What do we know about Ben Fogle? He’s terribly well-spoken, has floppy blonde hair, met his wife Marina whilst walking his black labrador, Inca, and isn’t content unless he’s pushing his body and mind to its limits on various treks, challenges and expeditions. I know the feeling (ahem). So it was fascinating to learn a little bit more about the intrepid adventurer by taking a glimpse inside the West London home he shares with his wife and son, Ludo, in this month’s LivingEtc.

What strikes me is how incredibly homely and welcoming it is, especially the kitchen-diner which is flooded with light thanks to a glass extention that the pair added in. It’s not surprising that according to Fogle it’s thoughts of home that keep him going when in some far-flung destination: “Imagining myself walking into the house, coming through to the kitchen, seeing Marina and Ludo, has become one of my key coping mechanisms in a tough environment.” Evidence of his adventures – included vibrant maps and a polar sledge – pop up in each room, and patchwork textiles, retro prints and Union Jack cushions give their dwelling a warm and cosy vibe. If I were Fogle, I’d never want to leave…

{images via LivingEtc}

{Smeg fridge / Tea Revives You poster / Newgate clock / large gold letters / Squint sofa}

So, it’s pretty grim outside at the moment, isn’t it (unless you’re in sunnier climes than London town)… but I’ve found just the thing to brighten up your day. I came across these images in the archives of the always-inspiring blog Design*Sponge, and had to share them with you. This is another home that I’ve fallen pretty hard for, especially since it involves my current fixation: cushions with pom-poms (or anything with pom-poms, come to that). But mostly because of the glorious burst of colour in every room. It doesn’t matter how gray it is outside, the vibrant interior would be an instant mood lifter.
This Georgian conversion in Glasgow belongs to Fiona Douglas, a designer who started her business Bluebellgray along with her fiancé, Phil, after studying painting at the Glasgow School and then realising her passion lay with textiles. Clearly influenced by colour and all things floral, Fiona’s designs are strikingly unique, and she ensures that everything is printed and made in the UK for an authentically local feel.
Fiona believes that, “It’s ok when things don’t match, if you love it, go with it!”. I couldn’t agree more.

{images via Design*Sponge}

Bluebellgray’s collection currently includes limited edition cushions and throws as well as lampshades and bone china mugs, with a new bedlinen line and fabric range coming this spring. Here are some of Fiona’s creations that I’d love to find a place for in my home:

{Secret Garden cushion / Poppy cushion / Cornflower cushion / Magnolia lampshade / Meadow wallhanging}
And how much do you want to go home and colour coordinate your books now?!

You know how it is – if you had to give up your Blackberry/iPhone/laptop, it would be like losing a limb. I’m exactly the same. Sadly the practice of handwritten correspondence just isn’t done anymore, and the closest you’ll get to a formal ‘thank you’ following a dinner party is a hastily-assembled text message. But if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to show your appreciation or to show you care by putting pen to paper (remember writing… the thing you did before the invention of the keyboard?), then I have just the answer.

London-based Romeo + Jules – a business born of, “boy meets girls who loves stationery. Boy suggests that girl should turn that love into more than just an expensive hobby” – produces bespoke letterpress designs, alongside a range of modern through to classic creations, all with a beautifully vintage feel.

The talented husband and wife team work closely with clients in order to capture their personalities and style, and translate it into a set of one of a kind stationery, through the use of colour, font and texture. If you require something a little more effortless, then their website showcases a variety of affordable designs from headed paper to party invitations to charming notecards. Here are some of my favourites:

{all images via Romeo + Jules}
How pretty are they? Happily Romeo + Jules are generously offering a 15% discount exclusively for readers of {what you fancy}. Merely give the code ‘FANCY’ when ordering.
So next time you want to send a message that is unmistakably from you, put down your phone and opt for snail mail. After all, aren’t the best things in life worth waiting for?

There was a lovely article in this week’s Stylist magazine (the commute home on a Tuesday night is now a pleasure thanks to this little gem) about the rise in women “crafting their own businesses”, and making a living from the homemade, such as cupcakes, ceramics and soft furnishings. It’s incredibly inspiring that so many of these entrepreneurs have taken a leap of faith in order to change their lives by using old-fashioned skills to start a business, many of them becoming hugely successful (cases in point: Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater who have yearly turnovers of millions).

{Cotton Reels print by Lola’s Room via Folksy}
There are a number of websites that showcase such items, full of unique creations and a far cry from the mass-produced high street market… and on which I can happily trawl for hours. Reading the Stylist article prompted me to revisit them (*sound of arm being twisted*); here are some of the arts and crafts on offer at three of these websites, all clearly handcrafted with love:

All Things Original:
1. Spring Garden Gigi Purse by Bagatelles & Co – £28
2. Twiggy Cushion by Clare Nicolson – £45
3. Knot Flower Shoe Clips by Sun Studio – £15.50
Folksy:
4. Lollypop Soap by Little Green Caravan – £1 each
5. Circus Thrills Chair by Kelly Swallow – £650
6. Camembert Dish by Caractacus Pots – £16.99
From Britain With Love:
7. Shetland Blanket by the Atlantic Blanket Company – £187.50
8. Eden Glass Jugs by Maggie Williams – from £35
9. Couture Cupcakes by Ella’s Bakery – £2.75 each
Do any of these inspire you to ‘make do and mend’?

We’re not long into 2011 and trends are being launched at us from left, right and centre. As much as I don’t think that trends should necessarily dictate how we dress or how we decorate our homes, they’re a useful indication of how high street stores will be decked out. One of the SS2011 catwalk trends that is making a splash in the interiors world is the colour blue:


There’s something incredibly soothing and tranquil about blue rooms, accents and accessories – perhaps it’s the notion of turquoise seas and cloudless azure skies (for me, anything that provokes memories of sparkling Greek islands and the bedroom from Mamma Mia has got to be a good thing):


The beauty of blue is that isn’t faddy, it’s incredibly versatile and according to which hue you use, you can set the mood accordingly. Darker tones can suggest formality or a modern touch, and brighter, more aqua blues, can add character and energy. Here is a selection of rooms guaranteed to banish the January blues (including chez Carrie Bradshaw):