Nikki McWilliams

Scottish design seems to be undergoing a resurgence of late. Donna Wilson and Papa Stour are just two examples of how Scottish talent is becoming a major player in the design world. Designer-maker Nikki McWilliams is another name to add to that list. Based in Dundee, Nikki makes fun accessories for the home and body which all have a 'tea-time' theme. There is a fun range of cushions based on classic British biscuits, delicate art prints and cute brooches. I'm in love with the Jammy Heart cushion, not only because they were my favourite biscuits as a child, but also 'cos it's a cheery and bright design.

I've only featured the cushions on this post but here are the links if you want to view her brooches or her art prints.

{Images: Nikki McWilliams}

ON-TREND: Pink Ombré

Pink ombré is everywhere at the minute. The lovely design can be found on tablecloths, curtains, furniture, cushions, crockery and even cake! Yes, the graduated colour design has taken us by storm. Despite the intensity of the shocking-pink colour, this trend is actually very user-friendly and can be used quite subtly in a living space. I love this trend and can see it sticking around for a long time. A look that I really love, and one that is really simple to do yourself, is this wall hanging below.

I love how the simply dyed sheet looks like a piece of art. It's a very cheap to create and is easily changeable too. If you were after something a little subtler though, how about these accessories?

The storage container is from Varpunen, the wooden kitchen utensils are from Shelter Black, the cushion and curtains are from Esprit and the wicker planter is from Ikea.

What a gorgeous trend! The pretty pastel styling above is by Charlotte Love and you can see more images from this shoot on her blog. Her theme for the shoot was Pastel and Ice Cream and I think the images are LOVELY.

{Images: image one via my Pinterest boards; image three via Charlotte Love}

The Discovery of a Local Flea

Last week I was SUPER excited to discover that my home town holds a flea market every Wednesday night, so this week I made it my mission to head down and snap up some bargains! I'd heard that the locals are on-the-ball so I headed down early to join the 200-strong queue that were waiting for opening time. I can see why there was such a huge queue as there were some real bargains to be had. Everything was so cheap that some stalls were cleared within half an hour!

Here's a couple of snaps of what I picked up:

I found a lovely cream crotchet throw with gorgeous scalloped edges, a red velvet cushion cover, a beautiful old brass photo frame, some doilies, buttons and these two amazing sugar shakers. No photo would do these glass shakers justice as they are so so lovely. They have striped bases topped with a diamond-cut pattern and are in such good condition.

I also found a copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady (a print of which is in the photo frame above and below). I plan on using tear sheets from this book to frame.

Here's a couple more pages from the book that I will frame:

Here's hoping that I can snap up something just as good next week.

{Images: Laura Blanksby for High Street Home}

ON TREND: Kilim

My, it has been a while since I was last here! Thank you all so much for sticking around, it's so nice to know you are all still here. The OH and I have been looking for our new home and it's taking up every free second that we have! Exhausting work, but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end and I'll be able to share our new pad with you! But back to business and today I want to share with you the latest trend in interior decoration, and one that I like a LOT: the kilim.

Kilims, pile-less woven rugs, have been used in households in the Middle East and southern Europe for centuries. Now, these beautiful textiles seem to be the latest 'must-have' in western interiors. Not only are they great for adding a splash of colour and texture to a room, they are also really versatile and can fit in almost any room in the house. The photo below is of Refinery29's office space.

The mixed-matched cushions look fantastic together don't they?

Kilims also look great in the home environment and this highly decorative rug below adds interest to a fairly plain room.

Again, in this hallway below, the kilim rug just completely makes the room. It's also a lovely neutral version compared to the red, burgundy and maroons ones we are used to seeing.

The kilim also works in the kitchen environment, an area that is normally a no-go area for rugs and textiles. This beautiful white, industrial-style kitchen instantly feels more homely with the addition of the rug. It brings a bit of softness to a harsh colour palette.

