Features: May '12

Union Flag Folding Chair from John Lewis

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Union Flag Folding Chair, £25, from John Lewis

Add some patriotic charm to your garden with the Union Flag Folding Chair from John Lewis, £25.

Yes, yes, I know Union Jacks are everywhere this year – on clothing, accessories and even in the home – but, with the sun shining brightly, I think it’s time to have them in the garden too.

I love the fun and funky colours on the Union Flag Folding Chair from John Lewis and, with its own storage bag, it is perfect for the beach, picnics or even for the poshest garden parties.

Lola Vase from Brissi

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Lola Vase, £19 - £25, from Brissi

Show off your blooms with the beautiful Lola Vase from Brissi, £19 - £25.

I do try to always have fresh flowers somewhere in the house, so I am always on the lookout for interesting new vases.

The Lola Vase from Brissi is gorgeous, and comes in two sizes – the smaller convex vase is £19, and the taller straight one is £25.

Felt Laundry Bin from Heal's

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Felt Laundry Bin, from £119, from Heal's

Keep your dirty linen out of sight with one of these Felt Laundry Bins from Heal's. From £119

I know laundry bins aren’t the most glamorous of items, but they certainly are necessary. (Well, that’s if you don’t want your dirty laundry on display.)

One of my favourites is this Felt Laundry Bin from Heal’s, which is sleek and stylish enough for you not to worry about it being on show.

Made from one of my favourite fabrics, I like that it can be squashed down when not in use to save on valuable space.

Jubilee Framed 60 and Glorious Bus Sign Print from The Contemporary Home

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Jubilee Framed 60 and Glorious Bus Sign Print, £19.99, from The Contemporary Home

Get in the Jubilee spirit with this Jubilee Framed 60 and Glorious Bus Sign Print from The Contemporary Home. £19.99

Whether you’re a Royalist or a Republican, there’s no denying that the Jubilee is going ahead and it’s billed as the party to end all parties.

Personally, I’m divided, but I do think the Queen is rather fantastic and, let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of boost at the moment.

There’s lots of memorabilia around at the moment, of course, but alongside all the tat, there’s also some rather cool interior products.

I love this Jubilee Framed 60 and Glorious Bus Sign from The Contemporary Home which is ideal for jazzing up a plain wall and celebrating the Jubilee.

Quick Shop: Bookshelves

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Our selection of stylish bookshelves.

Display your books in style with our pick of the best bookshelves.

Everyone has a different method when it comes to arranging their books on bookshelves. Some line them up in height order, some by the colour of the cover, and some (like me) just squeeze them in wherever they’ll fit.

No matter how you choose to order your books, they will look fabulous on these stylish bookshelves.

The Selfshelf from Dutch by Design is in fact a fake book which attaches to the wall, onto which you can pile your own, giving the appearance that they are floating. Alternatively, the unusual (but rather fantastic) Les Dandys Large Bookcase from Lifestyle Bazaar allows you to conceal any books you choose with its hidden shelves.

And, for children, the London Town Wall Shelf from Great Little Trading Company is perfect for keeping their books in order, alongside the sights of London.

(Clockwise from top) Les Dandys Large Bookcase from Lifestyle Bazaar, £695, Baroque Metal Shelves from Found Home Store, £40, Selfshelf from Dutch by Design, £19.95, London Town Wall Shelf from Great Little Trading Company, £65, Dickens Purple Cardboard Bookshelf from Fashion for Home, £179, Kartell Lovely Rita Shelf from A White Room, £150.

This week's pick of the interiors blogs

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The work of Finnish stylist Susanna Vento via Happy Interior Blog

This week, we take a peek into the world of Happy Interior Blog and Mad About The House.

It’s that time again folks – time to head over to our favourite interior blogs for a bit of escapism and inspiration.

This week, we take a virtual visit to the world of German-based marketing consultant Igor Josif who blogs at his Happy Interior Blog about everything that makes him happy interior wise.

