Hygge Nook

Sneak peak at Jan Constantine's playing cards range and the 2010 collection

I've written about Jan Constantine's range before and talked about her new take on the Union Jack and how Constantine's intention is to create products that people actually keep, something that is very important in an ero of such disposability. So, of course, it was nice that they dropped me a line to let me know about their new catalogue and to give us a sneak peek of their witty playing cards range, which I'm sure we'll be seeing everywhere once it goes on sale around June-time.

Ready to take a look?

 
These cushions would make a great statement on their own on an easy armchair or grouped together on a sofa and the ace of spades is particularly pretty.

Let's not forget the rest of the new catalogue too...

 
Love is a recurring theme in Constantine's range, popping up in typography and hearts.

 
There are some really fresh, homey looks with bunting, cushions, a new range of Union Jack china and nautical themes.

 
This wool felt Britain wall hanging is pricey at £190 but I can see it used in so many rooms over time: the nursery, a living room, a teen's bedroom, a focal piece above a fireplace mantel and I really crave it.

If all this embroidery makes you want to take up a needle,they also now stock downloadable charts and tapestry kits. Altogether, there are some really fun pieces and it's great to see how the range has evolved from a kitchen table industry (literally) to an attention grabbing range of forever pieces. What pieces really attract you?

Étoile Home

I want to introduce you to a young independent company today. Étoile Home sell a small range of very pretty home accessories such as table linens, cushions and laundry bags. Once you've seen the pictures, you won't be suprised to know that Canadian-born owner Shani Beadle is a fashion and interiors photographer as well as a stylist. Now a fellow Londoner, Shani wanted to create a range that was fun and eclectic. I think she achieved just that. Take a look...

 


 

Using a simple palette of fabrics, Étoile Home stocks cushions in a variety of shapes from super feminine ruffled edges to round pads with vibrant prints. I love the idea of grouping a variety of these cushions together for your sofa, or maybe just one for a key chair, with the idea of scooping them all up and snuggling with them on a hammock outside when the sun is shining, a large glass of Pimms in reach. Yum.

 

Equally the table runners work well inside and out; this charcoal print adds a certain drama.

I bought a laundry bag from this company about two years ago and keep it in my suitcase for travelling. Its bright yellow and pink print really cheers me up and it really plays into my ethos that functional things should be pretty too.

The brand is gradually developing new ranges and they've just added a line of rugs which are made to measure within six weeks of order. Étoile Home will also be releasing some more 2010 prints soon. They ship throughout Europe.

A flutter of an idea

I'm just doing a little late night browsing and have stumbled across these feather butterflies. I have no particular need for them but, of course, sometimes the head wants what the heart desires... then a little idea fluttered into my consciousness. How fun would it be to just dot these around the house in unexpected places to surpise people.

Perched on a door frame, settled on a windowsill, lounging on the rim of a plant pot... they could go anywhere, couldn't they? Is it a crazy idea? I think I love it anyway.

[Feather butterflies, £12]

Trends: The birds, the birds

Can we get enough of birds right now? I think not. The little tweeters are everywhere from trays to mugs to decorations galore. I've rounded up a few favourites that I've spotted on my online travels...

A new take on bird cages - meet Tamar Mogendorff's recycled fabric bird house, £175 at Liberty's, patchwork cushion, £24 at John Lewis, Ikea's bold bright Barbar bird tray (I can't find it the catalogue but I reckon it's around £5), Lollipop bird paperweight, £10 at John Lewis (wouldn't it look so cute on a desk?). I've also spotted some great little fabric bird making kits at John Lewis if you fancy making your own along with some whimsical, and very inexpensive, bird mugs at Tesco - I hope they 'fall' into someone's trolley!

Lulu Guinness' Life is a Bed of Rose cushion

I've just been browsing the October issue of Living etc and having a good old coo at Lulu Guinness' pretty home (violet linen sofa? Yes please!) I actually wanted to check out the gorgeous butterfly Papillon throw she has wrapped around her but couldn't find it (edit - I did find it.... for *gasp* £1800 at Dotmaison). However, I am charmed by this cushion. I love wordy prints dotted about and the white cotton paired with fuchsia piping is girly without being in your face. It's down from £40 to £28. Should I stump up? (I suspect my four year old daughter would pinch it pronto).

Taking a peek at Ikea 2010

I know there are going to be a far few blogs posting about the Ikea 2010 catalogue as it is being released this week. However, with (generally) such good value, it's one of those stores that is a little hard to ignore.

  

With three children between two and 10, my house tends to feel like this picture. Kids everywhere, art supplies out, jumping, singing and a whole lot of boxes to store their stuff.

I see various trends making their way into the catalogue - the button back Karlstad and patchwork Klippan sofas ,for instance, oh, and that globe on the floor. I still have a thing for globes. I want another bigger one with a wooden frame.

I'm not sure if the children's rockers are new (I think I've seen them before?) but aren't they charming. I love the daybed too - again, it's not new but I like the fresh, charm of this picture.

I do like the idea of this chairbed which would be great for occasional guests - I'm not sold on that blue cover though. It looks ripe for a little needle and thread action to make something better - a ticking stripe would be lovely (Lycksele, £149). The glass vase has a repurposed feel about it thanks to the stainless steel trim (PS Brunn, £9.99). Love the 5-piece bedding double bedding set, I keep thinking Orla Kiely but on a budget (Kajsa Blad, £12.99). The children's table and chairs are smart enough to keep in the living room (Leksvik table £29.99, stool £7.99, chairs £10.99)

The catalogue can be previewed online here. What do you think of it?

Little fish, little fish: Normann Copenhagen cristal carafe

I'm trying to harmonise beauty and function in my house, after all, why have things that you don't truly love? And if they amuse you too, well, all the better! And that's why this carafe and cups set caught my eye. See the fish? Wouldn't it be to see it bobbing around once the carafe is filled.

I don't think it would work out as a picnic item (too heavy I imagine) but stockists Bodie & Fou suggest keeping it in the guest room for night time thirst. It comes with five plastic cups too, all for £39.50.

Knitted "sausage dog" draught excluder

Regular readers of Hygge Nook will know already that I've recently rediscovered a fondness for knitting. I'm not really one for toys but last week my Nanna asked me to make her a draught excluder for a rather draughty door in her house. In my head I rather fancied whipping up a black and white cat with a long body and a little face but I changed my mind when I spotted this sausage dog on eBay. It's from a vintage pattern and was only a couple of pounds. I'm not sure what colour to make it in yet (a chocolate brown?) but I think it will be fun to make - I'll let you know how I get on.

On sale! Linea bird cushion

I do find it quite hard to get enthusiastic about patterned cushions but this one has completely grabbed me. I love the overblown flowers and their pink and purple hues are calmed by the muted green on white background plus the bird print is so very now.

It's on sale for £16 (from £20) at House of Fraser.

All the pretty things at Laura Ashley

After writing the last post, I had to take a look through the rest of the online Laura Ashley store. Of course, I couldn't help but fall in love with many of the items, particularly these four. Aren't the blue tones of the glassware lovely and wouldn't this enamel butterfly windchime like beautiful dangling from a tree in a country garden? I'd certainly like to give my dresser an elegant update with these glass and mirrored trinkets.

Clockwise from top left: Cream enamel wind chime with butterfly details ~ small optic glass jar ~ set of two mirrored trinket boxes ~ Blue pressed wine glass.

If you like polka dots, butterflies and bunting, there are plenty of homewares with these themes and it certainly helps (my bank balance) that there is a sale on!