{Oversized clock plays on expectations}

I'm loving how this huge clock really shouldn't work in this small Parisian cafe, yet amazingly, it does. I think the reason it works is down to the symetrical design choices; small lamps and equally sized bookcases either side anchor the scheme. Simple, graphic statements do work in small and cosy environments after all...

Image: ParisDailyPhoto

{Birthday giveaway: Alarm clock}

Looking forward to a lie in this weekend? Well, it's the last of my birthday giveaways today but winning might make waking up on Monday mornings a little easier. It features this little fellow - the Okko alarm clock, which I first blogged about in a post on the birdy interior trend last year. A year on and birds are still hot property in interiors; Habitat have released the Okko alarm clock in bright red as part of their new SS10 collection. Fancy a chance at winning it? Pop a comment on this post telling me why you would like to wake up to the sound of bird song in the mornings! Good luck and thank you to all of you who have posted lovely comments on all the birthday giveaways this week.

Image: Habitat

T's and C's: This giveaway is open to UK readers only. The giveaway closes at midnight on 12th March and the winning comment will be chosen by random.org. The alarm clock cannot be exchanged for cash or any other product.

{Hunkydory home winner}

Drum roll please, we have our first Bright.Bazaar giveaway winner...the lovely Sarah from Natural History. Sarah chose the blue coloured clock, which will be winging it's way to her in no time at all. Congratulations, Sarah! If you want to read more about Sarah then check out her new blog. Our thanks to Alison from Hunkydory Home who kindly donated the clock, all four of which are available to buy, along with a fun assortment of other quirky clocks from Alison's site. Bright.Bazaar turns one this week, so be sure to check back in to join in with the celebrations.

{Hunkydory home interview and giveaway}

I've been lucky enough to gain lots of new followers recently, which has made me really happy! Thanks to all of you who have signed up, commented, followed, or even just dropped by to check out this little blog, I really do appreciate it.

Since I started blogging, Alison from Hunkydory Home has always been a big supporter of Bright.Bazaar, so I was delighted when she agreed to let me have a sneak peak inside her home and chat about her inspirations. Hunkydory Home stocks a host of wonderfully colourful home accessories, and the store's products are never far from the glossy pages of the monthly home magazines. My favourite product at the moment is this Paris cushion for it's fun and colourful nature. Alison's story of how she built up her business is really inspiring. Here you can read about her interior tastes, her quirky online interiors business and flying green ducks in her living room...

How would you describe your interior style?

Colourful and eclectic; I don't follow trends. Instead, I just like to surround myself with things that make me feel happy.

Do you have any pet hates when it comes to interiors?

The 'neutralising' of homes a la the 'House Doctor' - the trend for painting everything magnolia and everyone having beige/brown/cream furniture and accessories - I just feel it's such a dull environment to live in. I think your home should reflect your personality.

What interior tips would you give to the Bright.Bazaar readers?

Fill your home with things you love, don't worry about what people will think - it's not a show home, it's your home. If you want bright green ducks flying up your living room wall, like me, then go for it!

What inspires you?

I spent my early years in Norway and have always loved Scandinavian design. I love pattern, colour and children's design. I follow a lot of blogs online and love trawling the pages of Etsy to see the fabulous creations people come up with.

What do you like about spring?

Leaving the long nights and cold weather behind, and being able to get outside again. I love spring because of the sense of a new beginning and the feeling of starting afresh again.

What encouraged you to start up Hunkydory Home?

I was working in an interior designers where all the products we sold were traditional and not to my taste. One day I was looking for a lampshade and couldn't find anything I liked so I decided to make one myself. Next I started selling them on Ebay and after they proved popular, I set up Hunkydory Home. At first I just stocked lampshades and cushions, but now I stock a whole range of handmade and design-led home accessories.

What is the best and worst thing about running your own business?


The best thing is being my own boss, for sure! The worst thing is never switching off, but that's probably worse for my family than for me as I love everything to do with my business!


You've done so well to build up the business from nothing; what's your proudest achievement to date?


I always feel very proud when I see our products in the press, particularly when it's something I've made myself.


Finally, you stock such a diverse range of homewares, but do you have a favourite?


That's so difficult! But if I had to choose, then I would go for the Black Cat Clock. We have it in our kitchen - the swishing pendulum tail is so fun!

Ok, so it's giveaway time! To be in with a chance of winning one of the clocks shown below (worth £44.00 each!) just choose one of the four colour options. Then leave a comment explaining which coloured clock you would choose, where you would put it your home and why. I'll randomly pick a winner from all the comments posted by 6:00pm on Friday 5th March. I can't wait to hear where you would choose to put these clocks in your home. (EU entrants only, sorry!)

Images: Hunkydory Home

T's and C's: I'm afraid this giveaway is open to EU residents only, due to shipping charges, but I hope to offer a USA giveaway soon! The winner will be decided by random.org when the competition closes at 6:00pm UK time on Friday 5th March. Only one entry per reader, please. The clock cannot be exchanged for cash or any other item.

{A handmade world}

"Welcome to our world...feel free to take a piece of it back with you." That's the offering from fey handmade, an online store inspired by nature and ran by a team passionate about design. The guys behind this swoonful store work directly with designers to build great relationships and make great design even more accessible. You can read more about fey handmade here or, why not give their blog a read for a dreamy look into a world of vintage and homespun designs - it's delightful. Now I'm going to get on and post some great clocks and art from the online store, because I secretly can't wait to get back to their site and do some more shopping! This stuff is gorgeous and makes me smile on a Monday morning. Well, that and huge mug of hot coffee.

From top: Clocks: Cuckoo; Owl. Art: Boardwalk; Blood Orange; Ferris Wheel.

Images: fey handmade

{Need.This.Clock!}

Image: Original by Dan Duchars and styling by Harriet Paterson; above taken on iPhone from Living Etc.

I've been flicking through the June issue of Living Etc this morning and look what I found! The Pendel Clock from Ikea is not only playful and functional, but it's quirky nature would also make a great talking point for any kitchen. Plus, being from Ikea it's an absolute steal at £129. That's my Saturday sorted then!

Pendel Clock. Image: Ikea.com