national velvet

I have more than a penchant for velvet chairs (recently shown here), so imagine my delight when I found that my beloved Olly Bonas has a fine example in not one but EIGHT luxurious shades. I literally want one in each colour, mixed and matched with some striking cushions to make them stand out even more. But if I had to pick a favourite (a hard task, it must be the same for you parents), then I’d go for the turquoise… it has that certain je ne sais quoi. Apologies, French hangover. Which one appeals to you, dear readers?

{all products available at Oliver Bonas}

spotlight on: caitlin wilson design

If I were to entrust anyone to design my home, it would be Caitlin Wilson. The American interior designer, currently living in Hong Kong, has fantastic vision when it comes to colours and prints, and the finished look is always elegant yet playful. Caitlin is influenced by “international cultures and world history” and this brings a uniqueness to her designs, with pieces sourced from flea markets and local souks. The result, as you can see, combines classic and modern, with an unexpected twist. Count me in:

{images via Caitlin Wilson}

how the other half live: sheryl crow

Prepare to be just a teensy bit jealous. Not only is Sheryl Crow best friends with Jennifer Aniston, she also owns the most beautiful home in the Hollywood Hills that she decorated herself (I know, unheard of for a s’leb), and I’m going to hazard a guess that you’ll like it. Crow shares this Spanish Colonial hacienda with her two sons, three-year-old Wyatt and baby Levi, and without rushing she filled the rooms, piece by piece, often with items that she gathered whilst touring. The finished article shows the heart and soul that Crow put into the project, and it has an incredibly cosy (if such a mansion can be described as “cosy”) and personal feel. In particular I love the 19th-century iron and wood bicycle above the fireplace, the intricate tiled floors and, of course, that outdoor canvas pavilion. So if Crow and Jen-An invited me for margaritas round that pool, I’d be more than happy to oblige. I won’t hold my breath though.

{images via Architectural Digest}

fancy friday

I’m beyond excited at this point. I go on holiday tomorrow! One week staying at a villa in the South of France with my family and boyfriend, where I intend to do nothing but read books by the pool (including ‘One Day’ – I feel like the last person on the planet that hasn’t read it), eat French sticks and smelly cheese, and drink wine. And sleep. I’m also stupidly excited to be going on a plane journey that isn’t part of a work trip – it’s the simple things! I hope that you all have a lovely week. I promise to provide a few posts to keep you going with and even take a couple of snapshots in between naps, and I’ll see you on the other side. I guess I’d better think about packing…

{images via pinterest}
Now, I’m aware that I may as well call this feature ‘Diane Kruger’s Look of the Week’, but bear with me. It’s Kruger. In Elie Saab. That just can’t be ignored. I desperately tried to find an alternative, even convincing myself that SJP in a floral Prabal Gurung could challenge for the title. So I asked my boyfriend to cast the deciding vote… to be the ‘Simon’, if you will. He replied, “Kruger looks classy and elegant, SJP looks like a foot.” So that settled it, I went for the un-foot-like Kruger. As for my room of the week, I took one look at that gold and glass table and crowned it the winner. The white sofa, bold artwork and rug, and vibrant flowers are all gorgeous, but that table knows that it’s centre of attention:

{images via prphotos & decorpad}
I hope you have an amazing weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

hot trend: trellis print

The ‘it’ print at the moment is the ‘trellis’, an intricate and bold pattern that creates a real feature in any room. In the past the design incorporated flowers and vines, however today it’s been deconstructed to consist of plain colour on a plain background, with very geometric lines. To go the wallpaper route, you’ve certainly got to be brave, as it’s not a shy and retiring backdrop – solid white furniture can go especially well, or play up the garden theme with artwork featuring birds or florals. Of course if you think all those lines will give you a headache, add interest by opting for a rug, cushion or chair that incorporates the design. What do you think of the trellis – yay or nay?

{images via pinterest}