A fabric and paper for the new country look...

Picture courtesy of Sanderson

I was very impressed by this brave new fabric and paper design from textile bigwigs Sanderson. Called 'Bellflower', it makes me think at once of the Bloomsbury set's aesthetic and Sixties Scandinavian design's stylised naivety. It sits perfectly with the new country look I'm so into these days, which includes prints that are more foliage than flower. I like the bold, sunny, optimistic colourways and can hardly choose a favourite, which makes a change for me. Now I've just got to build the summerhouse to go around it. 

Picture courtesy of Sanderson

Picture courtesy of Sanderson

Picture courtesy of Sanderson

Picture courtesy of Sanderson

* Sanderson

Deconstructed chairs...

Picture courtesy of Restoration Hardware 

I was very taken by a chair I saw in the current issue of The World of Interiors magazine, from Restoration Hardware's Deconstructed collection. I haven't ever given much thought to upholstered furniture of the old school until now - other than to contemplate re-covering the odd piece in, say, a romping Svenskt Tenn botanical. But this collection looks at once comfortable and austere, grand and unfussy. I like the unbleached burlap (hessian) fabric of the backing, just enough shades away from the antiqued cotton covers for contrast. I like the unpretentious walnut frame. But the best thing about these pieces is, of course, that Restoration Hardware have made the bold decision to leave them unframed, giving them an honest quality and exposing the craftsmanship of the workings as a thing of beauty. 

Picture courtesy of Restoration Hardware 

Picture courtesy of Restoration Hardware 

Picture courtesy of Restoration Hardware 

Picture courtesy of Restoration Hardware 

* Restoration Hardware

 

Lost in Lostine...

I stumbled upon American company, Lostine, while researching another story. I love their plain, austere aesthetic, the look reminds me of the Thirties mail room in one of my favourite films, The Hudsucker Proxy. They only list US stockists on their website although some of their things can be bought through the Anthropologie website. These are a very few of my favourite pieces...

Picture courtesy of Lostine

Picture courtesy of Lostine

Picture courtesy of Lostine

http://Picture courtesy of Lostine

* Lostine

MY EDIT: Ben Pentreath Ltd.

All pictures courtesy of Ben Pentreath Ltd. and available online at time of writing

I'm very taken by the wares sold by Ben Pentreath via his shop in Bloomsbury and online. Ben works as an architect / interior designer and has a very spirited blog. The things he sells are clearly one man's very distinct aesthetic, although I know that there is also input from decorative artist /maker Bridie Hall who runs the shop and is behind quite a few wonderful pieces. There's an inter-war British feel, when country-cosy nostalgia got shaken up by the awakenings of Modernism - factors that that make the Thirties such an exciting decade for me. Natural materials like the marble plates and woven pieces plus pottery and glass with an everyday, artisan-made feel. Most of all I like the influence of the countryside. I'm somewhat obsessed with nature at the moment: I'm enjoying the birds flying overhead and plants looking their best - even the weeds. So the fern tray and oak paperweight above are my very favourite objects. 

*Ben Pentreath