Brighten up the increasingly dark Autumnal nights with one of these quirky cushions. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up at this time of year and a new cushion is an easy way to add a pop of something to make you smile. Here are my favourites, all guaranteed to add style and sass to your space…
#1 Bold, graphic but still so pretty. What’s not to love? £68 from www.anthropologie.com
#2 Stylishly sleek. Let this sexy blink beaded cushion add a little glam to your space. £95 from www.rockettstgeorgee.com
#3 One of my favourite prints from the Monkey Puzzle Tree, How The Leopard Got His Spots, £90 from www.themonkeypuzzletree.com
#4 I can’t tell you how much I love Sarah Baily’s designs. Simple, statement pieces guaranteed to add impact. This shiny pink star has my envious eyes all over it. £185 from www.sarahbaily.com
#5 If Love Frankie sells it, it’s certain to be cool. Just a glance at this Happy cushion in it’s vibrant colours is enough to make you grin. £35 from www.lovefrankie.com
#6 The silk eye. Need I say more?! Also available in green; equally as stunning. £65 from www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Beautiful inkings of nature form the basis of Emma’s beautiful brand. Beetles, moths and fabulous deep sea creatures feature across wallcoverings, fabrics and a selection of homewares. Detailed patterns, vivid colour and texture are found throughout Emma’s work. One of my favourites is Cicadas Reflection, the detail is just beautiful, but you should definitely have a look at the Deep Sea Creature Wallpaper too; it’s such fun. I met Emma at Design Week last year and loved seeing her collections. Here she tells me more about her design studio…
I know, I know, it’s that time of year when we all start talking about lighting, and cosy corners. But as it gets dark and cold outside, getting your lighting right inside makes sure you have that welcoming, relaxing space to come home to. I’m not suggesting you get straight on the phone to your electrician either; there are so many plug-in options to play with.
So, today it’s floor lamps. Not only are they an easy way to layer your lighting they also allow you to add height to your design scheme, zone a space or introduce another texture. Make a statement or keep it subtle, it’s up to you.
Here are some of my favourites for you to have a look at…
#1 Strikingly contemporary and, I know, a bit more of an investment but just look at it! Definitely one to make a statement with. Beat Floor Lamp, £750 from Tom Dixon
#2 Create a cheerful corner with this chartreuse Olivia floor lamp, £149 from Made.com
#3 I adore the range of lighting from Pooky, and this is one of my favourites. Stunningly elegant with the most enviable of green shades. Or swap in a different colour shade to match your scheme. Trafalgar Floor Lamp, £450 (depending on shade) from Pooky
#4 Simple, sleek and (quite frankly) a bit of a stunner. Overarching lamp, £299 from West Elm
#5 Lighting doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple with this Junction lamp, £199 from Heals
#6 I try to limit the times I use the same product in a design, but I haven’t been able to resist using this a couple of times. Elegant and dramatic it creates a fabulous light and makes a statement without being overpowering. Sand Black Floor lamp, £199 from Barker & Stonehouse
Hazel Fernandes’ passion for pattern and colour translates directly into her designs. Her brand is beautifully bold, bringing together a kaleidoscopic collection of opulent colours, aquatic and botanical patterns and the flowing forms of Art Nouveau. I’ve met Hazel a couple of times and I truly admire her honesty. Her brand has evolved intuitively and, as she puts it, “slightly chaotically” but as a result it has a real integrity. Creative entrepreneurialism is wonderful, and in the pretty squares of Instagram seems idyllic. But it’s not always easy, and I welcome any discussion about the reality of these challenges.
Here Hazel talks openly about setting up her business and the realities of creative entrepreneurialism. Read on, and be prepared to see some seriously sumptuous designs…
Hazel, tell us a bit about yourself and how your business evolved?
I’ve done a number of things during my design career, including running my own greeting cards business for a number of years. What it taught me was that I am not a born businesswoman. I know it’s quite something to admit, being a business owner, but it’s the truth. The last few years saw a change in my personal circumstances, meaning I’m now a single mum of twoand without access to the sort of investment capital that would enable me to grow the business as quickly as I would like. I work a part-time job for half of the week to fund my design business.
It sounds like it has been a challenging year…
It has, but the positive part is I get to do what I love: being creative, designing with the freedom that comes with having no limitations. I get to create the kind of designs that make my heart sing.
The challenging side is balancing this with all the other necessities of a successful business: understanding the running of a business and making sure the numbers add up. Marketing and promoting my products aren’t my natural forte in the way design and production really are.
Now I’m trying to grow my brand and presence in order to set up collaborations with manufacturers and bigger companies. This will allow me to focus on my strengths: producing ranges that are dynamic and exciting.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everywhere. Country walks with the girls will often plant a seed of thought in my mind, be it lichen growing on tree bark, the pattern of cut tree-rings, or the natural pattern of interesting rock formations. I look for some design references too: Art Nouveau flow and forms greatly inspire my work.
I’ll put images and inspiration on my mood board in no particular order – just intuitively arranging them in colour stories and what I like together. Then I start drawing and painting and even then I’m not quite sure how the story is going to unfold. When I scan my artwork into my computer, that’s when the magic starts to happen. I’ll start something and think: “yes – that what I want this collection to look like”.
Your style?
The Brothers Grimm meets a modern William Morris with a touch of colour-imbued romanticism.
Where do you enjoy working?
My favourite place to work is my front room. I live in a flat in an old, late-Edwardian house. I’ve tall ceilings and large windows and look out on a glorious view of green and trees – perfect! (If I could live anywhere, it would be in a tree-house!).
