There is something so magically exotic about Niki Jones’ homewares range, from the bone inlay furniture inspired by techniques used in Rajasthan, to her collection of cushions inspired by traditional Uzbek textiles from north Afghanistan.
Niki trained at both the Scottish College of Textiles and the Royal College of Art in London, prior to working as textile designer and style coordinator at Habitat. She then moved to traditional ceramics specialists Wedgwood as design director, before deciding to start her own company because, “I couldn’t find what I wanted to buy online – well designed and well crafted pieces for my home that were a bit special.” Niki’s beautifully unique products keep traditional craft skills alive, supporting developing countries in the process.
Niki has somewhat of a cult following, and it’s not surprising. The jewel colour palette and the love that has clearly been put into every piece make the collection hugely appealing – they’re perfect items for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind addition to their home. For me, the mother of pearl bedside table is a clear favourite… although I desperately want to give those owls a home too. Which pieces stand out to you?

{images via Niki Jones}

{1. Bela chest / 2. Dara cushion cover / 3. Twitwooshkas / 4. Silhouette chair / 5. Silk quilt / 6. Vintage vessel / 7. Bone inlay mirror / 8. Mother of pearl bedside cabinet / 9. Zillij rug}

I’ve got to be honest… on the style front, it’s not all been plain sailing for Sarah Jessica Parker. As much as she can look incredible, there have been a few occasions where she looks like she’s just thrown on everything she owns. In the dark. But when it comes to her interior taste, she’s got it nailed. Parker’s weekend home in Bridgehampton, New York, is an extremely stylish haven that is clearly designed for both relaxation and entertainment.
Designed by Eric Hughes, the 19th century farmhouse is a place where Parker, her husband Matthew Broderick and son James Wilke can escape the bustle of Manhattan, and from the beginning she knew exactly the feel she was striving for: “It was important that the house not be too precious. We didn’t want anything stuffy or showy. We wanted colour and light, and comfort, comfort, comfort.” For Hughes, it was important that the beauty of the house was evident: “I wanted to let the architecture speak for itself, and then fill the rooms with punches of colour and simple pieces with lots of character.” He wasn’t afraid to mix high style with pieces from IKEA and local thrift stores, which prevents it looking too ostentatious.
I must say, I think that Parker and Hughes have achieved an impressive balance with this decor; the white walls make the most of the light that floods through the windows, and the colourful accents add not only interest, but a laid-back overall impression. Yep, I would quite happily move in, should SJP ask me. But only if I had access to the Manolos.

{images via Elle Decor}

{La Mela screenprint / Sweetpea & Willow Frascati dressing table / IKEA side table / OKA camargue chair / Sweetpea & Willow French sofa chair}

I have a confession to make… I don’t like Valentine’s Day. Never have done. I will refrain from going off on a rant (which lasts for 20 minutes… my friends have timed it), and concede that as much as I’m not a fan of V-Day, I am a hopeless romantic who has a soft spot for all things that feature hearts or a suggestion of slushiness. And give me the potential for a gift guide and I couldn’t be happier. So, here is some inspiration to make this year’s 14th Feb go with a bang. Wait, I should rephrase…!

{1. Bombus bespoke nine heart map art / 2. Accessorize statement necklace / 3. Juicy Couture Peace, Love & Couture eau de parfum / 4. Avoca love throw / 5. Accessorize frilly heart mesh shorts / 6. Charbonnel et Walker dusted strawberry truffles / 7. dotcomgiftshop zinc tea-light holder / 8. Flutters & Fancies tea set / 9. John Lewis heart cushion / 10. Maxim’s Rosé Champagne / 11. Oliver Bonas heart bowl with ladle / 12. Lancaster and Gibbings pewter photo frame / 13. Topshop heart confetti umbrella / 14. Amore heart toast rack}

{1. Christian Louboutin Bibi pumps / 2. Kate Spade Cherry Hill Lacey / 3. Chanel No.5 parfum bottle / 4. Diptyque rose scented candle duo / 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs bird print scarf / 6. Agent Provocateur Darlene bra & briefs / 7. Pippa Small tourmaline ring / 8. Ladurée heart macaroons / 9. Smythson leather notebook / 10. Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso heart earrings / 11. Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Rosé Champagne}

{1. Alexander McQueen skull bow tie / 2. Handpicked Collection natural slate cheese board / 3. Ted Baker Menel bag / 4. Links of London cricket cufflinks / 5. Emporio Armani stainless steel bracelet watch / 6. Paul Smith wash bag / 7. Smith & Canova hip flask / 8. Taylor of Old Bond Street grooming box / 9. Handpicked Collection silver sport bottle stops}

It’s time to once again legitimately snoop round someone’s house, on this occasion courtesy of 1st Option. As with Shootfactory (featured here) 1st Option showcases a selection of idyllic locations in the UK and abroad available for film and television shoots. Warning: if you have lots to do at work today, DO NOT visit either of these websites… I’m serious, it will be 5 hours later and you won’t have even opened Outlook yet.
It took me a while to choose just one to show you (sometime soon I’ll include a ‘best of’, taking rooms from different properties), but I kept coming back to this beachside retreat in West Sussex. A few reasons, really… 1) I want to live there so much I could cry; 2) yes, we’re still in the Dark Months and it reminds me that summer is ever closer; 3) it looks very Cape Cod-esque which can only be a good thing, 3) Kirstie Allsopp and Rachel Ashwell would approve; & 4) in my head I’ve already placed where all my possessions would go. Oh, and there’s a pool, which you would probably only get to use about twice a year, but it would be worth it. Beauty Point? They’re not kidding:

Our friends across the pond call it ‘tufted’, us Brits call it ‘buttoned’… but however you say it, this style of furniture is in a class of its own. You can imagine Audrey Hepburn in an timeless black dress perched on the side of such a chair, or Cary Grant reclining on one cradling a Martini. Personally my favourites are the ones in the softest of velvets, either in grey, silver or taupe. But you know what? I’m not fussy. I’ll take any of the below, please:

{images via Joanna Henderson, Neiman Marcus, Wedding Whimsy, Country Living, Light Locations & House Beautiful}

{1. John Lewis Mr Bright chair / 2. John Lewis Knightsbridge sofa / 3. Sweetpea & Willow button ottoman / 4. Bhs Elizabeth love seat / 5. John Lewis Hepburn chair / 6. Niki Jones Upholstered Armchair / 7. Sweetpea & Willow velvet chesterfield / 8. Nicky Cornell Tall Silver Porter chair / 9. The Sofa & Chair Company milton ottoman / 10. The Sofa & Chair Company bespoke chaise}
And lastly… buttoned grey velvet + Chanel = there are no words:

Are you with me on this one?