And we have to say we felt instantly happy when we logged onto Igor’s blog. We love the simple, clean sections and brilliant finds in the 5 Happy Inspirations posts, the latest of which has got us dreaming about holidaying in Italy.

But what really caught our eye was the post showcasing the beautiful styling work of Susanna Vento who we’d quite like to come round and makeover our homes.

A sneaky peek at Kate Watson-Smyth's gorgeous home via Mad About The House

Our second blog this week is Mad About The House which is penned by journalist Kate Watson-Smyth.

Having written for The Independent, The Guardian, The Telegraph as well as countless interiors magazines, Kate really knows her stuff when it comes to interiors.

A brilliant source of daily interiors inspiration, we were green with envy (in a good way of course) when we saw The House Is Finished post which offers a sneaky peek around Kate’s BEAUTIFUL home. We especially love the pink fireplace in the spare bedroom.

That’s not all though, as Kate also showcases fabulous products in the Objects of Design series which can be anything from a hand blender to a super cool tea towel.

Remember, we’re always looking for beautiful and inspiring blogs to feature so if you think we’ll love yours, drop us a line.

Fabio Hanging Chair from Occa Home

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Fabio Hanging Chair, £2,329, from Occa Home

Get ready to relax al fresco style with this super cool Fabio Hanging Chair from Occa Home. £2,329

With summer well and truly here (yes, I know I’ve probably jinxed it now) the supermarkets will be full of people rushing to buy burgers and barbecues, and the DIY stores will be rubbing their hands with glee. (Well, come on – given the recent appalling weather they probably thought they’d be left with warehouses full of garden furniture.)

If you’re looking for something a little more special than your bog standard patio sets, this Fabio Hanging Chair from Occa Home is the perfect piece of statement furniture for your outside space.

Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Bedroom Cabinet from Graham & Green

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Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Bedroom Cabinet, £375, from Graham & Green

Everything’s coming up roses with this pretty Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Bedroom Cabinet from Graham & Green, £375.

I am rather embarrassed to admit that, even though I’m a ‘grown-up’, pink is still my favourite colour. And whilst I may no longer have a pink floor to ceiling bedroom (although my Mum gave in, my husband stands his ground), it remains the colour of choice for many little girls.

This Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Bedroom Cabinet from Graham & Green is a beautiful addition to any girl’s bedroom. It is pretty and pink and flowery, but manages to avoid being too “bubblegum”. Perfect even for not-so-little girls.

Salad and Herb Vertical Planter from Garden Beet

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Salad and Herb Vertical Planter, £9.95, from Garden Beet

Grow your own with the Salad and Herb Vertical Planter from Garden Beet, £9.95.

As we head towards summer, I am so looking forward to moving away from the warming (but rather stodgy) comfort food of winter towards lighter fresh, crisp salads.

Whether it’s Jamie’s crab, chilli and pink grapefruit salad, Nigella’s spinach, avocado and pumpkin seeds salad or my personal favourite – goats cheese and roast beetroot, I just can’t get enough of them.

And for the freshest ingredients possible, you can’t beat growing your own leaves. The Salad and Herb Vertical Planter from Garden Beet can be hung on a wall or fence, making this possible for those with even the smallest of gardens.

Retro Enamel Bowls from Primrose & Plum

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Retro Enamel Bowls, £15 for a set of three, from Primrose & Plum

Get baking with these Retro Enamel Bowls from Primrose & Plum. £15 for a set of three

One of my new favourite pastimes is baking. Yes, yes I know I’m a little late to the party but there’s nothing more therapeutic than having the radio on while baking a batch of brownies on a Sunday morning.

It must be my age as nowadays the flat is full of the delicious smell of cooking chocolate at the same time I used to be coming in through the door from a night out.

Given my recent obsession with baked goods, I have also naturally become obsessed with baking equipment which is why I love these Retro Enamel Bowls from Primrose & Plum.

They come in a set of three and are perfect for mixing everything from cake batter to meringues so you can create goodies until your heart’s content.

What’s more they’re stackable so you don’t need to worry about them taking up precious cupboard space.

