I know I can get a little enamoured with American house tours (in the past week I’ve posted this and this), but to be fair, as far as the celebrity houses go, Barbara Windsor, Bruce Forsyth et al don’t seem to be as forthcoming as their American counterparts in opening up their homes to judgement admiration from the general public. Selfish. But when it comes to products, I do try to stick as much as possible to showcasing local produce… items that are fundamentally native to the British Isles. Browsing through the latest copy of Country Living (whilst sitting in an English country garden, drinking elderflower pressé – could I be more of a cliché?!), I was bookmarking pages like there’s no tomorrow, keeping note of designers, makers and sellers that I haven’t come across before. So here are three examples of companies flying the flag for British design and retail.
Firstly, the adorably named Woop Studios. Founded by Miraphora, Eduardo, Harriet and Mark (a.k.a. the “Woopies” – erm, I think I love them), who were united by their love of graphic design, Woop have put a whole new spin on collective nouns. We all know the common ones (a pride of lions etc.), but here we’re introduced to the more unusual and downright charming of the terms. A bloat of hippopotamuses, anyone? The prints are all things bright and beautiful and, hey, it’s an education as well as decoration, which should appeal to all those competitive mothers out there. AND they partner with charitable organisations worldwide to assist in raising funds. Which practically makes them Angelina Jolie.

{all products available at Woop Studios}
Jane Booth’s ceramic collections are so pretty, they’re as mouthwatering as pastel macaroons (which incidentally are one of the things that inspire her, and it shows). She has five different collections, but my favourite is the ‘Confection’ range, as seen below. The colours combine effortlessly on terracotta clay, and I adore the rustic charm of her pieces and the dainty floral design. Very shabby chic. With pottery this beautiful, it’s just begging for open shelving and fresh flowers.

{all products available at Jane Booth Ceramics}
Idyll Home specialises in unique and eclectic homewear sourced from around the world. They had me at “unique”. This Shropshire-based business don’t sell anything that they don’t love (which is maybe why I like them so much, since I don’t post about anything I don’t love), and I came away from the website with an extensive wish list and a renewed love of pompoms. Go to the ‘Bed & Bath’ section and you’ll see what I mean. Graham & Green better watch their backs, they have serious competition for my affections!

{all products available at Idyll Home}
What do you think of my British selection?

I’m obsessed with beach houses. Which doesn’t take a degree to work out if you’re a frequent visitor to this blog. One day – and this is a promise that I’ve made to myself that I won’t break – I will own a house smack bang on the beach, and I have two preferred locations (if I win the lottery, then I’m having both): the south coast of (regular) England or New England. The reason for the latter is that some of my absolute favourite times were spent in Connecticut, in particular working here one summer. Although I’ve never visited Nantucket MA, I know that I would love it. I imagine it to be the Salcombe of New England, with quaint shops, a totally relaxed atmosphere and the sound of clinking masts. When I saw this house in Elle Decor, I had to share it with you – it’s so perfect I actually want to lick the screen. Even from the entrance you know it’s going to be a beaute, then the crisp white walls, unfussy decor and pops of colour take it to another level. I mean, that bedroom with the high ceilings and white slipper chair… seriously?!

And then just as I think I can’t take any more because I might cry, I’m hit with these sandy paths leading through the dunes to the beach…

{images via Elle Decor}
Couldn’t ask for more. Tell me, are you as taken as I am?

Hurray for weekends, especially when they involve escaping to the country. I’m a country girl at heart (I spent my teenage years mucking out stables – I know, it was all glamour back then) and I jump at any opportunity to enjoy some time out of busy London life. I’m really looking forward to sitting in my mum’s sunny English country garden, as well as catching up with friends back home and their adorable children. Oh and there’s another Royal wedding! Perhaps not on the same scale as this one, but there’ll be photos of Zara’s dress and general style, as well as guests’ outfits, and that’s good enough for me. I’m easily pleased.
Speaking of weddings, there seems to be a new “it” accessory, and it comes in the form of a humble glass jar. The aqua-coloured mason jars are more of an American thing (not even sure if you can buy them here in the UK, sadly), but jars in general are being used for everything, from lighting to flowers to favours. And it doesn’t stop at weddings… they’re a way of storing and displaying items that’s far more appealing than throwing them haphazardly into a random drawer never to be seen again, or in a grimy Tupperware box. The brighter the contents, the more attractive the clear jars look – especially when there’s cake involved. There’s something about that final image that makes me incredibly happy. What do you think? Does this inspire you to get creative with jars?

My look of the week goes to one of my favourite style crushes, Mila Kunis, wearing one of my favourite labels, Elie Saab. Mila’s been hitting the promo circuit pretty hard with JT (I definitely want to catch Friends With Benefits) and, as always, has been looking flawless. The Grecian-inspired look she went for at the Moscow premiere is perfection on her, as was the white Louis Vuitton dress she donned on the same trip. For my room of the week, I couldn’t resist this bright bedroom, filled with light, fresh flowers and an abundance of patterns. Simply beautiful:

{images via prphotos, Real Simple & Pinterest}
I hope you have a perfect weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Whilst browsing at a street fair a few weeks ago, I bought a beautiful antique magnifying glass. It was certainly not something I was in the market for (unless I am subconsciously trying to channel a French detective), but the reason I was so drawn to it was its intricate mother of pearl handle. I love its iridescent quality… it’s so timeless and elegant. Here is a selection of other shimmery items that I would love to add to my ‘it’s-mother-of-pearl-and-therefore-I-must-have-it’ collection. Catchy.

{1. Huttons mother of pearl frame – £16.95 / 2. ASOS PREMIUM boyfriend watch – £30 / 3. John Lewis mother of pearl mortice door knobs – £30 for 2 / 4. Zara Home Zafit tray – £29.99 / 5. 1928 New York stretch bracelet – £29 / 6. Graham & Green bedroom cabinet – £375 / 7. John Lewis mother of pearl box – £40 / 8. Oasis mother of pearl bangle – £16}

The lead-up to the 6th issue of Rue magazine has been the most highly anticipated release since the final Haz-Po film (I’m kidding, kinda…). Interior enthusiasts have been tweeting about nothing else! Well, the wait was worth it, as the latest edition has a truly international flavour – stories and images are gathered from Sweden to Hong Kong, and from Mexico City to Amsterdam. Please kick back and enjoy it if you haven’t done so already… below are the pictures that jumped out of the pages at me. Especially that mirrored dressing table. Love.

{images via Rue magazine}
What did you think of the latest Rue?