Hello to...Floral Tapestries!

Due to being in the final weeks at university, I've recently had my head buried well deep in the books, but with a new addition to my bedroom I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a blog post! With the English weather finally brightening up, I think there's no better way to lift a room than with some florals and I think this floral tapestry stool is a perfect addition to my dressing table. Although a tapestry fabric can be quite heavy, I think the floral design makes it perfect for spring/summer. This particular stool was a real find, costing just over £20 on ebay, it did require lick of paint but within a couple of hours and a tin of farrow and ball 'old white' paint later, it was all ship shape. If you're not after a piece of furniture however, it's really easy to bring this trend into any room with some beautiful tapestry cushions. There a quite a few around at the moment, but the best selection I found came from 'www.cushionsonline.co.uk' which has a whole section dedicated to this trend, and with prices starting at £8.50 you could get carried away! Or if you're feeling braver than me and want to get creative, why not make your own...

Hours searching on eBay finally pays off...

...and even managed to co-ordinated my jewellery to the furniture!

All of the beautiful floral  tapestry cushions featured are £15 from www.cushionsonline.co.uk

Lovely! 

Junk in your Trunk?

Well for me, the last two weeks have been filled with last-minute, totally panicked dissertation writing and no where near enough time drooling over beautiful home ware. But fear not, whilst indulging in some severe procrastination and flicking through Wallpaper magazine, I read a very interesting article on The Berkley Fashion Trunk. The five star luxury hotel based in Knightsbridge London, offers guests staying in the Berkley Suites access to the trunk, which is filled with the most fabulous vintage jewellery and accessories, including a 60s Christian Dior necklace and a 50's Monroe-style mink stole. The trunk was designed by renowned British trunk designers Norton MacCullough & Locke and is is a stunner. The article also featured a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk, which yes makes a fabulous piece of luggage, but can also make for a quirky bedside cabinet or coffee table. I also thought this was a really interesting mix of fashion and home. Personally, I love when the two collide, do you?

The Berkley Steamer Trunk

A Vintage Louis Vuitton Trunk Bedside Cabinet

An Alternative Coffee Table - Coasters Required!

Simply the Bust!

Hmm as if the worry of finishing the final year of my degree wasn't enough, I know have an even bigger concern...how on earth I'm going to afford these stunning candles from Cire Trudon. The candle maker is an amazing 368 years old and is responsible for lighting the homes of  Marie Antoinette, Louix XIV and  Napoleon Bonaparte, good enough for me! These bust candles are available in different designs and colours and range from around £55 to about £90. Each one is moulded on original sculputures held in French museums, so you've got your own piece of history sat right in your very own lounge! Better start saving...

Alexandre in Stone - £66.50

The Liberated Slave in Ivory - £87

Marie Antoinette in Marble Grey - £56.50

Louise in Rose - £66.50

Beautiful Bottles.

Well my Saturday morning has been spent clearing the clutter from my louis style dressing table, ready for it's latest addition. Whilst browsing on a wonderful website notonthehighstreet.com, I came across these beautiful glass perfume bottles, complete with a working atomizer, they're available in a clear glass or pink. I personally went for the pink but had to try and resist getting both! There's loads of stores stocking similar reproductions of antique bottles, so if you haven't got an afternoon free to be thrifting round the charity shops, you wont be stuck for choice. Here's a few to get you started...

Glass Perfume bottles by KiKi, £21, www.notonthehighstreet.com

Three cut glass crystal by Figa&co Ltd, £29.50, www.notonthehighstreet.com

Large silver glass bottle with ribbon, £25.50, as above

Mirrored bottle with ribbon, £12, M&S

A little birdie told me...

My latest obsession has to be birdcages. For me, they are the perfect accessory for any vintage home and totally versatile. Not only do they look beautiful simply by themselves, there are so many things you can do with them! Wrap them in fairy lights and sit them on your dressing table, fill them full of flowers and have it as a centre piece for your tea or dinner party, or even use them as hanging baskets for your perfect English garden. Laura Ashley have also had some aviary inspiration, with a gorgeous birdcage table lamp, complete with sparkling glass droplets. If you wanted to make your own however, get hunting on eBay and you'll find loads for sale in a variety of colours, or you could even paint your own, matching it to your room's colour scheme. Here's some inspiration...

Laura Ashley Birdcage Lamp, currently £37.50 down from £50. Like I needed an excuse!

Frill Seeker...

I don’t know about you but I’m a total sucker for the odd frill and this duvet set from Urban Outfitters home range is absolutely divine! Urban Outfitters wouldn’t have been my first thought when searching for new bed linen, but this gorgeous range of cotton voile sheets has definitely put them on my radar. The duvet cover fits up to a king size bed and is available in pink or white and is priced at £120. To complete the look there’s matching pillow cases, a co-ordinating throw and even a pair of curtains! They’re an online exclusive so you can go from bedroom to boudoir in just a couple of clicks.

If you didn't want to go all out on the ruffles, here are some alternatives with just a touch of frilliness that are sure to add a bit of girly glamour to any room...

Star by Julien MacDonald, available at Debenhams, £65 for a double duvet cover

Linda Barker Pink Ruffle available at Matalan, £35 for a king size duvet cover

Gold Ruffle by Next, £50 for a double duvet cover and pillow set...

Beautiful!

...Hello!

Hi I’m Laura and welcome to my blog! I’ve always had a love for homeware and after a childhood spent being paraded round countless antique fairs and markets, my love for anything vintage-inspired blossomed. I’ll be posting on everything that inspires me, from interior designers to one off pieces or high street must haves. So expect everything from the beautiful and elegant to the downright chintzy. Here are a few images that inspired me to start the blog...