{Habitat's SS09 Collection}

Greys, greens and oranges dominate the somewhat subdued Spring/Summer 09 collection from high street retailer, Habitat. Although bang on trend with their colour choices, which includes the sumptuous Mandarin Orange, I was left wanting more from the collection. Highlights include the new Kilo table and the sophisticated and understated Ella sofa, but the rest of the collection fails to excite my imagination as they so often have in the past. New additions to the brand's lighting are sparse, not extending much further than seasonal colour updates to it's staple table/floor lamp, Spindle. Meanwhile, I find myself trying hard to like the Polygon throw, but I've yet to be convinced. I just hope they knock my socks off with a fantastic Autumn/Winter collection, because I'd like to see the store back where they belong - the top of my favourite high street destinations list.

Kilo Long Low Table

Ella Sofa

Spindle Table Lamp

Polygon Throw

All images - Habitat.co.uk

{All things bright, bold and beautiful}

When I worked in East London I walked past Squint daily and often dropped in over lunch to pour over their quirky designs. They've been featured in a host of interiors-related media, most recently gracing the cover of the Sunday Times Magazine. Offering anything from indulgent, brightly coloured Chesterfields, lovingly emblazoned chests of drawers and magical chandeliers, Squint has colourful additions for a variety of spaces. My personal favourite are these gorgeous chandeliers (shown below) - they would make a great talking point in any home. If Squint's prices are out of your price range (they sure are mine, but hey, a boy can dream, right?!), then scour your loft, parent's garage and your local charity shops for leftover fabrics. Then mix and match to create a piece of furniture bespoke to your home. And why stop at covering furniture, when you can give your walls the same patchwork treatment? Just look at Danish designer Nina's living room wallpaper - it's fantastic and so uplifting. If you like what you see, then check out her blog here.

ninainvorn.punt.nl

squintlimited.com

{The thrift movement}

Over recent months I've been noticing the growing trend for thrift fashion; turning those bargain buys into treasured parts of your home. House Proud: Hip Craft for the Modern Homemaker, by Danielle Proud has just been released in softback and is bang on trend when it comes to the so called 'thrift movement'. Bursting with ideas on how to upholster a run down armchairs, through to covering a traditional standard lamp in a vibrant and seasonal fabric. I'm hoping to try out the latter on my next break from work (and check out Danielle's version, below, on the cover of her book, it's brilliant!). The book is available online and in store now and I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling the hit of the C.C. but still wants to invest in their home.

Amazon/Amelia Troubridge

Not only is this a great way to save money, it is also an exciting way to add to your home. I love that feeling of heading out to the auction, not knowing what you will return with. Then you get the chance to personalise what you've found and turn it into a piece of furniture or an accessory that is unique to you and, even better, unique to your home.

If you're a mega craft fan, then check out Make and do with Perri here. It's a fab blog about all things craft - let me know if you guys make anything for your home.