Do you ever suffer from a “creative block” and, if so, how do you deal with it?
I don’t necessarily suffer from a creative block, but rather a block in the other areas I’ve mentioned such as getting out there and promoting my work. I soldier on slowly but surely. It’s something I’m getting used to having to do.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of what I’ve managed to do in a short period of time, especially considering I only work part time on my business. I love what I create and left to my own devices, if I had no financial constraints, my home would be a total juxtaposition of my wallpapers, hand painted murals and luxurious fabrics.
What does the next year hold for Hazel Fernandes Designs?
I would like to think about launching at a tradeshow next year with a view to setting up collaborations and growing my brand, but bespoke projects and exposure is key right now.
I’m feeling particularly inspired for some new design work and it might take the form of a hand painted mural first before it develops into wallpapers and fabrics. We’ll see.
To see more of Hazel’s work follow her on Instagram @hazelfernandesdesigns or check out her website
Bonfire Night! The last stop before Christmas. It’s cold, it’s dark; surely that’s excuse enough to light a fire and have a party?! Rustic tones with a touch of metallic shimmer create the perfect backdrop for an autumnal garden gathering with friends. Wrap up warm, get some mulled wine on the go and enjoy! Happy Bonfire night folks!
#1 A perfect colour combination for a rustic glam gathering. Freya Glasses £58 (set of 6) from Anthropologie
#2 It wouldn’t be Bonfire Night without some tea-light sparkle. Multi tea light holder, £45 from Graham & Green
#3 Twinkle twinkle little star. Use these string lights inside or outside to add some sparkle to your party. £45 from Rockett St George
#4 Keep warm and toast some marshmallows on this Industrial Style Fire Pit. £175 from Cox & Cox
#5 Perfect for mulled wine or hot chocolate (with cream and marshmallows, obviously!). Textured mug (choice of 3 colours), £9 from Rose & Grey
#6 Just how gorgeous are these rustic colours? Wrap up warm with one of these Klippan Knut Lambswool throws £74, from Trouva
It is just over a year ago since I first met Poppy at Design Week. I instantly fell in love with her luscious fabrics and wallpapers. Bright, bold and colourful, they possess a true elegance. There’s a real integrity and beauty to Poppy’s work which is influenced by the sights, sounds and experiences of her childhood in Malaysia. Read on to hear more about Poppy’s inspiration, her work and her thoughts on the next trends in design…
What was the main driver behind setting up your design studio?
After working in motion graphics for 15 years, designing for television and advertising, I wanted a new outlet to express myself. I decided to create a brand that represented all that I love and that inspires me. After visiting Malaysia for the first time since I grew up there, my mind was blown with inspiration and designs. I needed a way to channel that creativity so I filled my house with my designs. That blossomed into my own business.
What do you love most about your work?
Coming up with ideas and finding ways to recreate them on surfaces or objects. The fun and stressful part is drawing out what is in my mind, altering and editing it until it reaches my desired standard. Being new to the interiors industry, it’s so much fun to research what possibilities are out there and think about how I can make something that will fill homes with luxurious dreams of the exotic.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My inspiration mainly comes from my upbringing in Malaysia. As a child I was exposed to so many different crafts, cultures and styles. I had amazing experiences traveling around Asia visiting temples, religious festivals, fabulous antiques and fabrics shops. I was a little super enthusiastic sponge surrounded by beautiful exotic plants, buildings and people. It was hard not to want to translate those experiences and recreate what I had seen in my childhood. Now, watching my 3 year old explore the world is another daily inspiration; her wonder and awe at new experiences spurs me on to reconnect with my childlike wonder.
Describe your style in 3 words?
Exotic, bold and gregarious
Where is your favourite place to work?
It really depends how I feel. If I want to get my head down and really focus it has to be my studio where I have everything at my fingertips. But I also like taking my iPad out and sketching. This can range from Kew Gardens’ hot houses to a comfy pub sofa by the river.
Do you ever suffer from creative block?
Creative block happens all the time as I lead a very hectic life. But usually meditating and surrounding myself in a creatively inspiring space with like-minded people takes me straight out of it. I find creative block comes when your brain does not have the space to let the design flow out of you. So getting your head in the right space just lets it spill out onto the page in the most beautiful way.
What are going to be the next trends in your field?
Well I think maximalism and dark colours are here to stay which is lucky for me as that’s my passion. But I also think that people are getting bolder and exploring more. So everything is getting mixed up, like gardens coming inside with living walls and rattan furniture. With all the distressing stuff that is going on in the world people are going to go more into the realms of fantasy and escapism. People will continue to look at objects and toys that remind them of a simpler time and enhance them with more whimsical ideas and crazy colour combinations.
What are you most proud of?
This is a tricky question! I am notoriously hard on myself so I always look forward to what I need to accomplish rather than being proud of what I have done. But I would have to say putting myself out there and getting my business off the ground. The response I have seen from people has been so beautiful. When I see the joy on people’s faces at shows when they are drawn to my products or run their hand over my velvet cushions makes me smile.
What’s next for your studio?
It is crazy exciting at the moment. There are so many tantalising opportunities. The main thing I can talk is my craft show this month in Chelsea, as well as the launch of my new collection inspired by Japanese artworks and fabrics. Beyond that I want more collaboration, I love working with new people and disciplines. Feeding off other people’s briefs and dreams really spurs my creativity.
Follow Poppy on Instagram @pwestwell and check out here website here www.pwestwell.com where you can also shop her collections.