Dot Bed Linen from ALSO Home

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Dot Bed Linen, from £10, from ALSO Home

Create a stylish children's room with this Dot Bed Linen from ALSO Home. From £10

A common complaint I get from friends with children is that they can’t find nice bed linen for their little ones’ rooms.

It’s either too cutesy or too dominated by characters from the latest big cartoon hit.

If you’re having the same problem then I may have just found the solution.

This Dot Bed Linen from ALSO Home is made from 100% cotton meaning there’s no nasties to irritate delicate skin and has a sweet multicoloured dot design.

Perfect for girls and boys alike, this bed linen will create a stylish children’s room and please the parents too.

Dot Bed Linen, from £10, from ALSO Home

White Wash Vine Screen from Rocomara

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White Wash Vine Screen, £658, from Rocomara

Add some Moroccan style to your home with this White Wash Vine Screen from Rocomara. £658

I’ve always liked the idea of having a screen in my home but sadly have never had the room.

However, if you have an open plan space or are blessed with unusually large rooms, then a screen can be a very welcome addition to your home.

Perfect for turning large areas into more intimate ones for everything from dining to dressing, I love this Moroccan style White Wash Vine screen from Rocomara.

It will instantly transform your space and will look fabulous in both classic and contemporary rooms.

Quick Shop: Floral Cushions

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Our selection of bright and beautiful floral cushions.

Follow the floral fashion trend with our selection of bright and beautiful cushions.

The main fashion trend this spring has undoubtedly been floral prints, and they have been impossible to miss all over the catwalk and throughout the high street.

Floral styles work equally well in the home, adding both colour and vibrancy to your interior, and cushions are an easy way to incorporate this look into your living room.

Furnish has a multitude of styles to choose from. If you are looking for something funky and bright, the Klippan Flower Power Cushion from Interior Addict is spot on. Or, for something a little more elegant, the Floral Mimosa Cushion from Puji is just perfect.

(Clockwise from top) Floral Print Cushion from Dwell, £34.95, Floral Mimosa Cushion from Puji, £29, Green Flowers Cushion from Caroline McGrath, £17.50, Klippan Flower Power Cushion from Interior Addict, £23.99, Pip Studio Birds in Paradise Blue Round Cushion from Heal’s, £25, Designers Guild Sagrada Cushion from John Lewis, £35.

Heart Tea Light Holder from Graham & Green

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Heart Tea Light Holder, £4.95, from Graham & Green

Give your mantelpiece a warm glow with the Heart Tea Light Holder from Graham & Green, £4.95.

I love the look of candlelight and the feel it gives to a room. And I have to admit that I have more candles, tea light holders, votives – as well as a candelabra – than anyone could possibly need dotted around my home.

The Heart Tea Light Holder from Graham & Green, however, is just so pretty (and at only £4.95 an absolute bargain) that I simply cannot resist adding yet another to my collection.

C-60 Cushion – Multi from Mini Moderns

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C-60 Cushion, £35, from Mini Moderns

Mix things up a little with the C-60 Cushion from Mini Moderns, £35.

Whilst there are many things I remember fondly from the 1980s – The Young Ones, my oversized hair, Simon Le Bon; there are also many I am glad to see the back of – Roland Rat, my oversized shoulder pads, the Birdie song.

The C-60 Cushion from Mini Moderns brings back one of my favourite 80s memories – the mixtapes my friends and I used to take great care to produce.

Decorated with hand-drawn cassettes, it is a fun way to add a bit of 80s nostalgia to your living room.

Also available in black and gold.

This week's pick of the interiors blogs

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Just A Little Joy introduces us to the fabulous world of House of Rym

For our design inspiration this week, we take a look at the musings of Just A Little Joy and Atticus and Finch

We always get very excited when we hear of a new blog (remember to let us know if you’re writing one), so as soon as news of Just A Little Joy reached us we knew we had to let you in on the secret.

Just a Little Joy is the work of Elle Decoration’s Homes Editor Tessa Pearson, so it’s fair to assume she knows her stuff when it comes to interiors.

