Impasto: Painterly Stokes & Flamboyant Florals

I'm always excited to see a new collection from Harlequin as their bold and colourfully patterned fabrics never fail to disappoint Mr.Bazaar. Launching in August 2012, Impasto is a gentle collection detailing painterly strokes alongside flamboyant florals. Described by the brand as dramatic, uninhibited and vibrant, it's clear to see that Impasto has been inspired by the loose stroke-style and light-reflecting techniques of the Impressionist movement. The collection was designed by Harlequin Studio’s Rebecca Cox, who hand-painted each design. I was interested to learn that 'Impasto' comes from a technique used by the Impressionists, who expressed themselves in their art-work through the use of very thickly applied paint, usually so thick that the brush or painting-knife strokes are visible. Interesting to know, right? I like how the technique has been applied across the Impasto collection on an array of tactile textiles, from shimmering silks and cottons to sumptuous velvets and weaves. Beyond the materials, I'm drawn to the rich and indulgent colour palettes that have been used: the inky blues and pink hues are brought to life through floral prints, abstract geometrics and ombré stripes. Anything catching your eye, folks?
// Harlequin

IKEA - New Rustic Style Inspired Pieces

This small collection of rustic style products from IKEA was inspired by public spaces and workspaces that date from the 1880’s to the 1920’s like farms, factories, and schools. The look is created by using materials and designs that are honest, long lasting and utilitarian. In fact, IKEA are saying this a style that's simple, imperfect, yet personal - pretty spot on, I think. They have created pieces using long-lasting materials like pine, clay, ceramics, natural fibres and lacquered metal, wool, cotton, sheepskin and linen. Then they've finished them with accent colours like faded red, turquoise, muted yellow and green – all still visibly popular in today’s houses that dot the Swedish landscape. You'll see how they've used textiles like cushions, rugs and throws that use visible stitching, coarse weaves and raw edges, creating an unrefined look. Personally, I like how they've shown how rustic style can be expressed differently across the home. In the living room they've shown how darker tones of blue and black and can combine with natural materials like rattan for a cosy atmosphere. Yet, in the bedroom, the rustic look becomes lighter and more industrial with strong metal pieces mixed with crisp, white linens. Which rustic style is for you, folks?
// IKEA | Products shown FJELL wardrobe and bedside table; BJÖRNLOKA cushion covers; BYHOLMA chair; LILLESAND bed frame; ODDVAR stool; SIBBARED picture - all should be instore from August 2012.

Scouts Honor Co. Summer Print Collection

Eeeeeep! I'm so excited that Scouts Honor Co. have released their collection of summer prints. Anne-Marie is the mastermind behind the company and her creativity and skill knows no bounds. This is her second collection since she launched the Scouts Honor Co. shop with her Winter and Holiday collection last year. What I love most about these prints (aside from their design brilliance) is how affordable they are: you can pick up a new print for your home for as little as $12. I like the element of restrained design to Anne-Marie's prints, she doesn't 'over do' her work, rather opting for a simplicity that captures the imagination and eye perfectly. Personally I love the 'Anchors Aweigh' and 'Set Sail' designs but all four displayed together would look fab, too! Which print do you like best?
// Scouts Honor Co.

Woonwinkel Homewares

I recently discovered Woonwinkel, literally translated as 'home shop' in Dutch, a Portland, Oregon based shop that focuses on well made, handcrafted furnishings for the home. The brand describes themselves as a departure from the hard, slick modern aesthetic of the past, instead calling themselves the 'new modern': warm, inviting, tactile, quirky. Modern with soul. Woonwinkel showcases independent designers from Europe and North America with a particular affection for makers on the U.S. west coast. Their vessels collection is what caught my eye the most, and it perfectly matches the description of the brand: quirky shapes are teamed with uplifting hues. The Tripot is my favourite piece, but which is yours?
// Woonwinkel

Scion: Colour & Pattern Ideas

New British brand, Scion, recently released it's first collection of prints, weaves and wallcoverings. The Melinki collection is a taste of things to come from the brand which is aimed at a trend-savvy, fashion-aware customer in mind. The fabrics and wall coverings here are vibrant, fresh and accessible. Comprising a mix of printed fabrics, embroideries, jacquards, co-ordinating plains and complementary wallcoverings, Melinki draws inspiration from both mid-century archive documents and modern Scandinavian design. Uncomplicated yet powerfully effective, the collection channels fashion motifs and colours. It bestows the freedom to create a diverse range of moods and looks through its mix of designs and cool, clean, colour groups, which include coastal calm, retro kitsch, bakelite brights and urban neutrals. Scion truly is a great British brand: all Melinki’s printed fabrics and wallcoverings are manufactured in the UK, by factories that have clear commitments and initiatives towards the care of the environment and to sustainability. Plus, the collection is available internationally - just what us online folks like to hear! What's catching your eye, folks?
// Scion

A Colourful Swedish Fabric Collection

Vanessa Arbuthnott's Swedish collection draws inspiration from some of the iconic British designers of the 1950's - but with a subtle Scandinavian twist. The four new designs depict stylised birds and foliage in new Gustavian shades such as Dove and Dusky Pink and some bright contemporary colours, Pumpkin and Sweet Pea with a spot and a striped design as co-ordinates. The Pretty Maids fabric in Duck Egg, Pumpkin and Winter colourway is hands down my favourite, but Stockholm Stripe in Sweet Pea and Winter is a close second. Congratulations to Vanessa on her 10th fabric collection: one full of wonderful colour and pattern. A big thumbs up from Mr. Bazaar!
// Vanessa Arbuthnott