Kilims even work outside and can help create a cosy little snug in a conservatory or porch area, as seen in the photo on the left. Also, an original idea I came across on Design*Sponge this week was to use a beautiful rug as a tablecloth and this kilim looks GORGEOUS as a table-runner for a little al-fresco dining.

Owning an original kilim will set you back a good few hundred pounds and should be bought from specialists in this craft. However Anthropologie do a great selection of decorative rugs if you want the look for less.

1. Vilcanota rug, Anthropologie; 2. Agadir twist rug, Anthropologie.

Kilim cushions are more readily available than the rugs and this selection below, along with a whole lot more, can be found on Etsy.

1. Turkish kilim cushion cover, Etsy; 2. Handwoven cushion cover, Etsy; 3. Turkish Anadolu cushion cover, Etsy; 4. Handwoven cushion cover, Etsy.

{Images: Design*Sponge; Apartment Therapy; Pinterest: Poppytalk; Style Files; Design*Sponge, Anthropologie; Etsy}

Geometric Crush

The geometric trend is in full swing and I couldn't be happier. I love the pattern (and often colour) this trend brings into a living space. It really lifts a room! Below is an image I found on the fantastic blog, SF Girl By Bay, and while I adore everything about this room (the oil portrait, the mid-century-modern headboard, plump white pillows) it is the geometric throw that really gets me going. I just HAVE to have it!

However, a one-off piece like this may take years to find, so in the meantime I'm opting for one of these soft blankets from the Human Empire shop.

Don't they look just super cosy? The blankets are 100% wool and come in all the pretty colours shown above. You can find Human Empire on-line here where there are lots of other contemporary accessories for your home. Be sure to check out these coasters if the geometric bug has got you too!

{Images: SF Girl By Bay; Human Empire}

Christmas Wish List No.13

I have been waiting for this bedding set to hit the UK Anthropologie for SO LONG and I am so excited that it has now landed on UK shores. It's called Sethunya and reminds me of Spring. Isn't it so pretty?

I also love this pink floral bedding set too.

Ah don't you just love Anthropologie?

{Images: Anthropologie}

Christmas Wish List No.8

For a fresh take on the 'welcome' mat, Urban Outfitters have designed this cute heart 'please don't leave' rug. Très cute, non?

Too pretty for folks to wipe their feet on don't you think? This should take pride of place in front of the fire!

It's made from 100% cotton and is only £12.00, bargain!

{Images: Urban Outfitters}

Christmas Wish List No.4

Those of you who are regular readers will know I love a good cushion, so my Christmas Wish List would not be complete without one! This year it's this adorable bunny that has caught my eye.

Such a sweet and simple design. It would look as good sitting by itself on a favourite chair or as part of a selection on a sofa. It's from quirky on-line retailer Belle & Boo which you MUST check out- there are so many cute pieces available. It's £43 and is filled with luxurious duck feather. Mmm, cosy!

{Image: Belle & Boo}

Ferm Living Autumn/Winter 2011

Our favourite Scandi brand have finally unveiled their A/W collection, and it's LOVELY.

The Danish company photographed their products in the forest creating a beautiful and natural setting. Here's what they had to say about why they chose this location:
''The raw nature was the perfect backdrop for our universe of strong graphic lines and honest materials like wood, wool, organic cotton, leather, cork and paper.'' (Ferm Living 2011)

The collection has some new elements and some revamped classics. The signature harlequin print is back and it's darker tones make for some striking pieces. Look at that 'Spear' wallpaper below. It creates such a statement wall.

Their wall stickers are also back with some fun new designs. Although these always tread a fine line between cool and tacky for me, Ferm Living always seem to get it just right. The rain cloud is a lot of fun and children will love it. Best of all, you can just peel it off the wall when you are ready for a change again!

Well, it wouldn't be a High Street Home post if I didn't mention the cushions would it? And these new pieces are just lovely with the subtle mixture of graphic prints. I can see them lazily scattered on a bed. Overall, what a lovely collection. The mauves, deep pinks and greys create a moody atmosphere, perfect for the approaching season. Makes me want to reach for my blanket and Ovaltine.

{All images: Ferm Living}