husband left me the below message last week written out in matchsticks when he went away for business. So simple and made my day when I got up in the morning.

Today over at Hearthome {lights}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:54:00 +0000

What’s love got to do with it? Well everything, but it’s not another valentines gift list that for sure. Today over at Hearthome I’m sharing one of my true Loves – lighting. Which has everything to do with love as far as I am concerned.

What's your interiors love? Is it chairs? Is it rugs?

I wish I could…. Design Icons

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:47:00 +0000

The very first edition of Design Icons will take place this weekend 11 & 12 February 2012, in Amsterdam at Bedrijfsterrein De Overkant. The former shipyard has been completely restored into a charming waterside event location.

Choosing paint colour {not always easy}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:14:00 +0000

I have a day of choosing paint colour ahead of me so need to relax my eyes and find the right light. It’s always a good idea when choosing colour to have a really large paint sample - I paint mine onto lining paper. Too many people paint a square directly onto their walls that’s only about 10-15 cm. How is that possibly going to help? Also it will be a complete pain to paint over!

It’s also worth noting that colour changes when you put multiple coats of paint on. A room needs a minimum of two top coats and that means that your reference sample should be a minimum of 2 coats as well.

Dining Tables – Are you a round, oval or rectangular fan?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:13:00 +0000

Yesterday I was placing some orders for a project I started at the end of last year. The final pieces of the design are in motion including one of my favourite elements – a round dining table. I love round dining room tables simply because they allow the host to feel connected to everyone seated at the table. They enable conversation to flow so easily around the table and for everyone to feel included. Another reason I love it is that it works just as well in a formal or informal setting, they are inviting and guest-friendly and they shout pull up a chair and join in. Of course, not every home can easily accommodate a round table but many can – just ask an interior designer!

This is the table on order for my client from Neptune.com

Monday Inspiration – Black and Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:43:00 +0000

Miss Piggy is a classic example of a dramatic personality but she’s also a romantic. But she’s got a bit of Barbara Cartland and a bit more of Jordan in her. Plus she has a brand new make up line for MAC.

Miss Piggy is an Icon but her look in the MAC advert can translate into a strong dramatic interiors palette.

Image source pinterest, apartment therapy, decordiva, Cozamia and MAC

Shopping in Stockholm

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:44:00 +0000

I can’t tell you how good the shopping in Stockholm is. You are all going to have to go see for yourselves. I was blown away by the little independents in Stockholm, I guess its partly to do with the fact that the UK high street has become so homogonous and frankly dull. I’ve already posted about my awesome visit to Svenskt Tenn here but I thought you might enjoy a quick snoop around some other stores.

I was particularly taken with the streets just South of Folkungagatan (known as SoFo), which are packed with interesting cool and creative shops.

Today over at Hearthome {Roses are Red}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Once upon a time Valentine’s day was all about getting away. I’d plan and scheme and research to get away for a “romantic” break. These days I feel kind of hoodwinked by the soaring prices and set menus on Valentines Day. Don’t get me wrong I still want the romance but now it’s less likely to be on the day Hallmark says I should celebrate. Today over at Hearthome I’ve highlighted 4 hotels to get away for some quality time with your loved one.

Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:26:00 +0000

So I’ve had a fantastic trip to Norfolk and fully embraced the R&R on offer. Now though I have a roaring cold and not fairing so well…. What I am craving though is comfort, warmth, new sinus’ and lungs….. Hopefully all will be well shortly and normal service will resume

All images from Pinterest

Monday Inspiration – give a little love

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:58:00 +0000

A little love goes a long way and this beautiful leather Elephant by Deru has been loved. I came across this peaceful and noble creature via Sam Kaufman’s gallery, unfortunately it had already been sold by the time I spotted it. He’s from the 1960’s by a German company called Deru and made from a single piece of leather that has been folded, molded, crimped and stitched. He has a gorgeous patina to him with scratches and staining but all it does is add more character and make it more realistic. Such an amazing shape too.

A truly loveable object. This lovely fellow made me think of my love for vintage.... yes when do I not dream of vintage.
Read more »

The Weekend Wish list

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:29:00 +0000

So the weekend is fast approaching and I’m skipping out to the country for some R&R with my best beloved and some friends. It’s going to be good food, great walks and some fabulous company…. Can’t wait.