Designers Guild Jinshi Tabletop Collection

I literally gasped when I first set eyes on this new tabletop collection from Designers Guild. In an instant I felt transported to an exotic Greek isle, soaked in sunshine glittering upon azure blue waters and infinite clear blue skies. OK, so I like to dream but isn't that what homewares are meant to do: transport us to a place of comforting calm and indulgence? There's no denying my love for blue hues; my wardrobe is continually dominated by shades from an diverse collection of blue hues, as is my home. The Jinshi porcelain and Cobalt linen collections combine beautifully to create a summer tabletop that oozes magical Mediterranean style. The watercoloured brushstrokes add interest to the delicate blue lines, making it easy to mix and match pieces from across the range but also existing pieces as well. All that's left to do now is to throw a summer dinner party!
// Designers Guild

IKEA's New Lappljung Textiles Collection

I'm sure it's not just Mr. Bazaar that feels IKEA have upped their game recently? First it was the divine True Blue collection that had Mr. B all inspired, and now it's their new Lappljung textile collection consisting of rugs, cushions, curtains and quilt covers. The textiles' styles draw from global influences, handmade traditions and graphic patterns, for example, some inspirations were taken from the Musée de l’Impression sur Étoffes in Mulhouse, France where textile patterns from different periods and places are collected and can be licensed for a limited time. Personally, I love the combination of striking prints with bold, bright hues and graphic black and white pairings - I can't wait for it to hit stores in August! What's catching your eye about IKEA's new Lappljung textiles collection, folks?
// Photography by IKEA

Sneak Peek: Joules' Debut Bedding Collection

Mr. Bazaar's top picks: Kids | English garden pillowcase | Strongman cushion | Cool Cat cushion | Adults | Ribbon Stripe Horse pillowcase | Deckchair Stripe towel | Coastal Boats pillowcase

Today I'm bringing you a sneak peek of British brand Joules' debut bed and bath collection for kids and adults, which launches in August. The collection is a collaboration with Bedeck and reflects the iconic British countryside, with inspirations pulled from outdoor pursuits including sailing, gardening, rugby and equestrian activities. Having seen all the pieces in person last week I can safely say that the quality is on point, with each design soft to the touch and excellent details upon the cushions such as embroidery, appliqué and ribbon detailing. I also love that the children's designs come in single and double sizes, so that kid-ults like Mr. Bazaar (!) can also buy the pieces. I love the colourful dots seen on the reverse of the Piggy Cat Farm design and the Strongman cushion from the Circus collection is very fun and ideal for a little boy's room. From the adult collection I'm drawn to the Sunbird Floral and Coastal Birds designs. Which pieces and designs do you like best, folks?
// Joules

Vernazza Plates: A New Tabletop Crush!

The weather in London for the past few days has been scorching, hotter than many Mediterranean countries even! Did you just fall off your chair? London and scorching hot weather in the same sentence? I know, it turns out pigs do fly! Well, this beautiful weather we've been lucky to have has left me dreaming of visiting a seaside escape to cool down next to the soothing sound of the crashing waves. As the seaside escape remains a dream for now, I'm happy to serve up some tapas treats on my new Vernazza plates. I love their hand painted and colourful nature - those blue hues are seriously my thing! What little tabletop treats make you happy?
// Vernazza plates | Coastal scene

Introducing the... Mr. Bright Chair!

I've waxed lyrical about the gold leaf colourway of the Mr. Bright chair before, so imagine my delight when I discovered that John Lewis had added a further nine cracking colour options to the chair collection. I love the aubergine option, but I'd love to know which colour gets your vote?

// Animation by Will Taylor

IKEA'S Limited Edition True Blue Collection

1. PAPPERS DEKORATION paper decor | 2. MATTA rug | 3. VAS STOR vase | 4. SKARMVAGG room divider | 5. BURGSVIK tray table

Our favourite folks over at IKEA have something blue up their sleeves for us: a limited edition collection of products inspired by the brand's travels to India, and a surge in the popularity of the colour blue not seen since the 1980s. Yet it's not all blues, there's a dash of glitter in the mix thanks to the BURGSVIK tray table made of hammered brass. There's even a rug (BJERREDE) that is made from recycled waste and is finished with a stamp in Hindi to show its origin. For me, the great thing about this collection is how easy it is to incorporate at least one of the pieces into your existing home. Take the patterned BURTRÄSK armchair cover as an example, it goes with the classic TULLSTA armchair and gives it an instant update. And, as good as these instant updates are, they're all the more worthwhile when you can discover the story behind them, like with the BLÅSKLÖVER cushion, which was inspired by the lively traffic in India’s cities. Or the BETYDANDE blue glass vase which was inspired by the vessels traditionally used by the Indian people for carrying water. The vessels were originally ceramic, but nowadays they are made from easy-to-carry plastic and can be seen everywhere in India. It's hard for me to pick a favourite but I do love the tray table and the hanging BESLUTANDE paper decorations are wonderfully festive! How fab would they be hung over a dinner table for a party statement? The collection is in UK stores now and will be in American stores from July. Do you decorate with blue? Anything catching your eye from these True Blue pieces?