New Decor Store: The Shop at Number 57

The Shop at Number 57 is due to launch within the next few weeks, and the creative tour-de-force behind the retail project is stylist, Marie Nichols and her graphic designer husband, Simon. Marie has been kind enough to let me share with you some peeks at what is waiting behind the store's virtual doors. Split into four 'departments' - Sew & Sew, Hunting & Gathering, The Print Room and Lost & Found - the online store will host an eclectic mix of vintage finds, quirky ceramics and typographical prints, all with a British twist. If these tasters are anything to go by, we are in for an interiors treat, folks! Head on over to The Shop at Number 57 to sign up for all their latest news, and to be the first to hear when they launch. Which products are you excited about?

Guest Post: What Would You Do?

Cristin from Simplified Bee invited me over to be part of her series where you put together a design board around on key item, in this case it was Bunny Williams Hourglass Table. Head on over to Cristin's blog to see what I and other bloggers choose for our schemes. Thanks for having me, Cristin!

Home Tour: Susan Collier's Country Colourful

Photography by James Balston | Originally seen in BBC Homes & Antiques

You may notice one continued theme throughout all the spaces in this home... the beautiful textiles. It's no surprise that this is the case as the home belonged to London-based textile designer, Susan Collier. Susan sadly passed away earlier this year, but several years ago her delightful home was photographed by James Balston, and I wanted to celebrate Susan's excellent style here today. Her quirky home was decorated with numerous fabric patterns, from throws and cushions to table linens and curtains, all of which show how Collier's home was a homage to her love of textiles. Her colour choices were confident and bold: sunny yellow in the living room through to pastel pink hues in the kitchen and bathroom. Meanwhile, a refreshing white palette in the formal living room was interspersed with weathered greens and dusky pinks in the rose pattern fabric. This really was a welcoming, unpretentious and charming home. What do you like about this colourful London home?

Jamie Oliver: JME Summer Collection

JME | one | two | three | four | five | six

I've been watching Jamie Oliver's 'JME' collection grow over the past few seasons, and I'm glad I kept an eye on it because his latest is the best yet. Simple striped linens, quirky glassware and colourful storage all make an appearance in this summer lifestyle collection, all of which has me longing to throw a summer BBQ party! I really like the glazed rim ceramics, but the 'bottoms up' carafe wins out for me! Which market pick from the latest JME collection is your favourite?

10 Things I Learned & Loved This Weekend

1. Hampstead Summer Fete took me back to the childhood fete's I used to go to when we lived in the country. I loved the coloured bunting!
2. Seriously, Jack Spade. You need to stop with your knockout goods before I go bankrupt!
3. IKEA made a winner with these simple, colour stripe bolsters.
4. How darling is this horse ceramic?!
5. A lunchtime bottle and the weekend papers took up most of Saturday afternoon. Bliss!
6. Newly decorated, more industrial looking Starbucks outlets are popping up all over the city. I liked the warm glow from these pendant lights in the TCR branch.
7. It's not often we see skies like this in London, but I love it when we do.
8. You can't go wrong with this tea towel for £2.99.
9. Donna Wilson's Autumn/Winter collection looks set to be as charming as the last.
10. I like oversized 'W' letters, like this one at the W Hotel, Leicester Square.

Sunday's Bright Links No.41: Neon Signs, Lavender Fields & Maps

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Anthology magazine shared some outtakes from their recent Vegas story.

A charming engagement shoot inspired by the film UP!

Poppytalk shared the latest products from Yellow Owl Workshop.
Some lovely summer watercolours.
This is how to throw a swinging summer social!
Lonely palms.
This post will make you want to visit Cape Cod.
A fun and easy to replicate flag banner DIY.

HAPPY WEEKND: ORGANISING THE PANTRY

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I have an urge to organise my kitchen storage this weekend. Every now and then I like to play around with the arrangements on my open shelves, rearranging my collection of bowls, jars and curiosities into new groups and parings. I guess there's something therapeutic about it. Or maybe it's just the prop stylist in me?! Either way, I'm looking forward to sorting them out. What regular rituals do you find yourself doing on the weekend?

LONDON STORE TOUR: RICE

Well, folks, you know I'm always a happy chap when I'm around my beloved brights, so clearly I was in seventh heaven inside the new store for Danish brand, Rice. Located in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, the store is a like a treasure trove of colourful finds where you can expect to find anything from melamine dinnerware to patterned baskets and patchwork textiles. The staff are super friendly and clearly passionate about their product, so I'd definitely recommend you pop in and treat yourself (and your home!) to some brights.

RED MAGAZINE, JULY 2011: LIFE IN COLOUR

Red | Creative director: Mary Norden | Photographs: Polly Wreford | Shopping: Flamingo | Hornbill jug

Remember back in March when Red knocked it out the park with their Colour Issue? Well, their creative team for lifestyle and interiors, headed by Mary Norden, have produced an equally divine colour story for the July issue. Using a combination of graphic patterns and bold fabric prints, the visuals provide a lesson in how to get brights right. The pile of cushions on Orla Kiely's Lusk sofa (one of my favourite pieces this season) are bound to get you reaching for the credit card. After all, textiles are one of the quickest and easiest ways to add colour to a space. I've picked out some accessories should you wish to buy the look, as well as adding some ideas for recreating these looks in your home. Which of these bright looks do you like best?

HOME TOUR: SULTRY DARKS

1 | Shopping: Habitat pendant | Jayson, Home & Garden console | Abigail Ahern wallpaper | Conran Shop side table | French Finds armoire | H&M Home cushion | Sofa Workshop armchair | Wisteria tufted ottoman | West Elm pendant

I often write about my love for bright hues, simply because I find that such spaces inspire me more reguarly. That said, my core design ethos is about people embracing colour - pastels or brights - and using it to create an interesting space. This home does just that: Sultry dark hues create a dramatic yet all the while welcoming space where vintage and modern pieces marry seamlessly. Deep, well stocked, open units in the kitchen create a lived in feel that softens the stained wood surfaces and moody blackboard wall. The living room exercises a restrained country-rustic look, with the introduction of a venitian red armchair and right of centre pendant light preventing the look being too formal. And as for that final bedroom, well, I could do with a winter weekend cosied up in there with a good book. Notice how the stripes in the bedding are subtly echoed in the bed skirt - nice touch. What do you like about this home?

My Recent Flea Market Finds

I hit up my local flea market recently and managed to leave with some serious bargains in toe! First up was this old sheet featuring gelato hued stripes - the moment I saw this I knew it was perfect for Mr. Bazaar's place! Next I rummaged around and found this pharmaceutical bottle, which is from Savory & Moore on Broad St. London, est. 1855. It might be really dirty, but there was something special about it and for less than a few pounds it was a steal. A few brightly-hued cottons also made their way into my loot, but the show stealer was this vintage map of New York City's transit system. The detail on this map is insane, I've already spent hours pouring my eyes over all the different lines and districts. Now I just need to decide where to hang it! Have you picked up anything fun at a flea recently?