The blog is split into easy to navigate sections and, as well as interiors, Tessa also writes about two subjects very close to our hearts; dogs and food!

We’re especially grateful to be introduced to House of Rym, whose path we’d not crossed before and, now we have, well let’s just say the bank balance will be taking a serious bashing.

Super cool Chisel & Mouse building models found via Atticus and Finch

Atticus and Finch has been a regular read for us for some time now and it’s one blog we go back to again and again for design news, quirky objects and beautiful buys.

As well as the recent brilliant Bauhaus exhibition review (remember it’s on at the Barbican until 12 August if you want to pay a visit), it was Emily Blunden’s post on Chisel & Mouse that got us reaching for the credit card.

They make paper models of iconic landmarks such as London’s Battersea Power Station and Hoover Building, and the famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

We want them all!

Remember, we want to hear about your blog and why it should be featured in our weekly round up so, if you’re writing a design or interiors blog and want to make our hit list, drop us a line and let us know.

Happy Cats Coir Doormat from Fields of Blue

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Happy Cats Coir Doormat, £22.95, from Fields of Blue

Welcome your visitors with the purrfect Happy Cats Coir Doormat from Fields of Blue, £22.95.

You tend to find that people are either dog lovers or cat lovers.

Whilst I very much fall into the latter category, choosing to share my home with a couple of feline friends, I tend to steer clear of furnishings featuring cats.

However, I love the Happy Cats Coir Doormat from Fields of Blue, which makes a fun change, and the smiling cats never fail to make me smile too.

Teapot Tiny Hearts from Summerill & Bishop

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Teapot Tiny Hearts, £89.50, from Summerill & Bishop

Make the perfect cuppa with the Teapot Tiny Hearts from Summerill & Bishop, £89.50.

Much as I love an enlivening espresso or a comforting hot chocolate, I am a tea girl at heart. And whilst, for a quick brew, it may be easier to pop a teabag in a mug, if you want a proper cup of tea you need a proper teapot.

I love the Teapot Tiny Hearts from Summerill & Bishop. It has a very cute design, in white and blue with little contrasting hearts, yet at 3 litres can manage 12 cups of your favourite blend.

Quick Shop: Magazine Racks

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Our pick of the best magazine racks.

Say Hello! to our pick of the best magazine racks.

No matter what it is you’re into, whether it’s home interiors, cars, fashion, celebrity gossip or something a tad more obscure, there are magazines to satisfy your interest.

And, if you’re anything like me, they will be scattered all round your home.

Here at Furnish we have a wide selection of stylish magazine racks, all ideal for keeping your mags under control and allowing you to wave goodbye to clutter. These include the curvy Legnoart Ebony Wood Magazine Holder from Gifts with Style or, for something a bit quirkier, the Cowhide Magazine Holder from London Cows.

(Clockwise from top) Cowhide Magazine Holder – Mag 01 from London Cows, £79, Wirehouse Magazine Rack from Lifestyle Bazaar, £39.95, Legnoart Ebony Wood Magazine Holder from Gifts with Style, £84.95, Driade Omero Magazine Holder from A White Room, £223, News Magazine Rack from Dutch by Design, £12.50, Panama Folding Magazine Rack from Alexander and Pearl, £150.

GrayPants Bell Recycled Cardboard Handmade Ceiling Light from Rockett St George

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GrayPants Bell Recycled Cardboard Handmade Ceiling Light, £249, from Rockett St George

Add some eco chic with this GrayPants Bell Recycled Cardboard Handmade Ceiling Light from Rockett St George. £249

Not so long ago being eco friendly in the home while creating a chic interior just didn’t go hand in hand.

Thankfully that’s changed as this GrayPants Bell Recycled Cardboard Handmade Ceiling Light proves.

At first glance, you assume these super cool lights are made from glass given a tortoiseshell effect but they’re actually hand crafted from recycled cardboard.

These sculptural beauties will look fab when hung in a row across a dining room or as a singular pendant in a hallway.

Wherever you use them you can rest assured you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.