The icing on the cake would be the below. •*¨*•.¸a new stripy jumper (a wardrobe staple for me), a large umbrella with a proper handle (as you never know with English weather), a scented candle and a very comfy chair for our room and the all important robust bucket bag for all my essentials¸¸.•*¨*•

Product source

1) Jean Shop LEATHER TOTE BAG from Mr Porter

2) PP19 teddy bear chair by PP Møbler from Skandium

3) Cire Trudon Candle from Papillion

4) APC striped fine knit from Net a Porter

5) Swaine Adeney Brigg Oak handle umbrella from Mr Porter

Today over at Heart Home – pale and interesting

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Well, spring fashion is hitting the shops and it’s only a matter of time before the new home accessories and interior lines do as well. Today over a heart home I’ve showcased how the latest pastel shades are likely to make an appearance.

It was only yesterday I was talking about romantic interiors and if that’s your style there will be products on the horizon for you. BUT this is a style and trend you can have a go at yourself – a little bit of diy. If spring is drenched in the palest of shades its time to head to haberdashery department (or a fav of mine VV Rouleaux) and get your hands on ribbon and fringing, it’s so easy to add to existing cushions.

What’s your style? {Romantic interiors}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:47:00 +0000

I love looking at interiors. It cannot be helped, for me it’s a compulsion. I truly spend a disproportionate amount of time looking at photographs of interiors and when I stumble across a really beautiful product, vignette or room I file it away or pin it. Back in the early days these were literally torn from magazines and scrap booked – how quaint! Over the years I’ve got better at tagging them with a nomenclature or theme (but unfortunately not consistently with the same name….. arghhh)

So what draws me to a particular room? Sometimes it’s the colour, the composition or its conceptual and other times it’s just that it “grabs” me. It’s funny though to look back at early items tagged and sometimes find that they no longer stimulate my senses. Is this because I’ve fine-tuned my aesthetic or just that I’ve seen similar a thousand times now? However it’s a useful reference library and something I have been delving into recently in preparation for a workshop I am co-hosting this week with stylist Abigail Bowen of brightoncmb.

Timeout Tuesday - sandy beaches & smugglers

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:46:00 +0000

If you’ve never been to the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex you might want to consider a day trip. Perched on a hill overlooking the Romney Marshes this ancient town has been an important Tax free trading port, a naval base, a fishing port and a market town. Whilst from the late 12^th century it was part of the Cinque Ports Confederation by the time the 18th and 19th centuries rolled around smuggling gangs were notorious in Rye. It might be harder to imagine today as the town now sits approximately two miles from the open sea.

Monday Inspiration {an ice dragon}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Today Monday January 23^rd is the Lunar New Year so Gong Xi Fa Cai to you all. It heralds the year of the dragon and people born in the dragon year are meant to be a hotheaded bunch, but they are to be respected and honoured. Well wouldn’t you be if you breathed fire ;)

But the amazing Monday inspiration is a 137ft ice dragon at the centrepiece of the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival as the Chinese get ready to welcome in their New Year. Wow what lighting too…..

Home 2012 at Earls Court – my top 5 favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:31:00 +0000

On Monday afternoon I spent a merry couple of hours seeing lots of new products and meeting new people at the newly launched Home show at Earl’s Court. Scouring the stands for great new products I spotted many lovely items. Here are my top 5 who caught my eye with their delicious designs.

StrikAholic’s Danish designer Dorte Niedziella has designed a lovely collection of Childrens’s organic bedding. Fun design’s that include graphics that represent the paper dolls that I had as a child.

Årytrays had a wonderful design by British textile designer Asta Barrington called Folk Stripes which had an intricate embroidery style detail. Reminded me of a brightly coloured spirograph!

Mibo’s playful graphics are addictive. The new kids range of bags and T-shirts they have created for French company coq en pate will be available from June. I think the fox is my favourite. I can just imagine a small cluster of kids with these great backpacks on – too cute. Plus have to support a fellow Brighton & Hove resident!

Stockholm – a pilgrimage to Svenskt Tenn

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Middleton Design) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:42:00 +0000

Before Christmas (I think everyone knows) I went off to Stockholm for 5 days. It was my first trip and solidified my love for Scandinavian design and also for Stockholm, a fantastic city to spend time in.

High on my to do list was to visit Svenskt Tenn the most amazing interior design shop located on Strandvägen - with a Royal Warrant no less. Ever since I first came across this brand I have been dying to visit its HQ in Stockholm; there is an outpost in Liberty’s in London. It was founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson (a pewter artist and teacher) who hired the fantastic Josef Frank who was an Austrian architect fleeing the Nazi regime. He is famous for the majority of the boldly patterned fabric in Svenskt Tenn’s collection and many of the furniture designs.

I have a love affair with Josef Frank’s fabric and have several patterns happily resting on my own sofa as cushions. I can also admit to being the recipient of some lovely items from the store for Christmas too (thank you DH!).